The indoor air quality, or IAQ, of your home can have a dramatic effect on your family’s health. These effects can occur immediately, as in the case of carbon monoxide and allergens, but they can also occur years later. For this reason, even if there are no symptoms you should evaluate your IAQ regularly. Improving your air quality can include measures like regularly changing your furnace filters, using the range hood while cooking, and using a dehumidifier when needed. Depending on the sources of contaminants and pollution, you may also need to implement other measures.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a very dangerous gas that is produced when fuels, such as wood, natural gas, and propane, are not burned completely. This can happen even with new, environmentally friendly stoves and heaters, but is more common with older or efficient ones. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms can be similar to the flu or other illnesses, which means it often goes untreated, especially in mild cases.

To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, every home should have functioning carbon monoxide alarms located correctly. Kitchen stove hoods that vent outside can also be a big factor in reducing the risk. Having a safety inspection on gas furnace heat exchangers and flue pipes annually can help reduce the chance of CO poisoning.

Chemicals

Chemical pollution can come from cleaners and other household products as well as improperly or properly used solvents, paint, and glue. Chemicals should always be used with care and ventilation is important. If you are using any strong cleaners or solvents, carefully read the instructions. Some items should only be used outdoors or with proper ventilation, and in some cases, users and anyone else in the area should be wearing respirators to protect their breathing.

Pet Dandar and Dust

Pet dander and dust can cause problems in homes without good air cleaning systems, such as high efficiency particulate air filters in the HVAC system. In these homes, or homes that aren’t frequently cleaned, pet dander can build up in the carpet and hang out in the air you breath. For people with allergies or asthma, this can be especially concerning but it can be irritating to anyone.

Dust and Particles

Dust and other particles can have a negative effect on indoor air quality IAQ. The particles can come from a variety of sources, including pets, humans, the natural wear and tear of the house itself, and outside of the house. Central air systems can help with these contaminates, as can regular vacuuming and cleaning. If there is a big problem with dust in your house, you may need to look for the source of the problem, such as a bad vacuum filter, improperly sealed windows or doors letting in dust from outside, or a wood stove that doesn’t vent properly.

Mold

Mold can be an especially dangerous source of indoor contaminants. Some molds are toxic but they are all potentially irritating to the respiratory system. They are also a sign of water intrusion or other damage to your home, or high humidity. Humidity can be controlled through central air conditioning and dehumidifiers, as well as home improvement if needed, while water intrusion will require repair to walls or pipes and remediation to remove and replace damaged drywall, wood, and carpet.

VOC

VOC stands for volatile organic compound. These are chemicals that come from products such as plastics, paint, carpet, flooring, wood finishes, and other manufactured materials. The gases leaching into the air from the products can be a main source of air contaminants. VOCs are especially high in new homes or homes that have recently been renovated or have new flooring or paint. It can help to let new and renovated homes have an off-gassing period before moving in.

Tobacco Smoke

Contaminates from tobacco smoke include carbon dioxide and more than 4000 other toxic particles. Tobacco smoke is especially harmful indoors, and it lingers far beyond the area the smoking happened in. the particles from smoke travel throughout the whole house. And don’t think that once the odor is gone, the area is clean. 85% of tobacco smoke particles are odorless and they can linger for hours. The best way to keep the air in your home clear of tobacco smoke pollution is to never smoke inside the home. Smoking near an open door or window is not sufficient to keep the contaminants outside.

Outdoor Pollution

Outdoor pollution can sometimes venture inside the home. This is obviously a problem in areas with heavy traffic and smog outside, such as near factories or in cities with a lot of vehicle traffic. But it can also be a problem during large wildfires, even distant ones, or during very dry windy weather when dust fills the air. The best way to fix this problem is by sealing the house better, such as by installing efficient windows and doors. This is not always possible so other options include air filtration systems and changing the filters on your central air more often if you have one.

Other sources of outdoor pollution are allergens such as pollen. During periods of high pollen or dust, allergic people or those with asthma usually find relief by staying inside, but this isn’t helpful if the pollutants find their way indoors as well. Using air filtration and sealing up the house is the best solution to this problem.

Conclusion

The solution to better air quality can be similar regardless of the source of contaminants. Keep contaminates outside when possible, increase air filtration and change filters more often, and clean regularly. Following these measures can help with most air quality issues.

Moving an office is a huge undertaking. Not only do you have to worry about the logistics of moving all of your equipment and furniture, but you also have to think about how the move will impact your employees’ work routines and the day to day running of the company. To make things even more complicated, sometimes you have to move quickly due to unexpected circumstances. Here are eight tips for staying in control of a big office move. By following these tips, you can ensure that the move goes as smoothly as possible and that your employees are able to continue working without interruption.

Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing or just relocating, if you’re responsible for coordinating a big office move, you’ll be aware that it’s a lot of responsibility. And, with so much to think about and organize, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up. Here are eight top tips for staying in control of a big office move.

1. Make A Detailed Plan

This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s important to make a detailed plan of everything that needs to be done in order to successfully move your office. This should be just like any project plan you’d use to deliver a big and complex piece of work, and includes creating a timeline of when each task needs to be completed. Make sure you allow enough time for each task, as well as contingency time in case anything goes wrong. Trying to compress an office move into a shorter timeframe than is realistically possible is a recipe for disaster.

2. Work With Packers And Movers Early On

One of the first things you need to do when planning an office move is to book commercial packers and movers. This will ensure that you have a team of professionals on hand to help with the physical aspect of the move, and that they’re able to work around your schedule. Contacting them early on means you can agree on exactly which tasks they will fulfil. It’s also worth considering using a storage company to store any excess furniture or equipment, which can be moved at a later date.

3. Communicate The Plan

Once you have your plan and a moving company booked, make sure you communicate what is happening to everyone who is involved with the company. This includes employees, clients and suppliers. Everyone will need to know the date of the move, where you’re moving to and what the impact will be on them. It’s important to be as open and transparent as possible, so that everyone is aware of what’s happening and can plan accordingly.

4. Be Aware Of Notice Periods

If you’re renting your current office space, then you’ll need to be aware of how much notice you need to give your landlord. The same goes for any services you have contracts with, such as broadband or cleaning. Make sure you factor this into your timeline so that you’re not caught out and end up having to pay for services you no longer need. Cancelling contracts and giving notice can be a time-consuming process, so it’s worth starting this as soon as you can.

5. Hire A Project Manager

If you’re finding it difficult to keep on top of everything, then it may be worth hiring a project manager. This is someone whose sole job will be to coordinate the office move, which will take a lot of pressure off of you. They will be responsible for ensuring that everything is on track and that deadlines are met. This will allow you to focus on other aspects of running the business, safe in the knowledge that the move is being taken care of. Hiring a project manager is a great way to take some of the pressure off, but if you don’t have the budget for this then there are other ways to stay on top of things, such as delegating tasks to other members of staff.

6. Make A Plan For Starting Up The Essentials

When you move into your new office, there are certain things that you’ll need to be up and running as soon as possible. This includes things like the internet, phone lines and any other essential services. Make sure you have a plan for getting these set up, so that you’re not left without them for a long period of time. It’s worth speaking to your service providers in advance so that you can get an idea of how long it will take to get everything up and running.

7. Allow An Employee Transition Period

Moving offices can be a big change for employees, and it’s important to allow them time to adjust. This means having a transition period where they can get used to the new office and their new surroundings. During this time, it’s important to be available to answer any questions or address any concerns they may have. Once the transition period is over, they should be able to settle into their new environment and get back to work as normal. You’ll also need to figure out what they’ll do on the day of the move itself – do you need them on hand, or will they work from home? Decide all of this early on, so everyone knows what is happening.

8. Make A List Of Things To Do On The Day

The day of the move can be chaotic, so it’s important to make a list of things that need to be done. This includes things like packing up the office, ensuring that all of the furniture is moved and setting up the new office. Have the name and cell phone number of each individual responsible for the different aspects. It’s also worth having a list of things that need to be done in the days and weeks after the move, such as redirecting post and updating your website. Having a list will help to keep you organized and on track, and will ensure that nothing is forgotten.

Thanks to the wave of cannabis legalization in the United States, cannabis businesses are popping up everywhere. Each type of cannabis business has its advantages and disadvantages. Some have a steeper learning curve while others require more initial investment. Before you rush out and apply for a New York cannabis license, take time to understand the different types of businesses and choose the one which is the best fit for you.

Common Types of Cannabis Businesses

Grow Operations

Growing is a great way to get into the industry if you are interested in horticulture. You can easily start a small grow operation at home with tabletop systems and hydroponics. However, growing cannabis plants on a large scale is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Make sure you consider the amount of time it will take you to grow your plants and the costs involved in setting up and maintaining a proper growing environment.

Processing Labs

Cannabis processors transform raw plant material into finished products such as concentrates, edibles, and topical creams that are ready to be sold at dispensaries or online stores. They also prepare extracts for medical use and manufacture various cannabis-derived products that are used for medical research. Starting a processing lab requires a lot of upfront capital as it can be costly to purchase the necessary equipment and hire qualified workers to perform the various stages of the production cycle.

Flower Shops

Flower shops make up a relatively small segment of the market that specializes in serving customers looking to smoke or vaporize cannabis buds. Some flower shops sell products in addition to flowers, such as concentrates and edibles. These stores enjoy a lot of flexibility in terms of the strains they offer and the inventory they stock. The biggest disadvantage to running a flower shop is the reduced growth potential since the market for these products is fairly limited.

Dispensaries

Dispensaries are retail outlets where customers can purchase a wide variety of cannabis products including dried flowers, oils, and edibles. Their inventory typically appeals to a wide range of customers. Dispensaries serve an important role in educating the public about the different cannabis products available so that they can make informed choices. Opening a dispensary can be a very lucrative business if you have the right location and a good marketing strategy in place.

Delivery Services

The delivery business is one of the fastest-growing segments of the cannabis market. Many customers rely on delivery services to bring cannabis products to their doorstep. Delivering products can also be a lot cheaper than opening a physical store and hiring a retail staff. That said, there are many regulations surrounding deliveries. Some states limit the type of cannabis products that can be delivered or the distance that delivery drivers can travel.

Considerations for Starting a Cannabis Business

Aside from the type of business that you want to own, there are many other practical issues that you have to consider.

Physical vs. Online

One of the main considerations when planning your cannabis business is whether you want to own and operate a storefront or operate online only. If you plan to run a storefront, you will need to secure a suitable location for your shop and hire staff to run it. If you choose to run your business online only, you will need to have a solid online platform where you market and sell your products. You will also need to consider logistics when it comes to shipping your products and handling returns.

Licensing Requirements

Every state has its regulations regarding the types of businesses that are allowed to operate in its territory. In some states, you can only operate a dispensary if you are licensed to sell medical and recreational cannabis products. In other states, you can start an online cannabis store without any licenses as long as you do not sell any product to people in your state. The requirements for obtaining a license differ from state to state so you must do your research to find out how to comply with your local licenses.

Funding Sources

Cannabis businesses can have trouble sourcing funding because banks and financial institutions are not interested in providing loans to businesses in the cannabis industry. However, there are many alternative financing options available. Private lenders and venture capitalists who specialize in the cannabis industry can provide business owners with financing that they can use to start or expand their operations. Entrepreneurs can also take out a loan against the value of their property to finance their business.

Marketing Plan

Marketing is an essential part of any business because it allows you to reach your target audience and sell your products to them. There are certain regulations that you must follow when marketing your cannabis products. In some states, your advertising must come with health warnings. In others, you may not depict recreational use. Due to strict federal restrictions on cannabis, many websites and social media sites do not accept cannabis advertisements.

Starting a cannabis business can be an exciting and rewarding venture for entrepreneurs. Be sure to choose the right type of business for your skills and knowledge and familiarize yourself with the regulations of your state. With careful planning and hard work, you can make a name for yourself in the cannabis industry and enjoy great profits in the process.

Impulse items are an important way to add to your store’s income and help your customers with items they are likely to need. It can be hard to know what items to offer, but it helps to picture what you clients need and who your particular clients are. Studies show that the majority of shoppers make impulse purchases, so in many cases you don’t need to convince them to buy- you just need to figure out what they already want.

In addition to finding the right items to offer, it’s also important to offer in the correct way. Ugly, cluttered, dated or cheap items are unlikely to attract attention. Your front counter is the one area of the store that all of your customers will see, and if you are unsure how to make the area attractive and appealing, it might be worthwhile to hire a decorator to help you.

Avoid Long Lines

Your customers waiting to check out isn’t always bad for business. While you do want your customers to linger for a minute at the counter, looking at the impulse items you offer, you don’t want them there long enough to get frustrated. Sometimes long lines are inevitable in small shops with only one register, but if you find it’s a common problem you might need to do something to mitigate the issue.

Attractive Counter Area

Keep your area clean and attractive. A well-maintained, attractive, classy-looking counter area will help direct your customer’s attention and will make them feel valued. It will also make your few, well-placed impulse items seem more valuable.

Avoid Clutter

Don’t allow your counter area to be covered with ledgers, notes, and items for sale. A few well-placed, attractive items are better than 10 displays crowding each other out. You want to catch their eye and make them want to buy something- a cluttered, messy, distracting counter will do neither, and your customer is likely to not even notice the sale items.

Keep it Clean

We’ve all experienced the feeling of standing in the checkout line, looking at the impulse items near the register, and finding the whole area covered with dust. Nothing tells you things are old and unwanted like seeing a layer of dust on them. No one is going to buy your impulse items if they feel like they’ve been there for years. Keep things clean, tidy, and dust-free.

Change it Up

Repeat customers don’t want to see the same old lighters and pens offered for months. A sure way to lose out on sales is by giving the appearance that no one ever buys those things. If your lighters aren’t selling, try something new. Even if they do sell, change it up every few weeks or so. Give your customers a variety and they will be more likely to be impulsive.

Cosmetics

High-quality samples of cosmetics can be great impulse buys. Whether they are sample-size versions of products you sell, or locally made options from a store nearby, tiny bottles of scented lotions, lip balm, or breath mints can be great items. Travel size packets of tissues and personal wipes can also be a great idea, and if your customer needs those items they will be grateful to grab them in your store and avoid having to make another stop.

Common Needs

Consider offering items that people always need but forget to buy. These small, common items are things that people often keep or use in their cars or purses. Items like lip balm, sunscreen, lighters, and sunglasses make great impulse buys. If your storefront has a classier look, buy spiffier versions of these items to appeal to your customer base.

Safety Items

In the post-pandemic world, masks and hand sanitizer make great front-desk items. Consider small scented bottles of hand sanitizer or sanitizer that is unique in some other way. Also consider offering a complimentary box of masks for your customers. Locally made cloth masks can also appeal to some customer bases.

Pens and Pencils

Items like decorative pens make great impulse buys, whether as last-minute gifts or personal needs. People often find out they need a pen while they’re on the road and appreciate a small display near the register where they’re easy to grab. Stationery wholesalers offer beautiful, classy, and high-quality items in display cases.

Local Artisan Products

Featuring handmade goods from the local area is a great way to benefit your community and provide high-quality impulse items to your customers. From cheaper items like locally printed postcards to more expensive things like homemade soaps, artisan items can be classy and unique.

Candy

Keep candy or other snack items near the register where people can see them easily. Depending on your clientele, consider sourcing locally made candies or offering more gourmet versions. You can never go wrong with a small basket of complimentary chocolates- consider offering larger versions of the same item for sale. If they are delicious, your repeat customers will know that after trying the complimentary versions and be more ready to buy.

Diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are becoming more frequent. While many people with ADHD take Adderall on a daily basis, there is growing concern about the potential problems that may accompany the medication. As a result, Adderall variants and natural alternatives are increasing in popularity. This article explores ADHD, Adderall, and the risks associated with the commonly-prescribed drug.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a widespread neurodevelopmental disorder. It is typically identified in childhood and can continue through adulthood for many people. Inability to focus, inappropriate hyperactivity, and impulsivity are all hallmarks of the disorder. ADHD is considered a chronic issue that can negatively affect self-esteem, academic performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life.

According to statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 8.7% of adolescents aged 13 to 18 years and 4.4% of adults in the United States suffer from ADHD. The majority of children are initially diagnosed with ADHD when it begins to interfere with their academic performance, with most children with moderate ADHD diagnosed at age 6. About one-third of children who are diagnosed with ADHD remain affected as adults.

ADHD can manifest in one of three ways. Predominantly inattentive presentation where the individual has difficulty staying focused and completing tasks; predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation where the individual has trouble managing restlessness and impulsivity; or a combined presentation which is a mixture of both. ADHD looks different with every individual and hyperactivity and other externalizing behaviors are more prevalent in boys than girls.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a drug that is often prescribed as a treatment for ADHD. It consists of two stimulants—amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Doctors have deduced that ADHD is caused by an imbalance of natural-occurring chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Therefore, the stimulants in Adderall work to increase central nervous system activity and the levels of these neurotransmitters.

There are two different kinds of Adderall available. The immediate-release tablet is taken one to three times daily with doses four to six hours apart; it is prescribed to children as young as 3. The extended-release tablet (Adderall XR) is taken once daily and provides a slow and consistent dose throughout the day; it can be given to children from the age of 6. Dosage is tailored to the individual and may be adjusted by the doctor depending on the patient’s response to treatment.

There are potential mental and physical effects associated with taking a stimulant medication such as Adderall. These can include enhanced awareness, increased energy levels, sharper focus, less restlessness and fidgeting, improved concentration and attention span, as well as faster heart rate and higher blood pressure.

What are the Risks of Adderall?

Despite being helpful to many individuals with ADHD, Adderall can sometimes cause several negative side effects. Some of these include headaches, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, changes in vision, stomach aches, constipation or diarrhea, and decreased appetite—which can result in poor growth and development in children. Adderall can also worsen the symptoms of mental disorders such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Stimulants can cause significant changes to your blood pressure and heart rate by constricting your blood vessels. This can exacerbate several circulatory problems and cause pain or numbness in the fingers and toes. Because there is a serious risk of cardiac arrest and stroke for people with pre-existing heart conditions, doctors will typically recommend a cardiology consultation before prescribing Adderall to such individuals.

Another factor that is a common concern for people who are prescribed Adderall is its addictive qualities. Adderall is listed as a Schedule II substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), meaning that it has a high potential for misuse and dependence. Addiction to Adderall can generally be avoided by using the medication exactly as directed by your doctor. However, dependency can quickly develop when it is used improperly.

An individual who misuses Adderall will eventually develop a tolerance to the effects of the substance. They will then need to take higher or more frequent doses of the drug to enjoy the same effects. When these people try to stop taking Adderall abruptly, they can experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that include insomnia, lethargy, lack of motivation, depression, inability to feel pleasure, and even suicidal ideation.

Alternatives to Adderall

Given the potential for Adderall to cause harm, many people turn to natural alternatives for ADHD. Some over-the-counter products can boost the same dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters. These supplements can enhance brain function, memory, and focus without the negative side effects and addictive qualities of Adderall. And since they do not contain controlled substances, these supplements are legal and easily available.

Adderall has been effective as a treatment for ADHD. It can help those with ADHD focus on tasks and decrease their restless and impulsive urges. However, Adderall can come with undesirable side effects that range from digestive discomfort and problem sleeping to life-threatening circulatory problems and addiction. Hence, the medication should never be taken without a prescription and should always be used as prescribed.

Drug misuse can lead to serious negative effects on your mind and body. To avoid the risk of developing a dangerous dependency, many people switch to natural alternatives to Adderall. With proper and consistent treatment, people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can improve their mental and physical capacity to function, and increase their quality of life.

Your employees’ communication with clients and customers goes a long way. For instance, just one harsh word from a worker can mar a customer’s experience and lead to negative word of mouth and bad reviews. Fortunately, there are several effective, proven ways to enhance communication and interactions with clients and customers.

Mindfulness Meditation Classes

Meditation for employees helps with employee-client communication quite a bit. Sessions are available in other areas too such as stress, anxiety, anger, sleep, and visualizing success at work, among many other things.

As far as employee-client communication topics, meditation helps employees focus their full attention on clients. Employees learn more about being 100 percent present for client communications. If your employees have not really been hearing clients’ needs, or even worse, flat-out ignoring them, then meditation can help tremendously.

Depending on the meditation company, sessions are available for up to 25, 50, 100, 500, or even 1,000 people. Many companies conduct sessions in-person and virtually through platforms such as Zoom and Teams.

Streamline Project Management and Employees’ Communication With One Another

Sometimes, employee-client communication mishaps occur because employees are out of the loop. They relay outdated or incorrect information to clients. You make it easier for employees to communicate with one another through employee communication apps or platforms, project-specific software that includes real-time communication components, online forums, regular meetings, and ongoing feedback.

It’s worth taking a look at project management, too. Clients usually do not need to communicate with any employee at your company willy-nilly. One or two points of contact tend to work well. It is even more critical to keep these point-of-contact employees looped in so they give clients the correct information.

Establish Clear Policies for Communications Between Customers and Clients

Speaking of client points of contact, they can be valuable parts of a company’s communications plan. Communications policies set expectations for your employees as to how they should communicate with different sets of people: clients/customers, other employees, the general public, etc. When establishing or revising policies, think about issues such as:

• How to deal with clients who constantly call or contact employees for updates or revision requests
• Communication styles and policies for different tools and modalities (platforms such as Asana, phone, email, text, written and verbal communication, etc.)
• Preferences or priorities for sharing information (communications platforms, live chat, PDFs, shared documents, etc.)
• Points of contact
• Client briefings
• Virtual and in-person client meetings
• Project/content calendars
• Communication during crisis situations
• How to get to the point quickly
• How to set clear expectations and follow-up expectations
• Making project roles clear and transparent
• Approaches for establishing rapport, building trust, and avoiding assumptions
• What to do in case of communication lapses or bad communication

Depending on the work your company does and the level of employee-client interaction, your guidelines could be more of an outline or quite detailed. The company policies could include guidelines such as answering emails within 24 hours on business days, a minimum five-day turnaround time on client projects no matter how small clients say they are, and written project briefs (with verbal briefings from clients not accepted).

Of course, as your company grows or changes, your communications policies are likely to evolve. Don’t keep them static and unyielding! Set at least one time and date per year to make sure your communications policies still serve their purpose.

Communicate Well With Your Employees

Be the best communication model you can be for your employees and foster a positive communication atmosphere at your company. Treat your employees the way you want them to treat clients and customers: positively, affirmatively, respectfully, professionally, and so on. Just like you have communications policies for employee interactions with clients, you should for manager/supervisor communications with employees.

Being a good corporate communicator works on several levels. On a practical level, it is excellent for employee morale since employees are more motivated to communicate well with customers and other people.

On more abstract levels, employees learn by seeing and doing. If you give them genuine praise and thoughtful feedback, they internalize the hows, wheres, and whys.

Corporate culture acts as the framework for much that follows. Strive to keep the flow of communication and feedback ongoing rather than a performance review once a year as the only time you genuinely communicate with workers. (Annual performance reviews have good uses and shouldn’t be scrapped, per se. They just should not be the sole basis of employer-employee communication.)

Hold Communication Training

Not everyone can read communication policies or observe the workplace environment and intuitively understand what to do. Communication training can be through the form of meditation sessions as mentioned earlier, but there is more to it.

Training can touch on many topics such as how to master a specific software program. It can also cover active listening, asking open-ended questions, nonverbal communication, basic business grammar, communication accessibility for people with disabilities, and much more. It can take many forms, including live seminars, Zoom meetings, and online tutorials.

Prioritize communication training and meditation sessions as part of your company’s emphasis on good communication. Stay on top of communication guidelines and serve as a good role model for employees.

There are certain pieces of clothing that never go out of style. They are timeless, and can be worn season after season. These are the items that you should invest in if you want to build a wardrobe that will last for years. Here are some of the most timeless fashion pieces ever created.

For people who follow fashion keenly, it can be difficult to keep up with what is on trend, and what is no longer culturally relevant. While it can be fun to buy new fashion pieces as trends and seasons change, it is also a good idea to have a core selection of timeless pieces in your wardrobe and accessory cupboard too.

So what are the most timeless pieces of fashion out there?

Little Black Dress

The little black dress is one of the most iconic fashion pieces of all time. It is elegant, classic, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. If you don’t already own a little black dress, make sure to invest in one that you love. You’ll be glad you did when you have something to pull out of your wardrobe that will work for almost any occasion.

Trench Coat

The trench coat is another piece of clothing that has been around for decades. It is the perfect item to throw on when you need an extra layer, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. If you don’t already own a trench coat, make sure to invest in one that suits your complexion and style. For example, if you have blond hair and pale skin, a camel trench coat will look stunning on you. If you have darker skin and hair, opt for a black trench coat to create great symmetry in your style.

White Shirt

The white shirt is a staple in every man or woman’s wardrobe. It is versatile, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. If you don’t already own a white shirt, make sure to invest in one that you love. Go for something good quality – which is usually cotton and well tailored to suit your shape. Try several on until you find the perfect one – you won’t realize just how many different styles of white shirt there are until you do!

A Great Watch

A great watch is the perfect accessory to any outfit. It can be dressed up or down, and is a timeless piece that never goes out of style. If you don’t already own a great watch, make sure to invest in one that you love. It’s worth remembering that world renowned watch brands, such as Audemars Piguet watches, also hold their value, and often become collectors’ items in the future. So getting a great watch could be a brilliant investment too.

Jeans

Jeans are a wardrobe staple for people all over the world. They are comfortable, stylish, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. If you don’t already own a pair of jeans that you love, make sure to invest in a pair that fit you well. There are so many different styles and cuts of jeans on the market, so it’s worth trying on a few pairs until you find the perfect fit. For maximum versatility, choose some jeans that look just as good dressed up with a shirt and blazer, or with a sweatshirt.

Leather Jacket

The leather jacket is a timeless piece of clothing that never goes out of style. It is the perfect item to throw on when you need an extra layer, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. If you don’t already own a leather jacket, make sure to invest in one that suits your style and the other kinds of clothes you have. There are so many different styles and cuts of leather jackets on the market, so it’s worth trying on a few until you find the right one. Black leather jackets are usually the most versatile, but a shade of brown can work really well with a lot of outfits too.

Belt

A belt is the perfect accessory to any outfit. It can be used to add a pop of color, or to cinch in a dress or pair of jeans. If you don’t already own a belt, make sure to invest in one that you love. There are so many different styles and colors of belts on the market, so it’s worth shopping around until you find one that appeals to you. For maximum versatility, choose a black or brown belt that will go with everything. If you want to make more of a statement, opt for a brightly colored belt that will really stand out. Selecting one bold color rather than a patterned belt means it will still go with a wide range of outfits.

These are just a few of the most timeless fashion pieces that never go out of style. If you invest in some key items, you will be able to create endless looks that will see you through any occasion. So make sure to add these timeless staples to your wardrobe today!

Your employees’ communication with clients and customers goes a long way. For instance, just one harsh word from a worker can mar a customer’s experience and lead to negative word of mouth and bad reviews. Fortunately, there are several effective, proven ways to enhance communication and interactions with clients and customers.

Mindfulness Meditation Classes

Meditation for employees helps with employee-client communication quite a bit. Sessions are available in other areas too such as stress, anxiety, anger, sleep, and visualizing success at work, among many other things.

As far as employee-client communication topics, meditation helps employees focus their full attention on clients. Employees learn more about being 100 percent present for client communications. If your employees have not really been hearing clients’ needs, or even worse, flat-out ignoring them, then meditation can help tremendously.

Depending on the meditation company, sessions are available for up to 25, 50, 100, 500, or even 1,000 people. Many companies conduct sessions in-person and virtually through platforms such as Zoom and Teams.

Streamline Project Management and Employees’ Communication With One Another

Sometimes, employee-client communication mishaps occur because employees are out of the loop. They relay outdated or incorrect information to clients. You make it easier for employees to communicate with one another through employee communication apps or platforms, project-specific software that includes real-time communication components, online forums, regular meetings, and ongoing feedback.

It’s worth taking a look at project management, too. Clients usually do not need to communicate with any employee at your company willy-nilly. One or two points of contact tend to work well. It is even more critical to keep these point-of-contact employees looped in so they give clients the correct information.

Establish Clear Policies for Communications Between Customers and Clients

Speaking of client points of contact, they can be valuable parts of a company’s communications plan. Communications policies set expectations for your employees as to how they should communicate with different sets of people: clients/customers, other employees, the general public, etc. When establishing or revising policies, think about issues such as:

• How to deal with clients who constantly call or contact employees for updates or revision requests
• Communication styles and policies for different tools and modalities (platforms such as Asana, phone, email, text, written and verbal communication, etc.)
• Preferences or priorities for sharing information (communications platforms, live chat, PDFs, shared documents, etc.)
• Points of contact
• Client briefings
• Virtual and in-person client meetings
• Project/content calendars
• Communication during crisis situations
• How to get to the point quickly
• How to set clear expectations and follow-up expectations
• Making project roles clear and transparent
• Approaches for establishing rapport, building trust, and avoiding assumptions
• What to do in case of communication lapses or bad communication

Depending on the work your company does and the level of employee-client interaction, your guidelines could be more of an outline or quite detailed. The company policies could include guidelines such as answering emails within 24 hours on business days, a minimum five-day turnaround time on client projects no matter how small clients say they are, and written project briefs (with verbal briefings from clients not accepted).

Of course, as your company grows or changes, your communications policies are likely to evolve. Don’t keep them static and unyielding! Set at least one time and date per year to make sure your communications policies still serve their purpose.

Communicate Well With Your Employees

Be the best communication model you can be for your employees and foster a positive communication atmosphere at your company. Treat your employees the way you want them to treat clients and customers: positively, affirmatively, respectfully, professionally, and so on. Just like you have communications policies for employee interactions with clients, you should for manager/supervisor communications with employees.

Being a good corporate communicator works on several levels. On a practical level, it is excellent for employee morale since employees are more motivated to communicate well with customers and other people.

On more abstract levels, employees learn by seeing and doing. If you give them genuine praise and thoughtful feedback, they internalize the hows, wheres, and whys.

Corporate culture acts as the framework for much that follows. Strive to keep the flow of communication and feedback ongoing rather than a performance review once a year as the only time you genuinely communicate with workers. (Annual performance reviews have good uses and shouldn’t be scrapped, per se. They just should not be the sole basis of employer-employee communication.)

Hold Communication Training

Not everyone can read communication policies or observe the workplace environment and intuitively understand what to do. Communication training can be through the form of meditation sessions as mentioned earlier, but there is more to it.

Training can touch on many topics such as how to master a specific software program. It can also cover active listening, asking open-ended questions, nonverbal communication, basic business grammar, communication accessibility for people with disabilities, and much more. It can take many forms, including live seminars, Zoom meetings, and online tutorials.

Prioritize communication training and meditation sessions as part of your company’s emphasis on good communication. Stay on top of communication guidelines and serve as a good role model for employees.

“Acting” and “work from home” might seem like they do not belong in the same sentence. That would be the case 50 years ago, but today’s technology offers actors their share of work-from-home opportunities. Most of the jobs, if not all, do require that actors have a studio at home.

1. Voice Acting

Voice actors participate in a variety of projects including commercials, lessons (teaching), dubbing, corporate voicemails, podcast intros, whiteboard narration, and much more. Each of the categories branches out into numerous subcategories.

For example, many voice acting agencies offer political commercial voice over casting. Political commercials need all kinds of voices, whether they are male, female, gender-neutral, African-American, Baby Boomer, or a specific dialect. Political commercial voice ads appear on mediums such as TV, radio, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and individual websites.

2. Audiobook Narration

Audiobooks are extremely popular in the United States. In 2020, sales revenue reached $1.3 billion, giving more momentum to a trend that began in 2018. Here are some other stats.

• A whopping 20 percent of consumers listened to an audiobook in the past year.
• Most consumers (57 percent) listened on a smartphone. Fifty percent of consumers listened on a desktop, laptop, computer, or tablet.
• Sixty-one percent of consumers listened mainly to be entertained.

All in all, consumers are hungry for audiobooks, and there are many genres for actors to choose from.

3. YouTube or Social Media Entertainer

YouTube and social media acting can mean big bucks. MrBeast and his stunts pulled in $54 million in 2021 on YouTube, and YouTubers as a group made about $300 million in 2021. True, you probably won’t become a top earner, at least not right away, but working on social media channels truly holds the possibility of a good, liveable income.

As long as you have the drive and a decent idea, you could go anywhere. All types of social media channels are waiting. Here is a sampling of ideas for your show or content (there are a lot more ideas out there).

• Cute animal videos
• Challenge videos
• Sketch comedy
• Satire and parody
• Mashups
• Unboxing
• Singing or lip syncing
• DIY
• Cooking
• Gaming videos (speed run, live streams, etc.)
• Magic videos
• Prank videos
• Music videos
• Educational content (acting lessons, voice lessons, etc.)
• Reviews (movie, product, game, book, etc.)
• Explainers
• Tutorials
• Interviews

4. Podcasting

Podcasting is another good avenue for actors to explore. You can host a podcast on virtually any topic. Choose from bite-sized podcasts (10 to 20 minutes long), medium-length (30 to 45 minutes), or long (one hour or more).

5. Teacher or Tutor

Spread your acting knowledge! Teach classes, tutor small groups of students or one-on-one, or make educational videos on acting for social media channels.

6. Consultant

Depending on your experience and expertise, consulting could be a great work-at-home job for you. For instance, you could help a politician or company decide how to produce a series of commercials or episodes. Suppose you’re doing political consulting. You could weigh in on issues such as the following.

• Types of commercials to air
• Goal of the commercials
• Audience for the commercials
• Times they should air
• Platforms they should air on
• What types of talent to use
• Recruiting the talent
• Measuring the effectiveness of the commercials

You acting in the commercials could be a possibility too, of course. Another consulting avenue to look into is helping actors find their path or niche. New actors could receive guidance from you.

Consider carving out a consulting niche, say, working mostly or solely with animal actors, voiceover actors, child actors and their families, politicians, or new actors. On occasion, niches can narrow the opportunities available to you. Just as often, though, (or more often!) they broaden your opportunities because you are specific and transparent about who exactly you can produce results for.

On your website, explain the niches you work in and your background and expertise. Share the successes you have achieved for your clients (with their permission, of course). Client testimonials can be hugely helpful, too. Take a look at Bureau of Labor Statistics data for more ideas and insight into the different industries for actors.

If you have worked as a model or musician, you could do similar work for models or musicians. The same idea applies if you work in any other acting-adjacent professions such as makeup, singing, scriptwriting, dancing, announcing, agenting, producing, directing, photographing, visual technology, or communications.

7. Fundraiser

As an actor, you may have connections or special access that average people do not get. Perhaps you’re able to get a bunch of autographs from top-tier celebrities who are happy to support a tremendous cause. Or you could lend your acting chops to various fundraising causes. Charities, organizations, and businesses are always looking for knowledgeable folks to help them fundraise, and you could be just the person for them.

Actors have many opportunities these days, partly thanks to the rise of social media content and the popularity of remote work. If you’re an actor, you can work from practically anywhere in the world, including right from home.

When you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident or have suffered a loss of transportation due to an accident stemming from another driver’s negligence, the last thing you want to worry about is if the lawyer you choose to represent you has the necessary expertise.

Although it can be overwhelming to choose a lawyer, many offer free or low-cost consultations that allow you to get more information on how your case may be handled and what kind of experience they would bring. Here are the qualities to look for in a consultation with a car accident lawyer in Texas to help you find the best attorney to represent your case.

1. Experience

Every state has its specific laws surrounding car accidents, especially concerning determining fault. So you’ll need to find a lawyer who’s not only registered and credentialed in Texas but has a detailed understanding of car accident law.

They’ll also need to be experienced in handling personal injury cases that go to trial and those that are settled out of court. They should have standout mediation skills, as settling out of court requires a lawyer who’s savvy and willing to compromise. A good lawyer should have an understanding of how to balance the possibility of escalating a case with the expenses and length of time that going to court might incur.

2. Empathy

Judging their empathy and compassion on your initial call with them is an extremely important step in choosing a lawyer. A lawyer should understand the stressful situation you’re going through and empathize with any injuries you may have or financial issues you may be facing because of the accident.

While there’s a benefit to them if they win your case, their primary concern should be listening to your side of the story and your concerns, along with any other information that might be relevant. Because you or a loved one has had a traumatic experience, your lawyer should be able to display compassion while maintaining professionalism and speaking candidly about your case.

3. Communication and Transparency

One of the main things you’ll need to look for in a lawyer is a dedication to communication and transparency. Many people aren’t familiar with the laws regarding car accidents in Texas, or any of the laws that apply to their specific county or city. So lawyers are in a unique position to educate those who may be looking for this information.

A lawyer should speak in terms that you understand and be willing to explain legal concepts so you can make an informed decision on whether or not to hire them. You’ll also want to judge if they’re honest about their fees and pay structure, as well as how they plan on handling your case and what options are most likely in your situation.

A lawyer who attempts to keep you in the dark about your options or their opinion on the outcome of your case isn’t someone you want representing you. This suggests that they’re more likely to take advantage of you, as you’re in a vulnerable situation where you may not have other options for lawyers or you feel as if you don’t.

In addition to this, the lawyer or someone working in their office should be willing and able to send you updates and ask for additional information within a reasonable timeframe. You shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not the office needs more information from you to complete their investigation or if they’ll update you on what steps they recommend taking after they evaluate your case.

4. Commitment to Further Education

Law isn’t a static industry. Instead, it’s constantly evolving with the times and new ways of thinking about how the legal system should operate.

This includes the personal injury and accident laws in Texas too. Because of this, any reputable lawyer should make an effort to stay up-to-date with all of the relevant statutes and regulations regarding their practice.

5. Research Skills

Although the police report is an important part of the case, that’s not the entire picture. A good car accident lawyer will review any medical records, speak to witnesses, and gather other relevant evidence to build out a comprehensive case on your behalf.

This is especially important for more complicated cases where the party who’s more at fault isn’t as obvious, or where all parties may share the fault to varying degrees. Your lawyer should be able to look over all of the details and determine the best course of action moving forward.

Know How to Seek Qualified Legal Representation

If you’re in a situation where you need to hire an attorney, you’ll want to do your research to find the best fit for you. There are a few signals and personality traits that point to an attorney being the proper fit, such as their experience, research skills, and empathy. Knowing how to judge the quality of a lawyer for your personal injury case can put you on the path to receiving the amount of compensation you deserve.