Why Affiliate Marketing Is The Key To Success For Online Gaming

In the age of digital marketing, there are lots of options available when it comes down to getting an online casino visible in front of customers.

SEO can be used to make the site appear higher in search engine results, e-mail marketing can be utilized to build trust and attract new customers, while social media can be great for helping campaigns to go viral, gaining more traffic and reaching new customers.

Loyalty programs can provide bonuses and benefits for devoted customers which can help retain them, too. But, one of the essential parts of any online casino digital marketing strategy is a strong affiliate scheme.

This can both drive traffic and improve brand visibility dramatically. It is one of the most useful aspects of marketing an online casino.

How do I become an affiliate marketer?

There are hundreds of reasons to try out affiliate marketing to see if it could work for you.

Before you become an affiliate for a casino at random, do your research as some casinos are better than others and can provide multiple opportunities. Look at existing reviews and make the right choice from there.

You don’t just have to be an affiliate with one casino site. You can have several accounts for a more significant stream of income.

Here’s the typical process you’d follow for becoming an affiliate:

1. Choose an online affiliate program suited to you and register with them for free.
2. Use your ID number or username to access images or promo banners.
3. Add your ID as a parameter to the link URL which points to the casino site.
4. When users visit the casino site from your blog or webpage, the casino identifies this.
5. You are credited for all purchases made through your site based on the agreed rate with the merchant.

Everything you need to know about affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing attracts new customers, helps to retain current customers and amplifies the reach of online casinos.

What is affiliate marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a digital marketing method that offers customers recommended products and services which they can access through adverts or links placed on websites and blogs.

A company (merchant) selling products and services, will offer an affiliate program to potential affiliates.

The affiliate is the person responsible for creating content that is intended to drive customers to them. Once the customer makes a transaction with the site, be that playing a game or placing a bet, the affiliate will benefit by receiving a cut of the profits made.

How does affiliate marketing work?

An affiliate creates content, such as a blog or news article, which reviews a product then recommends it to customers. Within the post, a link or banner ad is placed.

If a customer clicks on this, the action is recorded. If the customer makes a purchase as a result, the affiliate earns a percentage of commission.

Merchants use the ID or username within an affiliate link to keep an eye on the traffic or sales that occur as a result and compensate the affiliate appropriately.

In order for affiliate marketing to be a success, you need to work with a number of successful partners.

Take a look at 888 Casino for an example of a casino with an increasingly successful affiliate program. They work with a variety of different partners which helps them to gain traffic from new audiences.

The partners they work help to advertise the site and convert new customers with banners and other types of advertisement.

Once visitors access the excellent 888 Casino site, they can play live poker games, blackjack, and slots. Plus, they can read engaging blogs to gain top tips, like this when to split in blackjack guide. After a transaction takes place the affiliate earns money from the action.

Why do online casinos use affiliate marketing?

There are a couple of reasons this type of marketing works so well for online casinos. We’ll go through some of the main reasons below:

• Cost-effective. Because ads and links are placed on affiliate sites, the merchant knows that the audience remains relevant to their brand.
  
  Therefore, there’s a higher chance of getting more visitors to their website rather than other more generic methods of advertising. The merchant only pays the affiliate if they’re generating results.

• Data-driven. Unlike other forms of advertising like TV ads which are very expensive and cannot be monitored in terms of success, affiliate marketing is the exact opposite.
  
  All traffic can be observed, such as the number of times an ad has been clicked. This is useful in determining if the ad is a success.

• Customer insights. Things like customer age, gender, location, hobbies, and interests can be determined, making this type of marketing useful for market research.

Why you should become an affiliate with your favorite online casino today?

There are many forms of digital marketing used by online casinos. However, affiliate marketing is vital for achieving results so the pay-out is often big making it a lucrative opportunity for many websites and blogs.

As an added bonus, it also has several advantages over other forms of marketing.

Every time a banner or advertisement is clicked by a customer, and that customer converts by placing a bet or making a transaction, the merchant will pay commission to the affiliate, which is usually a percentage of the product value, leading to huge profits quickly.

Summary

As you can see, there’s the potential to make a lot of money from this type of marketing. But the benefits continue for the merchant as well. Affiliate marketing generates a fair amount of data which allows the tracking of campaigns.

Other forms of marketing, such as TV ads, cannot offer this and are more expensive. Data gathered using this process can also be used by merchants to help casinos better understand their customer base.

We think that becoming an affiliate with your favorite online casino is hugely worthwhile and is a good way of earning extra cash. A word of warning, though, make sure you do your research.

Some online casinos have more effective affiliate programs than others, with more potential to make money.

Nevertheless, no matter which online casino you go with, you’ll have no upfront costs to pay, and you can leave your ads in the background to work their magic and make you money.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/marketing/why-affiliate-marketing-is-the-key-to-success-for-online-gaming/

The Best UK Industries to Invest for Entrepreneurs in 2020

To say 2020 has been a “bit of a funny year” thus far would perhaps be the understatement of the century. However, one thing the world is going to need more of after this crisis is over if it’s going to stand any chance of getting back on its economical feet is entrepreneurial investment.

For entrepreneurs, this represents a potentially exciting time, where the playing field has effectively been levelled and ‘reset’ so we all have an equal opportunity to make the most of some thriving markets.

With that in mind, here are just a few of the sectors we feel have significant potential when it comes to entrepreneurial investment opportunities in 2020.

Sustainable goods – We are slowly becoming a more eco-friendly society and this has led to an increase in demand for sustainable products. From paper straws and plant-based foods to more advanced technological sectors looking at ways to save the world through more responsible and sustainable action, there is plenty of scope here for investment. The field of bioplastics alone is worth almost $500 million and is growing year-by-year.

Gender-neutral products – With more younger consumers rejecting traditional gender labels, there is a thriving market in products designed not for ‘men’ or ‘women’ but for everyone, regardless of gender. This is particularly true in the world of personal care products, where even male-centric brands such as Dollar Shave Club have shifted their focus towards gender-neutral products and advertising.

Healthy junk food – We all love a good snack and whilst it might be tempting to reach for that bag of crisps or biscuits, there are a number of healthier alternatives that have been flooding the market in recent years. Vegan and sugar-free snack foods have really taken off and with the category valued at around $43 billion last year, there has never been a better time to get healthy.

Wearables – The Internet of things is subtly changing our lives in ways we might not ever have considered even a few short years ago. Today, the wearable tech industry is thriving, with companies such as FitBit and Apple leading the charge. Indeed,  there are even pet wearables that track the health and activity of your cats and dogs. So, there should be no shortage of startups out there ready to accept your investment capital.

Whichever industries you decide to cast your lot in with, venture capital trusts are always a safe and reliable scheme for smaller companies and investors. They not only allow you to spread your investment risk across several companies but carry tax relief as the companies are generally rated as ‘higher risk’.

So, don’t waste your time in quarantine sitting on your thumbs. Start investing today and by the time you emerge from your self-isolation you could be sitting on a goldmine!

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/investing/the-best-uk-industries-to-invest-for-entrepreneurs-in-2020/

The Pros and Cons of Starting a Small Business in Eastern Europe

When you’re looking to start a small business, it’s common to look into setting one up locally. However, did you know it could be more beneficial to start up in another country?

While it certainly comes with challenges, there are lots of benefits of starting up somewhere like in eastern Europe. Here, we’ll look at some of the pros and cons of starting a small business in the region. 

The benefits of starting a business in eastern Europe

A decade ago, it was extremely challenging to set up a business in Europe. However, thanks to advancements in technology, these days it is a lot easier and a lot more beneficial to set up in eastern Europe. The fast-growing region provides countless opportunities for businesses including:

• High potential for future growth
• High import demand
• Cost benefits
• Similar cultures
• Access to a large talent pool

There is a lot of potential for growth in eastern Europe for businesses today. Some of the top places renowned for their growth opportunities include Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Tbilisi, Georgia. 

These countries also have huge import demand. There are 500 million people within the EU, with many looking for international imports. Interestingly, even during the Eurozone recession, the number of imports in Europe increased. So, if you’re looking to set up a business that’s going to be resistant to economic change, eastern Europe is a great place to consider. 

These are just some of the benefits you can expect to experience when you do business in Eastern Europe. So, what about the potential cons?

Understanding the potential cons

Although eastern Europe is one of the fastest growing regions for start-ups, it still doesn’t have a huge variety of opportunities. There is a real lack of angel investors and large acceleration programs available. However, this is slowly starting to change. What it means for now, is that businesses can’t get the same level of investment in eastern European countries as they can elsewhere.

There is also a lower entrepreneurial mindset in these countries. This can make it difficult to convince local talent and investors to take a chance on your new business. If you’re looking to offer goods such as music, a streaming service or design services, you’ll also find it particularly difficult to break out in eastern Europe. This is because piracy is on the rise in the region.

The costs of setting up in the region can also be quite high and there are a lot of legalities to familiarise yourself with.

How to overcome the challenges

While there are a lot of challenges involved, there are also ways to overcome them. To keep costs down, businesses can look at outsourcing via RSM. Doing your research into the legalities and target markets can also help you to prepare you for the challenges ahead. 

Starting a new business isn’t easy, but you will find a lot of opportunities in eastern Europe. The above are just some of the pros and cons you can expect when you start a business within the region.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/business-start-up/the-pros-and-cons-of-starting-a-small-business-in-eastern-europe/

5 Ways to Maximise Your Property Investment

Property investments can be extremely lucrative, but they can also present numerous risks. If you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your investment, you’re going to need to do your research and plan ahead.

Here, you’ll discover 5 ways to maximise your property investment to ensure you reap the rewards.

1. Always research the area

Before investing in any property, it’s important to research the area. This means, looking to see how much rental demand there is in the area, whether there are good schools and what the crime rate is like. All of these things will impact both the tenants you’ll attract and the rental price you can charge.

The area will also make a difference when it comes to sell the property. If it is located on a busy road for example, you’ll find it more difficult to sell when the time comes than a property in a quieter residential area. These are just a few of the things to consider when looking at the location of the property. 

2. Take into account the full costs

Another essential piece of advice to follow is to ensure you’re taking into account the full costs. This advice is frequently given on the top things to consider when investing in property. 

A great tip is to double the costs. So, however much you’re expecting it to cost, double that figure. This will ensure you definitely have enough o cover any unexpected costs which may crop up. 

3. Don’t go it alone

It’s tempting to try and do everything yourself when you invest in property. However, it’s going to help you if you can invest as a team. This means, having someone in the team who can take care of the DIY, someone to take care of financial sourcing and another to take care of conveyancing and so on. 

Working as a team can make the project much more affordable, as well as ease the stress involved. It also allows you to network with others who may prefer to work as part of a team. 

4. Shop around for the best mortgage

If you’ll be taking out a mortgage on your investment property, it’s important to shop around. This will enable you to find the best rates and make sure you’re not paying more than you need to. Compare the different types of mortgages too, choosing the best one to match your requirements.

5. Get insured

Finally, another tip to maximise your investment is to get insured. Taking out rental guarantee insurance from Homelet for example can prove invaluable. It ensures you still get paid even if your tenants miss the rent. 

As you can see, there are numerous ways to protect and maximise your property investment. The more time you spend researching and planning ahead, the more secure your investment will be. The last thing you need is to end up with a property that loses you money in the long term. So, always be careful about the properties you’re investing in and follow the advice above. 

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/real-estate/5-ways-to-maximise-your-property-investment/

Training.co.nz Reveals 5 High-Demand Jobs in New Zealand in 2020

Choosing precisely the right career has always posed challenges for job seekers. However, in 2020 and the years beyond, New Zealand’s young people and career changers are likely to face a more complex series of challenges when deciding on a vocational path to pursue. This is partly because new technologies are shaping New Zealand’s future at an unprecedented rate. Automation is resulting in the decline of some jobs in New Zealand, while leading to the rise of other types of jobs. New Zealand’s demographic trends also play a role in determining what the job market will be like in the years ahead.

Anyone who is embarking on a new career can use an awareness of these trends to avoid investing effort in training for a role in a declining industry such as manufacturing. The following careers are ones where skills shortages are currently an issue or expected to be problematic in the future; experts project that demand for workers in these vocations will be strong in 2020 and the coming years:

1. Engineer

New Zealand is in need of multiple types of engineers including chemical engineers, civil engineers, electrical engineers and others. The New Zealand government has recently been undertaking many sizable building and construction projects, and engineers have been needed to complete them. New environmental standards have resulted in a need for upgraded water infrastructure. There’s also been growing demand for new power stations.

2. Construction Project Manager

There’s currently a construction boom in progress in New Zealand. However, the boom has unfortunately been somewhat hindered by a dire shortage of skilled tradespeople to do the needed work. In particular, building and construction managers are needed in the Auckland area to oversee the construction of new houses as the city’s population grows.

3. Chef

In the short-term, a chef’s career is a solid prospect in New Zealand. Excellent chefs are in high demand right now, thanks to a variety of factors including New Zealand’s booming tourism industry and Kiwis’ love of dining out.

In the long term, future prospects for chefs are less clear. Multiple tech companies are designing new cooking robots that are likely to reduce the future workload available for chefs. It’s uncertain as to whether this job could, or would be completely automated at some point in the future.

As of right now, there are no robots that can successfully mimic a human chef’s creativity in experimenting with ingredients and creating delightful new culinary dishes. While it is possible that robots may replace some cooks in the kitchens of the future, it is unlikely that the most talented chefs will ever be replaceable. So if you choose this career path, be aware that you’ll probably need to get incredibly good at the job to remain employed in the long term.

4. Ski or Snowboard Instructor

 New Zealand offers outstanding ski resorts including Cardrona, Treble Cone, Mt Hutt and others. If you’re an experienced ski or snowboarding enthusiast, and you’d enjoy spending your days on the ski slopes, becoming an instructor might seem like your dream job.

What’s the catch, you might wonder? How is it possible that there could be a shortage of snowsports instructors in a sportsperson’s paradise such as New Zealand?

For starters, the pay for snowsports instructors tends to be lower in this country than it is in other countries like France and Switzerland. Also, with this being a seasonal job, you’d have to be disciplined about either saving money or finding other work to carry you through the offseason. But if you can get past those 2 issues, there are work opportunities available to explore.

5.  Nurse

The numbers of available job opportunities for nurses in New Zealand are currently on par with the national average. However, some New Zealand healthcare facilities have been experiencing nursing shortages. These are likely to become direr in the future, considering the country’s ageing population. Statisticians have projected that, by the year 2050, this country may have as much as 27 percent of the population that is over the age of 65. There is likely to be a corresponding increase in demand for nursing care in the years ahead.

These are some of the industries that are likely to grow in the future, creating solid job opportunities for New Zealanders. The experts tell us that hiring demand for most jobs is likely to be strongest in Auckland and Australia’s other sizable cities.

If you’re planning to embark on any new career shortly, Training.co.nz is a local academic hub you’ll want to know about. It’s an education-focused portal for Kiwis who are interested in seeking career training. Information on a broad variety of vocations is made available in an easy-to-search format. You can use this portal to search for courses or obtain career advice. It’s a trusted resource that’s totally up-to-date with heaps of info a job seeker might find useful in 2020.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/careers/training-co-nz-reveals-5-high-demand-jobs-in-new-zealand-in-2020/

Is Micromobility the Future of Transportation?

The ride-sharing business model has gained in popularity over the past few years. This trend has gotten into micromobility as well and now more and more companies are trying to figure out how to create a scooter sharing app.

Scooter-sharing is just another alternative to commuting inside large cities. Rather than using traditional transportation such as buses, trams, metros, taxis or your own car, using an e-scooter to whiz trough traffic might be worth taking into consideration. 

You don’t even have to worry about spending lots of money on buying one for yourself. We all know that the prices of these things could get at the same level as a rather beat-up but still roadworthy second-hand car. 

With the help of scooter-sharing apps, such as Lyft, Spin or Lime you can basically rent one whenever you need it. However, is this new method of transportation the future? Our guess is yes, and here’s why : 

1. Traffic congestion 

The micromobility industry promises to solve many issues that large cities of today have to deal with. One of those being traffic congestion. With e-scooters, you no longer have to worry about getting stuck in traffic and turning up late for work.

You simply hop on one of the little buggers and fly past traffic like there’s no tomorrow. Besides, you can have a lot of fun while being at it too. E-scooters are already scattered around large cities, just waiting to be ridden. 

So, your only job is to open the app, find the closest scooter around you and off you go. 

2. Pollution 

This is a major problem that cities all over the world struggle to deal with. There are electric cars, sure, but not everyone can afford them. E-scooters/e-bike solves this issue, anybody can pay a few cents and get at their destination with these things. 

Plus, as their name suggests, they are electric, so no pollution involved. Where there are lots of traffic, there’s heavy pollution as well. As we’ve mentioned before, this innovative method of transportation deals with traffic congestion as well, leading to the reduction of pollution.

3. Convenience 

If there’s one word to describe micromobility, it sure is convenient. It’s cheap, fast, and environmentally friendly. What more could you ask for? 

Sure, it’s not as comfortable as sitting at the wheel of an S Class, but hey, you will have lots of fun, and you’ll most likely not get angry in traffic. Quite the contrary, you’ll have a great laugh when you get to overtake people in their brand new cars when the light turns green.

Conclusion 

With that being said, it looks like micromobility has a bright future ahead. It solves many of the problems that major cities deal with today. However, it might take longer than we think.

Some cities just don’t have the proper infrastructure developed to sustain this means of transportation. Riding around places like these with an e-scooter can get quite dangerous. 

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/transportation/is-micromobility-the-future-of-transportation/

How Should Startups React To The Coronavirus Pandemic?

The coronavirus is officially a pandemic and the economy is being hit hard. It does not matter what business you run, from plumbing repairs Geelong to large corporations. Every business is affected in one way or another. However, startups are at a higher risk. This is because of the fact that such a business launched a short time ago so dealing with something this serious can be very complicated. This is why it is so important that startup owners act fast. Serious practices need to be employed and the safety of all people involved needs to be as high as possible. Some things that can be done right now to react to the pandemic include:

Encourage People To Wash Their Hands

This should go without saying but these days, it is a necessity. We naturally assume that people wash their hands but this is not really the case. When you put an emphasis on this in the business you run, it does reinforce the importance of prevention and how vital it is to fight off the current coronavirus pandemic. 

This is good advice even if all your operations are done online. A simple email that lets people know about how important it is to wash their hands helps. When you have a brick and mortar location, have a hand sanitizer near the entry point and use large printed notices to enforce its use. 

Regularly Wipe Down Work Areas

We now know that the covid-19 virus can stick to numerous surfaces for days, not just hours. This includes surfaces that are really popular in brick and mortar offices, like metal and wood. Due to this, it is important to consistently wipe down all work areas. 

In addition, make it known that the smartphone also needs to be wiped down and disinfected as often as possible. If necessary, hire extra cleaning staff to always keep common areas disinfected. 

Enforce A Stay At Home Policy

When you have employees that are sick or that just start to feel sick, they need to go home. A sick day needs to be enforced in such a situation so that proper testing happens. Paid sick leave is obviously preferred by the employees. 

It has to be added that whenever the work that a staff member does can be done at home, it should be allowed. Have only your employees that absolutely need to come to work actually come to work. Nowadays, it is so easy to implement online working rooms and communication through the internet is easier than ever. You can use apps like Asana and any communication method you choose. 

Avoid Travel

Whenever something can be done with the use of email, phone and video calls, avoid traveling. Also, you need to be very cautious when you receive visitors from people that come from areas that now face serious outbreaks, like Italy. Preferably, you do not visit such a country. 

When you have an employee that traveled to such a country, they need to enter self-quarantine for 2 weeks. If this does not happen, the safety of your entire staff is put at risk. Support the employees and let them stay at home. 

Expect The Second Wave 

Politicians and some scientists try to reassure people by saying the outbreak will disappear as warmer weather comes. Unfortunately, there is no scientific proof of this. Even if it is going to happen, by taking a look at the past outbreaks, we know that a second wave is inevitable. Also, even if the current wave slows down and new infections come in at a slower rate, it does not mean that you should stop using protective measures. Just one person that is infected can lead to a new outbreak.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/startups/how-should-startups-react-to-the-coronavirus-pandemic/

What are the Most Popular Peptides on the Market Today?

The market for health supplements has been growing by leaps and bounds over the past few years. These supplements come in many shapes and forms including vitamins and minerals; however, one of the rising superstars in this industry is called peptides. Made by strong companies such as Paradigm Peptides, these health supplements can be used to address a number of health concerns. This will help people stay healthy in their twilight years.

Peptides are made up of small molecules called amino acids. There are 21 different types of amino acids in the human body. When these amino acids join together, they form something called a peptide bond. A link between two amino acids is called a peptide. In general, healthcare professionals are going to refer to amino acid groups as peptides until they reach about 50 amino acids in size. After this, they are referred to as proteins. In essence, peptides are small proteins. They can deliver a number of benefits to people who use them properly. A few peptides have become incredibly popular.

Collagen peptides are among the most popular options on the market today. These are supplements that are made up of the molecules that form the foundation of this important protein. There are a number of benefits that collagen peptides can deliver. Some people take collagen peptide as a way to slow the process of aging. Collagen can also be used to improve the health of their skin. In some supplements, collagen peptides can be used to tighten up wrinkles, remove lines, and make people look decades younger. While research is still taking place with regard to collagen peptides, this supplement is already incredibly popular.

In addition, creatine peptides are another popular health supplement. Creatine can be used to help people improve their athletic performance. When people exercise, they break down muscle fiber in an effort to build stronger muscle fibers in their places. This is how people put on lean muscle when they work out. In order for the body to build this muscle, it has to have the proper building blocks. This is where creatine peptides can be helpful. In this manner, creatine peptides can be used to help people enhance their athletic performance.

These are only a few of the many examples of how peptides are changing the way people look at their overall health. As more research is conducted into peptides, it will be interesting to see what other health supplements reach the market during the next few years. Without a doubt, people are always interested in learning about new ways to improve their overall health. Peptides are a great way to do exactly that.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/health-and-wellness/what-are-the-most-popular-peptides-on-the-market-today/

Are Your Sales Low Because of Your People or Your Processes?

You know your sales numbers are not where they should be. 

But is it a problem with your sale staff? Or is an inefficient sales process dragging down your staff’s performance?

There is no cure-all answer that will instantly unclog your funnel or suddenly send your team into a sales frenzy. However, there are some telltale signs that point to some very common issues.

To help you try to isolate the problem, here are a few of the most common issues you may be struggling with.

1. Your Conversion Rates are Low 

This is clearly the most common and frustrating issue that any sales department is going to face. The biggest challenge is that the problem could be any number of issues with your people or your processes.

Consider bringing in an outside company to audit and review both your people and your processes. A firm that specializes in sales effectiveness training can help you optimize your sales team’s workflow and get your conversion rates back to where you need them to be.

2. Your Leads are ‘Slipping Through the Cracks’ 

It’s estimated that 30-50% of buyers will go with the first vendor to follow up with them. So, having leads slip through your fingers is a huge waste of an opportunity.

This could be a person-problem or a process-problem.

It is possible that sales staffers are simply not following up with prospects in a timely fashion because they’re not managing their own time well. Consider time management coaching, and showing them how to be productive instead of being busy.

However, their time management struggles could be a symptom of a sales process problem. The average salesperson today only spends about a third of their time doing any actual selling. 

You might consider a CRM or automation program to manage your pipeline, and take time-consuming tasks off of their plates.

Your Prospects are Putting You Off

Are a lot of your sales calls ending with, “That’s interesting. Call me again in 6 months.” 

This points to a lack of urgency from your leads.

From a people perspective, this could mean that you need to coach your staff on how to ensure that a would-be lead actually meets your ideal customer profile (ICP).

However, on the process side, it’s possible that your ICP itself needs to be revisited. Maybe shifts in the marketplace mean that your ideal customer has changed. This could mean that your previously-qualified leads are now actually just shy of being qualified, which causes your sales to fall tantalizingly short.

Selling a Vitamin Instead of a Cure

Or, there could be a third “P” problem. Your positioning could be off. It’s possible that your leads are seeing your offering as a vitamin instead of a cure. 

A vitamin is something you know could help your pain, but it’s too easy to put it off. Whereas a cure is a cure, and you need it right now.

As you can see, a lot of process-problems can cause people-problems, and vice versa. Never assume that your sales are low because of one reason or the other.
Always try to step back and look at the real reason your team is letting you down. Maybe your system is letting them down.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/business/are-your-sales-low-because-of-your-people-or-your-processes/

Document Security Breaches: What You Need to Know

If you know that proof lies in numbers, it couldn’t be more valid for document security breaches. A rising number of industry statistics are highlighting growing data breaches across the world and their impact on an entity’s bottom line.

Most people consider that data security breach in business means hackers and phishing emails from unscrupulous cybercriminals and ransomware.

And although these are real threats, every business and entity of every size must have a document security plan because cybercriminals do not differentiate between company size when it comes to stealing data.

Security Statistics

Here are some recent statistics around security breaches that could come as a surprise to you.

• Over 3500 data breaches in the first half of 2019: Between the years 2015 and 2018, the number of data security breaches increased by approximately 200 every year.
  
  In comparison to the same timeframe last year, over 50% increase in cybercrime incidents took place in the first half of 2019 alone. Several factors can attribute to this spike.
  
  For one, the rising prevalence of cloud environments and the move from on-premise to roaming or hybrid settings.
  
• 270 days: The average timeframe to identify and contain a data security breach is approximately 270 days. By the time a business realizes and begins to make changes to its data security plans, crucial time is lost and with the organization’s profitability.
  
  Research indicates that cybercriminals exploit visibility gaps and make their way through realms of documents without notice. More so, they can stay around longer, without being detected and cause further damage to an already compromised scenario.
  
  The longer a cybercriminal hovers in an organization, the higher and more intense are the security breaches. Extended periods of security breaches cause considerable amounts of records to be pilfered.
  
  In a hybrid and cloud environment, it can become challenging to deal with visibility. Specific tools such as a blog or agent-centric solutions may not provide constant visibility to look into all the workloads of the company and individual cloud accounts.
  
  Even if organizations can monitor all the happenings in their security surroundings, having relevant tools to detect such threats in real-time in addition to intuitive workflows are imperative to resolve the problem.
  
  
• Misconfigured databases account for over 35% of error related data breaches: In essence, a misconfigured cloud database is as good as a break in the infrastructure.
  
  Regardless of whether the organization has failed to implement accurate access control or has left the cloud storage environment unsecured, the ensuing outcome is a welcoming open ground for hackers.
  
  For instance, global delivery services leader FedEx uncovered a cloud storage bucket with over 110,000 scanned documents that included passport and driver credentials left vulnerably open without a password for several years.

Document security is a critical issue faced by almost every business across the world.

Regardless of whether the company is uploading its documents onto the Internet through cloud storage devices or platforms, or transferring from one employee to another, pdf files and documents can be at significant risk of falling victim to cybercriminals.

On the other hand, documents in their physical form have a high probability of getting lost or spoiled either due to fire, theft or damage.

What a Breach in Data Can Cost You

Across the world, companies are paying a high price due to data theft and security breaches. The severity of a compromised data security situation and the outcomes of a documented breach are causing more and more companies to look into their data security measures seriously.

Almost every day, employees forget that digital documents, no matter how humble and boring can actually lead to a data breach.

And while document security through digital rights management (DRM) may sound lofty, it is a critical need in today’s business environment that can prevent your business from being bogged down from the consequences of information leakage and theft.

Benefits of Keeping Your Data Secured

Confidential information can stay secured within your business environments through DRM implementation. 

Many companies who have implemented DRM solutions have already benefited from the positive impact of these solutions in their daily operations.

Not only can you safely control the access and use of the information inside and outside your company, but you can also effectively share and distribute your digital content securely through DRM.

Crucial bookkeeping records, financial transactions and the like in a business must be collected, recorded, backed up, treated, distributed and ultimately disposed of in the right manner.

An effective way of preventing your documents from being stolen or compromised is to protect them through DRM solutions. Documents are safe from unauthorized copying, distribution, and piracy.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/cybersecurity/document-security-breaches-what-you-need-to-know/

Top Four Email Marketing Tips For Your Business

Over the past couple of decades, the world of marketing has completely changed. Cold calling was once the best option, but today only 1% of all cold calls will result in a meeting.

With this in mind, it’s not too much of a surprise that email marketing is now a popular alternative. 

While it’s a better prospect, it’s still not guaranteed to work. If it’s done well, email marketing can be a brilliant way of generating more business. However, in many cases, marketers have their focus wrong and this limits its potential as an effective selling tool.

Here, we take a closer look at some email marketing tips that should take your business to the next level. 

Why Is Email Marketing So Popular?

Before looking at some tips and tricks to maximize the potential of email marketing for your business, first, you need to know what the benefits are of using this type of email marketing strategy.

Email marketing strategies have proven to be successful for both large and small businesses, and they can be a great way of making your marketing budget stretch further.

When used well, it can help businesses to improve their bottom line in many ways. The benefits include:

• Building stronger customer relationships by keeping customers informed
• Developing a unique business brand by further cementing brand identity in the customers’ minds
• Becoming a leading authority in your industry with high-quality expert content
• Increasing time efficiency by making the marketing process speedier 
• Reducing the cost of marketing overall by reducing the need for paper, radio and TV advertising
• Building up more business credibility 

These are all attractive advantages, but in order to fully harness their potential it’s important to know how to take the right approach to exploit email marketing’s potential to the full. 

The Primary Metrics Of Email Marketing 

Three primary metrics exist in email marketing:

• Open rate – This metric refers to the percentage of recipients opening the marketing email. Every company aims for a strong open rate which varies depending on the industry. The average email open rate overall is about 29%. 
• Response Rate – This metric refers to the percentage of recipients responding to the marketing email.
• Conversion Rate – This metric refers to the percentage of recipients making a purchase.

The majority of email marketers put their focus on their email open rate. Yet, it’s much more important to consider increasing the Conversion Rate instead. 

So, what do you need to know about email marketing? How can you win over more customers and increase your revenue? Here are four top tips.

1. Make Buying Easier

No matter which service or product you’re selling, you need to make it simple for customers to make their purchase. It may sound obvious, however, many companies make it surprisingly hard to buy anything.

If customers need to answer complex questions, make extra phone calls or jump through hoops on their buying journey, they’ll almost certainly call it quits before completing the sale.

It’s absolutely essential to focus on the customer’s buying journey and test it out to ensure that it runs smoothly and speedily from start to finish. The easier it is for customers to make a purchase, the easier it is to increase your profits. 

2. Communicating From A Customer Perspective

Too many marketing emails hype the sender’s brand rather than selling the product or service. Email recipients aren’t that interested in the company that is doing the selling.

They won’t care about who is sending the message until they know they want to buy it. Recipients only open and reply to emails that are completely or primarily about what’s being sold.

Selling the benefits instead of the features is the key to marketing email success. Customers don’t really want to know complex details about the product – what they really want to know is how it’s going to change their lives for the better.

Concentrating on how your services and products can make life happier, easier or more convenient in your marketing emails will have the best chance of converting the recipient into a buyer. 

3. Eliminate Sales-Like Language

Many people have a mistrust of salespeople, and some actively loathe them. For this reason, they’re often wary of aggressive selling. Using sales-like language is a sure-fire way to alienate recipients.

Avoiding the stereotypical jargon and terminology is vital, as well as making sure that all claims are fully supported by fact. When customers feel they can trust you and what you have to offer, they’ll be ready to make a purchase. 

4. Keep It Brief

When recipients see your marketing email, they’ll only give it a few seconds before they move on to the next one, so you can’t waste time. Keep your email brief with a single benefit, a single differentiator and one call-to-action.

How does this work in practice? Explain why the recipient can benefit from your product. Follow that up by telling them why they should buy it from you. Finally, give them the call to action along with a link taking them right to your website. 

Keep these expert tips in mind and you’ll find your email marketing campaign quickly gains ground.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/email-marketing/top-four-email-marketing-tips-for-your-business/

Steps Your Should Take Immediately After a Motorcyle Accident

Riding a motorcycle can have many benefits over driving a car—it’s cheaper, time-efficient, and fun. However, bikers are at significantly greater risk on the road than car drivers; in fact, motorcyclists are five times more likely to be injured in an accident than car passengers are and 27 times more likely to die in a crash. So it’s important for motorcyclists to be prepared for the worst.

Knowing how to react in the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident is vital. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Get Out of the Way

Nothing is more important than your safety. So the first thing to do after a crash is remove yourself from the danger zone. Unlike the case for car passengers, your movement most likely won’t be impeded by your vehicle; but also unlike them, you have no framework around you to shield you even partially from other fallout the crash may have.

So before trying to assess damage or call for help, get out of traffic, get to the side of the road, and do whatever is necessary to put yourself in a safer situation.

2. Call 911 

Even if the crash isn’t major, you must call the emergency services right away. They will be required to fill out an accident report and document data regarding the accident. Be sure to ask for a copy of the report too.

3. Stay Calm

Road accidents are scary, but remaining calm is essential. As well as getting yourself out of immediate danger, you must consider internal injuries and related problems. Do NOT remove your helmet or leathers unless absolutely necessary. This could exacerbate injuries, particularly those that you haven’t noticed due to adrenaline, so you must avoid causing additional strain on your neck, head, or spine and wait for professional medical help.

4. Seek Medical Help

Even if it feels like nothing is wrong, it’s always best to take precautions by visiting the hospital. Concussions, internal bleeding, and a range of other injuries could go unnoticed for several days unless you get checked over by a doctor. If an injury is present, a rapid response will give you the best chance of a full and speedy recovery.

If nothing else, getting the all-clear will put your mind at ease.

5. Collect Contact Information

Following the accident, you may need to go through a legal process relating to your injuries or vehicle damages. Whether seeking justice in regards to your finances or innocence, it will be necessary to gain statements and accounts from others. Because of this, you should record contact details from any motorists directly involved in the crash, as well as from any eyewitnesses.

6. Speak to an Attorney 

It’s imperative that you speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible if you are seeking any compensation for medical costs. And if you are called by another party’s lawyer or insurance agency who is seeking information about the crash, you should wait to disclose your perspective of what happened or any details (other than basic insurance information) until you have consulted with an attorney. Any details you disclose about the incident can be used against you in future legal battles, so even if the situation seems clear-cut to you, you’ll need to choose your wording carefully so it can’t be misconstrued or misrepresented.

7. Write Everything Down

Your memories can become a little hazy over time. Sadly, forgetting a single detail could be costly, which is why you should write down your best account of the situation as soon as possible. You’ll also need to keep meticulous records of any costs you pay for medical bills, repairs, rentals, etc., in relation to the accident. Otherwise, you’ll struggle to gain the outcome you desire.

8. Alert Your Insurance Company of the Accident

If you want to claim the costs incurred by damage to the motorbike (or yourself), it’s vital that you speak to your insurance company at the earliest stage, as it can take weeks for the subsequent procedures to be completed. Besides, acting while the memories are fresh will give you the best shot at gaining the best results.

Ideally, you will be able to practice safe driving and avoid accidents altogether. But because motorcycle accidents are so likely, and because you can’t control the actions of other drivers around you, it’s best to know these tips so you can use them if you ever do become involved in a motorcycle accident.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/auto/steps-your-should-take-immediately-after-a-motorcyle-accident/

How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt Fast

As of March 2020, the average American balance carrying household has $9,333 in credit card debt and the total revolving consumer debt in the United States stands at 1.03 trillion dollars!

That’s a lot of money. And most of it weighs heavily on American families; causing stress and anxiety that affects everyday life. Despite the hardship it causes, it’s not an easy task to get out of credit card debt.

Interest rates, minimum payments, and stagnant wages make it incredibly difficult to conquer debt quickly.

There are many different methods and strategies for paying off debt out there. It can be overwhelming to be unsure of which one to use.

However, the debt snowball method has quickly become a favorite among millions of American households that have paid off their credit card debt using it.

The whole idea behind the method comes from the concept of gaining momentum when rolling a snowball.

You first create a very tiny ball of snow and you roll it across the yard and before you know it, it’s become huge just through traction. This method uses psychology to motivate you and propel you forward.

A Quick, Proven Method: Debt Snowball

1^st Step

When using the Snowball Method, utilizing organization will help set you up for success. So, start off by setting up an Excel spreadsheet to list every single one of your credit cards that you want to pay off.

You can include other debts you want to pay off as well, depending on your priorities, such as your mortgage, student loans, medical debt, title loans or tax debt.

Then rearrange them in order of smallest to largest, without any regard for the interest rate!

2^nd Step

Once you have determined which debt of yours has the smallest balance, continue paying only the minimum payments on every debt other than that one. The debt with the smallest balance, regardless of interest, is going to be the debt that you go full in on paying off first.

3^rd Step

Throw all your extra money at that first debt. Pay as much on it as you possibly can every month. And if you have extra money left over at the end of the month then put that to it as well.

See what ways you can cut down on any unnecessary spending so you can put more money towards that debt. Keep doing this until it is completely paid off!

4^th Step

Once the smallest debt has been paid off, you will take all the money you were putting towards the first debt monthly into the second smallest debt.

Keep paying only the minimum payments of the other debts and having one less minimum payment, you can now pay extra each month towards the next debt.

You’ll likely feel proud and excited by the fact that you’ve paid off a debt already that it will further motivate you to find more ways to put extra money towards the second debt until it is paid off.

Keep repeating this process until each and every debt increasing in size is paid off in full!

This method has been proven to be effective and very fast if you are willing to be disciplined and make sacrifices. Freedom from debt will be the best gift you give yourself this year and it is well worth the effort you put in.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/cash-flow/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt-fast/

4 Ways That a Visit to Dapperductsny.com Could Pay Off For You

As one who takes pride in your home, it makes sense to do whatever it takes to keep the place in top condition. That includes taking care of some areas of the house that sometimes get overlooked. The good news is that one quick visit to Dapperductsny.com will ensure that you know who to contact when you need certain tasks managed by a professional. Here are some examples of what the team can do for you. 

Duct and Vent Inspections

The air duct system is essential for directing forced air into each room. In order to make sure the air flow is always efficient, you want to have the ducts checked at least once every couple of years. In the event that they need any type of repair, a professional can outline what must be done, how much it will cost, and how quickly the work can be completed. 

The same is true with your dryer vent. An inspection will determine if the design is sufficient for the dryer you currently own, ensure that it’s working properly, and identify any issues that need correcting. See the inspection as an investment in getting more years of use from the dryer. 

Duct and Vent Cleanings

One of the issues that those inspections may uncover is the need for some cleaning. As it relates to the duct system, different kinds of residue can collect in those sections. Mold, the remnants from a pest infestation, and other types of contaminants can collect in the ducts. As the forced air moves over the residue, some of the contaminants are carried out of the vents and into your rooms. A thorough cleaning does more than make the air indoors smell sweeter; it also eliminates threats to your health. 

With dryer vent cleanings, the focus is on removing any obstructions that may have built up and makes it harder to move more lint through the line. It’s not just about requiring more time to dry a load of clothing. Partially clogged dryer vents create a lot of heat that could result in a fire. If a professional clears those vents, the threat is removed. 

Chimney Inspections and Cleanings

Whether you use the chimney as a backup heat source or for ambiance, it needs to be safe. That means arranging for a professional to check the liner, the flue, the cap and other parts of the chimney proper. If there are any repairs needed, they can be addressed with relative ease. 

Even if the chimney is in fine working order, it likely needs to be cleaned. Once the soot and other residue is out of the chimney as well as the firebox, you can feel free to enjoy the warmth and look of a fire any time that you like. 

Duct and Vent Design Updates

Some duct and dryer vent designs were fine when they were first installed, but are no longer adequate. A duct system designed for an earlier HVAC unit may or may not be perfect. This is particularly true if someone added onto the home since the original installation. In this scenario, a design update by a professional is definitely in order. 

The same is true for the dryer vent. What worked years ago may no longer be sufficient. A professional can come up with a new design, make the necessary changes, and ensure the vent is once again fully functional. 

The time you spend visiting the website will be a good investment. You’ll learn more about what sort of support is needed to keep your home a little cleaner, more energy efficient, and safer. Consider the range of services offered and see if one of them could be of help today. If so, call and arrange for an inspection. You’ll be glad that you did.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/house-and-home/4-ways-that-a-visit-to-dapperductsny-com-could-pay-off-for-you/

Rustam Gilfanov: Can Startups Defeat Age?

Rustam Gilfanov, a co-founder of an international IT company and investor, looks into the future at the request of the editor’s office and talks about whether “the eternal youth” is real. 

“The cult of the eternal youth hasn’t stopped to excite the minds of mankind since its birth. Just recall Cleopatra with her milk baths or the heroes of Hollywood films like Death to Her Face.

And if the eternal life used to be something from the science fiction before, today it is for technological startups to decide in this direction”, Rustam Gilfanov says. 

According to experts, the global market of the anti-aging goods and services is about $ 200 billion. A modern human being has not changed – he still desires for youth, beauty, and health like his ancestors. But is it possible to avoid aging?

On the whole, there are two diverse positions. According to the first one, aging is a programmed process, it cannot be avoided, but only delayed for a short time.

According to the second one, aging is a disease that can be prevented. If we consider it literally, the process of rejuvenation is to clean the body from the old cells. But no one has ever seen people living forever. 

According to experts, genetics is the basis of longevity. That is why scientific developments are directed to this area on a priority basis. New startups that develop innovative methods to defeat aging regularly appear on the market.

Some of them really promise to help everyone to overcome the 120th anniversary.

For example, Stanford University is conducting clinical research to find out whether injections of children’s plasma can help patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Scientists also focus on stem cells, senolytic drugs, products that stimulate regeneration processes, and innovative organ regeneration technologies. 

“Global digitalization is changing the health standards. Aging has ceased to be something fatal, now it is really possible to turn the “time back” and prolong youth. Analyzing the experience of the international startups, I can say that the search and analysis of aging biomarkers as well as the direct search for medicines, is relevant now”, Gilfanov says. 

It’s a fact that startups intend to extend the life of mankind. Today, the longevity industry is not associated with alchemy, but with innovative biotechnology.

The dreams of a world where people live twice as long and rarely die from age-related diseases gradually become a reality. Of course, the investments in such projects are very risky, but they are also super important for the development of the science of longevity. 

Brief CV 

Rustam Gilfanov is a co-founder of an IT company, an IT businessman, and an international investor. 

Rustam Gilfanov was born on January 6, 1983, in a small village of Basim, Perm Region, to a military man and a teacher. 

In 2006, Rustam Gilfanov, together with partners, opened an international outsourcing IT company in Kiev. Today, this company is the largest developer of software for the gaming industry, marketing, and finance. 

A few years ago, Gilfanov withdrew from operating activities in IT companies to engage in international investments in progressive IT projects in the area of financial technology, gaming, and video streaming.

It’s also important for Rustam Gilfanov to develop charitable projects in Ukraine, the largest of which are LakiBuks and Biblioteks Maybutnogo. 

Rustam Gilfanov is married and has a daughter. 

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/startups/rustam-gilfanov-can-startups-defeat-age/

Investing In Security Is Important

There’s a very common saying which essentially tells you to not fix something which isn’t broken. This is a good mantra which business owners can follow. After all, it works to protect the business from unnecessary costs and downtime. Of course, a business needs to be protected from many different kinds of danger. But if there’s one thing which poses a huge issue then it’s IT security. It’s very difficult to keep up with the IT threats since those changes very fast. Every day you will find that thousands of different kinds of malware are being released. So falling a little behind isn’t even an option if you want your business to survive. 

The only way to survive is to keep moving. This means you should know about the newest IT advice, updates, technology and more. All this constitutes the basic Jon of an IT professional. After all, hackers are never going to give up trying to look for new pathways into your official system. So you need to be one step ahead. 

Hackers- Why new systems for advanced businesses are needed?

Know that using an obsolete software package or operating system is a very common cause of security alarm. But many businesses don’t update and upgrade their IT system over fears and superstitions of changing into new systems. As such many still rely a lot on old and outdated software. You will find many enterprises still running on something like Windows XP, which was released way back in the year 2001.

The problem with old systems is that they don’t get security patches and updates which provide security from new kinds of malware attacks. As such they systems are ripe and vulnerable grounds for hackers. Hackers tend to look for businesses that still run and use IT equipment that is beyond its advised service life. Such a peripheral, desktop computer or server provides a great opportunity to threaten and enter a business. 

How do hackers attack?

Hackers get their attacks right on what is known as the dark web. They know the old systems aren’t capable of getting patches. So the attacks are mounted on unguarded and vulnerable firms to compromise or steal company data. An unpatched old system was like a propped open treasure chest, just ripe for stealing. 

IT needs budgeting

Budgeting is a very difficult task. After all the aim is to ensure maximum utilization of resources while also reducing spending. In such a situation, IT security tends to rank at the bottom part of the list of budgetary priorities. This is because IT can seem to be a good way to reduce costs, because: 

• In it, the customer isn’t directly benefiting from the department. As such it’s considered to be a waste to invest in it, especially by sales-oriented companies. 
• If the IT department is working fine then it means that it’s invisible. A successful and powerful IT is a major driving force behind a successful firm so if it fails then everything does as well. 

To make your IT department grow you will have to do careful planning and carry out some smart financing deals. Also, you will have to hire competent staff. Great technicians and IT personnel make for excellent IT. Along with this, there needs to be steady updates that keep up with whatever is the latest security measure being released. 

What happens if IT fails?

Businesses that aren’t in the IT world, like retail stores and restaurants make use of ordering systems, payment machines, computers and such to operate. Any downtime can spell disaster as a company can fail to trade and as a result, costs can keep on mounting up. This problem can worsen if important IT components are made use of by the people. An example of this can be an automatic booking system or a sales website. In such cases, the problem will multiply a lot.  You need to build your IT constantly as that will keep your business thriving the most. Know that the faster and sooner you solver your IT issues, the easier and cheaper they are. It’s also more effective. One way of doing this is to plan out system upgrades in advance. Get IT professionals or IT consultants together and chalk out a plan for implementing an upgrade. Also, make provisions for checking on your IT systems promptly. Reducing bureaucracy and allowing your IT employees to tell you about problems will also go a long way. There are a lot of ways of carrying out IT implantations and upgrades. But if you are unsure of what to do, don’t know how to upgrade the system or are unsure if you even need such an upgrade then contact a firm providing managed IT services in Toronto to stay ahead of the curve. 

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/technology/investing-in-security-is-important/

What exactly is done in duct and vent cleaning?

Are you noticing that your house is getting dustier than it ever used to be? Are you finding that the utility bills of yours are climbing high and that too every month? If you too are facing these problems then you should know about the real culprit. The real culprit here is the HVAC system components as well as dirty ductwork. If you are n living in an old house or has your house experienced a significant amount of water damage? In both of these cases, you quickly need to hire a reputable, duct cleaning company. It will help in cleaning the ductwork of the house. If you want to look for the best duct pipe cleaners then you can easily search for it online. For example, if you want to search for the best duct cleaner in Hamilton, then you can easily search for it on the internet by typingthe best air duct cleaning services in Hamilton. 

The major question that arises here is, how is the cleaning of the air duct done? The appropriate method for doing so is by using a negative pressure technology. Negative pressure duct cleaning technology is a very methodical, straight process which gives very clear and observable results, but there is a wide range of fly by night companies that have hampered the reputation of the industry pretty well.

Many times, it has happened with many people that the ducts of their house have been cleaned in and out and that too in a time interval of an hour and this might leave the duct with more amount of dust as well as dirt than has been cleaned. This might have left you leaving that, what has been done.

To make sure that this kind of negative experience doesn’t happen with people, there are legitimate contractors for duct cleaning and they are very eager to teach the homeowners about the standardized methods of duct cleaning.

In these procedures, it has been mentioned that how ducts could be properly cleaned along with the evaporator coils, air handlers, filters plenums along with every other component of the forced air HVAC system. The results that you’ll be getting, will be pretty much obvious.

When accredited contractors use these methods are popularly known as source removal techniques by NADCA. The process that is involved in this also includes cleaning the duct with the help of hands as well as compressed air tools and there is a vacuum collection device that extracts the dust as well as the debris that has been dislodged.

Here, we will tell you about how the industry of duct cleaning works.

1. Inspection of the ducts

This process includes a simple visual inspection of the ducts leading to the return as well as supply registers, and this is important for two major reasons. The first is that it’s a step that can be taken by a person to assess the level of buildup that has been in the ducts beforehand. This helps in confirming the difference once the cleaning process has been completed.

The second is that professional cleaning of the duct is an opportunity for the technician to let him check-up for whether the ductwork is working clearly or not. They check for leaks in most pipes as well as kinks in the cases where there are flexible ducts.

2. Negative pressure needs to be created

The duct cleaning contractors, mostly use large as well as portable vacuum cleaning devices which come mounted on a truck. They suck the dirt as well as the debris out of the ductwork. There are a few preliminary steps that are mostly taken by the technicians before the suction is turned on and the ducts are scrubbed. The first thing that they need to do is, they should hook the hose of the vacuum collection device with the duct that is closer to the air handler which is just known as the heart of the HVAC system. The next thing that is needed to be done by the technician is sealing off reach register with an adhesive corner.

3. Agitating the dust

Once, the system goes under negative pressure, each of the registers will be uncovered by the technician and then each of the ducts would be cleaned one after another. One of the major differences that you’ll observe between a NADCA certified duct cleaning contractor and a fly by night is that the time taken by the former will be way more. 

4. Cleaning the rest of the system 

It is recommended by NADCA that the other parts of the HVAC system also need to be cleaned. This includes the evaporator coil, air handlers blower motor, drain pan, etc.  This is all the information that you needed to know regarding duct and vent cleaning. You should keep these things in mind the next time you go for a duct or vent cleaning. This will save you hard-earned money.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/health-and-wellness/what-exactly-is-done-in-duct-and-vent-cleaning/

Why Branding Is A Key Metric In The Cannabis Sector

Thanks to the explosive growth that it’s been undergoing these past few years, more people than ever before are paying attention to the cannabis sector. What too many potential investors and budding entrepreneurs fail to understand, though, is that cannabis is a product like any other, and you need more than production and distribution mechanisms to earn a profit in this industry. It’s becoming increasingly clear that branding and other advertising tactics are an essential element of what generates success in the cannabis sector.

Here’s why branding and savvy marketing campaigns will reman a pivotal element of the cannabis industry going forward, and how the sector can benefit from a renewed focus on identity-based brands.

It’s simple business

One of the most elementary lessons of the business world is that you need to differentiate yourself from other offerings if you find yourself in the midst of a burgeoning and highly-competitive marketplace. It should be of little surprise, then, that cannabis companies need excellent branding in order to convince consumers to purchase their products. After all, there are so many cannabis providers springing up left and right that it can be hard to keep track of them all. The number of celebrities alone who have forayed into the cannabis sector and launched their own identity-based enterprises is almost incalculable.

Whether you’re a small down dispensary or a major supplier for an entire region, you’ll need to convince suppliers and consumers alike that what you’re offering isn’t just another leaf. Companies will constantly be vying to produce the strongest and most popular marijuana products, but the history of the cannabis black market also elucidates that claiming one’s product are the best in the world isn’t new or failproof when it comes to winning over unconvinced shoppers. In order to really move high volumes of product, companies will need easily-identifiable brands that resonant with key consumer groups.

Many of the cannabis enterprises whch have taken off almost immediately have done so because they’re leveraging a pre-existing brand identity that’s already popular with CBD users, new cannabis enthusiasts, and long-time stoners who loudly and proudly declare their love for Mary Jane. Popular celebrities like Snoop Dogg and the Trailer Park Boys have taken pre-existing media empires, for example, and cultivated them into cannabis powerhouses capable of shipping not only leafy greens but also bongs, trays, rolling papers, tinctures, and other assorted paraphernalia.

When shoppers walk into a dispensary, or even a simple head shop, just like places offering creative cabinets and faux finishes, they’re drawn to recognizable faces, icons, colors, and names just in the same way that children in the cereal aisle of the super market rush to find their favorite morning confection. Popular celebrities would be fools not to leverage their pre-existing brand identities, and forthcoming cannabis companies would similarly be foolish not to attempt to strike deals with these well-known individuals and other influencers as soon as possible.

Why recognition matters

Recognition matters for one simple reason; there are literally too many cannabis companies and products to count. Whether you’re interested in classic, leafy marijuana or a powerful tincture or an edible brownie, you can find a myriad of options to meet your needs almost immediately. It’s thus of little surprise that buying guides for CBD products and other cannabis delights are becoming increasingly popular these days; consumers need tips when it comes to choosing a cannabis provider, so bountiful are their options.

Having an easily-identifiable brand which can be quickly recognized is no easy feat. That’s why cannabis companies are bending over backwards to provide the public with iconic swag and merchandise that will ensure prospective customers remember the brand name of the company dishing out such goodies. Merch and events have become an important backbone in the budding cannabis industry, and as it goes more mainstream, we can expect to see even more of this. Many people who wouldn’t be comfortable wearing cannabis-affiliated clothing, for instance, may soon come to see it as just as acceptable as baseball hats with beer logos or other alcohol-based merchandise which is already popular.

Handing out free stuff in such a boisterous industry may get old after a while, however, which is why quality control will be essential. Many people who are looking to spend their money on cannabis products aren’t stoners seeking to get high or have a great time, but are rather patients in desperate need of good medical treatments, for instance. These individuals will be less concerned with free merchandise and more concerned with the quality and consistency of the medication they receive, which is why some brands will focus on becoming known-providers of top-notch medical quality cannabis.

Expect old names to resurface

The cannabis industry may be flush with new market entrants, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t discount the idea of pre-existing brands foraying into this alluring sector. Brand name companies are already involving themselves with marijuana, especially if it somehow relates to what they’ve been doing for years. Companies like Scotts Miracle-Gro can obviously cash in on the cannabis craze by hawking products to cannabis growers that will permit them to maximize their yields, for example. Others which are currently hesitant to foray into the cannabis sector will doubtlessly do so when it becomes more popular and the idea of generating controversy becomes laughable thanks to marijuana’s ever-growing mainstream nature.

We can thus expect to see a strange confluence of already-giant brand names and nascent brands trying to establish their foothold in the cannabis industry in the forthcoming years. Some will vie bitterly against one another, yet other companies and notable brands may find it more profitable to work together to sell as many products and services as possible. Celebrities who become brand sponsors or who create their own companies may find it particularly lucrative to pair up with their famous peers in an effort to spread the word to as many fans as possible. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that cannabis will sell itself. Other products like alcohol and tobacco demonstrate that brand loyalty and recognizability are of the upmost importance. As the cannabis sector matures, expect to see more brands come into their own.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/health-and-wellness/why-branding-is-a-key-metric-in-the-cannabis-sector/

Borrowing with Bad Credit? Here’s What to Do

An unexpected emergency is the worst kind of financial guest. It arrives unannounced at inappropriate times, like when you’re low on savings and sporting a not-so-hot credit score.

A low score and zero savings aren’t a great combo. One makes it necessary to borrow money, while the other one makes it harder to borrow money. 

So what can you do? Let’s take a look at what a bad score is before exploring your borrowing options. 

What is a Bad Score? 

On a scale of 300–850, a bad score is anything between 300 and 669. 

It’s Not Permanent!

Unlike your Social Security Number — a nine-digit number that’s meant to stick with you for your entire life — your score is constantly changing. 

It adapts to your borrowing habits as you make them. This means the three-digit score you see at the beginning of the month may not be the number you have by the end of it. 

Ultimately, this is a good thing. Once you understand what impacts your score and credit history, you may change your behavior in ways that make a positive change to your finances.

It may be as simple as changing the way you use your line of credit or credit card. But don’t worry if you don’t have either of these products. It may be possible to improve your credit history without a card as long as you work hard.

Building Positive Payment History Takes Time

The only thing is, building positive credit history may take time. In an emergency, you may not have enough of it to make a meaningful difference to the types of products you qualify for. 

Luckily, you have options if you can’t improve your bad score. 

Try a Personal Line of Credit for People with Bad Credit

Some financial institutions want their borrowers to have a minimum score. Others don’t put as big of a priority on your credit. 

If you find a financial institution that offers a line of credit for people with bad credit (LoC), they likely have other requirements so check to see what you need to qualify.

Consider Using a Secured LoC

Anytime a financial product is secured, it means you have backed your loan agreement with a valuable asset. In the financial world, this is called collateral.

Collateral enters into the bargain as a fail-safe. If you can’t pay your bills on time, your financial institution may collect your collateral as payment — whether it’s a home, vehicle, or some other valuable item. 

Collateral reduces some of the risks a financial institution takes if they grant you funds, so you may receive a greater borrowing amount at lower rates. 

Cosign with a Friend

A cosigner is someone who applies with you when you need to borrow money. This means two things:

1. They agree to have their finances checked to see if they qualify
2. They agree to pay your bills if you fail to do so

The second part of this arrangement is a guarantee that, even if you can’t make your payments, your cosigner will pay your bills. 

As a result, a cosigner may improve your chances of being approved.

Bottom Line

Bad credit makes borrowing money hard but not impossible. If an unexpected emergency arrives when your score is 669 or below, you still have some options. Review the ones you learned about here today to see which one works best for you.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/business/borrowing-with-bad-credit-heres-what-to-do/

How to be Eco-friendly at Work

Going green isn’t something that should be limited to your personal time. You can apply sustainability practices to every aspect of your life and everywhere you go, including the workplace. 

No matter what kind of job you have, there’s always something that can be improved on to make your office a little more eco-friendly. With climate change and global warming creating such a stir, we should all provide a helping hand by making some simple and small changes in our daily lifestyles to be more environmentally conscious both at home and at the office. 

Let’s take a look at these easy and practical ways to make your workplace green. 

Initiate an Office Coffee Recycling Program 

Anyone who works in an office knows that the one thing that nearly everybody can agree upon is an appreciation for coffee. It gets people motivated, socializing, and energized — coffee is something that’s consumed a lot. However, what a lot of people don’t realize is that coffee produces an enormous amount of waste in landfill sites. In fact, 55 million single-serve coffee pods alone are sent to landfill sites every day. 

Your office needs a recycling and composting system. Work with a coffee delivery service such as GoJava — they provide coffee and snacks to offices, as well as a customized recycling program. They’ll pick up your used single-serve coffee pods and whole bean filters and then recycle and compost the leftover plastic and coffee grounds. 

Be Aware of Your Printing Practices 

Use the double-sided printing option that comes with many of today’s printers to avoid wasting paper. If there is a fax machine in your office, learn how to do so electronically. 

Invest in an Adobe Cloud subscription so that the office can practice editing techniques for internal and external documents electronically using Acrobat Reader and other Adobe programs, instead of printing thousands of pages each year. 

Change Your Commute 

Public transportation isn’t everyone’s favourite way to get to work, but it’s not as bad as you may think. It cuts back on gas and in the long term, it saves you money. 

If you don’t live too far away from your job, consider walking to work when the weather is nice. Walking to work isn’t just beneficial to the environment — you’ll also get a fantastic daily workout! 

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle to Work

Buy yourself a reusable water bottle to avoid using plastic bottles. All of that plastic waste is incredibly bad for the environment — plastic takes up to 1000 years to decompose! That means it just sits there, emanating toxic fumes into the atmosphere. 

You’ll also save money by bringing your own reusable water bottle to work, as you won’t need to spend a few bucks every day on a plastic one.

Going green at the office is just as important as it is at home. Speak with your office manager about how your office can implement sustainable changes in its practices.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/at-work/how-to-be-eco-friendly-at-work/

What is a Pay Stub? A Simple Guide on the Important Things to Know

Wondering what is a pay stub and how it relates to your business?

Most businesses are required by law to issue pay stubs to their employees.

It’s an essential part of payroll and essential to regulatory compliance for many businesses across the US.

If you are unsure about pay stubs, check out our simple guide on the important things to understand.

What Is a Pay Stub? 

Pay stubs, also known as payslips, or paycheck stubs, are an essential part of payroll. When your employees receive their paychecks, they have to know the details of their pay for each pay period.

Pay stubs serve to inform employees about the specifics of their pay. Several states have specific laws about pay stubs or any other form of a written statement that explains how much each employee is getting.

Even if you are not legally required to provide a pay stub, you still need to keep track of how many hours your employees work during each pay period according to the Fair Labor Standards Act.

If you are paying your employee with paper checks, your payroll manager will attach the pay stub to each individual paycheck.

If you are paying your employees by direct bank deposit, you may have to provide digital, printable pay stubs. You can look at this check stub maker for an easy and affordable online pay stub service.

Pay Stub Anatomy: What’s On a Pay Stub?

The size and detail of your pay stub both depend on the nature of your businesses. A pay stub may include some or all of the following:

• Gross pay
• Net pay
• Back pay
• State, Federal, and local taxes withheld
• Benefit deductions
• Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) deductions
• Retirement and pension plan deductions
• Wage garnishments
• Employer contributions

You will only have to include wage garnishments if your employee has an outstanding debt. Similarly, you don’t have to list retirement and pension plan deductions if you are not offering retirement plans such as 401k.

The Pay Stub and Your Business

The most important aspect of pay stubs is all the tax deductions and contributions that come out of the gross pay. Employees are often confused about the difference between their gross and net pay. This is always due to deductions.

Thanks to pay stubs, your employees can quickly see how much of their gross pay goes to taxes or other deductions without having to ring up your accounting department.

Deductions fall into two broad categories: current deductions and year-to-date deductions. Current deductions apply on an individual pay period basis. Year-to-date deductions cover the entire fiscal year.

Finally, the pay stub may include employer contributions. These are contributions that you pay on behalf of your employees and they are not deducted from their gross pay. Such contributions include SUTA tax or your own FICA tax obligations.

Your Pay Stubs Are Important

If you liked our article and how we answered the question “what is a pay stub”, there is more inside. As experts in the field, we cover a broad range of topics across entrepreneurship, startups, business, and marketing.

Our objective approach towards business topics and our focus on dependable yet independent news means you can expand your business knowledge here. So, come on in and get started today!

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/uncategorized/what-is-a-pay-stub-a-simple-guide-on-the-important-things-to-know/

How to Process Payroll and Keep It Simple for Business in 2020

Do you want to find a way to simplify your payroll? Millions of business owners opt to do payroll themselves. That means they’re spending hours on payroll processing rather than doing revenue-generating activities.

Those opportunity costs could be huge for those businesses. If you’re one of those business owners, you need to learn how to process payroll in a way that’s fast and efficient.

Here are the top tips that let you process payroll.

Get Prepared

One of the reasons why it takes so long to process payroll is because you’re not prepared or organized. It helps to know that you can take steps to improve your efficiency.

Start by gathering all of the relevant documents. That includes your employees’ W-4 forms and work hours.

You also want to have a set time and day when you do payroll. It makes the most sense to handle payroll every other week or on the first and third Thursdays of the month.

Your employees will be able to depend on a regular income, and you don’t have to take too much time to do payroll on a weekly basis.

You’ll need to tell your employees how to report their hours and when they need to be turned into you. The next step is to work with your bank to make sure the funds are deposited into their account the next day.

Understand Payroll Laws

Payroll laws are complicated because there are so many agencies involved. The IRS is there to make sure you pay payroll taxes and withhold the right amount of taxes.

The Department of Labor ensures you are paying your employees the right amount and follow all labor laws. There are also authorities in your state that have similar functions but operate under state law, not federal law.

As a small business owner, the landscape can be very confusing.

The only way to protect yourself and your business from these agencies is to know the law, follow the law, and keep great records to prove you follow the law.

You’ll want to use a pay stub maker that will do the tax calculations for you and gives you and your employees’ records of their pay. It also saves time and energy because you don’t have to do the tax calculations for each employee.

Withhold the Right Amount

The one common mistake that both business owners and employees make is that they don’t have enough tax withheld from their income.

You want to work with your employees to make sure they opt to have the right amount withheld. It could turn into a huge tax bill for them if they don’t take the right steps now.

Encourage them to use the IRS tax withholding calculator and then adjust their withholding.

How to Process Payroll

Payroll is a necessary part of business, but it’s also a big headache. It’s complicated and it takes up a lot of time.

If you want to know how to process payroll efficiently, you need to have a system that works. You also need to know the laws and keep great records.

Be sure to come back to this site often for more great tips.

from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/uncategorized/how-to-process-payroll-and-keep-it-simple-for-business-in-2020/