How the Cloud can Revolutionize Your Business

Is your business on the cloud? If you’re like many business owners, you’re sick of thinking about the cloud. After all, your business has done just fine with its own servers, communication, and other data systems so far.

Why should you get on the cloud? Here are a few reasons to stop dragging your feet and think seriously about putting your business on the cloud.

Easier and More Affordable Communication

A hosted VoIP system from votacall.com enables you to establish and maintain a sophisticated communication network to stay connected with your employees, clients, and contractors wherever they might be.

This cloud phone system will eliminate your concerns about technical issues end stop you from having to deal with long-distance rates. Putting your communication system on the cloud will make it so much easier for your business to stay in touch with everyone you need to talk to.

Keep Data Secure

Do you assume the cloud is a less secure way to store data? Increasingly, this assumption is the opposite of the truth. In fact, cloud storage that is managed by a competent company is actually much better at spotting and eliminating hacking attempts.

Furthermore, cloud storage is not vulnerable to attacks from internal characters like disgruntled employees as an in-house system is. If a natural disaster affects the physical location of your business, you can be confident that data is safe and secure on the cloud.

Make Information More Accessible

In today’s business world, it is much less common for everybody in your company to be located at one office location. You probably have employees nationwide or even worldwide. Some of your employees likely work in the office building while others work from home. Most of your employees probably spend some time working at home and some time at the office.

If you don’t allow employees to work from home, you may be missing out on talent that you could have attracted by offering this option. Putting information on the cloud allows everybody at your company to access and work on it as they need to so, wherever they might be.

Make Your Business Better on the Cloud

If you’re not in the cloud yet, you’re probably holding out, either because you’re suspicious of cloud systems or because you’re procrastinating about making such a huge change in your business.

However, the truth is that the cloud is the future. Putting your business on the cloud can improve communications within your company and with outside clients and contractors, keep your data more secure, and make information accessible to all of your employees whenever they need it.

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3 Ways to Ask For Time Off

Unless you have chosen to start your own business, no matter where you work, requesting time off can be scary. Whether you need time off to recover from bone spur surgery or just want to take a vacation, it is inevitable that you will need to take time away from the office at some point during your employment. No matter what your reasoning for requesting time off may be, speaking to your boss about this issue can be a daunting task. If you need to request time off work in the future, here are a few tips for doing it the right way.

Review Your PTO Policy

Before asking your boss for time off work, make sure you have a thorough understanding of your company’s paid time off policy in order to determine if your request is reasonable. How many days off are you allowed per year? How many have you used already? If your PTO is limited and you’ve already used a lot of it or have called in sick a few times this year, it might not be reasonable for you to request two weeks off work for a vacation next month.

Determine How to Have the Conversation

Many workplace experts advise against asking for time off over email or text, as having the conversation in person appears more professional and shows respect. While this is true in some capacity, it is also important for you to consider your boss’s busy schedule and evaluate how they prefer to communicate with employees in order to best respect their time. If your boss rarely meets with employees one on one and prefers to communicate most issues via email in order to conserve time, asking for time off in this way could be your best option.

Give Relevant Details

When asking for time off, it is important for you to be honest with your employee about the reasons you are taking time off in order to avoid complications in the future (it would be unfortunate to say you need time off to visit family in your hometown, only for your employer to see social media pictures of you on a tropical vacation). While giving details is important, remember that you only need to share relevant details with your boss, or details that are needed to help him or her make a decision regarding the time off you receive.

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4 Ways to Curb Boredom At Work

No matter where you work, you likely have some work days that just seem to drag on with no end in sight. When this happens, it can be easy to get distracted, but the truth is that falling behind in the workplace is likely to make things worse. Whether you work as a teacher or for a medical clinic like ThriveMD, fighting boredom at work can be tough.  Here are 4 easy ways to make your workday go by faster while remaining productive.

Get Moving

Break up the monotony of your work day by taking a break from your desk and allowing yourself to get moving. Studies have shown that staying active throughout the workday can increase energy levels and can work as a natural mood booster, making you feel happier and ready to resume the rest of your workday free from distractions. Take a short walk once or twice throughout your workday (try one before and after lunch), and stand up at your desk to stretch as often as possible.

Pack Snacks

Snacking throughout the workday can not only curb hunger and boost energy levels (depending on the snack), but keeping a treat on hand can bring a little extra enjoyment to your workday. Leaving a snack or two at your desk will ensure you always have something to look forward to throughout your workday!

Play Your Favorite Music

Putting in headphones and listening to your favorite music during the workday can keep you entertained while helping cut out distractions, making it easier than ever for you to focus on your work. Studies have also shown that listening to music during a long workday can help you re-focus, making it the perfect practice for a seemingly never-ending workday when you find yourself unable to keep working. Try making a playlist ahead of time that will last the entire workday, so you don’t find yourself getting distracted while attempting to change or select a song.

Switch Up Your Routine

If you are in the habit of following the same routine throughout each day at work, switching things up can help make your workdays seem better and go by faster. Feelings of boredom can come when you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, doing different tasks each day or at different times throughout the week is a simple yet highly effective way to keep your workdays feeling new and exciting.

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3 Simple Ways to Boost Your Credit Score

If you are trying to rent a house, buy a car, or make another major financial decision and are worried about your credit score, you’re not alone. Most adults in America cite a low credit score as their number one financial concern. While credit scores can be a confusing concept and it might seem impossible for you to boost a bad score, it is possible. Your unique credit situation determines your score, so there is no universal formula for raising a low score, but these 3 simple tips can help.

Make Payments on Time

One of the easiest yet most important ways to boost your credit score is by ensuring that your outstanding payments are always made on time. A helpful tip that many adults utilize to help them stay on top of bills and important payments iis setting bills to autopay each month, so that there is no room for forgetfulness. If you find that you are unable to pay a particular bill or expense on time, be sure to reach out to your credit card company right away to discuss your options. Missing payments with no explanation can cause irreparable damage to your credit score.

Limit New Applications

Every time you apply to a new credit card or program, your credit score is impacted. While this might not sound like a big deal to some, it can have a major impact on your credit score, particularly if your score is already low. Additionally, credit inquiries can build up and have a negative impact on your score over time. Opening a new account or line of credit will also decrease the average age of your accounts, which could further damage your score.

Don’t Take Out New Loans

Although it can be frustrating to wait to take out new loans for major purchases until your credit score improves, doing so is important in order to build your credit score up as you pay off existing debt. Although it might sound like a good idea to take out a small loan to help pay for a big purchase like a new car or a home renovation project with the help of keyinteriors.us, new projects will be easier to take on financially if you can complete them once your credit score is higher.

Boosting your credit score can be difficult, but it is not impossible. Use these 3 simple steps to begin understanding your credit score and how it can be improved.

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How to Go Online with Your Brick-and-Mortar Store

E-commerce is booming, so many brick-and-mortar businesses show a keen interest in expanding their operations online. Going online allows businesses  to vastly increase the number of customers and sales because the internet is a big market. Moreover, quick delivery services make it easy for physical products to move from warehouses to the customer’s doorstep, regardless of location.

Placing an order online is quick and easy. As a result, businesses that offer customers the option to purchase products from the convenience of their homes experience fast and steady growth.

If you have a physical store and want to start selling online, read on to discover a few essential tips.

Build an Online Identity

The first tip is to build an online identity for your store to improve your visibility. Give your website a major overhaul to prepare it for online shoppers. In addition, consider creating social media pages. Publishing content consistently about your products can bring more eyes to your business.

At this stage, the most important thing is to create a rich, immersive experience for visitors. Adding high-quality photos and detailed descriptions of your products can help ensure your site will make a great impression. The more information you add, the more trust your brand will inspire.

Invest in Dedicated Automation Tools

The popularity of e-commerce has led to a boost in services and products designed to help businesses thrive in the digital landscape. Some sectors and niches are more innovative than others. Yet, it’s safe to say that you can find many automation tools that can drastically reduce the costs of your effort. Dedicated automation tools can help you streamline operations and provide an exceptional customer experience. Thus, they make the online shopping process easier for both sellers and buyers.

For excellent results, look at automation tools specifically designed for your niche. Selling custom cabinets online is straightforward with cabinet software  built for businesses like yours.

Create an Online Marketing Strategy

There’s a lot of potential on the internet, but the competition for attention is fierce. It’s not enough to be present online. You must also ensure that your target audience is aware of your presence. Digital marketing is a fundamental tool for finding success online, especially if you want to expand your operations beyond the local market.

The main idea of digital marketing is to give customers the chance to discover your products in an overcrowded digital world. A great online marketing strategy will bring visitors to your website and followers on social media. It will increase your reach and help build credibility. The result is a bigger customer base.

Physical stores can significantly increase their sales by going online. However, despite the overwhelming boom in e-commerce, selling products online is not easy due to the low barrier to entry and increased competition. Businesses that want to go online must invest in the right resources to boost their chances of success. The impact on revenue can be substantial as long as everything is set up well from the start.

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4 Ways to Improve Your Relationship with Your Boss

Unless you’re ready to start you own business, then this article applies to you!  In today’s workforce, it is more important than ever to have a healthy relationship with your boss. Since your boss has the potential to shape your entire career and to determine the level of happiness and comfort you experience in the workplace, it is important to maintain positive communication with them.

Here are a few simple ways to improve your relationship with your boss.

Ask for Feedback

A great way to let your employer know that you are engaged with and passionate about the work you are doing and committed to learning and making corrections where necessary is by asking for feedback about your work. Many people shy away from asking for feedback from their boss due to the unknown circumstances surrounding such a conversation, but it is important to remember that even negative feedback can be turned into a positive as it can tell you exactly what areas you need to improve – plus, asking your boss for feedback directly shows that you care and you are less likely to receive negative feedback in this situation than if your boss had to come to you with feedback first.

Communicate Effectively

The key to maintaining positive communication with your boss is by determining how they best communicate in certain situations. If your boss is the easiest to reach via email or text, this can be a good way to relay information or to ask for in person meetings if needed. If your boss is always in the office and accessible to employees, dropping by their office might be a better option than clocking up his or her inbox or messages. Determining the best way to communicate can help you get off on the right foot when you need to have a chat with your boss.

Let Your Boss Know What You Need

If there are any aspects of the workplace or your personal work load that can be improved, be sure to let your boss know. Whether you need a new desk setup or could benefit from some additional training from HSI, be sure to let your boss know what you need before your work is hindered.

Offer to Help

Make it a habit to frequently ask your boss what you can do to help them or other coworkers, especially if your workload is lighter than others or if you find yourself finished with a particular project or with an excess of spare time.

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Is Minneapolis a Good Place to Start a Business?

If you’re an entrepreneur who has just moved to Minneapolis, you might be wondering whether it’s a good place to start a business.

It’s always an idea to gauge the current job market and discover where there are potential gaps that you could fill with a future business. By looking at the job market in Minneapolis before your move, you can figure out which business might be the best option.

There’s a thriving market for almost any industry, from fashion to fitness. The residents are keen on supporting local businesses so you can rest assured that you will be backed from day one.

There are over 30 million small businesses currently operating in the city of Minneapolis and more entrepreneurs are creating new start-ups every year. So, why not join these inspiring entrepreneurs?

The question on your mind is probably, is Minneapolis actually a good place to start a business?

Should You Start a Business in Minneapolis?

The Northern city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is ranked highly on the list of the best cities to start a business in the United States. It is well-known for its thriving corporate climate. It’s also home to the largest shopping mall in the country.

Minneapolis is also a great city for small businesses, making it perfect for entrepreneurs like you! No matter what industry you plan on entering, the opportunities are ample.

Minneapolis has a fine balance of both urban and countryside scenery. It is full of local, family-owned restaurants, cafes, and breweries, but is also home to a number of outdoor businesses. For example, if you’re planning on setting up a hiking business or a retail store that sells outdoor equipment, there’s definitely a market for you.

Where Does Minneapolis Rank Compared to Other States?

Minneapolis ranks number 21 on the list of the best cities for start-up businesses. Although it doesn’t rank as the number 1 city on the list, it’s well within the top 50.

The unemployment rate in the city is low at just 1.5%, and the cost of living is affordable. This enables you to save money while building your business empire.

It’s Time to Create Your New Business!

If you’re not yet convinced to set up your new business in Minneapolis, then we don’t know what else you need to hear! Minneapolis ranks in the top 50 cities for start-ups in the whole country and you are almost guaranteed success if you decide to enter into business in the area.

Be sure to learn about the Minneapolis employment law if you make the decision to start a business in the city. Even if you are already operating in other states or cities in the country, the rules and legislation around employment and labor will be different.

There’s plenty of information online but if you would like professional advice about employment laws, get in touch with an employment attorney. They are experts in this area of the law and will ensure you aren’t breaking any employment laws in your new business.

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The 3 Tips To Deal With A Toxic Workplace

There are some companies out there that have an environment that could be considered toxic. Although work should be a peaceful place where employees are encouraged to do their best, some managers are more inclined toward a system that rules through fear. This makes work difficult and downright unhealthy. In many instances, you will end up needing representation from attorneys such as the HKM employment lawyers in Atlanta to remedy the situation.

It is possible to be able to manage the situation and even turn it around. There is no way to be able to function in a toxic environment such as this so it is worth trying to fix the situation before you end up getting a lawyer and going to work somewhere else. If you’re determined to fix it then you’ll need a few tips. In this article, we will go over several ways to deal with toxic work culture.

1 – Don’t wait to address things

The best medicine is prevention so if you see signs that your workplace is getting hostile and there is far too much drama then you need to address the things that are happening as soon as possible. Waiting may end up allowing things to fester and get worse. Trying to fight it later after toxicity takes hold is going to prove very difficult.

Make sure to take things to your higher-ups and have everything well documented. You will need to be very specific about what is happening so they can see exactly what the situation is that is happening there.

It will also help to bring some of your coworkers with you to address the concerns so they don’t brush you off as simply a disgruntled employee. There is force in numbers and it will be difficult to ignore.

2 – Take a break

Once things start heating up at work it is very easy to fall into the trap of getting too caught up in the negativity that is happening there. You will end up gossiping and complaining with coworkers far too often. After work drinks turn into a rant session that feeds the cycle of negativity.

This doesn’t mean that you don’t have legitimate complaints, but there is little to be done by focusing on the negative. This means that you will need to take a step back and take a vacation or use up some sick days to deal with your mental health.

Find a way to unwind and recharge the batteries so that you are equipped to handle making the changes required to turn things around.

3 – Find a support group

Having a group that will be available to help get through this is important. If the group consists of coworkers, make a rule to not deal with drama and instead focus on what can be done to turn the ship around and make your work more positive.

If you focus on finding solutions instead of complaining then this will give you the strength to take on the challenge of creating a peaceful workplace.

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How to Budget for a New Car

After a house and maybe a family vacation, purchasing a car is one of the most expensive purchases that many of us will ever make. Even a second-hand car can set you back several thousands of dollars.

When you decide to upgrade your car, you have two finance options. You can either purchase it outright and pay the total price of the vehicle on the day of purchase or you can choose a monthly repayment plan.

Regardless of which finance option you choose, you will still need to budget effectively. As long as you have chosen a car that is within your financial reach, creating a budget will ensure you are never short on money in the future.

Here are some top tips to help you budget for a new car.

Use An Online Car Payment Calculator

Using an online calculator to estimate the total costs and monthly repayments of your new car makes it easier to create a budget. You can break down your expenses to see how much you’re going to spend each month on your vehicle.

Vehicle prices, insurance premiums, and road tax costs vary depending on where you live so you will need to find a car payment calculator that is relevant to your area of residency. For example, if you live in Salt Lake City, use a Car Payment Calculator in Utah so you can get accurate financial estimates.

Check Insurance Prices

Insurance policies are one of the most expensive ongoing costs of being a driver. Take a look at the average price of insurance for the model of vehicle that you are purchasing.

Compare the prices of multiple different providers to get an average. Depending on the level of experience that you have as a driver, your age, and whether or not you have had a previous claim, the insurance might vary. However, comparing different insurance policy prices will enable you to budget more effectively for your new vehicle.

Consider Fuel Economy

Different vehicles have different fuel economies, meaning they use varying amounts of fuel to run. When buying a new car, consider the fuel economy so that you can estimate how much you’re going to spend on filling up the tank each month.

Whether the vehicle has a petrol or diesel engine will impact its fuel consumption, as well as the size of the engine and your driving technique.

Servicing

Most of us expect a new car to be fully functioning and fault-free. No matter how much you properly care for your car, it will still need to be serviced on a yearly basis to check for damage or hidden safety hazards.

The price of a car service varies depending on the model of the car, the garage that you go to, and whether or not anything needs fixing in the vehicle. This is something that you will need to include in your budget alongside the price of the car and your annual insurance premium.

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The 3 Best Things To Do To Reduce Your Tax Bill

It is no fun getting a tax bill when you do your return. Very often it is unplanned and you never really know how much you will owe. This makes it very hard to budget and can throw many plans off when you get an unexpected bill. Since many people are having a hard time making ends meet these days and are opting for tax relief services, it is important to save as much as possible.

The best thing to do is to try to reduce what you owe for taxes every year to get that bill down. In some cases, you may even be increasing what you get for a refund. There are a lot of ways that you can find to save a little bit here and there. These things add up and the savings can be considerable. In this article, we will go over what you can do to reduce your tax bill going forward.

Max out your retirement account

Taking a big chunk of your income away and not having to pay taxes on it will save you money in the short term. In the long term, it will put even more money in your pocket than just the initial savings. This means that putting as much as possible into your retirement accounts is going to save you quite a bit on your taxes.

If you have a retirement account like an IRA then you are allowed to put in as much as $20,000 per year tax-free. This means that you will not be taxed on that portion of your income.

At the same time, it is collecting interest in your account and will be worth far more than what you saved when it comes time to use the money for your retirement.

Understand tax credits

There is a difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit with credit being much more desirable. When you find tax credits to take advantage of then you end up saving far more money. A tax deduction simply takes away the money that would be owed on the tax of a portion of your income. A tax credit is an actual dollar amount of taxes that you will not owe and may even get in the form of a refund. An example would be that you get a credit for the Earned Income Tax Credit that gives you a break of up to $6,935 depending on how many children you have.

Find out which ones you qualify for and then claim them and you will see a massive reduction in what you owe.

Make a Health Savings Account (HSA)

Medical bills are the most common way that people end up in bankruptcy. You can kill two birds with one stone by making sure that you have money for a medical emergency while also saving money on your taxes.

The money that you put into a HSA account is not taxable income. You’ll save on taxes for that amount and then have money set aside in case of an emergency. You’re able to put up to $3,600 per year into the account tax-free.

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