The House Of Tomorrow

The House Of Tomorrow

Do you plan to stay in your home until the end of your life? 

For many homeowners, the answer is no. As per the typical property ladder strategy, most of us are dreaming of a bigger and more comfortable home. But it is unclear what your next home should be. After all, it’s fair to say that your dream home has probably evolved as you’ve gained in experience. The idyllic countryside cottage you hoped to retire to in your old age has perhaps shifted into a modern structure that would require less maintenance. Ultimately, the question you want to ask yourself is, how do you imagine your future home would be? When we’ve asked Millennials and Gen X, they both agreed that their perfect home is nothing like a Beverly Hills mansion. 

Solar panels on the roof 

Choose modern structures

Homeowners are hyper-aware of the way a property structure can affect its energy consumption. As a result, more and more households are getting in touch with builders to design their perfect home. They focus not only on the design of the rooms and the aesthetic appearance of the house but also on the best solutions to keep the house warm in winter and cool in summer. Modern builds tend to have strong ratings in energy efficiency, in convenient and appealing locations. Additionally, materials should be chosen for their safety and climate-appropriate features. 

Bring technology at the heart of the home

Who’s got time to keep up with their chores? Because homeowners are busy with their everyday life, they imagine their future home as a smart and practically self-managing entity that maximized the Internet of Things. The intelligent fridge in the kitchen connects to the grocery shop to plan deliveries. More importantly, by keeping track of how your home schedules orders and management appointments, the IoT can provide knowledge to modern cities, helping them to create more jobs, manage trash, traffic, and energy in town. 

Smart fridge 

Boost up the self-sufficient design

A house that thinks for itself would be advantageous. But a house that can run itself without relying on any providers is even better. Today’s homeowners’ dream of a sustainable place that can produce its energy. Such homes already exist; it’s only a matter of time until they become mainstream architecture and building projects. Solar-assisted heat pumps, rainwater harvesting system, photovoltaic cells, passive heating, and cooling solutions, improved air quality, and much more, the possibilities appear already endless. 

An important question: Does it have to be big?

Do you remember being a child and hoping that your future house would be as big as a Disney’s castle? In the meantime, you’ve become older, and you’ve discovered, and big doesn’t always mean better. In fact, when it comes to the housing industry, living better is not synonymous with living in a bigger property. Large houses are a substantial investment in time and money to maintain. While not everyone can afford an army of cleaners and maids, homeowners need to scale down, to survive both financially and nervously. 

How do you imagine your next home? Efficient is the word experts use to describe the American Dream of the perfect home. It’s a place that saves you time and money by looking after itself, your family, and the environment.

5 Things To Consider When Expanding Your Business

5 Things To Consider When Expanding Your Business

Photo by Samson Creative. on Unsplash

If you’re thinking of expanding your business and you don’t know where to begin then don’t worry, you have definitely come to the right place. Whether you’re looking to expand your team or you’re going to be increasing the number of products and services you offer, you need to ensure you’re making the best possible decisions for your business. 

With so many things to consider before expanding your business, it’s easy to see how people can become overwhelmed. Whether it’s not having enough equipment or not knowing the benefits it can bring to your business, you need to be sure you have thought of absolutely everything before you start making any major decisions. With that in mind, here are 5 things to consider before expanding your business: 

  • Do You Need To Hire Any Staff?

One of the first things you need to consider when it comes to expanding your business is whether or not you need to hire any staff. Although you may have run your business alone up until now, bringing other team members into the business will help free up your time for business development. It’s definitely a difficult step to take, but it’s also one of the most exciting ones too. For tips and tricks when it comes to hiring your first staff member, you can visit this site here. 

  • Do You Have Enough Space?

If you’re going to be bringing team members into your business, you’re going to need to think about whether or not you need to upgrade the amount of space you have. Whether this means hiring your own office or allowing your team to work from home, ensuring you have enough space to operate effectively is incredibly important. If you’re looking for the benefits of working from home, you can visit this site here. 

  • What Equipment Do You Need?

Depending on the type of business you’re running, you may find that expansion means you need to invest in a lot more equipment. Whether it’s looking at industrial machinery for your warehouse or focussing on software that will help you develop your business, you need to be sure you’re fully equipped when it comes to your business. If you are going to be investing in industrial machinery, you might want to consider industrial vision inspection too. 

  • What Benefits Will it Bring To Your Business?

Another important thing to consider before expanding your business is the benefits it will bring to you. Whilst these may be obvious to some, others will find they benefit from sitting down and working out the benefits an expansion could bring. 

  • What Are Your First Steps For Expansion?

Finally, you need to think about what the first steps you’re going to take are. Although these may be small steps in comparison to the rest of your expansion plans, the first steps are often the most important ones. 

Are you looking to expand your business? What do you need to do to ensure everything runs successfully? Let me know your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below. 

The Best Ways To Fund Your Side Hustle

The Best Ways To Fund Your Side Hustle

Finding risk free ways to fund your side hustle (besides your own savings) would appear to be pretty much impossible. The passion you put into starting your own small business alongside your current employment seems to get stalled by a lack of choices to finance your venture and initially get it off the ground. Luckily, a bit of research and commitment will show you that there are in fact several great ways that you can pay for your side hustle that can help to increase your prospects of success and carry minimal threat to your personal financial situation. Read on to find out more!

Image Source

Seek Investment By Offering Shares

One of the best ways that you can find funds is by seeking investment from established professionals or companies, as these people can offer you a lump sum in return for shares. This means that they are prepared to offer money to help you achieve your goals, on the condition that they receive a certain amount of your profit. If you’re confident enough to pitch your business idea and convince investors to trust in your abilities, take every chance you can get. Networking with other entrepreneurs in your industry will help you to create the right links to gain the best opportunities. 

Consider Borrowing Money 

If you would like to keep all profits from your business but are still outsourcing finance for your venture, borrowing money may be the best option for you. This means that you can approach a bank, who can offer a loan of some kind – a situation in which you are given the money you need, but have to pay back the entire amount plus a certain percentage of interest. These payments can be monthly, which means you have time to generate sufficient income to cover the costs you incur. 

Alternative Ideas 

There are a few concepts that differ from those mentioned above, which are generally considered alternative funding choices, that can really work in your favour should they suit your lifestyle. A great example is crowdfunding – in this scenario, you begin by setting up a page online detailing the purpose of your business and why you need help, and then add an option for readers to donate any amount they would like. Whether these people are family or friends, or random strangers on the internet that are inspired by your motive, there are more people than you may think that are willing to support you and aid you in succeeding with your new venture. 

Hopefully this guide can give you the inspiration you need to head in the right direction towards solid funding for your side hustle. Starting a new venture with the finance you need to perform to your full capabilities will help to increase your chances of success by a mile, so be sure you seek the right kind of scenario for you. From professional investment in return for shares to accepting donations via crowdfunding, every little bit helps! 

How Does Personality Type Influence Your Future Success?

How Does Personality Type Influence Your Future Success?

Are you an INTJ or an ENTP?  If that doesn’t make sense, you’ve probably never taken a Myers Briggs test!  

But what does all of this have to do with running your own business?  

We’ll tell you…

Pexels

In essence, these groupings are introverts and extroverts – with a few other defining characteristics thrown in.. And it’s useful to know where you fit on this spectrum – because it really can help you succeed.

What are the true features of introverts and extroverts? 

There are distinct features that define people, quite broadly, as being a bit more in one camp or another.  If you’re self reflective, contained and thrive in your own company, for example, then you’re introverted. And if your energy comes from being with others, bouncing ideas around – you’re an extrovert.

So how does this affect you in business?

Well, people with both traits can really thrive in business, once they understand what they’re best at.  Or might need to work on. Their strengths and weaknesses, if you like – in this particular situation.

The introvert

Self employment can be a great option for an introvert because it allows you to control your own environment.  

Pexels

What opportunities are there?

There are lots of business opportunities that suit introverts – from blogging and web design to floristry. Anything that allows you precious time to yourself and reflects your analytical, creative mind will suit you.

What are the challenges?

A big stumbling block can appear around networking – as this doesn’t always come naturally to an introverted person. And in getting overwhelmed by the range of tasks you need to be responsible for when you start up.. 

What are the solutions?

Try to focus on what you do best – if networking is difficult, focus more on online marketing, perhaps.  But don’t hide away from attending events or face to face meetings. Ease yourself in gently and you’ll gradually build a more rounded skill set.

Set boundaries for yourself

It’s really important to have regular quiet time to reflect – if you’re an introvert – to get inspired and recharge your batteries. So set boundaries, take regular breaks and dont be afraid to ask for help.and advice..

Find like minded people

Try to build a supportive community you connect with around you – become a member of a social network like https://www.seebiz.com for example.  

The extrovert

You don’t tend to be a shrinking violet about self promotion or networking, do you – if you’re honest?  But spending time alone is where you can come really unstuck – if you’re not careful.

That’s because extroverts tend to find it easier to solve problems, get energised and tap into ideas in a group setting. And you love interaction. 

So consider opportunities that will bring you into contact with lots of people. Business coaching, running a shop, bar or cafe – even perhaps a salesperson or speaker.

Pexels

And, if your work is by nature more isolating, try to maximise client sessions, skype meetings and other interactions. Or try co-working.

In conclusion

We hope you’ve found this post useful, if you’re unsure whether going into business is the right option for you.  We think, whatever personality type you are, there are great reasons to become your own boss.

Good luck…

Is It Time To Host An Event For Your Business? Here’s What To Think About

Is It Time To Host An Event For Your Business? Here’s What To Think About

When it comes to your business it is always going to be worth it to think outside of the box when it comes to different ideas and what you can do. In a world that seems to be always vying for people’s attention, it is ideal if your business can stand out from the crowd. This is why your marketing strategy can be so important. You focus on your social media content, you ensure that your business remains present and consistent in the online world. However, there is still a market to focus on when it comes to attracting people’s attention physically. 

But how can you do that when often some of the old school ways of advertising seem obsolete? This is when events can be the answer. It gives you the chance to focus on your local community, it can help you when it comes to standing out and showcasing what you are all about, and it can certainly allow you tap into what can be an unsaturated point of marketing for you. After all, you could be the only person or business that does what you do in your locality? So where do you get started when it comes to hosting an event? Here are some of the things to think about to help you get started and organise something worthy of your business.

Image source

Before the event

Before the event there is a lot of predation work that needs to go into it to ensure that your event becomes the success that you imagine it to be. So the best thing to do is to focus your energy initially on preparation and making it happen. Here are some of the things to start organising. 

What sort of event will work? 

One of the first things to decide upon is to consider what sort of event will work for your business. This is whether you think that an event outside would work or whether you want something a little more initiate indoors. It would also depend on the time of year as an outside event would be better if the weather was warmer and brighter, such as a spring or summer event. You might also want to think about the timing of your event. Would you want something that could take place all day, where people can drop ink and out of it, or is something more structured within a set timeframe be more suitable? These things can help you to decide other factors of the event, so make sure you know what sort of event will work for your business early into the planning process. 

Who is the event aimed at? 

The next thing you will want to think about is who the event will be aimed at. This is when you may need to think about the type of event that will work well for your business. Will the vent be aimed at families? Where you will not only focus on the business side of things but also encourage entertainment and other factors to make the whole thing enjoyable? What about joining forces with other businesses in the community? You may find that doing this can help to expand your reach and also make the vent have much more value for the people who attend. 

Image source

What will happen at the event? 

Knowing the timescale and who the vent will be aimed at is one area done, but you also need to think about the actual process of the event and will happen there? This is when you need to think outside of the box. Sure you want your business to be a focus, and this is when a stand for it, and also an opportunity to talk and present will be ideal. This could also work for other businesses as well so it gives the event a lot more grounding. But think about other aspects. What about catering options? Will you offer up food to eat? You will need to think about food storage, such as a cool room or large refrigerator for ingredients where a wifi temperature sensor could prove useful. You will also need to think about things such as electric hookups and generators so that things like cooking can take place as well as other aspects such as mucus, microphones for talks and other entertainment such as bouncy castles and family fun activities. 

Getting the word out there 

Once you event is all planned and you have organised everything you now need to ensure people are going to turn up. This is when you need to get the word out. Think about things such as social media campaigns discussing this, advertise locally in community magazines and use dedicated groups on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to showcase the vent with all of the relevant details. 

During the event

Once you get to the day that the event is taking place, you now need to think about all of the ways you can make it worthwhile during the actual thing. You will want to take advantage of every opportunity that you have so here are two of the things to get right on the day. 

Showcase what is going on through social media

Social media not only will help you advertise the event but you can also utilise it during it as well. If you have an event that is taking place all day, for example, social media and sharing what is happening could encourage people to make last minute decisions to turn up. Based on what it is you share. Use tools like live video, Instagram stories, and social media takeovers to share as much as you can. This is what will be used as evidence for future events and attendance as well as encourage people to share where they have been to their following. Extending your reach organically. 

Encourage people to share and devise an easy way to do it 

On the subject of getting people to share a great way to do that is by creating a hashtag for the event. This is what people can use and allow people not easy search content out and see things for themselves. 

Let’s hope these tips help you to host an event in the future for your business. 

Pin It on Pinterest