The Changing Face of Energy in Business

Jun 22, 2017

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Businesses all around the world need access to energy like never before. With so much of their operations reliant on technology, even a short power outage can be disastrous. And while many are still reliant on traditional methods of supply, a lot are now turning to alternative renewable options. While technology has obviously opened up all sorts of doors that were closed before, there is still something to be said for not abandoning the traditional methods entirely, as you never know when they may come in handy.

Energy is starting to be seen less as simply a commodity and something a business needs to run successfully. Nowadays, a modern energy strategy can help to improve a company’s profitability, bring new customers on board and give a competitive advantage over rivals.
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Of course, the traditional methods of obtaining energy with power stations, a transmission network and power columns will continue to play a big role in business in the near future. But there will also be a growing trend towards the renewable methods too. Ultimately, businesses need to have a strategy in place to effectively manage their energy.

The Growth of Renewables

There are a number of reasons why businesses are looking to adopt a strategy that includes more renewable forms of energy. Firstly, they allow them to have a greater level of self-sufficiency and therefore reduce their carbon footprint. Not only does is this good for the planet as a whole, it is also good for their reputation as a business. Many companies want to project an image of being responsible, and a focus on more renewable energy methods is one surefire way of doing this.

A Focus on Saving Energy

Businesses are now scrutinizing their decisions like never before. And the amount of energy that they use on a daily basis has to be one of the main things to focus on. Keeping tight control over energy is being seen as something to be proud of. It is all well and good making major deals and attracting new customers, but if your business doesn’t keep its overhead costs low, this won’t do you much good in the long run. Technology is working to catch up with this growing trend for energy efficiency. There are the obvious choices like choosing the right kind of light bulbs, but smart energy systems are becoming increasingly popular which allow more control over heating, appliances and much more.

Governmental Support

Governments all the around the world are focusing more on rewarding the businesses that put energy consumption high up on their list of priorities. There are often grants available for those who are making decisions to become more energy efficient. Ultimately, making this kind of effort is valuable for individual companies and the environment as a whole. So, if you run a business and you have yet to look at your energy strategy more closely, now is certainly the time to give it a closer look.





Co-founder at disruptive business and political site zenruption

Thinking of a Career Switch

Jun 22, 2017

If you’re thinking of switching careers, when it comes to thinking about what you’ll do next you’ll need to think about two questions: First, what is it you want to do? And two, what jobs will still be around in the next twenty, thirty years? Like it or not, artificial intelligence is on its way, and it’s going to claim somewhere in the region of 40% of jobs in the next few decades. So don’t get left behind: pick a job that no robot can snatch! Below, we outline five areas that will be safe.

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Social Services

Artificial intelligence is going to make things like healthcare better, but they won’t be running the show themselves. That’s because the human body – and mind – is too complex, too variable to be left in the hands of AI. If it does happen, it’ll be way further down the line. There are plenty of positions that mean working one on one with people who need help, such as nursing and caregiving. Mental health is another interesting field to look at, especially as mental health conditions are expected to rise significantly over the next two decades.

Complex Problem Solver

The world is already pretty complex, but it’s going to become even more complex as we head into the middle part of this century. There’ll be an even greater need for professionals who can help solve problems like climate change, water shortages, and space issues, among others. If you study for a masters in engineering management today, you’ll be putting yourself in a strong position to be a problem solver of tomorrow. A lot of big businesses will be trying to fix problems that will affect their profits – like climate change – and a person who understands engineering and business will be very valuable to them.

Outdoor Work

The industrialization of farming was one of the first things to affect the job market, but that was several centuries ago. Today, there’s only so much that machines can do in the outside world – and in any case, most of the big changes will be taking place in the cities. Indeed, as the preservation of the wild becomes even more important, there’ll be more jobs available for those with the conservation know how to keep things in order. If you went into forest management, for example, then it’s highly unlikely there’ll ever be a robot that can do what you do.

Technology

It’s important to remember that artificial intelligence is still technology; it’s not spelling the end of mankind’s technological innovation, it’s just another step along the way. If you work in the technology sector in one of the core job fields, then you’ll be safe – provided you’re always keeping up to date with the ever-changing technology!

Think Human

If none of the above attracts you, think in terms of what AI can’t replace: the human factor. If you’re in a field that has the human factor at its very core – such as counseling, for example – then you’ll be safe.





Security: What Does It Mean For Your Business?

Jun 21, 2017

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Business owners the world over work very hard to start and build their companies from scratch. Starting something and making it a success is not easy, which means they are naturally very protective over their assets and their data. A business isn’t going to be relaxed about their security, and if you are aiming to start your own company then security needs to be a high priority. Security is a big issue and bolting the door at the close of the day is just not going to cut it. Modern criminals the world over-adapt to the newest technologies in the same way that we do; and they do a very good job of getting in without being seen. This isn’t just about breaking into the office, but breaking into your data and sensitive company information.
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When we talk about security, we’re not just talking about putting our data on the wi-fi cloud on lockdown. While this is hugely important, it’s also important that you consider that your company is so much more than online files. You have to think about your office security and your personal security alongside your data intelligence – which means you potentially need a far bigger budget than you intended. When you make up your business plan, you should think about what your budget is for security equipment for your business, and stick to it as best you can. We have a plethora of technology at the click of a button that we can get to tighten the security of the company, but that won’t stop a burglar with a crowbar from doing his part. Many companies use voice recorders during meetings with important business contacts to protect themselves from litigation and liability. This is just another way to keep your business and yourself secure.

So, as a savvy business owner, how can you ensure that your business is secure from outside threats and dissuade trespassers of all calibers? We’ve put together some of the best ways you can secure your business.

1. Install CCTV. Whether you work from home or in an office, you need to have physical deterrents to stop people breaking in. Security cameras alongside motion sensor lighting like this can be used to discourage people from trying to get into your premises. If you are one of the unlucky ones that is a victim of a chancer, you at least have security cameras to back you up and find the culprits.
2. Install A Safe. Most businesses keep their assets away from business premises and somewhere secure like a bank. Keeping a safe on the premises of your business can mean you have somewhere to put sensitive computer external hard drives. You need to ensure that your safe meets any insurance regulations and you keep it protected in the office. It goes without saying that you have to keep it quiet that you have a safe in the office in the first place!
3. Install Firewalls. Your internet security is so important, especially when running a business. You need to ensure you have all the right firewalls and internet security uploaded so that you are preventing hacking and online attacks as best you can. Online property is just as valuable as the physical property you have to protect. Identity theft is on the rise and if you can prevent this from happening in your business, that should be a priority.
4. Train Staff. Your company doesn’t just depend on you for security. Every single member of staff should have safety training and training on how to set the alarms before they go home at the end of the day. By ensuring you have adequately trained your staff on how to secure the premises, you can rest assured that the responsibility is shared properly in the building.

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Your business needs a good amount of security for it to be successful. You have to look at how you protect the physical premises, the IT cloud and data intelligence and also how you protect yourself as a business owner. Having insurances is a given for any business but make sure your insurance fully covers you in the event of theft or a break-in. The last thing you or any other business wants, is to find yourself in a position where you have been taken advantage of. Your business is as important to you as your family – it is your livelihood and your future. Do not allow it to be taken from you, under any circumstances.




Harnessing A Positive Attitude In The Workplace, Even Under Difficult Situations

Jun 21, 2017

Let’s be honest, no career is plain sailing anymore. But unfortunately, life can’t always be rosy. Life can be cruel at times, and when it comes to our career when things aren’t going our way, it can be particularly frustrating. Whether you have much to do with the situation or not, there is no hiding from the fact that many of us spend a good chunk of our time. So if we find ourselves in a difficult situation, it can be hard to come out the other side positively. Which is why I thought it was worth sharing with you some of the ways you can still encompass a positive attitude no matter scenario you find yourself in. I hope it proves useful to you.

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If you have an accident at work

Depending on what the situation may be, an accident can have a terrible effect on you. It may cause you an injury that will cause you to have long term difficulties. It could mean time away from work where you are not receiving a salary. In some cases, an accident in the workplace won’t have been your fault so the after effects of the situation could prove to be very unjust. However, enlisting the help of a work injury lawyer will help you to gain some clarity and a resolve for the situation your find yourself in. However, always be mindful of using the correct people and follow the process correctly, you won’t want to jeopardize your career in the process. But any workplace would agree that it is only fair for justice to be sought.

When you boss isn’t happy

There may come a time in your career that no matter what you do you just can’t seem to make your boss happy. They may be disgruntled with your performance or simply not like the way you are approaching your job and your commitments. Maybe you spoke up in a meeting about something or undermined your boss in some way. Whatever the situation may be, I am sure that you acted with only good intentions. The best advice in this situation is to ensure that you are doing your job to the best of your ability, and to always remain with a positive attitude. In time you may find that you settle your differences, but a good cause of action is to not give someone any reason to doubt your ability.

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Clashing with work colleagues

It is inevitable that when you get a group of people working near one another that you are bound to find yourself clashing at some point. You won’t always see eye to eye with your work colleagues, or even agree with their processes or ability. But, in these circumstances, you often have to be the bigger person and take the moral high ground. Have a positive attitude towards your work colleagues, and you may find that any difficulties you once had will begin to melt away.

Taking steps up the career ladder

It can be seen as overly aggressive to try and climb the career ladder. But showing initiative and doing a job will be the only way you can secure better work prospects and, of course, more salary in the future. Keep in mind your other colleagues and try not to step on anyone’s toes.

I hope these tips help you keep a positive attitude no matter how difficult the situation may be.