If you’re starting a business, then sooner or later, you are going to be in need of some space to build and grow your operation. The majority of people start off, around the kitchen table, or in their bedroom – yet, there is inevitably a time when things get too much to run from home and premises must be sought.
The challenge, with this, is that premises can be expensive. Space, particularly in popular cities can demand a very high premium to be paid and most start-up’s simply don’t have big enough pockets to get the commercial space of their dreams; meaning they often end up in a much smaller space than they would like.
There are two schools of thought with this, as on the one hand, it’s important to squeeze the most out of your budget and put up with a small stuff so that you have the financial resources to spend in other avenues, such as marketing and material costs – yet – at the same time, it’s also important to make a good impression on customers, and perhaps more importantly, employees who will be using the space on a daily basis.
Of course, if you have a digital business then you don’t need all that much space and working from home can work out well for many entrepreneurs, but if you have a business that requires production space, for instance a catering or manufacturing company – then the size of the space required is much more significant.
The interesting thing to note is that you don’t need to have a fancy office, or any office at all for that matter, in order to set-up a business… yet, if you’ve reached a turning, where you are no longer able to trade from home due to needing to employ people, for instance, or hold significant amounts of physical stock – then commercial space is what you need.
Before we get into squeezing the most from a small start up budget, let’s take a look at some alternatives to renting out or purchasing commercial space – as these can often prove to be beneficial from a cash flow perspective whilst also enabling you to meet your needs.
SHARED SPACE
There are many shared spaces available to entrepreneurs, where the concept of hot desking means you can have access to office facilities without the burdensome long-term overheads; you can simply come and go as you please, and either subscribe to a weekly, monthly or yearly membership or pay-as-you-go.
Often, if you regularly rent a desk at such a place, you can use the meeting room or conference hall for a reduced fee (and sometimes no fee at all) which is useful as it gives your business a feeling of belonging somewhere, meaning you can have people come to meetings at your office, even though, in truth you simply rent a desk within a shared space from time to time.
The benefit of such shared spaces is not limited to cost saving either, indeed, the social aspect is of huge value – both in terms of meeting like-minded friends and also in terms of collaboration opportunities.
OVERSEAS OPTIONS
If you were to travel to somewhere, for instance, Thailand, where the cost of living is much cheaper yet the facilities in most major cities – such as Bangkok – are to a western standard, you could save a lot of money.
The reason this is such an interesting opportunity, for many businesses that are able to operate remotely, is that when you head to countries such as India, Thailand and the Philippines you have access to highly trained local talent that are much cheaper than the amount you would pay in your home country.
That said, you could always use remote a site such as freelancer to locate such talent and build a remote workforce. There is, however, something to be said about the ease and simplicity of having everyone in one place where you can have face-to-face meetings rather than relate over the internet where the person at the other end could be working on a number of different projects at the same time.
The cost of living will be cheaper, by working in a country such as India or Thailand, as will the cost of space and the cost of labor. There are also many places, such as Ubud in Bali, that have well established startup communities which you can access with regard to the shared space option mentioned above.
CREATE A HOME OFFICE
If your house has some redundant land, then you could consider building a home office that could accommodate a few other people – or a meeting room that can host client meetings. There are many options for this, but one of the cheapest and most efficient, would be to consider portable office hire that can easily be placed in your garden on a temporary basis.
The reason this is particularly attractive, is that a temporary portable structure is much less likely to require planning permission than a permanent building – which could, in some jurisdictions could be a challenge to get accepted on the basis of its intended commercial use.
Now, that we’ve looked at some options for not renting out your first commercial premises, let’s take a look at some ways to make the most of the opportunity to rent out a commercial property and the reality that it’s likely to be a smaller space than you would ideally like.
Now, small doesn’t need to be a bad thing, indeed small can be a good thing in terms of ongoing energy costs and so on – but the prospect of having clients turn up to a meeting in a cramped and cluttered office is not ideal… and the prospect of interviewing new employees in an office that feels like everyone is working on top of each other is not going to attract the best candidates.
For this reason, we need to look at optimizing your space in the sense of squeezing the most of the small space, to ensure it’s as productive and as pleasant as possible. In this vein, we’re going to look at five startup space hacks to create the impression of space which will lead to a more efficient and affluent vibe.
The final point to remember on this topic, is the core principle that it’s not the size of your office that counts – it’s how you use it… meaning, you can go out and rent the most fancy premises you can find, but if your competitor is creating more value to the market than you are – and is working in his or her basement… they will be much more profitable.
What you really need from a commercial space is the ability to focus, get things done, and create value for as many people as possible with regard to your value proposition and unique selling points.
This article looks at four ways you can aesthetically make the most of a small business space, on a budget.
LIGHT
The term “dark and dingy” tends to be used when describing small spaces. The darker a space feels, in terms of the amount of light entering the space, the smaller and more claustrophobic it will feel for people, when inside the space. In contrast, the more light in a space – the more spacious it will feel.
Now, you don’t have to be claustrophobic to appreciate a sense of space; after all, the effects of feeling trapped in a small space, for anybody, will start to grate on them and lead to a feeling of agitation as well as a lack of focus.
One of the most important principles to making the most of a small space, therefore, is to find a property that has lots of natural light – or, in the alternative, but not quite as effective, for there to be a lot of artificial light in the property that floods the space with brightness.
UNCLUTTERED
The more cluttered a space appears to be the smaller the space will feel. This is often one of the greatest challenges to working in a small space; it can often feel cluttered even when there’s just a few things left out on the side.
You might, therefore, want to invest in some intelligent storage solutions or find a property with a spacious cupboard that can be used to hide most the clutter that would otherwise be on display. A clean desk policy can also be very helpful to leading to a feeling of a space being uncluttered.
COOL
When a space feels hot and stuffy people get agitated; they will also tend to lose concentration as a result of feeling tired and drained due to the heat. It’s therefore pretty essential you ensure an adequate supply of fresh air to help people keep their cool.
TRENDY
Just because an office space is small doesn’t mean it can’t be trendy. Indeed, some of the most desirable start-up spaces today are bohemian in style with fairy lights, paint peeling from the industrial walls, and large tables made from reclaimed wood rather than fancy desks.
Some people think you have to be especially talented with numbers to become a successful investor. That isn’t always the case. Investing is about more than crunching numbers. In fact, when it comes to successful investing, you might be surprised to learn that the most important first step has nothing to do with understanding numbers. It’s more about your mindset.
The book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck shares a possible secret to becoming a successful investor. Dweck emphasizes the centrality of having the right mindset when trying to master new skills. People often have either a fixed mindset or a growth mindset, which has a profound impact on how they approach problems.
Those with fixed mindsets believe “they have only a certain amount of intelligence, a certain personality, and a certain moral character,” according to Dweck. In a way, these individuals believe that nature has predetermined those attributes. Those with growth mindsets believe “that basic qualities are things [they] can cultivate through [their] own efforts.” In other words, those individuals who have a growth mindset believe the power of nurturing can supersede nature’s influence. Needless to say, beginners at anything ought to rely on a growth mindset if they plan to make meaningful progress.
Expectations have to be managed appropriately too. Far too many newcomers arrive with unrealistic assumptions and false hopes. Investopedia openly debunks the five biggest stock market myths, beginning by stressing the clear distinction between gambling and investing, and then proceeding to remind readers that the stock market isn’t reserved exclusively for the rich and powerful. Amateurs shouldn’t be discouraged from investing in “fallen angels” and should avoid applying the laws of physics to the stock market.
The next step is learning as much as possible about trading and the stock market. Curious souls who want to explore have absolutely no shortage of resources available, and you don’t have to look far to find an introduction to the stock market in layman’s terms. Readers can expect relevant definitions and illustrative examples that make it fairly straightforward to grasp the basics.
The soundest strategy when it comes to conducting due diligence is exposure to countless credible sources. Never underestimate the value of tapping into experts in the field, either. For instance, review a trading blog widely cited by industry professionals. The more frequently the source is referenced by industry leaders, the more reliable it is likely to be. There are also numerous books and how-to guides devoted to “investing for beginners,” but many can be too dense for novices. That’s why arranging a consultation with a stockbroker is also advantageous if you want help interpreting what you learn on your own.
The final thing to remember is that you have a lot of options to consider when it comes to the stock market. There are generally 12 types of trades that you can make on the stock market, from limited market orders and day trades to trailing stop orders and extended hours trading. Much of trading depends on personal preference and professional experience, which means there is no right or wrong way to trade. And for anyone searching for unconventional opportunities, there’s also cryptocurrency trading for beginners.
Trading on the stock market is no trivial undertaking, but that doesn’t make it impossible and it certainly isn’t limited to mathematicians or trained financiers. One key is to have the right mindset well before getting into the weeds. While there’s no shortcut to success, those motivated enough can find plenty of promising opportunities.
We live in an era completely and utterly dominated by technology. You can’t go anywhere without seeing a laptop, tablet, television, or, at the very least, a phone in someone’s hand or somewhere lying around. As much as people like to complain about all this new tech, it has changed our lives for the better, especially in regards to the business and working world. With that in mind, here are six great ways tech has improved efficiency and productivity in the world of business.
Work From Almost Anywhere
Not too long ago, almost everyone had to go to work to get work done, but, these days, more and more people are choosing to telecommute and work from home or on the go. This saves staff and companies time and money, while also improving work-life balance, mood, and productivity. This telecommuting technology also means that you don’t have to travel to important meetings.
Outsource To Professional Freelancers
Unfortunately, there are some tasks that your employees simply aren’t able to do. Thankfully, with the internet on hand, experts are now only a click away. This means that you can hire outside contractors to handle your marketing campaigns, build your websites, write your content, and so much more, saving you time that you would have otherwise wasted training your current staff.
Automate Any Repetitive Tasks
Handing out monotonous and unimportant tasks to your team is one sure fire way to wreck your employee productivity. For this reason, you should use automotive technology instead. This allows you to regularly order any equipment you need, from pens to microplates, pay your bills, respond to emails, and much more. This saves frees up time you would have otherwise wasted.
Schedule Social Media Marketing
Posting on social media is another of those tedious tasks that no one really wants to do. Unfortunately, it’s one that you can’t escape, as it helps you to connect with your customers and saves money on marketing. To save time and make your life easier, you should manage your social media channels using one tool, scheduling your posts weekly, instead of posting yourself.
Communicate Easily With Employees
When you’re a business owner, clear and frequent communication with your entire team is absolutely crucial. Unfortunately, depending on your number of staff, this could be incredibly difficult to do in person. For this reason, you should stick to instant messaging and group chat apps. This way, you don’t have to hunt out specific individuals and can get responses quickly.
Specialized And Focused Marketing
Old school marketing tended to involve posting ads in the local newspaper or paying thousands on television commercials in the hope that they’ll find the right audience. Today’s marketing, however, is a lot different, with personalized marketing that uses data to target exactly the right people. This means you no longer have to waste time on marketing efforts that see no return.
Technology is often viewed as a nuisance or distraction, but, in the world of business, it’s far from it. If you want to boost productivity and efficiency in your company, then improving your tech may be the way to go.
No matter what you do, how much you earn and how arduously you fight to maintain the delicate balance of your household finances, it’s all-too-common to find yourself trapped in a quagmire of debts. Modern living is expensive and in an era of wage repression, it can seem that no matter how hard we may work, how much overtime we pull down, how many sacrifices we make or how much we try to squirrel away, it never seems to be enough. We rely on credit cards to help us through life’s unexpected expenses and loans to help us keep our finances afloat. While we may feel like we’re treading water and paying down our debts a little at a time, all it takes is for a week of unpaid sick leave, failing to get the raise you were banking on or, a quiet patch for your small business or an unexpected redundancy to drag you deeper into the debt whirlpool.
If your debts have progressed beyond the scope of consolidation to mend, you may be faced with the option of bankruptcy. You may, in fact, rail against it as you perceive it as the end of your financial wellbeing forever, or at the very least an admission of incalculable defeat. However, as anyone from the Law Offices of Ronald D. Weiss will tell you, bankruptcy needn’t be the end. Indeed, in many cases, it can set out the path for a brighter financial future. Here’s why…
You’re far from alone!
If bankruptcy is on the horizon for you, you’re in good company (financially speaking at least). There are a great many financially and entrepreneurially successful men and women who have been made bankrupt and gone on to find both wealth and success afterwards. From Will Smith and Lady Gaga to Walt Disney and President Donald Trump (whose companies have been declared bankrupt no less than 6 times), there are no shortage of wealthy and successful people who’ve overcome bankruptcy.
It can, in the long run, help your credit score
You could be forgiven for thinking that being declared bankrupt is the end of available credit forever. But this is far from the case. In fact, bankruptcy can actually be advantageous for your credit rating in the long term. By getting rid of “delinquent” account reports like late repayments and high credit balances or improving your debt-to-credit ratio, you could see your credit rating improve in as little as 6 months in the case of Chapter 7 bankruptcy (the most common kind).
It can actually save your small business
Filing for bankruptcy needn’t be the end of your small business, either. In fact, in many ways, it can be your best defense. It protects your business from creditors who may otherwise attempt to liquidate your enterprise. You will still have to repay your debts but a bankruptcy application gives you the legal ability to reduce or delay your repayments or both.
After all, your creditors want their money back and they’ll be happier to get it back slowly when under a structured and court-approved repayment plan.
It can cause you to fix your bad habits
Finally, if you have allowed bad choices and habits to compromise your financial wellbeing, bankruptcy could be the learning experience that could see you mend your ways and steer your finances back into the black for good!
Hypertension is a widespread disease that affects millions of people across the globe. Characterized by high blood pressure, this disease is often addressed as the “silent killer” because it harms the vital organs over a period of time without giving even subtle hints. But the good news is that it can be controlled effectively with a timely diagnosis and right treatment. Experts recommend medications and positive lifestyle changes as a part of the long-term treatment plan for hypertension. However, if you believe in natural healing, you can consider certain herbal remedies to address the condition. Scientific studies have proved the efficacy of certain herbs for lowering the blood pressure levels. Let us know more about the herbs that reduce the blood pressure naturally.
Basil
Basil is a potent kitchen herb that is capable of lowering the blood pressure. It contains a chemical called eugenol which can block certain substances that constrict the blood vessels and cause the blood pressure to elevate. This herb can be easily grown at home and used as a flavorful addition in foods such as soups, salads and pasta.
Garlic
Another powerful herbal remedy for hypertension is garlic. The pungent seasoning has far-reaching health benefits besides adding aroma and flavor to everyday cooking. It stimulates the production of nitric oxide in the body, which leads to the dilation and relaxation of blood vessels to bring down the blood pressure naturally. Simply take a few cloves with a glass of water every morning and you will start experiencing a difference within a few days. You can also rely on garlic supplements.
Cinnamon
Next on the list of best herbs for alleviating hypertension is cinnamon, the wonderful seasoning that can be effortlessly integrated into everyday diet. Animal studies have indicated that it has proven benefits for resolving sudden-onset as well as prolonged high blood pressure. This amazing herb is also effective for lowering the levels of blood sugar and bad cholesterol.
Ginger
Ginger is an herb with surprising health benefits and lowered blood pressure is one of these benefits. It improves the blood circulation and relaxes the blood vessels, both of which play a key role in controlling hypertension symptoms. The best thing about this herb is that it is easy to use in your daily diet. You can consume it as tea or grate it in curries and salads. Alternatively, you can take it as a daily herbal supplement.
Cardamom
Cardamom is an aromatic spice that is found in every kitchen and has a surprising range of health benefits. Regular consumption of cardamom can bring a significant reduction in blood pressure levels over a span of time. You can chew some seeds after meals for fresh breath and digestive benefits. The spice can also be used in powdered form and added to tea, soups, stirs and baked dishes for extra taste and aroma.
Flax Seeds
Next on the list of herbs that are effective for hypertension is flax seeds. These tiny seeds are a good source of fiber and omega 3 fatty acids. The latter is particularly helpful in bringing down blood pressure levels. Moreover, they are also known for lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing the cholesterol levels and improving glucose tolerance. Whole or ground flax seeds can be added in home-cooked meals. You can stir them up in smoothies and soups and add them to stews and curries as well.
Celery seeds
Another powerful herb for high blood pressure is celery seeds, which have been used as an herbal remedy for this purpose in the Chinese medicine system for ages. One of the key reasons that celery is useful for this purpose is that it is diuretic in nature. You can juice up the plant or use the seeds as a part of your daily diet. It adds amazing flavor to stews, soups and savory dishes.
The impact of herbs and spices on human health is far reaching. They not only offer lasting relief but also minimize the risks of side effects as well. Read https://www.birthandbeyondmagazine.com/wellness-news-blog/healing-benefits-of-herbal-supplements to know more about their healing benefits for a variety of medical conditions. However, if you do plan to use them as a long term option, you should seek a thorough medical examination and expert advice first. For those struggling with chronic hypertension, there is an option of combining herbal remedies with their regular treatment regimen. Still, it would be wise to consult your specialist first and create a tailored plan only with their advice and guidance.
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