December 24, 2022

10 Tips to Make Sure Your Startup Doesn't Fail

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Starting a business is no easy task. In fact, it's one of the most difficult things you will ever do in your life. According to Forbes, 90% of businesses fail within the first five years. That's a pretty daunting statistic. So, how can you make sure your startup doesn't become part of that statistic? This blog post will discuss 10 tips that will help increase your chances of success!

1) Have a Business Plan:

 A well-thought-out business plan will be an invaluable tool when starting a new business. It should include details such as goals, target market, marketing strategy, financial projections, and more.

2) Utilize the Power of Social Media: 

Social media can be an incredibly powerful tool for promoting your brand and connecting with potential customers. Take advantage of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for maximum exposure.

3) Don't Neglect Your Finances: 

Proper financial management is essential when running a business. Make sure you have a good understanding of accounting principles, including cash flow analysis and budgeting. Familiarize yourself with tax laws in order to avoid any legal issues down the line.

4) Network, Network, Network 

Networking is essential for gaining visibility and credibility. Attend events in your industry, join professional organizations, and create meaningful relationships with potential clients or partners.

5) Hire the Right People

Surround yourself with qualified people who possess the skills you lack. Having a strong team will make all the difference when it comes to success. Make sure to vet each employee carefully before bringing them on board.

6) Be Adaptable 

The nature of the business can be unpredictable and constantly changing. Be prepared to adapt quickly to new trends, technologies, and customer demands in order to stay competitive.

7) Stay Focused 

Don't get sidetracked by unnecessary tasks and activities. Focus on the core of your business and prioritize important tasks to ensure that you are moving forward in the right direction.

8) Utilize Technology 

Technology can be a powerful asset for any business, so make sure to use it wisely. Investing in the right Technology can help streamline processes, improve efficiency and increase productivity.

9) Have the right bank account 

Choose the right business bank account that meets your needs. It must have features such as low fees, free transactions, and other perks to ensure you're getting the most out of your account. There are fintech startup ideas that can help you make the most of your banking system and get the best out of it.

10) Marketing 

Developing a good marketing plan is key to promoting your business and driving sales. Research the best channels for reaching your target audience and come up with creative strategies for engaging them. Experiment with different approaches until you find one that works for you.

Starting a business is no easy task, but with the right tools and strategies in place, you can increase your chances of success. Utilize these tips to make sure your startup doesn't fail! Good luck and happy launching!
November 16, 2022

6 Ways to Stretch Your Budget When Money is Tight

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counting money

The last few years have taken their toll on everyone financially. With the global inflation rate averaging at 8.8% this year, it is no wonder that even households with regular incomes are now struggling to keep both ends meet. 

Of course, we cannot stop spending even when money is tight. We need to pay the bills even while working with a limited budget. So today, I am sharing these tips to help you stretch your budget: 

Cancel some subscriptions 

To help you cut your monthly bills, you may want to consider canceling a couple of subscriptions. Apart from water, electricity, and internet subscription, you can probably let go of some of your streaming network subscriptions to cut up some expenses on bills. You may also try to go for family packages, which are much more economical than individual ones.

Make a grocery list 

A lot of additional expenses monthly go to the grocery lists, with several items you shouldn't have been buying in the first place. Make sure to create a list when doing your groceries and stick to this list. Of course, you can always reward yourself and deviate from the list occasionally, but make sure not go over the budget. A menu plan will also make your grocery list even more effective by letting you purchase only food items for food preparation and not end up in the waste bin. 

Contemplate online loans 

Sometimes there is no choice but to consider borrowing or loaning to stretch your monthly budget. When you do, make sure to borrow online from reputable providers only to prevent being victimized by scammers posing as borrowing apps that would only end up getting your personal information and scamming your contacts. Check online reviews and posts on borrowing apps and providers to know how people's borrowing experiences went. 

Put a curb on credit card spending 

Swiping your card for any purchase is way too easy and convenient. But be mindful of additional fees and interest rates. Using a credit card can sometimes trick you into thinking you are spending wisely. But, in the end, you may spend much more than you purchased. Take advantage of zero-percent interest or free annual membership promos. But on any other occasion, it is still wise to pay for your purchases in cash. 

Look for side hustles 

Because times are hard, it is not enough that you only have one job. If you can, look for side hustles or other opportunities. That way, you can augment your regular income and add more to your budget. If you are passionate about writing, check for article writing gigs online. If you are into online shopping, look for dropshipping or reselling opportunities that allows you to put up your own business with minimum to no investment. You can also offer other services, like tutoring or teaching to play musical instruments, to your friends and colleagues. 

Help for hire 

In this day and age, time equates to money. Work smart to juggle several duties and responsibilities as a working mama or a family breadwinner. If you need to hire house help to concentrate more on your job or business, then do so. It might mean additional expenditures. But in the long run, you will earn more by focusing on your work or income opportunities while letting someone else worry about the household chores. If a house help is way over your budget, consider investing in household appliances that will help you maximize your time, like an automatic washing machine, a vacuum/steam cleaner, or a dishwasher.
August 24, 2022

Top 3 Things I Love About My Childhood

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girl, child

Nostalgia seems to be a trend that will simply never go away. Television series set in the 80s have grown in popularity over the past few years. Practically everything with a 90's reference seems to go viral. From old movies getting rehashed to old fashion trends being trendy again, the past is here to stay. We all love to reminisce, after all. I for one am delighted to talk about the things I love about my childhood. 

I have just finished watching a season of Stranger Things. It is what inspires this feeling of nostalgia. And it made me look back on the things that I love about my childhood. I can go on and on about those, but these are the 3 things I loved the most: 

Playing board games with the family 

Among the top things I love about my childhood is spending time indoors playing board games with the family. Back then, we do not have social media or smartphones, so we rely heavily on board games or games of our inventions to entertain us for hours on end. 

Snake and Ladder Game
Calculators.org’s Snake and Ladders Online Game

Imagine my delight when I discovered my childhood favorite board games online. Calculators.org has a wide selection of games in different categories. They also have most of my favorite board games, including Chess and Snake and Ladders. Playing this now did bring me back to the time when things are a lot simpler. When nothing matters to a little girl like me than winning a board game against my brother. 

Online Word Games, Type Furious
Calculators.org’s Type Furious Online Word Game

Calculators.org also has an assortment of other types of games. They have Math and number games, logic games, and my favorite so far, word games. I sampled Type Furious and it brought me back to the days when I was still learning how to type in high school. I was mastering my typing speed using a very similar game. 

Spending time with my relatives 

Reunion
A photo from our family reunion

My parents love entertaining visitors and guests at home. I remember we would always have our relatives come over, especially during important occasions like Christmases, anniversaries, birthdays, or reunions. These visits would mean endless hours of fun playing with my cousins, playing parlor games with the grownups, or an impromptu concert at the videoke machine. It would also mean feasting on delicious meals and treats that my mother and cousins lovingly prepared for everybody. 


Spending time outdoors 

spending time outdoors

Photo by Manuel Inglez on Unsplash


In the 90s fun times for children meant spending hours outdoors with our playmates. We play a lot of traditional outdoor games like patintero, tumbang preso, taguan, or luksong tinik. We would also fly kites on the fields, climb trees, spend time chasing after each other, or just watch the sunset to mark the end of the day. 

On other occasions, we would gather flowers around for the summer flower festival or would go around the neighborhood playing Christmas carols so we can earn a little money to buy Christmas presents for our parents or friends. 

It is a wonderful experience to look back at the things I love about my childhood. I am always thankful to my parents for giving me a childhood that I will always fondly remember.
August 10, 2022

How To Become A More Eco Friendly Business

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Would you like to become a more environmentally friendly business that does not harm the planet? Then you have come to the right place, as this guide contains some of the most effective steps that you can follow to become an eco-conscious company in no time at all. This guide contains some of the best tips and tricks that you can make the most of to turn your eco-dreams into a reality in no time at all, so what are you waiting for? Check below to uncover some of the best ways that you can support the planet as a business today! 

planting
Photo by Lara Jameson

Focus On Energy 

In today's modern world, the average business uses an alarming amount of power and energy each day. The volume of electricity that your business likely gets through will no doubt cause your carbon footprint to reach untold levels that can certainly have a negative impact on the planet, so there’s no time like the present to figure out how you can make some effective changes to ensure you can use less energy. One of the best ways to use less energy within your business is to install motion-detecting light switches, as leaving your lights on through the night or when no staff are around will certainly bump up your energy use for no good reason. Instead, when your light sensors detect that there is no one in the room or area, they will simply switch off so that you can start to better conserve energy. This will not only help you to use fewer resources, but it can also reduce the cost of your energy bills too! If you want to take this one step further, then contacting some expert industrial electrical contractors to come out and install some sustainable power resources could be the perfect option. Using something like solar panels on your business roof can certainly help you to use less energy, as you can instead use the electricity that has been created naturally using the sun's rays as they hit your solar panels! Solar is an infinite resource, so it’s much better to use this option instead. 

planting
Photo by Lara Jameson

Try To Recycle 

Do you find that you throw lots of trash away, but do not recycle nearly half as much? Then this could be your next priority, as trying to recycle more can certainly help to decrease your impact on the environment. When you make an effort to recycle, the materials that you would have once thrown in the trash can actually be given another life as a new product instead. There are so many materials that can be used again and again, including paper and card, glass, metals, some plastics and so much more. It has to be said that you may even start to make more money if you recycle, as rather than paying for a trash truck to come and collect and dump your rubbish, you can actually sell your recyclable waste to a specialist plant who can then give it a new life.
August 06, 2022

How to Build a Successful Blog

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I have been blogging since I was in college, and I must say it has been quite a journey. I have come a long way from sharing my daily musings about my classes to publishing these helpful "how to" articles filled with informative tips and hacks for my readers. 

My blog has become an integral part of my life. I have worked on it several hours daily, adding more posts regularly to build up my content. It has been one of my most rewarding experiences yet. 

I claim to be no expert on the topic, but here are a few ways I managed to build a successful blog: 

Define your niche 

One of the most common newbie mistakes for those trying to build a successful blog is failing to choose a niche. Choosing a niche for their blog earlier on will define the direction you wish to take with your blog. It will also serve as the guide to deciding what posts to create next and which audience to target. Some of the most popular niches today are food, fashion, mommy, travel, and parenting blogs. 

Primarily my blog has been a proverbial melting pot of anything and everything under the sun. But as years went by, I managed to choose a more specific niche which helped shape my blog into what it is today. It was something that worked well for me. Looking back, it would have been more effective if I had chosen a specific niche earlier. 

Focus on your audience 

Another common misconception on how to build a successful blog is focusing more on the blogger than the audience. Of course, we would like to share more about ourselves through our blog posts; this is how our readers and followers will come to know us and grow to love our content. But one must also consider his target audience and analyze what content they prefer to see and read in your blog. This way, you can be sure that your audience will return to your blog for more content, thereby growing your following. 

Regularly write quality content 

Yes, this old statement from Bill Gates in 1996 never rings truer. "Content is king." Quality content is still the key to gaining readers and growing your followers. Never grow tired of writing those clever and informative posts. Learn which topics are relevant to your readers and make detailed and well-researched posts about them. Do not forget to craft catchy and captivating titles and do it regularly. Set a regular schedule for publishing your content. 

Utilize your social media pages to grow your blog 

The increase in popularity of social media these past few years paved the way for influencers to rise to fame as well. They became prominent personalities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and similar platforms. You can never go wrong in utilizing these said platforms to grow your blog following. Creating a page on Facebook or Instagram for your blog is another way to grow your audience and add more avenues to earn from your blog. 

While sponsored posts are the most popular form of blog paid content, influencer marketing is one of the biggest things on social media platforms. Brands tap Facebook or Instagram content creators to help market their products; it has proven to be a very effective advertising and marketing tool. It is another income opportunity for any blogger to consider. 

Invest in a simple yet functional blog theme 

The overall look of your blog is a factor in making your readers stay to read for an entire length of an article or keep them coming back to read more of your content. If you can, invest in a functional but simple theme with a mobile mode to provide a better reader experience. If you do not have the budget to spare for a customized one, there are plenty of free Blogger and WordPress themes to choose from to help improve your blog.
August 02, 2022

Savings Vs Investing? Which Is Right For You?

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This guide will help you learn the basics of both so you can decide which one is best for you.

Taking a step back is often the best way to make a wise choice. Forget about the details for the present time and just think about what you want your money to do for you. In a few minutes, it should be much easier to decide whether to save or invest. 

What Is Saving? 

When you save, you put some of your money away for the future. You can put money into your savings all at once or on a regular basis. And if you use an easy-access account, you can get your money back at any time, along with the interest you've earned. And if you use an easy-access account, you can get your money back at any time, along with the interest you've earned. 

Aside from being easy to get to, one of the best things about saving is that it's safe. Is saving risk-free? No, not really. Since interest rates have been low for years, you won't get much back on your money. It might not keep up with inflation. So, the money in your savings account isn't heading anywhere, but it's getting harder and harder to buy things with it over time. In other words, you can buy less with it. 

What Is Investing? 

Investing is another way to put money aside for the future. There are many ways to invest, and most of them come with some kind of cost or fee. Shares and funds are probably the most well-known types of investments. With shares, you buy a small piece of a single company. With funds, you buy a ready-made group of investments that are managed for you by a professional. 

When you invest, you put your money into something you think will be worth more in the future for example, you might invest in Commodities or other stocks. Here, you face a different type of risk: exposure to the markets. This means that the value of your investment can and will change, so you could get back less than you put in. Your expected returns can also change, and you can't always count on them. 

Because of this, you should try to invest for at least 5 years. If the value of your investment goes down, a longer time frame gives it more time to recover. By figuring out when you'll need your cash, you can manage the risk you're taking. 

Why risk anything? First of all, not all investment risks are the same. And if you take calculated risks, you might be able to make more money than if you just put your money in a savings account. Is it worth taking a risk to invest? 

Which One Should You Choose? 

It's more about finding the right combination for you. There are, of course, many different needs and goals in life. So it's likely that you want to put your money toward more than one goal. 

You should figure out how much you can save each month as a good place to start. When you have a number in mind, you can think about how to split it up to make sure you have cash for various parts of your life. How you do that will depend on your age and what's most important to you. 

It's smart to put your money in different pots: 
August 02, 2022

Tips For Creating A Good Website For Your Small Business

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When you are starting a small business, one of the most important things you can do is create a good website. This will be your online storefront, and it must look professional and represent your company well. The following blog will discuss some tips for creating a good website for your small business. 

1) Keep It Simple 

When it comes to your website, less is more. You want to create a site that is easy to navigate and understand. Too much information can be overwhelming, and it can turn potential customers away. Stick to the basics and provide only the most essential information about your business

If you have a lot of products or services, consider creating separate pages for each one. This will make your website easier to navigate and will help potential customers find what they are looking for quickly and easily. 

And remember, always proofread your content before publishing! Nothing looks worse than typos or grammatical errors on a website. 

2) Use High-Quality Images 

Images are worth a thousand words, and this is especially true when it comes to websites. Be sure to use high-quality images that accurately represent your business. For example, if you are selling products, consider using photos of the actual items rather than stock photos. People want to see what they are buying! 

And if you don't have any good photos of your own, there are plenty of free stock photo websites out there that you can use. Just be sure to read the terms of use before using any images, as some sites require attribution. 

3) Use Live Chat Software 

One way to set your small business website apart from the competition is to offer live chat support. This can be a great way to build rapport with potential customers and answer any questions they may have in real-time. There are many different live chat software options available, so be sure to do your research on more information on Best Live Chat software for small business

If you cannot offer live chat support 24/hours a day, that's okay! You can still provide chat during regular business hours. This will show potential customers that you're committed to providing excellent customer service. 

4) Optimize Your Site For Search Engines 

If you want people to find your website, you need to make sure it is optimized for search engines. This means using the right keywords and phrases throughout your site so that people can easily find what they are looking for. It also means making sure your site is mobile-friendly and loads quickly. 

Many factors go into search engine optimization, but thankfully there are plenty of resources out there to help you get started. Once you have a basic understanding of SEO, you can start implementing some of these strategies on your own site. 

In conclusion, these are just a few tips for creating a good website for your small business. By following these tips, you can create a professional and user-friendly site that will help you attract new customers and grow your business.
July 31, 2022

5 Fun Online Activities to Do with the Family

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There is no reason to stop doing fun activities with the family even while you continue to limit your time outside and opt to stay at home. May this be for a self-imposed quarantine or due to the school break, there are numerous fun online activities for the family you can enjoy together. 

Although you have different interests or preferences, the internet is a treasure trove of safe and fun online activities for the family. Among them are: 

Playing Free Online Games 




Solitaire game on solitaire.org 

Online games are always a hit with kids of any age or for the kids at heart. Many websites offer free online games that you can enjoy with your brood. If you are interested in old-school card games like Solitaire, Blackjack, or the likes, you might want to check solitaire.org for hours of serious gaming. The little ones will find these games interesting as they are way too different from the RPG games they are fond of playing online. 


Letter Scramble Game on solitaire.org 

Apart from the card games, solitaire.org offers an assortment of fun online activities for the family. They have a wide selection of games ranging from logic puzzles, word games, and hidden objects, to name a few. You are sure to have hours of fun with the family as you try to beat each other's scores at every game. 

Joining a Virtual Tour of a Famous World Attraction 

If your gang is up for an adventure, you may want to try joining a virtual tour of a famous attraction. When the pandemic broke, several world-renowned attractions began to offer free virtual tours. This is so the people can still wander into their beautiful premises safely in the comforts of their homes. Thus, you can now visit the Louvre or the British Museum, the NASA Houston Space Center, or the Walt Disney World without having to leave your living room. You can even opt to view the lovable pandas at the Atlanta Zoo through their all-day Panda Cam. 

Enjoy Watching Videos on Tiktok 

Tiktok offers a ton of videos on virtually any topic. The whole family will be amused by watching clips of lovable dogs and other pets, cool people busting their favorite new moves, or influencers sharing their latest finds or discoveries. There are also several funny clips and skits that you and the entire family will surely enjoy watching while laughing together. 

Making Fun Reels on Instagram 

Instagram Reels is a feature that you and the family can explore together. Have fun creating your reels and make it a perfect bonding activity. You can brainstorm ideas and pitch on which topic to choose and which props to use. You may also decide on which music or effects to add to make your reel stand out. 

Watching Tutorials on Youtube 

Spending quality time together does not just need to be entertaining. You can also turn it into something educational. For your next bonding activity, opt to learn a new craft together. You may want to try learning calligraphy, drawing, or watercolor painting. You may also try learning exercise routines or cooking a new favorite dish. The only limit is your imagination since you can easily search for these tutorials on Youtube and have hours of fun and learn with the rest of the family.
July 25, 2022

6 Tips to Design Your Home Office to Increase Productivity

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home office, work from home


The pandemic resulted in people from the workforce opting to work remotely to prevent the spread of the virus. Even now that the number of cases has considerably decreased, more people are still choosing to work from the comforts and safety of their homes. 

Therefore, setting up a specific workspace at home has never been more important. As the homes were originally designed for the utmost comfort of the family and rarely cater to work-related pursuits, it is a must that we redesign our home office to help increase our productivity and accomplish our work-related goals. 

Here are a few tips and tricks on how you can design your home office to help improve your productivity: 

Buying a new home to accommodate your home office 


Not most of us would readily have the extra space to create a work haven at home. Consider buying a new home as a last resort. A lot of factors will go into making this decision and it is best to consult with the family and your real estate agent before coming up with one. You can also use this Mortgage Calculator if you need assistance in computing your new home mortgage. 

Go for ergonomic furniture 



Make sure to invest in chairs and tables specifically designed to give you comfort while you work for long periods. This will not only considerably improve your productivity but will also lessen the aches and pains brought about by prolonged sitting. An ergonomic desk will go perfectly with an ergonomically designed chair. You may also add in an ergonomic keyboard or mouse to complete your setup. 

Minimize clutter 


Nothing thwarts productivity better than unnecessary clutter in your workspace. These items, like extra picture frames or trinkets, can distract you from work and affect your productivity. It would be best to relocate this clutter to other parts of your home to keep your home office spick and span. You may also find creative ways to dispose of them by donating them or having a garage sale. 

Maximize the use of natural light 


Tapping natural light will not only result to improve work productivity in your home office, but it will also allow you to save on using energy or electricity. Positioning your desk where it can get the maximum amount of natural light could help you focus more on the task at hand. 

Dedicate a private space for your home office 


Designating a part of the living room or a portion of the bedroom for your home office space may not work, especially if there are a lot of people or a lot of activities going about in your home. The best option is to assign a spare room in your house for a much private home office. If a spare room is not available, you may also choose to install a partition in one of your bigger rooms to create your workspace. Of course, if you are planning repairs on rented housing, it is best to consult with your landlord beforehand to prevent disputes or violations. 

Incorporate green in your workspace 


While some people find the color relaxing, studies have also shown that being around green plants and having access to green or nature views, increases a person's creativity. Therefore, it is highly recommended to utilize the color in your workspace or to incorporate houseplants into your home office interior to help improve the quality of your work.
June 09, 2022

Best Places to Live in and Around Washington, D.C.

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There’s nothing quite like Washington D.C. This area of the country has fantastic schools, awesome businesses and career options, and incredible entertainment: while still getting to claim the southern charm so many people cherish in the south. 

If you're considering moving to Washington D.C., these are the top areas you should consider moving to. 

Why Washington D.C.? 

Washington D.C. is possibly the most well-known area in the country since it's the capital of the United States. This entire area may be expensive, but it's also one of the best paying portions of the country, with a lively economy that ensures anyone who wants to find a job can grab one in no time. 

This is also an awesome area to raise a family since the schools and education here are unparalleled. Washington D.C. should be everyone's top choice. 

 Alexandria, Virginia 

The average home in Alexandria is half a million dollars, but this is possibly the most affluent city on this list. One of the oldest cities in the country, originally a colonial city on the Potomac River, it played a huge role in shaping the country into what it is today. Living here allows you to enjoy the countless memorials and museums, even though a steep price tag comes with it. 

Frederick, Maryland 

If you want the most affordable area on this list but don't want to give up your great schools and low crime levels: it's time to move to Frederick, Maryland. Unfortunately, the one drawback of all of the fantastic things it offers is that it's a full hour outside of Washington, D.C. Many find this drive worth it to live somewhere that's safer, more visually stunning, and quieter than you could ever find living close to the nation's capital. 

Arlington, Virginia 

Although Arlington real estate is the most expensive on this list: it's worth it for how incredible this area is. The average home value sits at $700,000, which is far higher than the national average, or the state average: but you're also just five minutes outside of Washington, D.C., and so close to the beautiful Potomac River. 

There’s a deep wealth of historical properties here that you can explore and learn about, and it’s like living within a city that’s also a museum. This is an experience unlike any other. 

Rockville, Maryland 

If you want to be in an area that has the best schools available (ranked A+) and a relatively small population, you're welcome to move to Rockville! With just under seventy-thousand people, Rockville has a low crime rate and is just twenty minutes out of the nation's capital. Plenty of green spaces, gardens, and trails ensure anyone can enjoy an active lifestyle while living here. 

There’s Nothing Like Living Near the Nation’s Capital 

Living near Washington D.C. gives you the perfect mix of fun and intrigue that ensures you can enjoy getting to know the history of this country: while still being excited about how far it has to go. Consider moving to Washington D.C. and watching history as it happens.

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