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How to Keep Your Kids and Toddlers Safe While Outdoors

 

It is a wonderful thing to have a garden at home, but it also comes with some hazards, especially for children. Each year a significant number of children get injured outdoors, and as a parent, you do not want anything to happen to yours. That is why it is essential that you are aware of the potential dangers in your garden and you can do something about them. Here are some crucial safety tips that you can keep in mind.

Make sure that your garden remains safe for small children

One of the first things that you should do is to make sure that you install garden railings so your child cannot play outdoors without your knowledge. No parent wants to hear their child crying because they accidentally stumbled, therefore, interrupting your household activities. Do not forget to check the fence and gates just to ensure they are secure at all times. Also, garden walls can pose a hazard because old walls can lose their structural integrity and crumble down in case of earthquakes or heavy rains.

Trim your plants regularly

If you love sending your kids into the garden to play, you need to keep your plants trimmed every week. You have to make sure that there are no sharp branches, dried leaves and painful thorns that can get stuck in your children’s clothes, face or other body parts that can cause them to have wounds and deep scratches. It is best not to plant shrubs because they can grow taller than small children. It is also an excellent idea to teach your kids about different types of plants that they should avoid.

Keep garden toys safe and steady

If you plan on putting up garden toys like a swing, slide or seesaw, it is crucial to make sure that these outdoor playground sets are safe and stable. Follow the instructions carefully found in the user manual, to ensure that your child will not suffer from a dangerous fall that can cause them to suffer from a painful sprain or, worse, a fractured bone.

Place the playground set right in the middle of the garden where you can see them play. You can also pour a slab of thin rubber on the play area to prevent them from slipping by getting in contact with a muddy surface.

Keep your gardening and power tools away from kids

If you love to do many gardening projects, you have to be more conscious about not leaving your equipment lying around the area. Children are inquisitive in general, and there is a possibility that they can play with your power tools. Do not leave any loose cables because they might accidentally trip over them, and keep all electrical tools like your lawn mower, drills and chainsaw locked away when not in use.

Lastly make sure that all chemicals like weed killers, fertilizers and cleaning agents are stored properly. Never leave them lying around in the garden or on your deck, to avoid poisoning.

To read more on topics like this, check out the life style category.

Is a Business Answering Service Better Than a Receptionist?

Unless your business requires a receptionist, you probably don’t understand the cost of having this person on the payroll, the training involved, and the resources that are required to keep this employee happy. Sure, a receptionist is a vital part of the team, but having one on staff could be doing your company more harm than good.

There is an alternative to a receptionist that you might not have considered: a professional

business answering service. A business answering service works basically the same way that a receptionist does, only that nobody is actually need in-house. There are pros and cons of not having a receptionist in the building, but the many benefits of an answering service make up for this.

In our honest opinion, yes, a business answering service is a better option than having a receptionist on staff. But no matter what we say, it is still up to you to make your own decision on this, so here’s what you need to know.

How does a professional answering service work?

When you invest in a professional answering service, you will still have someone answering your phones just as you would with a receptionist. However, this person will be in a remote location not actually within the confines of your office. But don’t worry, you’ll have complete access to this person and the ability to communicate via several channels.

Who will be the one answering the phone?

You will technically be considered a client of the answering agency and typically have a team of several individuals assigned to your specific case. These individuals have undergone an extensive training period from the agency, usually one that takes 12 weeks from start to finish.

They’ll also receive training about your personal company, how everything operates, and how to offer the best customer service for your customer base. Another perk is that you won’t ever have to worry about your receptionist needing vacation time. The agency will handle all of that, so you’ll always have someone to man the phones no matter what.

How much will this service cost?

We can’t give you an exact number since every answering service varies in cost. We can, however, tell you that a business answering service will cost a great deal less than having a receptionist staff member on the payroll. Think about it, how much would you be paying your receptionist each year? Probably somewhere around $28,000 depending on your location. On top of that, the company has to provide health benefits and other necessary compensation.

We haven’t even covered the other costs relating to keeping a receptionist on staff. You need to have an office space for this person, a desk, phones, office supplies, and anything else for this person to do the job effectively. With a professional answering service, you don’t have to worry about providing any of these things. Your call representative will receive everything from their own employer, who technically is not you but instead the answering service agency.

 

Things to Think About Before Hiring an SEO Firm

Let’s be honest, if your website isn’t showing up on the first page of Google results, you’re not doing yourself any favors. Even showing up low on the first page isn’t a great sign, and it probably means that a lot of potential customers have no idea that you exist at all. It doesn’t matter if you’re the best in the business, your opportunities for turning a profit are much lower than if you would show up as the #1 result.

This is why investing in search engine optimization could be the best thing you ever do for your company’s future. If you’re not a marketing guru and aren’t all that tech savvy, don’t even think about trying to optimize your website all by yourself. Dish out some cash on a top-rated SEO firm, it will be totally worth it.

Before spending the cash, however, there are a few things to think about and considerations that need to be made. Don’t be afraid to shop around for SEO agencies before you settle on the one for you. During the “shopping” period, be sure to ask each agency these questions to make sure it’s the right fit.

What SEO services do you specialize in?

The term SEO is not defined by one thing, but rather it is made up of many strategies. Ask the agency about the specific strategies they use and how it works. Some firms will only offer SEO content, while others will do everything from keyword research to website auditing. Even if you are in need of one service, it is always best to choose a firm that offers variety. This gives you the option to add services to your SEO plan later on.

What have your success rates been like?

This is an important question and one that you need an honest answer to. Getting an honest answer is the difficult part, since no firm will brag about failures in the field. You’ll be able to tell a trustworthy firm from a dishonest one though when you ask for a reference list and contact information of clients from the past. This means that the firm has nothing to hide and that past clients have probably had good experiences and a lot of success.

How much will this cost me?

Asking about cost should be done early on so that you don’t waste any precious time. You might even want to ask this first so that you can rule out the agencies that don’t fit the bill from the get go. It is very unlikely that the agency will offer up a set price since many of the services are offered separately from each other. However, you should be able to get a ballpark figure of the money you’ll be spending.

How long before I can expect results?

If you’re a believer of instant gratification, you might not love the answer to this question. SEO results won’t come about instantly. Some of the best agencies can get results in as little as 3 months, but you could be looking at 9 months to `1 year before you see a significant change. Don’t trust an agency that says you’ll see change within the first week, this is pretty much impossible.

 

5 Major Corporations Using the Powers of SEO in 2019

There is no question about the powers of search engine optimization and its ability to promote a brand. Some experts are saying that investing in SEO is the best thing a company can do to grow and see increased profits. Whether you believe that or not, you can’t deny the success that SEO can bring.

Still not so sure about it? Some of the world’s most reputable companies have gone from small startups to major corporations with the help of search engine optimization as one of their main marketing strategies.

Starbucks

You probably think that Starbucks has always been the Goliath of the coffee world against the smaller David coffee shops out there. In a way, it is not wrong to assume this since there are tens of thousands of Starbucks locations and pretty much everyone in the world is familiar with their signature mermaid logo.

However, getting to the top did not come easy for Starbucks. Just like anyone else, this coffee chain started as a one-stop shop in the heart of Seattle, and it took some effort to expand across the world. Starbucks doesn’t need SEO so much not since everyone knows the name without needing to visit the site, but at the start this corporation’s web presence was the key to growth, making SEO an essential marketing strategy for the coffee conglomerate.

Amazon

There is literally no need to even leave the house anymore thanks to the services provided by Amazon. Amazon.com services as an online shopping portal that operates worldwide, and in certain places you can even order your groceries and have them delivered through Amazon. Just like Starbucks, Amazon had to work to get where it is today. SEO was definitely not the sole strategy used, but it played a major role.

Target

Target: the ultimate retail store for everything from home decor to fashionware to groceries. Some people compare Target to the likes of Walmart, but you simply can’t beat the quality and style offered by retailers that are found throughout the aisles of Target. In order to beat out fellow retailers with a similar business model, the marketing team at Target goes above and beyond when it comes to optimizing its website – especially with the online shopping epidemic.

WholeFoods

WholeFoods has recently broken into the grocery delivery service, which means customers can shop for groceries online and have them delivered to their doorstep within a few hours. This is completed through the Amazon shopping portal, but even so Whole Foods has really had to step up its online game. And how do you suppose they’ve done that? Through SEO of course.

Google

It might come as a shock to you that the Google corp also has to invest time and money into search engine optimization strategic planning. Most companies perform SEO for the sake of trying to “please” Google and rank higher than competition. But just because Google is the king of all things SEO does not mean this major corporation can ignore it for their own business practices.

 

Top 5 Department Stores for Designer Underwear for Sale

If you love the idea of wearing designer underwear every day but don’t love the price tag that comes along with it, keep reading. Even if your underwear preferences are more luxurious than what your budget allows, there are plenty of opportunities to purchase designer underwear for sale.

So don’t worry, you could be looking just like Marky Mark or Gisele sooner than you think when you start browsing these department stores for your undergarment needs – as well as any fashion-related needs you might have.

Macy’s

Macy’s is one of the longest running department stores in the history of department stores. It all started out in 1858 by a man named Rowland Hussey Macy and has nearly 750 locations in 44 American states. The department store has been a fixture in the fashion world since its origination, especially when it comes to budget-friendly fashion.

Macy’s boasts some of the best sales in the entire fashion industry. It seems as if there is always some sort of sale going on, so you’ll definitely be able to find designer brand underwear for a price that fits your budget. Macy’s carries everything from Calvin Klein to Dolce and Gabbana designer brands.

Bloomingdale’s

Shortly after Macy’s was founded, Bloomingdale’s came into existence. The first location opened in Manhattan in 1861 and was started by two brothers, Joseph and Lyman Bloomingdale. They followed the vision of Macy’s and to this day still offer everything from designer clothing to luxury furniture. There are nearly 40 full-size Bloomingdale’s stores throughout the United States, as well as some outlet and specialty furniture stores.

Nordstrom

Founded in 1901 by John W. Nordstrom, the Nordstrom department store chain has nearly 400 locations throughout North America. The store specializes in clothing, jewelry, footwear, cosmetics, handbags, and fragrances for men and women. One of the best part about shopping in Nordstrom stores is the in-house cafes, restaurants, and espresso bars found at most locations. The second best thing going for Nordstrom are the killer sales, especially on designer-brand underwear.

Kohl’s

Kohl’s might not be considered as “fancy” as the other department stores on this list, but it is a great choice nonetheless. Kohl’s locations don’t carry as many options for designer brands as stores like Macy’s or Nordstrom, but there are a few choices available. You’ll have the best luck if you browse the online store to see what’s in stock and what’s on sale. This is the best option if sticking to a budget is your main concern.

Neiman Marcus

Neiman Marcus isn’t nearly as well-known as major department stores like Macy’s, but if you’ve shopped there chances are you love it. There are less than 50 locations around the country, so if there is not a location near year check out the online store to see what underwear, footwear, and other fashion items they’ve got available. They mostly specialize in women’s wear here, but you can still find options for men when you shop online.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

6 Benefits of Virtual Training Platforms for Businesses

Every business involves some sort of training procedures for both new employees and ones who have been working for the company for decades. Training employees on innovative business strategies, proper workplace conduct, or new software implementation is the best way to stay ahead of the game.

There are tons of virtual training platforms (VTP) available to help with any business-related training needs within the company. Using one of these platforms will not just make the lives of your fellow team members easier, it will keep you as a competitive key player in your industry. If that’s not enough, read about these 6 benefits of investing in a virtual training platform for your business.

VTP provides flexibility

Online platforms for job training purposes provide tons of flexibility that you won’t get from an in-person training seminar. With a VTP it is possible to complete the training anywhere, anytime as long as there is an internet connection. Getting everyone together and coordinating schedules is the biggest challenge of all, but a virtual platform makes this no problem whatsoever.

It offers mobility

This is essential since we are living in a world where mobility means everything. Online training and eLearning seminars that can be completed from any device, including a mobile one, are becoming the norm. All you have to do in order to access a VTP from mobile is register an account with the platform and sign in when you need to access it.

It builds a sense of community

It can be difficult to connect with fellow employees, even when you work in the same building. With a VTP you can connect any time with your team members and touch base at all hours of the day. Some companies say that investing in VTP helped to build a better sense of workplace community.

It helps with information retention

When a training is completed online, there is often better information retention than there would in for an in-person training session. There are a few reasons for this, the first being that the members of the training can refer back to the online training slides whenever they need to.

Maybe an in-person seminar also provides handouts that can be referred back to, but it is had to keep track of papers – it always seems as if you can’t find them when you need them most. With a VTP, you just need to remember your login information to access your account and find the training resources.

VTP programs provide constructive criticism

Some people don’t take criticism well, and it can also be difficult for the person dishing out the critiques. VTP programs work by giving criticism in a way that is easily handled and extremely constructive. Basically at the end of each training session, the trainees will be required to take a quiz. Any wrong answers will be thoroughly explained; it is easier for some individuals to take criticism from a computer rather than another person.

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Tips from the Best Resume Writers on Landing Your Dream Job

In the movies and on TV shows, the job interviewing process looks so glamorous. The main character walks into a corporate office, dressed to the nine ready to nail the interview. And in most cases, the character lands the dream job and lives happily ever after. Unfortunately, this isn’t always how things play out in real life.

Interviewing can be a messy venture, as can writing the perfect resume. Things don’t always go as hoped or planned, and the job hunt can last for months longer than anticipated. This puts a huge dent in financials, and the added stress can negatively affect performance in the job hunt.

Luckily, there are plenty of professionals to help you out, including professional resume writers. Here’s what these people have to say about interviewing, resume writing, and landing your dream job.

Tip 1: Double, triple, and quadruple check your resume before submitting it

There is nothing more unprofessional than a sloppy resume. When we say sloppy, we aren’t just referring to grammatical errors and poor punctuation. This also includes the overall appearance and layout of the resume. Resume writers know all about the proper formatting and how to place each aspect of a resume on the page in a way that is pleasing to the eye.

This is extremely important, especially if the job you’re hoping for has tons of applicants. Your resume should stand out; not with pink lettering or funky graphics, but instead with a style and flair that is unique to your resume and only yours. And always, always proofread your resume multiple times to check for errors.

Tip 2: Dress professionally for your interview, but also comfortably

So many job hunters only focus on the professional aspect of their interview wardrobe but completely disregard comfort. Looking professional is obviously important, but it is also important that that brand new pencil skirt isn’t riding up in an unpleasant way or that new dress shirt isn’t itchy beyond belief.

If you’re uncomfortable during an interview, the interviewer will be able to tell. Not only is this distracting to you, but also to them. Do your best to find an outfit that looks the part, but one that you’re also comfortable wearing.

Tip 3: Know the job you’re applying for

So this probably feels like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised. A lot of people apply for a job and even go into an interview without a thorough understanding of the job in question. Sure, they might have a general knowledge of what it entails, but it is important to know the specifics. This should all be included on the job listing, so study this before walking into an interview. It is also a good idea to study up on the company to learn about its values and visions.

Tip 4: Be confident!

As you walk into a job interview, don’t let the other candidates sitting in the waiting room psyche you out. Try to focus on yourself and your own abilities without comparing yourself to others. If you have confidence, you have a much better chance of landing your dream job.

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Planning The Perfect Party: A Guide

Planning the perfect party requires some time and effort. Most importantly, it is also never a one-person job. The sooner you get help, and start planning everything ahead of time, the more you can guarantee that everything will work out perfectly.

Still, there are other considerations to keep in mind as well, if you want the event to be a roaring success. For instance, what is the purpose of the party? Once you determine this, every detail of the planning stage must keep this in mind. Then, you must think about the party theme, what guests will be attending, and much more. Continue reading for more information.

The purpose of the party

What is the purpose of the party? Are you hosting an engagement party? What about a birthday party? Perhaps it’s a New Year’s Eve party? All of the aforementioned will require a different degree of planning associated to it.

Brainstorm ideas for a theme

Have you stopped to consider the type of theme that you want to curate for the party? The theme will also impact the type of decorations that you end up purchasing. On the other hand, you might even want to opt for some DIY party décor as well.

Organize the guest list

Keeping in mind the aforementioned factors as well, you need to consider who will be going to the party to begin with. Do you want to keep your guest list small, or are you willing to accommodate more people?

Find the perfect venue

Finding the perfect venue is key. After all, where will people go for your party? Is it in a central location? Depending on the purpose of the event, once again, the venue must also be chosen accordingly.

If you plan on spending New Year’s Eve abroad, for instance, you will want to find an interesting venue depending on where you are located.

If you are spending time in England, for instance, you will want to do some research on what venues you are able to rent in the first place. Take the party venue hire Windsor as one example, and considering that they even outline on their website what their venue is most hired for, and that is New Years and birthday parties.

The point is, no matter where you are, you will undoubtedly find the perfect event location – you must simply do some prior research for it ahead of time.

Tailor the menu to your guests

The menu will have to keep in mind the guests that are attending the event in the first place. Does anyone have any allergies? The sooner you book a caterer, if your party requires it, the more money you can potentially save on this aspect of the event.

Plan everything in advance

All in all, you must plan everything in advance. This will help eliminate any stress and chaos.

A party is always an enjoyable pastime, and in order to plan the perfect event, you simply must start thinking about it in advance. Even if you leave it to a month prior to the date, it’s still too late. By then, the venues you were interested in have likely been booked up, it will be hard to book a caterer last minute, and so on. Thus, the sooner you start, the better the outcome of the event.

To read more on topics like this, check out the life style category.

4 Ways to Make Your Property More Inviting

 

If you have been living in your home for the past few years, it can start losing its physical appeal if it lacks maintenance. Old houses can look dull and boring, especially if owners are not making much of an effort in making the place look more appealing to others. If you are planning to sell your home in the future or you want to make a good impression, there are many ways to make your property look beautiful. Here are four things that you can do to boost the appeal of your property quickly.

Beautify your surroundings

If you want people to notice your house instantly, the best thing to do is to plant some colourful flowers and plants all around your garden. You can also install a tiny fence to protect your plants from wild animals. However, before doing that you should check out the services of a party wall surveyor Manchester offers, to ensure that your fence will not go beyond your neighbours’ property.

Accentuating some parts of the house is also a great idea by adding plant boxes near the front windows and some hanging plants by the doorway. Plants can give the house a more refreshing look which most people would love to see.

Keep your lawn well manicured

You do not need to have green fingers to make your yard look like something you see in magazines. You can take care of your lawn by using a lawn mower at least once a week. Install a water sprinkler in the middle of the garden to ensure that the grass and plants get an adequate amount of water every day. Find time to remove weeds and dried leaves from the area. If you find it challenging to maintain real grass, then you have an option to replace it with artificial options.

Make your front door stand out

One of the first things that most people notice when they come by your house is your front door. Many homes have front doors that are less appealing to the eye. Instead of replacing your door, why not paint it with a more vibrant colour for a change? If you are scared to try out new colours, then maybe now is the time to go bolder with your choices. Remember that making a safe choice is good, but it is not always the best.

Do not forget to replace some lighting and fixtures

Make your guests feel welcomed by lighting up the entrance of your home by installing a few lamps right at your front door. You can replace some of your old bulbs with LEDs to make the area brighter, and they last longer. Choosing the best lighting fixtures will give an impression of a bigger space. Avoid using dim lights in your living room, dining area, and the kitchen because it provides the house with a lazy vibe.

There are many ways to make your home more attractive. There is no harm in trying some DIY projects for a change.

To read more on topics like this, check out the home decor category

Opt for a Reputable Company when Renting or Buying Forklifts

To discover why you shouldn’t hire or rent a forklift from the least expensive company possible, continue reading to discover why you should always hire or rent heavy machinery form a reputable, well established company!

Here’s why you should go through a reputable company when renting or buying forklifts:

1. Reputable companies will rent or sell forklifts which are in perfect working condition

One of the key reasons why you should always purchase heavy machinery such as a forklift from a well established, company, is that there will be little to zero risk of purchasing or hiring a forklift, which isn’t in perfect working condition.

After all, the last thing that you want to do is to hire an expensive forklift for hundreds or thousands of dollars, to find that it doesn’t work correctly or is faulty.

2. You can trust the staff from reputable companies that have been around for years

If a company hired out or sold forklifts that weren’t in good condition, they would soon go under as they’d never receive any repeat business and their negative reputation would quickly spread, through word of mouth and online reviews.

However, if a company which rents or sells heavy machinery such as fork lifts, has been in operation for several years, it’s highly likely that they have many satisfied customers and are safe to do business with.

Just be careful to do your research before choosing to deal with a company which has been trading for less than a year. You’ll want to look at companies like, Mars Forklifts who ensure proper service even after machinery has been purchased.

3. The top companies will offer the best brands available

Another reason to be highly selective when it comes to choosing a company to purchase or hire a forklift for is that the top rated companies in your area, will offer the best brands available. Which is a huge bonus as, in order to complete your work efficiently, it’s a great idea to hire or purchase the best machinery available.

As an added bonus, the top brands of forklifts, have less issues with maintenance. So you won’t have to worry about your forklift being unresponsive or encountering a major issue, right after you’ve hired it or purchased it!

4. You won’t have any trouble getting assistance, if you have trouble with your forklift

If you hire or purchase a forklift from a less than reputable company, you may find that your calls, text messages and emails go answered. However if you ring or email a highly regarded company, you should be able to get help with your fork list in a short space of time.

5. If you hire a forklift from a reputable company, they will have a great insurance plan in place

If you plan to hire a forklift instead of purchasing a forklift and you deal with a reputable company, they will offer a great insurance plan in place, that will ensure that if you accidentally damage the forklift that you hire, that you won’t have to pay to repair or replace the forklift in question.

So if you’ve been tossing up whether to purchase or hire a forklift from the cheapest company around or whether to invest in hiring or purchasing a forklift from a reputable vendor, it’s well worth dealing with a professional, well established company.

 

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