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Repair Your Online Reputation by Responding to the 5 Google Review Types

If you want to learn how to repair your online reputation, you must first understand how important doing so actually is. Every time you respond to a review, you showcase your brand. You focus on quality control, perform damage control, take part in free marketing and advertising, and essentially have an opportunity to make things better. But this means providing the right response at the right time. Looking specifically at Google reviews, you will quickly find that there are five many types, and they all require a different approach.

Repair Your Online Reputation for the 5 Review Types

The “I love you!” type. This is the ideal customer. They are incredibly happy and go out of their way to tell others about this. Unfortunately, they can also come across as slightly over the top, and perhaps even fake. Combat this by responding to them in a unique way each time. Be brief and remember that customers will read your response.

The “I’m not sure” type. This is generally a three star review. Some things are good, but there are some things they aren’t 100% happy with and that means they may not recommend you to others. You must see these reviews as beneficial, however, because they showcase to you where you can improve. In your response, be thankful for the comments. If you have done or are doing something to address their complaints, let them know about this. Document what is being said and use it to improve your business.

The genuine complaint type. This is a one star review and it is honest and genuine. Perhaps you served your customer food that was cold. You must see this review for what it is: one last chance to make things right. Start by apologizing unreservedly. Be honest about what happened in a concise manner and offer the customer something in return. Show that you truly care. Keep a record of what was said, so that the issue doesn’t happen again.

The competition type. This is a one star review, but it is fake, possibly left by the competition. If defamatory or libelous, do seek legal advice. If you can prove the review is left by the competition, it will be in violation of the Google Review Policy and can be reported. Flag the review and be ready to wait a while before it is fixed.

The illegal type. These are also fake reviews, and they will accuse you of engaging in illegal practices, such as hiring illegal workers or not having W-2 in place. You must seek legal advice in this case.

Tips to Respond Properly at the Right Time

Overall, the first three reviews are the ones you will receive the most of. It was found that 57% of people complain because of the way employees behaved towards them. This means that your focus should at all times be on delivering excellent customer service by having properly trained staff in place. Also make sure that you respond quickly to all reviews, and monitor whether there is a pattern.

Working From Phone – A New Freelance Revolution

iphone” (CC BY 2.0) by Sole Treadmill

It’s undeniable that personal technology now permeates every aspect of our day-to-day lives. Recent app technology allows our phones and laptops to aid us with almost every daily activity. There is quite possibly an app for everything and anything you can think of, meaning more of us can work, socialise, shop or even travel the world, from the palm of our hands. Today, this has bred a new phenomena – those who work from their phones. Internet and application technology, has significantly increased the number of freelancers in the past three decades. New trends in the cyber community allow almost anyone, anywhere, and with any level of technical experience to make a quick-buck, by just downloading the right apps. Let’s take a look at how they’re doing it.

Surveys and Opinions

Everyone has an opinion, right? If you’re able to answer that question – you’ve proved the point. Expressing our thoughts online, via social media platforms and online forums, is an extremely popular phenomena. More than one billion people across the world use Facebook and every second over 6,000 tweets are published. Harnessing people’s want to connect and communicate with each other has broadened and diversified the app market. App developers have been noticing this trend, and with data collection promptly becoming one of the most lucrative resources on the planet, there are new methods of selling opinions for cash. Various apps now offer customers cheques in return for surveys and opinions. You can even have your say on major political campaigns, jury trials and help create concepts for large fortune companies. This phenomena has altered not only the way we can generate an income, but also the way we value opinions and ideas.

Shopping

Making money by shopping doesn’t immediately make sense. Spending cash usually decreases our bank balances, and definitely doesn’t increase our income. However, there are now a variety of smartphone and laptop apps that provide cash for those who spend on certain products. Tailored for the user via their data history, there’s an option to make money buying the things you already spend your cash on. Many apps sell contracts to large corporations in return for data, raising some ethical questions. But either way, thousands are now downloading apps just like these for quick cash and convenience, and all from the comfort of your phone.


Shopping trolleys” (CC BY 2.0) by Polycart​

Gaming

As a recreational activity, gaming has not always been deemed profitable. Take a glance at YouTube and you’ll find thousands of gaming bloggers making an income from tutorials and video commentaries. But, for the non-professional player, new technological trends allow almost anyone gaming to make money. Players of Second Life can purchase Linden Dollars. The game promotes virtual trading; players can sell content, clothes and even perform at rock concerts – all virtually, of course – for money. While the real world around you ticks by, you can be safe inside your phone, raking in the dollars online.

There are various gaming sites that offer cash prizes and draws daily. Casino review sites such as Bonus.ca help players find instant sign-up bonuses for slot or blackjack games and free spins at a site like Leo Vegas – more details here.

There are of course more advanced ways to generate money online. App development has increased the potential for companies and users to alter ways in which we use information and data to make money.

5 Reasons Why Playing Strategy Games Online Is Better Than Playing IRL

Source: Pexels

Throughout human history, games have been played face-to-face. Tension, the joys of winning and the crushing melancholy of defeat were all experienced people in the same vicinity, and there was no escaping it. If you wanted to play, you literally had to have your game face on.

In no other gaming genre was this more true than in strategy games. Instead of basing moves and the ultimate result on luck or a roll of the dice, strategy games are determined by each individual players’ choices and skill. To win, you must come to the table equipped with tactics, a solid knowledge of the game you’re about to play and the patience to see each session through until the end.

Some of the world’s oldest games are strategy based, whether they be board-based like chess or card games like poker. So, it was no surprise that when the internet came along they transitioned almost seamlessly into the online space. Now, you can play chess with people around the world, battle others on video games, while poker rooms and online casinos continue to thrive. But is playing strategy games online better than playing than in real life? We think so, and here’s why.

Poker Face Anywhere: Ultimate Accessibility

Source: PexelsTo access millions of online games, all you need is an internet connection.

Out there in the real world, organizing a strategy game is quite the Endeavour. First of all, you have to find a game, then a place to play and of course people to play with. In the online world there’s no need to do that, as everything you could ever need is just a Google search away. No matter what genre of strategy game you fancy playing, chances are you can find it on your PC, tablet, console or even your smartphone. Fancy playing an MMORPG? Settle down for the evening with March of Empires or get on Overwatch. How about trying your hand at Texas Hold’Em or blackjack? There are literally thousands of games going on right now that you can join.

Then, once you’re ready to play you can join others who are already online around the world or invite friends to come play with you. Really, one of the best things that the internet has brought us is the ability to connect with anyone, anytime – and this is a great benefit for anyone who loves strategy games.

A Vast Variety of Games

In addition to being more accessible than live games, online games are incredibly varied and diverse. While specific brands may not be available on every platform, chances are you can find some variation of your favorite board or video game on the internet or as an app. You never know you may even find something you prefer.

Even games that really don’t require a lot of equipment and can more easily be played in real life have evolved in the online world. Take card games such as poker for example. While you may only need a pack of cards and some chips to get started with your own live game, chances are you still won’t get the variety available online due to the skills, experience or knowledge limits from your fellow players. Meanwhile, at gaming operators like 888poker there’s Texas Hold’em, Omaha hi/lo, 7 Card Stud, SNAP and even live streamed webcam poker games that you can play at any time with players that have mutual skills.

No Physical Tells Or Psych-Outs

Source: Pexels – By playing through a screen, the ability to call your bluff is removed entirely.

During real-life gameplay, it is incredibly easy to tell whether your competitors are doing well for themselves or when they are heading down a slippery slope. This, of course, is also true for you and chances are you’ve been sending signals giving away your game throughout most of your live gaming sessions. It’s human, it’s just something we all do, but it can really affect the outcome of the game entirely.

Fortunately for online players, this isn’t a problem, unless of course you shout about how your game is going over the microphone. This is why games that require some secrecy and discreetness like turn-based games are best online – there’s no way for opponents to garner information from your physical tells or psych you out because they can’t see you. Now, you may think that this also removes the conversational aspect that is crucial to games such as first-person shooters and even poker variants like Texas Hold’em, but most developers have already set chat boxes and other conversation tools in place to fill this gap. That means that you get to socialize without compromising your game.

No More Wagering Woes In Games Like Poker

When it comes to games where money is involved such as blackjack, poker or maybe really intense sessions of Settlers of Catan, playing online is a huge advantage for you and for your wallet. When playing live, there’s often a real sense of false bravado and competition involved – that is, if someone starts raising the stakes a little, you may feel obligated to the same. After all, if you don’t then you’ll probably be kicked out of the game entirely.

However, online money games often have preset wager amounts. This is most noticeable in online casino games, where players can usually open for 2x, 2.5x or 3x the big blind, a modest amount considering that ensures the high rollers can’t push other players to bet more than they can afford. Combine that with the inability for others to psych you out or make you feel less than if you decide to bow out and you’ll find yourself having a much more enjoyable game.

The Pacing Is Far Faster

Much like the online wagering system allows players to have more reasonable monetary controls, online games also promote more reasonable pacing. However, whether this is a benefit of online games depends on the specific game as well as you as an individual. If you enjoy fast play then you will no doubt enjoy many of the MMO and online FPS titles out there, as players have to be on their toes to keep up. The same is true of iGaming releases, especially card games such as baccarat and poker where players have a set amount of time to deal with their turns. In the case of poker, specifically, certain operators have focused on bringing fast-fold variants such as SNAP to their sites, to allow for ever greater speed.

Live games, on the other hand, are probably preferable for anyone who enjoys a slower pace and doesn’t find waiting around for others tedious. If you need more time to think and experience the game, you can stick with real-life games, otherwise it’s time to get online for the real fast-paced stuff.

There’s no doubting the appeal of strategy games, whether they’re online or offline. They offer incredible social, interactive and engaging experiences for players of all kinds, allowing players to find entertainment while also being thought-provoking. For anyone who plays strategy games often, there’s no doubt that they will find themselves applying skills they have developed in-game to their lives overall.

Still, we stand by the idea that live games have less to offer than online experiences when compared. As we’ve found, online strategy games are far more accessible and there’s more variety, plus limitations are removed such as physical tells, wagering woes and pacing issues.

Do you prefer playing online or playing strategy games in real life? Do you dabble in a bit of both? Let us know in the comments below.

James P DeVellis Discusses the Key Traits of a Good Orthopedic Surgeon

Today, there are numerous different orthopedic surgeons, including James P DeVellis. Commonly, they specialize in a certain area of orthopedics, although others are generalized. Regardless thereof, there are a number of things that they all share in common, including flexibility, mental strength, and physical strength. Let’s take a look at some of the other things that all orthopedic surgeons share.

James P DeVellis on Orthopedic Surgeon Traits

According to DeVellis, for someone to be an orthopedic surgeon, they need to have:

Tact and Sensitivity

First of all, an orthopedic surgeon knows that they are always at risk of allegations of misconduct. While, most of the time, these allegations are unfounded and the surgeon will voluntarily provide all the evidence of this, it is still news that nobody wants to get. Hence, they must at all times be tactful and sensitive, understanding the needs of their patients and explaining issues in a way that they understand. Sometimes, this is bad news as well, unfortunately.

Flexibility

Good surgeons also have to be flexible. They understand that patients recover at different rates and in different ways. Someone who has only had a local anesthetic may end up having difficulties for months, whereas someone else who has had full open surgery may be back on their feet within days. Whenever something doesn’t go the way it was expected, a surgeon has to be flexible enough to try something else.

Calmness

A surgeon must also be calm under pressure. They must remain calm when an old fox simply doesn’t understand why they can’t dance the night away anymore. They must be able to deal with pressure, even if things go completely wrong during surgery and something awful such as hitting an artery happens. They must also be able to remain calm in emergency situations, particularly if they deal with emergency room patients.

Dedication

It takes many years to become an orthopedic surgeon and their learning journey is never complete. They must keep their knowledge and skills up to date at all times, and they must be passionate about what they do. Unless they are dedicated not just to their profession, but also to the welfare of their patients, they should find a different job.

Excellent Coordination Skills

This is true for all surgeons. They must have a steady hand, and their hand eye coordination skills have to be truly superior to those of regular individuals. The fine motor skills a surgeon has are something to behold.

Strength

Because orthopedic surgeons deal with bones and human bodies, both of which can be heavy and are generally very tough, they must also be very strong.

It can be difficult for someone to have all the traits as described above. This is why only few people become orthopedic surgeons at all. It also means that those who are able to get to that point are generally incredibly good at what they do. They take their responsibilities seriously and they ensure that their patients have the best possible outcomes overall.

Different Types Of Printers For Your Business

If you’re interested in investing in a brand new printer for your growing business, continue reading to continue a list of commercial printer types, which you may be interested in purchasing. As well as the distinct advantages of each type of printer available.

Different Types of Printers For Your Business:

Large format printers

If you are interested in being able to save money on your printing costs by printing your own promotional material for your business, rather than relying on a professional printer, it’s well worth considering purchasing a large format printer. Which will allow you to print banners and posters which are far larger than your standard A4 piece of paper, which most printers specialize in printing.

Just imagine, if you purchase large format printers for your business, you will be able to change your current promotions at the drop of a hat as you’ll be able to print brand new sales flyers and posters, within 10 minutes.

Laser printers

If you envisage using your printer primarily to print plain black and white work documents, you may want to opt for an inexpensive laser printer, which can print black and white documents. Just remember that mid-range laser printers will be far more likely to print crisp text, whilst entry-level laser printers may offer less than desirable results.

Ink jet printers

If you’re looking to print both black and white documents and colored documents, your best bet may be to invest in a high-quality ink jet printer. One of the benefits of purchasing an ink jet printer is that they are incredibly quiet, so if you don’t want your printer to disturb your employees or your clients or customers, it’s well worth opting for a laser printer.

Another reason why you may be interested in purchasing an ink jet printer is that you can easily change one type of cartridge such as a standard color ink cartridge for a photo grade ink cartridge. Which means that you’ll be able to use a cheap cartridge for everyday printing and a higher grade ink cartridge when it comes time to print important documents or promotional material.

Wireless printers

If you’d love the ability to be able to print documents, emails or promotional material, directly from your smartphone, it’s well worth purchasing a wireless printer. Better yet, you’ll be able to print material from multiple devices such as multiple smartphones, laptops, and tablets. You may even be able to print documents from your smartphone, whilst you’re out of the office.

Dot matrix printers

While dot matrix printers may not be able to print fancy images, dot matrix printers are useful if you need to print multi-page forms. As traditional printers such as laser and ink jet printers can’t print multi-page forms.

When it comes time to invest more into your business, such as upgrading supplies, redesigning your website, adding additions to your office, and so on, you’ll want to use your money wisely. So, remember when picking a brand new printer for your business, it’s best to choose a printer which meets your business’ unique requirements. As no two businesses are alike and it’s important to choose the printer which is most suitable for the printing work which your business requires on a daily basis!

Crowdsourcing Software and the Other 3 Cs of Innovation

Crowdsourcing software is one of the main Cs of innovation. However, there are three other Cs that leaders need to be aware of if they truly want to have a culture that thrives on change and believes in innovation. The three other Cs, which are made possible through crowdsourcing software, are Critical thought, Curiosity, and Customers.

Crowdsourcing Software and Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is essential to innovation and creativity. Some people don’t understand this, because thinking critically is based on theory and processes, whereas creativity is about free form. However, the two can coexist very well. In fact, they are true partners. Through crowdsourcing software, someone can put forward an idea, which is all about being creative. But others then review it through critical thinking. This, in turn, makes them more creative and encourages the original idea poster to think critically about what is being said.

Crowdsourcing Software and Curiosity

Innovation cannot exist without curiosity. People must want to know about the “what ifs” and the “whys”. Even if they believe they already know, they are curious to find out whether they were right or not. Crowdsourcing software encourages people to be more curious because it makes them look at other people’s ideas, while at the same time finding out what people think about their ideas. But mainly, with curiosity, people can learn to think outside of the box and reframe certain issues.

Crowdsourcing and the Customer

Last but not least, the customer has to be central to all operations relating to innovation. Again, crowdsourcing software can make this possible, because customers can be added to the process. Not just that, however, but everyone in the team must agree that whatever they do is for the benefit of the customer. And this is something they can discuss through crowdsourcing software as well. It brings everybody together and challenges people to talk about their ideas and how those can impact the customer.

Is Your Team Proficient?

It is very important that you, as the leader, determines whether or not your team is proficient in the 3 Cs, and that they know how to use the crowdsourcing software. The next time you have a team meeting, therefore, you should ask yourself:

  • How many new ideas were openly suggested in the meeting itself.
  • Whether the ideas that were suggested focused on customer experiences and the company’s mission and values.
  • Whether others listened properly to the idea presented, and how long it took them to determine the idea would never be a success.
  • Whether group think, overconfidence, and other cognitive biases were in place and whether the team succumb to them.
  • Whether the team discussed from the perspective of assumptions on the customers.
  • Whether any new ideas were properly evaluated, or whether they were simply dismissed.

If you find your team isn’t being as innovative as they could be, then focusing on the 3 Cs is the best place to get started to turn your business into a modern functioning one.

How Do People Become Social Media Marketing Experts?

No matter of why you want to create an online presence for your business, you will need the help of social media marketing experts to get there. That said, you might be such an expert yourself. Everybody now knows that social media is key to internet marketing and communicating with your community. Without it, you simply cannot expand your business. The problem is that because everybody uses social media nowadays, everybody also sees themselves as an expert. They are not, however. Instead, a true expert will meet a number of specific requirements.

Social media experts are able to address a number of key elements, including:

  1. Brand development. They know how to build a brand for a business, be that a huge company or a sole proprietor. These experts know how to place a brand in the public eye in such a way that it looks authoritative, setting it apart from the thousands of other similar products in the world.
  2. Being public. In order for people in a certain demographic to become aware of services and products, they have to be publicly advertised. It is not possible to build a brand without people becoming aware of it. This is done through a lot of exposure specific to the target demographic, but without it appearing like spam.
  3. Technology immersion. Social media allows people to do lots of different things at the same time, in a way that doesn’t mean they have to be in multiple places at the same time. However, this is only possible if they have a true grasp of how the different platforms work and how they can link to one another as well. For instance, a true expert is able to make a positing to LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and a personal blog by clicking just one button.

Once you understand how powerful social media is, you will also start to understand how vital it is to the overall success of your business, even if you aren’t solely an online organization. If you know how to work with social media, then it is relatively easy to become hugely successful. However, just because everybody uses social media does not mean everybody is an expert as well. Unless you really know what you’re doing, how to get people to like and share your posts, how to engage with a social media audience, and how to viral, you need to call in the experts and let them do it for you.

It is important that you learn how to recognize the real experts from the people who happen to have 1,000 friends on Facebook and therefore believe that they are an expert. The above list should be helpful in determining that. Mainly, however, you need to find out what the “experts” promise they will do for you, how they aim to achieve that, and whether they have any examples of their successes in the past.

How to Organise a Successful Fashion Show

Hosting your own fashion show can be more than stimulating. Glitter, glamour and exquisite clothes, are just some words that come to mind when you think of a fashion show. If you are a designer and want to publicize your new line, what you need is to organise your own fashion show. No need to sneak off to a haute couture catwalk in Paris to be a spectator of one of these events. In fact, you can make yours in your hometown.

Preparation is the key to organising a successful event.

Try to know exactly what you are trying to achieve with your show

Identify the reason for your fashion show. An aspiring designer or store owner may be interested in giving a sample of their collection to the local community. Maybe you’re not a designer, but maybe you have a gift for fashion and a wide and eclectic wardrobe that you want to exhibit. The important thing about this is to know what you are trying to achieve.

Try to define your audience

Start by identifying all the people who might want to attend your show. If you are going to set up your show to promote your business, you will have to invite your loyal customers, influential people in the community and also your potential customers. Send invitations at least two weeks in advance and contact some local media to get press coverage.

Create a show team. No matter the size of your event, you will always need the help of a team to carry it out. This should include models, photographers, make-up artists, a presenter or host and other aides.

Remember that practice makes perfect

Choose the clothes you want to feature in the show. Keep in mind that you must be very meticulous, therefore, if you have a theme, try to connect everything you use with that theme. It is very important that you know exactly what you want to show and that you are prepared to highlight the best attributes of your pieces.

Prepare your models to make your show extraordinary

Practice while you can. A successful fashion show is based on preparation and doing everything at the right time. Practice your complete show with your models and your team until everyone feels comfortable in their role. This will surely require work and time, but you will see how all that is worth it.

At this point, you are ready to see your models parade on the catwalk.

Prepare your models to go to the catwalk. As an organiser, you should surely help with everything, including preparing the models and making sure they are ready for the start time of the show. You will need to make sure that the hairstyles and makeup are finished and that the accessories are used properly. It is good to have a couple of helpers to take care of this task.

Special lighting in an event can highlight attributes

Make sure the gangway and lighting are installed and functioning properly. Lighting and music in a fashion show is essential, so worry about setting it up so that it effectively and correctly highlights the angles and dimensions of the clothes, if you want a really professional looking show, seek advice from experts in AV rental regarding the lighting and sound equipment to really wow your audience.

Make history! You are about to celebrate your first fashion show, and everything will be perfect!

Tip:

It is a great idea to offer gift bags or courtesy packages to your guests. This will not only make your guests happy but also prepare them upon arrival, and add an extra touch of distinction to your event.

Are You Having Your Website Redesigned? Here’s What the Experts Have to Say

No matter what your reason is for having your website redesigned, whether your website is outdated and old, your website does not give the right impression, your website has not been able to convert any leads or sales, or your website isn’t user-friendly and not easily navigable, it’s important to think carefully before having it overhauled. But if you have plans to have your website redesigned, it’s essential to do it right. Here’s what the experts have to say.

The benefits

There are various benefits which a website redesign can give you. With a new and fresher website design, you can give a stronger impression of your business. A website redesign allows you to keep up-to-date with the times, especially when it comes to being more mobile-friendly. Your website, when redesigned, can also become more functional, with tools for marketing and promotion such as reviews and forums, contact and call to action forms and buttons, and integration with social media networks. By having a more functional website, you can also make it easier for customers to find exactly what they are looking for.

What to consider

  • Consider your regulars

Experts in website design state, however, that there are important elements (read more about these at https://xist2.com) to consider when having your website redesigned. One of these is the fact that your regular visitors will see a new site – and it may take them some time to get used to your site’s new look and feel. What you can do, though, is consider your users’ or visitors’ experience when having your website redesigned – what are the actions they usually take? What information would they require? Once you have determined this, make it easy for your visitors to find what they are looking for in just three clicks – or even less.

  • Think about your URLs

When you have your website redesigned, your website URLs may change as well, and this may have an effect on your SEO. But you can address this by having an expert in SEO inform various search engines about the URL change, and decrease the effect of your loss of traffic and ranking by making sure that your pages with the highest performance are preserved. Search engines can also have an easier time finding your newly-designed web pages if you submit a site map to them.

  • Consider the best developer

It’s also important to make website redesigns a regular part of your business growth. Maintaining your website should be one of your priorities, and giving it a revamp (however slight) every 2 to 5 years can make a difference. And, to keep your expenses down, try to maintain a good relationship with a good website developer who can understand your vision and goals and who has the necessary skills to address them. By doing so, you will keep business consistent, up-to date, and overall you will be happy and successful in your business.

 

3 Businesses That Would Benefit From Weather Software and How Earth Networks Can Help

Deteriorating meteorological conditions can put people at risk, which is why businesses that operate outside need to pay special attention to forecasts. If you’re wondering about the potential business benefits from weather software, turn to the team of meteorologists at Earth Networks. Here are three industries that could use this service.

Hospitality Companies

Hotels, bars, and restaurants are in the business of serving people, which means they need to cater to the needs of their customers. If an eatery has an outdoor patio, managers can use advanced knowledge of incoming storms to avoid seating people outside. A hotel could use similar information to deploy resources such as lender umbrellas and extra doormats before the first drops hit the ground. 

Sports Franchises

Stadiums bring thousands of fans together to cheer on a team, but they also pose a risk during severe weather. While playing fields provide no cover for athletes, grandstands put spectators in an open and elevated position, which are both undesirable circumstances during storms. Franchise officials can use Earth Networks lightning software to spot discharges in the area and evacuate people to safety until the threat passes.

Contractors

As a new skyscraper or other building sprouts out of empty landscape, construction workers can quickly find themselves in a dangerous situation if weather conditions deteriorate. If a contractor uses software to track precipitation and lightning real time, he or she can take personnel out of harm’s way and keep the work going by reassigning employees to safer indoor projects.

Let Earth Networks Help

If you’re involved with a business in any industry that regularly puts people outside, contact Earth Networks to learn how tracking software can help. With proprietary sensors that track in-cloud lightning, you’ll be able to get warnings with enough time to evacuate everybody to safety. Forecasts can give you a good idea about what to expect, but trackers allow you to get the most out of every day by keeping operations going until real threats exist.