In times like this we tend to procrastinate and our activity often comes to a grinding halt. There are things we want to achieve, but they’re just not happening for us right then. There are some big tasks to complete, like maybe finishing that marketing report, or business proposal, or lyrics to a song, but we just can’t get into it. Or perhaps it’s that job or extra income we are looking for that’s not happening as quickly as we would like.

So, we let our thoughts wander and engage in all kinds of unproductive activity that helps the time pass. All the while, scattered around us are little jobs we could do. That pile of paper on the desk that we’ve been putting off sorting through. The unread inspirational emails some friends have sent that we have saved in an email folder called “read me later”. The document that’s sitting on our desktop called “my to do list”. Maybe it’s the car that needs vacuuming, the dog that needs a walk, a friend we should call, the lawn that needs mowing or that pile of stuff sitting in the car port that we just keep walking past. When we ignore these things long enough, we begin to not notice them at all.

I believe there are some very important dynamics at play here. Two of them are resolution and motion.

Let’s start with resolution? Musicians understand this quite well. Melody is about tension and release. We’ve all watched thrillers and heard the tension in the sound track. Imagine stopping the soundtrack at that point of tension, rewinding it a bit and playing it again to that same point of tension, then doing that over and over again. There is no resolution; instead, there is dissonance and it doesn’t feel all that nice. Consider this: All of those little things we don’t complete create dissonance in our lives. It may not be apparent, but under the surface, subconsciously, a little voice is crying out for resolution. The more unresolved things we have in our lives, the less room there is for creative thought. It’s as if we have told ourselves that we can’t start anything new until we finish all of the other things we started.

What about motion? You can’t steer a parked car! You need to be moving in order to get somewhere. You need to take action to see some kind of result. When you start to move again, things that were not so apparent will come into sharp focus. For instance, while you are mowing the lawn, that last line to the lyrics you have been writing just might pop into your head or perhaps it’s the solution to a problem that was preventing you from finishing that business proposal. Besides, the air and exercise will do you good!

Take a moment and clear your mind. Close your eyes, take some nice slow deep breaths and relax. Now, open your eyes and look around you. What little thing will you complete? You might ask, “But where do I start?” Wherever you want! Pick one and finish it. Then move onto the next one. If you do, you will be in motion and you will bring resolution into your life. You will be creating space where there had been clutter and it is within that space that you will find new ideas and the solutions you are seeking.

Photo Credits

Image from the Microsoft Clip Art Collection

First posted at synaptici

Originally Posted December 23, 2010
Updated on September 7, 2024

Developing a Business Plan

A well-thought-out business plan is essential for any new venture, including a photography business. This plan serves as a roadmap, outlining the path from startup to established business.

1. Defining Your Niche: Identifying a niche is crucial in the crowded photography market. Specializing in a particular type of photography, such as weddings, portraits, corporate events, or landscapes, helps set a business apart from competitors.
2. Market Research: Understanding the market is key to any successful business. For photographers, this means researching potential clients, identifying what competitors are offering, and understanding current pricing structures. This research will inform many business decisions, from pricing and marketing strategies to choosing the right services to offer.
3. Setting Business Goals: Goal setting is vital for guiding a photography business toward long-term success. Clear goals help maintain focus and drive the business forward, providing milestones to celebrate along the way.

Essential Skills and Education

Launching a successful photography business begins with a solid foundation in both the art and science of photography. Technical skills, such as understanding lighting, composition, and camera mechanics, are crucial. Equally important is developing an artistic eye that can visualize a shot and bring it to life. For those looking to gain a competitive edge and deepen their expertise, pursuing a formal education, such as a bachelor in photography, can be invaluable. Such programs not only enhance technical and artistic skills but also cover critical aspects of the business side of photography, including marketing, financial management, and client relations. This comprehensive skill set prepares aspiring photographers to not only capture stunning photographs but also effectively manage and grow their business.

Legal and Administrative Setup

Setting up a photography business also involves several legal and administrative steps. Choosing the appropriate business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, etc.) will affect taxes, liability, and other important factors. Registering the business with local and state authorities is essential to operate legally. Obtaining the necessary business licenses and permits is also crucial to avoid any legal issues that could arise. Photographers should also consider the types of insurance needed to protect their equipment and business, such as liability insurance and property insurance.

Branding and Marketing

Creating a distinctive brand identity is crucial for any photography business aiming to stand out in a saturated market. A strong brand communicates professionalism and style, and it begins with crafting a memorable logo, a catchy business name, and a consistent aesthetic across all materials. This includes business cards, a portfolio, and, most importantly, a professional website. The website should not only showcase the best work but also provide easy navigation and all necessary information, such as services offered, pricing, and contact details.

Developing a professional portfolio is essential. This portfolio should be a curated collection that showcases your best work and aligns with your chosen niche. It acts as a visual resume and a key marketing tool that demonstrates your capability and style to potential clients. Regular updates with new, relevant work will keep the portfolio fresh and reflective of your growing skills and areas of expertise.

Digital marketing strategies are also vital. Utilizing social media platforms effectively can greatly enhance exposure and attract a broader audience. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are particularly beneficial for photographers, allowing them to display their work widely and engage directly with potential clients. Additionally, strategies such as search engine optimization (SEO) can increase the visibility of the photography business in search engine results, driving more traffic to the website.

Networking and Building Client Relationships

Networking is another fundamental element of building a successful photography business. Attending industry events, participating in workshops, and joining local business groups can provide valuable connections that might lead to new clients and collaborations with other professionals. Online networking on platforms like LinkedIn also opens up further opportunities for connections and can showcase your professional brand to a wider audience.

Building and maintaining strong client relationships is critical. Happy clients are likely to return and refer others to your services. Excellent customer service, clear communication, and professionalism throughout the client interaction help build trust and satisfaction. Following up with clients after sessions with a thank you note, requesting feedback, and keeping them informed about additional services and promotions can foster ongoing relationships and encourage repeat business.

Managing Finances

Proper financial management is key to the sustainability of any business. Setting up an efficient system to track expenses, income, and invoicing ensures the business remains profitable and viable. It’s important to budget for fluctuating income streams common in freelance and project-based work like photography. Planning for slow periods and saving during peak times can help stabilize financial flow.

Photographers should also consider their pricing carefully to ensure it covers their time, costs, and provides a profit margin. Understanding the market and what competitors charge can offer guidelines, but prices should ultimately reflect the value and quality of the work offered.

Conclusion

Starting a photography business from scratch involves much more than just taking great photos. It requires a blend of artistic skill, strategic planning, and business savvy. From developing a robust brand and marketing strategy to managing finances and building client relationships, each aspect plays a crucial role in the success of the business.

With dedication, the right education, and a solid business plan, photographers can turn their passion into a thriving business. Embracing both the creative and the commercial sides of photography will not only lead to financial success but also to personal fulfillment and a rewarding career capturing life’s moments.

Photo Credit

Photo is from Pexels

Guest Author Bio
Valencia Jasira

Valencia Jasira is a Senior Content Writer with more than 15 years of research experience in the fields of health and the environment. Her prolific research has significantly influenced Health and Environment Issues, and she regularly advises on health practices.

Selecting the Right Technology to Reduce Health Risks

The choice of technology in your home office goes beyond performance; it’s fundamentally about safeguarding your health. In addition to the well-known risks associated with electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and blue light, other environmental factors such as noise pollution and sedentary lifestyle habits also play a significant role.

Understanding EMFs

Virtually all electronic devices emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs). While the health impacts of EMFs are still a topic of ongoing research, some people report experiencing symptoms that align with electromagnetic hypersensitivity, which can include headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. To mitigate these risks, consider arranging your workspace to keep electronic devices like routers, printers, and cell phones at a distance when not in use. Additionally, EMF shields and other protective gear can be employed to further reduce exposure.

Dealing with Blue Light

Digital screens emit blue light, leading to eye strain and disrupting sleep patterns. To protect your eyes, opt for monitors that have built-in blue light filters or wear protective eyewear that blocks blue light. Adjusting the brightness and contrast of your screen to comfortable levels and following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds) can also help reduce eye strain.

Managing Noise Pollution

In a home environment, controlling noise can be challenging but is essential for maintaining focus and reducing stress. Use noise-cancelling headphones to block out ambient sounds, or consider soundproofing your workspace with acoustic panels. Creating a quiet work environment helps maintain mental clarity and reduces the cognitive load that often comes with constant background noise.

Addressing Sedentary Habits

The sedentary nature of desk jobs can lead to a range of health issues, including back pain, obesity, and increased risk of chronic diseases. To combat this, integrate technology that encourages movement, such as sit-stand desks or under-desk bikes. Additionally, setting reminders to stand up and move around or to do brief exercises can significantly enhance your physical health and energy levels.

Essential Elements for a Wellness-Oriented Home Office

Designing a home office with wellness in mind involves more than just ergonomic chairs and desks. It’s about creating a space that promotes health and productivity. Here are some key elements to consider:

Ergonomic Furniture:

Invest in good quality chairs and desks with ergonomic designs that help maintain proper posture and reduce the risk of back pain and other musculoskeletal issues. Adjustable features allow for a more personalized setup, enhancing comfort and efficiency. Consider incorporating dynamic furniture, such as kneeling chairs or balance ball chairs, which encourage movement and active sitting, promoting better circulation and muscle engagement.

Natural Lighting

Where possible, arrange your workspace to take advantage of natural light. Exposure to natural light during the day can boost your mood and energy levels, improving productivity and well-being. Additionally, properly positioning your desk to avoid glare on your computer screen can help reduce eye strain, and using adjustable window treatments can help control the amount of light that enters the room throughout the day.

Air Quality

Good ventilation is crucial, especially in spaces where electronics are in use. Air purifiers can help remove contaminants and ensure you breathe clean air. Indoor plants not only improve air quality but also add a touch of nature, which can be calming and reduce stress. To further enhance air quality, consider using a dehumidifier or humidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels, which can affect both comfort and health.

Personal Touches

Personalizing your space with art, photos, or motivational quotes can make your home office a more enjoyable and inspiring place to work. These elements can constantly remind you of your personal goals and the aesthetic pleasures that make daily work more enjoyable. Organizing a personal space that reflects your personal style can also help stimulate creativity and promote a sense of well-being.

Daily Routines to Maximize Productivity and Minimize Health Issues

Creating routines is as important as the physical setup of your workspace. A structured daily routine helps in maintaining focus and managing time effectively. Here are some tips to incorporate into your daily remote work routine:

Set Clear Boundaries:

Define your work hours and stick to them. This helps in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By clearly separating your personal and professional time, you reduce the risk of burnout and increase your overall job satisfaction.

Take Regular Breaks:

Schedule short breaks throughout your day. Use this time to step away from your desk, stretch, or do a quick physical activity. These breaks are not only essential for physical health but also reinvigorate the mind, leading to more productive work sessions.

Stay Organized:

Keep your workspace tidy and organized. Clutter can lead to increased stress and decrease productivity. Regularly decluttering your space can also help in maintaining a clear division between work and leisure areas, which is especially important in a home environment.

Practice Mindfulness:

Incorporate mindfulness exercises like meditation or deep breathing into your routine to help manage stress and enhance concentration. Such practices can ground your thoughts and foster a relaxed yet alert state, ideal for tackling complex tasks with greater ease and efficiency.

Making Wellness a Priority in Your Home Office Design

As remote work continues to be a staple for many, designing a home office that prioritizes wellness is not just beneficial—it’s essential. By selecting the right technology, setting up a health-conscious workspace, and following a structured routine, you can create an environment that promotes productivity and supports your overall health. Remember, a well-designed home office is crucial to your professional success and personal well-being.

In the broader perspective, the effort you put into designing a thoughtful, health-oriented workspace extends benefits beyond immediate physical and mental well-being. It can lead to long-term career satisfaction and efficiency, reducing the likelihood of work-related illnesses and increasing your potential for professional growth. By making wellness integral to your home office design, you’re not just crafting a space for work but building a foundation supporting sustained personal and professional fulfillment. This holistic approach ensures that your workspace is more than just functional—it becomes a vital contributor to your overall quality of life.

Photo Credit

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Guest Author Bio
Danika

Danika is a ten-year veteran of the SEO industry and is based in Boise, Idaho. Outside of work, she enjoys playing video games and podcasting about The Bachelor.

What follows are some useful ideas and frameworks to leverage as you improve your decision-making skills.

Understand the Context and Consequences

Before making any decision, fully grasp the context. This means understanding the situation’s nuances, the stakeholders involved, and the potential outcomes of various choices. Take the time to gather all necessary information and data to make an informed decision.

Speaking of data – you can’t have too much. In today’s world, data can actually make decisions for you. If you have access to prescriptive analytics, for example, you’re not only able to study the numbers, but you can actually see the best “recommended” course of action based on factors like desired outcome, risk-level, etc. This removes a lot of the pressure from you.

Embrace a Balanced Approach to Risk

Decision-making often involves weighing risks against potential rewards. Develop the ability to assess risks intelligently and consider both optimistic and pessimistic scenarios. While being risk-averse can lead to missed opportunities, taking too many risks can jeopardize your team’s stability and success. That’s why you should typically strive for a balanced approach where calculated risks are taken to achieve growth and innovation without exposing your team to unnecessary hazards. (That’s the mark of a good manager.)

Foster Open Communication

Encourage open dialogue within your team. Listening to different perspectives and ideas can provide valuable insights and highlight aspects of the situation you might not have considered. Create an environment where team members feel comfortable voicing their opinions and concerns. This collaborative approach can lead to more well-rounded and effective decision-making.

Early in a manager’s career, opening up decision-making to a collaborative environment can feel intimidating – possibly even making you feel weak and vulnerable. But over time, you’ll realize that having some trusted voices involved in the collaborative process might be the best thing for you.

In light of this, remember to balance confidence and humility. As a manager, having confidence in your decision-making ability is important, but it’s equally important to remain humble and open to feedback. Be willing to admit mistakes and learn from them.

Prioritize Objectivity and Fairness

Personal biases can cloud judgment and lead to poor decisions. Strive to remain objective, basing your decisions on facts and data rather than emotions or personal preferences. Treat all team members fairly and consistently, ensuring that your choices are aligned with the organization’s values and goals. This fairness fosters respect and trust within your team, which are crucial elements for effective leadership.

Utilize Decision-Making Frameworks and Tools

Various frameworks and tools can help structure your decision-making process. Techniques like SWOT analysis (assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), cost-benefit analysis, or decision trees can provide a systematic approach to evaluating options and outcomes.

The more frameworks you have in your back pocket, the better. You won’t use all of them on every decision, but each framework and tool has its own utility and purpose. Leveraging these tools at the right times can help clarify the implications of your decisions and lead to more consistent and rational outcomes.

Consider the Timing

The timing of a decision can be as crucial as the decision itself. While some situations require swift action, others may benefit from a more deliberative approach. Assess the urgency of the decision to determine how much time you can afford to spend on the evaluation process. Avoid rushing into decisions without due consideration, but also be wary of procrastination, which can lead to missed opportunities and heightened anxiety among your team members.

Putting it all Together

At the end of the day, it’s healthy to recognize that you don’t have to make every decision alone. In most cases, you have people and resources available to help you make the right choice. Delegating decision-making to team members can empower them and help build their skills and confidence – so do this as much as possible (when appropriate). Your mark as a leader will only be partially decided by outcomes. A big chunk of your reputation will be built on how you treat others. Remember this – and always manage people with the mindset of making them better!

Photo Credit

Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Guest Author Bio
Jamie Lansley

Jamie is a freelance writer who covers trends in business, technology, and health. She loves to go skiing, camping, and rock climbing with her family.

Unfortunately, many parents and teachers think of starting a business as something to do when you’re done with school. The truth is that many of today’s adult entrepreneurs started their first ventures before they turned 18.

The experience and lessons teens get from entrepreneurship can positively impact their entire lives, whether they stay an entrepreneur or transition to a traditional job in the future. Here are just a few of the benefits of teenagers embracing entrepreneurship.

Teen Entrepreneurs Gain Confidence

The Junior Achievement survey noted that 27% of teens thought starting a business was very risky. Running a business is challenging, and you do take financial risks in the process.

However, teens are in a position to be able to weather financial risk more effectively since they generally live at home and don’t have to worry about bills, rent, and other expenses. Embracing entrepreneurship during high school gives teenagers the chance to find out what the risk is like without having to worry about not having food or a roof over their heads.

In the process, these entrepreneurs will gain confidence in their own abilities. They may gain experience in leadership, and they’ll definitely learn more about their own interests and passions. This confidence helps them overcome negative peer pressure and potentially avoid bad decisions.

Improved Problem-Solving Skills

Some people solve problems quickly and easily, while others freeze, panic, and wait for someone else to tell them what to do. Often the primary difference between these responses is the experience you’ve had earlier in life.

Problem-solving is a skill that’s rarely taught until it’s too late, similar to car and home maintenance or first aid. Too often, we don’t learn to solve problems until we’re in the middle of a crisis, and by then, it’s do-or-die.

A teen entrepreneur has the opportunity to learn problem-solving skills in a safer environment. The business they’re running isn’t responsible for 100% of their support or success in life. Instead, it’s a side venture while they’re in school, which helps reduce the fear involved with facing difficulties.

Businesses face a variety of problems, whether it’s a new competitor in the market or a change in customers’ buying habits. By learning to face and solve these small problems without having everything on the line, a teen will be far better able to solve bigger challenges in the future.

Financial Literacy

Children and often teens have a hard time understanding the role of money — how it’s earned, taxed, and spent — until they have direct experience with it. This can come through a first job or by jumping into entrepreneurship.

Starting a business gives teens a real understanding of how hard it is to earn money, whether they decide to start a lemonade stand, be a coach for a sport or hobby, babysit, or walk dogs. A teen with their own business can also learn about the specifics of self-employment taxes, business write-offs, and other important financial details of having a business.

Learning how to manage sales, operate a business bank account, and pay taxes can help them have a much smoother transition into adulthood, where they have to manage their income and budget themselves.

Learning to Manage Stress

Going to school, being a good family member, and running a business can be a lot to handle. But being resilient under stress is a skill that can be learned, and it’s often best learned while a teen is still at home and has the support of their family.

Even without running a business, teens are often under a lot of pressure. By choosing to run a business, even at a very small scale, they can learn how to balance competing priorities, decide when making more money is worth it versus taking a break, and more.

As a parent, it’s important to know how to identify stress in teens and help them cope in healthy ways. Sometimes stress is motivational, like when you’re trying to hit a revenue goal or other target. Other times, it can lead to mental health struggles. If you notice more irritability than normal, changes in behavior, or problems sleeping, talk to your teen about their stress levels and help them find healthy management strategies.

Learning to leverage mindfulness practices, for example, can reduce stress and increase resilience. Limiting the use of technology can also help teens unplug and unwind. The skills teens learn before they turn 18 can make a big difference in how well they cope with the stress of adult life.

Encourage Your Teen To Embrace Entrepreneurship

As a parent, there’s a lot you can do to help set your teen up for success in their adult life. When you encourage them to pursue entrepreneurship while still living at home, you’re giving them the benefits of entrepreneurial experience without the sometimes overwhelming risk.

Running a business helps your teen develop creativity and communication skills, along with the other benefits we’ve mentioned. Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be overwhelming — a simple side hustle or gig job during evenings and weekends can help your teen grow and experience the pluses and minuses of being their own boss.

Who knows, you might decide to give entrepreneurship a try too!

Photo Credit

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

Guest Author Bio
Luke Smith

Luke Smith is a writer and researcher turned blogger. He enjoys writing on a variety of topics but business, technology, and digital marketing topics are his favorite. When he isn’t writing you can find him traveling, hiking, or getting into the latest tech.

Other people think it’s just a good time for small business ownership. Digital technology makes it easier and more affordable than ever to run a business. And with people working more and more from home, there isn’t even always the need to experience the crushing costs of major overhead.

In other words, it’s easier than ever to follow your dreams. If you are interested in turning your passion into a career but don’t know where to begin, this article is for you. Read on to learn how to monetize your hobbies!

Perfect Your Product

Let’s say your passion is baking. You love to make cookies and everyone you bake for says that your stuff is the best they’ve ever had. Well hey! That’s a ringing endorsement if ever there was one. Time to start shopping for company jets? Look out Keebler Elves, here you come?

Not quite. Because while no one will call Keebler cookies the best they’ve ever had, they are at least consistent. Be honest with yourself. You tinker a little with that recipe, don’t you? And sometimes a batch will come out of the oven burnt, or flat, or misshapen, and you never really know why.

That’s fine for amateur bakers who like to make sweet treats for their families. It doesn’t work for pros that need to bake dozens of batches every single day. Before you can bring a product to market you need to make sure that it has been perfected and standardized.

Your customers deserve the same predictable, high-quality results time after time. Become Keebler consistent, or risk losing out to inferior competitors who at least have consistency on their side.

Treat it Like a Business

In the early stages of transitioning from hobbyist to business person, it is easy to go in half-hearted. “Yeah, I probably should have a logo, a slogan, a website, a social media page. But those things take time and money. Maybe I will just wait and see how it goes.”

Isn’t that a little like saying you’ll build the walls of your house and then see how things go before committing to a roof? Customers don’t really care if you are dipping your toes in the waters of entrepreneurship. They want to shop from people who are professional and reliable. If you can’t convince them in a few seconds that you fit that bill, they will move on to someone who can.

Having a strong professional presence will take a little bit of startup cash, but it doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might assume. Website builders make it easy for laypeople to design their own pages with a drag-and-click interface. And freelancer websites make it easy to find qualified, affordable professionals to do things like create your logos, or even run your social media accounts.

You might not have the online presence of, say, Disney, but you will be Googleable. That means something.

Get Your Legal Ducks in a Row

Ok, you’re a cookie business again. You got the product down. You even designed a website you’re pretty excited about. Customers can place orders directly on the page, and you can ship them off that same day.

But there is a small problem. You aren’t a registered business. You’re just a person with a laptop and a dream. “How will they ever know?” You think to yourself. And while there is a decent chance this menacingly vague “they,” might not ever find out that you haven’t dotted the I’s and crossed the T’s there’s always the chance that they will.

It’s easy enough to register as an LLC and get whatever requisite licensing your state requires. Usually, you can do this by paying a few minor fees and filling out the required paperwork. It’s not the most exciting step in business ownership, but it is an important component of getting yourself ready to make a public debut.

Marketing

Marketing is basically just the art of selling through storytelling. You need to be able to put out a message that makes people want to buy your stuff. Part of your marketing campaign will come in the form of branding— essentially establishing a story around yourself. What your product is. What your business values. What people who shop from you value.

Do I really need that for a side hustle?

Well, sure. Especially if you want your side hustle to turn into something lucrative and sustainable. One of the things that hold people back from finding success with their passion projects is that they will think, “Ok, sure. I see why that might be good to do. That’s the first thing I will worry about when I start making sales.”

Ignoring the fact that good business practices are what elevates companies to success in the first place. Imagine walking into a new grocery store and asking where you might find the eggs. “Well, right now we are trying our luck with bread,” they reply. “But eggs—yeah. That’s a good idea for the future.”

Give yourself the chance to succeed by treating your business seriously from day one.

Remember: Most Businesses Start from a Place of Passion

It’s true. Businesses usually begin as a passion project and expand from there. It’s easy to see that in exciting industries like publishing or filmmaking, but it’s true of just about everything. A person has an idea or a passion, and they start thinking about how they can make money out of it. That’s all a business is.

You’ve heard the saying, “If you’re good at something, never do it for free?” Well, with a decent business plan, you can experience the reality of that. Work doesn’t have to be miserable. Business doesn’t have to be hard. Follow your dreams, but let reason and logic lead the way. You won’t be disappointed.

Photo Credits

Image by Petra from Pixabay

Guest Author Bio
Sarah Daren

With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.

Fortunately, there are some hacks that you can use to improve your productivity and get more done each day. This article will discuss five of the most effective productivity hacks out there.

1. Set the Perfect Temperature

The right temperature can make all the difference in your productivity. For example, some studies have shown that temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can decrease performance. In comparison, temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit will cause you to feel sleepy and less focused on what you need to do.

You’re probably wondering how this ties into hacking your productivity? Well, if you’re able to maintain an optimal temperature of around 75 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day, it will be much easier for you to stay focused on your tasks.

Finding the right temperature for the most productive state can differ for different people. Some like it hotter than others, while some prefer cold temperatures over warm ones. However, the secret is that while relaxing at home, you may prefer one temperature, but increased productivity at work might require you to adjust. So experiment a little, and find the sweet spot for you.

2. Get Enough Sleep

It’s no secret that getting enough sleep is essential. But many people don’t understand just how much of a difference it can make in their productivity levels. When you’re well-rested, you’re able to think more clearly and see things from different perspectives — which means your work will be of better quality overall. So if you’re feeling tired and run down, it’s time to start getting more sleep. It may be challenging to make this a habit at first, but once you get into the groove of things, you’ll see a significant improvement in your productivity levels.

One way you can do this is by setting a routine for yourself. For example, try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. This may be difficult to do if you have a busy lifestyle, but it’s definitely worth trying. And if all else fails, try taking a power nap during the day.

It can also help to try to avoid using electronic devices before bedtime. The blue light from these devices can interfere with your sleep cycle and make it harder for you to fall asleep. Instead, try reading a book or listening to music before bedtime. This will help you relax and get ready for bed without all of the distractions that come with using screens at night.

Just like with the temperature, find what works best for you when it comes to sleep. Experiment a little and see what makes you feel your best during working hours.

3. Eat Healthier

What you eat has a direct impact on your productivity. If you’re not eating well, you’re going to feel tired and sluggish throughout the day — which is not conducive to getting things done. On the other hand, if you’re eating healthy foods that give you energy, you’ll be able to focus better and get more done. So make sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet, as well as lean protein and healthy fats.

If you want to take it a step further, you can also try drinking coffee or tea throughout the day. Just be careful not to drink too much caffeine, as this can also have adverse effects on your productivity. Gut health is also essential when it comes to being productive. So take care of your gut by eating foods rich in probiotics or taking vitamins and supplements. This will help you stay healthy, which in turn keeps your energy levels up and allows you to get more work done.

4. Exercise Regularly

If you haven’t already guessed it, exercise is another critical factor in productivity. When you’re physically fit, your brain works better and faster — which means that everything else will fall into place more efficiently too. It doesn’t matter what type of exercise you do as long as it gets your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes each day. So try to find a kind of exercise that you enjoy and stick with it.

In addition to the physical benefits, regular exercise will also help reduce stress levels — which is another major contributor to decreased productivity.

5. Set Simple Goals

To be productive, it’s essential to set clear and achievable goals. This means avoiding lofty or unrealistic goals, which are more likely to lead to frustration and a lack of motivation. Instead, try setting simple goals that you can complete in a short amount of time. For example, if you need to write a report, try setting a goal to write one paragraph per hour. This will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

In Summary

For anyone wondering if it is actually possible to hack your productivity, the answer is Yes. By following these five simple steps, you’ll be able to improve your productivity and enjoy more tremendous success in both your personal and professional life.

Photo Credit

Photo is from pixabay

Guest Author Bio
Jori Hamilton

Jori Hamilton is a writer and journalist from the Pacific Northwest who covers social justice issues, healthcare, and politics. You can follow her work on twitter @HamiltonJori, and through her portfolio at Writer Jori Hamilton.

Your company can have seminars and workshops until the cows come home – motivational speakers that can get the crowd clapping and jumping in their seats, but if none of what they’re saying sinks in, all you’ve then done is had some average free food and watered-down soda pops.

The 5 steps listed below are probably the most basic and achievable in reality.

1. Prepare late afternoon, for the next day.

Some people say that being prepared for tomorrow is best achieved by being at your best today. This can start by preparing today and therefore being better tomorrow. Brother has a wonderfully convenient ink or toner subscription service. So after you’ve queued up your files and pressed print – take this time to make a short list, mental or on paper, of all the things you have to and would like to achieve tomorrow.

2. Prioritize and batch tasks.

From your list of things to do today, you should have some idea or rank of how to best get through that list. Break the list down into small batches that are easily achieved and completed to the best of your ability and at a consistent pace you’re comfortable with, obviously achieving them at a standard you’re mandated with. Take small breaks in between tasks to rest your mind – take this time to cross those items off of your list. Remain diligent. You took the time to make the list now stick to it.

3. Do the hardest tasks first.

Having had adequate rest the night before and formulating your list that you’ve mulled over on the ride home, arrive at work with a mind to getting it done – the day will be a pleasure when you’ve prepared for it and have an attitude to achieve. A clear plan will give you a clear mind – a clear mind is fresh and ready to tackle the curve-ball that might come your way. Most people are at their best first thing in the morning, skip that cup of coffee and get straight to it.

4. Stop multi-tasking.

Because your list dictates, you can’t pick and choose tasks from different batches. Similarly, when a colleague drops a new task on your lap or just pops in for some advice – add these to the next batch or the batch after that. A disruption like this can easily affect your performance by setting you back in your progress. It’s not to say don’t help, just make sure they understand you’ll prioritize it for later when and if you can.

5. Reward.

In between each batch and at the end of the day reward yourself for a day well done. Lots of people think they are in thankless jobs, mostly because you don’t know you can thank yourself with a pat on the back, a delicious smoothie or a walk outside to clear your mind.

Photo Credit

Photo is from pixabay

Guest Author Bio
John Moran

John Moran is an American who enjoys the fine art of living well. His interests include anything wine, food or nature related especially when enjoyed with friends and family.

Take Notes On Your Smartphone

When you have a meeting, the days of taking written notes are long over. Instead, we can use technology to take notes quickly and accurately on our smartphones. In addition, these devices can be used positively in your meeting and not as a distraction, which is often the case.

Whether you’re holding a brainstorming session with colleagues or doing a presentation, taking notes with your smartphone is a big help. This feature also is helpful for writing business reviews, composing a newsletter, and much more.

Web Conferencing

During the COVID-19 era, millions of people started working from home, and web conferencing has become more critical than ever.

If your team has people working remotely, web conferencing and video calls can make collaboration a breeze. Free tools such as Skype, for example, let you see everyone on the call and allow you to share anything needed, no matter where the team is located.

Interactive Projectors

Have you ever been frustrated with a team member who has the master file of a vital document that no one else can easily access?

Modern projector technology allows people to show a file that everyone can see. Also, everyone in a meeting can even interact with the document, sort of like a whiteboard.

This means that all team members can edit the presentation or document in real-time in a meeting, which encourages participation and interaction.

Also, one of the most frequent complaints about meetings is that a handful of extroverted people dominate the session, and there is little point in others being present.

Interactive projectors also allow people to attend meetings remotely but add comments and thoughts to a virtual ‘wall of ideas’ in the cloud. Others in the meeting can see these thoughts and are more likely to add their thoughts.

Do Meetings On The Company Website

The company website is an ideal place to do business meetings. You can have a video link on your site that allows people to connect in a meeting, no matter where they are.

Also, consider that doing a business meeting on your public website attracts more visitors. Clients and prospects may be interested in sessions that involve products and services your company offers.

In some situations, meetings can be done on your website featuring executives that clients want to hear from regularly.

But keep one thing in mind: Your company website must have a fast load speed for this idea to work. The good news is there are many technologies available that ensure your site is stable and loads quickly on phones and PCs.

Remember Your Technology Limits

All of these ideas can improve the quality and efficiency of your meetings, but it’s for naught if the technology doesn’t work.

How many times have you been at a meeting where the first 10 minutes are dedicated to fixing a video conferencing problem or finding a Powerpoint presentation?

Problems can happen to anyone, but you can head off most of them if you practice the meeting in advance. Ensure that the tech tools you’re relying on for your in-person or virtual meeting are running smoothly and ready to go.

If you leverage some of the technology mentioned above, your meetings will become more professional and productive. And you may impress your bosses, which is always a good thing!

Photo Credit

Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Guest Author Bio
Jamie Lansley

Jamie is a freelance writer who covers trends in business, technology, and health. She loves to go skiing, camping, and rock climbing with her family.

Streamline Your Shipping Operations

If you’re in a goods-based industry, you will know the importance of your supply chain to the success of your business. Making sure your shipping processes are optimised is often crucial, since not only are logistics costs one of retailers’ largest expenses, but customers nowadays expect fast and cheap (if not free) delivery. The best shipping operations are thoroughly planned, so you know the exact materials you’ll need, and won’ t therefore overspend unnecessarily. Correct planning also means your delivery times will be more predictable, which will help manage customer expectations. You can even use same day delivery at a higher fee to cater to customers who want their items urgently. Buying packaging materials in bulk will also save you a substantial amount of money in the long-term, so try to find the materials which can be used for as many of your products as possible. Investing in automation software may also help businesses make their shipping quicker and more cost-effective. These software programs use algorithms to determine the quickest and cheapest route and shipping carrier for each delivery you need to make.

Reduce Your Electricity Bill

If you’re paying or leasing commercial premises for your business, electricity will also inevitably be one of your largest overheads. Therefore, if you are not already doing so, you should be working to minimise your electricity costs. Turn off any electrical devices after hours or when they are not in use. This will quickly and dramatically reduce your expenditure. From there, you can also invest in energy-efficient lighting, which uses a fraction of the energy cost of traditional halogen bulbs.

Encourage Working from Home

If your employees are able to complete their work remotely, homeworking offers the opportunity for business owners to radically slash their expenditure. Facilitating remote working can allow companies to downsize or even get rid of their office space entirely. This enables businesses to massively reduce their leasing, energy, and Wi-Fi bills. Contrary to popular belief, employees working from home may actually increase levels of employee productivity, as well, which may further improve your business efficiency. To ensure every employee has sufficient internet access, you may have to invest in further electrical and networking equipment, however. In addition, as appealing as this route may be, it is important that you only pursue it if it will not affect the quality of the services you deliver.

Photo Credit

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Guest Author Bio
John Moran

John Moran is an American who enjoys the fine art of living well. His interests include anything wine, food or nature related especially when enjoyed with friends and family.