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A Top 7 List of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe

A Top 7 List of the Best Cities to Visit


A Top 7 List of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe

In 2018, over 713 million people visited Europe.

Each year, millions of travelers grab their backpacks ready to start the European trip of a lifetime. With 44 countries in Europe, there is a lot of ground to cover.

How do you know which cities to visit first?

If you want to learn what the best cities to visit in Europe are, then you need to keep reading.

1. Florence Italy

If you want to visit the birthplace of the Renaissance, you need to visit Florence the next time you’re in Italy.

The atmosphere, architecture, and culture in Florence remain untouched, which makes it a perfect place to take you back in time as you explore the heart of Tuscany.

2. Paris, France

Without a doubt, Paris doesn’t need an introduction. For many years, Paris has been the dream destination of many people.

When you visit Paris, you will encounter a whole other world of art, architecture, and culinary wonders. 

Don’t miss out on the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Sacre-Coeur, and many more. 

3. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest has recently been gaining popularity due to its Art Nouveau architecture and incredible views from everywhere in the city.

If you visit Budapest, don’t miss out the thermal baths built in the 16th and 17th century. 

4. London, England

London is one of those cities that never goes out of style. In fact, many Americans make London their first destination because it’s a great city to where to start your European Adventure.

While in London, don’t miss out Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and more. 

5. Barcelona, Spain

When we think of Barcelona tapas, drinking Sangria at Las Ramblas, nightlife, Gothic Quarter, and Gaudi comes to mind. The city of Barcelona is a walking museum, so make sure you have enough time to take it all in. 

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, you can take a short flight and explore the Balearic Islands. Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca have a lot to offer. 

In fact, you can check out this Villa in Menorca for the perfect getaway. 

6. Venice, Italy

Venice is another European city that is on many people’s bucket list. Don’t even bother bringing a map to Venice. Getting lost in the cobblestone streets and navigating the canals is part of the fun.

If you want Venice all to yourself, make sure you visit in January or during the offseason. 

7. Athens, Greece

If you want to walk along with the Greek Gods, then Athens is the place to be. 

The capital of Greece has so much history dating back thousands of years, it will be impossible to walk down the street without running into some ruins.

Don’t miss the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and the National Library of Greece.

These are the Best Cities to Visit in Europe

Now that you know what the best cities to visit in Europe are, you can plan your next vacation.

If you love art, food, culture, or architecture, there is a city in Europe waiting for you. 

Did you enjoy these tips? We have more where these came from. Check out the rest of our travel and leisure section.

Entertainment

Moving Cross Country: The Top Tips You Need to Know for a Smooth Move

Moving Cross Country: The Top Tips You Need to Know


Moving Cross Country: The Top Tips You Need to Know for a Smooth Move

Over 40 million Americans move annually. While the reason for these moves is different, the amount of work and stress involved in this process is universal. If you are considering moving across the country, there are a few things you need to do to make this process easier and more manageable.

Trying to move cross country on a whim can create a lot of problems and undue stress. The key to successfully moving cross country is getting an early start on planning and packing.

The following are some of the things you should consider when trying to make a long distance move the right way.

Create a Plan and Stick to It

The first thing that needs to happen when figuring out a move is imminent is the creation of a plan. This plan needs to include everything from what needs to be packed to important dates surrounding the move.

Having a plan of attack will keep you on track and can help you avoid making mistakes. Instead of creating a plan and ignoring it, you need to follow it to the letter. Without structure, a long distance move will become one huge headache.

Writing down what needs to be done during the move and when you need to be out of your existing residence is crucial. Looking at this plan on a daily basis can help you figure out how much progress is being made towards your in goal.

Moving Cross Country Is Easier with the Help of Professionals

Most people lead very busy lives. Working a job and raising a family can take up a lot of your time, which is why trying to fit a move into your schedule can be difficult. Trying to take on the work involved in a long distance move alone is a bad idea.

Hiring seasoned professionals, like the ones at Ft Dearborn Relocation Movers is crucial. With this professional help, you can get your stuff packed and transported in a hurry.

A professional moving company will have the manpower and the equipment needed to get this job done. The money paid to a moving company will be worth it considering the results they can provide.

Detailed Box Labeling Is a Must

If you decide to handle the packing process on your own, then be careful about what is put into each of these boxes. Ideally, you want to pack one room at a time. By doing this, you can keep the packing process organized.

As you pack items, be sure to label the boxes in detail. Doing this will help you figure out where the boxes need to go once they arrive at the new house.

Take Time to Enjoy the Move

Some people get so wrapped up in the stress that comes with moving cross country that they forget to enjoy this experience. This is why you need to stop and smell the roses during this process.

Are you looking for more engaging and informative content? If so, be sure to check out the other blogs on our website.

Business

Standing Out at Trade Shows: The Top Trade Show Display Ideas

Standing Out at Trade Shows: The Top Trade Show Display


Standing Out at Trade Shows: The Top Trade Show Display Ideas

Are you looking to create some noise for a new product? Or perhaps you’re rebranding your company and are planning to let everyone know about it? Regardless of the reason, joining a trade show is a wise move to make.

Trade shows offer numerous benefits. Regardless of the industry you belong to, you may generate enough mileage in a trade show.

But one of the keys to a successful trade show appearance is your booth. You need to have a solid display that will capture everyone’s attention.

Let’s discuss some of the top trade show display ideas that you may incorporate or draw inspiration from.

Lucky 13 Tips Top  to Consider 

As we mentioned earlier, it doesn’t matter which industry you belong to. There is potential in trade shows. There are also numerous trade shows you can join.

But before joining any of them, you need to prepare the right way. Your booth is your means of connecting to the public. It should catch their attention and provide the key details about your brand.

So how should your booth look like? Here are 13 of the top trade show display ideas that will help you come up with a show-stopper.

Aim for an Inviting Vibe

If you want people to enter your booth, you need to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Set up some chairs so guests can read your brochures comfortably. Keep in mind that trade shows only have limited seating options.

While they are sitting, you can introduce yourself and break the ice. If they have any questions, provide clear and complete answers. 

You may also want to place some padded mats on the floor. This will create more room where people can sit in case you run out of available chairs. Most of the time, trade shows take place in areas that feature concrete flooring.

This type of flooring is not too comfortable to sit on. 

You should also make sure that your booth’s lighting is on point. People tend to enter booths that have excellent lighting. This is also beneficial if you have some brochures and reading materials to give out.

Create an Early Buzz

Sometimes, success at a trade show begins even before the event. You should look to create a buzz a few weeks before the date of the trade show. 

Use your social media accounts to create some noise. Post hints and teasers leading to the day of the event. Publish photos from the event coordinators to keep the excitement high. 

Your goal is to sustain the people’s interest as the trade show approaches.

The Pop-up Tent

The pop-up tent is a staple in trade shows. This is especially true if the event takes place outdoors. Primarily, the tent provides shade from the sun and other elements. 

It also creates a more intimate atmosphere. When guests enter the tent, they get this feeling of entering a private place. 

Another great thing about pop-up tents is their flexibility. They are easy to transport. You will not have a hard time setting it up. 

To complete your setup, make sure to put up some banner stands outside of your tent. Even only one banner stand on every corner will do.

Opportunity to Teach

If you are introducing a new product, you want to use the trade show as an opportunity to educate the public. People attend trade shows to learn something new. They want to know the latest offerings from the companies they follow.

Thus, make sure they take home some new knowledge after visiting your booth. The key is to make the learning experience an engaging one. Don’t hesitate to use interactive tools to spruce the interest of your visitors.

If you need to demonstrate how your product works, do so without rushing. You want the guests to understand how to operate your product. 

Schedule different sets of demonstrations throughout the day. This way, people will know when to visit your booth if they wish to get to know your products better.

Offer Necessities

Offering knowledge is good. But going the extra mile by offering things the guests need is better. These are the small but essential things like bottled water. 

People walk around for hours in trade shows. They will likely go thirsty and hungry. You may also offer snacks like cookies or fruits. 

If you don’t feel like serving food, you can put up a charging station right beside your booth. While visitors charge their mobile phones, you can talk to them about your products and services. 

Make sure that you put your brochures on top of the charging or refreshments table.

Branded Giveaways Work

If you have the money to spare, consider giving out branded giveaways. These things can be hats or pens. 

People love branded items. They will not hesitate to visit your booth to grab a giveaway. 

And when you give out the freebies, make sure to put them in a large bag. Guests will appreciate big recyclable bags, as they will likely carry a lot of stuff during the event. Make sure that the big bags carry your branding.

But if you are working on a tight budget, you can turn the branded giveaways into prizes.

Put up a Contest

Speaking of prizes, you may also hold a contest during the event. People gravitate toward contests. They want to try their luck on winning. 

You want to come up with something creative that will earn a great prize for your guests. But make sure that people can easily join the contest. Avoid mechanics that are too much complex.

You don’t need to spend a lot on the prizes. But make sure they are worth the effort of the guests. As for the nature of the prizes, you may consider sticking to things that concern your product. 

If you are selling dog or cat food, you may want to give out some pet care products as prizes.

Be Quick and Informative

People in trade events move to and fro. They go from one booth to another and get all the brochures and leaflets that they can. Thus, you need to be quick and informative in your engagements.

You want every guest to come out of your booth with a takeaway. If you see them rushing, give them a brochure or company card before they leave. 

This will give them the chance to get back to you via email or phone call for any inquiries. Your goal is to not make them leave empty-handed.

Use the Photo Booth

There is no doubt people love taking photos. So why not spend for a photo booth right inside your pop-up tent? 

Your photo booth must come with all the works. This means it must showcase your flags, branded backdrop, and other props. You can send the photos later on via email of instantly using Polaroid printouts. 

Photo booths not only keep the excitement up, but they also serve as a medium for brand promotion and awareness.

Get Straight with Your Branding

When it comes to your branding, you need to get it right. This means preserving your brand through consistency. If your product is all about car accessories, your booth must come with automobile elements all around.

If your service involves health and wellness, you can set up your booth with a relaxing ambiance. Your booth must remind prospective customers what your products are all about.

Focus on Attendee Experience

One of the best ways to stand out during a trade show is to blow away the minds of everyone. This means placing more focus on the experience of the attendees. 

Your goal is to excite them the moment they enter your booth until the step out. If your product is a brand new car, you can offer a virtual test drive inside the booth.

If you are offering new flavors of ice cream, then give everyone a free taste. You want prospective clients to experience what you have to offer.

Invest in Space

The space of your booth plays a crucial role in your campaign’s effectiveness during the event. Thus, you should consider renting more space. 

The more space you have, the more products you can showcase. More space means more room for interactive features. A bigger booth means a greater number of people who can come in at the same time.

Additionally, you need to maximize the space that you have. Fill up the gaps and extra spaces with interesting elements. Place some items that will open up conversations. 

Set Up a Beat

Last but not least, your booth needs to have some music. When choosing your playlist, make sure it is in tune with the demographics of the attendees. 

If the trade show caters to the younger generation, then play some music from today’s popular artists. You should also align the music with your brand and products. To be safe, don’t play anything boring.

Take Your Brand to the Next Level with These Trade Show Display Ideas

With these top trade show ideas we discussed above, you can get a step ahead of the competition. You can stand out during the event and generate more leads than ever.

As for the other marketing and advertising concerns, you need to continue learning and incorporating new ideas. We invite you to check our other articles and blog posts on brand building. 

We discuss different topics that aim to help companies take their brands to the next level.

Entertainment

Sunshine State Fun: Top 5 Things To Do In Florida

Sunshine State Fun: Top 5 Things To Do In Florida


Sunshine State Fun: Top 5 Things To Do In Florida

Did you know that in 2017, Florida had over 118 million tourists visit from other states and countries? 

The sunshine state is full of wonders and fun things to do, especially in Orlando and along the coast.

Although Disney is a large attraction in Florida, there are many other places that you need to check out while in the state. 

Continue reading to discover the top 5 things to do in Florida, whether you are with your family, friends, or significant other! 

1. Relax in the Florida Keys

If you are heading to Florida and enjoy the sun, sand, and water, the Florida Keys may be just what you are looking for!

The Florida Keys are often considered America’s Carribean due to its impressive islands, coastlines, and water. Pack your swimming trunks, sunscreen, and water because the Keys are calling your name.

Going to the Florida Keys will be an amazing opportunity for you to unwind and take a step aside from the crazy world of work. Not only will you have an amazing view of the water, but you can also pack your fishing gear to take a trip and even check out guided tours in the area.

2. Check out the Everglades

In 1947, the Everglades became the second largest national park in the United States, just behind Yellowstone.

The Everglades consists of 1.5 million acres filled with marshy lands and swamp areas. If you enjoy boating trips, there are many tours that you can join while visiting. Be sure to grab your camera and be prepared to see wildlife that you may not normally be exposed to. 

One of the more interesting facts about the Everglades is that nowhere on the Earth has the same type of ecosystem, making it a unique and educational trip. 

3. Have Fun at Universal Studios

Going to Universal Studios can be a fun trip for families.

Both children and adults will be able to enjoy the rides and attractions that Universal has to offer. This theme park is based on some of the most popular movies that your family has seen and includes areas for shopping and eating.

Universal Studios consistently offers a variety of entertainment that can introduce you to different cultures and music. 

4. Party at Miami Beach

There are many things to do in Florida and checking out the Miami Beach is one of them! 

Those who aren’t able to travel all the way down to the keys can visit Miami for some fun can go onto this island that the beach is on, it is located just off of the mainland and is easy to travel to. 

The beach provides the perfect chance for you to party and relax under the hot summer sun. If you end up getting too much of the heat you can always check into one of the many hotels or get delicious food on Ocean Drive. 

5. Daytona 500

If you are planning to visit Florida in February, going to the Daytona 500 race can be a fun activity to do with the family or friends. 

Every year in February the Nascar season begins with the Daytona 500, which is one of the biggest races in the series. If you enjoy watching races and want to try something different than going to a traditional sporting event, Nascar is the way to go.

If you are heading out to the race you should pack extra sunscreen, personal fans, and ways to cool down. The track and racecars make the surrounding areas much warmer. 

6. Visit Coral Castle

Looking for a fun and historical trip to Florida?

Homestead, Florida is home to one of the biggest tourist attractions around— Coral Castle. In 1923, a man named Edward Leedskalnin singlehandedly began building the famous Coral Castle with over 1,000 tons of stone.

It is almost a mystery how one man could do all of this work on his own, and much of it was accomplished during the middle of the night making it even more impressive! 

Florida Travelling Tips

Planning a trip to Florida can easily become expensive because of all of the amazing attractions. 

If you are tight on cash, you can read about personal loans to help fund your next family trip. This will also give you the opportunity to come home with a little extra cash than you were expecting.

It is extremely important to check the weather before packing and leaving for Florida. In the summer, Florida tends to get extremely hot and humid, making a perfect setting for storms.

Going to Florida from June through November you may run a higher risk of dealing with heavy tropical storms since it is hurricane season during this period. It is also important to watch out for wildlife that you may not be familiar with at home, such as crocodiles, sharks, snakes, and even spiders. 

Enjoy the Best Things to Do in Florida 

Figuring out what the best things to do in Florida can be difficult and overwhelming, especially if you aren’t familiar with the area. 

Utilizing the list above can help give you ideas and places to go for your next trip. It is important to do thorough research on your activities and where they are located so that you can properly plan for your vacation. 

Don’t be afraid to explore while in the sunshine state. However, make sure that you pack plenty of sunscreens, bathing suits, and towels for your trip. Florida tends to have hot and humid weather in the warmer months on the year.  

Be sure to check out our blog if you enjoyed this article, to read more about how you can make the most out of your trips and vacations. 

Business

8 Top Technology Jobs That Can Make You Astonishingly Rich in 2020

8 Top Technology Jobs That Can Make You Astonishingly Rich


8 Top Technology Jobs That Can Make You Astonishingly Rich in 2020

As of this year, the technology industry has swelled to be worth over $3 trillion. That number has gone up every year since 2016.

Per that reality, technology has become the industry of choice for job seekers that are looking for a sure-fire payday.

Just because you have a job in tech doesn’t mean that you’ve got the right job though. There are plenty of jobs out there that were hot for a while but are now dropping from a salary perspective (we’re looking at you, web developers).

To keep you in the know as to which jobs are most worth your time, not only right now but well into the future, out team has compiled a list of the top technology jobs that all career shifters in the year 2020 need to keep a close eye on.

1. Software Engineer

At the core of technology is the software engineer. This person is able to write the code that powers just about every technological tool/program on the planet.

There’s no single skill that a software engineer needs to possess. This job requires a multitude of skills in order to find success.

A qualified engineer is well-organized, willing to commit long hours to their craft and is capable of coding in a variety of languishes including C, C+, Java and other niche dialects required by specific employers.

Mastering the role of a software engineer takes time. Once you’ve learned the ropes though, you’re going to be paid handsomely for your effort.

2. Data Scientists

Today’s businesses run on data. Right now, every keystroke that you type in online or post that you like on social media is being logged.

After those actions get logged, they eventually end up in data aggregating applications like Google Analytics where businesses have to make sense out of everything in order to steer themselves in the right direction.

That’s where data scientists come in.

Data scientists are masters at translating data sets, both quantitative and qualitative, into actionable advice that business owners can use.

If you love research and are a master at distilling complicated information, this top technology jobs suggestion is for you.

3. Security Engineer

Cyber attacks cost the average business $3.9 million in damages. Millions of cyber attacks are carried out every day.

If you add those two things together, you understand the importance of businesses being proactive in protecting their systems against breaches.

Security engineers take point on these efforts by making sure that a company’s digital setups are protected on a day-to-day basis.

4. Network Administrator

Companies that operate out of large buildings communicate internally on intranets. These nets connect every computer and server to one another through a complex connection of Ethernet cables and WIFI.

That sophisticated setup doesn’t just pop into existence. It’s manually pieced together and maintained by a group of people called network administrators.

A good network administrator knows how to securely connect hundreds of devices and has great troubleshooting skills to manage problems as they arise.

5. Solutions Architect

The world of technology is constantly changing. As it changes, businesses need to understand what advances have been made and how those advances might serve to further their company.

Solutions architects are the people that lead these discussions and help to carry out proper courses of action.

We love this top technology jobs choice because it’s a job that is not only compensated extremely well but one that enables creative tech-savvy people to exercise both the left and right sides of their brain.

Finding a job in RPA (robotic process automation) or in other cutting-edge tech niches is a great choice for imaginative solutions experts.

6. UI Designer

Some of the most brilliant tech experts in the world don’t know the first thing about presenting their innovations to consumers. Thankfully, great UI designers are there to step in and make things more accessible.

UI designers take complex applications and figure out how to best present them to people in ways that are intuitive and valuable.

UI design is a great pick for people that want to get into the tech industry but are more artistically inclined than technology talented.

A UI designer for a large firm could be responsible for creating everything from mobile application interfaces to installation interfaces in enterprise-level software.

7. Cloud Solutions Specialists

Cloud solutions specialist are similar to solutions architects in that they both advise on and help carry out technology-focused solutions to common business problems.

Where a cloud solutions expert differs is that cloud specialists are called on when businesses want their solutions to exists offline or “in the cloud”.

Cloud computing is becoming more popular as many companies are ditching their office spaces and their desire to house all of their data on problem-prone physical servers in their building.

The outlook for cloud specialists is enormous going forward and features growth opportunities that are more staggering than what other jobs that we’ve mentioned might offer.

8. Mobile Application Developer

Over 80% of the American population have a smartphone sitting in their pocket. That makes phones one of the best ways to facilitate the distribution of software to the consumer market.

While there is some speculation that the app developer salary bubble might pop, as of right now, people that are outstanding coders in this profession are making outstanding money.

Wrapping Up Our Top Technology Jobs That Can Make You Rich

2020 is right around the corner and with a new decade comes a new wave of people that want to switch careers.

If you’re one of those people, our recommendation is to flip your career into any one of the top technology jobs that we’ve just shared with you.

If the jobs that we’ve mentioned don’t resonate with your sensibilities, that’s OK too. There are more jobs where these came from, many of which we discuss extensively on our blog.

To learn more, check out additional content on our site today!

Business

Top Financial Tips Young Investors Must Remember

Top Financial Tips Young Investors Must Remember


Top Financial Tips Young Investors Must Remember

Did you know that the Social Security Retirement age keeps increasing and will rise to age 67 for those born 1960 or later? It’s important to invest young so you can retire when you want no matter the age! Young investors have certain tips and tricks they abide by which will lead to higher returns.

You can be a young investor, and have all of your dreams and goals come true for your savings. In this article, you’ll learn all about investing the right way and tips for investing young. Read on to discover these tips and be sure to implement them! 

1. Young Investors

Dreaming of investing and building your savings? The first and most important thing to do is to start! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just know that you can learn by doing. When you’re a young investor you have time on your side, you’re young so have plenty of time to study the market and strengthen your strategies.

2. Compounding

Investing young you can take advantage of what’s called compounding. Compounding is a return earned on your principal and past returns. If you have your money in an investment account, it’s the percentage you earn on top of the original investment and previous earnings. 

If it’s a traditional bank account it’s the interest on that amount plus past interest earned over time. As you see here, the sooner you begin investing the more compounding can happen! 

3. Hold a Diversified Portfolio and Risk Take 

Investing is also about taking risks to build. One of the best ways to invest money in your 20’s is to build a diversified portfolio. It’s great to have your savings, but you’ll want to invest as well to build up your savings and never to put your eggs in one basket. 

It’s important to use stocks, bonds, and assets because the more places you have your money, the lower the chances of losing a lot of money. 

Would you like to be a rich and young investor? Check out Ari Rastegar.

4. Make Regular Contributions 

When you’re investing young, you’ll want to make regular contributions in your investment accounts. You’ll want to come up with a certain % that comes out of your paychecks and into your investment accounts.

When done well this not only will set you up for the future but will make sure it’s a steady amount that won’t hurt the bank. 

5. Save More as You Age 

When you’re in your 20’s you might have more goals such as buying a home, paying off student loans, or purchasing a car. It’s great to have those goals, but also make sure you’re saving and investing. 

As you age, you’ll want to invest more. When you’re young, you can invest and still go after your goals, once you reach those goals, you can increase your investing percentage. Along with raises, you might not even notice the increase! 

6. Avoid the Seven Layer Dip of Fees 

When investing, the choices can be overwhelming and confusing about what’s considered smart investments young adults. You’ll want to seek guidance from a financial advisor or broker to avoid large fees and losses. 

Watch out for these fees:

  • Mutual Fund Surrender Penalties 
  • Mutual Fund Fees
  • Brokerage Trading Commissions
  • Wrap Management Fees
  • Internal Mutual Fund Operating Costs
  • Markups on New Issue Securities and Bonds
  • 12b-1 Fees

Always speak with your advisor about these fees and avoiding them! 

7. Never Withdraw Early from Your 401-K

 Your 401(K) is used for retirement and if you take money out too soon you can receive hefty fees. There’s a 10% tax penalty for withdrawing early from the IRS. 

It’s a good idea to have an emergency fund in case of a job loss, unexpected expenses such as work needed for your home, etc. This emergency fund is important so you won’t have to withdraw from your 401(K) and suffer from taxes!

8. Ignore Competition

Healthy competition is fine, but if you’re seeing celebrities on tv or people you know who are wealthy, avoid trying to keep up with them. If you’re not at that point yet financially, it’s best not to rush it, and better to keep your goals in mind. 

Remember, you want to be young investing, but also smart about it so you don’t wind up bankrupt! Don’t go investing with money you don’t have and wrack up the bills because you can’t pay off your student loans. 

If you’re looking at your friends traveling and their lush lives, keep in mind they might have just put that on a credit card, and might not be saving for the future. Focus on yourself and your life. Educate yourself on investing and bettering yourself with reading as many books and researching as much as possible! 

9. Automate Investments 

One of the best things you can do for your investments and saving time is automating your investments as much as possible. This will teach you to save over time and remember that you’ll have money for yourself plus for investing. A 401(K) is one way to do just that!

From your job sign up for your 401(K) and have them take your pay automatically out of your check. You can also automate your high-yield savings account and a brokerage account.

Next Steps

In this article, you learned all about young investors, and the tips they use for the biggest profits. Remember to come up with a goal and plan, and then make it happen.

You can invest as you learn, don’t worry about learning as much as possible at first. As you learn while investing, you’ll be able to see what works and what doesn’t. Before you know it you’ll be compounding and so glad you invested young! 

Would you like to learn more for everything from content strategy to inbound marketing? Check out our articles!

 

Technology

The Top Benefits of a Fitbit

The Top Benefits of a Fitbit


Getting Fit, Bit by Bit: The Top Benefits of a Fitbit

Believe it or not, only 23 percent of Americans get enough exercise each day to stay healthy. Between work and social obligations, finding the time to go to the gym or even take a walk is almost impossible.

But fitness trackers, like the Fitbit, help you stay active and monitor your exercise habits more accurately. Though they’ve been around for a while, a lot of people are hesitant to embrace their use.

Fitbits aren’t out to make your life harder—they’re designed to make your life easier. Read on to learn about the benefits of a Fitbit and see how they can help you reach your goals.

You’ll Move More and More Often

Fitbits track your movements throughout the day. No, not your physical location (though you can enable that on some models). They track your steps, your exercise, and your general activity.

And every time you move, your step count shows up clearly and conveniently on the screen.

When you can see how many or few steps you’ve taken throughout the day, you’ll find yourself motivated to move more. And the more you move, the more exercise you get.

Remember, exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to count or to improve your health. And if you find yourself struggling to remember to get up and take a few steps, you can set an hourly reminder.

Lets You Customize Your Goals

Everyone has different fitness goals. And those goals can and will change over time. As you exercise more, you’ll want to reach new levels and push yourself harder.

If you don’t have a way to keep track of those goals, staying motivated can be tough. Fitbit allows you to customize your goals every step of the way.

Start with a lower daily step count goal to help you get moving consistently. As you go, you can increase that goal, set bigger exercise goals, and monitor your progress.

You can even set goals to help you monitor your water and food consumption throughout the day!

There Are Tons of Models to Choose From

Unlike many other smartwatches, Fitbit offers multiple models at different price points. This makes it easy for you to choose a model that fits your needs and your budget.

Choose a simple fitness tracker without a built-in display if you’re looking for the most affordable option. Or go with a smartwatch-style Fitbit that allows you to read texts, play music, and even use popular payment apps on the go.

There’s a model that will work for you. You just need to think about what you want your fitness tracker to do.

You Can Tailor the Look to Your Style

You don’t have to settle for the boring band included in the box. You can add personality and flair to your wrist by changing the band out.

Swap your band on your Fitbit Charge 2 or other models for something you’re comfortable wearing to work. And change it back to the one it came with when you feel like hitting the gym.

No matter what type of Fitbit you have, the straps are easy to remove. This makes it simple to clean the display and change your look based on your mood.

They Give You Insight Into Your Sleep Patterns

Unlike many fitness trackers, Fitbits help you monitor your sleep patterns. They record your heart rate and track how much you move throughout the night.

This allows their software to assess your sleep stages and show you how long you actually slept. If you’ve struggled with insomnia or have difficulty getting to sleep, this can give you and your doctor extra information.

Though it’s not a substitute for a sleep study, it can help you figure out which behaviors contribute to those sleepless nights.

Fitbit Are Rechargeable

Have you ever tried to replace the battery in a wristwatch on your own? It’s tough, to say the least.

You have to find a small enough screwdriver to remove the backing. And then you have to maneuver the battery into a tiny spot without dropping it or losing it.

When you invest in a Fitbit, you get the same time-telling convenience of a standard watch without the hassle of battery changes.

Fitbits are rechargeable through a custom USB cord. That means you won’t ever have to worry about changing the battery. Just pay attention to the battery level every time you sync the device.

When it gets low, charge your fitness tracker when you’re not planning on being active. This way you won’t miss out on steps.

Makes Exercise Social

Your journey to better fitness can feel lonely. And it’s especially true if you’re working out at home or getting into the zone on a treadmill.

And over time, keeping yourself accountable gets hard. You need that added motivation that social interaction can give you.

Fitbits allow you to make exercise a social competition. Compete with your friends who own Fitbits or compete with complete strangers.

The app allows you to interact and participate in unique challenges designed to get you moving every day. And if you need some time to yourself, they offer plenty of solo challenges to keep you motivated.

Experience the Benefits of a Fitbit Yourself

Fitness trackers are a great way to improve your health and get you moving every day. But Fitbit trackers offer a unique experience not provided by other brands. See the benefits of a Fitbit for yourself and take control of your fitness.

Looking for more helpful tips and strategies to improve your fitness even when you work a desk job? Check out our most recent posts!

Business

The Top Tips for Applying for Disability

The Top Tips for Applying for Disability


Getting Approved: The Top Tips for Applying for Social Security Disability

In 2016, the Social Security Administration (SSA) paid out disability benefits to 10.2 million people. 88 percent of those people were disabled workers. During the same year, the SSA terminated benefits for 820,372 workers.

Applying for disability is trickier than it should be. The SSA asks for a high burden of proof, and it doesn’t hesitate to stop and investigate further. 

Will you get approved for disability benefits? Read these tips before you apply to increase your chance of getting the check you believe you deserve.

1. Gather the Right Documentation

If you qualify for Social Security disability payments, then you need all the essential documentation to prove it. That means providing medical evidence demonstrating both the existence of your disability and the severity of it.

When you apply, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will ask for records from physicians and hospitals for review. They particularly want to hear from your current doctor (one who knows your medical history) via a medical opinion, which tells them more about your past and current situation than just the records.

Remember: the SSA only gathers documents from “acceptable medical sources.” Your GP, optometrist, podiatrist, and speech pathologist count. However, chiropractors and psychologists do not.

2. Fill Out Your Paperwork Early and Correctly

You must be out of work or not have worked in a significant capacity for one year before applying for disability. That means you can’t earn more than $1,220 per month or have significant assets, like disability income replacement products from https://www.carterinvestments.com/about-us.

Once that year is up and you have, apply right away.

The SSA’s initial review takes 30 to 90 days to approve or deny your claim. Your waiting period depends on the records needed, how quickly you provide them, and your ability to fill in all the relevant forms correctly.

Any delays translate into waiting longer for your check.

3. Don’t Stop Your Medical Treatment

Your treatment plays a significant role in your case.

If following your prescribed treatment won’t restore you to full working health over the long-term, you have a robust application.

Quitting your medical treatment – whether by choice or due to cost – damages your chances.

If your records lapse or you discontinue treatment, doctors will inform the SSA during the process. Most disabilities recognized by the SSA do require long-term treatment, and if you stop following the protocol, it casts doubt on your application. The SSA can deny you benefits if they find you are “treatment non-compliant.

Regardless, failing to attend appointments and take prescriptions as directed can be detrimental to your health. Given that many disabilities are progressive in nature, you should understand that allowing treatment lapses can be fatal.

4. Seek Legal Help if Necessary

If the SSA continually denies you or you have concerns about getting approved, consider seeking help from a disability lawyer.

Statistics show that when everything else is equal, you are more likely to get a disability check when you have legal representation. Your lawyer will take 25 percent of your backpay, but for some, it is better than not getting a check at all.

Don’t Let the SSA Stop You from Applying for Disability

Applying for disability isn’t easy. The SSA aims to keep people who can work in their jobs. It doesn’t hand out disability benefits, and it will take them away if you no longer qualify.

Are you looking for more employment-related content? Check out our Careers and Jobs resources for more helpful information.

Health

The Top 10 Reasons for Hiring a Life Coach

The Top 10 Reasons for Hiring a Life Coach


The Top 10 Reasons for Hiring a Life Coach

Have you been pulling yourself out of bed each day and going through the motions at work? If so, you’re not alone. Around 60% of people feel dissatisfied with their jobs?

The problem here is that when you aren’t fulfilled with your career, other aspects of your life will suffer. Pretty soon you’ll feel lost, unmotivated, and self-conscious. These issues are difficult to reverse on your own.

Many people in this position have found solutions by hiring a life coach. These are professionals who can provide guidance as a means of getting your life back on track.

This may seem like a drastic measure, but a life coach offers many benefits. Let’s go over ten reasons you should consider hiring one.

1. Guidance After a Major Setback

Misfortune and loss are part of life. Moving past these setbacks can seem impossible, especially if they alter the way you live or cause emotional damage.

A life coach will act as a support system during trying times. They’ll help guide you through things like depression, anger, anxiety, and grief.

In addition, a life coach will advise you on the steps you need to take to refocus on your responsibilities. The goal is to get on with your life in the healthiest way possible.

2. Regain Momentum in Your Life

If you’ve found yourself treading water without advancing, you may have difficulty figuring out what you’re doing wrong. A professional life coach is invaluable in these situations.

They’ll examine aspects of your personal and professional life to determine where you’re getting caught up. There’s a chance you’ve fallen into some bad habits without knowing it.

Once a life coach determines what’s holding you back, they can advise you on what steps you need to take. This could mean making important career decisions or changing your entire outlook.

3. Strike a Balance

To maintain happiness and fulfillment, you need to strike a healthy balance between your career, family, and relationships. In today’s busy world, this is hard to do.

Taking advantage of life coaching is a great way to even out elements of your life that are out of alignment. A professional will help you make the right sacrifices needed to place more emphasis on things you’ve neglected.

There are life coaches that specialize in a wide range of issues. The list on this site will give you an idea of what’s out there.  

4. You Need Accountability

When you need to make changes in your life but can’t seem to get the ball rolling, it helps to have someone to hold you accountable.

After you’ve established a set of goals, a life coach will help you become more disciplined. Because they’re with you each step of the way, you’ll feel more accountable for your progress.

Keep in mind their job isn’t to be an authoritarian. A life coach helps inspire you to take your goals and responsibilities more seriously.

5. Understand Your Full Potential

If you don’t believe in yourself, you’re setting limitations on your success. This has a direct impact on your future.

A life coach will do a number of things to help you realize your full potential. Promoting positive thinking and encouraging you to push yourself will help break the chains that have held you back.

A life coach will also work to motivate you and help you learn how to motivate yourself.

6. Unbiased Feedback

Seeking feedback and advice from friends or family members isn’t a bad thing, but there’s a good chance they’ll hold back. Maybe they want to protect you or simply don’t want to broach certain subjects.

A life coach, on the other hand, doesn’t have any connections to your life prior to you hiring them. This means you’ll get unbiased, truthful feedback concerning serious issues.

The perspective of an objective person can help you see problems from a new angle. Plus, a life coach isn’t afraid to be direct with you about things you need to hear.

7. Bring Your Dreams Into Focus

Getting stuck in a 9-to-5 job you don’t care about can cause you to lose focus on your passions. Eventually, you may forget what kind of life you intended to lead when you were younger.

If this happens to you, a life coach will help you rediscover yourself. They’ll teach you to reconnect with your aspirations and assist with taking the proper steps to reach them.

In addition, a life coach will help prioritize your goals so you remain on the right track to personal fulfillment.

8. Get Control of Your Fears

It’s easy to get intimidated by career advancements, challenges, and the thought of failing. Sometimes this intimidation turns to fear, and this does nothing but hold you back.

Life coaching can build up your self-confidence so you can face your fears head-on. It can also help you understand exactly what’s holding you back.

A life coach will put things into perspective so you can see that you’re in control of your fears. This is a great tool in the professional world.

9. Reach Daily Goals

If what’s holding you back is a problem with your daily routine, a life coach will work with you on reaching goals.

This often involves making small changes that have a huge impact. You may also need to look at each day independently and adjust your mental approach.

Once you start reaching daily goals, you’ll notice other aspects of your life improving as well.

10. Become Empowered

The work you do with a life coach can empower you to take control of the problems you encounter and solve them on your own.

This is a long-term benefit of working with a professional. Eventually, you won’t need them to help you confront and conquer obstacles.

Hiring a Life Coach Can Change Everything

Life is a constant challenge. There’s nothing wrong with seeking assistance from a professional.

If you’re having trouble reaching goals, overcoming setbacks, or you simply feel lost, hiring a life coach will get you back on track. You’ll soon find you can handle life’s hurdles on your own. Check out our site for upcoming events that can help you get on track.

Business

Top 5 Ways to Promote Your Seasonal Editorial Calendar

Top 5 Ways to Promote Your Seasonal Editorial Calendar


Top 5 Ways to Promote Your Seasonal Editorial Calendar

Did you know that there are more than 500 fun and fabulous holidays to pep up your editorial calendar? 

How about Groundhog Day, National Gymnastics Day, or Kataklysmos (Flood) Festival? Every month has unique events and days that speak to your target audience. Use the seasons to give your content marketing authenticity and sincerity.

Seasonal content isn’t a direct conversion/sales tactic. But it can help you reach new audiences, acknowledge the interests of your customers and personalize your brand. However, it won’t help you do these things if no one reads it.

Promoting your seasonal content takes some pre- and post- work for maximum effectiveness. Read on to learn more.

1. Anchor Your Editorial Calendar With the Big Holidays

Writing themed editorial content is just part of the overall picture. For example, look at Thanksgiving. For a food business, there may be lots of opportunity for editorial talking about the family gathered around the table.

Other collateral materials might include Instagram or YouTube recipes and cooking tips. Mix in advertisements and earned placements for strong branding. Start substantial holiday-focused content on a strict schedule and people start to anticipate your content.

2. Calendar Well in Advance

Build anticipation for your content with each communication. Nothing heavy-handed is necessary. Something as simple as a “check out the photos of all the company babies born this year in our business Christmas cards” is enough to build interest.

If you plan out your whole year’s content, these intros and outros work smoothly to lead customers from piece to piece. There are several apps to make automatic digital content posts for you.

3. Bank Your Content

With a detailed calendar, it’s easy to create your year’s content promptly. You can write your content, plan your images and schedule it all to post when it will have the greatest engagement.

Try Hootsuite or Tweriod to take on some of your scheduling burdens.

4. #Hashtag the Trends

You want people to find your content? You need to help them find you. Use the #hashtag liberally. Call attention to people with @ callouts.

Use your analytical data to create content your people want to see and share. Also uses the data to fill in the right events and activities your customers and potential customers want to see.

5. Hook New Customers With New Content

You have a seasonal content plan that speaks to your customers. Now, add interesting content to attract new customers. Choose national days and holidays with meaning to your potential customers.

National Pickle Day, Little League Week and other spring to mind. Look for events that attract a new prospective customer’s attention.  Use the higher volume of traffic to launch a sales promotion.  

Compelling Content for Brand Awareness

Fill your editorial calendar with topics that have a natural connection to your brand. Use your analytical data to target the right seasonal content, collateral, and strategy.  Don’t be afraid to offer the increased traffic a sales promotion.

Seasonal content on its own isn’t a sales technique. But in combination with other avenues, you could see a healthy increase.