td-cloud-library domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/u634249925/domains/elitesmindset.com/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170The post Things to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Architect appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>When you start looking for a firm or independent architect to work on your project, you should try to find references. These can start with reviews online or looking into their past projects and seeing how they turned out.
If you have friends or colleagues that have worked with certain firms in the past, you can ask them for recommendations. Word of mouth can be a strong tool when deciding whether or not to work with a commercial architect. You will be working very closely with this person to design and tweak your new space. So you want to make sure they have a good background and will work with you well.
Many commercial architects will work out of a firm. This means that they will have a team of people behind them to help with your project. A commercial architect’s job is to design and oversee the design of your building. They can’t do everything. So they will generally hire contractors to get the work done.
When working at a firm, they may have in-house contractors that you can work with all in one. When a commercial architect is working independently you’ll want to look into the connections that they have. They should have trusted contractors and collaborators that are going to help get the job done.
An architect also has to be licensed to work independently. Hence, you’ll want to make sure you get all of their qualifications before moving forward on the job. Either way, you go there will be talented individuals it just depends on if you want to go through a more corporate system or just work one on one with an architect.
When choosing your commercial architect, it’s important to make sure their work aligns with your project. While commercial architects know their way around all types of commercial projects, it may come in handy if they have certain expertise when designing your building.
Every commercial architect should have a portfolio of their work that you can browse. You can even try to visit some of their projects in person. This way you can get a great sense of their eye for design and how it might come into play on your project. If a commercial architect’s past work doesn’t line up with what you want your project to be like, then you can move on to the next.
Working on commercial design may not always come cheap. When working with your commercial architect, you’ll want to look for someone who understands your budgeting and can stay within those means unless absolutely necessary. A great commercial architect will understand that large commercial projects are already expensive and will help communicate what can be accomplished with your budgeting goals.
When you start working on a big project you want to make sure the person designing it and the person funding it are on the same page. This is why your commercial architect must have great communication skills. Besides all of the other things you should be looking for, your project won’t go well if you and your architect can’t communicate.
If you’re still trying to find the perfect commercial architect you can check out more things to look for in this extensive guide from ZP Architect Engineers. Every project comes with little bumps in the road. Nevertheless, you can avoid any speed bumps if you understand what to look and speak about with your commercial architect.
Commercial projects are huge undertakings, but with the right team, you can create something beautiful without a hitch. Once you find the right commercial architect, you know that your new space will be ready for your business and customers.
The post Things to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Architect appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>The post Depression: 5 Things You Need to Know as You Age appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>Disinterested, unfocused, or always feeling fatigued?
Are you concerned that your spouse is having suicidal thoughts or suffering with new, physical pains?
All of these could be signs of depression.
Depression doesn’t just affect teens. In fact, it can happen to anyone at any time at any age.
If depression is a concern for you, here are five things you need to know about it as you age, including how to spot if you or someone you love is suffering with the disorder.
Feeling of sadness, loneliness, and worthlessness are the most common and easily identifiable symptoms of depression. But the symptoms can differ and change as we age.
Sadness and loneliness remain as the two key symptoms of depression. These are common in older adults who are confined to nursing homes, suffering with chronic illnesses, or grieving the death of a family member or loved one. These situations can cause us to limit social behaviors and decrease activity levels, which can make depression even worse.
Other common symptoms that adults may experience are:
As we age, other symptoms may present themselves. For example, adults from age 30 to 60 commonly experience:
Seniors over the age of 60 may also have:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to seek professional help. Talking with a therapist can ease the symptoms. If talk therapy doesn’t work, your mental health professional may recommend medication or other forms of treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Depression in teenagers is often associated with feelings of inadequacy involving school, grades, peers, and sexuality. As we age, the key factors that cause depression change.
In adults over age 30, depression is often associated with:
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to minimize some of those risk factors.
You can create a financial safety net by making wise investments and saving for retirement. If you lose your job, those savings can keep you afloat and reduce the stress levels that come with financial instability and sometimes make you depressed.
You can also protect yourself with a disability insurance policy. Should you suffer an illness or injury that prevents you from working and earning income, disability insurance will ensure that you still receive a portion of your pay.
For more information on disability insurance, checkout this article from Physicians Thrive.
Depression is not a one-size-fits-all disorder. Some people suffer mild forms such as seasonal affective disorder, in which symptoms present in specific months and diminish in others. Others suffer with major depressive disorder, a much more severe level of depression that can be debilitating.
It’s important to note that mild depressive states can become more intense, especially if left untreated.
In addition to causing poor physical health, depression can come about as the result of poor physical health.
Why?
Because physical health and mental health go hand in hand.
Poor eating habits can cause depression, and feelings of depression can lead to poor eating habits. In some people, it’s a matter of losing weight and energy. In others, it’s a matter of overeating and becoming obese. Obesity can cause all sorts of dangerous physical problems, including coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Taking a proactive approach to health is always better than trying to treat an illness or disease once it’s in full swing.
To minimize your risk of depression as you age, it’s important to do the following five things:
For older or retired persons that may feel isolated or lonely, staying active in the community is key to preventing and minimizing the risks of depression. Volunteering for just a few hours per week is an excellent way to keep your mind and body active and encourage you to be more social.
In Conclusion
Depression is manageable, treatable, and preventable. By maintaining healthy habits and being proactive about your mental health, you can avoid depression altogether and find ways to beat it if you’re already in its grasp.
The post Depression: 5 Things You Need to Know as You Age appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>The post Everything You Need to Know About Small Business Invoicing appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>Invoicing opens you up to working with government and corporate contracts. The downfall is that these major orders require a lot of upfront cash flow, and you may not see payment for months.
If you can implement an invoicing system strategically, you might see extreme growth in your company. Check out this information about small business invoicing to see if it may be right for you.
Invoicing your customers is another way to say you’re extending them credit. When a business can order what they need from you without paying for it first, they’re more likely to choose you to work with.
It may have nothing to do with whether they have the money or not and everything to do with the hassle of waiting for the funds to be approved. Plus, if someone doesn’t have to think about what they do or don’t have in their bank account at the time, they’re likely to spend more.
Invoicing gives you an edge over your competitors and increases customer loyalty. Buyers will come back to you because you give them credit and have shown to provide reliable goods and services.
The downside, of course, is that you run the risk of not getting paid for the order. To mitigate this possible loss, consider customizing credit limits, as a bank or credit card lender would do. Until they’ve proven to be creditworthy, keep those limits low.
Getting into invoicing for the first time doesn’t have to be complicated. Your current customer relationship management (CRM) system may already have the tools you need to simplify the process.
With a good CRM, you design the invoice template, insert your payment terms, and update the customer’s data as it changes. The system sends out invoices on schedule and follows up with outstanding bills.
Many CRMs integrate with accounting software like Quickbooks. Once you learn how to use yours optimally and set up a workflow process, you’ll find that invoicing is simple.
An offer to extend credit to a customer is based on your terms, not theirs. If you try something out and it doesn’t work, you’re entitled to change your mind and set new terms. It’s your business.
You choose how long your invoice terms are and when the bill is due. You decide if there are late fees that you’ll tack on and whether you report unpaid invoices to a collections agency or not.
It’s up to you what type of payments you accept, such as checks, credit cards, ACH payments, and Venmo or PayPal. Since businesses are often penalized for accepting credit cards or cashing out through apps, you may be able to roll that cost over to your customers.
All of these terms must be clarified ahead of time, though. When a customer places an order on credit, they should know when the invoice will be sent out, when it’s due, and if there will be late penalties. Make the types of payment you accept clear.
If you decide to invoice on the 15th and send out reminders the day before the invoice is due, that’s your choice. If it’s not working, and you want to switch to the 18th, that’s up to you, too.
The only hard and fast “rule” is that you should let your customers know in advance. With a month or two notice that you’ll be changing your terms, they can adjust their budget as necessary.
Every business finds itself in need of extra working capital at some point. Maybe you’re in a lull and the busy season is around the corner, and you just need enough to get through until then. Or your essential vendor is having a major clearance sale, and you want to stock up.
Whether you’re growing your business or trying to stay afloat, you need cash fast. A working capital loan, as discussed in this article by Now, would have been your go-to solution before. As an invoicing business, you have other options.
Rather than taking out a loan and adding an extra monthly payment, you can choose a few invoices, find a factoring company, and sell them.
When you start looking into invoice financing, you’ll see two very similar possibilities: invoice financing and invoice factoring. They look the same, but there’s a vital distinction.
Invoice factoring companies take the whole of your outstanding accounts receivables and buy them at a discount. Invoice financing lets you pick and choose which invoices you want to sell, staying in charge of your business.
Either way, you can avoid taking out loans, which become a long-term solution to a short-term problem. As an invoicing business, finding a third-party factoring company to work with when you need cash can be beneficial.
After your invoicing system is solidly in place and you’ve worked the kinks out, consider signing up to place bids as a federal contractor.
The United States government is not only the largest customer in the world, but it is legally required to buy from small businesses like yours. The catch is that you have to be approved as a contractor to work on a federal level.
There are two categories of contractors—prime contractors and subcontractors.
As a prime contractor, you’d bid on contracts offered by government agencies. As a subcontractor, you would work alongside the prime contractor, providing a service or good that they need to complete their contract.
To get into this type of work, ensure your entity legally qualifies as a small business based on the SBA designation. Then, register with the government as a contractor and start looking for contracts you can bid on.
Small businesses that invoice have a leg up over their competitors. However, invoicing comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
If you want to grow your business, start by implementing an invoice system and perfecting it. From there, you’ll be able to offer your products and services to everyone, including the government.
The post Everything You Need to Know About Small Business Invoicing appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>The post The Lowdown on Taxes for Freelancers appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>How do taxes work for freelancers?
The thing about being a freelancer is that it means you’re technically self employed—and there are a few differences involved in filing taxes for freelancers as opposed to filing them when you’re an employee who works for a company.
So in this post, you’re going to learn some of the most important tax differences for freelancers.
These simple points will help you to prepare for filing taxes as a true self-employed professional—helping you to make the most of the opportunity, and to save yourself some ‘headaches’ along the way.
Let’s dive into it.
Everyone has a responsibility to pay taxes on their income, regardless of whether they’re working for themselves or working for someone else.
But here’s the thing:
As a freelancer, you’re not going to be able to rely on your employer to handle withholding your taxes for you.
That’s something that you’re going to have to do for yourself from now on.
Freelancers need to pay several different types of taxes.
In addition to federal income tax and state income tax, you’ll also need to pay self employment tax, local income taxes, and possibly sales tax (if you sold any goods during the tax year).
This can get rather complicated! So let’s talk about the part that most freelancers tend to get most confused about—the self employment tax.
Self employment tax is really the tax that differentiates regular employee income taxes from the taxes that freelancers need to pay.
If you were an employee, this portion of your taxes would actually be paid by your employer.
But since you are now a freelancer and self employed, you’re responsible for this extra portion of taxes.
The federal self employment tax rate is currently sitting at 15.3%.
This means that you’re going to need to hold back an extra 15.3% of all of your freelance income in order to pay this tax when it comes due.
But here’s the tricky part—this doesn’t include income tax or any other types of tax!
But we’ll talk more about that in a moment.
As a freelancer who plans to have a tax liability of greater than $1,000, you’re required by the IRS to make what are called estimated tax payments.
In other words, you’ll need to make your yearly tax payments in quarterly installments instead of all at once on tax day.
You can make estimated tax payments directly through the IRS website—or you can submit them with a form 1040-ES.
Quarterly payments are due on April 18, June 15, September 15, and January 18 of the following year, respectively.
These days, however, may change slightly year to year.
So always double check on the IRS website to make sure that you’re making your estimated payments on time.
When freelancers first get started, one of the biggest mistakes they tend to make on the tax side of things is not holding back enough money for taxes.
As soon as you get paid for a project, it’s always a great idea to hold back a certain percentage of your income to make sure that you’ve got the money set aside for taxes.
You need to have a separate bank account that’s specifically dedicated to the purpose of holding your tax funds.
As a general rule, you’ll need to set aside about 30% of your self-employed income to cover all of your various different types of taxes (until you reach a certain level of income, at which point that tax rate may indeed increase).
However, some freelancers hold back even more than this—thus creating the effect of a tax return after tax season hits.
For example:
Some freelancers actually hold back 50% of their income for taxes.
Then, after paying their taxes in quarterly amounts and additionally covering any other government/tax fees that they may need to cover, they’re able to give themselves a lump sum of cash after tax season or roll it over into the following year’s tax fund to help cover fees the following year.
At first, you may start to feel like that’s a lot of taxes.
However, that’s just part of the gig when it comes to being a gig worker or freelancer.
This is why it’s so important for freelancers to actually charge what they’re worth. Freelancers need to make sure that they’re asking for enough money for their services that they can cover all of their bills, legal fees, and taxes on top of it all.
Businesses that fail to make enough to cover essential expenses and taxes will quickly find themselves in trouble when the time comes to make estimated tax payments.
So make sure you’re charging what you’re worth.
For best results, you may want to hire a certified CPA or tax professional. An expert tax professional can help you check for the possibility of extra write offs or credits when it comes time to file taxes.
You can generally write off most of your business expenses when preparing your taxes.
But the other part of it is this:
Taxes can be a complicated affair.
And hiring a certified tax professional can help you make sure that you’re taking all of the necessary steps to avoid costly tax problems in the long term.
Need an in-depth guide on how to file your taxes?
Check out this post by Gigly: How To File Self Employment Taxes.
There you have it.
A quick start guide with everything you need to know about how to pay taxes as a freelancer.
Armed with this knowledge, you can now get started on a successful tax season for your freelance business.
Freelancers are amazing, and we believe in you.
Now it’s time to get out there and change the world.
The post The Lowdown on Taxes for Freelancers appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>The post 5 Personal Security Risks You Should Avoid appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>You always opt for a relatively secure city to be your next home. However, even the most confident places have their fair share of crime. You, therefore, need to recognize threats to your security and what to do to avoid them.
Not all security risks will cause you physical harm. Others can cause emotional and financial damage.
This post will guide you through five personal security risks to watch out for and avoid.
Physical assaults are violent crimes that happen around the world daily. The effects can be far-reaching, particularly if you or your loved ones are seriously harmed.
The fact that physical attacks are happening in different parts of the world makes it the biggest safety risk to watch out for. These attacks occur for many reasons. It could be hate-motivated assault or a mugging, but the point is that it causes injury and sometimes death.
Whether walking in the streets at night or just at home alone, physical assault is a massive threat to your security. To reduce the risks of physical assault:
These clever street tips will reduce the risks of physical assault. But, when the property is cause for attack, give it up rather than give up your life.
Sexual violence is probably the biggest security threat in every community. While it is a form of physical abuse, it demands special attention if it doesn’t involve non-physical actions.
Sexual violence occurs when any form of sexual activity happens with no consent. This ranges from harassment to rape. Statistics say that one in every five women and 24.8% of men in the US experienced complete or attempted rape in their lifetime.
The psychological implications of sexual assault can be crippling, resulting in far-reaching effects on families and the entire community. For this reason, it’s everyone’s responsibility to seek awareness as the first step to preventing this form of assault.
While it can be challenging to protect yourself against sexual violence, it’s not at all impossible. You can stay safe by doing the following:
Prevention strategies are not enough for the fight against sexual violence. If you know a victim make sure you reach out and help them seek assistance from authorities or local support groups.
Sensitive documents can also result in security risks. If you handle important documents that could cause harm if the contents are exposed, you may want to follow proper procedures for keeping such records secure.
The most targeted environments are generally workplaces where documents have sensitive company information.
Usually, when documents get into the wrong hands, they can be used for various damaging activities such as blackmail and the release of trade secrets.
When it comes to personal risks, issues like identity theft are common. The Federal Trade Commission defines identity theft as using someone’s information without permission. Targeted documents are usually social security numbers, addresses, names, and bank details.
If you lose these documents, they can result in threats like:
To keep your documents protected, always lock them away. We advise you to shred the papers you don’t need.
You also want to be cautious about sharing your social security or credit card details. Whenever personal info is requested, it is within your right to question how it will be used and how the data can be protected from falling into the wrong hands.
Considering most systems have moved online these days, the chances that your accounts will be hacked have also increased. Whether occurring at a corporate or personal level, data breaches can have dire security consequences.
Identity Theft Resource Center found that 2021 alone had 281.5 million cases of data breaches. Once a breach has occurred, the lost data can be used for all types of crime, ranging from harassment to extortions.
Data breaches tend to happen when security defenses are weak. We often weaken our online accounts by using weak passwords or unknowingly sharing those details.
If you want to protect your online information, start with a two-factor verification that sends a pin code to your mobile device before accessing an online account. You could also use stronger passwords or, even better, eye and fingerprint scans. Such simple measures make it hard for criminals to gain access.
Vandalism is an unwarranted attack on property and happens to business premises just as much as it happens to personal properties like homes and cars.
The attack may be anything that causes damage like breaking windows, setting up fires, spray painting, and throwing rocks.
However, it’s not difficult to protect your property from vandalism, and the best way to prevent the crime is to create an effective security strategy that works for you.
So, what are the measures that can help you fight vandalism?
Acting fast in response to vandalism is critical. That is why we also recommend that you get insurance coverage to protect your assets and peace of mind.
You are exposed to security risks anywhere at any time. Personal security risks can cause bodily harm, financial losses, and even loss of life.
If you’re a notable person or live in populated places like California, you can expect safety to be a common problem. That’s why we recommend private bodyguards for hire if your circumstances call for it.
All in all, always be aware of your surroundings and have 911 on speed dial if you ever feel threatened.
The post 5 Personal Security Risks You Should Avoid appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>The post The Ultimate Light Roast Coffee Guide appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>Thankfully, you don’t have to be a coffee snob to appreciate the subtle differences between a light roast and a dark roast.
After reading this guide, you can defend your coffee preference confidently. Plus, you’ll have the knowledge to share with other coffee drinkers to boot!
When coffee beans get picked from the tree, they are green. Roasting takes green coffee beans and turns them into brown beans. The simplest way to differentiate between different roasts is by looking at the color of the beans. The color of the beans reveals everything you need to know about a roast.
A light roast bean will have a light brown color and a matte surface. Since the roast is light, the coffee beans do not lose their unique characteristics. They do have a roasted flavor, but it’s subtle.
When you drink a light roast, you will notice the acidity of the bean. How it tastes all depends on the elevation where the bean grew. Beans that come from a higher elevation taste better. Plus, they’re better quality than beans grown at a lower elevation. You have to pay more for these unique beans, but many feel it’s worth it.
You know it’s excellent tasting coffee when you enjoy its mellow and vibrant flavor.
Don’t be surprised if your grandparents don’t instantly take to light roast coffee. Light roast coffee is relatively new, and not everyone likes it at first.
For most of coffee’s history, coffee beans were roasted dark. People didn’t mind drinking coffee that had a thick, bitter, and burnt flavor. Coffee, up until recent years, has been an inexpensive drink. Dark roasting could hide the taste of lower-quality coffees brewed in low elevations.
You may not mind the taste of dark coffee. It may be what you’re used to, so you’re okay sticking to drinking what you’ve grown accustomed to. However, you may be missing out!
Technology and science have influenced how coffee gets brewed in the last few decades. As a result, boutique coffee shops and international coffee chains have changed. They now sell what people expect to receive when they purchase a cup of coffee. Customers don’t always want dark coffee. Instead, they want a rich and tasty coffee.
Coffee drinkers yearn to try different flavors and experience coffee in a new way. And light roast is a favorite due to its unique and fruity taste.
Coffee farming is being treated as a science. Farmers have responded by selectively growing unique coffee species. Now, they zero in on achieving healthy plants with unique flavor characteristics.
Now, more than ever, farmers focus on:
Gone are the days of throwing coffee beans in a primitive roaster and then sending them out. Now, farmers use computers to monitor and control temperature fluctuation. The goal is to produce specific and reproducible results.
Getting the perfect light roast is a mixture of science and art. Coffee roasters tweak their coffee until they hit that sweet spot. Their goal is to pull out the flavor potential of the bean. All the while, they also introduce a lightly roasted flavor that tastes phenomenal.
For many people, a light roast coffee’s taste is surprising. It is not uncommon for someone drinking it for the first time to believe that it doesn’t taste like coffee. Most coffee drinkers get accustomed to their favorite coffee. So, it’s a pleasant surprise when they get hit with a light roast’s fruity and floral taste.
Are you curious why a light roast tastes so differently? A bean’s natural flavors get retained because the roasting process is gentler.
People forget that coffee beans are fruit and come in different varieties. Some beans will have honey, vanilla, or sugarcane flavor. Some will have a fruity taste, ranging from berry to citrus. Others will have floral overtones, including rose, jasmine, and chamomile.
If you are accustomed to drinking dark coffee, a lighter roast might taste like tea in comparison. So it’s exciting to give light roast coffee a try. That being said, it does take extra effort to brew it to get the most out of the flavor.
The extent to which you grind the beans depends on your brewing method. You can brew your coffee using a French press, make a cold brew, or use a traditional coffee maker.
Another element to keep in mind is the temperature you brew your beans. Because the flavor of the light roast is dynamic, brewing temperature affects the results. Likewise, the length of time you brew the beans changes the amount of flavor extracted. And, of course, the fresher the coffee, the better.
For a unique experience, pair a light roast with breakfast. As mentioned, light roast has a floral or fruit flavor, mild body, and notable acidity. So, it pairs well with avocado toast, buttery croissants, or lunch sandwiches.
Do you like your breakfast with a little bit more zest? Then think about eating fruit pies or toast with a sweet jam while sipping on your coffee.
You can enjoy a light roast hot or iced. It makes a sweet cold brew. Try brewing it at double strength. You’ll likely still enjoy its bold flavor! Many enjoy drinking a light roast as an espresso. But it also works fantastic in a drip coffee machine.
For more tips on drinking light roast coffee, Taylor Lane offers some pointers. Experiment to see which techniques you like the best until you achieve the perfect light roast coffee.
In closing, the next time your barista asks you if you want a dark or light roast, roll the dice and give a light roast a try. You’ll no doubt enjoy coffee with flavors that most people have no idea existed!
The post The Ultimate Light Roast Coffee Guide appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>The post 9 Modern Decor Ideas for Your Living Room appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>Some professional interior designers also refer to the modern theme as the mid-20th century style. It grew out of the Industrial Revolution in the United States. Furniture, decor, and furnishings went from man-made to mass-produced.
Color palettes changed too. Some believe that the modern style is adjacent to art deco. Therefore, colors went from wooden browns to black, creams, and grays. Plus, the style changed from rustic to sleek for many Americans.
A decor idea is a combination of several furniture pieces, furnishings, and decorations. To pull together a look, consider starting with a statement piece. Then, build the rest of the living room decor.
The following are nine modern decor ideas for your living room.
Every modern living room has a center table or the main table. A good size measures 54 inches and 20 inches deep. You can pick a square, round, or rectangular shape.
For the modern home, the center table sits in the middle of the living room. It matches the length of the sofa and doubles as an attractive decorative item.
Pick from manufactured wood, glass, or granite materials for the top. Opt for matching or steel legs.
You, your family, and guests can place snacks, drinks, and food on the table. However, keep the table in good shape by using coasters and placemats. Otherwise, finish the decor idea by placing a table book, vase, or sculpture as the final touch.
A fireplace is a popular decor item for modern homes. In Colonial America through the Industrial Revolution, gathering around a fire was an actual activity that families participated in to keep warm.
In some areas of the country, namely where apartments became more common, fireplaces fell out of favor. Nonetheless, new homes built from 1975 through 2005 increasingly included fireplaces.
Then, another significant drop-off occurred in 2010. It probably had something to do with the United States Environmental Protection Agency stepping in.
If your home has no fireplace, workarounds exist. For example, you can install a ventless fireplace in a condo, apartment, or home that doesn’t have the infrastructure for a chimney.
Once you figure out your fireplace situation, set up chairs, a table, and a sofa around it for a modern living room look in 2022.
The 1950s saw several interior design changes. Among them were new homes that covered hardwood floors with carpet. American home flooring before the Industrial Revolution was hardwood floor planks.
After World War I, the country could mass-produce reclaimed lumber. Plus, manufacturers added decorative touches.
Some believe that British architect and furniture designer Charles Locke Eastlake championed placing rugs over hardwood floors. Thus, modern homes consist of uncarpeted floors and at least one high-end rug.
Luxury rugs fit all interior design themes and trends. Rugs reflect the eras too. Those searching for modern rug options can take a look at the inventory offered by Lawrence of La Brea.
Sofas for modern living rooms have visible legs in material that resembles wood or stainless steel. They have a boxy look and some resemble futons.
If you make a modern sofa the living room’s statement piece, consider a sectional in a muted color such as beige, brown, or off-white. If you prefer a different color, red and navy work too.
Opt for upholstered and a steel frame. Leather also works for the design theme.
Convertible sofas continue making a comeback. They provide a sleek design and functionality. Thus, if you have guests over or it’s family movie night at home, the sofa provides a comfy place to sit and sleep.
Every home requires several chairs. They complement the sofa in the living room and provide individual places to sit next to the window, in the dining area, and near the fireplace.
Like modern sofas, chairs have exposed legs and a boxy look. Opt for upholstered or leather material in muted colors that match the living room’s color palette.
Clean lines, monochromatic colors, and natural materials define the modern interior design period. Therefore, you can decorate with art that matches the style.
Many individuals leave the walls bare or they hang one piece of art. If you haven’t found the perfect art piece, mirrors and understated picture frames suit the style too.
Art acts as a complement to the overall decor of the room. Therefore, it grabs attention but it doesn’t command all of it.
When you look at pictures of interior design during the 1920s through the 1950s, you’ll see at least one side table in most living rooms.
Most interior designers agree that a home requires several side tables. You can place them next to the entryway, sofa, chair, and floor lamp. Your modern living room benefits from having at least one side table for functionality purposes.
These tables that measure two feet by two feet on average blend into the rest of the decor as opposed to standing out. They’re complementary pieces that you can splurge on as an investment.
The modern design era focused on maximizing natural lighting. Spaces with open layouts and floor-to-ceiling windows are great matches for this interior design style.
Keep the windows mostly bare by skipping too many dressings. Opt for shades or blinds but not both. For the evening hours, use lamps to illuminate the living room.
An interior design trend for 2022 is acquiring vintage furnishings. It’s great timing for those who want to dress their living room in modern decor.
Flea markets, estate sales, and high-end furnishings stores are three places where you can find vintage pieces.
If you have trouble finding them, consider pieces styled to resemble those from the modern period. Art, lamps, and picture frames will do the trick.
Modern interior design offers a frills-free way to decorate a home. The free form and clean lines allow an individual to decorate with less. This helps you invest in specific furniture pieces and decor. Thus, it’s possible to acquire high-end items that establish a luxurious feel.
The post 9 Modern Decor Ideas for Your Living Room appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>The post How to Transform a Room in Your Apartment Into a Multi-Purpose Living Space appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>With so many people spending much more time in their houses, it might be necessary to create multi-purpose living spaces. If you spend a lot of time in your apartment doing many different things, you may be trying to figure out how to make your space work best for you. Here is how to transform a room in your apartment into a space for multi-purpose living.
When you begin to create a multi-purpose living space in your apartment, you have to figure out how you actually want to use the space. Everyone will have different needs when using a room in their home for multiple purposes.
Here are some of the most common things you may need to get out of multi-purpose space.
With so many jobs still being remote, creating a dedicated and flexible office space is a must for most people. When adding office space to your apartment, you have to think about exactly what you need to get your job done.
Some people may need to add a desk in their living room to take zoom calls. While others are going to need larger studio spaces for creative work. Whatever you need, try to incorporate your space in a way that you can use even if you aren’t working. For example, you can use your desk to set up snacks for the game on the weekend if it’s in your living room. This way you can still use your living space as a multi-purpose home office or entertainment area.
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and can help us relax even while we experience stress from the world. At-home gyms are quite simple to incorporate into a flexible space. You can easily move furniture around to have more space for certain exercises.
You can also use different things in your apartment to help your workout. Consider exercises that incorporate chairs or use heavy jugs of liquid for weights. There are tons of ways that you can create a flexible and functional at-home gym in your living space.
When it comes to creating a multi-purpose space, you may end up having too much stuff in a small area. You don’t want to be overwhelmed with gym equipment everywhere while you’re trying to enjoy your favorite tv show. This is why creative storage is so important.
Consider buying furniture with hidden storage to keep multi-purpose items hidden when you need to use your living space. You can also get foldable furniture like tables and chairs. This way, you can always have the option to create more space by getting the extra furniture out of the way.
Even if your apartment seems too small to create a multi-purpose space, there’s space hiding all around. Try using corners in your apartment that might be empty to start.
You can create great multi-use spaces in many corners of the house.
For example, let’s say you have a weird corner between your kitchen and living area and want to create a multi-purpose space there. This could be the perfect place to add a coffee bar to keep you energized throughout the day. When you’re working from home you might not have time for a coffee run to your favorite cafe. So you can build a coffee bar with great equipment to make great coffee while taking breaks throughout the day.
If you take a good look at your apartment, you can find hidden flexible spaces to add to your multi-purpose living space.
Being in an apartment all the time can start to feel stifling. But creating multi-purpose areas in your home can help cut up your space and make it feel more purposeful.
If you’re trying to figure out the best way to use your space, be sure to follow some of our tips above. Your space can help you work better and reflect your personality. So have fun creating a multi-purpose living space that works for you.
The post How to Transform a Room in Your Apartment Into a Multi-Purpose Living Space appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>The post Your Step-By-Step Guide to Small Business Customer Acquisition appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>And yet, this is sometimes the most challenging aspect of building a business.
This speaks directly to marketing. And the unfortunate truth is that, as a small business owner, you’re probably really good at helping your customers with your products and services—but not quite as confident in your ability to generate business through effective marketing.
This is a super common problem. In fact, this is an extra hurdle that’s even more difficult for small businesses to overcome than it is for medium or large-sized businesses.
Why?
Because as a small business owner, you’re likely tasked with figuring all of this out on your own.
That means learning a whole new skillset in addition to building your business and serving customers.
But not to worry.
In today’s online marketplace, it’s easier than ever to crush it where marketing is concerned.
And you don’t even need a massive budget to get it done.
All you need is a bit of elbow grease, a can-do attitude, and a willingness to learn the ropes.
Let’s walk you through the basics and get you started.
This basically means to figure out who your unique customer avatar is, and to also figure out how to best reach them.
The biggest and most obvious thing to figure out here is if your customers need to be local (if you’re running a gas station, convenient store, baby-sitting service, or local construction company, for example, your clientele will be local—and your marketing efforts will need to match that), or if you can serve them at a distance (either online, via mail-carrier, etc.).
If you’re selling information products, offering services that can be conducted digitally, shipping products around the world—these are examples of businesses that can market on a national, or even international level.
Now, let’s take a moment to talk about each of these pathways, and what you really want to be doing as a first-step plan of action in each case.
Of course, every business is going to be a bit different.
But never forget that the overarching goal of small business customer acquisition is to figure out where your customers are focusing their attention, and then to place yourself there.
If you’re doing B2B work or are seeking referrals, then local business networking may be a great way to dip your toes into the local market.
Consider looking for some local networking groups on Meetup to get started with this process.
If you’re needing to attract more direct customer foot traffic, consider using social media, a website, and local advertising to make customers aware of what you have to offer.
You can also engage in content marketing practices to help you build local online traffic to your social media sites, website, and storefront.
If you plan to service customers who aren’t within local distance of your business headquarters, then the plan will change slightly.
You’ll find that local networking won’t be quite as effective.
Therefore, content marketing practices, social media, and other forms of online marketing and advertising will likely take precedence. You can also use live streaming to make your company stand out from your competitors. Users can stream on Mobile, desktop, or tablets, or you may be interested in the Pearl Nano streamer and recorder. Businesses and organizations are increasingly using live streaming to connect with their audiences Despite the physical barrier of location.
Once again, it all depends on how you plan to acquire customers—but one super effective way to do this is to utilize SEO practices through a blog, YouTube channel, social media sites,or podcast to grow an audience who’ll grow to know, like, and trust you—and to then gather email addresses and market directly to your customers via email.
Of course, you want to make sure to create quality content, and not to ‘spam’ your viewers/potential customers with offers.
This speaks to Gary Vaynerchuk’s jab, jab, jab, right hook method of marketing.
If you need some help understanding all the nuts and bolts of how to make content marketing work, consider watching this informative video by the SEO pros over at Ahrefs.
You can also watch Neil Patel describe how to get started with content marketing right now in this video.
One trap that many content creators and content marketing novices tend to fall into is creating content that isn’t serving their customers.
Once you get started down this path of producing blogs, podcasts, videos, social media posts, emails, etc. It is super important to keep your mind focused on the concept of value.
If a post isn’t bringing real value and/or making the day better for your customers, is there really any reason to publish it?
Always think about quality, and how you can best help your customers to achieve their goals.
This is how you rise to the top and prove yourself as a valuable business with a lot of value to offer.
As you grow in your knowledge of how to market to potential customers, you’ll also come across ‘blind spots’ that you could invest in to improve your acquisition rates.
But in order to notice these blind spots, it’s super important to always stay focused on learning and adapting your methods, to make them work even better.
Nobody is perfect. Even the SEO and marketing masters/gurus are constantly doing research to try to stay on top of the newest tools, techniques, and processes.
You don’t have to go crazy or obsess over this stuff. But you do need to invest in yourself.
Consider taking a couple of online marketing or SEO classes every year, just to keep yourself up-to-date on how all of this stuff works.
It’s actually really useful, and it’ll never be a waste of your time or money.
Need some help getting started? Consider taking an Authority Hacker course.
Their courses are super in-depth, and they show you step-by-step how to do things like set up your own website, optimize it, build an email list, etc.
That’s it.
Everything you need to really jump in and get started with small business customer acquisition.
Personally, we believe that online content marketing is always a great bet.
All that’s left is to get started and make it happen.
The post Your Step-By-Step Guide to Small Business Customer Acquisition appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>The post 8 Things to Keep in Mind When You’re Renting a Vehicle appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>You see, the reasons why people rent vehicles are so unique that the industry can’t be replaced. At the core of it all, we all just want that private space that a personal car offers.
And so, whether your car broke down or you don’t wish to pay for taxi rides all day, car rental seems like the next best option.
However, there are things you need to keep in mind when renting a vehicle to ensure the process goes without hiccups. Let’s get down to it!
You may want to treat car rental like shopping for an outfit at H&M. Look around and don’t just settle on the first thing you see.
Also, like everything else, rental prices vary by company. It’d be best to compare rates and narrow down your search to the deals that sit well with you. From there, check out the individual companies and get a feel of their services before booking a vehicle.
If you’re wondering which sites list rental companies for comparison purposes, here are a few you can check out:
2. The User Agreement
Rental companies have legal contracts that you’re required to sign before you can drive away with their vehicles. Now, this is one of those things you really don’t want to gloss over, even if you’re in a rush.
The contact usually explains the terms and conditions and the penalties you may face if you breach any of those terms. Also, if there are hidden fees, that paper is where you find such things. It’d be best to take your time to read and understand the agreement before signing.
When renting a vehicle, it’s in your best interest to check that it’s in good condition. Driving away with a car that may have problems could ruin your day and even get you in trouble.
The last thing you want is to get stuck in the middle of nowhere waiting for the company to do something about your situation.
Also, keep in mind that a vehicle with issues can lead to an accident or land you in trouble with the law by breaching certain driving rules.
While rental companies generally maintain their vehicles for business reasons, you can’t always count on them. Try and inspect the vehicle yourself before leaving with it. Some of the things to look out for include:
Granted, drafting a budget may not be your first thought when renting a car. It may not seem that necessary when you already know how much you’re willing to spend.
But the thing is, rental companies are pretty sneaky with their extras and conveniences, which may seem like little expenses, but they can add up pretty fast. With a drawn budget, you’ll easily decide on which extras to accept and which ones not to. That way, you won’t go beyond the limits you’ve set.
Before even sitting in the rented vehicle, make sure you’ve sorted out the insurance problem. Sure, most likely nothing will happen, but what if something does happen?
Rental companies offer insurance coverage that you can buy for the duration you have their vehicle. You may want to exhaust other options first as rental companies are well known for their unreasonable offers.
If you have your own auto insurance, you may want to check if it covers rentals as well because many do.
Additionally, find out if your credit card offers rental car coverage. This will allow you to decline the insurance offered by the rental car company.
When renting a vehicle, it’s important to consider your day’s plans and the things you need to get done because they’ll factor into the overall cost. By making a clear plan, you’ll have an estimate of how long you’ll need the car for.
Things like the places you visit, the routes you’ll be taking, and the purpose of your trip are essential aspects of your planning. Remember, a detailed plan will save you a lot of time, which, in this case, is literally money.
Rental companies are pretty strict about drivers. Typically, the acceptable age is 25 and over, as they figure younger drivers can be irresponsible. If you’re below 25 years, you may need to produce a fee before you can sit behind the wheel.
There’s also the issue of additional drivers, which can be necessary if you’re going on a long trip. Remember that you may be charged extra fees for additional drivers added to the rental contract.
The subject of terrain is a sore spot for rental companies because that’s a genuine way of losing money in damages. But they’ll hold you accountable if you take their vehicle off-road.
Keeping in mind that your insurance will most likely not cover unusual terrain, you really should consider your destination and discuss it with the rental agency beforehand.
Generally, rental companies forbid off-road driving, but they may allow it if they have vehicles that fit rugged terrain.
Renting a vehicle has pros and cons; knowing about them will certainly give you an easy time. Remember, you may be held liable if something goes wrong, so if you have concerns about the vehicle, address it before leaving with it.
While it’s unfortunate, you could get into an accident while driving a rental. You don’t want to compromise on insurance. You’ll also need to check with a legal firm like JT Legal Group about filing a personal injury lawsuit, which you’d need if you’re having a hard time with your insurance provider.
The post 8 Things to Keep in Mind When You’re Renting a Vehicle appeared first on ElitesMindset.
]]>