4 Principles Guiding My Company’s Mission to Make Fresh Organic Meals Accessible for Everyone

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StrategyDriven Strategic Planning Article | 4 Principles Guiding My Company’s Mission to Make Fresh Organic Meals Accessible for EveryoneA healthy diet doesn’t need to be expensive and taste bland.

Since I launched Fresh n’ Lean in 2010, I’ve been committed to breaking those stereotypes while getting affordable, pre-made organic meals to as many people as possible.

Those who need healthy meals the most, whether for medical issues or convenience, are too often left with heavily processed and unhealthy food choices. More than 50 million Americans live in food deserts, areas without access to high-quality or affordable fresh food, according to USDA research. But better knowledge about healthy eating has sparked national discourse about what we put into our bodies, and evolving consumer habits are making people less beholden to insufficient local food options.

Four principles have helped me lead my company forward: family, discipline, humility and vision.

My mission began with family in mind.

My father was facing life-threatening health issues — we didn’t know if he would be around in six months or a year. He made drastic changes to his diet and lifestyle, and his health rebounded. Seeing his success was proof that it could work for others, and that there was a greater need for fresh, healthy food options.

Discipline fueled the company’s growth.

I started Fresh n’ Lean when I was 18 years old. While my friends were out partying, I was waking up at 4 a.m. and working 16, 17, 18 hours a day, seven days a week.

That discipline carried over to the company’s financial wellbeing, where we sustained steady growth without relying on outside capital. We’ve always run a pretty lean operation, in part because we didn’t have a lot of excess funds to fuel unrestrained expansion. We had to be thoughtful in how to approach growth opportunities, because one mistake or one wrong decision could derail the whole company.

A dream since Day 1 was building our own kitchen and manufacturing area, a custom space to fit our needs. It wasn’t feasible during our early years, but in time it became a necessity. I never dealt with such a big construction project before, and it was a huge learning experience — I worked with contractors, city officials and architects throughout the permit process. There were setbacks, but we had to keep powering forward. Failure wasn’t an option.

Humility means respect for everyone’s role and impact.

I’ve worked every job the employees work, so I understand where they’re coming from and recognize the obstacles they face. I used to wash dishes and pack boxes. I’d go into the warehouse and pack boxes tomorrow if needed. We’re each a piece in a puzzle that fit together to reveal the mission and character of this company.

My vision for the future

As horrible and disappointing as it is that millions of people don’t have regular access to healthy food, I’m encouraged that our society is paying more attention to what we eat and that the rise of direct-to-consumer shipping provides additional options for people living in food deserts.

Ultimately, we want everyone in the United States to have access to a fresh organic meal within five miles of where they are. While direct-to-consumer is a big part of our business, we’re also looking to increase our offerings in grocery and retail on-the-go stores and getting our vending machines a wider release. We’ve targeted corporate wellness programs with the vending machines, but we plan to take a more mainstream approach in the coming years.

Convenience is a key to continued growth. A healthy diet doesn’t need to be expensive and taste bland — and it should be within reach no matter where you live.

About the Author

StrategyDriven Expert Contributor | Laureen AsseoLaureen Asseo is only 27-years-old, yet she has become a pioneer in leading the nation’s organic food craze. She’s the CEO and founder of LA-based Fresh n’ Lean, the largest nationwide organic meal delivery service in the country. It’s her mission to make eating organic easy, affordable and accessible – reclaiming the phrase “fast food”. She was inspired by her father’s ailing health due to his eating habits, and started the company from her one bedroom apartment.

7 Reasons Why Waste Recycling is good for Business

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StrategyDriven Tactical Execution Article | 7 Reasons Why Waste Recycling is good for Business‘Reduce, reuse, recycle’ is a well-known phrase, and doing so can be good for business. Managing waste efficiently means a better working environment, as well as saving money of disposal. Doing so doesn’t require a lot of effort; instead, it just takes the correct help. If you know where to look and what to look for, managing your waste could be a piece of cake. For example, searching for Montgomery county dumpsters for rent could save you a lot of time and money, as there are companies that provide professional services within your budget and with good response times. Here are seven reasons why waste recycling is good for business, and how to get started.

1. Showing that you are a business that cares about the effects it has on the local environment may win you customers, as more people are choosing to work with eco-friendly businesses. Having a business with an ethos that cares about the environment is something that will make it stand out for positive reasons.

2. Waste machinery saves your business money. Buying or hiring a recycling baler, shredder or compactor means you can group recycling materials into single bales, making recycling easier. It also costs less to transport, as more waste can be compacted into neat shapes so it is easier to transport more onto trucks.

3. A clean workplace gives a good brand image to visitors. Showing you have efficient and tidy ways to manage waste shows that you are a business that takes details seriously and help build trustworthiness.

4. Effective waste management may save you money on your business insurance, as it lowers the risk of fire. Lowering costs gives you higher profit margins for your business.

5. Safety onsite is increased through the use of waste machinery. Waste that is baled for recycling is less likely to catch fire, and if a fire does start, bales will burn much more slowly that loose materials. This increases safety for staff in the workplace and helps your business to avoid costly repairs and refurbishments.

6. Some recycling companies will pay money for single materials that are baled. This means that you could turn something that you once had to pay for to remove into another stream of revenue for your business.

7. Depending on the type of waste produced, there may be legal requirements in place for proper disposal. Using waste recycling machinery adds to the effectiveness of waste management, and could help your business to adhere to recycling rules and avoid fines.

How to get started with waste recycling

Using specialized waste management machinery is ideal for businesses that are looking for effective ways of recycling. Shredders cut materials into small pieces, which can then be compacted and baled. Shredders, compactors and balers can be bought new, second-hand, or can be hired, so there are options to suit any budget. There is machinery of different sizes machined to suit any business space, so even the smallest of premises can benefit from effective waste management. Recycling waste using waste machinery soon saves money after the initial investment, and provides a win-win solution to waste removal for your business.

It is important to remember that while recycling is better for the environment than waste going to landfill, it still requires energy to process. As well as recycling, businesses should also be looking at ways to reduce waste overall.

The Four Best Business Sectors to Invest in Right Now

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StrategyDriven Entrepreneurship Article | The Four Best Business Sectors to Invest in Right NowAs an entrepreneur, you will have already made a few risky decisions – some that have paid off, and some that have not. For business owners that are looking for new ventures that guarantee stability though, read on to see which sectors are in demand and sustainable long-term.

Cyber Security

The tech revolution is well underway and in full swing, but with advancements in technology comes associated risks. These risks exist especially within cyberspace. The protection of information is crucial in this day and age, which is why regulations have been established to protect both the public and the organizations storing data. Data leaks, email threats, cyber crime and malware all present a colossal threat to operating businesses globally. Luckily, there are security specialists and professionals who specialize in cyber security, offering a solution to most businesses’ IT needs.

A start-up company of cyber professionals who can consult and provide outsourced services is a literal goldmine currently. Of course, this highly-skilled arena comes with a hefty price tag, which is why IT security consultants can afford to charge high rates.

Hiring employees with a degree in cybersecurity is not cheap, so careful consideration and planning should go into this business opportunity. Even if you currently own a business, you should have an IT expert that guards your data for a living. If not, consider upskilling them by enrolling them for a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree.

Software Developer

Keeping within the tech space, the most sought-after profession is software development. Because the industry is currently booming, the demand for software engineers is unprecedented. It is a great time to be studying or working as a software developer. The demand for good coding professionals continues to grow at an alarming rate which makes investing in this type of company a great financial idea. Investing in or starting up a software company right now will provide great returns in a short period of time.

Nutrition and Health

The health, wellness and fitness market growth has been steadily accelerating over the last decade because of a mental shift towards health and fitness across the globe. People are starting to realize the benefits of being fit and healthy and are taking it seriously.

With the focus on sustainability, the raw and whole food market is a trend not to be ignored, as well as the rise of vegetarianism and veganism. Investing in plant-based materials and food is a relatively stable investment and is earmarked to grow exponentially over the next few years.

Fitness tracking gear is also a good money-maker with the rise of wrist-worn garments which are in high demand with the fitness fanatics or health conscious consumers. You can’t go wrong in this sector.

Baby Tech Products

Keeping within the tech theme, the need for technology for parents or parents-to-be is surmounting. Fertility trackers, baby monitors and breast-feeding equipment are all in demand globally. As the children grow, their needs change and so do the tech requirements for parents raising them. GPS or location enabled wrist watches or software to track their online security and privacy are all best-sellers currently. You only need to tap into this industry by speaking to a parent or two, to realize the potential a kid-focused business creates.

If you are looking for a good investment opportunity, these four suggestions should get you started.

What is a certificate of translation?

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StrategyDriven Tactical Execution Article | What is a certificate of translation?Have you ever imagined a currency bill without the signature of the Treasury Secretary? No, right? There is a reason which kept you from thinking that and it is not only because the bills have always had the signature but also it is the thing that makes the dollar an official currency. It is like a stamp from the state telling you that the bills you have were printed officially and are not fake. The same rule applies on almost everything that has to do with the state in one way or another. When you have to submit an application to a government body requesting something, you will need to get it signed or attested by an official.

The rule is not only limited to government offices. Even when you have to apply for admission, you will need to get your documents attested before submitting them. If you want to apply for a job, you will need references. They will contain information about your work ethics by your previous employers and include their stamp or signature. These stamps give validity to a document and act as proof of their originality. Without the attestation or the signature of an official, the documents, even if they are original, will lose their credibility.

When government offices release documents like birth certificate or marriage certificate, they stamp them with their seal or get them signed from an official before handing them over to people. But when people have to submit any document to a government office, they have to get the piece of paper verified themselves. Depending on the type of document, it can be signed by different people. There are papers that you make yourself but have to get attested from someone else. And then there are documents that need to be signed by the person making them.

The requirement of getting a record certified before submitting not only validates the authenticity of the document but also helps you differentiate between a professional and an amateur. For instance, if someone is not experienced but they draft you a document, they won’t be able to sign it lest they be questioned about its validity. All of this can be best understood with an example from the world of translation. It is a very useful creative tool that helps people bridge the gap between different nations. It has different types depending on its usage. Each field of translation has further subtypes like business translation has financial and commercial interpretations.

There are plenty of language agencies out there but finding the right one is not always a piece of cake. There can be an inexperienced interpreter in front of you and you won’t be able to figure it out unless it is too late. There is however, one type of translation that can only be carried out by the most experienced and qualified translators and that is certified translation. When you need it, you will have to find someone with the right experience. You can ask the agency or interpreter relevant questions to make sure they know what they are doing.

One important thing about this type of interpretation is the certificate of translation that has to be signed by the translator attesting to the accuracy of their translation. This signature and the statement by the translator work as proofs of how accurate the translated document is as compared to the original and that’s something that can only be done by a translator with the right qualification because an inexperienced interpreter cannot carry out a translation with complete accuracy. So, whenever you require a certified interpretation, make sure it comes with the certificate of translation.

 

The Need of SEO in the 21st Century

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The term Search Engine Optimisation is quite a head-turner. It is something that dominates the market scene of the 21st century. If one were to put things into perspective, Search Engine Optimisation or SEO, was always there since the advent of the Internet; just not in a way and scale as it is today. You cannot think of a business venture that still puts its faith in medieval methods of marketing and branding. It does not work anymore. New age requires newer and fresher solutions to every marketing woe. This is exactly where SEO steps in. Its revolutionary approach to notch up the branding and marketing game few notches up has become a game-changer in the arena of digital marketing. There is no way one can hope to thrive and scale businesses without seeking refuge in SEO.

StrategyDriven Online Marketing and Website Development Article | The Need of SEO in the 21st Century
 
The article discusses the importance of SEO in the 21st century, how it has led to a tectonic shift in the world of digital marketing and how enterprises can keep benefitting from it in the days that shall follow. But first, we are going to run through the basic concepts.

What is Search Engine Optimisation?

Simply put, Search Engine Optimisation or SEO is a technique which helps in putting your business website on a suitable spot in the SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages) and thus, enhances its ranking. Ranking on search engines is of paramount importance in this century since that is the only way a business endeavour can hope to gain the required attention to its products and services. You might have the best products or services in a certain niche. But if you cannot get them to your target audience, all your efforts into making the best for public and making money hands over fists will end up in smoke. You must first be able to convince your target group about what you have to offer and how they differ from the rest of the products in the market, before you can do something to convert them into your loyal customers. Search Engine Optimisation helps you take your business out there in the world by acquiring good ranks on the results page and by grabbing the eyeballs of your target group.

How Does It Work?

We have discussed quite a few points on SEO and how it works in this day and age, in the previous section. But we now need to see how exactly it contributes towards scaling a business. So, we talked about how SEO helps in tweaking the rank of your website on the SERPs. But why do you think that is even important? It is tremendously important for visibility, yes. But that is not all. It is crucial because the right techniques of SEO draw more and more potential clients and customers to your website and help them make an informed decision regarding your service.

StrategyDriven Online Marketing and Website Development Article | The Need of SEO in the 21st Century
 
The technical jargon of this world would be, drawing optimum ‘traffic’ to your site. Once your website keeps drawing organic traffic to itself, it will definitely succeed in converting customers, and thus, help in enhancing the conversion rate. Therefore, it is quite clear why Search Engine Optimisation has such importance in today’s world.

Coming up with the right SEO hacks is not very simple and we have excellent analysts and agencies who handle this part of digital marketing for almost every business venture. They look into what kind of websites are drawing traffic, study their on-site and off-site elements, research on Google’s metrics and then come up with ways that conform to Google’s standards of ranking. Google is the smartest search engine ever devised, and that is why it is not easy to fool it with reverse engineering hacks. But smart SEO analysts and experts know just the right ways to do that. Google keeps upgrading its metrics for ranking to enhance user experience. Therefore, if you want to outrank other websites from their topmost ranks on the Search Engine Results Page, you have to up your SEO game and look for ways in which you can conform to Google’s ever-evolving needs.

Conclusion:

Search Engine Optimisation is an institution in itself, one that cannot be understood in one article. It has several techniques and methods associated with it, and not even one carefully structured course could deal with all the details. It requires years and years of experience and maybe only then, one can hope to understand what this entire world of SEO actually is. However, for starters, know that SEO is an integral part of digital marketing, and no business can climb its zenith of success without asking for its help. Therefore, if you have been in two minds about the SEO and whether you should rope in an agency or an expert to cater to its needs, brush any dilemma off your mind. The 21st century calls for SEO to be involved in every venture and marketing tactics, and you should do the same.