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It’s A Dog-Eat-Dog World Out There, But Only If You Allow It

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Business is often described as a dog eat dog world. But things only usually get that bad if you let them. Here is some advice from entrepreneurs who learned serious lessons through their own experience on how to avoid getting screwed over by their business partners, and the people that they work with.

Always Avoid Emotionality

StrategyDriven Practices for Professionals Article

It’s great that passion motivates the positive aspects of your business and drives you forward to new heights. But passion in business can get you into trouble, especially when emotions turn negative. Things will go wrong in business. People will try to take advantage of you, colleagues will lie, and business partners will let you down. The key to running a successful business is to always remain cool and calculating in these situations. Losing your head can lead you to make damaging decisions that could ultimately be harmful to your business in the long run.

Meditate

StrategyDriven Practices for Professionals Article
Photo courtesy of Max Pixel

Meditation and entrepreneurs don’t seem like great bedfellows. After all, entrepreneurs are all about living life at 100 MPH, and people who meditate, usually Buddhist monks, are interested in the precise opposite. But when it comes to entrepreneurship, meditation is actually of critical importance. The reason is that our brains tend to make new connections and come up with original ideas when our minds are clear from other worries. Many entrepreneurs like to meditate in the shower and are sometimes referred to as “urban shower monks.” Being able to get away from the mayhem often allows you to think about how you’ll deal with a difficult situation better at work.

Set Clear Parameters With Your Stakeholders

One of the biggest problems companies face is defining relationships between their partners, vendors, stakeholders and colleagues. Often these agreements can get out of hand, and you can find yourself losing out. This is why so many companies now use contract management software to stay on top of all their relationships with their customers. It allows them to make sure that all of their contracts are in the best interest of the company and easy to find. It also helps organizations that need to scale rapidly manage their risks in real time.

Be Strategic

StrategyDriven Practices for Professionals Article
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia

Command and control entrepreneurs don’t usually do all that well. They think that people are working for them because they really want to and they believe in the company, but most of the time it’s just so that they can put food on the table at night. Some business leaders think that all they have to do is tell their employees what to do by force of will and they will obey. But this isn’t how people work. Instead, interacting with people is more like a game of chess. It’s strategic, and often people will do and say things that lead to their strategic advantage. For years Donald Trump ingratiated himself with the highest echelons of society. Now he’s bringing them to their knees. It’s all about long-term planning and cunning. Think carefully about what is actually motivating the people who work for you and with you.

19 Essentials Every New Car Owner Must Have

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Just bought a new car? I am sure you are basking in the supple leather and that new car smell with a full-tank, ready to ride off into the sunset.

But are you really ready to drive off? Once your car has gas, it may seem like you have all the essentials, but not quite. Like a good ceramic coating for cars, these 18 items are absolute must-haves for every car owner. They will see you out of trouble and make the difference between a good day and a bad day.

  1. The owner’s manual: as a new car owner, your manual is your best friend. Apart from giving you insight into all the tricks and fittings your car has, it will also be helpful when you are faced with your first car issue.
  2. Car documents: your registration papers, insurance details and license information should ALWAYS be in your car to prevent unpleasant confrontations with law enforcement agents. Remember, that the law demands you have all these documents at hand if you are driving. Keep them all in one place for ease of access such as in the glove-box.
  3. Repair information: always have a business card or the contact information of your auto-repair company so you are not left stranded. Your insurance company may also be helpful in this situation so keep your claim forms easily accessible.
  4. Insurance: a new car is like a baby, you have to protect it. The best way to do this is by getting insurance. Car insurance gives you coverage during accidents, vandalism, fires, theft and many other situations. If you are in New Zealand, consider using a provider such as AMI Insurance or talk to your current insurance provider about providing cover for your new car.
  5. jumper-cables-926308_640Jumper Cables and a battery booster: jumper cables are used to kick-start weak batteries. If your car battery dies, you can easily give it some juice and be on your way. This is very useful if you are in a hurry, or running late. You can also get a compact jump-starter kit, many of which have USB connections that can charge multiple devices.
  6. Duct tape: the usefulness of duct tape can not be overemphasized. Car owners have used duct tape to hold up their fenders, to keep wind-shield wipers in place, to keep the spare key stashed under the back tire, in short, to do a thousand things and more. You need it.
  7. Lug Wrench and Tire Jack: one of the first skills you should acquire as a new car owner is how to change a set of tires. To change them you need these two tools, a tire jack and a lug wrench, and most importantly, an inflated spare tire. If you have a jack and leave the lug wrench at home, you will not be able to change your car tires should the need arise.
  8. Lug nut key: depending on the type of car you have, your lug nuts may have special locks, so you will need a lug nut key in this situation in order to change your tires.
  9. Tire Pressure Gauge: this handy tool helps you check how much air your tires have lost and how much to add. Tires may not look flat, but it is still advised that you check them regularly.
  10. Envase_WD-40WD 40: next to duct tape, WD-40 is the second holy grail for car owners. WD-40 is a degreasing agent traditionally used for squeaky hinges. But, it can also be used to clean rusty license plates, clears carbon residue from spark plugs, protects spark plugs from moisture and removes grease, dirt and grime from car parts.
  11. A Multi-Tool kit: multi-tools give many different tools in one compact package. Most multi- tools contain screwdrivers, scissors, sharp edge, and a pen knife that you can use in indifferent situations.
  12. Reflective Triangles and Flares: another night-time essential, reflective triangles or flares are placed on the road, if you have pulled off to the side of the road, in the direction of oncoming traffic to prevent other drivers from running into you or your vehicle. They increase visibility for other drivers and keep you safe until help arrives.
  13. A change of clothes: this is very essential, you don’t want to miss an important meeting because someone spilled coffee on your shirt or you got caught in the rain. Neither does it paint a good picture for you to show up wet or stained. Also have gloves, a warm jacket, a spare tie, a scarf and a warm cap or hat.
  14. Glove compartment essentials: there are certain things that must be in your glove compartment. Having them there will save you time, prevent stress and even save your life. They include:
    • Pen/pencil and paper
    • Emergency money (keep this stashed in more than one place)
    • Make-up
    • Sanitary towels, pantyliners or tampons
    • A car hammer to break windows and seat belt cutter for dire emergencies
    • Instant cleaning items: antibacterial wipes, tissue, paper towels or a regular hand towel, and hand-sanitizer.
  15. Fire extinguisher
  16. Emergency supplies kit: you are going to spend a lot of time in your car so it makes sense that you are ready for emergencies. You can keep your emergency kit in your trunk.What should this kit contain?
    • Tactical flashlight: useful for night-time situations
    • Lighter, matches and any other fire starting equipment
    • Snacks such as energy bars, granola bars, and protein bars , also instant foods such as noodles. Dried foods such as jerky are also good to have.
    • Water
    • Weather radio
    • A physical map
    • A space blanket
    • Umbrella or raincoat
    • Chains, carpet or cardboard scraps: you can place these under your tires to gain traction on snowy, icy roads.
  17. Wind-shield Wiper Fluid: when driving in winter conditions, wiper fluid will make it easy to keep your screen clean and get slush, sludge and ice off. You need clear visibility when driving during the winter, wiper fluid will help you.
  18. Ice-scraper and Snowbrush: a winter essential, ice-scrapers will help you get ice, sludge and snow off your windshield without any scratches or damage to your car. Use a snowbrush to get snow off your car roof, this prevents the snow from sliding down your screen when you start driving or flinging off onto other cars and people.
  19. Car Coating: Now that you have a new car in place, you surely don’t want damages. So, how about going in for ceramic coating for cars, right during the vehicle purchase process. With this type of coating, you can easily clean your vehicle. Also, it’ll help you protect your car from chemical stains and harmful UV rays.

Now, you are ready to drive off into the sunset without looking back. But you can get a theoretical lesson on how to change your tires or jump-start your battery here.

Security Training Options

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article | Security Training Options

Security training is a must for anyone that wants to make it in the industry. Irrespective of whether you are interested in becoming a CCTV operator or a door supervisor, you need to attain your license. This all begins with finding the best security training provider. Read on to discover how to do so.

The first thing you need to look out for is experience. Make sure the company has been in operation for a considerable number of years, as you don’t want a group of people that are effectively going to be learning on the job.

They should also have a wide assortment of different courses for you to choose from, for example, door supervisor training, bodyguard courses, first aid training and much, much more. Don’t only look at the course title, but check out the syllabus. You want to make sure the courses are modern and in line with the security of today.

They should not simply provide you with training and leave you to it either – they should help you to apply for your licence once you have completed your course. The best companies will have all of the details about applying for the licence on their website, making it much easy for you. At this point, it would be beneficial to note that you will need to renew your licence every three years. For example, the use of drones has become prominent in the security sector over the past few years. You can head to DrDrone for more information. The latest training courses will cover this.

In addition to this, you should take the time to read reviews that have been left by previous customers. This is the best way to get a truthful picture in regards to the level of quality you are likely to experience. If you come across a lot of negative comments, you know to look elsewhere.

What You Need To Find Out Before Taking A Course

Different security training courses have long been popular with those that want to make it in the security industry. If you have booked a training course, read on to discover the information you need to know beforehand.

The first thing you need to do is assess the dates and times for the security training course in question. In most cases, this will be a short, intensive training course, with the aim of ensuring you pass as quickly as possible. You may need to take time off work to accommodate this, so it’s worth finding out how long the course lasts per day.

Aside from this, you need to find out what you are going to need to bring with you. The best training course providers will supply all training materials so that you don’t need to spend extra money on this. However, it is likely that you are going to need to bring proof of identity with you and possible proof of address as well.

You also need to make sure your English language skills are up to scratch if you are going to take this test. You will be expected to have good knowledge of the English language if you’re to work in the private security industry. You don’t want to spend your money on a training course if your language skills are going to let you down. Don’t let this dishearten you though; arrange some English lessons until your tutor tells you that you’re ready.

What Course Is Right For You?

Firstly, one option to consider is CCTV training, which is designed for people who want to have a career as a CCTV operator. Once you have this licence, you will have the ability to monitor and work with CCTV camera systems that oversee any public spaces. For example, you could work for the local council or a busy shopping centre. The options are extensive.

Another popular option is a security guarding course. Once you have completed this, you will have the ability to work on unlicensed premises. This includes businesses like universities, banks, and construction sites. Please note that you cannot work on licensed premises with this course. If you wish to do so, a door supervisor course is advised. If you take the security guarding course you will learn about what you should and should not be doing on the job, as well as information on good communication, managing conflict, what it is to work as a guard and other things you need to be aware of, such as basic first aid.

Another option you may want to consider when working in the security sector is door supervision. You will need to obtain your door supervision licence, which will involve taking a training course. There are some other requirements too, such as being over the age of 18-years-old. As a door supervisor, you will have a number of different roles. This includes determining whether an individual is allowed to enter a licensed premise, such as a pub or a nightclub. You will not only be concerned with determining who is able to enter the building, but you are responsible for keeping everyone inside safe as well. Having tact and diplomacy is critical, as challenging situations can often arise and you will need to be able to defuse them. There are a number of other qualities you need to have as well, including having good people skills and being calm when troubling situations arise.

There is then the upskilling training for those who have been impacted by the new assessment rules that recently came into place regarding training to become a door supervisor. A lot of people need to take regular courses depending on their role in the security sector.

So there you have it: an insight into the world of security and the different options that are available. We hope that this will help you to carve out a career for yourself in this exciting sector, as demand is high and there are certainly diverse opportunities available.

How to Spot the Difference Between Webinars and Online Meetings

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StrategyDriven Practices for Professionals Article |Webinars and Online Meetings|How to Spot the Difference Between Webinars and Online MeetingsIn 2020 the business landscape has experienced a wild ride. In a matter of months, the tried and tested analogue working world has shifted almost entirely to a digital way of life. Gone were the conference halls and meeting rooms, in came the online meetings and webinars.

But with so many new users starting with virtual conferencing from scratch, there has been a lot of confusion surrounding the jargon. It’s like learning entirely new vocabulary: webcasts, screen sharing, virtual conferencing, remote access and more.

One key point of confusion surrounds the difference between webinars and online meetings. At first glance, they might seem remarkably similar, with many mistakenly using the words interchangeably. However, after this article, you will hopefully see there is a world of difference, and it’s vital to know what they are and when to use them.

So, let’s begin!

How to Tell the Difference

At the most basic level, it revolves around size. Online or virtual meetings are most often employed when a small group of people want to get together to discuss and idea or project. These meetings are collaborative with everyone taking a role in the proceedings, and they usually shouldn’t include more than twenty-five people.

In contrast, a webinar is for the masses, with some platforms allowing the organiser to host five-hundred people or more. In these sessions, one person or group typically talks to the rest. Think of it less like a meeting and more as a conference. Or as the name suggests, a seminar.

When to Use an Online Meeting?

Such meetings are great on a number of occasions. Firstly, if you need to liaise with one person or a small team, they are the perfect way to exchange ideas quickly and in real-time. They’re much quicker than email. They can also be suitable for larger conferences; however, consider the aim of the meeting. Are you here to display a product to others, or is the meeting primarily a collaborative approach? Do you want everyone to contribute?

If the answer is yes, then an online meeting is the perfect medium. They’re all about discussion.

As such, the tools available during the meeting are designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas. Virtual whiteboards allow attendees to sketch out their ideas for all to see. If you’re struggling to explain a complicated topic or you want to make notes as you speak, use the whiteboard to draw diagrams and connect ideas. They’re also fantastic for a quick brainstorming session. Meanwhile, screen sharing enables each meeting participant to show their work or to switch slides in a presentation smoothly.

As you might imagine, such meetings are brilliant for connecting with a client half-way around the world (they also save on travel costs). However, the downside comes with the home backdrop, which can look unprofessional to a client. Choose a Zoom virtual background for your next interview with a client, selecting from stylish offices to swanky boardrooms. To give the meeting an exceptionally professional feel, have the entire team use the same backdrop, for a sense of continuity.

When to Use a Webinar?

As mentioned, webinars are designed for big crowds. They’re the virtual equivalent of a conference hall. If the meeting isn’t a discussion, but rather a large-scale presentation: pick a webinar. They prevent any interruptions, allowing a speaker to showcase their product or idea.

People have used webinars for lectures, training seminars, or for a companywide update on progress. However, one concern is often raised: audience participation. While the speaker doesn’t want to be interrupted every minute, they want to keep the audience engaged.
Thankfully, with polls and surveys, speakers can test the mood in the room. Or they can use a curated Q&A to answer questions in real-time, clarifying any confusions.

As promised, you now know the critical differences between online meetings and webinars. Are you planning a cosy collaboration with your team, or do you need to present your product to the world? Either way, you have the tools at your disposal.

How Everyone in Leeds Can Learn to Become More Sustainable

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StrategyDriven Practices for Professionals Article | How Everyone in Leeds Can Learn to Become More SustainableThe choices that you make on a day to day basis can affect the environment around you. It’s true that this isn’t new information, but some people may find it hard to adopt a more sustainable option, especially since you are always surrounded by plastic, use cars as a mode of transportation, rely on electricity and so on.

For everyone to learn how to become more sustainable, they need to change some of their daily habits. Whether it’s saving energy, finding different modes of transportation, reducing, reusing and recycling, and adopting sustainable fashion options, there is always something that you can do.

Save Energy at Home

Turning off the lights when they are no longer in use, embracing natural light during the day and finding a more environmentally friendly light bulb are all ways that you can save energy within the home and even save money on your monthly electricity bill at the same time.

Captain Green Solar Brisbane advises that nowadays, there are solar panels that you can purchase that can further help you lower your carbon footprint.

Modes of Transportation

Often the car is the go-to mode of transportation for people depending on where you live, but have you ever thought about some of the alternatives?

Biking is not only good for the environment but it’s healthy and taking the bus or train to where you need to go will also allow you to save money on petrol or diesel. Plus, public transportation gives you an opportunity to read a book while you are on the journey!

If you live close enough to your workplace or are even nearby your local supermarket, you could walk to your destination. If the weather is nice, why not?

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Reduce, reuse and recycle are the three R’s that everyone should live by. Already, the world’s landfills are overflowing, and plastic is often winding up in the ocean. The three R’s is part of the answer to this problem.

There are companies that you can call to assist with your waste management, no matter where you are located in the UK. Additionally, some companies will ensure they don’t take the rubbish to landfills, but rather minimise the environmental impact of your waste disposal needs.

Sustainable Fashion

Many adopt a ‘fast-fashion’ mentality, but sustainable fashion is so much better for you and the environment alike. The next time you want to purchase a new garment to add to your wardrobe, why not visit a charity shop or a vintage shop to see what you could find? You will not only end up buying something unique, but you know that you are also purchasing something that is high quality and long-lasting.

The big underlying question could be, why should everyone care about adopting the sustainable option? The fact of the matter is, the choices that you make now will not only affect your life but the future generations as well. That is why adopting an eco-friendlier lifestyle will benefit everyone, and the good news is that you can always start small, such as some of the tips mentioned thus far.