3 Maintenance Services Your Business Needs in the Winter

Your business, no matter its size, is similar to your home and automobile in that it requires special maintenance depending on the season of the year. While all the seasons present their own unique challenges, it can be commonly agreed that winter is the season that requires the most preparation and maintenance for many things. People head out to winterize their car tires and get their windows and doors ready to handle heavy drafts of cold air. 

Just like this preparation, your business requires certain maintenance services in the winter. To ensure your business’s success, you must invest in this type of upkeep. If you need to know what you need to keep in mind as a business owner this winter, keep reading for three major maintenance services.

Make Sure Your Heat Is Running Properly

The biggest enemy for your business in the wintertime is going to be the cold temperatures. Not only can extreme cold freeze water and damage pipes, but it’s also downright uncomfortable to be in buildings that are not properly heated. 

To combat the dropping temps, you’ll need to make sure your HVAC unit is in good working condition before winter hits. Seasonal HVAC problems are all too common and can make your space very uncomfortable for clients, customers, and employees. With the days shortening and outdoor darkness becoming the new norm in the wintertime, your employees and customers will be seeking warm comfortable places to escape the outdoors and provide them a small sense of happiness. 

Keeping your filter clean, scheduling regular maintenance visits throughout the year, and making sure your thermostat is working are all great ways to exercise good “HVAC health.”

Get All Your Finicky Machinery Serviced

Just like getting your automobile serviced specifically for winter, you should make sure any heavy or extremely necessary machinery for your business is serviced before and during the winter. Think critically about all the equipment your business uses in its day to day activities, and leave no machine out of a checklist. 

Even warehouse equipment that is typically only used inside could be susceptible to winter damage, so it is a good idea to invest in forklift engine maintenance when you can. Similarly, all outdoor equipment, such as mowers and tractors, should be seen by a mechanic to ensure they are winter-ready. Having these types of service checks on your equipment can help you avoid costly repair or replacement in the future. 

Brace Yourself For Snow

Another big part of the winter season is the likelihood of snow, extreme wind, and other damaging weather conditions. You will want to go into the season with a plan to make sure you are ready to face these issues. Knowing who you will contact for snow removal or to report a fallen tree due to wind are both practices that are part of this preparedness. Having a heavy snowfall can damage your business property if you leave it too long, as snow builds up and weighs down on sensitive structural points like roofs. 

Make sure you also know the number or contact information for the electrical companies in your area so that you can report any fallen power lines in the event of a winter storm or cold snap. You should also make sure that you are using ice melt to remove any slippery ice at your business so as to avoid unseemly accidents for your employees and customers. 

Keeping your business clear of dangerous weather effects can make it seem a lot more inviting for clients and customers to visit and to escape the climate. 

Popular Careers in Construction

Construction workers are currently in high demand. Infrastructure projects happening coast to coast and the need for more housing are two of the reasons for the growth in this field. There are also opportunities in renewable energy. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects that job opportunities for many construction workers between 2018 and 2028 will increase at rates that exceed the national average job growth rate. Individuals interested in entering this career field will find they have a lot of opportunities to choose from. 

Construction Workers

The BLS projects that opportunities for construction workers will increase by 11 percent by the end of 2028. This is a notably higher rate of job growth than the BLS expects for all occupations during the same time period. Construction workers receive training once hired. No prior experience or post-secondary education is required. Their duties involve cleaning the worksite, unloading supplies and materials, digging trenches and operating construction equipment. As of 2018, the BLS reported that the median income for construction workers was over $34,000 per year.

Roofer

Roofing companies train their staff once they hire them, so it’s possible to enter the field without experience.  If you’re interested in joining the roofing business, all you have to do is Google “roof repair [insert your city here]” to find the closest roofing company near you. For example, you could search for “ roof repair Raleigh” to find an available roofing position in North Carolina.

The BLS reported median annual incomes of $39,970 for roofers in 2018, which is a little higher than the reported $38,640 median annual income for all occupations. Their duties involve inspecting roofs, identifying the cause of damage to a roof, repairing the damage, or replacing the roof and installing ventilation. Demand for roofers is currently strong, with the BLS reporting a job growth rate of 12 percent by 2028.

Elevator Installers and Repairers

In 2018, the BLS reported elevator installers and repairers earned median annual salaries of $78,780. The BLS also indicated that jobs for these professionals were expected to grow at double the national average job growth rate. Elevator installers and repairers can learn through on-the-job training. They assemble elevators and other types of equipment, such as escalators. They investigate the cause of operational problems with elevators and escalators and perform repairs. Elevator installers and repairers may also provide routine maintenance to prevent elevators and escalators from breaking down. 

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

When dangerous materials need to be cleaned up, hazardous materials removal workers ensure the materials are thoroughly and safely removed. Examples include removing asbestos from an old building or cleaning up spilled chemicals. The BLS expects job opportunities for hazardous materials removal workers to grow by 11 percent from 2018 to 2028. It also reports that the median income for these construction workers was over $42,000 as of 2018. Hazardous Materials Removal Workers can learn once employed, meaning a high school diploma is all that’s required to enter this career field. 

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

The demand for natural energy sources has contributed to the job growth for solar photovoltaic installers. These professionals specialize in working with solar panels. They install them and maintain them so that they work properly. The BLS expects jobs for these workers to increase by 63 percent between 2018 and 2028, making it one of the fastest-growing jobs in any field. With a high school diploma, aspiring solar photovoltaic installers can learn the skills needed once employed. The median income for these construction workers was over $42,000 per year as of 2018, per the BLS.

Woodworkers and Carpenters

Working with wood is common in construction. New buildings require individuals who can put up wood frames. There is an ongoing demand for products built from wood, such as the custom millwork in Middletown, PA that customers seek out. These professionals build a range of products based on specific client needs. Carpenters enjoyed annual incomes of more than $46,000 as of 2018, per the BLS, and expected steady job growth of 8 percent between 2018 and 2028. They typically complete an apprenticeship, enabling them to earn a living while learning their trade.

Lucrative Business Ideas to Start in 2020

A new year usually comes with a renewed spirit, new expectations, and new opportunities for growth. And for someone starting a new business, this is a great time to begin—a time when the resolution is still fresh, leaving a burning desire to begin. If you are in this category, then you’re in luck, this article talks about just that. 

Before you begin, you have to decide what type of business you wish to start. Some businesses are evergreen and can be adopted at any point, while others are seasonal or outdated. Here is a list of lucrative business ideas that you can start in 2020.

eCommerce

New technologies and progress in internet facilities have made e-commerce easier and more effective than it was before. You can now reach a wider audience, and sell anything from mainstream products to custom and vintage antiques, and even digital products like e-books. When it comes to digital products, you don’t have to store inventory or ship anything, and you only have to create your product once and sit back and watch it make money for you even while you sleep.

You can also sell physical products but skip the hassle of inventory, storage, and even shipping—it’s called dropshipping. Dropshipping has grown massively popular over the past few years because of the many benefits the business model offers over regular e-commerce stores. Once you have suppliers all you need to worry about is marketing and customer support.

Your e-commerce store could also offer services. If you do not offer them yourself you can partner with local stores that do. For example, if you sell phones in your e-commerce store, you could partner with a phone repair service to fix phones in the local area. You can then optimize your site to come up whenever a potential customer Googles “iPhone repair near me.” 

Automobile Retail

This may sound like a scary one, but the retail of automobile cars can prove lucrative if you know what you’re doing. The first trick to avoid huge startup costs is to sell used cars. Used cars are more frequently bought than new cars both in the US and several other countries. With used cars, you get to skip all the extra costs and conditions associated with the sales of new cars.

Another great trick of this industry is that you can find businesses that sell cars used cars wholesale at dealer prices (which means lower than usual) to get a steady supply from. Some of the better wholesalers like Auto Auction mall can even help ship a car from USA to Nigeria. That’s how far their reach is. You can be a business in Australia, England, Canada or Nigeria and still access this service.

Virtual Call Center

As long as there are businesses there will be customers who have complaints and who need help. You can cash in on this by starting a virtual call center. All you need is a good laptop, a stable internet connection, a wireless receiver, and call center software. You can handle customer care for businesses, inbound or outbound sales calls, and other customer-related problems.

The call center software you use is important in this line of business as its features could either make your job easier or frustrating. For example, Bright Pattern’s call center software enables you to run an AI call center. They do this by combining the power of artificial intelligence with their cloud services to automate tasks that you would normally have to do, thereby increasing speed and the number of customers you can attend. All this results in higher productivity which means more money in your pocket.

How to Make Your House a Home

From fretting over which color to paint your walls to wondering if you bought the right furniture set, there are a lot of decisions that go into decorating a home. But sometimes, you get so caught up in the big picture that you forget to focus on the smaller details that make a house a home. Here’s how to transform your house into a home that’ll showcase your style, tell a story, and make guests feel welcomed.

Fill Up Empty Walls

A collection of picture frames can leave your space feeling cluttered and disorganized. Instead, opt for high-quality canvas prints. From serene prints of nature to family photos, wall art can be anything and everything you want it to be.

If you’re not sure where to start, try decorating with family photos. Decorating with your favorite pictures of your family will show your guests how much your family means to you while letting your family know that they’re appreciated. 

If you have limited space, a canvas art print in a wooden frame can lighten up the room. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more eye-catching, a bigger canvas print is ideal for preserving your favorite memories. Canvas prints can serve as an eye-catching focal point in your space and make you feel more at home.

Add Warmth

While expensive furniture and a spotless home might seem appealing, they’ll leave your space feeling cold. Instead, opt for comfortable Amish furniture and warm tones. To incorporate warm tones, decorate your space with throw blankets, soft pillows, and plush rugs. 

Additionally, add some warm-hued lamps or overhead lighting. Decorating with your favorite lamp can help add a personal touch to your space, and you’ll be able to structure your lighting in a way that works for you. To make your home feel even cozier, light some candles.

Make Guests Feel Welcomed

Nothing makes your house feel like a home more than visits from close friends and family. Make your entryway feel warm and inviting with pictures of friends and family. Decorate with a coat rack, a doormat, and a welcome sign to make guests feel at home in your space. To top it all off, decorate your porch with comfortable patio furniture and lush plants. You’ll feel proud of your space, and your guests will feel welcomed before they even walk through the door.

Create a Lived-In Look

If your space feels cold, you won’t want to spend any time in it. Keeping your home organized and clutter-free is important, but you don’t have to keep everything in storage. Don’t be afraid to showcase your hobbies and knick-knacks around your home. Bring nature inside with some fresh florals, and keep your favorite photos and accessories somewhere you’ll be able to see them every day. 

If you’re concerned about clutter, invest in shelves or a bookcase. When transforming your house into a home, storage solutions should be functional, but visually appealing. A well-organized bookcase is a great way to keep clutter at bay, and it’ll allow you to focus less on cleaning and more on displaying your favorite things.

Make Your Space Functional

If you love baking, don’t hide away all of your utensils and appliances. Instead, find creative ways to keep your space tidy while maintaining its functionality. Try filling up a glass jar with utensils or hanging them on your kitchen wall. Your house will never feel like a home if you need to spend hours every day sorting through drawers.

Transforming your house into a home makes spending time in your space much more enjoyable. You’ll feel proud of your space, and inviting guests over will allow you to showcase your style. And if you’re thinking about selling your home yourself, making your house feel like a home can even attract potential buyers.

Tips to Create a Soothing, Safe and Fun Sensory Atmosphere at Home

Millions of children have sensory issues or fall on the autism spectrum. There are many different ways people take in information or process the world around them. Signs can emerge as early as a year old but usually diagnosed around three years old. Your child may begin to miss certain developing marks like making eye contact, repetitive behaviors such as spinning toys (or themselves) or flapping their hands. 

You can help your child discover calming and entertaining toys at home that, for example, encourage muscle growth and motor skills. With a little TLC and some DIY, it’s easy to make a variety of great projects and special spaces to relax in. Here are some tips to create a soothing, safe, and fun sensory atmosphere at home. 

Sensory processing disorders and autism spectrum disorders have many similarities. Kids with both SPD and ASD may also have a variety of compulsions or hyperactivity, making concentration at school or home difficult. A child with autism can have sensory processing issues too, such as finding specific noises, music, or lights to be disturbing or frightening. They may cover their ears, cry, or even hide until the trigger stops. 

Sometimes what people see as tantrums are responses to sensory overloads. Developmental delays can frustrate a child trying to express their feelings or words. This can leave them to express themselves by hitting, crying, or even avoiding those around them. Many children with these disorders have low muscle tone in parts of their bodies or have trouble with gross and fine motor skills. Early intervention programs offer IEPs in a school district. This helps create a personalized program for a child who has one or both of these disorders. 

Experts such as autism spectrum disorder specialist, physical, occupational, or speech therapists may even come to your home for additional services. With a team of teachers, doctors, and specialists, kids can greatly benefit from their IEP. 

Continuing successful behaviors and rewards at home are important. Games, toys, and sensory safe areas in the home are a great way to teach and work with your child. A light table or box can be created with soft white Christmas lights, wood, and a translucent plastic cover to illuminate see-through magnetic toys, colored pieces of plastic, or even used for artwork. The glow isn’t harsh, lowering the risk of bothering those with light sensitivities.

Directions for DIY lightboxes can be found as well as ones already made on various websites. Chose a corner of your child’s bedroom or a play area filled with their favorite sensory toys, pillows to lay on, calming sensory bottles, and soft lighting. This can also be a place your child can go to when they’re feeling stressed. 

Keep loud, flashing toys out of reach if your child becomes anxious from them. Over-stimulation for a child who has sensory issues can be overwhelming. A child can become upset, angry, frustrated, or scared from loud noises and bright lights. Keeping televisions and devices volumes on low or using noise-canceling headphones may also help reduce traumatic episodes. 

Sensory toys are incredibly important to encourage the development of gross and fine motor skills. Low muscle tone in the hands, for example, can cause difficulties such as grasping eating implements, buttoning a shirt, trouble zipping a jacket, or tying shoes. Underdevelopment of gross motor skills can affect jumping, kicking a ball, and proper core or trunk support. Kneading toxic-free dough can strengthen fingers and wrists while your child creates their own projects and sculptures. Colorful and edible play dough can be made from an easy to follow recipes for picky eaters. Eating different textures and consistencies of food that require your child to chew more helps strengthen jaw muscles to decrease drooling and speech troubles. 

Additional sensory implements are kinetic sand, squishy ooze, and archaeology kits containing hidden toys like dinosaurs that need to be dug up. These are all great ways to find out which sensory toys your child enjoys and encourages muscle development in the fingers.