Michael Levitt's Blog, page 16

Most Common Safety Mistakes on a Construction Site

Due to the presence of heavy machinery and materials, it’s easy to think of construction sites as inherently dangerous places. But that doesn’t mean workplace injuries should be considered part of the business.

To help improve workplace safety, remember this list of the most common safety mistakes on a construction site.

Hazard Communication & Procedures

Proper construction site safety isn’t just about having the right safety gear and materials—it’s also about having suitable communication channels and procedures for hazards. A construction site can be a dangerous and unpredictable workplace, and it’s vital for workers to identify and communicate potential risks to others.

Hazard communication is essential for sites with chemical and electrical hazards. Ensure that everyone at the site knows what to do when they encounter hazardous chemical, electrical, or other dangerous elements in the area and how to communicate the danger.

Improper Head Protection

Perhaps the first thing a worker learns on a construction site is to always wear their hard hat. Even minor objects can cause severe damage when dropped from great heights.

However, it’s common for workers to become complacent or forget to put on their hard hats while at the site. Additionally, workers sometimes improperly wear other clothing or hats underneath their hard hats, which compromises their protective capabilities.

Pro Tip: When working in exceptionally hot or cold temperatures at a site, outfit your workers with OSHA-regulated under-hat protection so they’re safe and adequately cool or warm while wearing a hard hat.

Fall Safeguards

Fall protection is vital to a safe workplace in construction sites where workers operate tens, hundreds, or even thousands of feet in the air. Sites are required to provide safeguards like guardrails and restraint systems at these sites, but unfortunately, they’re some of the most common reasons for OSHA violations.

Guardrails fall into disrepair without proper maintenance, and protocols for restraint systems become lax and lead to unsafe use. Ensure that all fall safeguards are up to code and that all workers who use restraint systems are attached appropriately. In the case of one false step, it can be the difference between life and death for a worker.

Scaffolding Erection & Maintenance

Scaffolding and the construction industry go hand-in-hand, especially in densely populated cities where the general population regularly walks by or underneath them. Safe scaffolding construction and maintenance are vital to providing secure conditions for workers and bystanders.

But, due to budget or time restrictions, scaffolding errors and violations are typical; they’re erected improperly or not maintained well, leading to malfunctions or even failure. Don’t rush or overlook the importance of scaffolding—it’s an easy way to earn an OSHA violation and fine, and can injure workers or pedestrians.

These are some of the most common safety mistakes on a construction site, but there are plenty more. Many of these mistakes follow the same pattern, typically due to shortsightedness, negligence, or time constraints.

Keep an eye out for these hazards and violations, emphasize safety protocols, and educate your workers about workplace safety to ensure your site isn’t a location for workplace injuries.

3 Ways You Can Cut Costs In Your Business

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Running a business can be expensive. There are always new costs to consider, and it can be difficult to track them all. This blog post will discuss three of the best ways to cut costs in your business. These money-saving strategies will help you save money on everything.

1) Review Your Expenses Regularly.

One of the best ways to save money in your business is to review your expenses regularly. This will help you identify areas where you are spending too much money. You can then make changes to reduce your costs. Some businesses choose to do this monthly, while others do it quarterly. It really depends on how often your costs change.

If you have a lot of variable costs, it may be best to review your expenses monthly. If you are spending too much money in one area, there are a few things you can do. You can also look for cheaper alternatives. For example, if you want to move from one data hosting company to another, you will need to consider data migration services and their costs. However, changing vendors in specific areas of your business can save you a lot of money.

2) Automate Your Processes.

Another great way to save money in your business is to automate your processes. This can include things like setting up automatic payments, automatic shipping, and automatic invoicing. Automating your processes can save you a lot of time and money.

Additionally, automating your processes can help you to avoid human error. Human error is one of the leading causes of lost productivity and wasted money in businesses. By automating your processes, you can eliminate the possibility of human error and save yourself a lot of time and money.

Finally, automating your processes can help you to scale your business more effectively. When you automate your processes, you can more easily replicate them and scale them up as needed. This can help you grow your business more quickly and efficiently and save you a lot of money in the long run.

3) Make Use Of Low-Cost Or Free Advertising.

There are several ways to advertise your business without spending much money. For example, you can create a website, start a blog, or use social media to get the word out about your business. You can also distribute flyers and postcards in local businesses and community centers. You can even offer discounts and coupons to attract customers.

Another way to cut costs is to take advantage of free resources. There are many websites that offer free or low-cost marketing tools and resources. You can also find a number of books and articles on how to market your business on a budget. Social media is also a great way to connect with potential customers and promote your business, and unless you want to sponsor or promote your posts, they are free to use.

In conclusion, there are many ways to cut costs in your business. These money-saving strategies will help you develop a cost-cutting plan to keep more of your hard-earned cash and grow your business more effectively.

5 Best Elopement Spots In Balboa Park

San Diego

Balboa Park Elopement

San Diego is one of the top destinations in the entire country for elopements among adventurous couples seeking California sunshine and an intimate setting for their wedding day. With breathtaking locations such as Sunset Cliffs and Coronado Island, it is easy to see why so many brides and grooms are heading to Southern California for a San Diego elopement. One iconic spot that has become a trendy spot to get married in San Diego, California is Balboa Park. This article will go over the 5 best elopement locations inside Balboa Park that are perfect for private events such as an intimate elopement. Now, let’s dive in and give you the information you need for your wedding in Balboa Park!

David C Copley Atrium at the Museum of Photographic Arts

The David C. Copley Atrium is a San Diego wedding venue that offers a modern and elegant feel for couples seeking a sophisticated California elopement. One of the coolest parts about choosing this spot for your Balboa Park San Diego elopement is you will get bonus access to the chic contemporary art space. That means you and your wedding photographer can explore the Museum of Photographic Arts and get some super unique and creative shots during your photo shoot! 

Japanese Friendship Garden

With a koi pond deck and stunning ceremonial gate, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a an awesome spot for elopement photos. The Ceremonial Plaza overlooks a tranquil zen rock garden, and the entire wedding venue can host up to 200 guests if you want a more traditional San Diego wedding. 

The Marston House

One of the oldest San Diego elopement locations in Balboa Park is a wedding venue called the Marston House. The venue rests on 5 acres of private and secluded gardens that were designed in the early 1900s, and can accommodate up to 200 guests. The Marston House is the type of elopement at Balboa Park that is perfect for couples wanting to go with a more garden wedding vibe. This is because the towering trees and lush manicured gardens offer a splendid slice of greenery that is uncommon in the city of San Diego. 

San Diego Air & Space Museum

Balboa Park in San Diego is a lovely spot for intimate elopements, but the Air & Space Museum is the event space for couples who want space. This is because the San Diego Air & Space Museum can host up to 600 wedding guests! With the abundance of awesome backdrops, we would recommend anyone having a large traditional wedding at the San Diego Air & Space Museum invest in a videographer to properly document your private event. 

Alcazar Garden

Named after the stunning gardens of Alcazar Castle in Spain, Alcazar Garden is located near the Contemporary Art Museum. The reason why we like Alcazar Garden for San Diego elopements is because of the vibrant colors of green, blue, and yellow that emphasize the ornate fountains and overall beauty of this hidden jewel in Balboa Park! 

San Diego Elopements

There are a ton of rad places to get married in San Diego, but we definitely recommend you explore Balboa Park if you are considering an elopement. Balboa has some of the most stunning spots for epic wedding photos so even if you choose to get married at Sunset Cliffs, a posh hotel in La Jolla, or a trendy spot such as Hotel del Coronado, it is definitely worth visiting and touring Balboa Park. Best of luck in all your wedding planning! 

Information provided in this article was provided by Ryan Horban, a destination wedding photographer based in San Diego, California. His work has been featured in The Knot, People Magazine, Green Wedding Shoes, and many other online wedding publications. 

Top Tips on How Your Business Can Become More Productive

@schmaendels

As a business owner, there are likely going to be a number of questions that you're going to continue to ask yourself; these will surround the likes of staff, profitability, and of course, productivity. There are a number of different ways that both you and your business are going to be able to improve your overall productivity, and these are going to be discussed in more detail within the below article. If you want to work out how you can make your business more productive but not spend a huge number on outgoings to do it, then be sure to keep reading. 

Improve Your Website 

A lot of people now use the internet as a means of shopping and researching online, and as such, you should be sure to consider using the internet as a means to well and truly improve how productive your workday is. If you have a website that is clearly stating what your business does, why you do it well and why you stand out among your competition, then you are going to be in a good place moving forward. A lot of business owners will put off improving their website as they are not very technologically proficient; if this is the case and you need assistance with web development, then you will be happy to know you can recruit a React development team at ScrumLaunch. These teams are going to be able to work with your business and build a website that will make your day more productive. 

Set Yourself Realistic Goals 

If you have set yourself and your team goals that are absolutely enormous, to the point that they are no longer in any way feasible, then this can massively get in the way of productivity. If you start working as a means to achieve your goals, but your goals look too big to be able to tackle, then a lot of the time, you will likely be hesitant to even begin, which naturally gets in the way of productivity. As such, if you want to be well and truly productive, then you should be sure to set yourself goals that are both realistic and achievable. 

Keep Meetings Short 

Meetings are an important part of the working day, but you tend to find that they often can get in the way of productivity too. When we have meetings, we often use them as a means to catch up and be sociable, which makes it so that they can drag on and stop us from achieving other things with our workday. Be sure to keep meetings short so that you still have time to do work alongside them and then save all of your social catching up for specifically designated breaks. 

Conclusion 

Businesses everywhere are constantly thinking about the most efficient ways that they are able to improve their overall productivity. If you are also considering this, then look no further as above are some means by which you can get more out of your workday. 

What Branding Looks Like In 2022

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We all know that branding is a hugely important and central aspect to marketing, and if you are keen on improving your marketing you will always need to think about what your branding is doing and what it looks like. In truth, there are always trends that you should want to be aware of here too, to ensure that you are doing all you can to keep your branding working well. With that in mind, here are some of the basic elements behind branding in 2022. Being aware of these should help you in your own efforts to bring your brand alive.

Value-Driven

These days, it is becoming more important than ever to ensure that your branding is being delivered with the values and the vision foremost. In other words, it is truly value-driven and vision-led, and you need to make sure that you are doing this with your own brand if it is going to have the level of success you are hoping for. If you are not yet sure on the values that drive your brand, you need to go back to the drawing board and work this out as specifically as you possibly can. It will help.

Consistency

Good consistency shows a few things. It indicates that a lot of hard work has gone into the marketing process, for one. It also shows that you are able to lead your business in a particular direction, no matter what that direction might be. But most importantly, it gives the brand meaning by making it appear more powerful and less divided. So aim for strong consistency where you can and wherever your brand appears, and you will find that it really helps your brand to improve, and that people respond to it much more effectively.

Creativity

Good brands are highly creative in their design, and if you are able to bring a lot of creativity to the table then this is really going to help things along. One thing that can help with bringing creativity to proceedings is to have the right tools by your side; a team with access to a Roland bn 20 is going to find it a lot easier to produce the beautiful decals that are required for the brand to be seen boldly, so that is something to think about. Then it’s just a case of letting your creativity shine through the brand wherever you can.

On-Trend

It is usually important in branding to be on-trend, or at least to be trend-aware, so that you know when you are purposefully subverting a trend. If you get this right, it is going to make a huge difference to the way in which your branding operates, and you will be amazed at how much this can really help. Being on-trend means that you show an awareness of the context your brand appears in, so that is something to think about if you want your brand to truly succeed.

If you’ve done all that, your brand will look exactly as it should in 2022 and beyond.

Top 5 Wireless Car Tracker Devices

With fuel prices surging and high inflation in the forecast for the foreseeable future, many businesses and consumers are turning to GPS tracking devices to help them with asset tracking and fuel consumption reduction. Real time GPS trackers can provide location updates on any vehicle 24/7 as well as detailed information about driving activity such as harsh braking, vehicle idling, and speeding. All of which are associated with increased fuel usage. But what is the best wireless car GPS tracking device? This article will provide the top 5 location trackers according to online reviews, as well as our pick for the best overall vehicle GPS tracker!

SpaceHawk GPS Locator 

According to the security experts at Tracking System Direct, the overall best GPS locator is a wireless real time GPS tracker called SpaceHawk. The reason this particular system out-performs other devices on this list such as the Tracki GPS tracker and Vyncs GPS is for the three following reasons:

The Mini GPS Can Be Attached Inside Or Outside An Automobile 

Real-Time Tracking As Fast As Every 3 Seconds

Magnet GPS Is Backed With Free Technical Support 

The reason we like the SpaceHawk car GPS tracker is because the free mobile app and online software is extremely easy to navigate. This means it is simple to utilize the real time GPS to secretly track a car, as well as go back and view the historical information of everywhere a vehicle has been! So if you have a teenage driver you are worried might be speeding, or suspect a spouse might be having an affair, SpaceHawk vehicle tracker is the solution we recommend.

2. Tracki

Track GPS tracker made our list of the top 5 wireless magnetic GPS trackers because the device continues to be a top-seller on Amazon, despite the lukewarm online reviews. 

But honestly, at a price point of $18, this battery powered personal GPS tracker is probably worth the investment for those seeking a very bare bones portable tracker. Tracki does require activation fees and monthly service fees for real time tracking, but the device is accurate and relatively easy to use. We should mention that if you want to equip this vehicle GPS tracker on the outside of an automobile you will need to purchase an additional waterproof case. 

3. SpyTec GL300 GPS Tracker

Another top-seller on Amazon, SpyTec GL300 is a mini GPS location tracker that can provide the location of any asset every 15 seconds. The device is very small and can therefore also be used as a pet finder if you are in looking for a mini GPS to keep your pet safe. The GL300 GPS tracker is affordable at $29.95, but does require a monthly subscription plan. You will also need to invest in the accessory pelican case if you plan on equipping the SpyTec GPS outside of a vehicle.

4. Vyncs GPS Car Tracker 

Unlike the other GPS locators on this list, Vyncs GPS tracker is a wireless device but does require you to connect the tracker device to the on-board diagnostic port (OBD2) on the automobile you plan on monitoring. What we love about the Vyncs GPS car tracker is that it is powered by your vehicle and does not require installation. This makes the OBD port fleet GPS perfect for business vehicle management. However, the drawback of this type of fleet tracking system is that it will be visible to the driver. That means they can easily tamper with the Vyncs tracker device and unplug the GPS out of the OBD port if they want to hide their driving activity

5. Spark Nano By Brickhouse Security 

Spark nano is one of the best selling vehicle tracking devices on the Walmart online store and it is easy to see given the real-time GPS sells for only $29.95. The vehicle tracker is backed by free technical support from one of the leaders in the surveillance industry, Brickhouse security, and the locator can be used for a variety of applications.

Conclusion 

If you are looking for the best GPS tracker for vehicles we would encourage your to learn more about the top 5 locator tracking devices featured in this article. According to the experts, SpaceHawk GPS vehicle tracker is the overall best device and our personal favorite, but that does not mean you shouldn’t do your won research on all the systems on this list!

How Businesses Can Benefit From Healthy Competition

Monopoly may be an entertaining board game; however, it’s one concept that capitalism does not appreciate. Contrary to popular belief, competition is good for businesses and can push them to sights they thought were impossible to reach. Understanding how businesses can benefit from healthy competition illustrates why having a rival can help.

Opens the Door for Partnerships

Many businesses dislike their competitors because they believe they steal their potential buyers. However, a strategic way to use the demand to everyone’s benefit is by forming a partnership. Even if your so-called competitors sell a similar service, they might have a complimentary product that pairs well with yours. Partnering up lets both capitalize on their product or service, pleasing everyone.

Learn From Each Other

There’s no simpler solution for discovering what clients want than observing a more successful business in the same field. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so don’t be apprehensive about learning from your competitors.

Likewise, don’t be rigid if others want to emulate your practices, especially since you comprehend the value of developing a partnership. After all, you may garner insight from them that you otherwise may have ignored.

SWOT Analysis Paints a Picture

Suppose you have taken the most elementary of marketing courses in your life. In that case, you know how integral the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis is for running a successful business. Developing a SWOT analysis highlights any obstacles standing in your way and what you must overcome as a firm.

Without competition, it may be difficult to grasp potential roadblocks standing in your way. There’s no better indication of future potential than studying previous failures.

Happy Customers Equals Thriving Business

Consumers benefit from competition because it provides lower pricing and more options. Happier customers tend to keep coming back for more, benefitting your business. Additionally, businesses can set the pricing point of similar goods with their competitors.

For example, Subway’s $5 footlong walked so Wendy’s 4 for $4 could run. And because Subway was first on the scene with a life-changing $5 meal deal, they could change the price for themselves, causing others to follow suit. Ergo, customers are happy with the cheap sandwich, and Subway rakes in the profits. You can use the same sort of strategy for your endeavor.

Inspires Innovation

When there is more competitiveness surrounding you, your staff are more driven to keep your clientele. When your competitors launch a new product, promotional tactic, or marketing strategy, it keeps your organization on its toes and encourages innovation.

Competition fosters development, advancement, and inventiveness. When things get competitive, you may be willing to accept higher risk in exchange for a larger return. You can’t simply keep doing the same thing and expect to maintain your consumers when times change, and developing a distinct brand can make your business shine.

Learning how businesses can benefit from healthy competition proves that your sworn enemies benefit you more than you realize. The worst thing imaginable is having a stagnant market, which typically happens in a market without competition.

How To Successfully Relocate Your Business

There are many reasons why you would consider moving your business. It’s an exciting opportunity to relocate your business because you’re expanding or looking for new ventures. To succeed in your move, there are a few steps and tricks you do not want to leave out; doing so will risk the situation turning into a disaster very quickly. Use our tips to take the next step with your business.

Communication Is Key

Before making any significant changes, speak with everyone at your company to ensure you are all on the same page. It might help to get their opinion on the move, but you never want to surprise employees that you are moving the business. Give yourself and everyone else time to warm up to the idea and devise a game plan.

Set a Budget

How much are you willing to spend on the new location? Have a budget before you begin your search to minimize the number of properties you have to choose from. Another big question is whether you plan on renting or outright buying the space. Consider these options before taking any steps forward.

Create a Timeline

To keep everyone on the same page, create and follow a timeline. This will ensure you can stay on track with the end goal of relocating your business successfully. This way, if anything does go wrong, you can prepare better. Give yourself enough wiggle room to find alternative options if your timeline does become skewed.

Don’t Be Afraid To Negotiate

You’d be surprised to see how much you can drop the price of a property by negotiating. Don’t be afraid to leverage with a real estate agent or the property’s seller to get precisely what you want from your new business location. You won’t get deals if you don’t try to work around some stipends and negotiate with the previous property owner.

Never settle for the first deal that comes your way; if it doesn’t seem like a good fit for your business, keep looking. Sometimes, the best properties and buildings will not be listed—you just have to look around your area a little bit. Consider what you want from your next business property, and never settle for less than what you need.

Tips on How To Run an Efficient Auto Shop

Running an auto shop can be a lot of work. You need to be organized and efficient to make sure everything runs smoothly. You have to worry about the cars, but you also need to care for the customers.

Let’s look at tips on how to run an efficient auto shop and always be on top of things.

Stay Clean and Organized

The first thing you need to do is keep your shop clean and organized. This organization means sweeping the floors, cleaning the windows, and putting things away. It may seem like a lot of work, but it’s necessary to keep your shop looking professional.

You should also have a system for organizing your tools and parts. This way, you can find everything you need quickly and don’t have to waste time searching for things.

Take Advantage of Technology

There are a lot of great tools out there that can help you run your shop more efficiently. For example, you can use software to track your inventory and schedule appointments. You can also use apps to communicate with your customers and take payments.

Take the time to learn about the different tools available and how they can help you run your business.

Always Have the Right Equipment

You need to have the right equipment to do your job well. You want to have the right tools, parts, and supplies on hand so that you don’t have to run out to the store whenever you need something.

Make sure you prepare yourself for anything by stocking up on what you need. Even something as simple as choosing the best double-sided automotive tape can save you time and money in the long run.

Take Care of Your Staff

Your staff is one of your most valuable assets. They are the ones who will take care of the customers and do the work in the shop. It’s essential to take care of them and make sure they are happy.

Ensure that you have the correct number of staff members for the amount of work you have to do. You don’t want to overwork your employees, or they will get burnt out. Provide them with the tools and training they need to do their job well.

These are a few tips on how to run an efficient auto shop. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been in business for years, these tips can help you streamline your operation and always be on top of things.

The last thing you want is for your business to be inefficient and unorganized. You can avoid that and run a successful shop by following these tips.

The Different Types of Industrial Slings

Knowing which type of sling is best for what job is a crucial skill when working in an industrial environment. No matter what sling you need, it's essential not to overload it to reduce the chance of an accident or severe injury. Here are some of the different types of industrial slings and for which jobs each is best suited.

Round Slings

Typically made from polyester, round slings are lightweight, inexpensive, and flexible. Round slings are ideal when lifting cylindrical objects, such as piping. The round sling tightens itself to the surface of the cylinder and creates a powerful grip. Due to the fragile nature of the polyester surrounding the interior, round slings are not ideal for lifting anything with sharp corners, which may cause the sling to rupture or tear.

Chain Slings

Chain slings are often a hook or loop at the end of one or more chains. One of the largest advantages of the chain sling is its versatility and configuration options. Due to their weight and size, chain slings are often more expensive but balance out by their ability to handle the vast majority of jobs and increased weight capacity.

Web Slings

Web slings are solid, cost-effective options for lifting objects that need a little more support. Much like with round slings, it's a good idea to avoid using web slings to lift things with sharp surfaces or corners that may damage or rip the sling. There are different varieties of web slings, but many have a canopy connecting two main pieces together to hold items from a wider surface area.

Wire Rope Slings

One of the most resilient of the different types of industrial slings, wire rope slings are sturdy, cut resistant, flexible, and suitable for lifting heavy materials such as concrete or steel. The thick metal wires that make up the sling resist high temperatures and are the best choice for moving any heated metals or materials in an industrial setting.