Michael Levitt's Blog, page 22

Emerging Tech Trends In Burnout Prevention

Source: @rev3n

Original article from AngelList for this post can be found here

Workers are stressed—can tech help?

First Covid. Now layoffs.

It’s an anxious time for many in tech today.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, tech leaders are speaking up about the importance of employee (and founder) well-being. They warn about the impact of around-the-clock work culture, noting that tech workers are already burned out and stressed out from the pandemic and its many disruptions.

For many, the quick pivot to all-remote work blurred already obscured lines between work and home. A recent survey found that 62% of IT workers feel “physically and emotionally drained” and more than half can’t unwind after work.

Vanquishing the ‘ghosts of burnout’

Experts warn about the “ghosts of burnout” that drive employees to consider quitting: professional self-inefficacy, emotional or energetic exhaustion, cynicism, and depersonalization.

More founders, too, are openly talking about the prevalence of things like depression, ADHD, and bipolar, all of which share traits similar to those commonly found among Silicon Valley founders (outgoing, risk-taking, etc.).

The natural question, of course: Can tech help?

Health gets digital

Tech companies are putting $30B in venture capital funding in 2021 to work on addressing every aspect of healthcare. About $5B of that investment went to companies innovating the way mental health is delivered.

Facebook’s owner, Meta, just made its first early-stage investment in the Asia-Pacific region, investing in mental health startup Ami. Meanwhile, up-and-coming companies like Big Health and Real are working to make talking to a therapist as easy as checking the weather and as comfortable as talking to a friend. Bicycle Health offers virtual treatment for opioid addiction.

So-called “digital therapeutics” (DTx) are helping to fill in gaps in health delivery and already constitute a $4B industry. Mobile mindfulness, too, has grown into a billion-dollar business.

Companies are using AI to create new ways to automatically and remotely keep tabs on patients from home and intervene in order to reduce their mental health symptoms. Apple recently partnered with UCLA to develop algorithms that measure symptoms of depression using data collected on Apple devices.

7 Indispensable Tools for a Metal Workshop

Running a metal workshop is no easy job, and you need to have the right tools to be ready for the task. These are the most indispensable tools for a metal workshop. Have the right tools for every job.

Large Vibratory Tumbler Bowls

If you work with metal, chances are you’ll need to polish it. Hand polishing can be a long and arduous task, and workers can get injured when they complete hand finishing. Investing in large vibratory bowls helps increase business production. Get yourself a vibratory tumbler bowl today to work more efficiently.

A Band Saw

One of the most indispensable tools for a metal workshop is a high-quality band saw. Having a band saw will help you to cut through metal more efficiently. Oil your band saw when you use it to keep it running well for longer.

A Welder

Another essential tool for your metal workshop is a welder. This machine joins metals by melting and merging them with a filler. Welding is necessary for any metalworking shop, and you’ll need a welder for your tasks. Find the right kind of welder for yourself and get working.

An Angle Grinder

Every metalworker needs an angle grinder to cut, polish, and grind metal in their shop. You should also consider what disks you’ll need for your angle grinder to do different jobs. Use this robust tool in your metal workshop today.

A Drill Press

Make clear drill holes in any metal with the addition of a drill press to your set of tools. A drill press will streamline the process of drilling holes into your metal and make it easy to get a clear pathway.

Wire Cutters

If you’re working with metal, you’ll need a simple pair of wire cutters. Cut through metals and wires with this critical tool.

A Lathe

A lathe is an essential tool for any metal workshop. You can use your lathe to drill, cut, turn, and sand your metal. You can also easily position your piece in a lathe to get the best possible job done accurately. Invest in a quality lathe for your metal workshop today.

Home Maintenance Tips To Make Life Easier

Via Pexels

Maintaining your home is one of the most important responsibilities you have. If you neglect your home, it will quickly fall into disrepair. This will make your home less valuable, and it will also be more difficult and expensive to repair. These tips will help you make home maintenance more manageable.

Establish A Regular Cleaning Routine

One of the best ways to keep your home in good shape is to establish a regular cleaning routine. This means setting aside time each week to clean your home from top to bottom. This will help you stay on top of the dirt and grime that can build up over time. If you have trouble sticking to a cleaning routine, try setting a schedule or enlisting the help of a professional cleaning service.

Inspect Your Home Regularly

Another good way to keep your home in good shape is to inspect it regularly. This means walking around your house and looking for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you see something that needs to be fixed, make a note of it and schedule a time to fix it.

Inspecting your home often will help you catch problems early before they have a chance to become more significant issues.

Create A Maintenance Schedule

One of the best ways to make home maintenance easier is to create a maintenance schedule. This means setting aside time each month to change your furnace filter, clean your gutters, and check your smoke detectors.

Creating a maintenance schedule will help you stay on top of the little things that can make a big difference in the condition of your home.

Hire A Professional

If home maintenance is something you struggle with, you may want to consider hiring a professional. Many companies offer home maintenance services. This can be a great way to take care of your home without doing it yourself.

Hiring a professional can be a great way to make home maintenance more manageable, but it is crucial to choose a reputable company. Do your research before hiring anyone to work on your home.

Upkeep Your Garden

Your garden is one of the first places people see when they come to your house. If it’s not kept up, it will reflect poorly on you as a homeowner. Taking care of your garden will make your home look nicer, but it will also increase its value.

You don’t need a green thumb to keep your garden looking good. Just a little bit of effort each week will go a long way. If you cannot do it yourself, you can use a company like MasterScapes Lawn Care and Landscaping that will help take care of it for you. You can keep your garden looking good by watering your plants, pulling weeds, and trimming your hedges.

Making home maintenance easier is something that every homeowner should strive for. By following these tips, you will be well on your way to keeping your home in good shape.

Building Brand Awareness for Your New Business

When you decided to start your business, you spent many hours developing the messaging behind your mission and vision. You determined what makes you unique from your competitors. While this may seem like internal messaging, you must share this information with your potential clients. Bringing awareness to your company could arguably be the most important aspect of your business. Your marketing campaigns should reflect your brand's unique personality and your target audience. Here are some strategic ways you can build brand awareness for your new business.

Use Social Media To Engage

Social media is a great way to connect with your customers. Unlike traditional advertising, it allows you to engage in conversations with your target audiences. Use it to share your story and promote core values. Most importantly, don't forget to engage with customers by responding to questions or comments across your social media channels.

Choose your platforms based on where your potential customers are already active. Take some time to decide which platforms you need, and create a plan to be consistent in your efforts.

Network With Your Colleagues

To engage with your colleagues, join groups and communities on social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn or attend events in person, such as conferences or young professionals’ groups. Talk about your business or product. You can also develop relationships with influencers who likely have a significant following and will help get your name out there.

When collaborating with other businesses, remember that being authentic in your communications goes a long way toward building trust and forming meaningful connections between brands. Finally, be sure you're prepared to learn and evolve as you go along; pay attention to feedback from the community on how they feel about your messaging and products.

The Importance of Branding

Your brand is the story that you tell your customer, and it's the message that they see when they look at your business. While many of us are finding new businesses through social channels, traditional marketing like outdoor signage is still relevant. There are a few things to consider when picking a sign for your company. You can make your business more innovative and dynamic with digital signs, while traditional signs can make a positive impression as well. Also, they are more environmentally friendly.

There are many benefits to having clear branding for your small business, including:

It makes you stand out from competitors.

It's easier for customers to recognize you if they've seen your branding before.

People will remember your brand more easily if it's consistent across media platforms.

Showcase Diversity in Your Employees and Customers

Diversity can refer to various things, including race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, nationality or country of origin, sexual orientation, and more.

Once you've determined which elements of diversity are essential to your brand positioning and your customers' values and beliefs, make sure you reflect them in your marketing efforts. You want your employees and customers to feel represented by the people who represent the company.

What Makes You Different?

You must stand out in the crowd when building brand awareness for a new business, so you're going to need something special. Your business's vision, mission, and guiding principles are essential. However, what other people think of your company is arguably the most important.

How to Tackle a Big New Project with Ease

Source: via Pexels

When it comes to taking on new projects in your business, it's essential to take things one step at a time. However, trying to do too much can lead to overwhelm and mistakes. This blog post will give you some tips on how to tackle a big new project in your business with ease. Follow these simple steps, and you'll be well on your way to completing your project successfully!

1) Define the scope of the project

The first step to taking on any new project is to define its scope. What exactly needs to be done? Next, make a list of all the tasks that need to be completed, and then break those down into smaller, more manageable steps. This will help you create a timeline and budget for the project, and it will also make it easier to delegate tasks to employees or contractors.

If you're not sure where to start, try looking at similar projects that have been completed successfully in the past. This can give you an idea of what's involved and how much work is required. Once you have a good understanding of the scope of the project, you can move on to step two.

2) Create a timeline

The next step is to create a timeline for the project. This will help you stay on track and ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner. When creating your timeline, be realistic about how long each task will take to complete. It's better to overestimate the amount of time needed than to underestimate it and end up behind schedule. 

Once you have a timeline, share it with all employees or contractors who will be working on the project. This way, everyone will know when each task is due and can plan accordingly. If you're not sure how long each task should take, ask someone who has experience with similar projects or look at online resources for guidance. Once you know how long the project will take, it may be necessary to consider a solution like a jobsite warehouse if your employees will need to be away from home for a while.

3) Set a budget

The third step is to set a budget for the project. This will ensure that you don't overspend and put your business in financial jeopardy. When setting your budget, be sure to include all costs associated with the project, such as materials, labor, and overhead.

Once you have a budget, stick to it as closely as possible. If you find that you're starting to exceed your budget, look for ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. For example, you may be able to negotiate better prices with vendors or use cheaper materials without compromising the finished product.

4) Delegate tasks

The fourth step is to delegate tasks to employees or contractors. This will help you stay organized and ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner. When delegating tasks, be sure to consider the skills and experience of each person. You don't want to give someone a task that they're not capable of completing successfully.

Also, be sure to communicate your expectations clearly. Give each person a detailed description of what needs to be done and when it needs to be done. This will help them understand your vision for the project and make it more likely that they'll meet your expectations.

In conclusion, taking on a big new project doesn't have to be daunting. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that the project is completed successfully and with minimal stress. 

What You Should Do If Your Business Has Been The Victim Of A Crime

Source: Source

As if it’s not challenging enough being a small business owner, you’re vulnerable to being the victim of various crimes. A lot could happen throughout the day, whether you’re at the office, or at home after work - your business could be or could have been the target of something like a burglary or a break-in, and it could cost you far too much to bounce back from. If such a thing should ever happen, you should make sure you’re prepared to handle the aftermath and know what you can do to make the best recovery from it.

It’s not just small businesses, and you could argue that bigger businesses attract more of that kind of attention, due to it potentially being more profitable for criminals to steal from.

Burglary

If you’ve just started out, the property that your business is operating from might not be as secure as you’d like it to be. There’s only so much you can do to prevent anyone from getting in and accessing your property, and sometimes that’s just not enough. If you’ve come to work to find that someone has broken into your building, you shouldn’t hesitate to call the police. Try not to touch anything, as your property is now a crime scene, and anything could be a pointer to what has happened and why.

If there’s a mess after the incident, you could consider calling crime scene disaster companies. Some crimes leave behind something that would be too much for an untrained professional to deal with, so it’s best to make sure the job is done correctly. 

The same applies to vandalism, even if nothing was stolen, it’s still a compromise to your business. Having evidence that someone else damaged your property would also help to prove your role to the insurance company, making it easy to claim compensation.

Cybercrime

If there’s any part of your business that operates online, then you’re vulnerable to cyber attacks from people who are trying to access your data. Your online security needs to be secure enough to protect your and anyone else’s personal information, as your customers’ trust relies on it. If customers can’t feel safe providing their payment information to you, then you’re going to lose out on a lot of your online sales. You could even lose employees, which could see the end of your business.

If you have noticed that your business’ secure data has been accessed by someone unauthorized, then you should immediately start working on remedying it. You can’t always recover it or prevent it from happening, but you should notify those who it has affected so that they know that their information is out there. Sensitive information could cost your customers greatly, so giving them a chance to avoid further damage is the best way to go about it. You should also consider investing in stronger security to prevent it from happening in the future.

How To Improve Emergency Preparedness in Your Organization

No organization is immune to emergencies, whether natural disasters or man-made accidents. That’s why every business needs to have an emergency preparedness plan.

Every business is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to planning for disasters. However, there are some general steps to improve emergency preparedness in your organization.

Identify Potential Threats

The first step is to identify the potential threats your organization could face. Common hazards include fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and terrorism. This step will vary depending on your location, industry, and other factors.

Once you have identified the potential threats, you need to assess the risk of each one. This identification will help you determine which threats are most likely to occur and how severe they could be.

Create a Strategy

Once you have assessed the risks, you can develop a plan. This should include steps before, during, and after an emergency. A plan for something like a hurricane will look much different than the procedures for a gas leak.

Some of the things you should include in your plan are:

A list of emergency contacts

Evacuation routes

A communication plan

A method for dealing with critical infrastructure

A procedure for accounting for employees

You should also consider what you will do if your regular systems and procedures are not available. For example, if you rely on technology for communication or data storage, you need to have a backup plan in place in case of power outages or other disruptions.

Develop a Continuity Plan

In addition to your overall plan, you should also develop a continuity plan. This will help you keep your business running in an emergency.

Your continuity plan should include things like:

Alternative methods of communication

Alternate locations to do business

How you’ll deal with damaged or destroyed facilities

How you’ll continue operations if key personnel are unavailable

It’s wise to also have plans for suppliers and customers. For example, you may need to find alternative suppliers if your regular ones cannot deliver goods or services.

Audit These Plans Every So Often

After creating your emergency preparedness and continuity plans, audit them regularly. This step will help you ensure that they are up to date and that all employees know them. After any significant organizational changes, such as a merger or acquisition, you should also review them.

Practice Makes Perfect

It’s not enough to have a plan in place—you also need to practice it. This practice will ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

You should conduct regular drills and exercises to test your plans. You can also use simulations to help employees understand what to do.

By taking these steps, you can improve emergency preparedness in your organization and be ready for whatever comes your way. Review your plans regularly and practice them often to ensure complete preparation. Your business and employees will thank you for it.

How Do We Get Customers to Follow Us Online?

Photo by @christiannkoepke

It's no secret that social media has taken the world by storm in recent years. A study by eMarketer found that social media penetration rates worldwide would reach 37% this year, with more than two-thirds of those users accessing social networks from their mobile devices. With such a large and ever-growing population using social media, it's no wonder that businesses are eager to get in on the action. Companies such as Buzzoid certainly are. They are specialists in gaining an Instagram following and receiving lots of likes as a business.

But social media isn't just a platform for businesses to advertise their products and services - it's also an opportunity to build relationships with potential and current customers. And one of the best ways to do that is by getting them to follow your business online.

So, how do you get customers to follow and like your business on social media? Let's take a look at a few methods:

Make it easy for them to find you by cross-promoting

Make sure your social media handles are prominently displayed on your website and other marketing materials (e.g., business cards, flyers, email newsletters, etc.). You can also include social media icons on your website that link to your social media pages.

The key is for a business to link up all the places it is online through its website that can promote them all at once. Certain customers will want to get in touch in certain ways, depending on their preferred method of social media or online messaging. We have to cater to the needs of different customers young or old when we are a business looking to survive online.

It is beneficial for a business to provide choice and therefore convenience in terms of the way it can be communicated with.

Use social media ads

Social media platforms will generally offer paid advertising options that allow you to target specific demographics with your ads. For example, you can target people who live in a certain area, who are of a certain age, or who have interests that are relevant to your business.

These platforms are excellent at knowing the demographics of their users and so can target ads efficiently to the right places where they will be best received and liked.

Offer incentives

Give people a reason to follow you on social media, such as discounts, exclusive content, or early access to new products or services.

Look at giveaways and competitions with your posts so that you are giving something back to the customers every once in a while. Customers like to believe that you are thinking of them and value their loyalty.

Be active and engaging

Post interesting and valuable content regularly, and ensure you respond to comments and questions promptly.

You can never stand still as a business when social media is our promotional or trading platform. It is vital to have fresh content posted regularly to keep customers interested, whether or not you have a new product to promote or sell. If you lose those customers to another business's social media account that is more exciting and current, you may never get them back.

Let your pictures say a thousand words and add textual content to them that will excite the reader and entice them to know more about your product or service.

Be pro-active

If followers are not following you as a business, you can always contact a company that can find them for you. You can essentially buy follows and likes. It can take a long time for a business to build a following on Instagram, otherwise. Instagram is one of the big social media platforms and so where a lot of business is transacted or at least promoted.

By following these tips, you can encourage more customers to follow your business online and build stronger relationships with them.

Five Reasons Renting an Office is a Good Idea

Image Source: Pexels

One of the most creative and invigorating phases of your life comes from starting your own business. You are constantly in a deep state of learning, which means that when it comes to starting your own business you’re going to have to learn whether it’s right for you to rent an office. Developing your work processes, networking with potential links and partners, and even creating the right marketing campaign and social media on top of doing what it is you set out to do in the first place is hard.

What can often be harder is keeping optimum professionalism at all times. This is actually one of the keystones of a successful business. A lot of people who work for themselves work from home, and they don’t consider leasing a new office space. Being at home is cheaper, there are fewer overheads, and there is no commute – so it seems like an ideal option. However, we’ve got five reasons renting an office space is a much better idea.

You can give your life a little more balance. It’s very difficult to separate your work and your home life when they are existing in the same space. When you have your home and your office separate however, you can find better balance and do better for yourself because you’ll be able to be more present at work and will present at home. You don’t have to worry about blurred lines and that’s so important.

It’s a more professional environment. If you’re looking to show off a little bit to your clients or your customers, it’s always a better idea to have an office space to be able to retire to. You’ll find that your bookings increase as a result of having an office space, because people will be more open to visit you when they know you have somewhere to go. Nobody wants to have clients sitting around in the living room, right?

You’re going to sleep a lot better. Being able to get out of the house and come back home at regular times of the day will help your body to get into a good rhythm of knowing when to wake up and when to sleep. An internal timetable is one of the best things that you could have in your arsenal to be more rested, happier, and even feel like you are more productive.

You get more exercise. While you may not need to drive for your commute at home, you’ll spend less time going outside because you’re inside working and you’re inside your home. When you go to an office, you are more inclined to get your steps in, use the stairs, and even just move around on your lunch break. It’s much easier to hole up and be a hermit when you’re at home.

You can have the chance to socialize. This may horrify the introverts among you, but being in an office space with actual employees, can give you a chance to be more social. No matter what, your business is going to thrive when you have more people around you.

Small Businesses: Don't Take Shortcuts!

Photo by Andrea De Santis on Unsplash

There's an old saying that goes, "the bigger they are, the harder they fall." This is definitely true when it comes to businesses. As a small business owner, you can't take shortcuts if you want to be successful. You have to put in the time and effort to build a strong foundation that will support your company as it grows. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the common shortcuts small businesses take and why you should avoid them at all costs!

Don't Cut Corners on Marketing

One of the most common shortcuts small businesses take is cutting corners on marketing. They think they can save money by not investing in a professional marketing campaign or hiring an experienced marketing team. However, this is a huge mistake! A professional marketing team will be able to create a campaign that targets your ideal customer and helps you stand out from your competition. Investing in a good marketing team is one of the best things you can do for your small business. Without a strong marketing campaign, you'll have a hard time attracting customers and growing your business.

Marketing campaigns can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. You can start by doing some research online to find affordable options that will still get the job done. There are also several free or low-cost marketing tools and resources available online. So don't let the cost of marketing intimidate you—there are plenty of ways to get started without breaking the bank. The important thing is to make sure you're investing in a campaign that will reach your target customers and help you achieve your business goals.

Marketing is an essential part of any business, so don't take shortcuts when it comes to promoting your company. Instead, invest in a quality campaign and watch as your business grows!

Don't Skimp on Customer Service

Another common shortcut small businesses take is skimping on customer service. They think they can save money by not hiring enough customer service representatives or not providing adequate training. However, this is also a huge mistake! Your customer service team is the face of your company, and they play a vital role in creating a positive experience for your customers. However, if your team is not properly trained, they will not be able to resolve customer issues effectively. This can lead to frustrated customers who will take their business elsewhere.

It's essential to invest in a quality customer service team that can provide the best possible experience for your customers. This includes hiring enough representatives to handle the volume of calls you receive and providing adequate training. Don't take shortcuts when it comes to customer service—it's an essential part of any successful business!

Don't Neglect Your Business Plan

Another common shortcut small businesses take is neglecting their business plan. They think they can save time by not developing a comprehensive plan or by using a template instead of customizing one to fit their specific needs. However, this is also a huge mistake! Your business plan is your roadmap to success. It outlines your goals, strategies, and tactics for growing your business. Without a well-developed plan, it will be difficult to make informed decisions about where to allocate your resources.

Creating a custom business plan may seem like a daunting task, but there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. There are also many templates you can use as a starting point for your own plan. Don't try to shortcut the process of developing a business plan—it's an essential part of any successful company!

Don't Overlook the Importance of Branding

Another common shortcut small businesses take is overlooking the importance of branding. They think they can save money by not investing in a professional branding campaign or by using a generic logo and website template. However, this is also a huge mistake! Your brand is what sets you apart from your competition. It's how customers will remember you, and it will help you build trust with your target audience. Investing in a professional branding campaign will ensure that your brand is well-positioned in the market and that it resonates with your target customers.

A quality branding campaign will include elements such as a custom logo, website design, and consistent messaging across all marketing channels. This will create a cohesive and professional image for your company. Don't try to save money by skimping on branding—it's an essential part of any successful business!

Don't Underestimate the Power of SEO

Another common shortcut small businesses take is underestimating the power of SEO. They think they can save money by not investing in a quality SEO campaign or by using black-hat techniques that will get them banned from Google. However, this is also a huge mistake! SEO is one of the most important aspects of any online marketing campaign. It helps you improve your visibility in search engines and attract more qualified leads to your website. Without a strong SEO foundation, your other marketing efforts will be for nothing.

Investing in a quality SEO campaign includes things like keyword research, link building, and content creation. These are all essential components of an effective SEO strategy. If you try to shortcut the process, you will not see the same results. Don't try to save money by cutting corners on SEO—it's an essential part of any successful online marketing campaign!

Don't Forget About Social Media

Another common shortcut small businesses make is forgetting about social media. They think they can save time by not creating or maintaining a social media presence. However, this is also a huge mistake! Social media is one of the most powerful marketing tools available to small businesses. It allows you to reach a wider audience, build relationships with potential and current customers, and create a more personal brand.

Not having a social media presence is like leaving money on the table—you're missing out on a valuable opportunity to connect with your target market. Make sure you allocate enough time and resources to creating and maintaining an active social media presence for your business. Don't try to save time by skipping social media—it's an essential part of any successful marketing strategy!

Don't Be Vague with Responsibilities

Another common shortcut small businesses take is being vague with responsibilities. They think they can save time by not clearly defining roles and responsibilities within the company. However, this is also a huge mistake! When everyone in the company is responsible for everything, no one is truly accountable. This can lead to confusion and frustration among employees, and it can ultimately hurt your bottom line. Instead, make sure you take the time to clearly define roles and responsibilities within your organization. Doing so will help everyone understand their role in meeting the company's goals. For example, if you are in the logistics industry, you need to clearly define all the fleet management responsibilities. Don't try to save time by being vague with responsibilities—it's an essential part of any successful business!

Don't Try to Do Everything Yourself

Another common shortcut small businesses take is trying to do everything themselves. They think they can save money by not hiring employees or outsourcing tasks. However, this is also a huge mistake! You can't be an expert at everything, and you can't do everything yourself. Trying to do so will only lead to burnout and poor-quality work. Instead, focus on your core competencies and hire employees or outsource tasks to other professionals who can help you meet your goals. Don't try to save money by doing everything yourself—it's an essential part of any successful business!

By following these tips, you can avoid the common shortcuts that small businesses take. By taking the time to do things right from the start, you will set yourself up for success in the long run!