Mohit Tater's Blog, page 534

Train Your Agents to Be Real and Create an Authentic Relationship With the Customer

Having a customer support live chat is a great thing. It can mean that the customers stick around and stay with you for years because their problems are being heard and they are finding solutions.

Making a relationship with your customer is one of the most important things to retain that relationship and earn the trust and loyalty of your customer. That aim should extend to your live chat feature as well. Treat your customer support as a consulting business because you are solving issues and helping your customers.

Here’s one of the main things that should be kept in mind when designing the responses, even the automated ones.

Be Real and Authentic

This may sound too obvious as a live chat tip for delivering better customer support, but if you’re not mindful, you can quickly come off as distant and robotic. 

After all, many people are still getting used to text-based interactions with reps and have a hard time depicting a cheerful tone. We all know that it is very easy to misunderstand the tone of a text message easily, the tone is often lost in interpretation.

The good news is that you can train your agents on what sort of voice and tone to use. For instance, if you are a company that sells geek-themed merchandise, you might want your live chat team to use a more colloquial voice than if you were selling bakery items.

Besides that, you can use advanced chat features, agent names, emoticons, and images so that your live chat support team can start building rapport as soon as the interaction begins. This also makes people more comfortable because they think they are having an interaction with someone they know, this makes the experience more pleasant for them.

It is equally as important for your customers to know you as it is for you to know them, so do whatever you can to be more ‘human’ over live chat. When customers get great customer support, they are bound to come back. They make more of a connection to a business than a product. If you have a good rapport with your customers, then even if something goes wrong, loyal customers will understand and stick by you.

Empower Your Agents

Today’s consumers have busy lives and would rather not spend an extraordinary amount of time trying to get their matters resolved. Hence, it’s crucial for live chat agents to provide solid resolutions during the initial interaction. 

If a customer is forced to make multiple attempts to get his/her issue resolved, your customer support team may lose credibility which can impact your reputation and long-term revenue.

Make sure live chat reps have the proper tools to offer first chat resolution. This can be done by providing comprehensive knowledge training to ensure that they’re competent enough to address customers’ pain points.

Another thing you can do is make a knowledge base for quick retrieval of possible solutions. Because some customers prefer self-service, agents may be able to point them towards the knowledge base for possible resolution without additional guidance.

As customers go through the knowledge base content to self-service, agents are free to accept other live chat requests. Agility is what can be achieved through this and it saves time for both the customer and your live chat support team.

Final Thoughts

Your aim should be to make the experience as easy and worthy as possible. When the customer feels like they are making some headway, they won’t mind spending hours, but if they feel like they are not being heard, then even a delay of few minutes can mean losing that particular customer.

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Best 5 VPN for Your Gaming Experience

While gaming offers unlimited fun, you must take extra care as a new or a seasoned player. There are many threats facing gamers ranging from virtual attacks, ISP throttling, breach of data to DDoS attacks. These threats are widespread and using a VPN is one of the best preventive measures to keep your gaming activities safe. Therefore, understanding why you should use private proxies and how important they enhance your safety throughout your gaming moments is vital. It also allows for uninterrupted gaming. Here are the best 5 VPN for your gaming experience.   

1. NordVPN 

NordVPN is a powerful VPN and an excellent choice for all gamers. Its flexibility level is unrivalled. It comes with a global server network that allows for limitless access on over 5, 000 servers. The VPN is available in 61 countries therefore, it is easy to connect to the VPN from anywhere or in any location. 

NordVPN is also fast. You do not have to worry about slow connectivity as you play. With an enhanced connection for quality, the VPN delivers excellent results. 

When it comes to security, NordVPN comes with excellent security features. You will enjoy a gaming experience free of script kiddies, DDoS attacks or any other interruption caused by different security threats. 

NordVPN is highly compatible with different gaming devices including Wi-Fi routers, PC, Linux and Mac among others. It can unblock Amazon prime video, Sling TV, Netflix and Hulu. Furthermore, it efficiently supports torrenting. Therefore, if you want a VPN that gives you excellent security, swift connections and a variety of servers, this is the best to settle for.

2. Express VPN 

Express VPN is an incredible gaming VPN. It is the fastest and it allows for easy and quick connections when gaming. Remember, a fast connection is crucial when gaming as it makes a difference between a loss and a win. With over 3, 000 servers in more than 90 locations, Express VPN offers secure connections across the globe. The split tunnelling feature is designed to provide extra protection with high traffic. As such, you can enjoy quality gaming experience without worrying over lag. 

With its advanced security features, it can be used efficiently on different devices including Wi-Fi routers, play station, Linux, Mac and PC. It can unblock HBO, Netflix, Amazon Prime video and it supports torrenting. 

3. Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN is a budget-friendly VPN that comes with an array of user-friendly applications. This is why it is ideal for streaming, browsing and unlimited gaming. With high-speed servers across 50 countries, you can access fast connection even on the move without lag or buffering. With the VPN you can enjoy quality connections and safe gaming. The VPN is compatible with different devices including smartphones, PC, Chromebook, smartphones and Mac among others. 

Surfshark unblocks Amazon prime video, CBS, ESPN, Hulu and Netflix. 

4. CyberGhost 

CyberGhost is an exceptional VPN with unique encryption. With a streamlined simple interface, the VPN has an incredible server roster of over 6, 000. It is an option that is optimized for quality performance when playing or browsing. Cyberghost is further designed to provide top-notch security and high speed on your connections. This includes DNS and IP leak protection. As such, you can enjoy quality gaming without the risk of possible security threats. 

The VPN can be used when gaming on different devices, including Mac, PC, Wi-Fi routers, Chromebook and smartphones. It can unblock servers optimized for BBC iPlayer’s, Sky Go, Eurosport, ESPN and Netflix. 

5. Private Internet Access VPN 

Private internet access VPN is a highly versatile VPN that offers enhanced privacy and secure access. It is ideal if you are on a budget, easy to install and configure. Like most gaming VPNs, it is available in many countries therefore, you can access it in different locations. With a huge server network, it is an incredible VPN that allows for plug and play kind of gaming. Using the VPN is easy as it takes a few seconds to configure it. 

The VPN is also very consistent in offering security and connectivity even with intense gaming experience. You can use the VPN with different gaming devices including Wi-Fi routers, smartphones, Linux, Mac and PC. Therefore, if you want a reliable VPN, this is the best to settle. It protects you against DDoS attacks, prevents throttling and a VPN that’s getting better with every distant connection.   

With these best gaming VPNs, you can always take a closer look at each and find what suits your gaming needs best for an incredible gaming experience.

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5 Things to Look for in a Company Car

Finding your first company vehicle can be a big deal. Compared to your regular vehicle, your company car needs to exhibit a higher level of functionality, practicality and presentation. It needs to make an impression without necessarily being flashy (the reason you don’t see many real estate agents pulling up to an open house in a red Ferrari).

It is going to take some research. Finding a great car is one thing, but it also needs to be the right car for you, the driver, and that search can take some time and test-driving. You can, however, start your search by considering five basic areas of importance: budget, presentation, financing option, efficiency and safety. 

Here are those five options in greater detail. 

Price

Budget is obviously a primary concern when considering vehicles. Break your budget down into a comfortable, reasonable monthly expenditure – that’s where your search starts. You start here because budget is often the one totally immovable factor in finding a company car; it, therefore, provides the perfect constraint on which you can narrow your field of search.  

To get the best possible price, look for used cars rather than new. New cars lose a lot of money to depreciation in the first few years, which isn’t a cost you really want to swallow. Finding a used car that is only a few years old is the perfect nexus between affordability and presentation. 

Presentation 

Put it this way: you don’t want to drive up to a meeting in a clunker. It sends the wrong message to clients, colleagues and customers. To a certain extent, you have to consider the importance of presentation when researching vehicles. This doesn’t necessarily have to conflict with budget; a used luxury car on lease (more on that below) can be quite affordable. 

Lease Options

There are two mains reasons why so many companies turn to business car leasing and financing options when searching for a company vehicle: cash flow and tax advantages. Commercial vehicle leasing comes at a much lower monthly cost than purchase financing, meaning that companies can easily incorporate the vehicle in their monthly operating costs, freeing up credit and cash flow for better things. And the tax advantages are superior – you can deduct the amount you use it for business.

Fuel Economy

Put simply, you probably don’t want a gas-guzzler (unless of course, your company requires a heavy duty truck, in which case high gas prices may be unavoidable.) Before you sign the commercial lease for a vehicle, check out its mileage. 

Safety

Finally, as with any vehicle private or commercial, safety is a key consideration. When shopping for used cars to lease, ensure you go to a credible, well-respected dealership that offers detailed, transparent vehicle history reports, including the work that’s been done on the car. Research the model’s safety rating in advance and test drive the vehicle to make certain you are comfortable driving it.

Your next company car should be impressive, economical and safe. It might take some searching, but with the above criteria in mind, you should easily land your perfect commercial vehicle. 

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Starting on a shoestring: How to get your Business of the ground with little capital

As the media keep telling us, more and more people are taking the plunge to start their own business. While we don’t have any definitive reasons why this happening, there’s a small chance that the internet is a big incentive. In some ways, it’s an open door to riches.

Of course, for every story of an entrepreneur starting with basically nothing and becoming a millionaire, there are countless others of the opposite occurring.

There’s no doubt that starting out with a small budget is difficult but armed with the correct knowledge, it can be done. Through today’s guide we will now take a look at some of the most useful tips that can help you along.

Try and adopt the DIY approach whenever possible

Like it not, you’re going to need to try your hand at anything and everything as you bid to get your budget business of the ground.

For example, let’s take your taxes. Some businesses will immediately outsource this job to an accountant, even though there is plenty of tax software which allow you to do it yourself.

The same rules can even apply with the likes of web design, which has now become easier than ever before through the numerous platforms that exist.

In short, you will have to get your hands dirty, even if this isn’t the most ideal solution to begin with.

Forget the office option

While an office will be a necessity in some industries, in others it is a pure luxury. You don’t need it – and it’s a fixed cost that is going to make your life much more difficult during the early days.

One of the biggest mistakes we see amongst new entrepreneurs is when they splash a huge amount of money on an oversized and glamorous office. Sure, it’s great for your ego, but it’s a huge expense that doesn’t fit with the premise of starting out on a budget.

The same rules apply with employees

Again, making your first hire can be something of an ego boost and suggest to others that “you’ve made it”.

Unfortunately, this is another example of an unnecessary financial commitment.

Sure, you might need an extra pair of hands, but a permanent employee isn’t necessarily the answer. Instead, consider freelancers, or even virtual assistants. Particularly with the internet, both of these are really easy to find and come at a reduced cost.

Plan your marketing strategically

There are areas that you might have to invest in, and marketing falls into this category. After all, you need to get customers through the door in the first place.

However, some forms of marketing can be expensive and a result, utterly pointless for some businesses. PPC can fall into this category and you might find yourself paying through the nose for clicks to your website.Instead, turn to cheaper marketing channels. SEO falls into this category while if you can build an email list, this is also a really efficient channel.

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Environmentalist Brad Fauteux Talks Value of Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Bradley Fauteux
is an environmental advocate with over 16 years of experience in conservation work. 
He served as
the Managing Director of Ontario Parks and the Ministry of Natural Resources,
and has worked with more than 300 distinct intergovernmental, community,
Indigenous and private sector partners. We recently spoke with Brad Fauteux
about how sustainability can be integrated with entrepreneurship and in the
process, gained guidance on how business leaders can succeed in developing
opportunities that create economic, ecological, and social value.

Q: What in your view is sustainable entrepreneurship?
Can you give us an example?

Brad Fauteux: Sure, to put it simply, sustainable entrepreneurship
focuses on solving social and environmental problems.  Entrepreneurs who work in the area of
sustainability often have innovative business ideas and are prepared to develop
their ideas into new markets that generate income to benefit society as a
whole.  They are also major contributors
in developing a greener economy.  A good
example of a sustainable business model is that of clothing company
Patagonia.  Patagonia markets sustainable
outdoor clothing and apparel and has held ethical and environmental issues
close to its core since its inception in the 1970s.

Q: Why do you think incorporating sustainable
practices is an appealing opportunity for entrepreneurs today?

Brad Fauteux: Being eco-conscious is simply good business practice,
and also makes customers feel like they’re part of a bigger picture by
supporting sustainable practices.  Most
people think that going green is expensive, but that point of view is quickly
becoming archaic.  Becoming more energy
efficient or using recyclable materials can actually lead to more business;
that’s because an increasing amount of people are looking to support companies
that are more environmentally responsible. 

Q: Do you have any advice for
entrepreneurs who want to create an eco-friendly business?

Brad Fauteux: There are many steps entrepreneurs can take to create an eco-friendly
businesse. A good starting point is to connect with other businesses that have
already shown a commitment to being environmentally forward-thinking. These
vendors can become your partners in going green.  Things like using sustainable packaging,
digital record keeping, using solar panels to generate energy, buying local and
using renewable resources are also ways to reduce your business’ carbon
footprint and promote sustainability. 

Q:  Some would argue
the future of sustainability is in the hands of entrepreneurs.  Why do we need more entrepreneurs in this space?

Brad Fauteux: Unlike many traditional corporations who are oftentimes focused on
pleasing their shareholders, I think entrepreneurs are more inclined to implement measures that support sustainability practices.   Oftentimes, they want to be recognized for leaving a legacy, connecting to businesses with purpose, and leading organizations through inspiration.  It’s often as
much about leading by example and motivating others to take action than as
turning a profit. 

Q: What are some simple ways for existing businesses to
minimize environmental impact as part of their core practices?

Brad Fauteux:  They could hire someone, a
sustainability ambassador of sorts, to take charge of implementing best
environmental practices.  If that’s not
financially feasible, an employee or team leader can challenge their coworkers
to a “plastic-free” work zone aiming to minimize or eradicate the use of
plastic water bottles.  Restaurant owners
can trade in their styrofoam to-go containers for recyclable paper boxes and
eliminate plastic straws.  I recently
went to a coffee shop that offered Mason jars as returnable coffee cups. Even simple measures can be the kickstart to making green
initiatives a part of the fabric of your business. 

The post Environmentalist Brad Fauteux Talks Value of Sustainable Entrepreneurship appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.

Kevin Hobbs Vanbex Group CEO and Vancouver Business Leader on Growing Your Company

As CEO of Vanbex Group & Vanbex Labs, a blockchain firm, Kevin Hobbs is responsible for
overseeing operations and providing vision and leadership for the Vanbex Group
of companies. A cryptocurrency and blockchain technology industry veteran, he joined
the company just five years ago and, since then, has led the company as it’s
evolved from a three-person team to a full blockchain laboratory with more than
65 employees.



Since Lisa Cheng founded Vanbex in 2013, the company has been developing
emerging technologies for a rapidly changing world, supervising future growth
and strategic response to continual demand for the organization’s services,
while also overseeing client and project management, administration and human
capital. Vanbex also builds products for other
companies focused on growth in the space, so that they could add them to their
offerings and continue to grow and build them out to solve industry problems.

We asked him how he’s been able to grow Vanbex Group so quickly, and
what advice he would give to other business leaders.

In just five years you grew
Vanbex Group from a small business into a large player in the blockchain
industry. How did you lead such a dramatic change?

Kevin Hobbs: Lisa Cheng hired me as CEO in 2015, two years
after she launched Vanbex. Blockchain technology was still new, and in many
ways its potential was still being figured out. Wanting Vanbex to be a leader
in this space, I did everything I could to connect with companies that wanted
to get involved in the blockchain and crypto world. Our solutions are
distinctive; we help companies in the blockchain space grow by providing them
with branding, communications, strategy, and other services. Combining our
comprehensive menu of capabilities and proven expertise, we have been able to
grow Vanbex into one of the largest companies of its type in North America.

What are the components that
you believe must be in place for a company to be growth-focused?

Kevin Hobbs: First and foremost, as a leader, you need to have
people in the company who are as committed to the organizational goals as you
are. We’re fortunate to work with employees who get up in the morning excited
about blockchain. We all ask ourselves, “What can we accomplish today?”



Also, a growth-focused leader needs to have a strong vision. Although
blockchain has been around for several years now, we still haven’t even
scratched the surface of what’s possible with it. So we work together everyday
to provide excellent service to our clients, while also trying to figure out
what we can do next that uses this technology.

Finally, a leader needs to be able to handle a
degree of risk. Technology is always in danger of being replaced by something
newer. But if you have faith in your vision and projections that support the
things you want to do next, you have to be the one who leads everyone in taking
the next step.

What role do people
management skills play in helping a leader grow a company?

Kevin Hobbs: They’re extremely important. As a leader you need to treat your
employees well because they’re giving you their time, intelligence, ideas,
skills, talents, and sweat equity. Let them know you appreciate the work
they’re doing and how valuable they are to the company. Celebrate successes
together. Keep morale high. You also want to be a good communicator, telling
them, specifically, what the company’s goals are and how they’re expected to
play key roles. You need to be tactful, too. I love when my employees bring
questions and new ideas to me.

With all the attention given
today to blockchain and cryptocurrency, is it possible to get too big? For
example, can you get overwhelmed?

Kevin Hobbs: It’s possible, but not likely in our space. We plan very thoroughly and
anticipate the growth we experience. We’re ready for it and welcome it. Now,
for that to happen you have to have the infrastructure and people capital in
place. This is why long-range planning is so important. Where are we today and
where do we want to be five years from now?

The post Kevin Hobbs Vanbex Group CEO and Vancouver Business Leader on Growing Your Company appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.

How to Make a Career Change

If you are feeling unfulfilled at your current job, you might start finding your day to day work life becomes boredom and taking coffee and even more boredom, and this leaves you exhausted. The desire of being part of a great thing is natural, and your career doesn’t mean a fixed path.

Here are some tips that will help you if you want to change your career. You need to start making the changes and wisely using your time so you can find a job with the skills you currently have.

Is it time to change your career?

If you don’t feel like you love the work you are doing, it could be a sign that you need to change your career. You should take time to make this decision and see how it is going to affect you and your family, and preparing to make the transition smooth. Some of the questions to ask yourself include:

Does the company I currently work for have other positions that I would enjoy working in? Is the position obtainable?Do I stand to lose more than I gain if I decide to stay or leave? Is my family able to hand the changes?What job do I really want? (There is no need to quit your job before you have an idea of what next in your career)What are some of the jobs in the market? And can I access them?



Do I have the skills needed to switch careers?

It is hard to switch careers, but the main question is usually “Do I have the ability to perform the job?” You might notice that the skills needed for the new job are different from the ones in your current job. Both office managers and receptionists share the same traits and skills. Some of the tasks they do include coordinating office affairs, optimizing work schedules, and communicating with clients. If they want to switch to executive assistance, they will need to have more operational skills. Some indications are going to help you in determining whether the skills fit the career change you are planning to do in the future;

Are the skills soft or hard?Can the skill be used in another job?What is the difference between my current position and the new position?



Look for a career coach

Career coaches have trained and are experts in almost all career choices. They will help in guiding job seekers with career information that will help in choosing a new career path, understanding the change, and some good alternatives. A career coach can see things in a way that you might not see. Career coaches have insider knowledge on the skills needed, the credentials companies are looking for, and the etiquette when quitting the job. If you are considering getting a career coach, then the three recommendations are;

Choose a career coach who has four or more years of experience in the industry you are looking to get into.

Ask people around you the experience they have had with career coaches and also their recommendation.

Asking the local employment agency or college for advice. There is a good chance they have worked with many career coaches over the years and can provide some recommendations.

Using online career tools when figuring out your interests

You have decided to change your career, but you are still having a hard time finding a solution. Online tools can help because they will help you determine your likes, dislikes, pros, and cons. There are career inventory tests you can take either with a local job agency or online. The tests are going to use your interests, hobbies, and skills to find a good match. Other tests that you can take include practice scenarios and skills assessments. Depending on your situation, you can use Google to determine the bet test for you.

The final decision

Even if you had a thousand tools, they are not going to help you in making the final decision on whether to leave or stay. This is one of those decisions you have to make for yourself. When you have made the decision, make your CV stand out, this document can make or break your career. Take time and have a look at the pros and cons of staying and comparing them to the pros and cons of leaving. Below is a career change advice exercise that will go a long way in helping you determine the best option for you:

Get a piece of paperHave four vertical sections on the paperThe first two sections will be for the pros and cons of staying, label themDo the same thing for the remaining two sections so they become the pros and cons of stayingFill the list then go through it with a career counsellor or friend.

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5 Things You Should Know About Video Slots

For many people, reel machines and video slots are the same thing but this is far from the truth. Yes, you might use either machine to gamble but that’s where the similarities end.

In reality, each of these variations provide a different game experience and the extent of these differences will depend on the personal preference of the player.

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But what does this actually mean?

Well, it means that modern “slot machines” come in all shapes and sizes. Most notably, players can now access these machines online which removes any need to visit an actual casino. In some cases, video slots are live, while others feature a storyline that helps drive the narrative of each game.

What’s more, the colorful and fun nature of these games have helped video slots games become one of the most popular games in online casinos. In fact, according to Lucian Marinescu of Online Casino Gems, this is really what sets video slots apart from traditional coin slots:

“It’s only when you start playing video slots that you realize how incredibly fun and exciting they can be. Many players even attribute their love for these video slots to the vibrant graphics and imagery that you simply will not find on any slot machine in the casino.”

It’s true, the gaming experience is quite different but many aspects or fundamentals of these games remain the same. In case you might not know, a random number generator picks a number sequence while the reels are spinning and this determines the outcome or payout for the game. And with more than 61% of online casino revenue coming from slots game according to GamblersDigest, it’s no wonder that slots games, and video slots in particular are becoming more and more popular over time. 

Anyway, here are five things that you should also know about video slots:

1. Understand this Useful Terminology for Video Slots

Pay Table – You will most often find the pay table at the top of your screen. Either way, this shows all the information in terms of rules, jackpots and payouts. You must read this section before getting started with any video slot.

Bet – As you might expect, this button will allow you to choose an amount and place a bet. As there are no coins involved, you will use “credits” and decide the number of paylines that you wish to bet.

Spin – Instead of pulling a lever, you press the spin button on a video slot. At this point, the reels will activate and you can win the jackpot by pressing this spin button at a very specific time.

 Spin Button – Traditional slot machines have levers. Today, those levers are purely for show, and instead of pulling a bar, you push the spin button to activate the reels. Win the jackpot by hitting the spin button at the precise millisecond!

Cash Out – Also known as a cash tray, you can click this button to collect your winnings. In other words, when you win on a video slot, this is where you will also find your total winnings. 

If you want to learn more about video slot games, you can learn from the pros. Check out this article summarizing the main tips from Brian Cristopher, widely considered one of the most prolific slots game players.

2. Play Within Your Means and Budget

Using video slots with credits or virtual money can sometimes feel like you are playing with fake money. It sounds rather silly but this is also rather true. Regardless, you should always protect your finances and play within your budget when it comes to video slots. For example, you might want to lower your bet on occasion and even stop playing when you reach a specified limit.

As a rule, it’s often a good strategy to have enough to cover 200 bets which should give you a pretty decent chance of lasting several hours. Also, try to pick video slots in which you will not lose half of our betting amount within just the first few minutes. Further, remember that slot machines don’t care about your feelings so never risk what you cannot afford and be willing to walk away when things don’t go to plan.

3. 5-Reel Video Slots Versus 3-Reel Slot Machines

Many players are only familiar with 3-reel slots but over time, 5-reel slots have become increasingly popular. But why might you want to know about this?

5-reel slots give you a better chance of winning. You see, there are more combinations on a 5-reel slot machine and more chances of a payout. For this reason, you can potentially win after a much shorter run and receive more free spins or bonuses as the game goes on. 

As for the appearance, these bigger video slots look better and make for a much more exciting game but then you will only believe this to be true when you try them out for yourself.

4. Online Casinos and Video Slots are Not Fixed Against Players

For many years, online users avoided video slots as they simply did not trust computers. More specifically, they feared that these computers were “rigged” or fixed in such a way that the player would lose. However, random number generators ensure there is no repeating patterns in the games and the changes of winning are precisely the same as you will find in a conventional casino.

And think about it:

Why would online casinos be so popular if players were not winning on these video slots? For example, Slots.lv is a popular online destination which, according to Weekly Slots News, offers hundreds of online promotions and slots games for the gambler who doesn’t want to leave the comfort of their home. Like them, there are literally hundreds of other online platforms which offer similar promotions for slots games alone.

As with most games at the casino, players indulge in a game of chance and one that provides much the same return on investment as they might experience at a real casino.

5. Choose a Trusted Online Casino Video Slots

Many myths surround the convention slot machine but Lucian Marinescu of Online Casino Gems is also quick to clear up some of these myths and help players understand what they need to know.

“People like to move around between machines at the casino but contrary to popular belief, slot machines are never “due” a win. It’s the same online and no amount of starting over on a different machine or game will help your chances of winning. Of course, it’s important to pick a trusted online casino for video slots but no amount of myths will help you make the most of your money.”

Moral of the story: If your objective is to win, just choose a trusted casino and stick with the game plan.

Now, is there anything else you would like to know about video slots?

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5 Ways to Finance the Growth of Your Ecommerce Business

Ecommerce has taken over the global market, and new businesses are started all the time. The internet has provided us with the right tools to expand our businesses further than we had thought. Time and distance have become irrelevant, and we can get our goods or services all over the world. But just like any other type of company, your online business also needs funding, both to start it and to develop. This is a short guide to help you understand the best 5 ways to finance the growth of your e-commerce business. 

#1 – Bank Loan

This is one of the most traditional ways to get funding. There are many banks to choose from and many options when it comes to the type of loan. However, a bank loan is not that easy to get. All banks have strict requirements. Not only will you have to provide them with a lot of documents, but there are also many additional costs attached. You need to prepare yourself for every fee and make sure you qualify. And let’s not forget the interest, which is usually pretty high, and the fact that most banks ask for collateral.

#2 – Online Lender

If bank loans are out of your reach, online lenders may be the solution you need. The advantage is that everything moves faster, and it’s a lot easier than dealing with the bank. You won’t need as much documentation, and your loan will be approved quickly. Not to mention the costs will be lower, and no collateral is required. If you want to get a sense of what it means to get a small business loan for your company, BizFly Funding is a great option. Take a look at the multiple types of loans and credit products. Or you can even get a free same-day quote. There are many lenders to choose from, just do your research and make sure you are dealing with a serious one.

#3 – Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a way of raising the money to fund your business online. Basically, you will be asking a large number of people to donate or invest in your business. There are many platforms, like Kickstarter or GoFundMe that can help you do that. There is also a lot of information available online on this type of funding, as well as other options for funding your business. And it’s a good idea to go through it carefully because crowdfunding can be risky. And before you try it, keep in mind that you will be subjecting yourself to public scrutiny and may be facing rejection. And even if you are accepted, you will have a lot of competition to deal with.

#4 – Home Equity Loan

This type of loan is basically a mortgage, so it’s a bit more complicated and riskier. And you should only take it into consideration if you are a homeowner and have more than 50% of your home’s value as equity. You also need to have a good credit rating to qualify. Your payment history will be closely analyzed. Just like in the case of a normal mortgage, you will have to regularly make fixed payments to cover both the principal and the interest. But the most important aspect is that you will be using your home as collateral, so make sure you really want to take that risk. That doesn’t mean you are not a responsible borrower. But any business has its risks, and there really is no guarantee you will do great in no time. So, risking your home to get funds is a decision you shouldn’t make without seriously considering all other options.

#5 – Family and Friends

When you first started your online business, you have most likely used your personal savings. That’s what people usually do, provided, of course, you have those savings in the first place. That is the ideal solution because you won’t be in anyone’s debt, and you don’t have to pay any interest. But after getting your business started, you may come to the conclusion you need more money to keep it growing. They say, “you need money to make money” for a reason. And there are situations when a bank credit or any other type of official loan is out of your reach. 

The only thing to do then is to reach out to your family and friends. The advantage is they usually don’t ask for interest. But there is also a downside. They may feel entitled to keep offering their insight on how to run your business, whether you want it or not. And the most important aspect is that if you fail to pay them back in time you risk damaging your relationship with people close to you. It’s not always a good idea to involve your close ones in your business. 

Tricky Business

Taking your business online definitely has its benefits. You won’t be paying rent like a regular store, you can work at your own pace and have more freedom as well as a huge market. But you also have to adapt to the rules of e-commerce and keep informed on the steps you need to take to be successful. Marketing is crucial, so do your research and discover the best ways to promote your store. But nothing is possible without funding. So, you need a realistic assessment of your situation and your plans. And after carefully considering all the available options, choose the one that best fits your needs and turn your e-commerce business into a success story.

The post 5 Ways to Finance the Growth of Your Ecommerce Business appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.

5 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

Why Should I Care About My Credit Score?

If you are reading this, you probably already know how important good credit is. But for those of you who are wondering, what’s the big deal? Here’s why you should be concerned about your score.

All lenders base their offer to you on your credit score, among other things such as your income and other expenses. Credit card companies, auto lenders, mortgage lenders… they all take your credit score into consideration when you apply. Those of us who have a higher score will get credit offers with a lower interest rate because we are perceived as lower-risk of default (non-payment). Those of us with lower scores can still get credit and loans, however, at a higher interest rate, because we have defaulted or paid late in the past and are perceived as higher-risk.

The upshot is, borrowing money is more expensive the lower your credit score is. It’s a catch-22 – those of us who are less likely to be able to afford to pay a higher interest rate must, and therefore are more likely to pay late or not at all because it’s unaffordable.

Do what you can to preserve and improve your credit score – it will literally pay off for you.  Here are five easy tips.

Pay All Monthly Bills In Full and On Time

This is so important – it is number one for a reason. 

Paying all bills in full and on time is the most effective way to improve your credit score.  If you’ve had any late payments, you probably have already seen that they are recorded on your credit report and your score suffers as a result. 

If it is difficult to pay a certain bill in full or on time, contact that entity. If it is the electric or gas company, you will likely be offered a payment plan or a change of due date.  If it is your credit card company, you might get one monthly payment waived – but take care with this, interest accrues in the meantime! If it is a service provider, like your family doctor, call the office and ask for a payment plan. 

No matter who your creditor is, the only thing they want from you is to get paid. It is likely they will work with you if you are honest about your struggle and your desire to make good, even if it has to be over time. If you don’t ask, you don’t get! Don’t let pride ruin your credit score.

Pay Off Your Credit Cards

Credit card debt is the most expensive loan you’ll ever take out, and it can easily get overwhelming and unmanageable if you only pay the minimum payment each month. This is because the interest rate on credit cards can range from 12% to 22%, or even more. 

Conventional wisdom dictates that to start paying off your credit card debt, pay the most you can to the one with the highest interest rate and the monthly minimum on the others. When that first card is paid off, pay off the card with the next-highest interest rate, and so on. This process will take some time, however, imagine how great it will feel to be free of credit card debt!

If you have a large amount of credit card debt and know that you don’t have enough income to pay it off and pay your monthly fixed expenses, consider contacting a bankruptcy and debt relief attorney to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options.  

Maintain an Emergency Fund

If you have six month’s worth of expenses in reserve, you should be able to weather most financial calamities, like unexpected medical expenses or car or home repairs. Some financial experts say that your emergency fund should be as much as nine or 12 months!

However much you decide you are comfortable with having in reserve, start saving by putting aside 10% of your income until you have that amount. So, if you make $500/week, you’ll put $50 of that aside for your emergency fund. That might seem painful, but actually, it’s going out to eat one less time each week, or maybe turning the thermostat down in the winter and up in the summer to save on heat and air conditioning, or perhaps cutting back on your cell plan or cable package.

A small cut to discretionary spending will get you there and it will feel so worth it when that first emergency occurs – because you know it will! –  and you have the funds to deal with it, without relying on credit cards.

Perform Regular Maintenance on Home, Automobiles – and Yourself and Family Members! 

Okay, that was meant to be funny. But seriously, everything needs regular care to stay in good shape. For your home systems, your car, and you and your family, if you don’t invest in regular maintenance it will cost a lot more if something breaks!

Your heat, AC, and appliances will have owner’s manuals that recommend what regular service needs to be performed, and how often. If you do not have that regular service done you are in for a big repair down the line, when something breaks or fails.  And who wants to be without hot water or heat? A small expense now saves you big money and inconvenience later.

Your car requires regular oil changes as well as regular maintenance. Keep on top of this because the last thing you need is your car failing to start one day and you can’t get to work or are stranded somewhere. Again, the relatively small expense of maintaining your car will save you money down the road.

You and your family must each meet with your doctor and dentist for regular check-ups. Why? Because this way you are each screened for problems that you might not be aware of – things like an infected tooth, high blood pressure or cholesterol, or any other hidden condition that, if not treated, can turn serious – and costly! 

Budget for Fun

Don’t be so strict with your finances that you neglect to have fun. If you are working hard to stay on top of your bills, pay down your debt, and create or maintain your emergency fund, you should not feel guilty about putting a small amount aside for fun for you and your family. It does not have to be something expensive, but a weekly movie night on the couch together, a picnic, a day at the aquarium or museum… these improve your family connections and quality of life. Isn’t that why we work and save?

About the author:

Veronica Baxter is a legal assistant and blogger in the Philadelphia area. She works frequently with David M. Offen, Esq., a busy bankruptcy lawyer in Philadelphia.

The post 5 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.