Mohit Tater's Blog, page 701

Planning a Product Launch: Your ‘How To’ Guide to Success

Credit: CeBIT Australia

You can have the best idea in the world, with the potential to become extremely successful and earn billions of pounds, but without a strong product launch, you’re not guaranteed to have any success. Approximately 75% of consumer packaged goods and retail products do not even reach a £4.5 million profit in their first year. Research shows that an average family will not stray from their favourite products by specific brands for 85% of household items, illustrating just how hard it is for new products to break the market.

There are some important do’s and don’ts that are vital when it comes to planning a product launch and we thought we would share them with you here.

1. Do Not Launch Until Completely Ready

If your product has not been refined and tested until every fault has been found, you could find yourself with a great product launch ruined by bad reviews exclaiming the flaws of your brand new product. With the presence of social media growing constantly, this piece of advice is even more important than a few years ago. People can publicly shame your name and completely ruin a product launch, not to mention that fact that your product may not function to the standard you wanted it to.

It is worth delaying your launch if you need to, making sure that both you and your product are ready to make an impression that you will be proud of. In 2007, Microsoft launched Windows Vista, and with a $500 million budget for marketing, the world was ready for a big step in technological advancement. Unfortunately, due to a launch before the product was entirely ready, Vista’s poor performance caused many customers to stop using Microsoft altogether. If this can happen to Microsoft, it definitely can happen to you.

2. Make Sure Your Product is Easily Understandable

If your product does not have a clear specification, or a marketing campaign that simply outlines its main functions and uses, it may become unclear as to exactly what your product can be used for. Be careful with your marketing, advertising, and product specifications as small things such as images, celebrities on adverts, or a confusing design, can prevent a successful product launch. You want your customers to see an advert, or hear the product name and know what it is for, otherwise people will avoid making the effort to try and figure it out.

3. Invite the Right People and Use the Right Venue

Make sure you carry out your market research in the most efficient way so you know exactly who your target audience is and who is most likely to buy your product. With the relevant companies and representatives at your product launch, you are more likely to get great reviews and an accurate idea if how successful your product will be.

Choosing the right venue is also important, as everything about your launch will represent your product. Companies such as Bruntingthorpe Events offer a variety of venue options for different atmospheres depending on individual products. Make sure you tailor your theme, venue and presentation to the product at hand. For a more extensive guide on executing the perfect product launch and the details needed to make the night truly impress, Evolve Communications have put together a whitepaper.

4. Be Prepared for Success

The most important step to creating a great product launch is preparing for the success that you will experience when the product becomes popular. Make it one of your priorities to schedule in the work and planning that it takes to market your product, as many companies fall into a trap of leaving it too late. It is easy to get so caught up in designing and developing your new product that when you begin on the marketing, it is a little too late.

Schneider Associates, Schneider and Hall, looked at 70 products that came top in the Most Memorable New Product Launch Survey from 2002-2008 and found that over a dozen of them are no longer being sold. This shows just how difficult it is to maintain the success of a product even after a prosperous product launch. Make sure that your business plan caters for the success that will lead on from the popularity of your product as you will need to prepare for sudden and fast moving growth.

[image error]

Audi’s Progressive People Campaign [Sponsored Video]

German automaker Audi is on the lookout for inspiring and ambitious individuals across Germany as part of its latest #progressivepeople campaign. “What drives you?” is the one simple question the campaign asks.

For years, Audi has been the benchmark for progression. Through #progressivepeople, the stellar automobile giant showcases the journey of the interviewed personalities through a series of video portraits- their ideas and dreams, the places and people that influence them, and their goals.

In the campaign’s very first portrait, we are introduced to Berlin’s Burger Queen Kavita Meelu. Originally from UK, she moved to Berlin 7 years ago and has realized numerous food projects since. She aims to promote an active discourse on cultural integration and communication through something that everybody loves- food. A recipient of the prestigious “Innocationspreis” (Innovation Award) of the City of Berlin, she is an active promoter of emerging food startups in Berlin, helping them realize their dreams like she realized her own. Kavita Meelu has shown Berlin how the world eats.

“London made me the woman I am”, she says. On being asked about Burgers & HipHop, the Burger Queen simply replies, “Everybody likes burgers and everybody can dance to HipHop”. And because she thought it would be fun to eat and dance or dance after eating, she decided to bring those two unique experiences together as Burgers & HipHop. An unabashed foodie and travel enthusiast, Kavita is also the woman behind the home- cooking inspired supper club Mother’s Mother and Street Food Thursday, a weekly feast of eclectic food from around the world. Burgers & HipHop celebrated its first birthday on December 6th, 2014 by inviting vendors from Amsterdam, London and Paris to participate in a secret burger- making competition. Le Reflectoire from Paris bagged the first prize with its Boeuf Bourguignon, Comté cheese and apple slice burger.

After the video shoot, Kavita is unable to mask her excitement as a swanky and spacious Audi RS6 pulls up outside Prince Charles to drive her home. “It comes in a flash”, she says to the film crew accompanying her. At the end of the day, the food maestro is tired. Thanks to Audi City Berlin for the perfect HipHop shuttle!

Want to be a part of #progressivepeople ? Tell Audi about your project at progressivepeople@audicityberlin.de. If your project is exciting enough, you stand a chance to star in your very own personalized social video campaign powered by Audi!

This article is sponsored by Audi.

Important Considerations When Setting Up Your eCommerce Business

Credit: Fosforix

 

So you’re about to take the plunge into business entrepreneurship for the first time, and as I am sure you have realized, there are ever changing considerations that need to be taken into account. For an eCommerce business (electronic commerce) in particular, where you have the opportunity to open 24/7 with no need for a physical store presence, you will find that there are many benefits to running this type of business.

One of the most desirable benefits for those interested in starting an online business is the low expense compared to the usual costs of starting a business. Due to this affordability aspect, however, many people rush into eCommerce without careful consideration which means that their businesses tend to flag as the hard work kicks in. In fact, over 90% of internet start-ups fail within the first three months. To avoid being part of this shocking statistic, here are some vital elements to consider when setting up your eCommerce business.

The Idea

This needs to be refined, even in the initial stages of thinking that you may wish to start your own business.

Firstly, decide what it is you want to sell. Although this may seem fairly simple at first, this decision will determine everything about your business, so give it some serious thought. For instance, if you choose to sell furniture or hardware, you will need an entirely different storage space, audience focus and delivery option than if you were to sell organic food or stickers.

Currently, the market is dominated by global department stores such as Amazon which have billions of products to suit every need and more. Unless you think you stand a chance competing against the likes of Amazon, which is forecast to earn an incredible $90 billion in 2014 alone, it may be better for you to try and carve out a niche at first. At the other end of the spectrum you have more room to focus solely on one thing, whether this be wallpaper, groceries or light bulbs, you will be able to excel in a niche before expanding, if you choose to do so later on.

Once you have your business plan set, the next step is to choose your new business’ domain name. For an eCommerce business especially, your domain name will be part of your brand’s identity, plus they are not particularly easy to change so it is vital to pick one you intend to keep. Your domain name will be one of the first things that a customer sees in relation to your website so you need to ensure that it is:

Memorable – if people cannot remember your domain name they will not be able to find you online
Easy to type – if it is too long or too difficult to spell people may be deterred when they don’t get the result they’d expected. They will probably type in ‘Amazon’ to get what they need there instead
Related to your brand’s ethos – if you have a serious and reputable brand, having a silly domain name simply won’t fit and your audience won’t take you seriously, you don’t see wackojackos.com for specialist heritage riding clothes do you?

Essentials

So now that you have the perfect idea and the wheels are finally getting in motion, there are several necessities to take on board when setting up your business:

Insurance

Any business, whether online or on the high street needs to have the correct business insurance for its purpose by law. It is a legal requirement for any business to have employers’ liability insurance if you employ any individual, even if it is only for work experience. Similarly, a minimum of third party motor insurance is legally required if your company will be using a car. However, there are also other insurance options that are voluntary but incredibly valuable to the success of your business should anything go wrong. Policies such as protection against risk of compensation claims and legal action provide a lifeline if, for any reason, someone claims compensation for an incident which is out of your control. You can even get specialist insurance to provide cover if you or any other vital member of staff becomes ill and unable to work.

Financial Security

All companies are heavily reliant on the smooth running of their finances, so it is integral to your business’ survival that you keep your accounts in order from day one. This means keeping all transactions and receipts together in an organised fashion, and also working out your liabilities to tax and all essential outgoing payments such as wages. Depending on how competent you are at this, you can opt to manage your finances yourself which can save accountancy costs, especially if you can take advantage of specialist cloud accounting software. Alternatively, if accounting is not your forte I would strongly recommend employing a bookkeeper or accountant to handle this responsibility on your behalf, even if it is merely to check your accounts quarterly to see that you are on top of things before it gets too late.

Security

Due to the internet being largely unregulated and unmanaged, there are many risks and threats to eCommerce sites from hackers that could seriously impact your business. Aside from accessing vital information, hackers could alter your website and potentially use viruses to corrupt data which could lead to financial loss and a damaged reputation. More seriously, criminal charges can be pressed if certain legalities such as the Data Protection Act are found to have been breached.

As well as online security you need to be sure that your stock is protected, and in fact this is usually necessary for many insurance policies. Insuring your stock is also essential, even if you think your site is secure there are inevitably the dangers of fire, flooding and so on. In many cases using specialist door hardware can be an effective deterrent for thieves, but it could also be worth investing in specialist security such as CCTV or remote alarm systems to ensure that your products are as safe as possible.

Appearance

For an eCommerce business your website design is just as important as any shop window, and its structure must perform as well as any pristine aisle in a store. Your web design is the face of your brand on the internet and your only chance to show your customers what you are about. For this reason it is important to go to a web design company that understands your vision and knows what your brand is about. Take your time with your decision, meet with various website designers and view their portfolios. You can even take examples of what it is you are looking to have on your site to ensure that you are both on the same page.

Must Haves

Technology

When running an eCommerce business you will be incredibly reliant on technology, especially computers, so it is essential that you know what you’re doing with the software and hardware that you are using. If you are not entirely confident with this it is a good idea to outsource or employ IT support from professionals, as if anything goes wrong it will be your business that is at stake. Although this may be seen as an additional expense on a tight budget, the cost of IT downtime when running an online business can be far more devastating so it is better to be safe.

With regards to what hardware to choose from, there is the ongoing debate of PC versus Mac, but at the end of the day it is what works best for you that matters most. Windows machines are cheaper which can be a bonus when starting up a business with limited funds, plus in some cases there are more programs developed for Windows PCs. However, if you prefer the smarter Apple hardware you can still get refurbished iMacs as an affordable alternative. Apple hardware is generally very robust and so getting one second hand does not necessarily compromise on quality.

There is now an abundance of eCommerce software for companies to choose from which means you are more likely to find one suitable to your preferences. Which one you prefer can be discussed with your website designers in the initial stages as they can outline the benefits of each one related to your site’s needs.

Marketing

There are so many different ways to market any company, but as an eCommerce brand focusing on the internet and going to your target audience directly offers an excellent approach. Digital marketing techniques that include SEO (search engine optimisation), PPC (pay per click) and social media management are excellent for giving your brand an authoritative online voice. Generally speaking, PPC advertising is often seen as a quick win as you pay for each time a user clicks on your ad, while SEO is seen as a natural growth that slowly pushes your site up the search engine rankings, following the fact that more search engine users click on the highest search results first.

What is proving to be a great marketing source to start-ups is social media because of its affordability and the very personal nature of its reach. Although there are paid options, having a social media account on any of the main platforms is free for everyone. This gives you, the company, a chance to interact directly with existing and potential customers for nothing. Just as you would like to tell all the people walking past that you have some great offers in your store, you can create a social post to do the same and invite visitors directly to your site with a link.

Aesthetics

At the initial concept stage you should have decided whether your new business was to be entirely online or whether you would also have physical stores too. Or perhaps it’s the other way round and you have a physical space you work from but in expansion you have turned to eCommerce. Regardless of the reason for it, if you have any customer facing elements to your business these need to look as good as possible. Today it is easy to combine practicality with aesthetics thanks to the interior trends of mixing textures and materials. In particular, Industrial vintage furniture is great if your eCommerce business faces customers but does not focus on this element as it looks great but is also very sturdy and reliable.

Environment

One important consideration in running a business that is so easily overlooked when starting out is its long-term maintenance. This is not so much a problem for online stores and studios where appearance there isn’t key, but you still need to look after this space to keep your business running smoothly. Recycling and energy efficiency are highly rewarded by local authorities, plus they naturally save you money so think of this wherever possible. Moreover, there are other tricks which will ease your carbon footprint, which in this day and age, could encourage customers to shop with you over your competition. Many recycling specialists are now able to create energy from waste which has a dramatic effect on minimizing landfill altogether.

So here you go, some of the main considerations to make when you are setting up your own eCommerce business in order to have the best chance of success. First and foremost beyond all of these tips, however, should be the organization. If you and your business are organized effectively you will be fully aware of incomings and outgoings, meetings, important deadlines and areas of concern so that you can be prepared for any eventuality.

http://www.chrisducker.com/internet-b...

http://www.forbes.com/profile/jeff-be...

 http://www.findlaw.co.uk/law/small_bu...

How To Market An App 101: Getting Found

Credit: Jorge Quinteros

 

It doesn’t matter how great your app’s functionality if no one can find it in a store to download. And with millions of apps for sale across the various app stores, getting your app found these days is harder than ever before. A leader in App Store Optimization, Gummicube specializes in boosting search rankings for apps to improve overall distribution. Here are three tips on how to market an app successfully in the App Store:

Focus on Keywords

With the App Store limiting keyword lists to 100 characters, it’s essential that mobile app developers target only the most relevant terms. Although you may be tempted to go after less competitive keywords in an effort to improve rankings, doing this will prevent you from reaching qualified searchers who are most likely to download your app. To maximize app sales, developers should avoid targeting overly generic terms and lengthy phrases. Additionally, you must stay abreast of seasonal changes in search trends using real data from actual searches in the App Store.

Utilize Screenshots

Just as people buy books based on their covers, many users download apps based largely on their cover images and screenshots. To market your app effectively, utilize screenshots that convey your app’s functionality and unique advantages. Additionally, you should show off your attractive and easy-to-use platform to encourage the maximum number of users to download your app. Gummicube can help you run live focus groups and multivariate tests using its proprietary Gnome Escape channel to ensure your creative is converting.

Request Feedback

A good referral is a boon for any product, and mobile apps are no exception. To ensure their apps get found, developers should encourage feedback from all the users who download their products. At Gummicube, we utilize our proprietary marketing channel known as Gnome Escape to help mobile app developers get valuable feedback for their apps and even bolster their reviews and ratings from real users. While good reviews can improve your ranking in the app store, constructive criticisms is also useful, as it gives you the opportunity to improve on quality issues with your mobile app.

Trust Gummicube to Help You Get Found

At Gummicube, we employ a full-service approach to app search optimization and boast the experience and proprietary data necessary to make your app a success. Call today or contact us online to start optimizing your app.

Ruby on Rails: Powerful and Cost-Effective Tool for Web Development

Credit: Dave Thomas

 

Ruby on Rails is an open-source framework used for the development of web applications. Ruby on Rails or, as it is usually called, Rails is really hot nowadays and the demand for this development tool is increasing by leaps and bounds.

Ruby on Rails is widely used for developing e-commerce and membership sites. Modular approach and user-friendly features provided by Rails allow developing high-end e-commerce sites, loaded with tons of beneficial features that every customer will appreciate. A wide selection of plugins allows solving virtually any social networking task, and therefore develop outstanding membership and social networking websites.

Ruby on Rails is also a very powerful content management tool. Uploading audio and video files, as well as articles is extremely easy if the website is created with Rails. In other words, it allows creating a website with a content database that is easy to manage and navigate through.

Today many Ruby on Rails developers give preference to this framework over other web developing solutions, as it has several essential advantages. Web developers chose Rails for its ease of use, flexibility and speed. Building websites with Ruby on Rails is a lot easier and faster than with other frameworks or scripting languages. Generally, a website needs about 12 weeks to be developed and launched. With Ruby on Rails a similar project can be completed within 6 weeks. This is possible due to a leaner code base, that requires writing less code, and modular design that allows reusing existing elements instead of developing new ones. Future modifications are easier if a website is created with Rails. Thus, you can add new features, as well as make necessary changes in a quick and hassle-free manner.

RoR is an extremely cost-effective solution, which is another good reason to choose it for your web development project. Due to the fast speed with which Ruby on Rails websites are built and then modified, a company spends less money to complete a project. Ruby on Rails allows building websites quickly and with minimal expenses, while not sacrificing the website’s quality and performance.

With regard to all beneficial features of Ruby on Rails, we can make a conclusion that this web development tool is a real catch for startup companies. Railsware is ready to help with your Ruby on Rails project. This software development company has an excellent experience of working with Rails and offers a wide range of services. More information about Ruby on Rails and other services offered by Railsware, you will find by visiting their website.

Intellectual Property: Can You Patent an Idea?

Credit: Pimthida

 

Applying for a patent to protect a physical design or item is a necessary part of innovation. What many creators don’t realize is that the same intellectual property rights cannot be applied to ideas. Legally, there is no claim to an idea that is not clearly defined. A general plan or notion without some identifiable embodiment cannot be protect as Intellectual Property (IP) by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) of the UK, a consolidated office which deals with the management of all patents, copyrights, trademarks, and design rights.

Turning Ideas into Money

“What separates those who can turn their ideas into money from those who cannot is a strategy to define the idea enough so that it can become an asset that can ultimately be protected,” says IPWatchdog, a company which specializes in IP rights including those created by individuals and small businesses.

In order to be eligible for protection under the UK’s current patent laws, inventors must take their ideas and transform them into a concept which is describable to the point that others could create or use it. Proving your concept on paper and in legal documents is vital in seeking patent approval. The first step in ensure your idea – once you have a firm grasp of what it is, and why it’s unique – is to verify that it is original. Research should be done through the IPO or through an agent certified by the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA). Hiring a professional may require an upfront investment but may ultimately save you time and money by ensuring that your innovation is unique and eligible to receive a patent.

Developing the Product

To qualify for a patent or design rights, your idea must be further developed until they fulfill the legal requirements set by the IPO. There are several methods of doing this, and usually depend on the type of idea you’ve started with. For many, hiring a product design form is the easiest way to develop their product from paper to prototyping. Experts in engineering, research, development and IP rights can help inventors navigate the unfamiliar waters of innovation.

According to Innovate Product Design, a company which specializes in the life-cycle of innovation, “It is important to develop the idea, looking at materials, manufacturing methods, functionality and aesthetic form prior to applying for protection.”

For many inventors, taking their ideas to the stage where they are eligible for patent protection can be difficult. Using the help of a professional firm who supports an individual through the entire process can help provide the motivation to see the project to full realization. Employing seasoned engineers, designers, and production managers to clear the hurdles set in place by the IPO can be vital in being rewarded a patent.

If your idea is not for an invention, but a brand name or other written work, you will likely need to petition for a trademark or copyright rather than a patent, which reserved for a physical item or method of production. A CIPA-certified agent will be able to help you to determine which legal process is best for your idea.

Great Ideas, Better Results

While an idea cannot be patented, according to the laws put in place by the IPO, it is the first step in the right direction. For those who have an idea for an original product or a unique business model, it’s important to develop it to the point it becomes patentable as soon as possible. Hiring an expert to help define your idea and eventually apply for a patent can be invaluable when time means everything in the world of innovation.

The Basics of Applying for a Patent

Credit: opensourceway

 

As an inventor, navigating the world of patents is a vital part of securing the success and originality of your idea. It’s important to begin the patenting process as soon as your product or process is ready to go into prototyping, as securing patent rights is time sensitive. Because patents are awarded based on timing, the first individual or company who files for their original innovation, proving the product or design is unique, often receives the legal protection. There are a few things every inventor should know about applying for a patent.

What is a Patent?

According to the U.S Patent and Trademark Office, which is responsible for granting and managing intellectual property rights in the United States, a patent is “…the grant of a property right to the inventor(s). The right conferred by the patent grant is, in the language of the statute and of the grant itself, ‘the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling’ the invention in the United States or importing the invention into the United States.” (Source: http://www.uspto.gov/web/patents/howtopat.htm)

A patent is a legal document which provides protection to innovators who create new products. This allows the original creator to assume full legal rights to the item or process, and prevents theft of the concept. There are three types of patents: utility, design, and plant. Utility patents, which are given when an individual invents or discovers a new (and useful) process, product, composition of matter, machine, or improvement on an existing item.

Design patents, on the other hand, are granted to innovators who create a new (and original) ornamental design for packaging, clothing, or any other type of manufactured good. A design patent protects the overall appearance of an invention. Finally, a plant patent is reserved for those who create or discover (while also asexually reproducing) a distinct variety of plant or flora material. Knowing which type will suit your innovation is the first step when applying for a patent.

How Do I Apply For a Patent?

To apply for a U.S. Patent, an innovator must petition the patent office and provide documentation such as sketches, prototypes, or clear examples of their original product or process. Before applying, it’s a good idea to run a search of already existing patents which may relate to your product or design. As a patent is granted only to those with a unique and original idea, filing for a patent that already exists elsewhere is a waste of time and money. Consider hiring a professional patent agent to assist you with your search the; process may be time-consuming and extend to international patent rights as well. Discovering similar patents may help you, as an innovator, distinguish your product from others which may be in direct competition with you. (Source: http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/getting-patent-yourself-29493.html)

Once you have determined whether or not there are existing patents or other legal obstacles to filing, you must fill out a patent application and pay the appropriate fees. There are two types of applications, each with their own guidelines and restrictions. A non-provisional patent is a full patent application which requires description, drawing, claims, and an abstract of your innovation. Each of these parts must be drawn up in legal form, and the filing of a non-provisional patent is considerably more expensive than a provisional one.

A provisional application provides the “patent pending” protection, and extends the window of ability to file a full (non-provisional) patent. This allows the inventor more time to tie up the odds and ends required to file a full patent while still having his product protected under the law for a maximum of 12 months. (Source: http://www.innovate-design.com/applying-for-protection-of-my-invention)

How Much Does it Cost?

The price of filing for a patent is usually determined by where the innovator is in the design process, and how familiar they are with legal documents. Some independent patent attorneys can charge upwards of $5,000 in order to draft a full patent application and around $800 just to do a patent search. Individual inventors can seek alternative services which lower costs and help them navigate through the legal requirements. Self-filing with the assistance of an innovation design firm can help make the process easier and more affordable.

What Net Line Actuators Do

Credit: jabstarr

Importance of Net Line Actuators

Net line actuators provide an intelligent automated switchgear solution based on electric actuator system. It is designed to improve the quality and efficiency of electrical networks. The automatic actuator’s focal point is to ensure a reliable modular retrofit solution that will adapt much more quickly to the majority of switchgear functioning.

Distribution Automation

Actuator Zone’s Electric actuators offer a broad range of automated systems and products for electrical distribution network. It includes digital radio communications system that integrate with remote controlled systems to enable a common control and measurement point on the electrical grid system. For the cable networks, actuators can monitor the flexibility of switch controllers with a broad range of communication options. The electrical systems can use the actuators for pole mounted switches that enable secure connection and disconnection during maintenance.

Actuators for Overhead line

The demand for a reliable supply of electricity is a concern in the modern society. It is, therefore, essential to have an intelligent, healthy and robust electrical grid. Overhead lines are the most common in the distribution of electricity worldwide. The lines carry and distribute power at both medium and high voltage over long distances. With automated actuators, a full control of distribution can be achieved in the distribution network without involving manpower getting up the electric post to connect and disconnect the power. The actuators are built to fit the air breaks switches in single phase distribution networks.

Retrofit switchgear

The management of assets is crucial in the distribution of electricity. The existing switchgear can be replaced long before their lifetime expires. It is possible because of the automated actuator systems that are remote controlled for the sake of safety requirements. Fitting of switchgear, ground mounts, substations, overhead switches, pad mounts, and auto reclosers is essential for the sake of safety requirements. Remote controlled linear actuators can retrofit them due to their modern automation and communication ability.

What You Can Automate in Your House With Linear Actuators

Automating a house using actuators will without a shadow of doubt make life easier. There are very many household materials, goods and furniture that can be automated. These include the couch, automated entertainment system, automated doors, the spice racks, the kitchen cabinets, the garage and the table extender.

Reclining Couch

The sofa sets in the living room can be automatically be set using actuators to tilt and stretch according to the needs of the user. Adding this kind of setup on the existing furniture that uses manual reclining methods is the best options for many people. The electric actuator can be added under the reclining couch and with a remote control, it will be easy to extend or retract the couch.

Automated Entertainment System

 

The cabinets housing the entertainment appliances can be set to open and close automatically using the wireless remote controlled actuators. It will be the ultimate addition to the entertainment system. Two electric actuators can be synchronized to work together in controlling the cabinets opening closing and even moving the appliances around the room.

Automated Kitchen Cabinet

 

The kitchen cabinet can be automated to be lowered and raised according to individual needs. It allows people with different heights to use the cabinets with ease. The people on wheelchairs and those who are not able to access the top cabinets will opt to implement the design of the kitchen cabinet that can suit the needs of everybody. Automatic actuators and a wireless remote control will offer the best solution for such individuals.

Automated Tables and Table Extenders

According to  progressive automations linear actuators store, automated tables can be a very interesting design for a house with a bigger living room. Multiple actuators can be used to move the table around the living room to serve a large number of guests. This kind of project can be designed for a much more advanced user need. Most of the tables used presently are ones that that have a single extension piece which can be added when the number of users on the table increases.

How to Set a Gaming Budget

Credit: Melissa Gray

No doubt about it, gambling is fun and exciting. Whether you’re gaming online, betting on a sporting event or playing poker, it’s a special buzz.

But losing more than you can afford is just the opposite kind of experience. And in the heat of the moment it can be all too easy to overstretch yourself, which is why every gambler should set a budget.

The following pointers will help you decide on yours and stick to it.

Work out how much you can afford

The first step is to get an accurate picture of your income after tax. Work this out for a whole year, and deduct your outgoings for a whole year, too. Don’t forget to factor in an amount for regular savings, and keep a buffer for unexpected expenses. Next, divide what’s left by either 12 or 52 to get a good idea of what you can afford to spend on gambling each month or week.

It can be just as helpful to spend some time working out your mental attitude. If you think of gambling as a potential source of income, you’ll be at risk of overspending and disappointment. But if you can view your stake money as the price paid for in-the-moment thrills and enjoyment, anything you win is a bonus.

What’s your idea of fun?

You might get maximum enjoyment from gambling when the stakes are high. Or perhaps you get your kicks from watching a race or a game in which you’ve made any financial investment, however small. It could even be the thrill of using your skills.

Whichever best describes you, you’ll be more likely to set a realistic budget if you get to know your gambling personality.

Choose wisely

Once you know what kind of gambler you are, you can tailor your budget for maximum value. Low-stakes gaming or betting is a good choice if your budget is small, but stay aware that even small stakes can add up to big totals.

It also helps to keep the right company: sit down for a few hands of poker with players whose budgets are bigger than yours and you’re likely to break the bank.

Protect your essentials

If you gamble outside your home it can make sense to wager in cash. Definitely leave your credit card at home.

You may even find it helpful to hold separate bank accounts: leave the card linked to your household account at home and you won’t be able to raid it on impulse. Separate bank accounts are a sensible solution if you gamble online on sites like Euro Palace online casinos. Arrange to transfer funds from your gambling account only and you’ll protect your essential expenses.

Gambling is a popular leisure activity, which can be exhilarating and fun. To make sure your experience of gambling stays positive, set a realistic budget and keep to it.

Calculate how much is left over from your income after essential expenses and savings, then move it to a separate bank account. Next, decide which kinds of gambling give you most satisfaction for your stake money. Finally, learn to see any winnings as a bonus rather than an extra source of income.

Gamble with what you can afford and you’ll always be a winner.

Written by Gareth Monet.