Alexandra Levits Water Cooler Wisdom Can You Balance Multiple Gigs

Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom Can You Balance Multiple Gigs Its easy to understand why entrepreneurs start multiple businesses. Taking risks and innovating are in their blood. However, even the savviest entrepreneur is human, and we can only focus our energy and resources in so many directions before our cash flow takes a hit. Lets explore some tips for getting promising new enterprises off the ground while keeping a watchful eye on the business that currently earns you money! 1. Manage your cash flow. If you need to put aside money for a side business, its important that you appropriately navigatecash flowin your main business. Ensure that you have acash-flow-management planin place, and review all of your accounts at least once a month so that you can optimize your spending in real time. Its risky to funnel main business funds into side businesses because if the main business experiences an emergency or setback, youll need a parachute. You may want to consider using small business loans to help cushion your businesses. 2. Mind your working capital. Working capitalis the difference between a business current assets (cash, accounts receivable and inventories) and its current liabilities (accounts payable). Your amount of working capital reflects your business financial health and operational efficiencies. Ideally, both your main business and side businesses should have strong working capital at all times. Work with a human professional as well as accounting software to gain an immediate, up-to-date and accurate picture of your working capital. If you need to infuse a side hustle with capital, plan for the fact that some sourcesâ€"such as small business loansâ€"take time. For the rest of the piece, check out the AMEX Business site.

What to Do With Your First Adult Paycheck

What to Do With Your First Adult Paycheck You’ve made it to orientation, figured out where the lunchroom is and managed to remember almost everyone’s names.   But perhaps the most thrilling part of getting your first job is when that first paycheck hits your account. You’ve made it. You are going to be able to eat and put a roof over your head.   It’s all smooth sailing now, right? If you thought the financial work ended as you negotiated your salary, you’re wrong. And waiting even a few years to get your financial house in order could signal a loss of tens of thousands of dollars, or more, later in your career. Here is a look at five steps you must take when you cash your first adult paycheck to ensure financial stability and savvy for years to come. Look at It Closely No, not just to admire this thing of beauty that will open doors and lead you to new experiences. Go through your paycheck line by line to ensure your deductions are correct and your salary has been calculated correctly. Set your deductions for your retirement account immediately. Depending on where you work, your retirement account may be called 401k, 403b, Thrift Savings Plan, Individual Retirement Account (IRA), Roth IRA or another name. Some companies offer a match on retirement funds, which is essentially free money. Make sure you set up your retirement account for at least enough to get the match, but preferably up to 10% or 15%. It’s helpful to use a retirement savings calculator to calculate how much you need to put away to have enough for retirement. It may seem early to start thinking about retirement, but just take a look at how much those early years matter. If the abbreviations for all of the various taxes, health care expenses and deductions are confusing, schedule an appointment with your payroll officer to walk you through the check. No one else will take care of this for you. Repeat After Me: Compound Interest Is King No matter your salary or hourly wage, the best thing you have going for you today is your youth. The money you save now will be worth exponentially more as you age thanks to the beauty of compounding interest. In addition to the money you put in as principle, interest is added to that principle, which then earns interest on the new, larger, sum of money.   This can continue for decades if you get in the habit of saving money immediately. For example, someone who invests $5,000 from the ages of 25 to 35 and then stops adding principle but allows compound interest do its thing will actually make more money than someone who invests $5,000 per year for thirty years starting at age 35. Of course, the best idea is to set a savings rate and continue to grow it throughout your working years. Feel free to use this image, just link to www.SeniorLiving.Org Set up Other Pre-Tax Contributions Looking at your paycheck, you may feel a bit dejected at how little ends up in your pocket. In fact, the average American pays over 20% in taxes. If you want to lower your taxable income, you can set up pre-tax contributions in accounts like the above-mentioned retirement accounts, college savings accounts commonly called 529 plans and health savings plans. Budget and Bills, Bills, Bills After setting up your pre-tax savings and contributions, you can now look ahead at what to do with the amount deposited in your account every two weeks. The first thing to do is to set up a budget. It’s not the most exciting way to spend an evening, but it doesn’t take long, and the rewards are huge. Simply put, experts say those with a money plan and a budget will end up wealthier than those who wing it. That makes sense, because budgets encourage you to be intentional with your spending and set priorities for your money and your life. An easy way to budget is to set up automatic online payments for your rent or mortgage, utilities and other fixed costs. Those are typically the biggest line items, and you don’t want to worry about late fees or missed payments. Also budget any debt you may have to pay off, like those ubiquitous student loans.   If you can squeeze extra payments out of your budget, you’ll have that debt monkey off your back even sooner. Pay It Forward As you plan what to do with the money in your account, you may want to think about charitable giving. First of all, it will put a smile on your face. Research shows that not only does our brain react positively when we give, we also report being happier in general when we give to others, no matter the amount. Beyond that, giving is a way to recognize you are fortunate to have a steady paycheck and benefits, and there are others who need assistance and help. Think about issues and topics that are important to you, such as charities that help special-needs kids or shelters that care for abandoned animals. Getting your first paycheck is exciting. It sets you on the path to financial independence and achieving personal and professional goals. Being thoughtful and smart early in your career can ensure your finances are a source of peace and security. Images. Main. Your Paycheck.   So invest in yourself

The Importance of Workplace Design in Office Relocation

The Importance of Workplace Design in Office Relocation The average UK employee spends  37 hours  a week at work and with job roles occupying such a large chunk of our time, feeling comfortable while working has never been more important. Some companies go to extreme lengths to put employee satisfaction at the heart of their workplace design. For instance, tech titan  Microsoft invested in  treehouses  for its employees, claiming the proximity to nature is proven to boost workforce creativity. For most industries though, this kind of re-design (while imaginative) isn’t the best solution. In fact, for many businesses, it’s more practical and cost-effective to relocate offices completely. On the surface, this might sound daunting but, armed with the right knowledge a change of scenery doesn’t have to be stressful and could be a step towards enhanced employee happiness and productivity. A balancing act By 2025, millennials will take pole position as the  workforce majority  and they’re looking for something different from the workplace than their predecessors. Many Millennials are  less motivated by money  and more inspired by a positive working culture. Therefore, it’s essential companies begin adapting office spaces to cater to these mindsets, as well as more traditional expectations if they want to retain some of the best and brightest. Google invested in lavish office features like secret libraries and even slides to foster its dynamic work culture.  The rationale behind this being good interpersonal relationships are key to driving creativity. However, even without Google’s infinite resources, there are steps you can take to create a vibrant office culture too. A designated space for recreation can help employees feel more invested in the company because it demonstrates you care about work-life balance. This can be as simple as setting up a pool table or games room which acts as a focal point to spark conversation and foster a sense of community. Food also plays a part in creating a more balanced routine too. Workplace hubs offering diverse and tempting refreshments give colleagues the chance to communicate and foster closer bonds while providing them with a designated space to recharge and eat lunch away from their computer screens. Bringing  your brand to life An office relocation is a perfect opportunity for companies to breathe new life into their brand identity. First impressions are lasting, so it’s important your new workplace conveys what makes your business unique. Consider how you would define your office culture. If your company’s identity is more laidback and relaxed, investing in homely additions like sofas and bookshelves are a simple way to get this message across.  If you want to present something more corporate, a feature like glass walls could reflect your company’s honest and transparent nature. If your taste isn’t quite as avant-garde, one simple but effective way to portray a community spirit is to invest in greenery. You can take inspiration from the New York office of Kickstarter, which has a flowering enclosure and communal garden to underscore its creative and relaxed identity. Whatever your brand’s aesthetic, an office relocation can give you the freedom and incentive to think about the values your brand communicates.  Sizing it up One important factor to consider when planning your relocation is, of course, the size of your new office.  If you’re moving into bigger premises, you need to think about how you can retain the closeness built up between colleagues in your previous workplace. There’s evidence to suggest  open-plan offices  can  actually have  practical health benefits. An open work culture also helps promote better communications and establish better team dynamics.  Ensuring your space is collaborative, no matter what its size, can help to bring out the best in team members. If you want to encourage better team bonding, think about how you can allocate space for your employees to exchange ideas. Informal seating areas where teams can discuss projects, as well as implementing all-staff huddles are a cost-effective way to keep employees engaged and informed. Be flexible It’s well known there is now lots of research which suggests flexible working can have a  positive impact on productivity. However, flexible working isn’t simply about the hours you log outside an office environment. It’s thought that a more ‘agile’ mindset gives employees greater autonomy over their work, as well as improving cross-collaboration. An agile work environment can include designated spaces for team meetings, relaxation, and even inspiration.  For instance, Salesforce designates time and space for regular meditation sessions to boost workplace wellbeing. Even if this isn’t practical for your business, there are simple ways you can adopt workplace flexibility. Rather than opt for the traditional set-up of individual desks, you could consider shared workspaces, ‘hot-desking’ or even touchdown points to show your workplace is moving with the times. Embarking on something new like office relocation can feel like a challenge. However, if you want to get the most out of moving premises, it’s important to treat workplace design not as an afterthought, but as a major tool to support future business success. About the author:  Rachel Whitford, is the Area Retail Manager City of London, of Express Vending.

Ditch the gym this summer

Ditch the gym this summer Tired of being stuck in the gym on a hot, sunny day? Aren’t we all! Fortunately, there are other options that will keep your fitness levels up and help you make the most of the summer months. Read on to find out more… Cycling Cycling is a great alternative to the gym, as it can easily be included in your daily routine. Simple changes such as ditching the bus or car for your bike will help you lose weight, reduce stress and improve your general wellbeing. Of course, before you can get started, you’ll need to purchase the correct equipment. A bike may seem like a large investment to make, but you’ll reap the benefits once you start riding. To ensure your safety, you’ll need to purchase a helmet, while specialist cycling clothing will keep you cool and dry throughout your summer rides. A great selection of cycling equipment, including quality Fox helmets, can be found at Leisure Lakes Bikes. Running Ditch the treadmill and start running outdoors instead. A great way to get your heart pumping, choose a scenic route and explore the beauty of your local area. If you live in a coastal area, you can make your run even tougher by running along the sand. The soft running surface makes you work harder to gain pace, providing a more intensive workout. Yoga Yoga is a fantastic exercise for improving your flexibility, posture and overall core strength. Taking your workout outdoors will not only allow you to embrace the summer and enjoy fresh air, but it can make your yoga routine more difficult. Challenge yourself by practicing on an uneven surface and develop your balance and core strength. Walking On particularly hot days, you may find running tough. A brisk walk is a great alternative and, like cycling, can easily be incorporated into your schedule. Whether you’re taking the dog out or clearing your mind after work, walking will leave you feeling refreshed. To increase the difficulty level, you could try walking on hilly terrain. And once you’re tired of walking in your local area, you can try a National Trails route, which are set in some of the most beautiful locations in England and Wales.

Everything you need to know to get into freelance journalism - Debut

Everything you need to know to get into freelance journalism - Debut This post was written by an external contributor. Lydia Wilkins has put together a quick guide for anyone considering pursuing a career in freelance journalism. Freelancing is more popular than ever before. The BBC is even asking whether its the end of 9-5 working hours, as  only six percent of people of the population still adhear to this traditional working method.    For people pursuing a career in journalism, its an alternative route to the traditional (and notoriously competitive) path. It can offer flexibility over your career and allow you to have more control over your content. However, its by no means a walk in the park. From learning the best ways to work remotely, to earning a steady stream of income, theres a lot to bear in mind. So if youre considering taking the plunge, heres a few tips from someone whose had experience. Managing your career There’s a passage in How To Build A Girl by Caitlin Moran, where Joanna Morigan, is contemplating pursuing her dream career. Her father inspired her by exclaiming in a rant, “If you want to be a writer, then be a writer!” This logic should also apply here. If youve got zero experience, it’s probably advisable to start a blog. That way you can showcase your writing style and interests. Once you get a few articles under your belt, create a portfolio. Its common for editors to ask for examples of your previous work, so keep everything in one place. If you’re networking at events, follow every conversation up with an official business card it makes for a good impression! Freelancing also means that you’re your own boss. The key to success? Be  disciplined and organised. It’s probably a good idea to have a diary to keep track of meetings, events, deadlines, and more (I’d be lost without my Filofax!). You’ll need to be good with deadlines, ensuring that you meet them regularly. Jem Collins, freelance journalist and founding editor of Journo Resources shared her own personal advice with Debut, “Use whatever works for you â€" I have a paper diary and about a million spreadsheets, but also know friends who use online calendars and software. But just make sure you know whats coming up and whats next.” Jenna Farmer from The Bloglancer also has an extremely helpful  video on the art of pitching,  where she suggests that you send an email pitch for an article daily. As you start to get commissioned, you’ll eventually start to build up a steady stream of work. Resources you need to know about There’s a host of freelance resources that you can make use of. First of all, have you checked out Journo Resources? Theres everything you need to know about writing freelance, including  pitching guidelines, advice, and rates publications pay for freelancers. I also recommend checking out Rebekah Gillians work. She is a twenty year old freelance writer and autism blogger, with an extremely useful  public Pintrest board. This has a whole host of links, resources and articles to browse. When I asked her for some advice on breaking into freelance journalism, Gillian said, ”I must admit, a lot of the more mainstream information I found about freelancing in the beginning was unhelpful, overwhelming and made me believe things that werent true once I got into the business myself. She continues, Perhaps the best piece of practical advice I was given was to be realistic about your achievements and celebrate all of them, even the small ones, because most businesses dont make any money in the first year of launching. Jump For Journalism may be a defunct blog, but it still has a massive amount of posts to be utilised, including how to build your own brand, how to adapt to different styles, and a whole tab of resources. The finance stuff   When you go freelance, money is a lot harder to keep on top of. Jem Collins advises, “If youre not keeping track of all this kind of stuff you will come unstuck, no matter how exciting the projects youre working on are.  Being self-employed is also about keeping track of your own taxes and making sure you dont overwork yourself â€" all of which comes down to planning and organisation.” If you’re freelance, remember that you’re responsible for your tax and National Insurance contributions. After all, you’re self employed! If you dont know where to start,  Save The Student has a similar guide for freelancing; they say to save twenty percent of any earnings to keep yourself covered. Be aware that you wont have the same monthly income in your bank account, as you would in a 9-5. Make sure youve got enough to cover yourself in case work dries up one month. Plan your writing and pitches accordingly. Connect with Debut on  Facebook,  Twitter,  and  LinkedIn  for more careers insights.

Getting The Most Out Of Your Working Day When You Work From Home

Getting The Most Out Of Your Working Day When You Work From Home Working from home, whether that is with your own business or working freelance can mean that you find it difficult to get as much out of your day as perhaps you might in an office environment or being employed. This tends to be because you are the master of your time, and at home, it can be quite easy to be distracted by other aspects such as household chores or other distractions like the TV. So how do you make the most out of your working day at home? I wanted to share with you some of the tips you could try. Figuring out the times that you work best One of the first things you might want to start doing is figuring out the best times that you work best. Everyone has a point in the day or even at night where they are most productive. You might be at you most creative first thing in the morning, or it might be that you are a night owl and can really work better in the evening or late into the night. You also need to decide on whether there are moments in the day where you struggle to work. Some people have the Afternoon Crash where they feel tired and lethargic in the afternoon. Whatever the situation might be, working this out can help you to plan you day better and make the most of the hours you have to work. Trying out different forms of time management The next thing you might want to think about would be how best to manage the time you have to work. If you only have a few hours before you need to be doing something in your home how best can you utilise it? Ids it ideal to get up earlier before everyone else and get some work done then? Other things to think about would be time blocking where you dedicate a certain amount of time in your day for certain tasks. It can help you to try and avoid distractions at home by having that one focus. Having a dedicated space to work You do need a dedicated space to work if you can create one. Getting the most out of working from home is no easy task when you can easily be distracted by household chores or things like the TV. Working in a living room or kitchen can mean that you could be easily distracted so having a dedicated space to work in can help you to be more productive and to also differentiate between working and enjoying home life. Taking care of yourself during your working time Finally, at work you were more likely to get a lunch break and time to rest and have a break, but for some reason, working for yourself or from home can mean you don’t give yourself the same courtesy. It is just as important for you to have regular breaks and take time to have a lunch when working at home as it can help to keep your focus, concentration and energy levels high. I hope that these tips help you when it comes to getting the most from your working day at home.

Fashion Resume Writing - Tips For Writing a Fashion Resume

Fashion Resume Writing - Tips For Writing a Fashion ResumeThe fashion resume is a key element for getting hired for the ideal job. The fashion resume is more than just a resume. It's a whole different approach and can be used to explain yourself in the most convincing way possible. By taking the time to create the right fashion resume you will stand out from the other applicants.If you're looking to do your own fashion resume, there are a few important points that you should know. First of all, many fashion resume writers don't make themselves clear. In the fashion world you can make fashion statements. These statements aren't always about your clothing, they can be as simple as having a tattoo, dyeing your hair, or changing your hair color. They could be quite obvious in their meaning.Here are some top tips when it comes to fashion resume writing. First, focus on what you want and show how you can fulfill it. People make mistakes just like everyone else and a person's clothes are an often overlooked part of their personality. Show how you make a statement with your clothing, give examples or a story. Make your fashion statement in your writing and also demonstrate your own personality by highlighting your best features.You should be self-aware of your appearance in the fashion industry. Do you always look your best? Are you happy with your body or are you trying to change it to fit into a particular style? It's good to focus on your best assets, but if you've spent time to prepare a new style, show your fashion skills.People dress up for a reason and dressing up is an art form in the fashion industry. The goal is to make yourself stand out and to create the impression that you're not easily forgotten. Show your versatility, describe yourself as someone who can blend in with any crowd. Don't worry about appearing too trendy or too perfect, as people can find comfort in a somewhat boring appearance.Another point when it comes to fashion resume writing is that yo u should have the capability to offer a solution to a problem or simply highlight something that you enjoy doing. For example, if you like gardening, a fashion resume can highlight your enthusiasm and show how you can help others. You should also include a paragraph about how you came to do what you do and how that connects to your profession.Don't forget that the fashion career can be very professional. Show that you're willing to make the extra effort to keep up with the latest trends. Wear the latest fashion clothes and even go to where the latest trends are. Doing so is a big boost to your career and creates the impression that you really care about your appearance.As you can see, a fashion resume is a good way to show what your talents are and why you should be hired for a job. If you want to write a fashion resume, these tips should help you along the way.