So, you’ve finally started that business you’ve been dreaming of, and you’re ready to tackle the big hurdle: customer appreciation. If you’re looking to inspire customer loyalty to capitalize on important customer relationships, here are three tips to help guide you.

Know Your Audience

The number one thing you need to do when looking for a loyal customer base is to know your audience. Remembering names and faces can go a long way, but remembering facts about that person or group of people that you interacted with can make an even bigger splash. For example, if you have a client who is an avid dog lover, consider bringing any assortment of dog gift baskets. Whatever you choose, let it be a reminder that you pay attention to the people behind the company for a more personal touch.

Follow the Golden Rule

As an entrepreneur, you probably know how it feels to be on the receiving end of shady customer service policies and pushy salespeople. The golden rule is simple: treat others how you want to be treated. If you find yourself getting annoyed at a company rep that drops by unannounced every week or sends weirdly stale boxes of chocolates once a year, that’s a pretty good sign to stay away from that method of acting towards your own clientele. Remember that the wrong kind of attention can get you blacklisted from your client and any potential referrals.

Make it Count

While marketing is certainly a way to get name recognition of your brand, your customers have already heard of you. What you want to do is make sure that they think of you positively when a need arises that you can fill. This means making sure your quality of work and customer service is top notch. It also means that when giving a customer appreciation gift, you make it meaningful. Functional gifts such as pens and pads of paper are more marketing tools than sincere gifts of appreciation, and your customers will see right through those tactics. Instead, make your gift count. Be creative, or at least make your gift relevant. For example, hand-delivering bagels with every sales call can be more meaningful than magnets or cheap office supplies. Doing what you can to have your company name remembered with fondness instead of annoyance can go a long way towards building the loyalty and friendship that can lead to your company’s success.

Exceed Expectations

When it comes to customer appreciation, the more your company exceeds expectations, the better. By familiarizing yourself with your clientele and allowing them to familiarize themselves with your company, you can do more than retain a customer, you can build lasting and mutually beneficial relationships.

For any business to be competitive in the digital age, they need the best technology available to do their jobs. The medical industry is no exception, in fact, it is perhaps one of the most vital sectors to need cutting edge technology. When it comes to software for pharmacies, there are several practical applications that justify an investment in cutting-edge systems.

Point of Sale

Let’s start at the end. Like any other retail business, pharmacies have point of sale terminals with cash registers and credit card readers. Their goal is to process transactions quickly and be easy to use for employees. In addition, in a pharmaceutical setting, it’s important to be discreet with patients’ medical information and their prescriptions. A great point of sale system will take care of all of this for you.

Inventory

From pre-packaged medications and supplies from vendors to the raw materials needed to fill prescriptions, software for pharmacies helps keep track of the inventory you have on hand. Beyond keeping your business efficient, knowing if you do or do not have a medication or supply on hand can be crucial information for patients and doctors in an emergency.

Signature Capture

Many states require multiple signatures to release certain medications. In some cases, a patient needs to acknowledge that a pharmacist or pharmacist’s assistant has explained how to properly use medication. Secure signature capture hardware and software that allows patients to sign electronically via a stylus or their finger are very helpful in these matters. Using a trusted provider with secure systems and backup can make it easy to retrieve signatures and create and electronic paper trail, should the situation ever arise.

If you offer in-home or on-site delivery to residences, hospitals, or nursing homes, mobile signature capture devices are an invaluable piece of software for pharmacies. All the features of the in-store units still apply, with wireless transmission added to the equation.

Communication with Physicians

Finally, different hospitals and clinics prefer different methods of communication from physicians and pharmacists. While they have been phased out of many businesses, fax machines are still preferred tools in many of these settings. There are software solutions that can combine fax technology with other methods of wired and wireless communication. For physicians that prefer email or text messaging (either automated or manually sent), software for pharmacies can make this easier too.

Pharmacies need to stay ahead of the technological curve. Cutting-edge software makes this painless for pharmacists and their staffs.

With a rise in people choosing to work remotely, you might be considering ways to improve your home office. Whether you need a quiet place to make private phone calls or you need a space to focus on labor-intensive projects, putting your mark on a specific place in your home reserved especially for your work can help you to stay motivated and increase your productivity. Here are some tips to follow when designing the perfect office space for optimum functionality.

Motivational Art

One of the easiest ways to make an office space your own is by putting your personal touch on the decor. Framed quotes by inspirational role models can reinforce your drive to work hard, while meaningful mementos such as souvenirs from favorite trips or Hallmark figurines can be physical reminders of the reasons you have to make it through the workday.

Comfortable Seating

Not all office chairs are made the same. When designing a space meant for high focus and long hours, it’s important to invest in comfortable, appropriate seating. Feeling comfortable in the place where you work will prevent you from seeking respite in more distracting areas of the house, like a sofa or a bed, that will keep you from being as productive as possible.

Natural Lighting

There is nothing so refreshing in a workspace as natural lighting. Working in light that is too bright or too dim is not only disheartening but can lead to issues with eyesight later in life. Making sure that your workspace is well-lit for the work that you’re doing can help give a fresh look and feel to your workday.

Organizational Hacks

In order to truly make your home office an oasis from the rest of your home, possibly the most important aspect is the organization of your office space. If you know you’re going to need space to file papers, invest in a filing system that will actually work for you. If you’re more likely to have all of your work digitized, keep your work area decluttered to prevent distractions. Keeping your workspace clean and tidy, with easy-to-find office materials, will increase your productivity and your mood.

Putting your personal mark on your home office can help you to increase your motivation, productivity and overall enjoyment of working from home. However you decorate your home office, creating a space that isn’t too sterile can help you feel more at home in your home office, and give you the motivation you need to make working from home a success.

It is very important that you take very good care of your carpet. This will allow it to last longer so you get more out of your investment. You should have it cleaned on a regular basis. You do not want your guests to be turned off because your carpet is filthy and has been neglected. Therefore, you should hire a company that has been cleaning carpets for a very long time. Running a vacuum over your carpets is good to do once a week. However, a professional carpet cleaner will have equipment and chemicals that you will not. It is worth the money you will pay to have it cleaned by pros. Here is what you should do when you need to find a company that does Austin carpet cleaning.

1. Get advice from people you know who had their carpet professionally cleaned.

It would be in your best interests to seek out some advice from the people you know. It should not be very hard for you to locate a few friends, family members, neighbors or work colleagues who have hired a professional carpet cleaning company. Ask these people about their experience. Did the company do a very good job? Are they happy with the way their carpet was cleaned? Did the company show up on time? Were they friendly during the visit? Did they charge a reasonable price? Did anything get damaged by the carpet cleaning company? Use all of this info to help you choose a company. Contact the companies that get good references from the people you speak to.

2. Make sure that the carpet cleaning company you hire is licensed and insured.

Two of the most important things that you need to look for when hiring a cleaning company are the operating license and proof of insurance. You should never simply assume that a company has both. The license is critical because it will provide you with proof that the company employees have received the proper training to operate the equipment they are using. Be sure that the license they show you is still valid. You also need to verify that they are operating with insurance coverage. This will cover the cost of repairing any damage that the company might cause to your home while they are operating. WOW Total Cleaning is an example of a company that is licensed and insured.

3. Take a look at the Better Business Bureau site.

The BBB has many carpet cleaning companies on their site. Their reviews of each company will allow you to find out which ones are considered to be the best. Be sure to only look at companies with A+ ratings.

Machine learning has been a hot topic in IT discussion and news in recent years, but what it actually means for businesses and consumers is not always clear. Often, it seems like it’s merely the newest buzzword to grab investors’ attention, next in line after “the cloud”, “Internet of Things” and “blockchain”. It may be wise to not write it off just yet, though—understanding what machine learning is in theory and practice can highlight some valuable applications to your business.

What is Machine Learning?

Broadly, machine learning is the study and use of algorithms that allow computer systems to effectively perform a given task without explicit instructions. It’s often compared to artificial intelligence, but this can be misleading. An algorithm built on machine learning does not think in the same way that people do; rather, the algorithm is fed “training data” to generalize from. This allows for the construction of a model to apply to real-world data for prediction or pattern recognition. Training can come in various forms, including:

• supervised training, where the data input has an expected output associated and the algorithm develops a generalized model;
• unsupervised training, where groups of data are collated and analyzed for patterns;
• reinforcement training, featuring a dynamic environment and a goal that software agents must pursue.

Business Applications for Machine Learning

Algorithms created by machine learning vary greatly from one task and training set to another, and the field is still rapidly developing. However, the theories at work are already finding practical use. Machine learning tools for businesses are often designed for forecasting market trends or projecting the results of marketing strategies. The massive data volume this can involve makes it a strong application for analysis backed by machine learning algorithms. To account for bias that may develop unexpectedly, top-grade machine learning tools may employ multiple algorithms to reduce potential variance caused by any one algorithm, permit regular monitoring by human analysts to catch emergent bias or make use of meta-learning algorithms that examine prior analysis for potential biases.

Did you know that backache is one of the biggest reasons businesses lose work hours?

After all, it accounts for more than 264 million workdays lost each year. That means about two full work days for each full-time employee working in the country.

If you want to avoid this and also increase your workplace productivity, you need to start practicing proper office ergonomics. It’s important to ensure your employees are comfortable since it prevents them from developing chronic pains.

Are you ready to learn some tips to optimize the ergonomics of your workstations? Read on and find out more:

What is Office Ergonomics? 

Ergonomics is the study that lets you design equipment that helps fit the human body. It takes all the human factors like height, weight, sight, and others. That way, it helps in preventing strain injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders from repetitive tasks.

This type of design often sees use in office products like desks, chairs, keyboards, and the like. With an ergonomic design, it’s beneficial since people will use these for long periods of time each day. That ensures they don’t develop chronic pain due to unnecessary strain.

How to Optimize Your Workspace for Ergonomics 

The first thing you need to do is to check on the work environment you’re trying to improve. Ask yourself the type of work done as well as the landscape appearance. The analysis will help achieve better office ergonomics.

With that, you can apply the right office ergonomic procedures. Here are some of the things you can do:

1. Choose the Right Chair 

Your office chair should give your employees the support they need for their spinal curves. It’s important that the chair is adjustable so they can rest their feet flat on the floor. If there is a footrest, it’s much better.

It’s also important to make sure that the thighs stay parallel to the floor. Aside from that, the chair should also have an adjustable set of armrests. That helps people rest their arms and keep their shoulders relaxed throughout their work hours.

2. Pick the Right Keyboard and Mouse

The mouse should always be within easy reach. It needs to be on the same surface as the keyboard. It’s important to encourage your workers to keep their wrists straight, their upper arms close to their body, and their hands slightly below their elbow level. It’s the proper posture needed when they’re trying to type or use the mouse.

Make sure that the keyboard shortcuts are there since it helps in reducing the usage of the mouse. Get a mouse that has adjustable sensitivity. It’s important since it will only need a light touch to use it.

Another good ergonomic practice is to alternate the hand using the mouse. It’s easy since you can just move it to the other side of the keyboard. To make it possible, you need to ensure there’s enough space.

3. Use the Proper Desk

The desk’s underside should always have enough leg space to bend your knees or swing your feet. If you can find adjustable desks, the better, especially if it’s a standing desk frame. If you can’t adjust it and it’s too low, use boards or blocks underneath the desk legs to raise its height.

Otherwise, you need to raise your seat to compensate. If it’s too high for your feet to reach the ground, make use of a footrest to maintain comfort. Use a wrist rest if the desk has a hard edge—pad the edge if possible.

Lastly, encourage your employees to avoid storing items under their desks.

4. Pick the Right Monitor Position

The monitor should always be directly in front of your employees. Its average distance should be an arm’s length, with the screen top slightly below the eye level. The keyboard should be in front of the monitor for maximum ergonomic efficiency.

For employees wearing bifocals, the monitor should be a bit lower. The general rule is to lower it an additional 1-2 inches to make viewing more comfortable. Put the monitor in a place where the brightest light source is to the side.

5. Encourage the Right Work Posture

When you need to optimize the ergonomics of your workplace, you need your employees’ participation. Encourage everyone to stop slouching since it will put more pressure on the disks. It also strains your back’s vertebrae, making you more at risk for future chronic pain.

Tell your employees to make good use of their chairs’ lumbar support. They should avoid sitting in a posture that makes them place more body weight on one side more than on the other. The chair should always be as close as possible to the desk without leaning and reaching.

Your employees should also watch out for their head’s distance from the monitor. If their eyes are always too close to the monitor, they will suffer from eye strain. The proper distance should be at least an arm’s length.

6. Encourage Employees to Take Care of their Musculoskeletal System

There are a lot of ways for your employees to avoid getting chronic pain. Simple tips like drinking a lot of water, exercising on a regular basis, and taking a stretch break can help. This will decrease their chances of becoming fatigued while working, especially if they do their best to not sit for too long.

Optimize Your Office Ergonomics Today!

It’s important to organize your office items according to how frequent you use them. Put the most necessary items within arm’s reach at all times. Put away those that you don’t use that much to avoid making a clutter of your workplace and risking potential injuries.

With these office ergonomics tips, you can start making your office a healthier, more comfortable, and ergonomic setup. It will increase the comfort level within the office, increasing employee satisfaction.

Don’t stop here! We have more helpful guides. Discover more tips and tricks today!

Believe it or not, a lot of motorcycle accidents could easily be avoided if motorcycle drivers were more aware of their responsibilities on the road. If you already have suffered as the result of a motorcycle accident you might want to contact a Miami motorcycle accident lawyer to help you with your case. A lot of accidents these days can be preventable and are the result of failing to follow one of the points below:

1. Not being visible enough to other drivers is probably number one reason so many motorcycle accidents happen these days. If you want to enjoy a ride on your motorbike, then at least wear some reflective clothing. If this is not something you want to do then at least put some reflective stickers on your motorbike to increase visibility on the road.

2. Trying to force your way on the road between other road users to get faster and closer to your destination. You are allowed to squeeze between other vehicles due to your size, but remember to be very cautious while doing so. Other road users might not be able to see you especially if you happen to be in their blind spots. Again, to increase your visibility when coming in contact with other road users you might want to wear some reflective clothing.

3. Not getting a proper licence. It depends on where you live, but here you don’t need to get a motorbike licence if you display learner plates on your vehicle. Some motorcycle riders do it for many years. There are many benefits of getting the licence, even if it means that you have to pass the motorcycle driving test. Knowing better the rules of the road will allow you to avoid road rage and of course road accidents, so it is definitely something worth looking into.

If you have ever tried to declutter your home, you know that things might not go as smoothly as you might have expected it. There are many reasons this can happen, but careful planning is one of the key components into making sure that you will be finally getting the space in your house that you deserve. Here are some important planning components to ensure that this takes place and that you take your belongings to one of the storage units near me:

1. Visualize your goals and see your home as an organized and almost empty space where everything has its place. Try to think about for a moment how your house is going to look like and then act upon it.

2. Look forward, not back. There is no point thinking about all those things that caused this mess, because dwelling on the past is not going to make any difference in your life. Instead, look forward to everything you will be able to accomplish and have fun with it.

3. Don’t try to do everything at one go, but rather break down the project into smaller parts. This way you will not get discouraged, because cleaning is a difficult task and can sometimes take you many days to accomplish.

4. Don’t be a perfectionist. Your house doesn’t have to look perfect, because the houses of your family or friends are not perfect either. Decluttering can be a time consuming process, and it does not make sense to be stressing over it. Just do whatever you are able to do and be happy with the results. As long as you keep things regular and under control you are on the right track to achieving your goals. Also, give yourself plenty of time and don’t expect to do everything overnight. It took you a long time to create this mess, so it might also take you a lot of time to clean it.

Your ability to teach your students how to read depends on the type of reading materials you choose for them. When you are not bound by a curriculum and have some leeway in choosing these materials, you may need some guidance in how to select the right ones.

You can get that direction by visiting the website for the company today. The website can give you advice about reading materials, grading techniques, and phonics assessment tools that you can utilize for most or all of the students in your classroom.

Selecting Materials by Grade

Many schools require students to read at a certain level according to the grade in which they are about to enter. For example, kindergartners read at a lower level than first-graders. Children in first grade read at a lower level than second and third-graders.

As a teacher, you can appreciate these different reading levels among the various grades in your school. Still, if you have never before taught first grade, for example, you may not know what types of materials are best suited for this grade level.

You can take the guesswork out of teaching students to read by following the metric guidelines on the website. The website gives pointers on what types of materials are best for kids at every grade level. You can select books and booklets based on these recommendations.

Selecting by Age

If the children in your class are mandated by the curriculum to read based on their ages, you may need help choosing materials that are appropriate for the ages of the children in your classroom. In every grade, there are at least two ages of children. For example, kindergartners are five or six years old while first graders are either six or seven.

The website also offers direction on how to select materials based on the ages of the children in your class. You can pick out books that they can read and should be able to understand. You can expect your class to perform relatively well on classes if you follow these guidelines as outlined on the website for you.

The Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal statement that gives a lawyer authority to act on behalf of their client, in case the individual is absent to close a deal for whichever reason.

Sometimes, a person might be unable to follow through with certain undertakings such as selling a house, brokering a company merger or settling claims. In such circumstances, the attorney can act as their agent by signing the necessary documents and completing other personal requirements needed to finalize the transaction.

How does it apply?

The power of attorney is applicable once two witnesses have been called to witness the legal privilege being exchanged from the client to his/her lawyer. You can either give your attorney powers to act on your behalf while still conscious, or put it such that the arrangement is only applicable when you become unconscious or unable to make decisions by yourself.

Types of Power of Attorney documents:

1. I) General

This contract gives broad privileges to the lawyer to represent you in matters such as; handling business transactions, purchasing life insurance, fulfilling business interests and outsourcing professional assistance. Typically, this document is useful when you have traveled out of the country, but need someone who can take care of your matters while absent. Likewise, when you’re mentally or physically incapacitated it can also be helpful.

1. II) Special Powers

In this arrangement, the client specifies exactly what powers the lawyer is supposed to exercise on their behalf, so that they don’t cover each and every aspect of your business even those they aren’t supposed to. Usually, special privileges are given to attorneys when the client is unable to handle certain responsibilities due to commitments or poor health. They cover matters such as administering real estate, collecting debts and selling personal property.

III) Durable

As the name suggests, a durable power of attorney document is intended to last and isn’t affected by temporary circumstances. For instance, if you become permanently incapacitated due to an illness or accident such that you can’t transact your businesses normally like you previously used to, then the attorney may legally take over from you and keep your operations running for your entire lifetime.

For a Durable plan to be put in place, you must specify in your contract that the attorney is only allowed to transact business on your behalf if you’ve been declared mentally/physically unfit by a doctor. Sometimes, it may even require a written statement by at least 2 licensed practitioners to declare you incompetent in terms of health to run your operations.

1. IV) Health Care

A health care POA gives your lawyer authority to undertake medical decisions on your behalf, in the event that you’re unconscious or mentally unfit. For instance, the attorney can determine which hospital the patient should get treatment in when they become unconscious, the amount of money to be spent on treatment and so forth.

To summarize, the Power of Attorney is a binding contract that gives a lawyer authority to transact their client’s businesses, in the unlikely event that they’re unable to do so themselves. Generally, there are different types of POA documents and each has its own specific role which the attorney needs to fulfill. Read this comparison of Legalzoom vs Legalshield to select the best legal service for your power of attorney.