FloridaIndependent.com

[floridaindependentblog]

One of the things common to any industry is evolution, and the beauty industry is of no exception. Just like every other industry, the beauty industry has evolved. Even since just last year (2019), trendy products and new trends are beginning to unfold. In addition to new trends, every industry also experiences new opportunities and challenges as part of their evolution process.

The regulation of the cannabis industry is one of the challenges that the beauty industry will have to face. Though every industry, including the beauty industry, loves to embrace new opportunities; challenges, unfortunately, are certainly inevitable. Beauty retailers will have to consistently find ways to meet the demands of their customers irrespective of the challenges they face.

2020 CANNABIS INDUSTRY PREDICTIONS

A prediction of the possible CBD beauty trends in 2020 was made by several beauty brand CEOs, insiders in the industry and retailers. Here is what they have to say:

A renowned brand founder predicts that the year 2020 is very likely to be a volatile period for the cannabis industry. She said that the reason is that the majority of beauty retailers have risked relying on CBD brands that have no influence. With the constant changes in regulations made by the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration), she predicted that a lot of these brands will not be able to keep up with its demands. In addition, she predicted that the cannabis industry will suffer several lawsuits as a result and a lot of the biggest firms will be vulnerable. She stated that despite the cannabis industry still being in its infancy, 2020 will be its defining season. Ask Berkshirecbd experts to learn more

Another renowned CBD brand founder predicted that there will be further testing demands for CBD products, with an emphasis on beauty products. She predicts that this will be as a result of the FDA taking action based on the frustration of consumers. She further stated that she expects the top brands, that invest in manufacturing the best CBD beauty products, to dominate the market. This implies that we are likely to experience fallout from a lot of incompetent CBD products manufacturers.

A CEO of a popular beauty brand predicts that bank and payment platforms become more user-friendly. He gave an example of how some of these top-tier platforms such as Square and Shopify gave CBD brands access to their payment processing platforms. Although his predictions were a little different from others, he expects CBD brands to thrive like any other lifestyle and beauty brand. Learn more about these CBD beauty trends at ShareASale page.

OTHER BEAUTY INDUSTRY PREDICTIONS

A fragrance brand founder predicts that fragrance retailers will be compelled to adhere to recent fragrance guidelines. Another beauty brand founder expects more outstanding innovations in the year 2020. He indicated that the consumer demands for more make-up options will compel manufacturers to produce more innovative beauty products.

BOTTOM LINE

As every industry in the world experiences one form of evolution or the other, the beauty and CBD industry must also embrace these changes.

The post The Biggest 2020 Beauty Trends Predictions appeared first on Florida Independent.

[floridaindependentblog]

Mobile games have exploded in popularity in recent years. Interestingly, some of them boast graphics and mechanics that demand a large number of resources from your Android phone.

Fortunately, there are ways you can ensure that your gaming. experience remains seamless.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about how to optimize your Android gaming device

Disable Background Services

One of the easiest ways to increase your father’s performance is to disable any applications that consistently run in the background. This includes applications such as social media, email, etc.

Since fewer processes mean less RAM usage, you’ll often see an immediate improvement in performance.

You’ll also have the benefit of saving extra battery power, something that’s often necessary when playing games for an extended period of time.

Boost Your Device

There are a large number of applications on the Google Play Store that allow you to temporarily optimize your phone settings in order to experience an increase in performance while playing video games. Many of these applications also immediately revert your settings to what they previously were as soon as your gaming session has concluded.

So, you won’t need to worry about remembering your previous configuration if you only need your phone for general usage.

For those who like better performance while playing online games on the phone, a cell phone signal booser could provide similar results. Rather than optimize your phone settings, it will strengthen your phone’s connection with your service provider for a more stable, fluid experience.

Clear Your Cache

As you use your phone, it stores data in a cache so that it can load webpages, applications, etc. faster in the future. Although your cache often contains data that isn’t crucial for the application to perform correctly, it can’t take up unnecessary space in your device.

The longer you go without clearing your cache, the more evident this scenario will become. If you find that your phone’s games aren’t running quite as quickly as they should be, clearing your cache may be able to quickly resolve your issues.

Factory Reset Your Phone

Although this is an unconventional option, it will likely allow you to reach peak performance. By restoring your phone to the state it was in when you originally purchased it, you’ll free up a significant amount of storage and memory.

This is most useful as long as two criteria are met:

You have all of your phones data backed up at another location

You’re able to save your game’s progress so that you can pick up where you left off when you restore your phone

If neither of these are an issue for you, then factory-resetting your phone will give you all the time you need for peak performance. It can also be an option for those who happen to have an extra android device that they’d like to dedicate solely to gaming.

GPU Rendering

As the name suggests, GPU rendering Forces your device to use its GPU instead of CPU to carry out graphics-related tasks. GPU rendering increases overall performance because it allows the CPU to focus on everything that doesn’t have to do with graphics.

As such, it’s most effective for playing games with notable graphics quality.

Keep in mind, though, but since you’ll be using two processing units on your device instead of one, your battery will drain far more quickly than it normally would.

So, don’t utilize this method unless your phone is almost fully charged.

Overclock Your Processor

Like most devices, Android phones have established limits on their performance. For example, even if your phone’s CPU is able to run at 2 GHz, developers may limit this to 1.5 GHz to ensure that no complications arise when your device reaches its actual peak level performance.

Overclocking your device will bypass is this limit and allows you to get the most possible out of your phone’s CPU.

But, there are two things you need to keep in mind before you choose to do this:

Overclocking often voids your androids warranty

Your battery life will be drastically affected

As long as you’re fine with the risk, this is one of the best ways to run games as optimally as possible.

Be on the lookout, though, for any strange behavior that your device exhibits. Running at peak performance for too long may damage it.

Update Your Game

Sometimes, older versions of Android games don’t work as they should with newer versions of Android software. Many people tend to notice a slowdown in their game’s performance after they update their phone’s operating system.

Fortunately, this issue is often resolved by simply updating your game.

In the event that this doesn’t fix the problem, you’ll either have to try an alternative method or wait until the developer releases a newer version.

Optimizing Your Android Gaming Device Can Seem Difficult

But it doesn’t have to be.

With the above information about how to optimize the performance of your Android gaming device in mind, you’ll be well on your way toward getting the fastest speeds (and best experience) possible.

Want to learn more technology tips that can help you out in the future? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog.

The post How to Optimize Your Android Gaming Device for the Ultimate Experience appeared first on Florida Independent.

[floridaindependentblog]

When should the flag be flown at half staff?

Most of us know that a flag flown at half-mast represents something somber. Sometimes it is in respect for a prominent government or military official who has died. There are also a few days that the flag is customarily flown at half staff to show respect for the sacrifices made by our armed forces or to mark prominent events.

Read on to learn when to fly flags at half-mast

Typical Dates

There are a few dates each year when the flag is traditionally flown at half-mast. These include:

May 15th, Peace Officers Memorial Day

Memorial Day

September 11th, Patriot Day

National Firefighters Memorial Day in October

December 7th, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

The flag is flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on these days, with the exception of Memorial Day. On this special day, it is at half-mast from sunrise until noon and then briskly raised to the top of the flagpole.

These are the only days on which we routinely fly the flag at half-mast. The Veteran’s Day flag and on other days the flag stays flying high and proud to represent the pride and heart of the American people.

To Honor Certain People

When certain people die, this triggers a flag at half-mast period. The Vice President, Chief Justice (even retired), or Speaker of the House gets 10 days. For a few others, such as a former VP, an Associate of the Supreme Court, or a state governor, the flag will be flown at half-mast until they are buried. For members of congress (and a few other officials) it will be lowered the day of and the day after their death.

You may have noticed that we left out the President. How long are flags at half-mast for a President or former President? A full 30 days to honor their service and their death.

Who Decides When to Fly Flags at Half-Mast?

The flag may be flown at half-mast to memorialize other deaths or to mark other important moments, but only the President of the United States can decide to do this. This is to prevent the trivializing of a very special ceremonial act.

To the Top First

Keep in mind that a flag should never be raised to half-mast and left there. Instead, you should raise it briskly to the top first, then lower it to the half-mast position.

The same goes for when you take it down. Raise it back up to the top and then “ceremoniously” lower it down once more.

Never let an American flag touch the ground when you are putting it up or taking it down. If you need a new flagpole for your American flag, be sure to check out this quality flagpole kit that will ensure your flag stays flying high and proudly where it should be.

Flying Your Flag at Half-Mast

We hope this quick overview has given you a better understanding of when to fly flags at half-mast. You can sign up for notifications on when to fly your flag at half-mast here.

For more great content, be sure to check out the rest of our articles.

The post A Simple Guide on When to Fly Flags at Half-Mast appeared first on Florida Independent.

[floridaindependentblog]

Did you know that the average cost of a vinyl or PVC fence is between $2,108-$5,077? If you are looking to add some privacy to your backyard or are looking for the perfect types of fence to make your garden feel like a private sanctuary, you are in the right place.

Keep reading to learn the fencing options you have

1. Slatted Screen

If you like a modern look with some boho glam, a slatted screen fence might be right up your alley. This fencing option will give you shade during the daytime but it will still allow some light to come through.

You can also use the slats to hook things on to it like lights and create an ambiance for nighttime entertainment. You can contact a professional like Butte Fence to help you find this fence type in their large selection of inventory.

2. Garden Wall

If you live in an area that has great weather year-round, you can look into adding a vertical garden wall as your fence. You can have flowering vines and plants growing on your fence along with other greens.

This is perfect if you love having greenery in your yard.

3. PVC Fence

If you are on a budget then this is a cheap way to fence in your yard and have a fence that will last a long time. Instead of using wooden pickets and stakes PVC is the material that is used.

The material makes this fence resistant to the outdoor elements, unlike wooden fences that will deteriorate over time.

4. Bamboo Fencing

Because bamboo can be grown naturally it is becoming more popular in recent years. It is also perfect for everyone that loves helping the environment. You can choose to either install rolled bamboo, live bamboo, or bamboo cane.

Keep in mind that bamboo is an invasive plant and you will have to keep it under control, to prevent it from taking over. A good way to keep bamboo under control is by putting it in multiple tall planters. This will make it easier to trim and keep it from taking over.

5. Wood Fencing

The last fence type on our list is a classic wooden fence. This option gives your home a warm and welcoming feeling without costing you an arm and a leg.

Keep in mind that the taller your fence is, the more money you will spend because you will need more lumber. Something else that will affect the price is the type of wood you choose. The great thing is that there is lumber to fit every budget.

Which of These Types of Fence Will You Choose?

Now that you have our list of top types of fence to install in your backyard, you can make an informed decision when you choose your perfect fence. Make sure that you choose a fence that brings you privacy but still gives your yard aesthetics.

Did our blog post help you today? Please keep browsing the rest of our site for more helpful articles to spruce up your home.

The post Get Some Privacy: The 5 Best Types of Fence For Your Garden appeared first on Florida Independent.

[floridaindependentblog]

Most medical practices spend a good deal of time fielding phone calls. A busy practice might handle almost 30 calls per hour at peak times.

Handling so many calls might seem overwhelming for you and your staff. That’s one reason you might consider a doctor answering service. It turns out there are actually plenty of other benefits too.

Keep reading to discover the top benefits

1. A Doctor Answering Service Reduces Hold Times

There are very few people who enjoy being on hold or playing phone tag. This is especially true when they’re trying to get a hold of their doctor. If they’re in an emergency situation, they may not be able to wait.

An answering service can help you reduce hold times by rerouting calls to an overflow answering service. The operators there use customized scripts to assist your patients. In turn, they get the help they need and your phone lines stay clear.

Better yet, the service uploads all information to your systems.

2. Provide 24/7 Care With Medical Answering Services

A doctor can’t be on-call all the time, but your patients sometimes have emergencies in the middle of the night. A young person may go into crisis, or a new parent may have concerns about their child. Someone else may have concerns about a new medication.

A medical answering service helps them get the answers they need when they need them. With the right service, you can provide round-the-clock care for your patients.

3. Reduce Overheads With an Answering Service

A phone answering service also has benefits for your practice itself. With one, you can lower overheads. You may not need to hire a second receptionist or install yet another phone line.

By reducing these costs, you can redirect the funds into better care for your patients.

4. Improve Patient Satisfaction

Improved patient satisfaction is a natural extension of the previous three benefits. Your patients will be much happier when they can get questions answered, even after hours.

They’ll also see improvements around the practice too. When you spend less time on the phone, you can spend more time with each patient. That also improves care and patient satisfaction.

Improved patient satisfaction usually means more people returning to see you. They’re also more likely to recommend you to friends and family. That’s good news for anyone who wants to grow their practice.

5. Get Better Records With an Answering Service

One question you may have about a phone answering service is how it handles record-keeping requirements.

The very best answering services are always HIPAA compliant. They can help you meet all regulatory requirements. Calls are recorded, which provides accurate, time-stamped records for your practice.

You can document responses, progress, and other metrics when you use an answering service.

You can click here to discover what some of the top doctor answering services have in common. Then see how they stack up against a solution you’re considering.

Good Care Is Always on Call

Adopting a doctor answering service for your medical practice is a smart move.

If you want to learn more about how technology can help you deliver better care for your patients, check out the archive for all the latest.

The post 5 Reasons Why You Need a Doctor Answering Service (Now!) appeared first on Florida Independent.

[floridaindependentblog]

It may be an easy pass to joke about being a “scree-ager” or “addicted to pie,” but the reality is that the statistics on addiction are real, large, and saddening.

There are plenty of people loving an addict in their life, and maybe you’ve found yourself in that boat. Helping a friend or family member struggling with an addiction can be a difficult and complicated process.

However, there are some things you can do to help yourself help the addict in your life. With these three tips, you can alleviate some of the stress that comes with loving an addict.

Check the article for details

1. Research

The first key step in being there for the addict in your life is to familiarize yourself with their addiction. This step can be a little grueling, but it’s really important.

This is because you’ll be able to recognize certain behaviors that occur in a specific addiction. That way you can recognize certain behaviors and adequately react.

This will equip you to be able to take care of your loved one struggling with addiction using proper tactics and without possibly hurting or enabling them with your actions.

2. Be Honest

The next tip is to be honest with your loved one. They say that honesty is the best policy and it really applies to this kind of relationship.

This means, more often than not, that you need to confront your loved one about their addiction if they are unaware or if you haven’t done so yet. However, this step is pretty critical and can be a big moment in your relationship so make sure you are adequately prepared.

You can do this by speaking to a professional or a trusted individual beforehand and planning out what you want to say when you actually have the conversation.

3. Take Care of Yourself

Finally, you also need to guard your heart and your mental health throughout this process. Loving an addict takes a lot of time and energy and will involve a lot of ups and downs.

Life may often feel like it’s turning upside down, and you can read on here to understand how to find clarity. What matters is that you’re keeping up healthy habits whether it’s meditation or having your favorite dinner, to make sure that you are also staying in a good headspace when you’re helping.

You can’t pour from an empty cup and that completely applies here! So make sure your cup is always full when you’re working on caring for your loved one.

Loving an Addict Is a Journey

Loving an addict is a journey: you begin with addressing the issue and continue to fight for recovery side by side. You can’t exactly pinpoint a final destination, because every day sober is a day added to recovery.

But this is a journey for the long haul, and your love can carry you through it as long as you pair it with intentional work that comes with these three tips.

If you found this post helpful, check out some of our others and come back again soon for more content.

The post Loving an Addict: How to Help a Loved One Overcome Addiction appeared first on Florida Independent.

[floridaindependentblog]

Americans are now spending around $340 billion on home renovations each year.

With fewer homes for sale and an unstable resale market, homeowners have resorted to upgrading their current properties with a view to increasing their home’s future resale value.

But, expensive renovations such as new bathrooms and kitchens don’t always pay off as much as people hope. Instead, it’s better to choose more affordable home improvements if you’re expecting potential buyers to cover most of the expenses.

Keep reading to discover the best ways to increase your home’s value for a great return on your investment

1. Fresh Paint

Wondering how to increase your home’s value? One of the easiest, cheapest, and fastest ways is with a fresh lick of paint. You should even be able to handle smaller painting projects such as bedrooms and powder rooms yourself, although it’s better to call in the professionals when repainting larger living spaces.

Go for lighter colors and neutrals in shades of pale gray, beige, and cream for optimum resale potential. Lighter hues will also make your rooms appear bigger and brighter.

2. Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen is the heart of the house for many modern families, making upgrades to this room a big draw for buyers.

Because of this, it can be tempting to go for a whole new kitchen. But anything too fancy or expensive is unlikely to make as much of a difference to your home’s resale price as you might have hoped.

Instead, go for updates that make a big impression without making a hole in your renovating budget. These affordable home improvements might include attractive discount kitchen cabinets, a flooring update, or a new sink and faucet.

3. Garage Door

The exterior plays a bigger role in your home’s value than you might have realized. As such, upgrading your old garage door for a new heavy-duty door is always a good investment.

Estimates place the cost of removing and disposing of your old garage door and replacing it at around $3,500. But the good news is that you should be able to recoup at least 97 percent of the cost when you sell your home.

4. Wooden Deck

Having a yard makes it a lot easier to sell your home in any case. But with a deck, it’ll be a lot easier for potential buyers to imagine themselves enjoying your home’s outdoor space when they move in.

Decking can vary a lot in price depending on the size and design. A wooden deck offers the best return on your investment.

For an idea of the average cost, a 16-by-20-foot wooden deck with extras like railings and a bench is around $13,000. But this expense can increase your home by around $10,000. As such, adding a deck is a great way to make the most of your yard and increase your property value too.

5. Stone Veneer

Adding stone veneer to part of your home’s exterior might not be the most glamorous update, but it’s a great way to add value to your home. For the biggest impact, consider replacing the siding around your entryway with manufactured stone veneer.

Like a new garage door, this feature is a big draw for potential buyers. And, because it’s such a visible and valued upgrade, you should expect to recoup around 95 percent of the average $9,000 cost.

6. Steel Entry Door

Like the other exterior home renovations on this list, a shiny new entry door gives your home instant curb appeal.

Any kind of new front door will offer an attractive update, especially if it’s charcoal grey or black. But if you have the cash, opting for a top-quality steel door with a composite stop and glass panels is a surefire way to attract a potential buyer’s attention.

On average, you should expect to pay around $1,800 for this kind of door. But with a 75 percent return on investment, you’ll add around $1,400 to your home’s resale price straight away.

7. Energy-Efficient Windows

Replacing old and drafty windows with new energy-efficient windows is a surefire way to increase your home’s value.

Not only will buyers notice the visual upgrade, but they’ll also appreciate the improved insulation and reduced utility costs that new windows provide. And, while the price of vinyl windows can cost around $16,800, you can expect your home to be worth around $12,300 more.

8. Lighting Fixtures

While we don’t always notice good lighting fixtures, bad ones often grab our attention, and the same goes for potential buyers. As such, adding or upgrading lighting will often increase property value.

New exterior lighting will give your home added security while also improving your home’s curb appeal. And adding layered lighting options to your home’s interior with wall lights, lamps, and focal lighting is a great way to create a softer and more appealing aesthetic when it’s time to sell your home.

9. Room Reinvention

Adding square footage to your home with a new room is an obvious way to make it more attractive to potential buyers. But it’s far from an affordable or cost-effective way to increase your home’s value.

Instead, consider reinventing an existing room by converting an attic, basement, study, or second living space into an extra bedroom. Depending on your home’s layout, you might even be able to divide an unused space and convert half of it into a small bedroom.

Reinventing a room can vary in price but it can increase your home’s value a great deal. Not only that, an extra bedroom means your home will appeal to a whole new group of buyers, giving you more options when you put it on the market.

Affordable Home Improvements that Add Value to Your Property

As these affordable home improvements show, you don’t have to splash out on a total remodel to see some serious return on your investment.

Often, more visible exterior renovations are the best way to increase home value expectations. What’s more, you’ll be able to enjoy the added curb appeal that these upgrades provide while you still live there.

For more of the latest lifestyle news and advice, be sure to check out our other blog posts!

The post 9 Affordable Home Improvements That Can Increase Your Home’s Value appeared first on Florida Independent.

[floridaindependentblog]

When you are applying to college, even small choices can feel overwhelming. This is especially true for a college subject, which feels like a very personal part of a regular application. Or you may be worried about how to organize your thoughts. Would you be advised to use a storytelling framework?

We will review minor formatting issues such as titles and text styles, then talk about a broader assessment such as using the fifth paragraph article, or in case you use the college essay template.

How to Format a College Essay: Textual style, Margins

If you are not sure what to do, see the application instructions. Note that the basic application still expects you to rearrange your article in the library. Paper applications can lose all sense of direction in the mail. Essay help online, yet you will find out very soon if your paper application is somehow redirected and then mailed to you.  Online applications, on the other hand, assure you that your content was found.

Other than online accommodation: no stamp required!

In case you are duplicated and pasted in a book box: When you rearrange in a library, the important thing is that the clock doubles and everything is moved correctly. First, make sure your entire article has moved to articles and was not cut!

In case you’re Attaching a Record:

If you are compiling a record, you have to worry more and more about the overall format of the college essay. Things like margins and distances are becoming increasingly important. Explain your paragraph clearly. A single tab is fine in the beginning. Use text that is easy to read, such as Times, Ariel, Calabria, Cambria, and so on. Avoid textual styles such as papers and loans. And use 12 pt textile styling.

Formatting Rules That Apply regardless of how you Wind up Presenting the Essay:

It will easily fullfil your promise. Avoid all CAPS or unnecessary symbols or decisions to shape cutesy, overly conversational, such as a denial of heaven, sentimentality, and hashtags. Essay composing is not only one of the most difficult academic assignments that have a lot of justification, but it is also an essential part of learning.

Tips on How to Format College Admission Essay

We get a look about features same edges, spacing, titles, and text dimensions. What we’re talking about here is a great personal article in which the admissions board gets a brief look at your personality (conflict, preferences, characteristics, and further). With that passageway, they may have the option to equal you to the correct direction or decide if you are suitable for the direction you have applied for.

Here are the rules to follow when formatting a college app essay:

Another feature related to the format of college admissions is the interval. MS Word has a default setup when you start the paper, however, according to the terms set out in the re-entry guidelines, you can always adapt it to expectations. Cause they expect a double space line from you? What concerning adjustment (right, left, or double)? To do this, choose a paragraph in your archive, and select Line Spacing following the Indent and Spacing tab.

The post How to Format a College Essay appeared first on Florida Independent.

[floridaindependentblog]

Over 38 million Americans have filed for unemployment due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. That number is equivalent to the population of 21 states combined.

If you find yourself struggling during these uncertain times, it’s safe to say that you aren’t the only one. While your health should be your number one priority right now, you also need to consider how you’ll pay your bills without a steady paycheck.

If you are in need of money due to the pandemic, you need to think outside the box in order to make enough money.

Keep reading to find out how

1. Food Delivery Services

If you need money now, delivering take out is a great way to generate some income. Many people are unable to leave their homes and are tired of cooking every single meal. That means they’re ordering take out a lot more often than they normally would.

Sign up for a food delivery service like GrubHub or DoorDash. Customers order takeout meals with these services. You choose an order to fulfill, drive to the restaurant to pick up the meal and deliver the food to the paying customer.

Depending on the demand where you live, you can make a lot of money just off your tips. If you enjoy driving and don’t mind that your car will smell like food for a while, this could be your solution.

2. Sell Your Belongings

With all the extra time on your hands, it’s the perfect opportunity to go through your belongings and downsize. By selling off the items you no longer use, you can make some extra money while also minimalizing your life.

Websites like Poshmark or even Facebook Marketplace are great resources to make some cash. First, find belongings around your house that you’re willing to part with. Things such as electronics, clothing, children’s items, and furniture are great money-makers.

All you need to do is take good quality photos of the items you’re selling and figure out how much money you want for them. Then, post your listing and wait for someone to buy it.

3. Donate Plasma

If you’re in good health, consider sharing your good with others while making some extra cash.

Plasma is part of your blood that helps with blood-clotting and can fight off some diseases. Because of this, many people are in need of plasma donations to stay healthy, meaning businesses are willing to pay you for your plasma.

To donate plasma, you’ll want to find a medical facility near you that specializes in this practice. Once you set up an appointment, the actual process will take around an hour and a half. During this time, your blood is drawn, the plasma is removed, and your plasma-free blood is returned to your body.

Depending on how many times a month you donate, you can make around $300 and help someone in the process.

4. Monetize Your Hobbies

Unemployed with a lot of free time on your hands? This might be the perfect opportunity to pick up an old or new hobby and monetize it.

Maybe you love to draw portraits of people’s pets. Perhaps you’re great at pottery and want to start creating dinnerware. Or, you may enjoy knitting and trying new designs.

If so, get crafting and list your finished products for sale. You can start by selling to your friends and family members to see if people like the products you’re offering. Then, move on to sites like Etsy to reach customers from across the world.

5. Shop for Groceries

Many people who are sick or living with compromised immune systems are quarantined to their homes. This makes it hard for them to receive their daily necessities like groceries. By shopping for others, you can assist those in need and fill your wallet.

Instacart and Shipt are great companies to look into if this sounds like a gig for you. Just like food delivery services, you’ll accept an order and then do a customer’s grocery shopping for them. You’ll pay for the groceries with a special debit card provided by the company and receive a tip once you deliver the customer’s order.

6. Research Your Assistance Options

With so many people across the country in the same financial situation, there are a lot of assistance options out there if you know where to look. Taking the time to research your options can pay off big time.

Thanks to the CARES Act, unemployment benefits are available to more people than ever before. If you lost your income due to COVID-19, odds are you qualify for unemployment benefits.

In addition, check your current bills to see if they’ve changed due to the pandemic. Federal student loans are currently in a forbearance state, so you don’t currently have to pay them. Many utility companies and lenders are offering similar benefits.

7. Get a Payday Loan

Have you already tried a few of these options and are still coming up short of paying for your necessities? If so, you can always apply for a payday loan to help get you through the pandemic.

Payday loans are a common way to get unemployment loans fast. Wondering how payday loans work? They work like a cash advance, giving you money quickly, with very few requirements to receive one.

In normal situations, you’d have to provide proof of income to qualify for certain amounts. But due to the ongoing pandemic, many lenders are currently making exceptions.

Be aware that these loans can come with high-interest rates. Apply for one as a last resort only.

In Need of Money? Try a Few of These Options

If you’re in need of money due to the ongoing pandemic, using these options can help you generate a decent income.

Depending on how much money you need, you can use one or multiple ways to generate income at the same time. Just remember to give yourself time to breathe and protect your mental health during these uncertain times.

Looking to stay better informed about the economy and everything going on in America today? Be sure to bookmark this site and check back often for the latest news.

The post In Need of Money Now? 7 Creative Ways to Make Money During the Pandemic appeared first on Florida Independent.

[floridaindependentblog]

If you want to know how to pay employees in a small business, look no further.

Small business employee payroll is something that many owners struggle with because they don’t know how much they should be paying. This can cause them to overspend and miss out on growing their businesses.

Fortunately, we’ve put together some tips for paying employees that will ensure you can grow your business. You just need to do some research and develop a good business plan.

Keep on reading to learn more about how much to pay employees

Create an Accurate Job Description

One of the first things you’ll want to do before hiring anyone is to create an accurate job description. Creating an accurate job description will prevent people from applying for a position that they aren’t qualified for. This will also make the rest of the steps simpler when trying to figure out how much you should pay.

Small businesses will need to be careful when hiring people because they generally don’t have enough money to keep hiring if they get someone that isn’t qualified.

Within your description, you’ll want to include what you expect from an employee in that position and what the job entails. If you have educational requirements, include those, as well.

Look Into What Other Companies Are Paying

When figuring out how much to pay employees, it’s best to research what other companies are paying their employees. In most companies, each position will earn a different amount based on the tasks they need to do and educational requirements.

For every position that you’re trying to fill, look into the average salary data for them. You don’t want to underpay employees because they won’t stick around for long or you’ll have a hard time hiring. However, you also don’t want to pay too much because you may end up slowing your growth.

Figure Out How Much an Employee Expects to Earn

Whenever you interview someone for a job, ask them how much they expect to earn. Most companies will include a section for this within their applications, but you should also ask them personally.

Unless you state that you plan on giving a specific amount for a position, don’t be afraid to negotiate. It’s okay to provide an employee with a bit more than what they’d earn at another place, but don’t break the bank. Negotiating will build trust, but you can’t afford to overspend on small business employee payroll.

Calculate How Much You Can Afford

Paying employees of a small business is made a lot easier when you figure out how much money you can afford to offer. During the first year or two of your business, don’t expect to earn massive profits. However, you should be earning more after you get out of the startup phase.

In the beginning, figure out how much it will cost to keep the business operating. With your leftover money, you’ll want to put that into your employee payroll and savings. If you can’t afford to pay everyone, you’ll need to let someone go.

When you’re figuring out what works for your business, try to minimize costs by getting rid of things that don’t help you. For example, if you have extra machinery, sell it. This will give you more money to put back into the business.

Make Reasonable Offers

When you have an idea of what your employees should be earning, you must offer them a reasonable amount. If you can’t afford to pay too much, you should offer incentives to convince people to work for you.

Here are some of the things you can offer:

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid time off is something that most people enjoy because they can get compensated for working hard. You can award employees with PTO for completing certain objectives, such as making sales or staying with the company for x amount of time.

Vacation Time

Similar to PTO, vacation time is used when an employee wants time off from work. Most companies will provide employees with a certain amount of vacation time each year, usually between one to two weeks. You can decide whether you want vacation time to roll over to the next year.

Overtime Pay

If your employees are paid hourly wages, you should offer overtime pay to convince them to work longer. Overtime pay is usually 1.5 times what they regularly earn, but it will let you get more done. People typically look for companies that offer this, so you’ll need to include this in your budget when figuring out how much you can pay.

Flexibility

No employee wants to work for a strict company that doesn’t let them make changes. If you’re flexible with employees, you can get away with paying a bit less because they’ll have more freedom. Whether it’s being able to call in sick or switch shifts with someone, your employees will enjoy flexibility in the workplace.

Consider offering various ways for your employees to receive payments, too. You can offer direct deposit, physical paychecks, and a prepaid card for them to receive payments. When tax season comes, use a W2 generator to provide them with the right tax forms.

Now You Know How to Pay Employees in a Small Business

Whether you’re in the startup phase of your small business or would like to get on the right track, you’ll need to follow this advice. Understanding how to pay employees in a small business will save you both time and money, letting you grow quickly.

Browse our articles to learn more about business!

The post How Much and How Often?: How to Pay Employees In a Small Business appeared first on Florida Independent.

[floridaindependentblog]

Did you know that nearly 40 million adults in the United States suffer from different anxiety disorders each year? That’s about 18.1% of the U.S. adult population. This makes anxiety a very common mental illness.

Anxiety has been well studied by professionals in the field of psychology because it’s so common. There’s been a lot of progress in treatment options.

Anxiety is a mental illness that a person can learn to cope with if they have the right professional help. Yet statistics state that only 36.9% of people suffering from anxiety receive treatment.

If anxiety is not addressed it can have some serious negative consequences on the brain. This is why finding out the effects of anxiety on the brain is crucial to addressing a person’s mental health.

Keep reading to learn what they are

Anxiety Changes How Your Brain Looks at Food

A constantly anxious brain will have trouble with the most basic functions. This includes thinking about or wanting to eat. Anxiety basically tells your brain and body that you’re in a dangerous situation, whether it’s something you perceive as dangerous or an actual emergency, and sends you into a fight or flight mode.

This type of survival mode is supposed to subside when the danger passes but dealing with constant anxiety will keep your brain in this mode indefinitely. While some people who struggle with anxiety disorders have trouble eating, others feel the need to eat more. These changes in appetite are a direct result of how anxiety affects the brain.

It Rewires the Connections in Your Brain

Anxiety and the brain are intrinsically connected because the effects of anxiety literally change your brain chemistry and rewire its connections. Studies have shown that a brain under constant anxiety will begin to create a stronger connection between the amygdala and the hippocampus.

The amygdala is primarily responsible for the emotions that come from a fight or flight response. The hippocampus is mostly involved in the processing of dangerous events into memories.

This rewiring of connections in the brain will make the amygdala overreact and perceive danger where there is none. This stronger connection between these two parts of the brain will heighten anxiety levels even further for a person suffering from this mental illness.

Can Affect Short Term Memory and Concentration

Some of the more serious anxiety effects on the brain include issues with memory and concentration. The constant activity in the hippocampus as it tries to process memories can slow it down and cause it to shrink. This shrinkage can lead to short term memory problems.

Being in a state of anxiety and having a rush of adrenaline works well when trying to fight off an attack but it’s not so great in everyday life. When attempting to work or study for an exam it becomes increasingly difficult to concentrate on the task in front of you if your brain is constantly on guard.

Anxiety Changes Your Sleeping Patterns

A brain with anxiety will always have trouble sleeping. Anxiety will change your sleeping patterns causing you to toss and turn all night. A brain that’s constantly on alert will have trouble relaxing and will keep you from falling asleep.

You’ll usually have very specific physical symptoms when experiencing anxiety, including a higher heart rate and faster breathing. This is not the most conducive environment for sleep, so you’ll most likely not get much if any when dealing with anxiety.

The surge of adrenaline you feel during an anxiety attack won’t allow your brain to shut off. A constant stream of racing thoughts when you’re trying to fall asleep will definitely mess up your normal sleeping patterns.

It Can Lead to Impulsive Behavior

An anxious mind doesn’t think as clearly as possible and doesn’t act clearly either. It’s hard to make good decisions when coming from a place of fear or anxiety. This is entirely a result of how your brain is affected by anxiety.

Cortisol, the hormone released when the brain feels anxiety, can slow down your prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex helps to regulate emotions and helps you in decision making. If the ability to make rational decisions is hindered by anxiety, impulsive decisions are inevitable.

Anxiety not only affects your brain but it affects your behavior and the decisions you make. The effects of anxiety can be felt in many areas of your life.

An Anxious Brain Can Cause Depression

Anyone who lives with a mental illness can tell you that they will oftentimes suffer from more than one. While anxiety is one of the more common mental illnesses in the U.S., many people with anxiety can also suffer from depression.

Having constant anxiety can lead a person to develop depression. Many people first diagnosed with depression can also experience many of the symptoms of anxiety.

A silver lining is that there are many treatment options that can help a person that struggles with both anxiety and depression. Not everyone knows the use of marijuana for depression and anxiety but it can help relieve many of the symptoms people experience.

The Effects of Anxiety on the Brain Explained

Anxiety can affect every aspect of a person’s life. It can lead them to struggle with the most basic decisions or something as complicated as their career or relationships.

Most people don’t realize the effects of anxiety on the brain, however. Some examples are listed above. Make sure to check out our other blogs to learn more about anxiety and the brain.

The post Here’s How Anxiety Affects the Brain appeared first on Florida Independent.

[floridaindependentblog]

Did you recently ditch your Windows PC for a MacBook? Are you in the process of learning the ins and outs of your new computer? Are you trying to figure out how to enable camera on Mac?

Because of the pandemic, the use of the Mac webcam has become more important than ever. Thus, every new Mac user should know how to turn it on. Moreover, you should also master your Mac’s camera settings to maximize your experience.

But let’s start with activating your Mac camera. How do you exactly turn it on? What are the important tips and other essentials you need to learn?

Continue reading below for a comprehensive lowdown.

How to Enable Camera on Mac: As Simple as Can Be

Learning how to enable camera on Mac is fairly simple. But first, it is important to note that most Mac computers already come with built-in cameras. And if you bought a brand new Mac desktop or MacBook, your unit should already have one.

As for the cameras, you likely have a built-in FaceTime, FaceTime HD, or iSight camera. You should find this at the top edge of your computer screen.

If you own a regular MacBook, it comes with a 480p camera. Meanwhile, the MacBook Pro comes with a higher-definition camera at 720p.

But why do we say that opening your Mac camera is simple? This is because when you open an app that records videos, takes pictures, or make video calls, your Mac camera automatically turns on.

Thus, to turn on your camera, simply launch your Messages, Photo Booth, or FaceTime. To ensure that your camera is on, you should find a green light glowing beside your camera.

To turn it off, all you need is to close the particular app you are using. In turn, the action will close the camera and the green light will also turn off.

If it doesn’t turn off, try opening it using a different app. If it does, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app where the camera doesn’t turn off.

Click on the link to learn more about how to turn on camera on Mac computers and how to fix it if it’s not working.

Assigning Apps That Can Use Your Camera

Though some apps enable you to use your Mac camera by default, you can still limit the apps that can use your camera. To do this, go to your built-in camera settings by hitting the Apple menu icon.

Click on “System Preferences” then hit “Security & Privacy.” Select “Privacy” and choose “Camera.”

You will then see a checkbox beside the apps that can use your camera by default. Tick off the checkbox to restrict the apps’ access to your camera.

For third-party apps, you can grant them access to your camera. However, take note that they will have power over any information that they collect from your end.

Hence, you should read the terms and privacy policies of these apps before giving them access. Also, you can check out the macOS Deployment Reference for more information on your Mac’s security settings.

Improving Video Quality on Mac

As we mentioned earlier, the Mac webcam has never been more important. With more people working at home, they use their Mac cameras for their Zoom meetings. Unfortunately, some Mac users complain that their cameras do not yield great video quality during their calls.

Thankfully, there are a few tips that can help improve your video quality on your Mac. For starters, consider moving closer to your router. Sometimes, it is your slow connection or patchy WiFi that is the culprit.

Another option is to use Powerline adapters. These things work by extending your WiFi coverage to areas in your home that have dead spots. Dead spots are areas that your WiFi connection doesn’t reach.

Protecting Your Webcam from Hacking

Another valuable tip you should learn is protecting your camera from hacking. Back in 2013, research revealed that cybercriminals can spy on people using the latter’s MacBook webcams.

Hackers can access your Mac cameras without turning on the LED indicator light. And if you’re a regular Zoom user, you need to ensure your camera’s safety and security.

One of the first things you can do is to invest in security software. If you don’t have the budget yet, try using OverSight. This free tool works by blocking access to your webcam.

It notifies you whenever someone is trying to access your camera and microphone.

Moreover, you should learn how to lock down your webcam. This is crucial especially if you wish to protect your identity from cyber-attacks. Apart from placing restrictions on certain third-party apps, you can manage your camera’s accessibility when visiting certain sites.

The caveat, however, is that your desktop or MacBook must be running on macOS High Sierra or later versions.

To pull this off, open your Safari and click on “Preferences” from the top menu. Alternatively, you can press and hold the Command key plus the Back “<” button.

Now, click on “Websites” and select “Camera.” From there, you will see a list of the websites that are currently open. Moreover, each site features a drop-down menu.

Clicking this menu will open up the option to Allow or Deny access to your camera.

Other Helpful Tips

But what if your camera decides to stop working? First, you need to look into the status of the application. Check if your Mac is not denying access to your camera.

Thereafter, close the other applications that are currently open before giving the webcam another try. If the camera still doesn’t work, try restarting your computer.

If it still doesn’t work, then it’s time to reset your Mac’s System Controller. For MacBook users, shut it down first. Make sure not to unplug your MacBook.

Go to your keyboard and hold down Shift + Control + Options at the same time. While holding the keys, hit the power button to turn your MacBook on. Keep on holding the keys and wait for 30 seconds before releasing them.

Give your webcam another try.

Become a Mac Master

Now that you know how to enable camera on Mac, you will have a smoother time during your calls or while taking pictures. But the webcam is only one of the many tools you need to master in your Mac.

We invite you to read our other blog posts. We discuss many other tips and tricks that will help you become a master in Mac.

The post How to Enable Camera On Mac and Other Important Camera Tips appeared first on Florida Independent.

[floridaindependentblog]

There are 23.8 million people working in management in the US today.

Within this, there are many good managers and many subpar ones. However, it’s not always clear what separates the former from the latter, or how to improve as a manager.

There are many strategies you can use to improve your management game, however.

Read on as we look at the seven most important leadership tips for people in today’s workplace

1. Be Clear About Values

When you boil it all down, management is really about values. You’re trying to get those in your command to subscribe to your view and make it real, whatever that view may be.

For more insight on the importance of values in management, check out the Dare to Lead values list.

2. Be Humble

The quickest way to alienate people is to act as though you’re better than they are.

Always treat your team as equals. Listen to what they have to say and engage proactively with their contributions.

3. Develop a Style & Stick to It

People on your team need to know what to expect from you. This can be firmness and formality if you want, but it needs to be consistent.

4. Be Open

In the modern world, everyone likes to feel that they’re involved. This is why it’s important to share relevant information with the people you’re managing.

If you fail to share things with your staff, they’ll resent you for it. That will hurt morale and productivity.

5. Encourage Creativity

You don’t want to put yourself in a position where every element of your team’s development is your personal responsibility.

With this in mind, encourage your team to propose solutions to problems themselves. The more effective operators there are on a team, the better.

6. Prioritize Effective Communication

Communication is always key, in and out of the professional world.

You should make it clear to your team that you’re always available for a chat. Even if it’s nothing hugely important, it will foster good feelings between you and your team members.

7. Always Look for Improvement

It doesn’t matter how successful you are; there’s always something you could be doing better. Complacency is the quickest way to undo progress.

With this in mind, you should always be pushing your team to find ways to grow.

There is a delicate balancing act to keep in mind here, however; if you push too hard, you may come across as unappreciative of the progress they’ve already made.

Top Leadership Tips to Keep You One Step Ahead of the Game

The best leadership tips all have one thing in common; they all help you to get more from the people in your command. At the end of the day, a leader is only as good as the people they lead.

Did you enjoy this article? If so, be sure to have a look at some of our others. We regularly post content on everything to do with business, finance, and tech.

The post 7 Leadership Tips for Effective and Powerful Leadership appeared first on Florida Independent.

[floridaindependentblog]

The odds of winning the lottery are not in your favor. If you read that and think “so you’re telling me there’s a chance“, then you need a strategy to succeed.

It’s true that in some games you have a one in 292 million chance of taking home the top prize. But there are some tips and tricks that might shift the odds in your favor. Ready to claim your jackpot?

Here are seven lottery winning tips you can start using today

1. Play Your Lucky Numbers

You probably have a set of numbers that you consider lucky. If you like playing the lottery, you’ve probably used them in a game or two.

Using the “quick pick” randomly generated numbers is fine. Sticking to your favorite numbers is easier, however, and helps you remember to play every time.

2. Check Discarded Tickets

The best way to win the lottery isn’t always your way. Sometimes a person will misread their ticket and then throw it away.

If you come across a recently-discarded ticket, it doesn’t hurt to check it out. The payout might not be the full amount but you just might find treasure in someone else’s trash.

3. Join a Lottery Pool

There’s no reason for you to go it alone. There’s strength in numbers when it comes to the lottery, too.

Join a lottery pool to increase your odds without investing more money. The payout will be divided, but your chances of winning will be higher.

4. Think Small

Who doesn’t dream about what they would do after taking home a mega jackpot worth hundreds of millions of dollars? It might be that thinking smaller is the real trick to taking home some cash.

Do your research to find unpopular games with low engagement. The fewer people there are trying to win, the better your chances.

5. Earn a Second Chance

You played your favorite numbers, checked the lotto results, and you lost. Is that the end?

Not necessarily. Some lotteries offer second-chance drawings on tickets that didn’t win.

Check to see if your local lotto offers second-chance drawings. You might just take home a nice chunk of change!

6. Play the Right Games

Some games’ odds are better than others. For example, national lotteries have lower odds of winning because so many people play.

It takes some research, but you can find games with better odds. Make sure to include scratch-off games in your search.

7. Pay Attention and Double-Check

Would you walk away from $300,000? That’s what someone in Orange County, California did when they failed to claim their winning ticket.

Always double-check your numbers so you’re sure you didn’t misread your ticket. If you win, keep your ticket safe and sign the back of it in case it gets lost.

The Best Lottery Winning Tips

These lottery winning tips can give you an advantage when it comes to playing lotto. Try out one or several of these tricks and see how much cash you go home with.

Want to learn more ways to succeed in the world? Check out our articles on ways to make money and live your best life!

The post How to Win the Lottery: 7 Lottery Winning Tips You Need to Know appeared first on Florida Independent.

[floridaindependentblog]

Every year, tourist destinations all over the world receive millions of vacationers. Among the most popular of these destinations is Sydney, Australia, which welcomed over 15 million visitors in 2018 alone.

If you’re planning a trip to The Harbour City this year, it’s important to have an idea of what you’re going to do and see once you’re there. Sydney is home to so many attractions, it can be difficult to experience it all in one trip!

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best things to do in Sydney, so you don’t miss out on any of the city’s greatest hits.

Read on the learn everything you need to know about Sydney’s top tourist attractions

1. Visit the Iconic Opera House

Regardless of your depth of knowledge regarding Australia, the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sydney is probably the Opera House. Completed in 1973, this iconic building has come to be synonymous with The Harbour City due to its striking appearance and picturesque location.

After you’ve taken a few pictures of the architectural masterpiece, you can journey inside its walls to enjoy a tour of the building, a live performance, or a lovely meal.

2. Relax at Bondi Beach

You can’t visit Sydney without spending some time in one of the world’s most famous beaches, Bondi Beach. A quick drive from the city center, Bondi Beach is known for its crystal clear water and excellent surf.

If you’re not a surfer, not to worry! This beach offers many other attractions, such as the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, as well as a wealth of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

3. Spend a Day in Darling Harbour

As Sydney is known as The Harbour City, it’s no surprise that one of its most popular features is a harbour! More specifically, Darling Harbour, a recreational complex in the heart of the city.

While it’s certainly an option to just stroll through and take in the sites, you would be amiss not to enjoy at least a few of its many attractions!

During the day, be sure to visit the Chinese Garden of Friendship and sip a cup of tea as you wander through a sea of blooming flowers, babbling waterfalls, and noble willows. Afterward, take in the exhibits at the Australian National Maritime Museum and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

And the fun continues once the sun goes down! Experience the harbour’s vibrant nightlife, including a bowling alley, laser tag, and a variety of restaurants, before you turn in for the evening.

4. Stroll Through the Royal Botanic Gardens

Just south of the Sydney Opera House are the Royal Botanic Gardens, one of the city’s most frequently visited locations. These gardens are not only stunningly beautiful but also the oldest in Australia, having been established over 200 years ago in 1816.

There are a few options for viewing the gardens. You can take a self-guided tour, follow a guide through the gardens as you learn about its botanical history, or hop aboard the Choo Choo express for a scenic overview.

The gardens are walking distance from the Opera House, so keep that in mind when organizing your itinerary!

5. Visit the Taronga Zoo

A quick ferry ride from the city’s center will bring you to the shores of Sydney Harbour and the Taronga Zoo. This zoo has been open for over 100 years, and for good reason! Home to over 5,000 animals from over 350 species, the Taronga Zoo is passionate about conservation and sustainability.

After you’ve spent the day among the wildlife, tested your courage on the sky-high ropes adventure course, and taken a ride on the zoo train and Sky Safari, you can keep the fun going by spending the night!

That’s right, Taronga Zoo offers two overnight options for its guests who wish to do so. You can spend the night in luxury at the Wildlife Retreat or opt for the Roar and Snore, an overnight safari experience.

6. Enjoy the Bustling Nightlife

On top of its many daytime attractions, Sydney boasts one of the most lively nightlife experiences in the southern hemisphere. There’s something for everyone after dark, from bars to clubs to some of the best brothels in Australia.

Visit the Kings Cross area and wander Oxford Street and Surry Hills to dance the night away in a super-club or have a few drinks and appetizers in one of the area’s many pubs.

7. Take a Ghost Tour

If more traditional nightlife activities aren’t your thing, spend the evening exploring the spookier side of Sydney with a ghost tour. There are several tours to choose from, as many areas of Sydney are quite haunted!

The endless supply of ghost stories come from Sydney’s dark history. The first English settlers used Sydney as a convict colony, meaning most of its inhabitants were convicted criminals.

Sydney is also home to sites like Quarantine Station, used to keep individuals suspected of carrying contagious diseases separate from the general population.

Add These Things to Do in Sydney to Your List of Vacation Activities

When planning your trip to Australia, adding these things to do in Sydney to your list of activities is a must! Sydney is a fantastic choice for a vacation destination, as there truly is something for everyone, regardless of age or interests.

Whether you’re a history buff, a paranormal fanatic, or an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love your time in The Harbour City!

Though planning every minute of your vacation in advance is unnecessary, it’s good to have a rough idea of what activities you want to experience during your trip. Doing so will help you avoid wasting precious vacation time trying to decide which attractions to visit.

Looking for more exciting ideas for your next vacation? Be sure to check out our blog!

The post 7 Things to Do in Sydney for Adventurous Adults appeared first on Florida Independent.

[floridaindependentblog]

If there’s one thing that the novel 2019 COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has shown us, it’s that every business needs to be as prepared as possible for work from home situations.

If your company isn’t ready to let its employees use video conferencing to complete meetings as they work from home, then it’s behind the times.

In this article, we’ll answer the question of what is video conferencing and how it will benefit your business. In addition, we’ll give you advice on how to get your video conferencing setup together and use it efficiently.

What is Video Conferencing?

Simply put, video conferencing is a way to hold meetings virtually. Attendees to a video conference use software to communicate during a meeting and typically use a webcam to record themselves as they talk.

This allows businesses to get both the audio and visual aspects of communication in a virtual meeting.

What Are the Benefits of Video Conferencing?

There are significant benefits to video conferencing when compared to in-person meetings. First and foremost, the virtual nature of a video conference means that attendees can dial in from all over the world. Gone are the days when you had to fly in for an important board meeting.

This will could save your business oodles of cash on travel expenses.

Another benefit to consider is that video conferencing allows you to easily record and transcribe meetings. Was someone unable to make the meeting for any reason? No problem.

Just save the recording, have some software automatically transcribe it, and send that data to the missing attendee.

All of these benefits make setting up video conference calls in your business a no-brainer.

How Do You Set Up Video Conferencing?

One reason why many businesses don’t implement video conferencing today is due to the fear of the equipment cost.

However, the truth is that the cost of video conferencing equipment will be more than defrayed by the savings that you will experience when you don’t pay for travel. The ROI is certainly positive.

To set up your video conferencing, you need two things. The first is the audiovisual equipment. This equipment includes cameras and microphones in conference rooms to record video and sound.

The other side of the equipment includes large screens and microphones to broadcast attendees from other locations.

An audio visual installation can be done on the cheap if you use the right service.

The second thing that you need for video conferencing is a software tool to organize the meetings. There are a lot of different software options on the market, from Skype for Business to Zoom. Make sure to get quotes from the different options before you decide on any specific one.

Use Video Conferencing for Your Business Today!

There you have it. Now that you know the answers to the question of what is video conferencing and how to set it up, there’s no excuse for your business not to have virtual meeting capabilities.

For more business advice, check out the rest of the website!

The post What Is Video Conferencing and How Do You Set It Up? appeared first on Florida Independent.

[floridaindependentblog]

Athletes and fitness experts put their bodies through some of the toughest training and diets to achieve maximum athletic performance. The entire industry of athletics is dedicated to fitness and results.

Different people accomplish their athletic goals according to what works for their bodies. Cannabidiol (CBD) has made its way into the industry as a pain reliever.

Understanding what an athlete puts in their body will determine their output. Is CBD the right thing to take?

Details are explained in the article

Legality of CBD

Amateur and professional athletes should always find out if a substance entering their body is banned or allowed. Athletes who do not know if something is banned cannot use that excuse when being investigated.

The good news is that the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have removed CBD from their restricted lists.

This means an athlete can take CBD during competition season and during the offseason. It should be noted that they did not remove THC from the list.

Always check the rules of an athletic governing body or local laws to ensure you are legally consuming CBD.

What Is CBD?

The reason CBD has become so popular in athletics is because of the recovery factor. Here are some common health benefits of CBD:

Reduces inflammation

Relieves pain

Improves sleep

Strengthens immune system

Athletes will push their bodies to the breaking point. The fibers of the muscles tear down, and they require a resting period to repair themselves stronger.

Some athletes are constantly on the move so their resting period isn’t very long. CBD can speed up this recovery and it’s a safer alternative than taking ibuprofen.

The CBD you consume will reduce the inflammation and take away the pain as you recover. Additionally, it can help other medical conditions that involve any form of inflammation.

How Does CBD Affect Athletic Performance?

For people looking to improve your athletic performance, CBD is not a performance-enhancing drug. But it may increase your abilities due to other reasons.

With better sleep and quicker recovery times, an athlete can train harder and longer than previously. Athletes may use CBD before a competition to take away any lingering pain or soreness.

Don’t overdo the CBD consumption. Like anything in life, moderation is the key to health. Too much CBD could have adverse effects on your body.

Additionally, make sure to purchase CBD from reputable distributors. You want to make sure you are consuming strictly CBD and nothing that could get you in trouble.

Some athletes and fitness gurus are even growing their own self-pollinating hemp. By growing plants like the lightning autoflower hemp, you can make your own safe CBD.

Start Training

The reasons people get into athletics and fitness are to become better versions of themselves and to live a healthy life. With CBD, athletes can reach their maximum athletic performance.

Don’t start training with your old habits. Embrace the future of athletics by being up to date on the best remedies for pain and recovery.

For more health and fitness articles, please keep scrolling.

The post How CBD Affects Athletic Performance appeared first on Florida Independent.