Archives for January 2022

If you haven’t lived under a rock these last two decades, you’ve almost certainly seen a trailer or poster for a 3D-animated kid’s movie. In these, it’s become a trend for them to boast that their animated characters are voiced by big-name celebrities, names as instantly recognisable as Will Smith, Chris Pratt, or Jessica Alba.

However the act of acting using only your voice (known as “voice acting”) is actually considered by many (especially media professionals and fandoms) to be its own unique craft mostly separate from acting on stage or in front of a camera, with its own unique legacy and set of skills required to be good at it. There are many people who make a living exclusively from voice acting.

From a certain point of view, the history of voice acting could go all the way back to hunter-gatherers telling stories around campfires, relaying tales of great heroes and amusing incidents almost solely through the voice. The history of voice acting could go all the way back to the voice itself!

However, to keep this article short, let us focus on pre-recorded voice overs, the type of voice acting that makes possible the plethora of dialogue in games, animation, audiobooks, narration, and other such works possible. The earliest example of a human voice being recorded was by Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville in 1860, who sang Au Clair de la Lune into a voice-recording invention dubbed a phonautograph. Later on, the 1927 film The Jazz Singer used a rudimentary sound-on-disk system to play pre-recorded jazz songs over a silent recording of an actor’s performance, marking the end of the silent film era, and the beginning of talkies.

However, if there is any creative medium most responsible for turning voice-acting into a discipline distinct from screen acting, was animation. In many ways, animation offers far more creative freedom to its creators than even live-action shows with the biggest budgets. In the world of animation, a show featuring superheroes battling it out, large space battles, strange monsters, or magic would cost about the same as a realistic drama or sitcom. In the nuts-and-bolts level, it all came down to drawings on a surface, or 3D models on a computer-generated stage. However, one element could not be faked, the voice.

Still, creators don’t have to worry about how an actor or actress looks, so long as their vocal performances are appropriate. This environment paved the way for figures such as Mel Blanc (who’s been called the “Man of a Thousand Voices”, and created 400 distinct character voices over the course of his career, most famously Bugs Bunny), Mark Hamill (who was able to avoid being permanently associated with Star Wars due to the sheer iconic status of vocal performances such as The Joker from Batman the Animated Series in 1992), and Nancy Cartwright (well-known for being the voice of young boys such as Bart Simpson from The Simpsons and Chuckie Finster from Rugrats).

Over in Japan, voice actors (known as seiyuu) have a prominence nearly equalling or even surpassing on-screen actors, due to various historical factors (the large amounts of foreign shows imported to Japan, as well as the rise in popularity of Japanese anime). Even mid-tier seiyuu have their own fanbases, tuning in to shows merely for the chance of hearing their favourite voice actor’s performance. They even double as singers, belting out a show’s opening and ending themes in addition to voicing their casts. Thus, with the spread of popularity of anime and other Japanese media around the world, more people came to know of names such as Nana Mizuki (best known for the roles of Hinata Hyuga from Naruto, and Fate Testarossa from Nanoha), and Aya Hirano (whose voice practically defines the infamous “tsundere” anime archetype, with roles such as Shana from Shakugan no Shana, and Louise in The Familiar of Zero).

As an exercise, just reference the real-life appearance of these voice actors, with their voice-acting filmography. It doesn’t matter what the voice actor looks like, or whether the character they voice resembles them or not. As long as the voice actor sounds right, they can voice a character. This can result in more efficient casting. After all, why cast a single voice actor for each and every character in a show, when you can just hire a handful of skilled character actors for the entire show? This video shows just how versatile a single voice actor can be.

Keep in mind, though, that voice acting isn’t solely limited to animation and the dubbing of foreign shows. Voice-actors are hired for a shockingly wide variety of work. They are hired for narration voice over services in commercials, public service announcements, automated announcements on public transport, audiobooks, podcasts, and video games. If you pay attention, you’ll find that voice acting is everywhere in the modern media landscape. When you’re a voice actor, you certainly aren’t starved for jobs.

Not all is well in voice actor town, though. Advances in AI have led to the creation of some disturbingly convincing generated human voices, which has already been used in the game Watch Dogs: Legion to give unique voices to thousands of different video game characters. Is this the beginning of the end for voice actors?

If so, it would be too bad, as voice actors are only just now getting recognition and a measure of fame for their roles. After years of working in the shadow of the silver screen, voice actors are now idolised by legions of fans who primarily grew up with animated series and video games rather than traditional films and television. For the job of the voice actor is not merely to provide a voice, but to breathe life into lifeless drawings, 3D models, or words on a page. That is certainly something to be appreciated.

Everything is bigger in Texas, and this applies to opportunities as well — including gambling. The Lone Star State is known for entrepreneurship and the large number of small businesses that start up on its fertile soil. For decades, Texas has been recognized as an economic powerhouse and would have become the world’s 9th largest economy by GDP if it were its own country. However, the robust economy is just one of the many reasons why starting a business in Texas is an excellent bet.

Why Texas?

Entrepreneurs and start-ups who need every bit of their income to count will be pleased to find that Texas does not have a personal income tax or a corporate income tax. This means that it is a cost-effective location to incorporate a new business compared to other states. Other incentives such as franchise tax exemption and sales tax exemptions for research and development make the state an exceptionally business-friendly location.

Although many people think of oil fields and cattle ranches when they hear of Texas, you may be surprised to find that Texas is also a leader in the innovation and technology sector. Its capital city, Austin, hosts key events and annual conferences such as the media festival South by Southwest (SXSW). The city is the center of a tech revival and is now often referred to as “the Silicon Valley of the South.”

Numerous start-ups are setting their sights towards Austin because of the city’s focus on supporting entrepreneurship. A Capital Committee helps new businesses find funding and recruit talent while Innovate Austin (a program by the Austin Chamber of Commerce) helps businesses to strengthen their strategy, increase their visibility, and connect with inbound investment. 

Since 2000, the population of Texas has grown faster than any other state in the U.S. due to its attractive income growth. The state boasts highly ranked colleges and universities such as the University of Texas that contribute to a diverse and skilled workforce. Major metropolitan areas such as Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio attract talent from all around the state.

With 40 percent of Austin’s population between the ages of 18 and 44, the city is full of tech talent waiting to be discovered. The city has become a hotbed for entrepreneurs and start-ups, with tons of co-working space for budding inventors, remote workers, and freelancers to gain access to infrastructure, support, and community. With so many feathers in its cap, it is no surprise that Texas was recently ranked the best state to start a business in the U.S. 

What About Gambling?

Another great area to look into is gambling. If what you are wondering is along the lines of “Is online gambling legal in Texas?” – well, that is the million-dollar question. Not only is online gambling legal in Texas, but it is also highly a great industry to look into if you are looking to make a fortune. The gambling industry is an exciting and highly lucrative industry that attracts many entrepreneurs who love to beat the odds. Unfortunately, the conservative Texas Constitution has made it historically difficult to allow gambling with legalization efforts falling short year after year. Hence, the state has several strict restrictions when it comes to the industry.

Legal gambling in Texas is generally limited to the state lottery, charitable bingo, raffles, and horse or greyhound racing. Sports gambling is prohibited and online gambling licenses are not issued by the state. Casinos are legal, although there are only three licensed casinos, all owned by native tribes and regulated under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. 

A recent poll by the Dallas Morning News and the University of Texas reported that more than half of Texans support the legalization of casino gambling. Similarly, 43 percent of Texans would like to see sports betting legalized. According to estimates, Texans now spend $3 billion annually legally gambling in neighboring states such as Oklahoma and Louisiana—revenue that could very well stay in the state, if allowed. 

This brings us to the popular activity of online gambling. In theory, only online gambling sites that operate within state lines are prohibited. There are no restrictions for state residents who wish to participate in online gambling with an offshore online casino, however. And to date, there has been no record of prosecution of Texans who gamble on offshore sites.

Despite the multiple legal constraints, Texans love to gamble. That is one of the reasons why Texas Hold’em poker has become a player favorite in poker clubs and casinos around the world. While private poker games are allowed in the state, any game where the house stands to profit is deemed illegal. Therefore, many players have migrated to online gambling sites to test their skills and rake in their winnings. 

For entrepreneurs who know how to navigate the logistics of offshore operations, starting an online gambling business for Texans can be an extremely rewarding experience. Sure, it may take some clever organization and foreign connections, but the odds are that players will flock to your platform so long as it is reputable and secure. Privacy and information management is a key function that will be integral in the success of your online gaming endeavor. 

Although approval of gambling is on a rapid rise in Texas, it will likely be several years before the many aspects of gambling are subsequently legalized. In the meantime, offshore online gambling platforms are great ways for players who love the challenge of card games and the promise of a phenomenal windfall. 

It doesn’t take a seasoned lawyer to know that the burden of proof is essential in winning a case. In a legal battle, the party that has the burden of proof has to present evidence that supports their case. This might require submitting documents and bringing forth witnesses that prove their claims and disprove the claims of the opponent.

The outcome of the case that will be decided by the judge and jury often depends on how the evidence is presented by the plaintiff and whether that evidence should prove the claims beyond a reasonable doubt or would it need to satisfy a lesser standard.

Civil and Criminal Lawsuits

In criminal cases, the burden of proof falls squarely on the shoulders of the prosecution. The defendant, meanwhile, is presumed innocent while the prosecutors do their best to prove otherwise. But that might all change if, for example, the defendant has to prove their innocence. In cases where the defendant claims self-defense, then the burden of proof shifts to them, and they have to support that claim with evidence and witnesses to convince the jury.

Civil lawsuits are a different matter altogether. When two parties go to court, then the one who makes the claim has the duty to prove that claim. The judge, however, might assign the other party the burden of proof during the course of the trial. It all depends on how complex the case is. 

Some cases, such as car accidents and personal injury lawsuits, could go either way depending on who has the burden of proof and how the lawyer is handling it. This is why you should always look for the best lawyers in your city or state. If you’re in San Antonio, California, for example, then you should hire San Antonio injury lawyers. They have more experience with the nuances of the legal system in the state and know how to present convincing evidence to support your case.

But whether this is a civil lawsuit or a criminal case, both the quality of the evidence, as well as the amount presented, matter as far as the burden of proof is concerned. Whoever has the onus of proving the claim needs to present enough evidence that correlates with the standard of proof they have to meet. The higher that standard, as in the case of criminal lawsuits where the defendant’s freedom is at risk, the higher the quality and amount of proof needed to convince the judge and the jury and win the case.

Different Standards of Proof

When a lawyer represents a plaintiff, the party making the claim, that lawyer has their work cut out for them. Because now they have the burden of proof and it’s their job to collect evidence, find supporting witnesses, and present the whole case in a clear manner for the jury to understand and agree with that claim. The lawyer does this while keeping an eye on the standard of proof they need to meet. That standard varies based on the type of lawsuit they’re dealing with.

In some civil lawsuits related to damage to property and medical bills, that standard is the preponderance of the evidence. The threshold for this standard is 50 percent or above of responsibility on the part of the defendant. This is often the case when the plaintiff is asking for financial compensation from the defendant. Preponderance of the evidence is a lenient standard of proof.

If the defendant’s freedom is what’s at stake and not financial compensation alone, then the standard gets higher and more difficult to achieve. This standard is clear and convincing evidence. It requires more and better quality evidence than the one submitted for the preponderance of the evidence. The threshold of proof is around high probability. 

The top proof standard level is beyond a reasonable doubt. This standard is often reserved for criminal cases where the liberty, or possibly the life of the defendant, is at stake. The burden of proof here needs to convince all twelve jury members that the defendant is fully responsible for the crime and that there was no other logical explanation to suggest otherwise. If a single jury isn’t convinced by the evidence presented at court, the prosecution’s case would collapse.

Some lawsuits are more difficult to win than others. Even if the stakes for the defendant are not high enough to put their liberty at risk, the proof standard can still make the plaintiff’s case harder to win. A case in point is negligence in civil cases where the lawyer for the plaintiff has to prove that the defendant breached their duty and, in doing so, caused harm to the plaintiff. Similar cases that involve proving that the defendant had acted in bad faith, or that their intention had been to cause injury or damage, also have unpredictable outcomes.

The burden of proof is the duty of the plaintiff who makes the claim. How well the lawyer presents the evidence supporting that claim and how high the standard of proof required in that case all will determine how the lawsuit will go. While the defendant is presumed innocent, the burden of proof might shift to them during the trial if they make insanity or self-defense claims.

You can find them just about everywhere. Lines of small vending machines selling drinks and snacks next to shopfronts. A larger one prominently placed next to a park bench. Even novelty ones selling souvenirs specific to the region you’re visiting can be found in a random alleyway. Japan has a great love for its millions of vending machines, and though one wouldn’t go as far as to call them a national treasure, they have indeed managed to embed themselves and become a quintessential part of the scenery. 

Japan’s vending machines have taken on something like a life of their own, and some have even managed to become tourist attractions in their own right due to the novelty items they sell. In fact, there’s even a supposed haunted area, which is really just a small alleyway, filled with vending machines that dispense random mystery items. Although paranormal has yet to actually be reported, there is a certain claustrophobic uneasiness to be felt when squashed between a narrow and poorly lit alleyway. Not to mention the often bizarre mystery items that visitors walk away with. 

So how did the humble vending machine leave such an indelible mark on a nation? 

How Vending Machines Got Popular in Japan

The first modern vending machine was actually invented in 1883, but records show vending machine-esque contraptions as early as the first century in Ancient Greece. Vending machines made their way to Japan as early as 1888 and became widely used to dispense a variety of goods. But they really only began taking off around the late 1950s when the “Fountain Style Juice Dispenser” made waves with its unique manner of dispensing drinks. Vending manufacturers quickly caught onto the idea of introducing novelty into their machines in order to get more people to visit and purchase goods from them.

Another factor that contributed to the rise in popularity of the vending machine in Japan was that machine manufacturers began to lend machines free of charge, which predictably caused the installation of the machines to skyrocket. People began to see vending machines as a way to earn a side income, since many manufacturers also took it upon themselves to manage the upkeep and maintenance of the machines. This meant that it became a rather low-risk investment to earn a secondary income using a vending machine. 

Furthermore, prior to 1989, many of the drinks in vending machines were priced at 100 yen. As the Japanese government minted more 100 yen coins, many people found it easy and convenient to use the vending machines to purchase drinks or snacks since they only needed a single coin in order to do so. This created a spike in the usage of vending machines, since they were often readily available and an affordable means to satisfy one’s hunger or thirst. Although the consumption tax introduced in 1989 has caused the gradual rise of vending machine prices, they have managed to become an ingrained part of Japanese consumer culture. 

Why Vending Machines Are Still Popular

One big reason that vending machines are still so popular in Japan is largely down to their convenience. The cities in Japan are generally bustling metropolises that never sleep, and this is in no small part because of the work culture of many business people. Japan’s work culture often involves having to constantly be on the go and staying in the office until late. 

This often means that food from the convenience store and drinks from the vending machine are a part of a busy office worker’s diet. Furthermore, the nature of a vending is that it is open 24-hours, which means no matter the time of day there will be sustenance available for anyone who has a few yen to spare. Furthermore, as vending machines in Japan have managed to diversify their functions to dispense more than just snacks and cold drinks, it is possible for an office worker to nurse a warm comforting drink or even soup no matter the time of day. 

Additionally, vending machines have managed to retain their sense of novelty through various means. One example are the vending machines that have an in-built lottery system. When you buy a drink from the machine, it will essentially spin a lottery wheel, and if you get a jackpot you will receive a free drink.

By developing new technology that allows for new features in vending machines, it helps to preserve the sense of playfulness and whimsy that was demonstrated by the earlier generations of vending machines in Japan. This allows for continued excitement regarding their use and prevents the experience from becoming stale.

Vending machines are a beloved staple of many Japanese neighborhoods. As they have continued to upgrade the technology and diversify the functions that they are able to serve, they have managed to remain relevant and faithfully serve the community. As technology continues to develop, it will surely lead to even more interesting vending machines in the future.

Technology has made its way to almost every part of our lives. It was about time that our workplaces got digitized too. Computers and smart devices have revolutionized the way we work, improving our communication, productivity, management, and much more. However, when it comes to in-person meetings, it is tough to get the same experience remotely. 

Nevertheless, we can depend on powerful applications like video conferencing, online post-it notes, and team management software that can boost our remote meetings experience.  Today we will be counting down our picks for the best tools for improving your online meetings experience.

Zoom Video Communications

Zoom was one of the ultimate video communication tools leading the ranks when the world first experienced the pandemic. Companies, educational institutes, corporations, and individuals were all looking for a well-developed and practical communication application to seamlessly integrate into their lives. Lucky for everyone, the team behind Zoom had been improving their technology since 2011 creating the perfect business video tool that could handle the burden of remote conferencing. 

Zoom has tons of features like recording meetings, holding webinars, setting up private meeting rooms, sharing screens, and much more. Users can shift their workplace to a highly secure, remote environment in an instant. Furthermore, the developers have been constantly rolling out updates to make the app as efficient as possible. The app is also available on Android and IOS. 

Miro

Miro is a modern, slick-looking online notes tool that sparks creativity and gives you a place to express yourself. The minimal, yet feature-packed tool allows users to create online sticky notes, presentations, mind-maps, and hold video calls. Users can also share their ideas, notes, and presentations and also highlight changes in real-time. The tool is a haven for individuals looking to jot down ideas during remote meetings and take notes for later. 

You can customize your notes to keep everything organized and even download your virtual notes in image form. The app also allows integrations with popular apps like Zoom, Slack, Trello, and more. With over 200+ templates to choose from, you can truly customize your infinite canvas just the way you want. 

Google Docs

We all depend on Google one way or another for their products or services. Almost everyone these days has a Gmail account, which takes less than 5 minutes to set up. Google has given educational institutes and companies the option to create custom business email addresses to easily and securely collaborate with their teams. Sharing documents is one of the major tasks when communicating remotely. Google Docs, along with other applications like Sheets, Drive, and Slides allow users to add other members to a document or share files on the go. 

By adding other members to your documents, you will be able to share real-time changes with your teammates, clients, or business partners. This feature is incredibly useful during remote meetings to avoid resharing documents after every change and ensure everyone stays on the same page. The members can also make changes simultaneously to collaborate on projects and save time. 

Calendly

Calendly is the ultimate meeting planner and scheduling tool. Whereas many applications allow users to hold remote meetings, there are not many that can help you automate these tasks. Eliminate the hassle of back-and-forth messaging and let Calendly do the work for you. You can start by setting up your availability timings and then use the custom link to invite others to schedule meetings with you. 

You can also embed the link to your website and just wait for the notification once someone schedules a meeting. Calendly allows you to reschedule meetings, change their timings, and even set a location. It is an essential tool to have in your pocket if you deal with a lot of meetings.

Slack

Whether you are a developer, designer, business owner, or just another person, chances are you have heard of Slack. Slack is perhaps the most popular team management tool out there. When it comes to remote meetings, it is vital to have a platform for planning and setting up the meeting. Slack allows you to do just that. While using Slack will give you a more professional appeal, the brand name is not the only thing that stands out about it. Slack allows companies to bring their entire workforce to a single place. 

By creating channels, companies can separate different workflows and communicate with each separately. Users can also integrate apps like Docs, Calendar, Simple Polls, Trello, and more to easily streamline tasks and save time. With Slack companies as large as 500,000 can work together and collaborate on projects. It is the perfect platform to plan meetings, communicate and collaborate. 

Final Words

Whether it be team management software, research tools, or video calling applications, the ever-improving digital infrastructure has given individuals and companies the edge to stay ahead of their competitors. 

The pandemic has taught us exactly how important it is to stay up to date with the latest technology and to take advantage of tools that eliminate time-consuming, repetitive tasks. Reliance on the ever-evolving technology is vital to thrive in today’s market. We hope these tools help you take charge of your remote meetings and achieve your desired goals.

Graduation is an exciting moment in your life as you leave campus with a diploma, ready to find a new job that’s (hopefully) in your field. It can also be a challenging time full of growing pains as you learn to balance the budget with your student loans. 

Whether you stay in Texas or go abroad, juggling everything at once isn’t always easy. A lot of young people wind up dropping something. 

So how can you put your best first forward as a new grad without damaging your credit? Find out why credit is so important and how you can protect your score below.

Why Your Credit Score is Important

Your credit score is a three-digit number that reflects your past borrowing habits, falling between 300 and 850, with 850 being the best score you can get. 

While a perfect 850 isn’t necessary, it does certainly make life easier. You’ll qualify for a greater selection of loans in Texas at lower rates. Plus, employers and landlords are more likely to see you as a worthwhile employee or tenant. 

The closer you fall to 300 suggests you’ve hit some speed bumps along the way. Maybe you’ve forgotten to pay your cell phone bill for a few months, or you max out your credit cards almost every month. 

Since a bad score suggests you’ve had trouble handling credit in the past, some financial institutions in Texas see you as an enormous risk.  

Young People Turn to Payday Loans for Bad Credit

Plenty of young people with bad credit wind up taking out payday loans. They’re often easier to qualify for when you have bad credit, provided you meet other eligibility requirements. 

But these high-cost loans are due back by your next payday, which can make them difficult to repay on time. And, you guessed it, a late payment here may result in more damage to your credit.

So, what can you do if you have to borrow with bad credit? In this tough situation, you can research an online installment loan for help. They’re due back in installments, so you don’t have to repay everything upfront.

If you want to learn more, you’ll want to find an installment loan lender near you. After all, an online search could bring up online direct lenders operating in another country. 

If you live in Texas, you’ll want to type this into your search bar: Texas installment loans. This simple search can help you find alternatives to payday loans in Texas that give you more time to repay what you owe. 

Credit-Savvy Tips to Follow

While a lot goes into your credit score, your payment history and credit utilization are the biggest factors. Paying your bills on time and keeping your line of credit balance low should be your top priorities.

Here are some practical tips to help you do that:

• Monitor your debts so you understand what you owe
• Track your federal loans via the National Student Loan Database System
• Make the minimum payments on all your accounts
• Defer your payments if possible
• Use a budgeting app to prioritize your money and keep track of bills
• Limit frivolous spending so you don’t max out credit

Bottom Line

Whether you’re only a few credits shy or several semesters away, graduation will be here sooner than you think. And when it does, you should keep your credit score top of mind. Follow these tips for financial success on and off campus.

Real estate has always been one of the most popular investments out there. It consistently produces more stable returns than other investments and its value can greatly appreciate over time. It has been famously said that 90% of millionaires earned their money by investing in real estate.

Despite these facts, real estate can often be a daunting investment for young investors due to the huge capital outlay required. However, as home sales in the US are set to fall over the next two years, this could be the best time to start investing in real estate. In fact, more and more millennials are beginning to invest in real estate.

Here are some tips to help young investors get started on their real estate investment journey. 

Research, research, research

Before you get started, find out everything there is to know about the real estate market you want to invest in. Whether that takes the form of real estate investment networking in Dallas, intern at a real estate company in New York, or join a real estate class in San Diego, it’s crucial to find out the specifics of your own market. While the internet can be helpful for general tips, real estate markets vary hugely from state to state and even city to city. It’s best to get help from seasoned professionals who can tell you the ins and outs of your local market.

Decide what you want to invest in

Real estate isn’t like stocks – you can probably only afford to buy one at a time. So think carefully about what kind of property you want to buy. You can opt for the most common type – rental properties. These are good because you can generate income from them almost immediately and use that money to pay off your loans. However, rental-ready properties are often more expensive, so think carefully about whether you are able to bear the debt. You must also think about what types of properties will gain more value in your area. For some areas, there are certain things that heighten value a lot — but may not be as valuable in other areas. For example, areas affected heavily by COVID may need a home office for remote work in their property, while other areas may not view that as importantly.

The flipside is that it will likely require less in the way of repairs and other costs that landlords have to bear. Luckily, rental properties aren’t the only type of property out there. You can also consider commercial properties, which often generate higher rents. Flipping houses is also another way to generate a rapid return on investment. 

Consider passive real estate investing

Buying a property isn’t the only way to become a real estate investor. For younger investors with less capital, real estate investment trusts, or REITs, could be an alternate path to investing in real estate.

So what is a REIT? A REIT is a trust that buys property on behalf of the trust’s owners. The good thing about REITs is that they also handle the daily management of the properties such as paying taxes, doing repairs and maintenance, and dealing with tenants. These things are often very time consuming and can become quite costly for the owner.

So investing in property through a REIT is a good way to reap the profits of owning property without having to deal with the downsides. You can also choose how much you want to invest in a REIT based on how much profit you want to gain. However, REITs also have costs such as hidden fees, and you also can’t control what properties a REIT buys. But REITs are much more affordable than properties, and are therefore a good way for young investors to get started in the real estate market. 

Don’t bite off more than you can chew

It can be tempting to see the word “millionaire” and imagine yourself as a real estate mogul. However, don’t let these optimistic visions of the future lead you to over leverage yourself. It’s important to know your own financial limits and stick to them. Investing is a slow process, and putting in more money at the start doesn’t mean increased profits right away.

Also remember that buying a property isn’t the end of your investment in it. You’ll also need to set aside money for renovations, repairs, realtor fees, and many other costs. Not being able to maintain your property properly could cause its value to drop, leading to you potentially losing money. So make sure your investment plan accounts for all these factors, and stick closely to your budget. 

Real estate may seem like a daunting investment, especially for young people. However, with proper research and a smart game plan, you can begin your investment journey at any age. Real estate is much less volatile than other popular investments like stocks and cryptocurrency, so the initial cost is outweighed in the long run by the profits that you can make.

Just like with any other investment, make sure to build up a good base of knowledge before you start investing. With the right knowledge, your real estate investment could become the bedrock of your future financial stability. 

If you have an idea for a business and want to get all the protection and benefits needed to make it successful, you should consider registering it as an LLC. Your business cannot operate in the state of Texas without being officially recognized. This process is different in each state, but it is not difficult. If you want to set up an LLC in Texas, follow these steps.

Create A Name For Your LLC

The state of Texas has some specific requirements when it comes to naming your business. Meeting these requirements will ensure your paperwork is processed without delay so you can start doing business faster. The requirements include:

• Including the words “Limited Liability Company, LLC, or LLC” in the name.
• Must be different from any other business name in the state
• It cannot contain words related to a government agency
• Must provide proof of license if the name includes professional titles

When naming your LLC, you can search the Secretary of State’s website to ensure you are not trying to use a name that is already taken and to learn more about how other LLCs are named.

Choose A Registered Agent

A registered agent is a person who will receive mail and official notices on behalf of your LLC. A Texas registered agent can be you or anyone who works for your company. The state does require the registered agent to have an address in Texas and keep regular business hours so they can receive mail and notices on time. While the state of Texas only has minor requirements for choosing a registered agent, you may want to have some of your own. You want to choose someone you can trust and who has experience acting as a registered agent. You also want to make sure the agent you choose has a legitimate office and will be willing to put in the time and work the position requires.

File A Certificate of Formation

The certificate of formation is a document that includes basic information about your business. It must be filed and approved before your business will become an official entity. The document should include the following information:

• The LLC name
• The address of the registered agent
• The reason you created the LLC
• How long you plan for the LLC to exist
• Management information
• Contact information for the managers
• The LLCs organizer information
• The LLC former’s signature

Receive Your Certificate From The State

Once the state reviews your application and approves it, you will receive a certificate that confirms your LLC exists. You will need to use this to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), business licenses, and business bank account. It can take several weeks to receive this, and while your business is considered official as soon as your application is approved, you won’t be able to provide proof of this without the certificate. It’s a good idea to make copies of the certificate and keep the original with other important information pertaining to your business.

Make An Operating Agreement

This is a document that explains how your LLC will do business, similar to a business plan. This is not a requirement in the state of Texas, but it is an essential part of creating an LLC. This is something you can reference in the event that there are disagreements among managers or any type of litigation. Some things to include in your operating agreement include, 

• The LLC official name and address
• Manager contact information
• Registered agent contact information
• Ownership information
• Distribution of profits
• How business decisions are made
• Roles within the company
• Process for closing the business
• Process for letting owners exit the LLC

Get Your Employer Identification Number

You will need an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. You can apply for this number online or through the mail. This is what the IRS will use to keep track of your tax information. You will also need it to hire employees for your business, open a bank account for the business, and manage your business taxes. Your EIN number will come in the mail, and you will need to keep it filed with other important business documents. 

Set Up Accounts

Once you have your Employer Identification Number, you can start to open up some accounts for your business. You will need to open up a bank account and buy insurance to protect your business. You may also want to buy a trademark to protect your business’s name and logo. You can also obtain any permits or licenses you need to do business in your industry or the city or country where you live.

If you are planning to start a business in Texas, there is a process to follow. You will need to start your LLC to make your business official and to be able to conduct business. The above steps can help guide you through the process.

Whether it’s the creation of whole new career paths like that of a Facebook advertising agency or new marketing strategies like Tiktok dances, it can’t be denied that social media has shaken up the world of digital marketing. Although online advertisements are hardly a new concept and have been around since the internet became a widespread commodity, social media has created a unique environment for brands to reach a wider consumer base and to market their services. 

As the number of social media users continues to soar, it is unsurprising that many brands are re-focusing their advertising efforts to make use of this digital medium. Another leading factor is the fact that online shopping has become an increasingly popular method for consumers to purchase goods. Most brands, no matter the size, have set up an online storefront with the understanding that the digital age has opened up more opportunities for their goods to be showcased and purchased. As such, it is no wonder that social media has begun to take up an increasingly important place for brands that are looking for a platform to advertise their goods and services on. So what exactly is it about social media that makes it such an ideal platform for advertisers?

Delivered Right To The Consumer’s Doorstep

You’ve probably heard the jokes (if not had firsthand experience) about how algorithms are sometimes too smart. After all, how else would you get an advertisement for a pair of boots that you had mentioned once in an offhand comment under an acquaintance’s post? Or an un-skippable advertisement about McDonald’s latest offerings just as you’d started getting a hankering for chicken nuggets? One thing’s for sure though, advertising through various social media platforms appears to be becoming more and more targeted. The internet has clearly had its effects across various industries, from the fashion industry to restaurants.

While previously you may have posted your advertisement on a billboard or in the newspaper and hoped that an interested party may eventually stumble across it, social media helps to provide an invaluable shortcut to what was previously a luck–based process. Most people’s personal accounts on social media are (unsurprisingly) used to document and follow accounts which are of interest to their personal lives. Algorithms are trained to recognize and categorize these interests and will usually narrow down the advertisements shown to a person accordingly. 

This means that products being recommended by the algorithm on social media are more likely to appeal to the viewer since it usually has something to do with their interests. Furthermore, since social media usually allows for the sharing and re-sharing of content, it also allows the advertisement to be spread much more quickly and much further than traditional means of advertising usually allow. This allows companies to reach their intended customer base faster and more efficiently. 

Gaining A Personality 

Brands have always relied on gaining and maintaining a unique image which will appeal to their customers. A successful marketing campaign is often based around the creation and enforcement of such an identity. This is how so many brands ended up with mascots, catchphrases and easily recognizable logos. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the image of a brand could make or break it. 

As more and more companies begin to use social media as part of their marketing strategies, it is unsurprising, therefore, that many are taking full advantage of this unique medium. Social media was made to capture a more genuine and personal side of a person’s life and immortalize it on the internet. Many brands recognize this and generally try to capture their audience’s attention by coming off as “real” in their sentiments.

One good example of this are the titular Fast Food Feuds that take place over twitter. By framing the corporate rivalry as a more personal battlefield through the use of social media, it helps to inject a surprisingly human side to an otherwise faceless monolith. Furthermore, it attracts the attention of followers of the brand since they often wait with bated breaths to see who can win the “argument”.

Furthermore, many brands also make use of social media influencers in order to promote their goods. Social media allows us to connect with a more private part of the influencer’s life and makes us feel as if we have a more personal relationship with them. Just as brands previously used celebrities to drum up hype around a product, social media influencers help to reach a large audience base. However, they have the additional benefit of making the endorsement seem less like a sponsorship deal and more like a personal endorsement of the product. This helps their audience to get more interested in a product than traditional advertising methods might have. 

Social media’s role and functions have grown since its early days. Previously it was a place to post photos with the occasional caption and now it is a behemoth of an industry that has proven invaluable for many corporations. Whether it’s networking, communicating with customers or advertising, social media is a remarkably valuable tool for just about all businesses and is likely to continue being so for years to come.

Small businesses often have too much to do and far too little time. So how do you make sense of all the technologies available to you, while deciding what will really help your business? Here’s the lowdown on the tech small businesses get the most value from.

Small business is big business in the United States. An incredible 99% of all businesses are small businesses, and they employ almost 50% of the country’s total workforce. Crucial for the economy and creating a community feeling, small businesses are truly mighty.

One of the downsides for small business owners is that they have to become experts in many different things. Even for companies that aren’t particularly technical, technology itself can bring many benefits. This can be both in terms of aiding slicker internal working, and becoming more effective as a business for customers.

With so many technological inventions and solutions out there, it can be hard to know where to begin. So here are some of the top pieces of tech that many everyday small businesses cannot live without.

1. Inventory Management Software

For those whose businesses are product based, managing the inventory is something that takes up hours of time each week. However, there are several cloud-based inventory management software solutions out there to help manage this. It’s just as useful for a typical Mom and Pop store as it is for an internet retailer. For the latter, much of the software can also integrate order management, fulfilment and customer service too. 

2. File Sharing

Many small businesses feel worried about investing a lot of money in cleverly connected computer networks, particularly if some employees work remotely. Online file sharing facilities such as Dropbox or Google Drive are cheap and safe solutions. It means all employees can save files to these systems and access all the files they collectively need to see. These platforms are also great for storing large image files, such as photos and videos that might be used for social media promotion.

3. QR Code Generator

Useful for a huge variety of purposes, QR codes are simple pieces of technology that many small businesses are reaping the benefits of. QR codes can be used for virtual business cards and phone numbers, for social media posts, in physical stores to help customers find out more information about a product, or in restaurants for diners to pull up a virtual menu. It is easy to use a free QR code generator and make more areas of a small business effective and efficient.

4. Online Security Measures

Cybersecurity threats are increasingly the most problematic threats small business are facing. In fact, most people in the United States have been the victim of some form of cybersecurity breach. If a particularly effective piece of malware makes it onto the computer of just one small business employee, the consequences can be huge and very expensive. One area of technology worth investing in is good malware protection. To complement this, small business should also have robust back-up technology in place, ensuring that any breach of online security doesn’t have consequences that are too damaging.

5. Project Management Software

There are many apps and pieces of software out there all claiming to make your work life easier. If you go for just one type of software, make it a project management one. Trello is very popular among businesses of all sizes, as is Basecamp. In an increasingly digital world, a project management platform is a great way to keep track of projects that multiple individuals are involved in. It also helps free up your inbox, as everything from conversations to files can be organized on a project management platform, keeping everything neatly in one place.

6. Synced Calendars

It’s one of the simplest digital ways to organize yourself and understand what your colleagues’ movements are. Calendars that can sync, such as Google Calendars, mean all employees can easily see availability to arrange meetings, and keep track of all employees’ work schedules. Many small businesses have said it saved them so much time once they moved everyone over to a simple online calendar solution like this.

7. Mobile Broadband

A lot of technology questions for small businesses focus on apps and software that help people work more effectively from their computers. The connectivity to the internet on computers is often an afterthought. Yet a huge 93% of Americans have had an interruption to their internet connection at some point in the last year. For small businesses, the impact of the Wi-Fi being down can be huge.

A brilliant investment in any small business is to buy mobile broadband USB devices for the whole team. These devices can be slotted into any computer to provide internet connectivity via 4G or 5G mobile, instead of Wi-Fi. This is almost always a reliable way to get connected, and so can be a lifesaver for those times when the Wi-Fi fails.