Archives for August 2022

If you have just graduated, or are quickly approaching the end of your academic life, your mind is probably occupied by thoughts of employment. Your exam stresses are over, only to be quickly replaced by concerns about not landing a job after your graduation ceremony.

Towards the end of the summer, employers up and down the country are looking for graduates to join their company. They will post out job adverts for internships and entry-level positions targeted at young people who want a leg up in their chosen industry. But it can be an incredibly competitive field. You are rivaling thousands of other talented former students for these positions, some of whom will be smarter, more driven, and with better resumés than you.

In this dog-eat-dog world, what can you do to rise above your competition and get the dream job you are after? To help you on your career journey, here are ten ways to make yourself more employable.

Make a plan

Knowing what you want from your career at an early stage will make it a lot easier to forge your own path in life. This way you can identify your career goals and start working towards them. Having a plan for your professional life will help you in interviews, as you’ll be able to answer questions about your future with confidence.

Create an amazing resumé

Your CV is the first impression a prospective employer will have of you, so it needs to stand out. It’s important to bear in mind that each hiring manager will receive a huge stack of resumés to sift through, so you want yours to be better than the competition. It should be clearly formatted and easy to pick out the most important information. Make sure it is concise and refrain from waffling. Include all relevant skills and experience and order them in relation to their importance to the role you’re applying for. 

Gain experience

A complete novice is less likely to get the job than an applicant with relevant experience in the industry. Is there an option to find a way into your chosen field via work experience or an internship? This will bulk up your CV and is certain to wow potential employers.

Start a blog

A blog is a great way to put yourself above the competition when applying for a job, as it serves as a showcase to your skills and knowledge. Writing thoughtful posts about your industry or opinions on current affairs will show that you know your stuff. It also demonstrates your writing abilities and technical knowhow. This is important if you’re going into a role that involves complex concepts like web development or digital customer experience. 

Find a part time job

A part time job shows you are driven and willing to put the work in. It doesn’t have to be relevant to the job you’re applying for. Just having some experience on your CV shows you are used to working with others and having responsibilities in a workplace setting. 

Take up an extracurricular activity 

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of school and work? It’s a good idea to put these on your resumé, as employers want to know that you are a well-rounded person. Skills and experience are important, but you are more likely to get the job if you show personality and character. Your extra-curricular activity could be membership of a soccer team or running club. It could be your school debating society or even volunteering in your local area.

Edit your online presence

One of the first things a potential employer will do when they receive your application is to check your online presence. They will perform a search of your name on Google, looking for your social media pages and other activity. This may sound a little creepy, but it is one of the best ways to get a sense of who the applicant really is. If they find an Instagram profile full of drunken parties and irresponsible behavior, this is not going to put you in the best light. Therefore, before you start applying for jobs you should conduct a full audit of your digital presence. Put yourself in the mind of an employer who is looking for a graduate to join their company. Scroll through your public social media pages and get rid of anything that might be a red flag. Of course it is possible to simply make your accounts private so they are not visible to anyone outside your friends and family. But having a wholesome, well-rounded online presence can actually work in your favor.

Grow your network

Succeeding in the world of business is all about who you know. Getting to know people in your industry can give your career a serious boost. Attend job fairs and industry events, making an effort to make new connections. Growing your contact list can present you with job opportunities, as well as valuable advice for getting ahead in your chosen field. 

Practice

Job interviews are incredibly difficult. You have to sell yourself to an employer despite having very little in the way of experience. Not to mention the fact that you may be nervous and stumbling on your words. That’s why it’s so important to practice before an interview. Find a trusted friend or family member to pose as the interviewer and get them to ask you the questions you might expect. This will enable you to get your answers ready and be more confident when you turn up to the interview.

Be flexible

It’s important to remember that you are young and you have your whole life ahead of you. There is no pressure to land your dream job right away. Don’t be disheartened if you are not offered the position you wanted. It’s OK to take a less-than-perfect role right now to gain experience and earn a living before you find the position you really want. Be flexible and open-minded, and good things will happen.

Statistics from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggest that up to 96% of auto accidents are preventable. Driver errors are the most common cause of crashes. It’s not always possible to avert danger on the roads, but being a careful, safe driver can lower risks dramatically. In this guide, we’ll outline some simple strategies to avoid accidents. 

What are the most common causes of road accidents?

Most collisions on the road are caused by driver errors. The most common mistakes include driving too fast, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drink or drugs and driving tired. 

Driving too fast increases the risk of accidents. If you’re speeding when you crash, there’s also a higher risk of severe, life-threatening injuries. Speed restrictions align with the level of risk. If the limit is low, this is usually because the road is narrow or winding, the area is built-up, or there are vulnerable road users within close proximity. Always pay attention to signs and warnings when you drive. If the weather conditions are treacherous, reduce your speed. Driving in winter can be more hazardous due to slippery road surfaces and poor visibility. If you can’t see well due to heavy rain or fog, or the roads are icy, slow down and keep well back from other vehicles. 

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of fatal crashes in the US. CDC figures show that nine people die every day due to distracted driving. When you’re behind the wheel, it’s crucial to focus on the road ahead and to be mindful of hazards, which may include other vehicles, pedestrians, changes in the weather or obstacles. You should always be ready to brake or steer your car in a different direction to minimize the risk of a crash if a hazard appears. If you are talking, you’re on the phone, or you’re looking at the infotainment system screen, you might not spot the hazard or have time to react to it. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel at all times. If you cause a crash because you weren’t looking or concentrating, the victim has the right to speak to a car accident lawyer about claiming compensation. You could also face legal action, which might result in penalties or losing your license. Try to avoid distractions when you’re in the car. Turn your phone onto silent or use an in-car, hands-free system. 

Driving under the influence of drugs or drink can elevate the risk of accidents for several reasons. Firstly, when you drink alcohol or take drugs, your reaction times increase. This means that you can’t respond as quickly as usual. Secondly, your judgment may be impaired. You might not make the right decisions in terms of how you drive and use the road. Drinking and driving can also cause changes in behavior. Some people take more risks, which can be incredibly dangerous behind the wheel. You may drive faster than normal or try to overtake when there’s not enough time or space, for example. It is illegal to drive under the influence of drink or drugs. If you cause an accident, or you get pulled over by the police, the consequences could be devastating. NHTSA figures show that 32 people die in the US every day as a result of drunk driving. 

We all have days when we feel tired and lethargic. It’s usually possible to get through the day at work or college without too many problems after a disturbed night, but you should never take risks and drive if you’re exhausted. Tiredness affects your reaction time, your reflexes and your ability to stay alert behind the wheel. Take a nap, have a strong coffee or get some fresh air and stretch your legs before you drive. If you’re driving and you feel your eyes dropping, find a safe place to stop. Rest for a while and get out of the car and get some air. 

Safe driving strategies

The best way to avoid accidents is to drive safely. Every driver has a responsibility to follow the rules of the road and protect other road users. Here are some examples of strategies to employ.

Check speed restrictions

When you’re driving, you should always be aware of speed restrictions. Signs and warnings are there to keep you and other road users safe. If the driving conditions are dangerous, reduce your speed further. 

Give other vehicles plenty of space

Tailgating is a common cause of collisions. If you drive too close to other vehicles, you run the risk of crashing into them if they brake suddenly. You could also increase the risk of a crash by putting the driver in front under pressure. Give other vehicles plenty of space. It’s important to remember that you’ll need to increase your stopping distance if it’s wet or icy. 

Take extra care in extreme weather

Extreme weather can put drivers at risk. If it is raining heavily, the roads are icy, there is snow on the roads or visibility is poor due to fog or mist, slow down and make sure you have your lights switched on. Consider using a higher gear when driving in snow. 

Avoid alcohol

Drinking alcohol is legal but drinking and driving is not. If you’ve been drinking, you should never drive, even if you feel fine. Avoid alcohol if you’re out or socializing with friends and you need to drive. You can always hire a taxi or use buses or trains to get home if you decide to have a drink. 

It isn’t possible to prevent every road accident, but statistics suggest that up to 96% of crashes could be avoided. The best way to steer clear of trouble on the roads is to drive safely and carefully. Abide by the rules of the road, be patient, focus at all times, avoid alcohol and pay attention to speed restrictions. If every driver takes responsibility for their safety and that of other road users, the number of crashes will decrease. 

Insurance is a highly-competitive industry. Clients can be demanding and may need several rounds of persuasion before they will sign on the dotted line. A lapse in customer relationship management (CRM) at any step along the way could lose you leads, customers, and profit. We interviewed Raution Jaiswal, CEO of InsuredMine, which is a CRM for insurance agents. Below are some examples of how a purpose-built insurance CRM can help you to overcome common obstacles faced by insurance agencies.

Obstacle 1: Losing Track of Leads

It can be hard to keep track of leads when there are so many different channels of marketing. An insurance agent may get leads from social media, search engine advertisements, phone calls, personal introductions, and more. Being able to maintain an overview of your incoming prospects is key to moving your leads down the sales pipeline. When it comes to selling insurance, you have to strike when the iron is hot. If you forget a phone call or miss an email, you could quickly lose a client to a competitor.

InsuredMine has a Pipelines feature that consolidates all your leads in one easy-to-manage location; whether they come from Facebook, email, or SMS. At any time, you can see open leads and assign deals that may interest these prospects. Pipelines are completely customizable and so are the stages within them, allowing you to adjust the sales funnel to fit your business operations. By having a clear view of open leads, you will know exactly where your prospect stands and what you need to do to close the deal.

Obstacle 2: Neglecting Engagement

So, you have sold a policy. Your job is done, right? Wrong. Continued engagement is essential to client retention. And investing in client retention is more cost-effective than pursuing new customers. Instead of ignoring your clients the entire time their policy is in effect and then trying to woo them towards the end of the contract, keep in touch with them often. Sincere and consistent customer relationship management is key to maintaining a healthy, stable, and profitable client base.

Engagement is important for potential customers as well. If you make a connection with a customer and have a meaningful interaction with them, they are more likely to purchase a policy from you than another insurance provider. The Engagement feature of InsuredMine has a helpful list of email and text templates that can help you to begin a friendly relationship with prospects. From Memorial Day emails to birthday texts and cross-selling proposals, it makes connecting and interacting a breeze.

Obstacle 3: Avoiding Automation

Although a large part of selling insurance depends on building a personal relationship, this is no reason to avoid automation. Manually managing your client relationships might be easy when you only have a handful of clients, but it will be difficult when you have hundreds. The last thing you want is to address a client by the wrong name or send them a message that you already sent a week ago. Technology can help by facilitating your outreach as well as provide consistency to your approach.

Automation is a primary feature of InsuredMine. You can use automation to generate welcome emails or follow-up texts to engage customers. You can also create drip campaign audience lists that automatically add new leads that meet the specific criteria, thus allowing you to target the right audience with the right message. Using the Tasklist feature, you can manage tasks and allocate them to team members. When these tasks are completed, they are automatically updated on the CRM, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual updates between agents.

Obstacle 4: Disregarding Data

Data is central to the understanding of how your agency is performing. A CRM dashboard will give you essential information—such as active accounts, policies, and premiums—at a glance. You can customize your dashboard so that the metrics that are most important to you appear first. For an agency owner, this could be statistics about territory penetration or policy counts per branch. For a team leader, this could be the performance of your team on the whole or how each of your team agents is performing.

The built-in Reports feature in InsuredMine can help you to visualize your data and gain valuable insight into blind spots and possible avenues of growth. You can identify the stages where your agents have trouble closing deals and use the Projected Book of Business tool to gauge the real value of your pipeline opportunities. Data can be grouped and filtered according to your needs and customized reports can be swiftly generated and shared. All these capabilities allow you to make smart decisions based on the metrics that matter.

CRM For Insurance Agents With InsuredMine

Customer relationship management is a core component of the insurance industry. Without effective CRM, conversions stay low, client satisfaction levels fall, and your agency will not be able to achieve its goals. InsuredMine is a CRM platform that is designed specifically for insurance agencies. It has all the features that an insurance business needs to connect with clients and close deals. Free demonstrations are available, so contact InsuredMine and see for yourself how their platform can help your insurance agency grow.

Car accidents can have serious consequences, even for safe drivers. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the fatality rate on Texas roadways increased by 4.17% from 2020 to 2021. This equates to a death toll of 4,489 people a year, a 15.22% increase from the year before. Every single day in 2021, someone lost their life on a Texas roadway. Based on crash data, one person died every two hours due to a traffic crash.

Car accidents also carry a high risk of causing severe injury. In 2021, 19,448 people in Texas sustained serious, incapacitating injuries due to a traffic crash. An astounding one person was injured nearly every two minutes. Aside from motor vehicle drivers and passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists were victims of traffic crashes as well. Therefore, knowing your rights and what to do after a car accident is important.

What To Do After a Car Accident

The scene of a traffic crash can be chaotic and traumatic. You may be shocked and confused. If you have been involved in a car accident, stay calm and act accordingly to protect your legal rights.

1. Call Emergency Assistance

It is essential to call 911 for emergency assistance immediately. It is the law in most states that car accidents must be reported. In addition, 911 operators will dispatch emergency medical personnel to attend to any injured parties as well as police to ensure the safety of everyone involved. You will need the police to record evidence and determine if the other driver committed a traffic or driving under the influence offense.

2. Exchange Insurance Information

The next step is to exchange insurance information with the other driver. This will guarantee that any medical expenses will be taken care of and that parties involved can get treatment without delay. If the other driver is too severely injured, you may have to rely on the police to source this information later. Sometimes, you may be faced with an uninsured driver. In these cases, contact your lawyer immediately.

3. Inform Your Insurance

You should inform your insurance company about the accident even if you were not at fault for the accident and the other driver has already contacted their insurance provider. This is because, in some cases, the insurance coverage of the other driver may not be enough to cover your medical or property damage expenses. Timely reporting will allow you to use certain coverage from your own insurance to make up for the difference.

4. Collect Evidence

If you are fit enough to move around, take multiple photographs of the crash scene. Take pictures that show the entire scene and some close-up shots of the vehicles and their damaged areas. If you or your passengers have visible injuries, document the injuries too. You should also gather the contact details of any bystanders who witnessed the crash and may be able to corroborate your version of the events.

When to Call An Attorney

After an accident, you should contact a reputable car accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney will protect your rights and ensure that all investigative and insurance processes proceed as they should.

Other Driver Is Uninsured

One in five vehicles in Texas is uninsured. If the driver of the other vehicle is uninsured or attempts to give you a cash payment for compensation, be sure to call your lawyer immediately. Medical expenses and loss of income can add up as you undergo treatment for your injuries and you will need a lawyer to seek the proper compensation from the other party through a personal injury lawsuit.

Fault Is Disputed

The other driver may dispute your version of events and deny that they were at fault. They also may accuse you of being negligent. Whatever the case, you need an accomplished car accident lawyer to support your claim and recover your losses. Even if you were partially at fault, Texas has a 51% modified comparative fault law that allows your lawyer to demand some compensation.

Insurance Payment Is Inadequate

Insurance compensation should cover a variety of consequences from the accident including medical treatment, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and trauma. Often, insurance companies will pressure you to accept a lower settlement amount or use unscrupulous tactics to delay your claim. A car accident attorney will deal with the insurance companies and ensure that you get the payout you deserve.

A Commercial Vehicle Was Involved

If the driver of the at-fault vehicle was driving a commercial vehicle in the capacity of an employee at the time of the accident, the company may be held liable for their negligent actions. This can be helpful if you have suffered a significant financial or quality of life loss that was not adequately compensated by insurance. An attorney can assist you in filing a claim against the driver’s company so that you can secure additional compensation.

Car accidents affect more than just the cars. Even if you have not encountered any of the above situations, it may be a prudent decision to consult with a car accident lawyer. An experienced car accident attorney will protect your rights and fight for you to receive your justified compensation.

Investing is a way to boost your income. If you have money saved or you’ve inherited funds, and you’re thinking about taking the plunge and investing, this guide is packed with tips for beginners. Here are some options to explore. 

Stocks and shares

Stocks and shares are the most common type of investments. When you buy stocks, you purchase a share in a company or entity and you choose when to sell. The aim is to make a profit and sell when the share price is higher than the purchase price. Trading has become much more accessible in recent years due to the proliferation of online exchanges and websites. Traders no longer have to be qualified professionals. Anyone can learn to trade and start buying and selling stocks and shares. 

If you are interested in getting started in investing in stocks and shares, it’s beneficial to explore online trading courses and learn how the market works. Set yourself a budget at the outset, read financial news and use blogs and expert insights available on trading websites to help you figure out what to buy and when to make your move. It’s important to keep a close eye on the markets, as prices can fluctuate. This means that there are optimum times to buy and sell. You want to buy when prices are low and there is a good chance that stock values will rise and sell when prices peak. 

Before you commit funds and spend money, use demos and free trials to manage a virtual wallet. This will enable you to learn how exchanges work and get to grips with the process of buying and selling before you use your own cash. It’s also helpful to research emerging industries and companies that are on the up. 

Real estate

Investing in real estate is not a viable option for all novices, but if you’ve inherited money, or you have a substantial amount of money available, it’s an excellent idea to consider this option. Real estate is one of the oldest investment types and it is a relatively safe bet, especially if you are investing in the long term. Research is essential when buying property. Learn as much as possible about the real estate market including what drives price increases and decreases and the different types of investment opportunities. 

The first task to check off your list when looking for an investment property is to set a budget for the project. If you are thinking about purchasing a fixer-upper, you’ll need to factor in the cost of the property, fees and the work you plan to do, including labor, materials, furniture, services and fixtures and fittings. If you’re buying a house in pristine condition, you’ll need to account for the price of the property plus agent and legal fees. Try to put down as much money as you can to reduce the amount you have to borrow and access lower interest rates on mortgages. Get some quotes and figure out how much you want to spend per month. 

Once you have a budget for your investment, choose a location and decide which type of investment you want to pursue. Do you want to flip houses, are you looking to rent your home out to long-term tenants, or do you want to buy a property in a popular vacation spot? Consider locations based on your decision and define your ideal buyer or tenant. Look for properties that will appeal to them and keep a close eye on the figures. The primary motivation should be making money when you buy real estate for investment purposes. View different houses and apartments, research local markets and get to know agents. If you plan to rent your home, check yields and make sure there is a demand for rental homes in the area. 

Timing is crucial when investing in real estate. If you buy and sell at the right time, there is a good chance of turning over a profit. Ideally, if you want a long-term investment, you want to buy when prices are relatively low and sell when prices and the demand for housing in your chosen location are rising. If you can’t afford to buy in established hotspots, consider up-and-coming areas or look for properties that need a little TLC. 

Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies are one of the most popular modern-day investments. This type of investment offers benefits for beginners because you don’t need a lot of money to get started and crypto trading is accessible and easy to fit in around other commitments. However, there are disadvantages. The risks are relatively high because prices rise and fall frequently and they can drop dramatically. 

If you are thinking about buying cryptocurrencies, it’s critical to undertake extensive research, learn about what affects prices and values and ensure that you understand the risks. It’s helpful to monitor prices for a period and use demos before spending any of your own money. 

Commodities

Commodity investments cover a diverse range of products from grain and whisky to precious metals. Investing in commodities can be attractive to beginners because you don’t have to have a huge pot available from the outset and you can build up a portfolio over time. Research options, weigh up the pros and cons of different commodities, see how other people make money and figure out how much you want to spend. 

Investing offers an opportunity to boost your earnings. If you want to make money, or save for a wedding, buying a house or your retirement, for example, you may be interested in investing. There are multiple options to consider, including buying and selling stocks and shares, searching for an investment property, trading cryptocurrencies and buying commodities. All investments carry a level of risk. To minimize risks and maximize chances of generating profits, it’s wise to set a budget, research, seek expert advice and ensure that you understand the importance of timing. Learn from other investors and financial experts, read financial news and investment blogs, make sure you can afford the investment and try to avoid making snap decisions. 

Do you own a business? If so, you know that it can be difficult to keep up with the competition. One way to stay ahead of the curve is by investing in a custom vending machine. A custom vending machine could transform your business and help you stand out from the crowd. Here are some of the benefits of owning a custom vending machine, and how it could help your business grow!

Staying creative and coming up with new ideas can be tough for business owners. It’s the part many business owners love most, but the day to day reality of running a business means there’s often less time for creativity than is ideal.

Something that you might not have thought about is investing in a custom vending machine. If you have a physical business that customers come to, or if you have an office that staff and customers visit, then the chances are a vending machine could make a difference to your company.

Here’s why. 

Serve Customers Out of Hours

Some stores will put a vending machine outside their store, so even when they’re closed, customers can still buy essential items. The great thing about custom vending machines is that you can design them and stock them with anything you like, as long as it fits inside. If you run a convenience store, a vending machine with candy and drinks will probably be a winner for you. If you run a donut store, you could sell packaged up donuts from a vending machine. And if you’re a gift store, selling some generic cards and gifts will likely help many people who find themselves needing a last minute gift!

Extra Income Stream

A vending machine is a great way to make some extra income for your business. You can stock it with items that are popular among your customers, and you can set the price point so that it’s profitable for you. Many businesses make the mistake of thinking that they need to sell their products at a discount in order to get people to use the vending machine, but that’s not always the case. You can make a decent profit from selling items through a vending machine, and you can actually increase your prices if you’re using a vending machine as an out of hours service.

Another way that you could use a vending machine is to create an income stream in something that is unrelated to your business. For example, if you run an office superstore, your vending machine could sell drinks and snacks. It’s a great way to generate some extra income for your business.

Add Value For Customers

You could also have a custom made vending machine that customers can use to self serve, but you don’t actually charge them any money. This can be a great way to give customers extra perks when they interact with you. If you have an office, you could put a vending machine in the reception area and stock it with snacks and drinks for staff and visitors. If you run a gym or fitness facility, you could offer protein shakes from your vending machine, that customers either pay for, or it’s an added bonus of their membership. Think creatively and come up with some ideas of your own – you might just find that it drastically increases customer satisfaction.

Customers Love Convenience

Customers love convenience, and a vending machine can provide that. If you have a vending machine, customers can get what they want, when they want it. They don’t have to wait for someone to serve them, and they don’t have to go out of their way to find what they’re looking for.

A vending machine can be a great way to improve your customer service, and it can also help you to increase sales. If customers know they can get what they want quickly and easily from your vending machine, they’re more likely to use it, and they’re more likely to come back to your business in the future.

Add a Quirky Side to Your Business

A vending machine could also be a way to make your business stand out in your customers’ minds. This is especially true if you stock your vending machine with fun or unexpected items. They might even start coming into your store to see what you’re currently stocking in your vending machine. Think outside the box – you could sell anything from limited edition postcards, to candy bars you’ve sourced from a far flung country. You could even offer a prize every time someone buys from your vending machine.

You could just as easily have a vending machine like this in your clothes or shoe store, as you could in your creative design agency or restaurant.

Use it in Your Marketing

If you install a vending machine, this also gives you content that you can use in your marketing. You could take photos or videos of your customers using the vending machine, and you could use this content to generate interest in your business. You may even decide to have a hashtag for customers to use when they post content related to your vending machine on social media. You can also use the vending machine as a way to promote new products or services – if you’re launching a new product, put it in the vending machine and see how popular it is.

There are so many benefits to having a custom vending machine for your business. It’s a great way to increase sales, to improve customer service, and to add a fun side to your business. If you’re thinking of installing a vending machine, make sure you consider all of the ways it could benefit your business. You might just find that it transforms your business for the better.

The way we access healthcare and information and advice linked to health and well-being has changed enormously over the last twenty years. Today, there is an array of options to choose from if you feel unwell, you need advice, or you’d like to find out more about specific symptoms or conditions. In this guide, we’ll discuss where to go if you need help with your health. 

Family physicians 

For most people, a family physician is still the first port of call if they feel sick or they have unusual or worrying symptoms. Family physicians, also known as general practitioners and primary care physicians, see patients with a huge range of symptoms. They carry out basic examinations, tests and checks and they can refer patients to specialist doctors or services if they need further investigations or treatment. When you see your family physician, they will ask you some questions about your general health, your medical history and your symptoms. Family physicians cover mental and physical illnesses and they also provide preventative services, such as immunizations. Depending on your symptoms and your general health status, your doctor may advise you to have tests, including taking a urine or blood sample or to make changes to your lifestyle, take medication or visit a health center or hospital for more tests or a scan. 

In most cases, a primary care physician will be able to treat minor ailments and illnesses. They may also recommend a period of watchful waiting, which means that no intervention is required at that moment. Patients will be advised to schedule another appointment down the line or see their doctor if they continue to experience symptoms or the signs get worse. Primary care physicians also run health clinics and offer advice to help people to adopt healthy lifestyles, for example, help with heart health, nutrition and giving up smoking. If you have questions about your health, or you feel unwell, contact your doctor. 

The Internet

The Internet has revolutionized the way we search for health advice and access healthcare services. Many of us use search engines to find information, which led to the proliferation of the term, ‘Dr Google.’ Statistics show that Google processes more than 1 billion health-related searches per day now. Almost 90% of Americans admit to using Google before going to their doctor for advice. 

The Internet is a fantastic resource if you have questions about symptoms, you want to compare doctors or health clinics and providers, or you’re looking for general advice. If you type in questions like ‘Is Pedialyte safe after expiration date?’ you’ll get an answer in seconds, which is much faster than contacting a doctor or nurse. It also frees up time for healthcare workers. Online resources can also be incredibly beneficial for helping you to improve your health if you’re trying to gain or lose weight by altering your diet, you want to do more exercise or you’re looking for solutions for sleep troubles. You can also access forums and groups that may be beneficial if you want to talk to somebody or you’re trying to cut down on drinking or find people who have similar health issues or shared experiences. It can be helpful to forge relationships with people who are in recovery if you’re undergoing treatment for addiction or to talk to people who have been through rehabilitation following an accident or trauma, for example. 

There are multiple advantages of using the Internet to access health advice and services, but it’s essential to be aware of the risks. There is a lot of misinformation on the web and using search engines to diagnose conditions can lead you down the wrong path. Always use reputable, reliable sources and secure websites, don’t give out personal information online and be wary of offers or claims that seem too good to be true. Use sites run by government health departments and trustworthy institutions, such as universities and hospitals. If you have any questions about health products or treatments you find online, ask your doctor. Using the Internet should never replace seeking professional medical advice if you have symptoms that could be related to a severe injury or illness. 

Telehealth and virtual services

Telephone calls and virtual consultations were becoming more commonplace before the pandemic, but the outbreak and rapid spread of Covid-19 accelerated the shift towards online and remote services. The number of telehealth appointments rose from 849,000 in 2019 to 52.7 million in 2020. Even after in-person appointments returned in 2021, the number of visits was 38 times higher than before the pandemic. 

Telehealth services offer advantages for healthcare providers and workers and patients. They are more convenient, they provide greater flexibility and they enable patients to access advice without worrying about logistics or paying to get to a clinic or health center. Doctors and other professionals in the industry can also save time by helping patients virtually. If you don’t need to see a doctor or a therapist in person, you can take advantage of virtual consultations and phone calls. 

It is important to note that telephone and video calls have limitations. There are some instances when it’s more beneficial to see a healthcare professional in the flesh. This includes symptoms that require physical examinations and undergoing tests, such as a blood test or a blood pressure check if you don’t have a monitor at home. Some patients would rather talk on the phone or make a virtual appointment, but others would prefer to speak to a doctor in person. This is a matter of personal preference. 

The way we access information about health and well-being and healthcare services has changed. Today, there is a huge range of options open to patients thanks to advances in technology and research. If you have questions about your health, you have developed symptoms, you need advice, or you don’t feel well, there are multiple channels to explore. In most cases, seeing a primary care physician will be the first step, but it can also be useful to use the Internet to answer basic questions and get information about symptoms and conditions. Always use reputable, secure websites. Seek expert advice if you have severe symptoms or your symptoms persist or get worse. Virtual services have become more popular in recent years. They offer a quick, convenient and hassle-free alternative to in-person appointments, but they are not suitable for all patients. 

Why Transferable Skills Will Enhance Your Resume

Everyone wants their resume to look as desirable as possible, but not everyone knows where to start. One of the easiest ways to do so is to make your transferable skills very visible. Transferable skills are skills that you have acquired in other positions that you feel you could use in the position you’re seeking. Some people don’t think that transferable skills are important, but they could be the difference between your resume making the top of the pile or ending up in the recycling bin. 

Let’s take a look at why transferable skills are so important, a few examples of transferable skills, and how you can add them to your resume elegantly.

Why Are Transferable Skills Important?

Having lots of transferable skills enhances your value as an employee no matter the position you want to fill. It shows that you can be used in more scenarios or assigned to a wider variety of tasks. It also shows a certain level of adaptability. Employees who have a varied set of skills will be better equipped to deal with certain emergencies and will not need to be constantly looked over. These are all things that are extremely attractive to an employer.

Transferable Skills Are Especially Important for the Inexperienced

There’s one group, in particular, that should make transferable skills a priority on their resume, and that is people with limited experience. Showing the skills you have been able to acquire in the few positions you have filled could help put you over the top if you have to compete against people with more experience.

Examples of Transferable Skills

In a broader sense, transferable skills can be any skill whether hard or soft that you had to learn or acquired while working. Soft transferable skills include things like communication, critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, and more. Hard skills include technical writing skills, database management skills, the use of tools like MS Office, MS Visio, and Photoshop, or marketing tools like HubSpot, just to name a few.

How to Showcase Transferable Skills on Your Resume Properly

The first thing you have to do is choose the right resume format for you. If you have very limited education or employment history, then you could go for a functional resume. They’re also called skilled-based resumes because they focus on skills first and don’t put too much emphasis on dates.

If you have a few credentials to back those skills, on the other hand, then you could go for a combination resume that showcases your skills and qualifications principally. 

Another thing we strongly suggest you do is to hire a resume writing service. The best resume writing services out there will offer a resume review free of charge and will help you work your skills into your resume in the best way possible. They might also be able to give you advice regarding a few other things that you could improve on.

Now that you know a bit more about the importance of transferable skills, you should start taking inventory of them and adding them to your resume. Always work to make your resume better and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you don’t know what to do.

Being on social media is not enough – you need visibility to make yourself or your business known. Therefore, how could you get there?

Now you can focus on your promotion on platforms such as Instagram and become an online sensation with the help of the various sites that help you touch the skies. And whoever says that Instagram views don’t matter is profoundly mistaken. The truth is that views are the overlooked yet exceptional metric of engagement.

So, if you’re heading to fame or want to speed things up, turn confidently to sites like:

Followers.io

If you’re looking for top-tier engagement, Followers.io is one of the best resources. Things are getting even spicier in case you’re a newbie influence or business owner who has just established themselves in this Instagram world. The platform provides clients with two packages designed with success in mind – you either purchase followers or likes for Instagram. Besides, you can choose from premium and high-quality engagement while taking into account your very specific needs.

Famoid

This site has generated a lot of buzz lately with its out-of-the-box services. Throughout time, it has helped hundreds of people get famous on Instagram, and it keeps the tradition. Its effectiveness is due to its team’s continuous efforts that are beyond imagination to boost people’s Instagram engagement. The years of experience definitely have a word to say in all this situation, so if you’re looking for a trustworthy, efficient site to help you gain views, followers, or likes in no time, you’ve come to the right place. And if you’re a marketer wanting to promote their products or services, learn that Famoid also has expertise in digital marketing. So, the question is, do you want to develop connections and make yourself known? We don’t doubt that, but we’ve just wanted to ensure.

Likes.io

This is one of the most trustworthy sites when it comes to getting Instagram engagement. Their services focus on the particular needs of every user, helping them obtain high-quality social visibility. If you want genuine engagement and your posts seen by authentic people, you can buy Instagram views from Likes.io with confidence. The site also allows clients to pick from multiple packages to find something suitable for their needs and, of course, budget. If you purchase Instagram views, your chances of giving your content the chance to survive will significantly increase. Or, maybe you choose to buy likes or followers: the range is wide!

FriendlyLikes

As its name also suggests, FriendlyLikes is a friendly site to buy Instagram views from. Apart from views, you can also purchase likes and followers. No matter the size of your account, you get the best of the best. The site is designed to help every user achieve their objectives and build traffic with ease. You can also choose from many packages – from the smallest number of views (100) to millions of views. You can enjoy maximum safety when making such purchases, as the site guarantees 100% privacy, and no password is needed.

As you can see, there are several options when it comes to getting noticed on social media, so you only have to choose what best aligns with your expectations.

Let us not deny it. Part of the enjoyment of having a truly romantic moment is being able to share it on social media later. As much as we strive to keep away from public displays of affection and humble brags, there is a reason why #relationshipgoals is tagged in 22 million posts on Instagram. If you are looking for a dreamy getaway that will blow up your friends’ social media feeds, Kandima explains why you need to visit the Maldives.

Perfect Backdrop

Kandima is a resort set on the Dhaalu Atoll of the Maldives. Dhaalu Atoll is one of the most remote atolls in the island nation and boasts 57 islands in total, of which only seven are inhabited. This pristine region has beautiful white sand, clear turquoise water, and bright blue skies. Punctuated by coconut trees and tropical vegetation, there is no better backdrop for your vacation photographs.

The biggest perk about the Maldives is that you are free from the crowds found at popular beach destinations. With fewer distractions and people in your way, you can focus your attention on the one you love. The photographs will be better as well. Instead of having to angle your camera to avoid the throngs of beachgoers in the background, you can get an enviable bird’s eye view of the two of you on an isolated beach.

Private Luxury

Resorts in the Maldives are known for their high standard of comfort. In Kandima, you can choose from absolute beachfront accommodation to secluded villas that sit directly over the water. Many of these rooms feature private pools so you can relax with your partner without worrying about nosy neighbors. For the ultimate romantic stay, book a honeymoon suite with an infinity pool and a 270-degree view of the ocean.

Aside from the accommodation, there are other luxurious aspects of a Kandima resort stay. The on-site Eskape Spa has a range of treatments to help you and your partner escape the stress of the real world. A couple’s massage will rejuvenate your body and soul and get you in the mood for love. Best of all, the spa treatments will leave you with a healthy glow that looks great on your Instagram Stories.

Personalized Experiences

Your holiday is a special occasion and Kandima will do what they can to make your experience extra memorable. Want to arrive at your destination in style? The resort can arrange exclusive seaplane trips. Tailored dining experiences on the beach or over the water can also be arranged. There is nothing quite like dining by starlight and enjoying a quiet and intimate meal with your partner.

If you are planning to pop the question, there is no better setting than the Maldives. From coconuts spelling out “Will you marry me?” on the beach to unfurling proposal banners underwater, there are a variety of unique ways that you can surprise and delight your future spouse. Of course, you may have a specific idea for your proposal. Kandima’s proposal planners can personalize your romantic experience and create a truly unforgettable day.

Bonding Activities

Some couples are more about action than relaxation; that is fine too! Kandima has a huge range of activities and events that you can participate in with your partner. Challenge yourself in the day with aerial yoga and Kross Fit and dance the night away at pool parties and Latin nights. Aside from the fitness center, the resort boasts a 3-kilometer-long beach, one of the longest swimming pools in the country, a football field, and badminton, tennis, and beach volleyball courts.

Watersports are a wonderful way to get wet and wild with your other half. The underwater world of the Maldives is full of colorful and intriguing marine life. Snorkel from a dedicated platform or go diving to see turtles, sharks, and rays. Ever kissed twenty meters underwater? A photograph like that is sure to get you some likes! Kayaking, sunset cruises, and windsurfing are just some of the many on-water activities you can choose from should you prefer to stay above the surface.

Kids? No problem!

If your children are getting in the way of you spending quality time with your significant other, Kandima has a solution too. With dedicated facilities such as the Kandiland Kid’s Club and an arts club to occupy their time, the young ones will be too busy having fun to bother you. The Kid’s Club is staffed by a dedicated, multilingual team of experienced childminders that will guarantee a safe and enjoyable time for your children. There is also a babysitting service for children below the age of 4.

The Maldives is the definitive setting for a romantic escape. Whether you prefer beach or ocean, dining or diving, luxury resorts such as Kandima have an extraordinary vacation in store for you. They even have professional photographers available to help you capture the most iconic couple shots. #relationshipgoals are real. Live your dream fairytale in the Maldives and have the amazing photographs to prove it.

Find out more about Kandima Maldives and their exclusive romance packages at Kandima.com.