Health Fitness

Set and achieve weight loss goals

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Setting and achieving weight loss goals is important for success. You need to have a plan for where you want to be in the future, and you need a road map to follow as you move toward your weight loss goal. Having achievable and measurable goals can make the difference between the success and failure of your program. Goals help you stay focused and motivated. You are making a transition to a healthier lifestyle. You need a plan to follow. That’s why setting achievable goals is so important to your short- and long-term success.

You should learn about the process of setting and achieving weight loss goals. These goals must be achievable and measurable. If they’re not realistic, you’ll either never get started or quickly get discouraged. A realistic goal would be to lose 2-3 pounds per week. Losing 10 pounds a week is not a realistic or achievable goal. Having such a goal will lead you to discouragement and you will quickly abandon your weight loss program.

It is important to seek the help and support of others when setting your goals. Talk to your doctor and get his advice. Talk to your family and friends about your ideas on how to lose weight and how you can get to the weight you want. The important thing is that your goals are achievable. Don’t make them unrealistic. Setting and achieving weight loss goals doesn’t have to be difficult if you can take a small step in the right direction every day.

Legal Law

Why is my personal injury case taking SO LONG?

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TIME FACTORS OF THE PERSONAL INJURY CASE

Your personal injury lawyer should fully explain why your case is taking so long. There are many legitimate reasons why a personal injury case takes as long as it does, but if your attorney cannot explain why your case is still pending, you may want to consider switching attorneys. Some law firms sign more cases than they can handle, and your case may be in an overlooked filing cabinet, feel free to ask for an update.

Here are the factors that will affect the length of a personal injury case:

  1. Insurance coverage

  2. Treatment duration

  3. Insurance Company Policies

  4. Responsibility

  5. Quality of Medical Reports

  6. Injury severity

  7. case type

  8. intangibles

INSURANCE COVERAGE

The minimum policy limits for auto liability insurance coverage in New York are 25/50. This means that the most that can be paid is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident. So if you were seriously injured, the only person injured in the accident and it was clearly the other car’s fault, your case can be resolved very quickly. The insurance company will likely “offer” your policy to you, which means it will pay in full for your policy. Given the circumstances, it would be “bad faith” if they did not. Unfortunately, even though your case is settled quickly, you won’t be able to get a lot of money.

Let’s say you had the same serious injuries and good liability, but the other vehicle was a truck with $1,000,000 coverage. This is where you don’t want to rush. Sure, you COULD solve this case quickly, but that wouldn’t be the best way to handle it. With only $25,000 to collect, the case can be settled before treatment is complete, but with more money to collect, there would be no point in even trying to settle the case before treatment is complete, since medical treatment is “damages and damages”. “which increase the value of your case. This is where we want to wait for a good settlement and litigate if one is not offered. This is going to make the case take a lot longer, but it’s worth it.

TREATMENT DURATION

More serious injuries usually mean longer treatment. Clients sometimes ask why their case is not resolved when they are actively receiving medical treatment or are still unable to work. It is not possible to know the value of the case until treatment is complete, and trying to settle a case at that point would be selling it short. For example, if your injuries put you out of work for a year and a half, your case may not be resolved for at least a year and a half (assuming extensive insurance coverage). On the other hand, a case with minor injuries that require little treatment may settle sooner, but will not yield as high a settlement. The important thing to ask a lawyer is why the case is taking as long as it is taking; You have to make sure that you are not just sitting in the filing cabinet because they are too busy with other cases.

INSURANCE COMPANY POLICIES

Some insurance companies have a policy of wanting to settle fairly quickly. They have a team of claims representatives who follow up on their cases and answer calls from attorneys. You can send them a medical package which they will review in a timely manner and then make you an offer in a reasonable amount of time. If the offer is not acceptable, a lawsuit may be filed. In fact, there are companies this good: one of the best has some funny animal commercials.

Other insurance companies do not want to settle. They are short on claims reps and don’t bother to return calls. They ask for 60 days to review medical records. They make lousy offers to solve cases. Lawyers know what companies they are and know that it will take a long litigation. Some attorneys won’t even take cases if they know they are with certain insurance companies! If your case takes a long time because you are against an insurance company that does not actively settle cases, it is not your lawyer’s fault. It doesn’t matter if your Aunt Jean made a lot of money very quickly with a case against a “good” insurance company.

LIABILITY AND YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CASE

If you have a police report that says you were rear-ended by a texting drunk driver, there is probably no dispute over liability. This speeds up the case since the only dispute is “damages”. On the other hand, if the other guy went through a light, but claims that you went through the light, it might be necessary to litigate the case through depositions before you can settle it. This is frustrating when you saw the other guy go through the light, but that’s what courts and judges are for. Depositions cannot be made until both parties have exchanged documents and after several conferences in court. This case is not going to be quick to get full value.

QUALITY OF MEDICAL REPORTS

Dealing with high-quality medical providers who know how to produce reports for accident cases is helpful for a faster settlement. Medical reports that are scribbled up and incomplete give claims adjusters little to “hang their hats” on when they ask for “authority” to put money into your claim. That is when an insurance company may want extensive litigation if they are looking for a large settlement. They will want to hear your testimony in a deposition and send it to their doctors for examination. Good quality medical reports will expedite a settlement.

SEVERITY OF INJURIES AND YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CASE

Assuming there is coverage, it will take time to arrive at a great settlement amount in a serious case. This is the type of case where prolonged litigation can improve the final settlement. You want the insurance company to know that you are willing to go to court if they don’t get enough money. While most cases eventually settle, in the case of very serious injuries, you will want to prepare the case for trial, including reaching a settlement on the eve of trial. This can take years, but it’s worth it.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF CASES TAKE DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF TIME

Car accident cases have a “serious injury threshold” that must be met. With smaller cases, it is important that there is at least enough treatment to reach this threshold, which often means treatment for a minimum of three months. Other types of cases do not have this threshold. For example, if you fall in a supermarket and go to the doctor and have a sprained ankle that heals quickly, your case could be resolved quickly. A case of food poisoning could be quick because there is little treatment once the problem goes away. Product liability and malpractice cases will always take a long time, as experts must be hired and complicated investigations carried out.

INTANGIBLES THAT IMPACT THE DURATION OF A CASE

The insurance company denies payment for your surgery because it is not “medically necessary” and the doctor arbitrates this denial. It can take more than a year to get a decision. It is prudent to wait for the decision as surgery is a significant part of the damages in your case and having an arbitration decision that was in fact medically necessary is important to your case.

The insurance company transfers your claim to a new claims representative who must now review your entire file from scratch. This can add months to the time it takes to resolve the case. The insurance adjuster takes an extended vacation or family leave and there is no one to discuss your claim. Of course, litigation can continue, but the case cannot be resolved unless there is a claims representative to discuss it with.

There are many reasons why cases take time to resolve. The most important thing to remember is that it is your lawyer’s job to explain why YOUR case is taking the time it is taking. If you are in the dark, you do not have the right attorney. If your attorney cannot fully explain why your case is taking so long, consider changing attorneys.

Lifestyle Fashion

IPL Laser Therapy: Learn The Pros And Cons Of IPL Laser Therapy

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Without a doubt, lasers and various light-emitting devices can help reduce the signs of aging and fade signs of sun damage. With so many IPL laser procedures available, knowing the basics of each is essential to making the best decision for your concerns.

a complicated subject

The topic of lasers, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or other forms of skin rejuvenation is a complicated one. If you’ve been doing your homework, you’ve probably come across a lot of complex technical information that’s hard to decipher. Deciding which IPL laser or light treatment can be further complicated if marketers make unrealistic claims and promises. Therefore, it is important to find a dermatologist who is clear on the pros and cons, and the improvements you can expect to see.

Two types of procedures

Laser and laser IPL treatments are either ablative or non-ablative. Non-ablative treatments target the lower layers of the skin, while ablative treatments target both the surface and lower layers of the skin. The system you choose depends on the results you are looking for and the risk you are willing to take.

Ablative lasers can:

  • make a significant difference in the appearance of wrinkles,
  • significantly reduce skin discolorations,
  • Erase years of sun damage by replacing damaged skin with healthier skin.

The risks of ablative procedures include:

  • swelling, scabs, suppuration,
  • bleeding, peeling, redness,
  • significant irritation that requires more time to heal, and
  • long-term skin discoloration and scarring.

After ablative laser treatment, the skin oozes, bleeds, and forms scabs. It takes about two weeks before you look even vaguely normal. If you choose an ablative treatment, carefully follow the postoperative care instructions. Inconsistency or incomplete care can cause infection, delay healing, and increase irritation.

Non-ablative rejuvenation, such as IPL laser therapy, does not have any of the side effects associated with ablative rejuvenation. However, it does not produce the same dramatic results as ablative rejuvenation. And multiple treatments are required to get the most noticeable result. The advantage of non-ablative rejuvenation is its minimal downtime.

Nonablative lasers can:

  • remove some skin discolorations,
  • improve and potentially eliminate redness,
  • improve minor wrinkles and fine lines, and
  • stimulate collagen production after repeated treatments.

The risks of non-ablative procedures include:

  • swelling and possible bruising,
  • a reaction similar to a sunburn,
  • temporary darkening of the treated spots.

There is no better laser

Despite what you probably hear, there is no best laser or IPL treatment for everyone. Which one is used depends on several factors, including your concerns, as well as the effectiveness and safety of the treatment. There is no single best laser or light-emitting treatment; rather, there are several options and each has its pros and cons.

Regardless of which device you and your dermatologist choose, make sure you are fully informed about what to expect and what is required of you before and after the procedure. And of course, none of these treatments will provide great results if you’re not diligent about using a great skincare routine that includes daily sun protection.

Real Estate

5 things to know before deciding to wrap your car

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These days, almost everyone likes to roll onto the scene in their shiny new car. Even if you have an old car, you can paint it to experience the same effect. In fact, it can give your vehicle a new look. If you are looking for a better alternative, you can try vinyl car wrap. It will cost you relatively less than a paint job. In this article we are going to talk about 5 things that you should take into account before labeling your car.

1. Cost

When it comes to cost, it can help you save a few bucks depending on the desired notifications and other details. In fact, the cost will depend on your needs. If you are careful and set a budget, you can save a lot of money when choosing to wrap your car. On the other hand, if you want to do a lot of alterations, the cost will be about the same as a paint job. So you may want to keep this in mind.

2. Maintenance

Just like a paint job, you need to take good care of your vinyl car wrap, especially if you want to maintain the quality of the wrap. According to experts, you may want to manually wash your car at least once a week. Ideally, you may want to use a special cleaning agent for this purpose. It is not a good idea to use an automatic car wash, as it can damage the wrap.

3.Sustainability

If you’re careful, a car wrap can stand the test of time. Under ideal conditions, it can last up to 7 years. After about 4 to 5 years, the color and shine will begin to show the signs of age. In general, it is a good investment that can last for many years.

4. Options/Variety

Another great thing about car wraps is that it comes with so many options when it comes to placement, aesthetics, patterns, and colors. Apart from this, you can choose from many brands. You can also consider color changing schemes based on your personal preferences. Some types of vinyl look like leather, carbon fiber, and stainless steel. And then there are a variety of finishes, such as matte, semi-gloss, gloss, and satin.

5. Paint protection

Once again, wrapping your car offers protection for your car’s paint. In fact, it will serve as a barrier to protect your vehicle from the effects of the element. Apart from this, it will allow you to clean your vehicle more easily. For best results, be sure to choose the correct type of wrap.

In short, vehicle wraps are a good investment. If you are going to wrap your car, we suggest that you consider the important things explained in this article. This will help you do things the right way.

Shopping Product Reviews

A roadside emergency kit gives you peace of mind

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Why do you need a car emergency kit during a road trip?

A roadside emergency kit is essential for anyone planning a road trip. Whether it’s a spur-of-the-moment decision or a well-thought-out trip, a car emergency kit is essential for a road trip. Mainly, if you are traveling alone or with small children in dead zones without cell coverage, you may not be able to call emergency roadside assistance. While taking your car to a certified mechanic is always the best option, sometimes it’s not practical. For that reason, it’s important to always store your gear inside the trunk of your car. The contents of your survival bag will become your last line of defense against death. A momentary lapse in judgment, an animal on the road, or a severe storm can result in your loss of control. As a result, you may have to fend for yourself.

Minimum requirements for your emergency car kit

    A roadside emergency kit should have at least the following:

  • a Pad/Pencil – to write down information in case of an accident;
  • a can of fix-a-flat – to inflate and repair your tire and get you back on the road;
  • emergency food and water, in case you have to camp in your car;
  • duct tape – to temporarily rejoin broken pieces or seal gaps and cracks from poisonous gases;
  • flashlight – to fix your tire or reattach a cable at night;
  • jumper cables – to get you back on track; and
  • a shovel for digging in snow or mud.

These emergency tools for your car are essential for road trips and you should take them with you every time you leave the house.

Remember, an emergency roadside kit will need enough emergency supplies and survival gear for all passengers in the vehicle. This can include extra survival food, survival tools, and survival medical supplies.

Simple vehicle controls can also save your life.

An emergency car kit is great for responding to emergencies; however, you cannot look under the hood. You may also want to do a simple inspection of your vehicle before departure. This extra step can save you hundreds of dollars on tow truck and vehicle repairs. For example, check the condition of your drive belt; check for fluid leaks; check and refill all liquids; check all exterior lights and check your tire pressure. These simple steps, along with a well-constructed roadside emergency kit, will give you the peace of mind you deserve while on the road.

Never hit the road without at least covering the basics of emergency preparedness. Take an emergency car kit with you and do some simple checks. It can save you hundreds of dollars and potentially your life.

Tours Travel

Faberlic Cosmetics – Who are they and what do they do?

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Q: What do Oxygen and Faberlic Cosmetics have in common? A: Everything, they use it in their cosmetics! Perhaps you still do not know this Russian company. Recent research shows that there are 49,5000 global searches on a monthly basis, so it seems that there are many who know both the name and the product. Join me to find out more about Faberlic Cosmetics: who are they and what do they do?

Faberlic is a multinational cosmetics company operating in 18 countries. His name is made up of partly Latin and partly Slavic meanings: “Faber – master” and “lik – face paint.” Founded in Russia in 1998 and using their slogan “cosmetics needed like oxygen”, they have built a modern multinational company. They proudly use the recent discoveries made by Russian scientists, in particular, the use of oxygen in cosmetics.

According to research, 21% of the oxygen in the atmosphere is required to maintain well-being, a drop in atmospheric oxygen reduces it to around 17-18%, and then we experience feelings of fatigue or even depression.

Taking into account that the skin reacts to this deficit through a process of premature aging and a reduction in the firmness and elasticity of the skin, Faberlic is the first company in the cosmetics industry to introduce oxygen cosmetics to help combat these signs and uses your own skin cells to do the job.

In its unique NOVAFTEM-02 component, oxygen is used to replenish the vital forces of skin cells externally in cream, which is said to supply skin cells with oxygen for 8 hours. Proud of having obtained international diplomas and medals, it is in fact a very international company: in addition to the creams produced in Russia, its fragrances are produced in France and cosmetics in Italy.

Faberlic can be obtained as a home business by becoming a consultant using the party plan or direct sales method. Joining is a process of simply completing an online form to get in touch with a representative located near you. They will become your coach and help you through the registration process. There is no minimum monthly order requirement and you can expect to receive up to 30% back in commission. It doesn’t say how much the initial fee is, just that it doesn’t require a large capital investment.

Altogether Faberlic is a very modern company with an ultra-modern product. Having gone from strength to strength for 13 years, there is a great deal of confidence emanating from the company in both its product and its business opportunity.

If you want to build a good home-based business with this multinational company, I suggest you also increase your marketing skills to learn as many different ways as possible to generate income.

Business

Are the treatments used by the pest control services near me safe?

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pest control services near me safe

Pests can be a nuisance, but they’re also a health risk for people and pets. So, before you choose a pest control service near me, you should consider the safety of the treatments they use. Before choosing a pest control company, you should ask how they handle pests, what services they provide and how often they visit your home. This information will help you decide whether to hire them or find another provider.

Choosing the right pest control near me service for your needs can be a challenge, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the type of infestation you have or what the best methods are for getting rid of it. Before hiring a professional, make sure they’re licensed and insured, so you can feel confident in their abilities. The right pest control service will have a wide range of different treatment options available for your home. Depending on your specific situation, they may recommend a one-time pesticide application or a comprehensive pest management plan that includes recurring visits to eliminate and prevent future problems.

They will also have experience dealing with your particular pest infestation. This will allow them to get rid of the pests safely and efficiently. Their treatments should include a combination of pesticides, natural remedies and sanitation measures to keep pests away from your home and yard. It’s also important that their pesticides are formulated to work with your particular pests, so you can be sure they are safe for your family and pets.

Are the treatments used by the pest control services near me safe?

When selecting a pest control service, you should also consider the location of the company and their reputation in your community. Generally, larger national companies have better resources to combat infestations and are more likely to respond quickly. Some services offer a guarantee for the pests they treat, so you can rest assured that the pests won’t return. Some even offer free reservice if you’re unsatisfied with the treatment.

Before they come to your home, they will need to do an inspection of your property to determine the scope of the problem and how it can be fixed. They’ll check for any entry points and look for any signs of infestation or risk factors. Once they’re finished, they’ll provide you with a report detailing what they found and their findings. They’ll also give you tips to help keep pests away from your home and yard in the future.

Your home’s size will also be important. This will help the pest control technician determine how much pesticide they will need to apply to your home. The more square footage your house has, the more treatment will be necessary and how expensive it will be to do so. During the treatment, you’ll need to remove all food and other potential sources of food from the area being treated. This will help to ensure the pesticides will work more effectively.

After the pesticides have been applied, you’ll need to open windows to allow the chemicals to disperse. This will keep the vapors from being inhaled by your family members or pets and to allow for proper air circulation. It’s also a good idea to move furniture and other items out of the areas being treated, so that they don’t absorb the pesticides and become a breeding ground for the pests.

Business

Peer to Peer Money Lending: Different Ways to Finance Your New or Existing Business

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Most entrepreneurs face the dilemma of obtaining financing when starting a business. Almost every entrepreneur knows about angel investors and venture capital. However, this solution is not the solution for everyone and is generally available unless you have a proven track record or have built a critical mass with your target customers. So how do you finance your idea until then?

Standard funding sources

The reality is that not many ideas are funded by angel investors and early stage venture capitalists. As a result, what ends up happening is that the entrepreneur will pool time and resources from friends and business networks to get the business off the ground. During this phase, the entrepreneur will often incur some expenses until the initial income can be generated. If family and friends won’t provide seed funding, then some entrepreneurs resort to using their credit cards or even personal savings to take the business idea from concept to reality.

The recent financial crisis has created a more difficult situation for entrepreneurs and small businesses because the credit environment is extremely tight; Traditional financial institutions are being cautious with their money, making it difficult for a new business to get a loan.

However, not everything is pessimism. With every difficult period like this, innovation seems to spring up. The financial industry is no exception and innovative solutions are emerging to help entrepreneurs make their dreams come true.

Alternative sources of financing

Several alternatives have emerged that connect people who have money with those who need it, and this is great news for those looking to start a new business: Peer-to-Peer Lending, Microfinance and Crowdfunding are some of the financial innovations that are arising. of the Web 2.0 revolution.

Microfinance (or Microcredit): The concept really gained popularity thanks to Mohammed Yunus, a Nobel Prize winner and founder of Grameen Bank. Since then, additional services like Kiva have sprung up to help entrepreneurs get started. While sites like Kiva have primarily focused on third world countries, others have now opened up to American entrepreneurs with the help of fantastic organizations like Accion USA and Opportunity Fund.

Fundraising: This concept revolves around getting the “crowd” to fund you through widgets and websites. Widgets and websites allow entrepreneurs to raise funds from others through the Internet and their social networks (eg Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, etc.). This concept has worked well for the music industry with sites like SliceThePie.com and SellaBand.com leading the crowdfunding movement.

Peer-to-peer loans: Last but not least, peer-to-peer lending sites like Lending Club or Prosper are becoming increasingly popular as a source of funding for entrepreneurs. Also known as social lending and peer-to-peer lending, this concept refers to financial transactions that occur between individuals without the intermediation of a traditional financial institution. About 7.5% of the loans in Lending Club are used for business purposes up to $25,000. This option is not for everyone, as the borrower must still meet certain requirements, such as having a responsible credit history.

In short, if you have the right idea, the passion and the drive to make it happen, don’t let it die: give it a chance.

Auto

How Haunted Are the Most Haunted Places in America? paranormal activities

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The spotlight on the paranormal is no longer reserved for Halloween. Where previously chainsaw and haunted house movies were only released to audiences during October of each year, the emphasis on things that “hit in the night” is now a lucrative commodity. From the runaway success of Twilight to the sequels to Paranormal Activity, we just can’t seem to get enough of that “other” world.

So how much of the hoopla is nonsense? Is there really such a thing as ghosts and paranormal activity? As someone who has researched several of the 10 Most Haunted Places in America while writing books about these places, I can assure you that there is more to what is going on around us than what we can measure in a test tube.

I will admit that I am skeptical of going to these places. My main interest was in the history of these national historic landmarks. But from my first night at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, to afternoons spent at Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana, and two exciting sleepovers at the Lemp Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri, I was convinced… We are not alone!

So what’s causing the goosebumps, EVPs, and floating orbs? Here are some examples as I have come to know them:

1. Residual Haunt: A residual haunt is just what its name implies…it’s a residue of something that’s been there before. Typical cases involve seeing a ghost make the same movements over and over without deviating, as if she were watching a videotape. You can’t interact with it. It will follow the same pattern or route and disappear. It’s like a memory of an action he created when he was in mortal form. Famous cases are the monks who walk the castle grounds and disappear into the same wall in the same place every time.

While staying at the Lemp Mansion, I heard two gunshots outside my bedroom door, followed by the sound of a large dog barking at 5:10am. I later found out that one of the gunshot suicides in the house was that of Charles Lemp, who reportedly shot his dog and then himself shortly after 5am. These noises were residual tapes being played.

2. Aware Haunting: Aware means “in response to” or “aware of.” A sensitive haunting is one in which the entity interacts with you. He does something to get your attention like poltergeist activity. It can affect items and cause them to move or cause lights to flicker. During my stay at Myrtles Plantation, my earrings that I had placed on the mantel in my bedroom moved completely along the mantel ledge. At the Stanley Hotel, my group and I had a blast of tobacco smoke in our faces, and watched colored lights play across a door and its handle when no colored lights were to be seen anywhere. The Lavender Room chandelier at Lemp Mansion interacted with me for a full five minutes as I asked it to blink in response to my questions. This is also the room where I heard the shots and the barking of the dog. My covers were removed at the Myrtles while I was in the Confederate soldier’s room. These are examples of entities that aren’t just a residual loop; they are smart and try to engage you in any way they can.

3. EVP: EVPs are electronic voice phenomena. These are noises and voices picked up on recording equipment, but not necessarily audible to the human ear. The spirits use the frequencies of the electromagnetic field to “tune in” and print their voice on a tape. I have collected several of these recordings and it is unsettling to know that “something” was there with you, even though you were not aware of it. I recorded a man laughing at me, I heard something pushing objects off a bed, and children laughing and singing nursery rhymes.

4. Poltergeist: Poltergeist activity is what most people associate with a paranormal occurrence. This is where objects move on their own, doors slam, things fly across the room, lights go on and off, etc. Some of these events take on a threatening personality when the actions appear to be threatening or violent. Experts have associated some of these outbreaks with a young person entering puberty; stating that the surge of hormones and emotions is actually causing disturbances around him in the form of things moving and flying. There are enough studies to show that this finding has some validity, but not all reports may go unnoticed.

These are just some of the things we associate with the paranormal. I know that once you have encountered some of the phenomena like the ones mentioned above, you cannot go back to being a non-believer. Not something to fear, in my opinion. We are made of energy and when we die that energy has to go somewhere. Any scientist will tell you that energy cannot be destroyed. Those ghosts playing with your bedspread or moving your dining room chair are probably the energy forms of your former selves, hanging around for whatever reason. Some advance, others don’t. But one thing is for sure… our interest in this popular science has only just begun.

Digital Marketing

The 10 basic rules of social media marketing

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Social Media Marketing is the act of using social media (ie Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) to promote a business.

Many businesses will want to start their own social media marketing campaign and create a Facebook page or Twitter account. The problem is, they don’t have a clue how to run a successful social media marketing campaign. Here, I have listed 10 of the most basic rules when it comes to social media marketing. Follow these rules to have successful accounts on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

the 10 [basic] Social media marketing rules

1. Update! You shouldn’t even have to list this as a rule, but many forget how important it is. You should try to update it daily, because when consumers visit your page and it hasn’t been updated in over a month, they’ll assume it’s down and decide not to continue your business. Also, they could easily go with your competitor because your page is so active that they feel the company will serve them better. You don’t want that to happen, so update your social media accounts regularly!

2. No pitching! You are not Billy Mays. So you don’t need to yell at consumers telling them to buy your product or use your business. Social media is meant to connect, not launch. If your consumers feel like they have a connection to your business through your Facebook or Twitter page, they are more likely to use you over another business that doesn’t make a serious effort to connect.

3. Communicate with your audience. If you don’t think it’s necessary to respond to comments, answer questions, or participate in conversations on your page, then social media is not for you. You need to be part of the conversations on your page. If not, you will lose touch with your customers and what they want.

4. Choose wisely. What you say will remain forever in a public record on the Internet. Choose wisely what you post on your page. I can’t stress that enough. If you hire a company to post for you, make sure you hire someone you can trust. And remember, if you manage your social media yourself, only post what you’d like to see on the front page of the New York Times (or the Huffington Post).

5. Handle angry customers with class. Some customers are just having a bad day and want to take it out on your page and blame you for everything. Please do not delete any negative comments. Instead, ignore it if it’s just a comment (unless the comment contains obscene language and is completely inappropriate). If you find yourself in a situation like Nestle’s a year or so ago, where everyone protested on their Facebook page, post an update saying your company is taking steps to fix the problem. Never answer directly to an individual, you will never win. Also, never make promises you can’t keep.

6. Link to others. If you find something interesting (and relevant) on the web, link to it on your Facebook or Twitter. Explain why you find it interesting (and relevant) and ask for their opinion. Link to other companies, articles, cool websites, whatever. Just make sure to ask yourself before posting, Is this relevant to my business?

7. Share! Don’t be afraid to show your consumers what your company’s employees are doing when they’re not in the office. Take photos of your office picnic, philanthropic event, or even a run/walk for a good cause. These photos create a positive image of your company for your consumers. They want to know that you are human and that you don’t wear a tie all the time. If it’s a casual Friday at the office, take a group photo of everyone wearing the company polo shirt and post it immediately so others know what’s going on in your office in real time.

8. Start a weekly trend. If you do something once a week, on the same day each week, your followers will most likely come back on that day each week. For example, if you have a shoe store, every Monday you can post the shoe of the week. Include an image and a promotion for the shoe, such as a percentage off for that week only. If you posted every Monday, consumers are forced to check every Monday to see what pair is featured that week and come into your store to buy. It’s a great way to drive customers to your social media pages as well as your store.

9. Link to your blog. You put a lot of effort into writing that awesome post on trendy heels for spring, but no one reads your blog. Link on your Facebook, Twitter, etc. Don’t do it all the time, because if that’s all you do to update your social media, people will get bored of you quickly. But at the same time, don’t be afraid to link to your blog. You put a lot of hard work and effort into it, and you want people to read it!

10. Spread the word! If you have Facebook, Twitter, blog, YouTube channel, etc. you really need to tell people. They’re not just going to assume you have them. Put them on your company website, on your business cards, put a sign in your store that says “Add us!” with all the little logos of each site next to the copy. Don’t be afraid to tell your customers you’re on Facebook. If they like you and your product, they’ll share it on their Facebook and say, “Hey, I’m a fan of Sally’s Shoes and I want everyone to know it!”