Review

Tips to Grow Your Kitchen and Bathroom Design Business

June 27, 2019 by Reporter Leave a Comment

Starting a kitchen and bathroom design business is no rocket science as there are so many who have made out there. If you are an enthusiast for interior design, it is never too late to start and become a huge brand. Here are tips on how to grow your business as a kitchen and bathroom designer.

Focus on Marketing

You might have all the right skills to deliver impeccable designs and remodelling, but you have no one to deliver to. A lot of craft persons rely on referrals to reach as many people as possible, but this does not always work since not everybody likes you and will put good work out there for you.

On the contrary, recommendations are not harmful at all but will not get you where you want to go. Start by coming up with a brand name and a simple, attractive logo that represents you. Punch in a slogan cannot hurt too. With these in place, start small according to your financial ability.

You can start with social media pages, podcasts, and blogs and grow to more prominent marketing platforms as you gain more customers and make more money. While still at marketing, move with the trend and consider setting up a website where clients can quickly look through your services and products, including making orders and giving feedback for the services received.

Increase Your Staff

As you look to grow in terms of impact in the market and amount of returns you make, consider starting the growth from the inside.

Marketing might work incredibly well for you depending on how good your strategy is but if you do not have an adequate workforce to deliver to the many clients that you got yourself, they will leave and look for a designer who delivers.

Become selfless for the greater good by spending more of the profit to add a few more skilled employees with the potential to grow too in your payroll to increase productivity and improve on service delivery. Eventually, this investment that seems to be dragging your income at the moment will pay off.

Find a Reliable Supplier

Like all other businesses, you will need people to supply to you certain products that you need to make every design you come up with a masterpiece. As part of starting the business, you will need a list of the basic things required to deliver to clients, and with these, you can start looking for the right people to do kitchen and bathroom supplies for you in Australia.

Go for someone whose competency is at the same level as yours or even higher to avoid last minute rush or delays in delivering to clients’ expectation. The ideal choice here is Argent which is a renowned brand throughout Australia and globally for stocking top-tier products at significantly reduced prices.

Make Quality a Priority

The growing might seem easy, but maintaining the trend is not guaranteed, primarily if you are known to play around with the quality of service you deliver. Everybody wants value for their money, and that is why you need not compromise with the quality of service you deliver to clients to keep them satisfied and recommend your services to others.

Connect with Colleagues

As they say, no man is an island, and when starting a kitchen and bathroom design business, you need to learn from others. It is crucial to add on some creativity in your interactions as well and give much thought into hanging out with other designers in the business.

Best way to do this is to attend exhibitions and visit any kitchen and bath showroom in town where your peers are and wear your ‘people’s person’ hat. You will be stunned by how much extra you get to learn by interacting with your competitors and confrères.

Offer other Services

Do not stick to doing new bathroom and kitchen design for clients but consider adding extra services that will allow you to reach out to more clients and get to grow your business.

Remodelling, consultation, and maintenance are some of the additional services you can bring in rather than only working with clients doing completely new projects.

With the right skill set, planning, and the spirit to learn from others and a handy guide like this, there is no reason why you should not grow to a prominent brand recognized and respected globally.

Property Picks 2019 – How Should Homebuyers Be Investing This Year?

April 15, 2019 by Reporter Leave a Comment

Source: Shutterstock

Those who are avid property investors will know what an absolute jungle of competition it is out there in 2019. Whether you are someone who invests in property for capital gain or a great rental return, it is important that anyone investing do some research into trends in the property world and proceed with caution. If you’re looking to invest in Australian property this year, here are some insightful tips into exactly where you should be spending your money in 2019. Read on to find out more!

Magnificent Melbourne

If you are looking to invest in property in Melbourne, we highly recommend focusing your attention on the middle to outer western suburbs in 2019. Properties in these areas are highly affordable, and have some of the biggest potential to grow in the coming years. With a number of project home builders focusing their attention on these areas in Melbourne, it is no surprise investors are racing to purchase properties before anyone else gets the chance to.

Some upcoming suburbs in Melbourne include Reservoir, Thomastown, West Sunshine and St Albans. The best properties for investors to spend their money on would be bungalows and townhouses with some land content. For those looking to invest in a home slightly closer to the city, units and townhouses are a fantastic option. Experts advise that if you’re looking to invest close to the city, you should look for properties that are within a 10km radius from the CBD.

The Best Properties In Sydney

If you’re more inclined to purchase property in Sydney, you are in luck. Expert investors believe that Sydney has already experienced most of its property drop, meaning that the first half of 2019 will present investors with some of the best buying properties with the least amount of competition. When it comes to investing in homes in Sydney, it is advised that you focus on houses instead of units due to land restrictions.

The growth in value if you purchase a house will far exceed that of a unit or a townhouse/apartment. In terms of areas to look at, seek out homes with rezoning potential and in urban growth corridors. Other fantastic options are areas which are only just being developed with upcoming infrastructure such as train lines or road projects. If you’re only looking to purchase a unit, it is advised that you look to purchase one that is closer to the city, amenities and near public transport.

Bustling Brisbane

Experts have predicted that Brisbane is probably one of the best places to invest in property in 2019. With a 13% property price growth estimate by 2021, Brisbane is the place for those who are looking for capital gain. Some of the best areas in Brisbane to invest would be the blue chip inner-ring areas that are close to the river and the CBD such as Paddington, Hamilton and Auchenflower. The biggest gains are expected for houses, with median house price expected to grow by 11% in the next few years.

Regional Areas

Last but not least, those who are looking to invest in property in regional areas are in luck. A number of property markets in regional towns are currently thriving, and make excellent investment prospects. Locations outside of capital cities often present the best opportunities for investors as homes are much more affordable, housing supply is often tight and simply because cash flow tends to be a lot stronger in these areas.

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We hope that this article has been useful in giving you some inside knowledge on exactly where you, a homebuyer, should be investing your money in 2019.

Employee Engagement – 5 Ways to Keep Staff Feeling Motivated & Appreciated

May 1, 2018 by Reporter Leave a Comment

Image Source: Pixabay

It can be hard enough in today’s fast-paced world to keep your finger on the pulse of day-to-day business operations. Throw disgruntled or unhappy employees into the mix, and your life as a business manager or owner just became that little bit harder. Keeping your staff happy is a priority in business, if not for their happiness in their job, but for your bottom line. If you want satisfied, productive and long-term staff, here’s how to get them:

Tokens of Appreciation

While you might believe that paying their salary every week should be enough to keep them happy, in many cases a non-monetary gesture in the form of corporate gifts and rewards can be even more effective in letting employees know how much you value and appreciate them. Whether in recognition of professional, personal or performance milestones, holidays or acknowledgement of a job well done, a thoughtful gift or reward can say much more than money.

Measure Employee Engagement

If you’re a business owner or manager, a certain degree of arms-length from the coalface of business can leave you unaware of complaints, staff unhappiness, or discontent. All you might see is low productivity that leaves you scratching your head. Disengagement costs organization up to $550 billion per year, so there’s every reason to find a solution. It pays dividends to look into software that provides a platform for staff to speak their mind in a safe and non-threatening medium. In doing so, you’re able to identify areas of employee dissatisfaction and lost productivity and develop strategies to address them.

Provide Opportunities

While you may have hired your team to do a specific job, that doesn’t mean they won’t feel the need to upskill. By offering educational and training opportunities to your staff, you have a higher chance of retaining valuable employees. Almost half of the millennials surveyed left their last job because there was no opportunity for growth. Help your staff to feel appreciated and motivated by actively encouraging education and upskilling. The long-term benefits to your business of the increased skill levels will likely far outweigh the short-term costs.

People Not Numbers

In large corporations, it can be challenging to see your team as more than just numbers. After all, if you have several hundred employees, knowing them all on a first name basis would be tough for anyone. However, viewing your team as more than just numbers can help to make them feel appreciated and motivated.

For smaller businesses, this process is simple. Arrange meetings with each person to find out what their goals are in life and business, and what they require improve their experience on the job. In larger corporations, assign the task to department managers. If you show personal interest in how your staff operates, they are more likely to feel appreciated in their job.

Incentive

Most people love a little bit of healthy competition, particularly when it can involve team bonding, camaraderie, and improved productivity along the way. Therefore, you may find that including contests, incentives and milestones into your workplace dynamic could help your staff’s motivation levels, while simultaneously boosting your bottom line. It’s important that the competition doesn’t lead to unhealthy rivalry and animosity. However, when structured wisely, most employees will thrive when such an option is available, making for better levels of motivation and engagement.

You can’t expect your staff to feel motivated and appreciated through regular income alone. It takes thinking outside of the square and being a responsible leader. Any of these five tips above can more than help to improve your workplace productivity while benefiting your employees at the same time.

Energy efficient heating and cooling solutions

October 16, 2017 by Reporter Leave a Comment

Image: https://pixabay.com/en/air-conditioner-ac-cool-cooling-1614698/

Keeping things cool in Summer and toasty in Winter is as easy as buying home air conditioners that can both heat and cool a room. But there is more to it than just buying a product to do the job for you. To keep costs down and your conscience in check, you need to think about energy efficient heating and cooling. This goes beyond buying a quality air conditioning unit and turning it on. You need to make sure you are using it properly while preparing your home to maximise results in an energy efficient manner.

You may think you need to start from scratch to take advantage of energy efficient heating and cooling but even for existing homes there are many ways to reduce your power bills and improve overall comfort without being a burden on the environment. The following tips will help you become energy efficient in both Summer and Winter.

Energy Efficient Heating

Reduce your power bill and save some cash with energy efficient heating. Keep you and your family warm all winter without breaking the bank with these energy efficient solutions.

No matter what home air conditioners you use, if you use and maintain it wisely, you can reduce those costs while keeping comfortable. You may even use quality air conditioning less.

● Keep your home air conditioners at a steady temperature. Ideally between 18°C and 20°C for you living room or lounge.

● You’ll want to avoid leaving your home air conditioning on overnight. Also, don’t leave it running when you’re not home. It doesn’t take long for a quality air conditioning unit to be effective so is a waste if you aren’t home.

● If your home air conditioners have turn off timers, use them. Set them to turn off at night or turn on in the morning.

● Control the area you want heated. Close doors to areas you aren’t using. Heating the one area you are using is a lot more energy efficient than heating your entire home.

● Keep the air flowing in your home. Make sure furniture isn’t blocking any ducts or optimal airways.

● Make sure you clean the filters of your home air conditioners regularly to keep them working at maximum efficiency.

● A bonus tip for those with a reversible ceiling fan. Use it to redistribute heat that has built up in high ceilings.

Energy Efficient Cooling

Being energy efficient with your cooling involves stopping the heat getting into your home during the day and making sure the cool air gets in at night. This can effectively reduce the need for turning on your home air conditioners. Most of our efficient heating tips work the same for energy efficient cooling but we have a few extras that you can try and employ.

● To stop the heat getting in try and shade north, west and east windows.

● Insulation is super effective for both cooling and heating. You’ll want to insulate your ceiling, walls and floors.

● Go around your home and check the seals around windows, doors and other gaps to stop that heat from getting into your house

● If you can, landscape your property to provide natural shade for your property.

With these tips in hand you, your home and your family will be cosy and comfortable all year-round while keeping costs down and energy efficiency at a maximum. If you need a quality air conditioning unit to help put these tips into practice head over to https://www.carrierair.com.au/ and they’ll help you choose a unit to complement these energy efficient solutions. You’ll be ready to beat the heat and grab hold of the cold.

Guidelines to Choose the Right Phone System for Your Business

October 16, 2017 by Reporter Leave a Comment

Image: https://pixabay.com/en/phone-home-telephone-numbers-2127/

Choosing a business phone system is a very important decision. A decision that requires a lot of research and consideration. Different businesses have different needs, especially when it comes to a phone system. A small coffee shop could probably get by on a personal landline and mobile phone combo. On the other hand, a city centre hostel with 100 plus beds will need a business phone system, such as a virtual PBX, to handle multiple incoming calls, facilitate call transferring and be ever reliable with no downtime. If you need a business solution there are plenty of options out there for you. Read on for 3 of the most popular business phone systems along with pros and cons of each.

Traditional Landline

When you think of a traditional landline we think of our home phone line. They are slightly different when talked about in a business sense. Business landlines are typically supported by a phone company. These are analog systems that run on the phone companies existing technology. This technology is usually traditional copper wiring.

To run a traditional landline, you need local PBX hardware. This hardware is what enables you to use business phone system features such as call transferring etc. They enable the use of multiple phone extensions.

Some business landline systems run as a hybrid with VoIP systems (more on them so). The traditional phone line comes into your business and then connects to your data network. The data network is then responsible for connecting the multiple business phones to the central line.

Many landline systems are now being phased out by most system providers.

Pro: Landline systems have been around for ages so are reliable and time-tested. A lot of companies like what they know, which is the traditional landline.

Con: With the prevalence of the cloud most providers are moving away from landlines. This means they are more difficult to purchase and, more importantly, repair should something break.

VOIP Systems

Where landlines use copper wires to get you connected, VoIP systems use the internet. They tap into your companies existing connection to enable your phone system. VoIP systems provide great business features such as automated attendants, call queues and computer integration. Some of the highlights include allowing voicemails left over the phone to be sent to email inboxes and computers to be turned into "softphones."

VoIP systems give remote employees and users access to the business VoIP phone system from their mobile device so they can work on the go without the hassle.

Pro: VoIP systems provide the complete business phone package. These VoIP systems are easily set up and configured, and are a lot more cost effective than landline systems.

Con: The downside, however, is that these systems rely on your internet connection. So, if you’re in a community with spotty internet service, this type of phone system wouldn’t work for you.

Virtual PBX

Virtual PBX phone systems are the next step in the evolution of business phone systems. The Virtual PBX phone systems differentiate themselves by being hosted in the cloud instead of being on-premise. And that eliminates many of the challenges associated with traditional systems and provides all the benefits of the cloud technology it is based on.

A virtual PBX phone system is securely stored in the cloud on a server that is accessible and configurable via a web interface. Virtual PBX phone systems uses internet protocol or IP communications, allowing businesses to make calls over the internet. The difference is mostly invisible to the average user. The only change you’ll see is that instead of plugging your phone handset into the wall socket, your plug your IP phone directly into your modem.

Pros: Cloud-based systems like virtual PBX mean no local hardware to purchase and maintain. Your provider takes care of that for you. You can set up and configure the system for your business, all from your computer.

Cons: Not having your own hardware means that if there are any problems it is out of your control and up to your provider to get them fixed

Think about the services we’ve talked about here and align them with your business needs. Choosing the right system for your business will help it thrive while avoiding headaches down the track. If you need some more advice ask the team over at https://www.cloudtelecom.com.au/ what would be best for you. The right phone system for your business is right around the corner.

Benefits of Outdoor Event Advertising for Your Business

September 26, 2017 by Reporter Leave a Comment

Are you planning on heading to a tradeshow, farmers market or any other outdoor event? Do you want to take advantage of this with an effective marketing strategy that won’t break the bank? Then advertising using banners, customized gazebos & printed marquees is what you’re after. There are many benefits to investing in banner advertising for your business. Maybe you don’t have the advertising budget of fast food chain but want results that imply that you do? What about wanting to target your exact audience and not waste time on cold leads? Or perhaps you’re after a form of advertising you can use time and time again at all your different events?

Read on and discover all the benefits associated with using banners, customized gazebos & printed marquees as a form of advertising at your next outdoor event.

Won’t Break the Bank

Using banners, customized gazebos & printed marquees as outdoor advertising is one of the most cost-effective strategies you can employ. There are a few reasons for this. Producing more complicated forms of advertising media can costs heaps. These costs can prevent some businesses from using these methods as a form of advertising. Banners, customized gazebos & printed marquees are very inexpensive to produce in comparison.

Not only do you save by using the inexpensive materials needed to create banners but you can save more by designing your own adverts. Most producers of customized gazebos & printed marquees will allow you to create your own ads which they then apply to the banners. This can save you big bucks in the long run. Costs are slashed when comparing to the creation of a video ad for Facebook or something similar.

Highly Targeted

Outdoor event advertising has one very important advantage of most other forms of advertising. When using advertising banners, custom gazebos or printed marquees you can be guaranteed that most people viewing the ads will be your target audience. This means automatically being placed in front of potential customers & not wasting precious money & time on uninterested people outside your demographic.

Banners continue to reinforce your company name each time they’re seen. If placed in a high-traffic area, a banner may reach the same customer several times a day. One that’s semi-permanently installed in a window or outdoor location may reinforce your company name or influence the same potential customers.

Reusable

Unlike most forms of advertising, like a newspaper or online adverts, you can use your banner, customized gazebos & printed marquees again and again and again. You can reuse them for as long as they are still relevant. Choose a design you like and use it as all your corporate & outdoor events. All you must do is take it with you. The more events you attend, the more bang for your buck you get.

Banners, customized gazebos and printed marquees are one of the most effective forms of advertising at any outdoor event. All the benefits roll up into one very effective package. Make you and your brand pop at your next outdoor event with banners, customized gazebos & printed marquees. Head over to https://www.altegra.com.au/ to get the ball rolling & get yourself seen at your next outdoor event.

Navigating the Modern Scrap Metal Jungle

January 18, 2016 by Reporter Leave a Comment

There was a time when businesses and people consumed materials and moved onto new resources as necessary. There was so much supply available, nobody worried about shortages, production schedules, market competition for supplies and sustainable strategies. Those days are long gone now.

Changing Times

Today’s business in production is as much about locating sufficient material supplies for manufacturing need as well as squeezing the most out of every component, even used materials. Scrap metal is one such resource that many businesses find themselves dealing with. In the past, this would just be considered garbage, and fees would be paid to clean it up and haul the material to a local dump. However, today, scrap metal can be easily remelted and formed to make new, functional metal material as well as product. So not only does it have value for a new commercial user, it has value for the person holding the scrap metal and needing to recycle it timely.

Comprehensive Re-use Demand

Metal type doesn’t matter anymore; it’s all recyclable. And there’s a scrap metal price for almost all metal. And some metal types are worth more than ever. Copper, for example, is in high demand for electrical wiring applications. Scrap copper easily sells for premium prices, and it has high demand internationally. Platinum and palladium are also both in shorter supply and sell for healthy pricing as well. Both are needed for automotive construction, particularly exhaust systems.

Sydney Copper Scraps has been in the business of helping partners utilize and liquidate their scrap metal in the most effective ways possible. No two cases are exactly alike, and scrap metal deposits are often comprised of different mixtures and materials. An expert like Sydney Copper Scraps staff can evaluate and determine the best removal and liquidation for a given situation quickly, efficiently, and with the best value return.

Recycling Has Gotten Complex

The connections involved with multiple material liquidations in fluctuating scrap metal price markets typically involve coordination with multiple players. Smelters, transport, sorters, buyers and sellers all make up important links in the re-use chain that scrap metal enters. Sydney Copper Scraps is connected at every phase, making them a one-stop solution for any business that has a load of scrap metal waste to deal with and no idea how to go about it.

Don’t Get Stuck in the Government Quicksand

Additionally, working with a licensed and professional scrap metal processor helps avoid multiple regulations and rule pitfalls that can easily capture a well-meaning company that isn’t familiar with applicable bureaucracy. Rules and regulations cover everything from waste removal to environmental impact and necessary licensing, and reporting it all correctly represents potential pitfalls. Violations in this area can quickly result in expensive and damaging financial penalties as well as criminal sanctions for key managers involved.

A Working Solution

So when your business is facing a major plant deconstruction or facility change or your business regularly builds up a large supply of scrap metal, connect with Sydney Copper Scraps to make the process far easier with better scrap metal price returns. Don’t stumble blind into the recycling arena. The penalties and possible sanctions are entirely avoidable, but one needs an expert to navigate them.

To find out more information about how Sydney Copper Scraps can partner with your operation, visit their website or call them directly. Services include bin delivery, scrap pickup, scrap sorting and liquidation, clean-ups and complex removals.

3 Essential Tips to Buy Darts Online

January 4, 2016 by Reporter Leave a Comment

Dart is a popular game that has been enjoyed in many countries across the world for over 100 years. The game involves two individual players, or two teams of players, each with 3 darts that are targeted at a dartboard in each round. As a dart player, you need to know how to choose the right darts to help improve your skills besides increasing your enjoyment of the game.

With regards to choosing the right darts, whether you are a novice or a veteran dart player, there are a few basic things you need to consider before you buy darts online. You will find the following 3 tips valuable when pondering on which sets of darts to buy.

Know Your Darts

Darts usually look the same from far. However, if you take a keen look or inspect them further, you’ll realize that darts are not only made from different materials, but they also feel distinct from each other owing to their varying weights. For materials, there are brass darts, wooden darts, tungsten darts, and nickel/silver darts. Tungsten dart is the most preferred dart for professional throwers.

For the weight, darts range between 12 grams and 50 grams in weight. If you are a novice, the ideal darts for you should weigh between 18 and 20 grams. Also, your speed of throwing the dart may be significant when considering which weight to choose. A lighter dart requires a harder/faster throw. The weight location on the dart barrel is also essential. Some darts are back-weighted while others are front-loaded.

Test Your Darts

Professional dart throwers usually opt for tungsten darts primarily because they minimize bounce-outs. They also last longer compared to most of the other dart types. This does not necessarily mean that as a beginner to the game, you should also put an order for tungsten darts online. These darts are quite costly and it could be prudent to go for a more affordable option as a novice. Steel and brass darts are fairly affordable.

The best way to know which darts are good for you is to first test them out in a bid to see how they feel in your grip. Also, consider their weight and how it could affect your throwing style. You may not be able to test out the darts in the case of online purchases, but you can try out the darts that other local players or your friends are using.

Flights are Essential

Flights refer to the wings or feathers toward the end of the dart. They influence the accuracy of the action of the dart through the air. Dart flights can be rough and dimpled or smooth. While smooth flights allow accurate speed when the dart is thrown, dimpled flights usually slow down the speed of the dart through the air, enhancing its stability.

Flights also come in variety of shapes and sizes. Larger flights provide more stability to the dart when thrown. Nonetheless, for professional or advanced players, smaller flights are the best as they don’t get in the way when on the dartboard.

Conclusion

The game of darts is a pleasurable sport, whether you play it professionally or just for entertainment. There are many different types of darts to choose from, each of which suits a different skill level and style of play.

When looking to buy darts online, you should keep the above tips in mind, not forgetting about the different weights, shafts, grips and flights. Once you have identified the perfect dart, you can head to Bulls Eye Darts Australia and buy your dart.

Technology– New website Review “This is now”

August 11, 2012 by Reporter 1 Comment

The start up scene in Australia is hot and trending at the moment with many start ups getting million dollar funding’s. We came across a new breakthrough website called “ this is now” which uses the popular instagram website to showcase what is happening in Australian cities and places around the world at any particular moment.

Instagram inspired Australian website launch “ This is now”

This is Now project is a visual composition which uses real-time updates from the ever popular Instagram application based on users geo-tag locations.

This is now which has just launched recently in Australia is innovative , fresh and very interesting concept.

The tool streams photos instantly as soon as they are uploaded on Instagram and captures a city’s movement, in a fluid story. – ( http://now.jit.su/ )

Aussie website shows Current live picture stream of cities

This new Australian website uses Instagram photos to create a real-time fly-on-the-wall look at nine major cities across the globe , with more cities to come soon.

The website when loaded in your browser keeps updating new photos to the page to give you a live and current view on what’s going on in any particular city at that part of time. So how it works is , for example as users upload a pic say to Instagram or facebook this website will pick it up and stream it to the website as a live upload.

More than 450,000 users have already logged on to This is Now, launched two weeks ago, to view more than 1 million photos posted by tech savvy happy snappers around the world.

Go check it out yourself here http://now.jit.su/ . Sydney is also on the this is now list for now with more Australia cities to possibly feature later

Article by jj– JJ is a blogger and likes to blog about Technology, SEO, E –marketing, catch jj on Google + .

Review

Tips to Grow Your Kitchen and Bathroom Design Business

Focus on Marketing

Increase Your Staff

Find a Reliable Supplier

Make Quality a Priority

Connect with Colleagues

Offer other Services