There are finite hours in a day, and you should be utilizing those hours effectively. Going over payroll as your business expands can start taking hours out of your day for little to no purpose other than to pay out money. So you have two options, hire an accountant or start outsourcing finance.

There is a clear winner here, and we’ll show why, in this quick article on outsourcing finance.

Pros of In-House Accounting

This is considered the first option for many, as it just means hiring someone to start doing the job you were doing more effectively. You can keep track of things effectively and have more than full control over what is going on. Communication is great because it is on your time rather than in other companies.

This employee can grow with the company and even will help to pick other employees for the department easier. Good employees can help a business stand out and trustworthy ones can help you make business decisions that shape the company with you.

Cons of In-House Accounting

On the other hand, you’ll be paying higher costs for the employee. This means wages, vacations, insurance, taxes, and equipment like computers, calculators, and the time needed to train them.

This also only frees up time for you, but you’re still fronting the costs with the business.

Pros of Outsourcing Accounting

Outsourcing accounting is perfect for those in-between stages of a business where it is starting to really kick-off but is not a multi-chain store yet. It typically costs less because there are no overhead fees and it is usually a flat fee every month to every year.

It also completely saves you on time of having to hire someone competent. Just because you hire someone for accounting does not mean they will necessarily be good at the job.

Outsourcing payroll services also allows you to not worry about getting everyone’s paychecks in on their time. You can live a relatively stress-free life in this area.

Check out this payroll service company for all your payroll needs.

Cons of Outsourcing Accounting

Communication is the biggest con of business outsourcing at any level. You have to rely on their time to get back to you, sometimes making it inconvenient. The digital world has minimized this setback, however.

The other con is that not all finance outsourcing companies do everything you need them to. This means they might do payrolls, but you also need inventory audits done.

Outsourcing Finance: The Smartest Move You’ll Ever Make

Outsourcing finance is great because of the cheaper costs than hiring and paying someone. It also takes the guesswork out of finding a good employee and provides you with a team of experts that are all committed to one thing, getting your finances and payroll handled effectively.

If you check out the rest of our blog, you’ll see we cover anything in business. From working from home to increasing customers, we cover it all. If you know a business that is growing in size, be sure to share this article with them.

Using your mobile device without a reliable Wi-Fi source can make it difficult to surf the web. If you’re away from home or have trouble connecting to a poor household Wi-Fi source, there’s another option that can help bring the Internet to you.

A hotspot provides a strong, fast, and even portable online connection when you need it most. You may have used a hotspot before but what is the technology behind the unit and how do hotspots work?

Whether it’s your laptop, cell phone, or another internet device, a hotspot provides a convenient way to access and boost your Internet. Let’s break down how exactly hotspots work and define what a hotspot is.

What Is a Hotspot?

What is a hotspot? Although we mentioned a brief breakdown of the device, a hotspot is a physical location where an individual can access the Internet. When the hotspot becomes mobile, a mobile hotspot offers a portable option that provides W-iFi not tied to the physical location. 

Most mobile Wi-Fi hotspots are small enough to fit in your pocket and bring with you. You can create a hotspot using your smartphone’s data connection so you can connect to the Internet on your tablet or laptop. 

How Do Hotspots Work?

If you know anything about the Wi-Fi connection in your home, hotspots are essentially the same. This wireless access point provides communication between the device that needs an Internet connection and other Wi-Fi devices in your home. 

The access point connected to the Internet source includes a router and server that regulates access to the Wi-Fi source. The Internet connection from your Wi-Fi source is then able to be accessed from the hotspot itself. 

This helps increase the range, speed, and power of unreliable Wi-Fi. Essentially, this hotspot will provide a better signal to access the Internet. 

Mobile Hotspots

A mobile hotspot operates under its Wi-Fi network thanks to your mobile device’s cellular data. 

The cellular data you use to access the Internet without Wi-Fi creates a Wi-Fi hotspot that you can connect to. You can then use your tablet, laptop, or another mobile device to use the network your phone is providing. 

This is an effective way to provide reliable mobile Internet. If you’re a traveler for work or on the go constantly, you need an Internet that works. Ask your mobile device provider to set you up with the ability to use your phone as a mobile hotspot. 

One thing to make sure of is your cellular data plan considering mobile hotspots drain your monthly usage if you don’t have an unlimited data plan. 

Learn More Today

Now that you know the answer to the question, “how do hotspots work,” you can use this knowledge to access a reliable Internet source. 

Breaking down mobile hotspots and the technology it takes to bring the Internet to you makes understanding the process easier. Without this information, you might have trouble connecting and troubleshooting. 

Keep reading our articles for more helpful tips and tricks. We’re always updating our website to provide more information and answers to the questions you’re looking for. 

Thanks to advances in technology, an increasing number of workers in the United States are opting to work from home instead of in a traditional office setting. In fact, as of June 2020, over 40% of American adults work remotely full-time. 

Working from home can be an incredibly enriching experience. You’re afforded the opportunity to create your own schedule, spend more time with your loved ones, even work in your pajamas if you so choose. 

That said, working from home isn’t as easy as you might think. And without the use of some of the best practices for working from home, both your productivity and your overall mental health will suffer.

To help you find success while working from home, we’ve put together a guide including everything from scheduling to ergonomics to productivity hacks. Read on to learn everything you need to know.

1. Set Office Hours

One of the toughest parts about working from home is that it becomes difficult to switch off “work mode” in your mind. This can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. So to avoid it, it’s important that you create a daily schedule and stick to it.

Even when working from home, you need to have office hours. Don’t feel that you have to work during the traditional hours of 9 am to 5 pm. If you’re an early bird, consider starting and finishing early! Or, if you prefer to sleep in, you can begin your workday at 10 or 11 am and finish later.

The hours in which you work matter very little and should be chosen based on personal preference. What matters is that you start work at the time you’ve chosen and stop when the workday is over.

There’s nothing wrong with working for an extra hour or so every once in a while, but do your best not to stray from your schedule. Allowing yourself to accept appointments outside of your working hours will prevent you from taking the time you need to relax and recharge.

2. Create a Schedule

Having office hours isn’t enough if you truly want to get the most out of your workday. You need to have a work from home schedule as well. Let’s say you’ve decided to work from 8 am to 3 pm. Within those hours, you need to plan when you will do which task.

Now, don’t be afraid to make changes to your schedule over time, as you learn your body’s natural rhythms. Throughout the day, your energy level comes in waves. You’ll experience peaks and valleys, and then for a couple of hours, usually in mid-afternoon, you’ll have a drastic dip in energy and focus.

Typically, it’s best to get your toughest task out of the way first. This is known as “eating the frog”. You’re your freshest and most motivated first thing in the morning, and even the most difficult tasks will be easier to complete in this window.

Save mindless and less urgent tasks for the afternoon, when you naturally have less energy and are less productive.

3. Only Work in Your Designated Work Area

Did you know that you get more restful sleep if you use your bedroom only for this purpose? This is because your brain creates associations with certain spaces and becomes confused if you use a space for more than one activity.

If your workspace is in a room that you also use for playing video games, for example, your brain will have a harder time deciding between “work mode” and “play mode”.

Ideally, you should have an entire room of your home dedicated to work and work only. However, if you don’t have the budget or space for this, you can set aside the corner of your living room or even use your dining room table for work.

Just be sure that you only work in the space you set aside. Humans are creatures of habit. If you sit down at the kitchen table every morning at 8 am, open your laptop, and begin working, you’ll find it becomes easier and easier to focus over time.

It’s a good idea to make this space as welcoming as possible. You want to cultivate positive feelings around your workspace to help you get into the right mindset for productivity. Add inspiring decor or a few of your favorite knickknacks to a nearby shelf and play music to help yourself get focused.

4. Set Up an Ergonomic Workspace

As tempting as it may be to work from your couch or bed, it’s vital that you create a workspace with ergonomics in mind. Ignoring this concept will lead to conditions such as chronic back and neck pain and can ruin your productivity.

There are entire websites dedicated to work from home ergonomics, but we’ll go over a few of the basics here.

Posture is Paramount

When you work on a computer all day, you’ll likely begin to lean forward or allow your head to droop toward the screen without realizing it. But maintaining proper posture is crucial in avoiding chronic pain and other conditions.

Make a conscious effort to remind yourself to keep your back straight, with your shoulders rolled back and your ears inline above them. The goal is to keep your spine in alignment all day.

Work at the Right Height

While seated at your desk, you should be able to comfortably keep your elbows and knees at a 90-degree angle. It can be tempting to tuck your legs beneath your chair, but your feet should rest flat on the ground.

If you can, invest in an adjustable chair that both swivels and moves up and down. This will ensure that you stay comfortable all day.

Don’t Buy a Cheap Chair

Staying on the topic of your office chair, if you can only splurge on one thing, let it be your chair. Look for one that supports the natural curve of your spine, preferably tall enough for you to rest your head on as well. 

An ideal office chair will also have armrests. You’ll be able to keep your elbows at that 90-degree angle while resting them at your sides.

Don’t Work on a Laptop

Many of us are virtually attached to our laptops, however, it’s best to not work from your laptop alone. When you work on a laptop, your head is held at a downward angle for most of the day. Working from a desktop is best, as it will allow you to have a separate screen and keyboard. 

Now, you can find some great deals on laptops, and they offer a much greater level of convenience. So it’s understandable if you prefer them to desktops. In this case, consider purchasing a separate monitor.

That way, you can use your laptop as a keyboard while you work, keeping your neck at a neutral angle as you look at your monitor screen. Then when your workday is done, you can disconnect your laptop and take advantage of its portability.

5. Take Frequent Breaks

As we discussed above, your body has a natural rhythm when it comes to your energy level and ability to focus. One of the best productivity tips for working from home we can give you is to take advantage of this rhythm and take a break when you’re finding it difficult to focus.

During your break, don’t remain at your desk, browsing the internet or social media. Instead, get up and walk around your house or stretch. Better yet, go for a walk around your neighborhood.

Trying to force yourself to work non-stop will not only lead to burnout but you’ll notice more aches and pains, as your body was designed to move. Every two hours or so, leave your desk and do something you enjoy for a few minutes, whether that be calling a friend or picking up a musical instrument.

In between these larger breaks, you need to practice the 20-20-20 rule. This is a concept that will protect your eyes from strain and eventual damage that comes from staring at a screen for hours at a time. It’s simple – every 20 minutes, stare at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Use the Best Practices for Working From Home to Maximize Productivity

Making the transition from a traditional working environment to working from home can be tough. However, if you put the best practices for working from home to use, you’ll never want to go back to the office again.

The most important thing you can do is cultivate self-discipline by creating a daily schedule and sticking to it. The key is to create an association between your workspace and productivity.

In search of more tips for getting the most out of your workday and your business? Take a look at our blog!

It’s no secret that food trucks are big business! In fact, according to mobile food truck industry statistics, around 2.5 billion people purchase food from food trucks and street kiosks every day! 

The shrinking global economy and desire to avoid closed spaces puts food trucks in an exciting position for growth right now – but there’s also a lot of competition. If you want to succeed, you need to get creative and stay a step (or three!) ahead of your competitors. Here are three ideas to consider.

1. Differentiate Yourself

The food truck industry growth rate is expected to continue rising. As more people start to open food trucks, everyone will need to find some way to make their truck unique and memorable. If all you’re doing is slinging burgers and hot dogs, you’ll likely see your business start to go down.

The three things you can focus on are:

1. A clever name
2. An established brand
3. A unique offering

Food trucks with funny or memorable names are already a step ahead. Next, you’ll want to make sure you have distinctive logos and branding and a cohesive menu that strongly reflects your brand.

2. Embrace Events and Festivals

Taking your food truck on the road is a great way to increase your business. Attending local festivals, fairs, and other events will help you maximize your visibility and reach large crowds at once.

Catering weddings, parties, and corporate events is another incredible opportunity! Since COVID-19 has most people staying home, many food truck owners are also doing great business by contacting local homeowner’s associations and setting up at their clubhouse to serve residents.

It’s important to note that everyone is concerned about safety right now, so you’ll want to make sure you’re going above and beyond with cleanliness and food safety. Getting the GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) certification is a great way to show that you take food safety seriously and may improve your chances of getting more bookings.

3. Grow Your Social Media

Every business needs a social media presence, but the fast-paced nature of the food truck industry makes it even more important. It’s always a good idea to promote where you’re going to be and when, but that’s not quite enough.

To really find success, you’ll want to engage your followers and have fun with it. Consider polls, quizzes, and, of course, lots of photos. Having contests that help you gather a lot of user-generated content is also a great idea. 

The point is to make your food truck look fun, exciting, and make your followers feel like they must visit or they’ll be missing out.

Learn How to Thrive in the Food Truck Industry

These three tips are key to surviving and thriving in the food truck industry today. They’re a great start, but it doesn’t stop there. You’ll also need to stay on top of topics like marketing, finances, and business best practices.

We have lots of blog posts on our site to help you grow your business. Take a few minutes to scroll through some more of our posts today!