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What Is Workplace Culture Really?

How often have you heard the term ‘workplace culture’ floating around in your professional conversations but have no idea what it actually means? It’s not just you. The term is inconsistently defined and is largely conceptual, with just 12% of companies believing that they understand what workplace culture is about. At the very core, workplace culture is the characteristics and personalities that set the overall vibe of an organisation . Generalise what you see, how people behave and how people speak to each other and you’ve got the gist of workplace culture. Yet, there is so much more to workplace culture than just this surface definition.

Workplace culture is the environment that you create for your employees. It plays a powerful role in determining their work satisfaction, relationships and progression . It is the mix of your organisation’s leadership, values, traditions, beliefs, interactions, behaviours and attitudes that contribute to the emotional and relational environment of your workplace. These factors are generally unspoken and unwritten rules that help to form bonds between your colleagues .

Workplace culture in an important factor to all workplaces. It determines how pleasant or toxic your work environment is. It has a direct influence on how your employee fits into the organisation and your organisation’s ability to attract and retain employees because it shapes the environment that they work in. From the time of initial application, through to the hiring process and finally through to the few weeks on the new job, both the hirer and new employee attempt to confirm whether they are the right cultural fit for one another. This is a lengthy process, and is often viewed as a time-consuming process and a waste of company resources . However, the outcome shows how large of an influence workplace culture has for the employer and employee.

– It attracts and keeps talented staff. When you spend more time per week at work than at home, it’s natural to want to work in an environment you enjoy spending time in. This means that if you want the best staff for your team, you’ll have to invest in creating a strong workplace culture. In a study from the Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends 2015 , ‘culture and engagement’ was the highest priority on the corporate agenda and companies with the strongest cultures were much more able to attract and keep talent.

– It drives engagement and retention. You can successfully recruit employees but it becomes a cost to your business if they leave. A good workplace culture is proven to keep your employees engaged in their work. It’ll allow your employees to better understand what is expected of them and how they can achieve their professional goals. This will then allow you to keep them onboard for longer.

– It creates an environment for healthy development. A good workplace culture provides everyone with the opportunity to initiate change and to grow on a professional and personal aspect. It also promotes openness and encourages your employees to voice their opinions and chase after the values they believe in .

– It creates satisfied employees and increases productivity. A healthy workplace culture will make your employees feel happy to come to work day-in and day-out. A happy work environment increases your employees’ concentration, thus, this leads to increases in their productivity levels.

– It drives financial performance. 92% of leaders from from successful companies believe that workplace culture and financial performance are closely interrelated . Workplace culture directly influences the way your employees perform, which subsequently has a direct impact on your business’ financial profit.

Creating A Healthy Workplace Culture

There is no shortcut to creating the best culture. Each culture is unique to the individual business needs. But, to get you started, we have five proven methods on how to improve your workplace culture, regardless of your industry.

– Cultivate employee relationships. Strong relationships in the workplace can lead to an increase in effective communication . Capitalise on this by hosting group bonding activities such as team dinners or a drinks night so that your employees can get to know each other better.

– Build universal traits employees seek from employers. In a Laws of Attraction study conducted by SEEK, it was identified ‘collaboration’, ‘supportiveness’ and ‘respect’ as the universal traits employees look for from their employers. You can support the development of these traits by ensuring that you are incorporating them into your day- to-day work tasks. This can include teamwork, open forum feedback and mentoring programs.

– A comfortable workplace. No one wants to work in a toxic environment . It’ll make you feel uncomfortable, unappreciated and undervalued. So make sure your office is an inviting environment for all your employees. It may be as simple as having some some office plants, an office couch or a stocked pantry.

– Career development training. Learning never stops. It’s important to provide your team with developmental training so that they can upskill and grow into better leaders. This will make them feel appreciated for their contributions, which helps to enhance productivity, performance and engagement .

– Be mindful of burnout. Rest is an important contributor to performance. If your staff are overworked and stressed, this can be a key indicator that your culture is unhealthy. A culture that rewards hours over results can lead to an atmosphere of competitiveness, and one where employees favour long-hours over the rest and downtime they need to perform. By simply encouraging employees to leave on-time where possible, you can dramatically improve cultural outcomes. If your staff are overloaded and likely to burn out, you may want to consider bringing in temporary staff to alleviate some of this stress, and lessen fatigue related absenteeism.

What is organizational culture?

Organizational culture is the collection of values, expectations, and practices that guide and inform the actions of all team members. Think of it as the collection of traits that make your company what it is. A great culture exemplifies positive traits that lead to improved performance, while a dysfunctional company culture brings out qualities that can hinder even the most successful organizations.

Don’t confuse culture with organizational goals or a mission statement, although both can help define it. Culture is created through consistent and authentic behaviors, not press releases or policy documents. You can watch company culture in action when you see how a CEO responds to a crisis, how a team adapts to new customer demands, or how a manager corrects an employee who makes a mistake.

Source:

https://sidekicker.com/au/blog/workplace-culture-really/
https://www.achievers.com/blog/organizational-culture-definition/

The 5 Stages of the Product Life Cycle

1. Development Phase of the Product Life Cycle

The project is still able to be iterated. You can have great expectations for it, but before the product starts generating revenue, you still need to improve your proposal, carry out tests, validate the hypotheses, and make necessary changes.

2. Introduction Phase of the Product Life Cycle

Proof: you only need to turn on the TV for a few minutes to see ads for a new flavor of soda, a different motorcycle model, a smartphone that promises new and superior features, etc.

3. Growth Phase of the Product Life Cycle

4. Maturity Phase of the Product Life Cycle

For example, Coca-Cola doesn’t leave the media even though it “doesn’t depend on marketing.” The company understands that brands are not forever, being subject to market instabilities and behavioral changes in the audience.

5. Decline Phase of the Product Life Cycle

Practical Examples of the Product Life Cycle

The Product Life Cycle of Havaianas

• Development: the traditional flip flops were inspired by Japanese sandals made of wood or straw; in Brazil, rubber was selected as the material because it was believed to have the most acceptance with the audience
• Introduction: deliberately or not, its introduction in the market was a great success with classes C, D, and E
• Growth: Havaianas flip flops were in the growth stage for most of their existence, eventually dominating over 90% of the market for flip flops
• Maturity: maturity only came in the ’90s, with new product design, aimed at a different audience, and great marketing investment, especially with the now-classic TV ads that were fun and always starred famous actors
• Decline: up to this moment, there are no signs that Havaianas flip-flops may go through this stage in the short term

The Product Life Cycle of Coca Cola

• Development: very little is known about the development of Coca-Cola and how they created the mysterious formula
• Introduction: by 1886, the year of its foundation, the brand already seemed to have the right project
• Growth: less than ten years after its launch, Coca-Cola was already consumed in all the U.S. states
• Maturity: it’s impossible to say exactly when the brand reached maturity, but it’s safe to say that it has spent most of its history until now in this stage
• Decline: since 2012, the net operating revenue of Coca-Cola has fluctuated towards decreasing; while a small decrease is within what’s expected for the maturity stage, investments in marketing and new products must continue

Business Life Cycle

The business life cycle is the progression of a business in phases over time and is most commonly divided into five stages: launch, growth, shake-out, maturity, and decline. The cycle is shown on a graph with the horizontal axis as time and the vertical axis as dollars or various financial metrics. In this article, we will use three financial metrics to describe the status of each business life cycle phase, including sales, profit, and cash flow.

Phase One: Launch

Each company begins its operations as a business and usually by launching new products or services. During the launch phase, sales are low but slowly (and hopefully steadily) increasing. Businesses focus on marketing to their target consumer segments by advertising their comparative advantages and value propositions. However, as revenue is low and initial startup costs are high, businesses are prone to incur losses in this phase.

In fact, throughout the entire business life cycle, the profit cycle lags behind the sales cycle and creates a time delay between sales growth and profit growth. This lag is important as it relates to the funding life cycle, which is explained in the latter part of this article.

Finally, the cash flow during the launch phase is also negative but dips even lower than the profit. This is due to the capitalization of initial startup costs that may not be reflected in the business’ profit but that are certainly reflected in its cash flow.

Phase Two: Growth

In the growth phase, companies experience rapid sales growth. As sales increase rapidly, businesses start seeing profit once they pass the break-even point. However, as the profit cycle still lags behind the sales cycle, the profit level is not as high as sales. Finally, the cash flow during the growth phase becomes positive, representing an excess cash inflow.

Phase Three: Shake-out

During the shake-out phase, sales continue to increase, but at a slower rate, usually due to either approaching market saturation or the entry of new competitors in the market. Sales peak during the shake-out phase. Although sales continue to increase, profit starts to decrease in the shake-out phase. This growth in sales and decline in profit represents a significant increase in costs. Lastly, cash flow increases and exceeds profit.

Phase Four: Maturity

When the business matures, sales begin to decrease slowly. Profit margins get thinner, while cash flow stays relatively stagnant. As firms approach maturity, major capital spending is largely behind the business, and therefore cash generation is higher than the profit on the income statement.

However, it’s important to note that many businesses extend their business life cycle during this phase by reinventing themselves and investing in new technologies and emerging markets. This allows companies to reposition themselves in their dynamic industries and refresh their growth in the marketplace.

Phase Five: Decline

In the final stage of the business life cycle, sales, profit, and cash flow all decline. During this phase, companies accept their failure to extend their business life cycle by adapting to the changing business environment. Firms lose their competitive advantage and finally exit the market.

Corporate Funding Life Cycle

In the funding life cycle, the five stages remain the same but are placed on the horizontal axis. Across the vertical axis is the level of risk in the business; this includes the level of risk of lending money or providing capital to the business.

While the business life cycle contains sales, profit, and cash as financial metrics, the funding life cycle consists of sales, business risk, and debt funding as key financial indicators. The business risk cycle is inverse to the sales and debt funding cycle.

Phase One: Launch

At launch, when sales are the lowest, business risk is the highest. During this phase, it is impossible for a company to finance debt due to its unproven business model and uncertain ability to repay debt. As sales begin to increase slowly, the corporations’ ability to finance debt also increases.

Phase Two: Growth

As companies experience booming sales growth, business risks decrease, while their ability to raise debt increases. During the growth phase, companies start seeing a profit and positive cash flow, which evidences their ability to repay debt.

The corporations’ products or services have been proven to provide value in the marketplace. Companies at the growth stage seek more and more capital as they wish to expand their market reach and diversify their businesses.

Phase Three: Shake-out

During the shake-out phase, sales peak. The industry experiences steep growth, leading to fierce competition in the marketplace. However, as sales peak, the debt financing life cycle increases exponentially. Companies prove their successful positioning in the market, exhibiting their ability to repay debt. Business risk continues to decline.

Phase Four: Maturity

As corporations approach maturity, sales start to decline. However, unlike the earlier stages where the business risk cycle was inverse to the sales cycle, business risk moves in correlation with sales to the point where it carries no business risk. Due to the elimination of business risk, the most mature and stable businesses have the easiest access to debt capital.

Phase Five: Decline

In the final stage of the funding life cycle, sales begin to decline at an accelerating rate. This decline in sales portrays the companies’ inability to adapt to changing business environments and extend their life cycles.

Understanding the business life cycle is critical for investment bankers, corporate financial analysts, and other professionals in the financial services industry. You can benefit by checking out the additional information resources that CFI offers, such as those listed below.

Source:

https://neilpatel.com/blog/product-life-cycle/
https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/finance/business-life-cycle/
https://emeritus.org/in/learn/different-stages-of-product-life-cycle/

Thank You Letter Writing Tips

How to Write an Opening Address

Start by addressing the other party in an appropriate manner. If this is a professional thank you letter, use a proper title (e.g, Mr., Ms., or Mrs.), their last name, and a colon. If this is a personal acquaintance or friend, use their first name and a comma.

How to Write a Thank You Statement

Start with a clear “Thank you.” For example, “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today” or “Thank you for your thoughtful gift.” From there, you can elaborate in a thoughtful manner.

How to Write Thank You Details

After you’ve expressed your thanks, elaborate with details about why you’re thanking the recipient. If you’re thanking someone after a job interview, highlight something you learned in your meeting and offer an example of how your skills line up with the position.

If you’re thanking a friend for a gift, explain why you’re particularly grateful for it. Perhaps the new earrings go well with several outfits in your wardrobe or the leather padfolio will get a lot of use in your new position.

How to Write a Final Thank You Statement

End with one more thank you statement. After you’ve offered a little detail to illustrate your gratitude, offer one more word of thanks. Consider something along the lines of “Thank you again for your time” or “Thank you again for your thoughtfulness. It meant the world to me.”

How to Write a Closing

Every letter ends with an appropriate closing followed by a comma and your name. For a professional letter, use a more formal closing like “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.” For a personal letter, you can use an informal closing such as “Best wishes” or “Regards.”

What to Include in a Thank-You Letter

Address the person appropriately. At the start of the letter, address the person with a proper salutation, such as “Dear Mr. Lastname.” or “Dear Firstname.” If you know the person well, use the person’s first name. Otherwise, address him or her as Mr., Ms., or another appropriate title.

Say thank you. Get to the point of your note quickly. Say the words “thank you” in the first sentence or two, so the person knows why you are writing. If you are sending an email, include the phrase “Thank You” in the subject line as well.

Give (some) specifics. Make sure you specify what you are thanking the individual for. Go into a bit of detail, so the person understands exactly what you appreciate. For example, if you are saying thank you to someone who gave you job advice, explain what you found to be most helpful. If you are saying thank you after a job interview, remind the person of a particular moment from the interview (or remind them why you are a good fit for the job).

Sign off. Use an appropriate closing, such as “Best” or “Sincerely.” Then end with your signature (handwritten and typed if it is a letter, handwritten if it is a card, and typed if it is an email).

Employee Thank-You Note Samples

After a job interview is perhaps the only time during your career when a thank-you note is truly mandatory. Fail to send one, and you might just find yourself crossed off the list of potential hires. Use your note to reiterate your interest in the position and your qualifications, and to thank the interviewer for his or her time.

Also, think carefully about whether you want to send a thank-you email or a physical card or letter. If you know the hiring manager is making a decision soon, email is probably your best bet. However, if you have more time, a handwritten note always shows thoughtfulness.

Sample Interview Thank-You Note

Thank you again for meeting with me to discuss the administrative assistant position at XYZ Corp. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation, both about the role and about baseball. (I really think this is our year!)

I was impressed with the opportunities the administrative assistant has at XYZ to pitch in and wear many hats. In my previous role, I was able to pick up graphic design and Excel skills, as well as some conversational Spanish and French. I love to learn new things and find different ways to make my team a success. It’s clear that I would have the opportunity to do that working for XYZ.

I believe that my experience at my current employer has prepared me to slide seamlessly into the role. I’m familiar with all of your systems, software, and requirements, as well as being a quick study should other needs come up.

Source:

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar/writing/how-to-write-a-thank-you-letter.html
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/general-thank-you-letter-sample-2063961
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/sample-thank-you-notes-and-email-messages-2064015

Editors, no matter their official title, are here to help brush up your content and give it a polish, from adding in a missing comma to streamlining that clunky paragraph. Let’s see how all the different types of editing overlap and stand out.

Start at the surface: Copyediting

Copyediting can be thought of as the first layer of editing: It encompasses tasks like checking for grammar, spelling and regional differences in language. While we may consider that to be surface-level stuff, that doesn’t make copyediting any less important. Simple spelling errors, awkward phrasing and grammar mistakes reflect poorly on a brand. How will audiences take your message seriously if it’s presented with the same care and attention to detail as a 7th grade research paper on the Roaring Twenties?

What we’re really getting at with copyediting is the language used in your content. Does it follow the rules of grammar? Is the syntax on point? Are there glaring errors in the copy that would make even Donald Trump’s Twitter account blush in embarrassment?

What copyediting entails

When a copyeditor sits down to review an article, white paper, eBook or what have you, they’re on the lookout for a wide variety of issues that could impact the readability of the material as well as how that content presents the brand. Those include:

You could go even deeper with regional changes in spelling and vocabulary if your audience is hyper localized to a specific metro area. For instance, “jawn” is an entirely meaningless word in most of the English-speaking world, but any good copywriter would be remiss if they didn’t include it in content targeting a Philadelphian audience.

Copyediting also means checking that content adheres to any particular style guides. At Brafton, we usually follow AP Style, but we’ve been known to make exceptions when it serves the content or if specific AP rules contradict our clients’ own brand guidelines.

A knowledgeable copyeditor makes all the difference

That may all sound very straightforward, and perhaps spellcheckers and word processing software will one day become sophisticated enough to obviate the need for a hands-on copyeditor, but that day ain’t today. In truth, it takes a deft hand and a mindful editor to navigate all of the different grammar rules, style guidelines and nuances in language and fine-tune content so it’s not only pristine on a technical level but can also be easily read and digested by the target audience.

By almost any measure, that sentence is an indecipherable mess (its circular message basically boils down to “bison from Buffalo that are intimidated by other bison from Buffalo are also intimidating bison from Buffalo”). But grammatically, it’s fine.

Granted, you’ll probably never face sentences intentionally structured in such an obnoxious fashion, but copyeditors frequently need to decide between what is grammatically correct and what reads better to a specific audience. Many literary giants, including William Faulkner, James Joyce and F. Scott Fitzgerald, have used excessively lengthy or labyrinthine sentences in their writing. While grammatically sound run-on sentences may fly in “Ulysses,” they don’t really have a place in content marketing.

That doesn’t even account for the fact that language and grammar are constantly evolving. New words enter the lexicon, once-popular terms fall out of use and stuffy language gets cast aside even if it’s technically correct (I give “whom” another 30 years tops before it’s officially tossed into the dustbin of linguistic history).

So, yeah, you need an experienced editor with a sharp eye for details on your content marketing team. Could a machine, software or algorithm handle copyediting responsibilities? Maybe, but you probably wouldn’t want it to. That is, unless your brand identity is stuck in the 19th Century.

Digging deeper into copy: Content editing

Copyediting covers a lot of ground and gets at the nuts and bolts of language and sentence structure, but after that’s done, you still need to dig into the meat of your content. That’s where content editing – sometimes referred to as developmental editing – comes in.

Fact-checking

Shocking as it may be, you can’t believe everything you read on the internet. Even major publications and news outlets misstate facts and get things wrong from time to time. While in theory, brand marketers don’t need to hold themselves to the same journalistic standards as The New York Times, preserving your brand’s integrity and authority is paramount.

The more sophisticated or knowledgeable your audience is, the more thorough your fact-checking needs to be. Which isn’t to say that you can phone it in when writing content targeting general consumers, but a technical audience like IT workers will be far more likely to pick out inaccuracies in your content and call you on it. It’s tough to build brand authority and thought leadership when your readers are constantly pointing out errors in your content.

Structure and flow

Wait, didn’t we already cover sentence structure? Yes, but while copyediting involves checking the syntax of your writing, content editing focuses on the structure of the entire piece of content. Do the arguments follow a logical progression? Do the talking points seamlessly segue from one into another? Is your content structured in such a way that the reader will be able to follow along without any difficulty?

Marketing collateral, even when it’s designed to be informative, educational, funny, engaging or all of the above, will always retain an inherently promotional element. The best content incorporates brand messaging in such an elegant and organic fashion that the audience may not even realize it’s there. Whatever brand message underpins your content, it needs to be earned through persuasive arguments and talking points that are positioned at the exact right moments in a given article or blog. How you structure your content can make all the difference between compelling material that wins over your audience and transparent sales collateral that drives people away.

Brand voice and tone

In a perfect world, each one of your copywriters would have your brand voice down pat, able to slip into that particular tone like it was second nature. Rarely is that case. Plenty of writers will tell you that it’s difficult to completely turn off your inherent writing style in favor of another.

More nuanced or complex brand style guides often require multiple layers of editing to check that copy aligns with the brand voice. Slight changes in word choice or sentence structure can have a profound effect on the message you’re trying to convey, making an eagle-eyed content editor absolutely essential.

A good content editor needs to know your style guide (or your client’s) from front to back and how to apply those rules in different scenarios. Your brand guidelines may prefer active voice, but are there circumstances when passive voice is acceptable? It takes a discerning content editor to make those judgment calls.

Quality content in and of itself won’t help your digital marketing strategy if you haven’t optimized your copy to rank for relevant search terms. You should be building all of your content around heavily researched keywords that closely reflect what people actually search for on Google.

Applications like Moz, MarketMuse and SEMrush can help your marketing team identify search terms that are relevant to both your business and your audience. MarketMuse can even act as an editing tool of sorts by analyzing written copy to check that it includes a wide variety of relevant topics and suggests ways to improve your content depth.

What is content editing?

But what does that mean in practice? If you’re content editing, you’ll pay attention to how the writing fits with your brand voice. You’ll read a whitepaper looking for logical holes or missing pieces, you’ll make sure the tips in an email are useful and applicable, and you’ll want to make sure the scope of a blog post fits a reader’s needs and works for your business.

You’ll also pay attention to how well the content delivers on the promise of the headline and subheads. If this “What is content editing?” section, for example, didn’t include a definition, you’d notice that during content editing and delegate back to the writer—but more on figuring out when to jump in and when to delegate shortly.

Content editing vs. copy editing

So what’s the difference between content editing and copy editing? Here’s a simple break down. Content editing ensures that writing is effective, cohesive, and understandable. This means checking the strength and logic of the argument, the quality of the sources or examples, the match with your brand voice, and the scope of the piece.

Copy editing, on the other hand, identifies and corrects more surface-level mistakes. This means checking spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and style guide agreement. It could also mean double-checking graphs, charts, and image placement, and proofreading the title, meta descriptions, and captions.

Why is content editing important for marketers?

In content marketing, this type of editing is often grouped into the final copy editing or proofreading stage. It’s clear why this happens: We’re busy, and when you have a list of blog posts to edit for next week, a folder of emails to review, and still want to eat lunch, grouping these two editing tasks together seems like the best way to finalize all that content and still manage to leave your desk.

Establishing and maintaining copy editing standards for your content improves the quality and authority of your content and your brand—-but your audience won’t care about clean, legible copy that doesn’t make sense and your boss won’t care about content that doesn’t align with your overall marketing objectives. Marketers need content editing to make sure they’re generating high-quality content that provides value to readers and contributes to business goals.

Sources:

https://www.brafton.com/blog/creation/content-editing-vs-copyediting-whats-the-difference/
https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2019/11/06/content-editing
https://www.siegemedia.com/creation/content-editing
Content editing

There will be editors who argue that paragraph editing is copyediting, but the impact it has on the structure and flow of the article is unmistakable. Therefore, it’s included here as an important element of content editing.

The Most Complete Content Editing Process to Avoid Copy Disasters

This process uses four distinct roles: author, editor, designer, and manager. (Even if you’re flyin’ solo in the content editing department, you always need to know which hat you’re wearing. So this process still rocks for you, too.) Here’s a quick overview of what each person’s role looks like: When working any process as a team, the key is to understand that everyone’s end goal is the same.

As a writer, my goal shouldn’t be to submit a perfect first draft my editor won’t touch. Sure it makes me feel like a content prodigy ? But my greater goal is to sell our flipping-fantastic product. Guess what? That’s my editor’s goal… And my designer’s and manager’s too. As a team, we’re all in this for the same purpose. I trust everyone is at the table for a reason–so I covet feedback and happily incorporate it when it’s spot on. At CoSchedule, we have insanely high standards for our content. We won’t publish anything we don’t think is the best content on the Internet for a given subject. To hit that mark requires input from the talented people on my team.

Content Editing Tools & Software

11. MindMup

12. Grammarly

Grammarly is a free online grammar checker. Grammarly eliminates grammar errors, ensures advanced grammar rules are followed, offers vocabulary enhancement, checks for plagiarism, and corrects contextual writing mistakes. Free and paid plans available.

13. Evernote

Evernote is basically a glorified note-taking app. It allows you to save notes and notebooks and also syncs across multiple devices via a saved profile. Evernote premium is their top tier and includes the most features. But there’s also a free plan available.

14. Asana

15. Online Dictionary & Thesaurus

The value of having quick access to an online dictionary and thesaurus should be obvious. But with a vast array of free resources for writers all located in one place, dictionary.com is in a league of its own. Navigating to dictionary.com will provide access to the dictionary and the thesaurus. Both are free.

16. Canva

Canva is the perfect app for creating beautiful creatives, graphics, and images. It’s also a great place to edit images. You can upload images and work with them on Canva’s interface. There are free and paid plans available. The free plan is adequate for just about any small project.

17. After the Deadline

18. StackEdit

19. Hemingway

20. Copyscape

21. Text Verification Tool

Content Editing Services: Finding Great Content Editors

Use the following resources to find qualified editors. If you’re looking for content editing services, keep in mind that many editors use the terms substantive editing and developmental editing instead of content editing.

Jawfish Digital

With that being said, any article we produce for customers is is refined until each clitent is completely satisfied with the piece. We handle all edits and revisions, including formatting, wording, design, and more. Find out more about how our content creation and promotion services work here.

22. Fiverr

Fiverr is renowned for connecting freelance sellers with interested buyers. Simply create an account, search for content editors, and find the best fit for your budget. Use the “Pro Services” filter to view only those sellers that have been vetted by Fiverr.

Upwork

Upwork is similar to Fiverr, but instead of you choosing from an ocean of sellers, Upwork makes the seller come to you. To get started, just create an account, post a project, and watch the bids roll in.

Freelancer

Freelancer is similar to both Fiverr and Upwork, but it’s geared toward larger gigs that aren’t traditionally considered “freelance” in nature. Like Upwork, Freelancer allows you to post a job and have interested editors come to you. In general, Freelancer is geared more toward writing gigs whereas Fiverr places heavy emphasis on designers or video editors.

SEO Content editing

In the SEO editing process, the content editing step focuses on making the content as tight and crisp as possible. Always keep your reader and the end goal in mind. What action would you like the reader to take? Are you trying to get the reader to download an e-book or buy your product? Edit accordingly.

The number one goal is always clarity! To achieve that, you need to eliminate ambiguity and make sure your points come across clearly. Good, crisp writing will always beat pompous and fancy content that is tedious to read.

A crucial part of this step is fact-checking. Unfortunately, many writers add in their opinions in the form of facts, which is unwise. If you feel something is off and find yourself second-guessing something, always err on the side of caution and check for proof. Mixing opinions with facts could tarnish your credibility.

Structure edit

Once you finish the content edit, you’ll have each point in a different paragraph. Now go through all the sections and figure out the angle you want to take with your content. Your content angle will also determine your LEAD or the introductory paragraph.

In the structure edit cycle, you will arrange the paragraphs elegantly. The structure edit will also involve linking out to related content within your website and trusted external resources. A website’s internal linking structure helps search engines better understand the content of your website. Additionally, it provides readers with detailed information on a particular topic that isn’t covered in the current article. Depending on your workflow, internal linking can be handled by the content team or by the SEO editor.

Style edit

After the content edit, your paragraphs might have unique points, but they might not be connected. A great way to make paragraphs flow is to use a generic statement that leads to the idea/paragraph. The narrative is the content angle you want to take. The same story can have multiple perspectives.

For example, the story of a new Oneplus device might describe how it broke into a competitive market and established itself as a brand. However, if the editor wants to take a different perspective, it might focus on the brand’s early success and declining sales over the past couple of years.

This round also focuses on consistency. One example is to use the same format for title and designation. Another example is to use the Oxford comma in your content if you used it once. The style guide generally covers it.

I believe this segues perfectly into our next point, adhering to the brand guidelines. Generally, established brands require you to follow their brand guidelines, which provide rules to follow in punctuation, date formats, acronyms, quotation style, and designation format.

The last stage of the style edit is a strong intro, headline, and finish. Editors generally use the inverted pyramid to provide the reader with the most value as soon as possible. The inverted pyramid structure is a product of old-fashioned technology – the telegraph. Inverted pyramids made sense when news outlets relayed the most important details first to ensure the essential facts of the story could be printed by whoever received it.

We want the reader to get his answer as soon as possible. So cut the fluff and get straight to the point. In a recipe site, for instance, the actual recipe should always be at the beginning, so that the reader can get to the information he is looking for without having to scroll through a long list of ingredients or the chef’s background.

Editors are often hesitant to do this because they fear the reader will bounce as soon as they have the information they need. It could be partially true, but if they like the information you provide the first time, they will choose your site over the others in the long run. Soon they will take the time to get to know you and your brand. Start with the five Ws (who, what, when, where, and why), followed by supporting details and background information.

A hook is a way of grabbing the reader’s attention from the very beginning. Different types of hooks include questions, quotes, statistics, or anecdotes to captivate your reader and start your story with a bang.

Once you have a good introduction that leads the writer into your content angle, you need a good headline that aligns with the angle and entices the reader to click. An intriguing headline is one of your most important story elements.

Presentation edit

The presentation edit involves proofreading and other cosmetic revisions. You need to align the headline, meta description, and cross-heads with the content angle. Remember to follow your house style rules for measurement units, spelling (US or UK), and more.

Sources:

https://coschedule.com/blog/content-editing-process
https://jawfishdigital.com/content-editing-tips/
https://imeanmarketing.com/blog/seo-editing/
Content editing

Do you think that what you have been working on is ready for the web? The people who use the internet are like sharks, any little mistake and they will tear your pretty little article into pieces. Send whatever you have been working on to Boom Essays, they will check it and edit it for you before you dive in. They have saved me from more mistakes than I can count.

Evernote

Whether I am at the office, at home, or out with my family, when I have an idea I can jot it down in Evernote and access it from anywhere. This is the app that I reach for when I wake up at three in the morning with the idea that is going to blow everything else out of the water. If you don’t have it then you are wasting the potential of your idea.

It doesn’t matter who interesting your content is, if you have written it so badly that nobody can understand it you are out of business. Grammarly is one of the best content editing tools and I have this little plug-in running on every computer that I touch. It sifts through whatever you are working on and it points out all of your mistakes. And believe me, you are making a lot more of them than you might have expected. I use it for emails and social media when I don’t have time to think everything through.

Headline Analyzer

You know your content is great but nobody is clicking through? Might be because your headlines are awful. Throw them in here and you can find out just how bad they really are. I think that I have got the art of writing headlines down but this thing still points out my mistakes. CoSchedule’s Headline Analyzer makes it easier to write better headlines, which after all, is a key aspect of your SEO and content strategy!

This service analyzes how people interact with your content so that you can see where you are doing things right and where things are going wrong. This is the key to how I run my business and one of the most useful content research tools to take advantage of. If I can’t see what is happening then how would I know where to focus my attention?

Gutenberg Editor overview

Gutenberg editor in fact revolutionized WordPress content editing process. It offers convenient blocks that let you make your content more organized and visually impressive. Basically, it reduced the need to be tech savvy with HTTML and CSS knowledge to edit content on WordPress. Instead of searching for codes, new users of WordPress could effortlessly drag and drop blocks to position a desired content type in your post or page. Moreover, there are easier options to embed media, and out-of-the-box features to create call-to-action (CTA) buttons and social sharing options.

The Gutenberg editor works through blocks that define different content elements in a single document. This helps you easily incorporate different media elements into your content. Firstly, let’s take a look at the basic aspects of working with blocks.

Transform a block to another

The Gutenberg editor provides easy options to transform a block to another type. For example you can transform a paragraph block into heading, list, quote, etc. You can click the icon on the extreme left of the toolbar, and choose a block type to transform.

There are several scenarios where you want to use the same content in different posts or pages. Generally, you would save it elsewhere and then copy and paste it to the new post or page. Gutenberg makes this process easy with ‘reusable blocks’. So, if you have a piece of content that you would want to use in several posts, you can save it as a reusable block. Then when you want to use it again in another post, you can simply reuse it by adding that block.

Now, when you create a new piece of content, you can find the reusable content saved as a separate section while adding new blocks. Simply click on the reusable content to insert it to the current content.

Add an image

Name your image and add description text for Alt text
Note: always fill in alt text for better site accessibility. Users with visual impairments use screen reading devices that don’t display imagery but will read a description of the image, which editors fill in through the alt text field.

You will then be prompted to a new dialogue screen where you have a few options to adjust the size of the image. You may select the original size, quarter size, thumbnail, or link. (In most cases original is best)

Styling images
Images can be cropped and resized within Drupal. While uploading the image there is an option to crop. Once the image is placed in the WYSIWYG editor it can be resized, smaller is usually better than larger to avoid pixelation and blurriness. If you click the image four corner squares will appear, click a corner box and resize, it will automatically retain is proportions.

Images can also be placed aligned left or right with a text wrap applied using the styles dropdown menu in the WYSIWYG editor. Click on the image once it’s placed and then select image align left/right. The change will not appear in the preview, once the page is saved/published you will be able to see the correct display.

Image content
Images should h ighlight students and faculty in action, avoid posed photos, capture genuine expressions and interactions. Try to avoid large group shots, or when taking a group photo select an individual to focus on. Crop your images to highlight the subject you want the audience to focus on.

Image editor
If you need to resize or edit any photos there are many free tools available, we recommend Pixlr. It’s very similar to Photoshop, and you can download the Essential package for free.

Add a video

1. Click the Content tab underneath the menu button in your horizontal navigation
2. Navigate to the files tab
3. Select add file
4. Clickchoose image and find where it is saved on your computer, then click upload and hit next
5. Navigate to the page you want to add the file to and click the edit tab
6. Type or highlight the text you want to link
7. Click the link to button in the toolbar
8. In the search for content box type a keyword in the document name
9. Under options>target select ‘new window’ to have the linked page open in a new tab or ‘same window’ to layer the new page on top of the current page
10. Click the Insert link button

Note: Only link to PDF or word documents if you expect users to download and print the information. When used digitally, PDFs and word documents must be made accessible in order to be compatible with assistive technology devices.

Sources:

https://www.semrush.com/blog/14-essential-writing-and-editing-tools-to-polish-your-website-content/
https://learnwoo.com/wordpress-content-editing-tips-and-tricks/
https://www.oswego.edu/communications-and-marketing/adding-and-editing-content

Emory University features the Goizueta Business School bachelor’s degree in business administration; wherein, 95% of students accept job offers within 3 months of graduating. The university offers some unique majors and minors unavailable at most schools such as arts management, health innovation, film and media management, and theater and business. Graduate students can select from various MBA programs, master’s degrees, executive education programs, and a PhD in business.

The Programs

Like our students, we can’t help but want more. We see higher education full of opportunities for both exploration and expansion. Which is why we offer a multitude of programs for students and professionals from all walks and stages of life.

The Bachelor in Business Administration is an innovative, international program that will help you develop the necessary business acumen to pursue a successful career as an entrepreneur, or in a multinational organization.

This program prepares you to understand and analyze data, extracting relevant insights that will positively impact companies and businesses. Guided by experts in the Business and Data fields and using the latest tech, you will acquire a comprehensive knowledge of management and strong analytical skills.

The Dual Degree in Business Administration and International Relations offers a comprehensive look at international affairs and business. Students explore political, economic and social systems to understand how these areas interact with the world of business.

The Dual Degree in Business Administration & Law is a challenging program that prepares students to deeply comprehend the relation between business and law. This program will prepare students to understand and experience the international business from both a management and legal perspective.

Search Programs

Stanford University aims to produce principled leaders with the ability to adapt in innovative ways in order to change the world through better business graduates. The MBA programs are available for entrepreneurs, mid-career professionals, and more experienced leaders alike. Program participants can also choose from non-degree and certificate programs, executive education programs, and a PhD in business. Programs are available online and in-person, as well as being offered as part-time and full-time.

Harvard University has a 10-week undergraduate program for those who have an interest in business. This program introduces students to various business topics, including social media and business strategy. Students can also choose to pursue an MBA upon completion of an undergraduate degree. MBA joint degrees are available with a variety of pairings such as public policy or MD/JD. At Harvard, it’s also possible to pursue online certificate courses, executive education programs, and PhD or DBA degrees.

The 50 Best Online Business Schools

Ranking Methodology

1. Indiana University-Bloomington

The Kelley School of Business, one of the top online business schools, provides students an innovative curriculum built on personal development, teamwork and experiential learning with an emphasis on global and social responsibility.

2. Arizona State University-Tempe

The W. P. Carey School of Business, one of the largest business schools in the United States, has more than 15,000 students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. As one of the best online business schools, the W. P. Carey School of Business faculty ranks among the best in the world for research productivity, consistently in the top 30 worldwide in the University of Texas at Dallas Top 100 Business School Research Rankings. Online business degree programs:

3. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

• Accounting Bachelor of Science
• Accounting Master’s Degree
• Agribusiness Management Bachelor of Science
• Business Bachelor of Science
• Business Administration Associate in Science
• Business Administration – MBA
• Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Master of Professional Studies
• Data Analytics Master of Professional Studies
• Data Analytics – Business Analytics Option Master of Professional Studies
• Data Analytics – Marketing Analytics Option Master of Professional Studies
• Economics Bachelor of Science
• Economics Bachelor of Arts
• Enterprise Architecture and Business Transformation Master of Professional Studies
• Finance Bachelor of Science
• Finance Master of Finance
• Human Resources and Employment Relations Master of Professional Studies
• Labor and Employment Relations Bachelor of Arts
• Labor and Employment Relations Associate in Science
• Labor and Employment Relations Bachelor of Science
• Marketing Bachelor of Science
• Organization Development and Change Master of Professional Studies
• Organizational Leadership Bachelor of Science
• Organizational Leadership Bachelor of Arts
• Project Management Master’s Degree
• Public Administration Master of Public Administration
• Supply Chain Management Master of Professional Studies

4. The University of Texas at Dallas

The Naveen Jindal School of Management, one of the best online business schools, provides over 30 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The School has over 8,500 students and more than 300 faculty members. Naveen Jindal School of Management online business degree programs:

5. University of Massachusetts-Amherst

The Isenberg School of Management, one of the best online business schools, provides undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. The school has alumni in 72 countries. Students can obtain a degree on-campus, online, or via a blended format which allows students to combine on-campus and online courses. Isenberg School of Management faculty members have nationally recognized strengths in areas such as financial risk analysis, organization theory, alternative investments, operations and quality management, hospitality management, sport marketing, financial and behavioral accounting, business leadership, entrepreneurship, and in other areas. Isenberg School of Management online business degrees:

6. Northeastern University

The D’Amore-McKim School of Business, one of the top online business schools, has over 200 faculty members and serves more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The D’Amore-McKim School of Business has faculty members organized in main academic areas: Accounting; Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Finance; International Business and Strategy, Management and Organizational Development; Marketing; and Supply Chain and Information Management. Online business degrees:

7. The University of Alabama

8. University of Arizona

The Eller College of Management, one of the best online business schools, has close connections to the technology sector. The College provides an array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Eller College of Management online business degrees:

9. University of Miami

The University of Miami Business School serves as a leader in preparing individuals and organizations to perform in the world of international business. The University of Miami Business School features areas of excellence: Entrepreneurship programs, Health Sector Management and Policy, and Real Estate programs. The School provides undergraduate, master, doctoral, and executive education programs. Online Business Degree Programs:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some online business degrees?

Online business students can select from an array of online graduate business degree programs such as business analytics, global finance, business administration, management information systems, healthcare management, global supply chain management, sports administration, information technology and management, marketing, strategic management, and more. Students attending an online business school can choose from a variety of online undergraduate business programs such as management, accounting, business administration, management information systems, healthcare administration, marketing, human resource management, and more.

Why get a business degree?

The formal business training provides students technical business skills to complement their practical experience. Online business colleges provide graduates a formal framework they can utilize for decision making. Business school graduates gain a basis of knowledge which can help them adapt to a changing marketplace, perform cost and benefit analysis, perform advanced risk assessments, and comprehend and utilize best management practice.

Are online business degrees synchronous or asynchronous?

Synchronous online classes occur on set schedules and timeframes. Students and their instructor meet online at the same time; lectures, discussions, and presentations occur at specific hours. Synchronous business classes provide online students the opportunity to participate in the class. Asynchronous courses allow students to take online classes on their schedule and complete their work on their own time. However, some of the asynchronous courses require online students to adhere to a given a timeframe, often a one-week window, during which online students need to connect to their class at least once or twice. Students can access the materials, lectures, assignments and tests at any time. Students can contribute to the class at their convenience.

Authorship:

https://www.ie.edu/business-school/programs/
https://universityhq.org/best-colleges/rankings/business-schools/
https://successfulstudent.org/the-50-best-online-business-schools/

A college degree shows employers that you’re motivated, improving upon your writing and research skills, and that you’re driven to learn on (and off) the job. In turn, those who complete their studies may see:

Going Back to College in Your 30s: 10 Reasons It Will Be Easier Than You Think

There are plenty of reasons why you might be considering going back to school to finish your bachelor’s degree. Maybe something kept you from completing your degree (or enrolling in school in the first place). Maybe you’re looking to change careers. Maybe you’re vying for a promotion, or maybe you’re hoping to be more competitive in a cutthroat job market.

While our typical idea of a college student is an 18-year-old who’s fresh out of high school, lots of adults in and beyond their 30s are returning to school to earn their degree. And for good reason! Students with a college degree have a measurably higher median salary than those with a high school diploma. Are you looking to get your bachelor’s but worried that you missed the opportunity? Don’t worry! Here are 10 reasons why earning a degree in your 30s is not just possible, but also easier than you think.

4 Reasons Why Getting Your Degree at 30 is a Great Idea

One of the benefits of going back to school in your 30s is the on-the-job experience you’ve amassed over the past 12+ years. You’re at an advantage compared to students who have nothing on their résumé. Why? You’ve had time to learn what you enjoy doing, what you don’t like, what you’re good at, and where your greatest areas for improvement are.

You may want more thorough, in-depth knowledge of a subject. Or maybe there’s a particular skill missing from your professional toolbox. Whether it’s detailed focus of a general field or a very specific skill set, not having this knowledge can hold you back from growing professionally.

Or maybe there’s something you’ve always wanted to learn (for the sake of learning). Many people choose to finish their studies for personal development alone. Always wanted to master a second language or learn more about financial planning? Go for it!

Speaking of on-the-job experience, another fabulous benefit of going back to school a bit later in life is your developed sense of direction. Oftentimes, students in their 20s are unsure about what they want to study. Or they receive a degree and later realize that working in that field is not what they thought it would be.

Good news! If you’re ready for a career change, you have an advantage over less mature college students due to your previous employment experiences. What you’ve learned on-the-job—your understanding of what you want (and don’t want)—means you’re more confident and focused on the goals ahead.

The Bottom Line

Ideally, your education should open doors to a career that will allow you to pay back any resulting student debt. Still, it’s important that you do the math to know whether it will pay in the long run to go back to school. Compare the cost of tuition and other fees with the revenue you’ll likely earn.

It’s a good idea to tell your coworkers and boss that you’re going back to school. This will show them that you have the drive to better yourself. When they know what you’re undertaking, they may be more understanding as you juggle your added responsibilities. Your employer might also be able to help out with paying some of the cost if the company has a tuition-reimbursement program.

Going back to school at 30 will show current and future employers that your brain is still active and your outlook is still expansive. At 30 — and beyond — there’s no reason not to pursue schooling that will pay dividends in the future.

Sources:

https://abound.college/finishcollege/advice/going-back-to-college-in-your-30s-10-reasons-it-will-be-easier-than-you-think/
https://www.franklin.edu/blog/going-back-to-school-at-30
https://www.lifehack.org/831005/going-back-to-school-at-30

“One of my favorite aspects of the smartphone revolution is the interconnected nature of devices,” says life coach Luke Hughes. “Using phone notes that are synced to WiFi or phone data, you can write down all your ideas under subheadings for different projects. Then, at a later date, you can return to these ideas on your laptop or permanent workstation when you have the time and motivation to research them further. This cross-pollination between devices is ideal for busy working professionals who work on several projects at once.”

Ways to Improve Your Life in 7 Days

The only way to improve your life is to consistently make choices that will make your life better. It’s tempting to think you need to make sweeping changes in an effort to shake things up and improve everything all at once. But the reality is, it’s the little things that add up and have a huge impact on us.

If you really want to start improving your life, start with small but meaningful steps that you can build on over time. Take on new and exciting activities, but begin slowly so you don’t get overwhelmed. In no time, you’ll begin to see your life improved by taking steps that help you build knowledge, improve confidence and engage in activities that make you feel healthier and more connected to your inner self and to others.

Here are seven steps that will help open your mind, release stress and remind you of what’s really important in life. Start today, and in just seven days you’ll begin to notice the small but profound improvements to your life.

Begin learning a new skill.

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to learn, but have never made the time for? Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to speak a foreign language, play an instrument, knit or use a sewing machine. You may wish you had a practical skill, like Photoshop or Excel spreadsheets, but never made the time to learn it.

Or you may consider taking up an activity you used to enjoy but gave up on, like learning how to Rollerblade or ski. Pick something that’s been gnawing at the back of your mind and come up with a plan to learn it.

Next, look for the resources you need to help you master this new skill. To learn a foreign language, there are a number of apps available for download. LinkedIn Learning offers many tutorials to help you with business, management and software tools. YouTube is another great resource, offering free tutorials on anything from learning to Rollerblade to using a sewing machine. Set aside 15-30 minutes every day to work on your new skill, and see how awesome it feels to start chipping away at this bigger goal.

Easy Ways to Improve Yourself and Your Life (Even if You’re Busy)

Westend61/Getty Images

But improving your life—or yourself—doesn’t have to be about making one big gesture. Instead, it typically comes down to the small things you do every day that can add up to larger growth in the long run. These small habits and practices may help you increase your confidence, reduce your stress, build deeper relationships, stabilize your work-life balance, become a healthier person (mentally, emotionally, or physically), and be happier.

SEARCH OPEN JOBS ON THE MUSE! See who’s hiring here, and you can even filter your search by benefits, company size, remote opportunities, and more. Then, sign up for our newsletter and we’ll deliver advice on landing the job right to you.

I’m sure you’re sick of hearing that you should “totally try meditation,” especially from your (newly) yoga-devoted mother. But mindfulness is a lot more realistic to achieve than the kind of meditation you hear about because it doesn’t require years of practice or a yoga mat. Mindfulness only takes 30 minutes (or less!) and can be done without leaving your desk.

One way to have a productive day—and save yourself time in the morning—is to break down every task you need to do into small steps and then schedule all of them. This means you know exactly what activity you’ll do from the moment you wake up.

Sounds a bit overwhelming, yes, but the reason it works is because you don’t waste any time trying to decide on things—spending 10 minutes picking out an outfit, spending 15 minutes deciding if you want to go on a run—you just do it. And that way, you’ll (almost) always be out of the house exactly on time.

For example, every evening I shower, make my lunch for the next day, and spend 10 or so minutes doing something that relaxes me, whether that’s scrolling through social media, reading 15 pages of a book, or talking to my parents on the phone. The consistency helps me fall asleep better and feel prepared to conquer the next day.

Especially when you’re busy or stressed, it can be hard to get your best sleep every night, even with an awesome bedtime routine. Try creating a space where you’ll always feel good going to bed by using one or more of these seven quick DIY projects.

Making your meals every day not only guarantees you have control over your health, but it’s also cheaper and a great way to learn a new skill or experiment with your cooking abilities. Plus, you get to boast to coworkers when they ask where you got the food. For some brag-worthy recipes, check out these 52 lunch ideas, or these quick office snack ideas.

Muse writer Kat Boogaard learned many valuable lessons after eating lunch away from her desk. For one thing, taking a break is just good for you. But she also realized the importance of practicing work-life balance all day, rather than just after work was over. By giving yourself that time off during office hours, you’re already one step closer to a healthier, well-balanced life.

TED Talks are like mini-lectures. They just might teach you more about yourself, inspire you to innovate, or just introduce an interesting new topic. Plus, they’re usually only about 20 minutes—so you can watch one and get a super quick knowledge boost while getting ready for work in the morning, during your lunch break, or when you’re sitting in a waiting room.

Similarly, podcasts are great on-the-go entertainment. And a lot of the time they’re just what you need to unwind. I’m a big fan of tackling one podcast during my commute each day—half of it on the way to work, half on the way back, and the stories always bring out some real emotions. (For reference, my favorites are This American Life and You’re the Expert.) But the types of podcasts out there are very nearly limitless. So whether you want to catch up on the news, learn something new, hear what people are saying about your favorite topic (whether that’s fantasy sports, The Real Housewives, historical events, or video games), experience a fascinating true story, or laugh at something more light-hearted, you can find the perfect podcast for every mood.

Freewriting is basically what the name implies: writing, freely—as in without any directions or constraints. You don’t need to be a writer to freewrite. In fact, dropping all the concerns about how your writing sounds or whether it’s grammatically correct is key. You just set a timer and start writing, maybe with a prompt or question to get you started, and see where the writing takes you. It’s a great way to discover something new about what you want or what you’re feeling. Here are five prompts to help you freewrite your way out of a career slump (plus a few tips).

Deceptively Simple Tasks That Can Actually Improve Your Life

It’s all-too-common to want to improve your life so that you’re living the best one possible. But the hard part comes in figuring out how to improve your life. While you may have massive ideas to change things up, the truth is that smaller, more sustainable actions and hacks actually help you improve your life day-to-day, which really adds up over time. These deceptively simple little tricks and habits can help you be more productive, feel happier, work more efficiently, and generally get more out of life. And for more great ways to change your life for the better, check out 50 Important Habits Linked to a Longer Life.

“Use that time to sit quietly and focus on what you want your day to look like, jot down what is most important to accomplish, and relax as you sip coffee or tea,” says Diana Fletcher, life coach and stress reduction expert. “This time you take to focus in the morning will save you hours in your day. You won’t waste time on trivial things because you have already decided what is the priority and what outcomes you want.”

Sometimes all it takes is a moment outside to make things better. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology showed that spending just 20 minutes a day surrounded by nature increased people’s vitality levels. And Candra Canning, founder of Live Bright Now, says even just a one-minute nature break can help.

“Slow down on your way out the door in the morning, or take a moment to look at the sky while on your lunch break,” says Canning. “Science proves that your brain and body chemistry get the same benefit as if you were gazing at the Grand Canyon. Taking in the details can connect you back to yourself which will leave you relaxed and confident.”

“It allows you to walk through your day, so if you walk into the office and someone asks ‘Do you have a minute?’ you will know if you do or don’t.” Bonus: If you make a to-do list at the same time, you’ll find that this productivity hack actually helps improve your sleep as well.

Shutterstock

“Isolation breeds discontent,” says Raffi Bilek, a psychotherapist and director of the Baltimore Therapy Center. “You don’t have to be the life of the party; having just one or two close friends keeps you feeling connected and alive.” And, if you’re looking for a little friendship inspiration, check out these 50 Ways to Make New Friends After 50.

There’s no doubt that maintaining your relationship with close friends and family is important. However, a landmark 1973 study published in the American Journal of Sociology showed that “weak ties,” or people who are more acquaintance-level connections, are the ones who can actually help you out the most in terms of developing new contacts, improving career prospects, and generally meeting new people. Each week, set a goal to get in touch with one person you haven’t talked to in a while, and you’ll find your personal and professional networks growing faster than ever before. And for more ways to connect with old friends, check out 60 Funniest One-Liners That Will Leave Your Friends Laughing.

Shutterstock

If you always wish you could spend more time with your family, this one’s for you. “Family is all about focus,” says Arman Sadeghi, business coach and founder of Titanium Success. “For most of us, family is the most important thing. However, most of us simply don’t schedule enough time with our family, so that time is what always gets squeezed out. Instead of allowing that to happen, actually schedule the time with family, including scheduling date night with your spouse or an evening with the kids.” And if you’re looking for a little family fun, check out these 12 Fun Family Games Everyone Will Get a Kick Out of Playing.

Instead of spreading out conference calls throughout the day, book them all in quick succession. “It takes as much time to make one phone call as five,” Carson says. “It’s a flow.” Plus, if you have another call lined up afterwards, you’ll have a reason to keep each call to its designated amount of time rather than letting it take up more of your day than necessary. And for more on managing your communication flow, check out The Secret to Better Communication With Your Partner, According to a Relationship Expert.

“During morning hours, cortisol acts as your energy hormone and your focus and concentration are better than any other time of day,” says Debra Atkinson, a productivity, fitness, and wellness coach with Flipping Fifty. So, use biology to your advantage and leave more mundane tasks for later in the day. And if you’re not a morning person but would like to be, check out these 20 Better Sleep Essentials That’ll Have You Waking Up Well-Rested Every Morning.

References:

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/331401
https://www.themuse.com/advice/16-small-ways-you-can-improve-your-life-in-less-than-30-minutes
https://bestlifeonline.com/genius-tricks-to-improve-your-life/
https://www.ytravelblog.com/14-ways-to-improve-your-life/