What are 2021 Recruiting Trends Shaped by the Pandemic?

The year 2020 was a disastrous business year due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that affected several business spheres and trends. The pandemic was just one big factor in the inevitable change in business trends and strategies. Over the decade, technology and its byproducts constantly changed the usual business routine in multiple ways. 

As a result of these factors, the conventional recruitment methods are no longer optimal to select ideal candidates that will become choice employees in a company. New recruiting trends have evolved for effective recruitment to companies and businesses. In this article, we reveal 2021 recruiting trends shaped by the pandemic.

2021 Recruiting Trends Shaped by the pandemic

Here are new effective recruiting trends shaped by the pandemic: 

Virtual Hiring

COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was contagious, and countries worldwide and their citizens were forced to reduce any form of contact by staying home if possible. To cope with the change, society members used virtual platforms as a means of communication. This change also affected businesses. For instance, remote jobs became common for people to work and communicate from home comfortably. 

Relatedly, virtual hiring will become a norm in the business sector due to the several benefits the process offers. As a result of virtual correspondence emerging as a norm, platforms that support virtual hiring have been developed to assist interested companies.

 For instance, Brazen, a virtual recruitment platform, is tasked with helping companies streamline their recruitment strategy process. Research conducted by business experts at Easy Essay shows that virtual hiring helps companies save time and expenses while simultaneously providing results. However, even with the recent development of the hiring process, we humans are social creatures. At some point in time in the business world, changes may need to be made to the virtual hiring process. 

Recruiters Will Expand Required Skill Sets

COVID-19 taught marketers, recruiters, and other business specialists that for a business to continually succeed, an indispensable factor is a speedy adaptation to new challenges and problems that may arise. Unsurprisingly, adaptability is now among the required factors recruiters consider before hiring job candidates. 

During candidate selection for various job positions in a company, a required skill that is also leveraged is versatility. To be skilled in several areas comes in handy at unexpected periods. Business enthusiasts at assignment help state that people with diverse skills were able to secure jobs during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Remote work

Before the era of COVID-19, remote jobs existed, but most companies and businesses did not prioritize them.  However, after the year 2020, companies discovered the usefulness of remote work and the optimal impacts it can bring to a business. Many companies that transitioned to remote works continue in 2021, and unavoidably, the change also affects the recruitment process. 

Companies now look for individuals that can work effectively remotely without a face-to-face consultation with their coworkers and colleagues. Online interviews and other virtual hiring processes can be used to narrow down the best candidates. 

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence has evolved over the years to aid members of society in the running of specific tasks. Through the brilliance of technology, you can resolve issues and effectively carry out specific objectives smoothly and efficiently. This also applies to the hiring process in a company.  

The conventional recruitment process has always been a critical process. However, there is room for improvement, and an effective tool that can be used for such improvement is Artificial Intelligence. 

AI is a major channel for change in the realm of talent acquisition. AI helps automate the repeatable schedules allowing hiring managers to concentrate on the sensitive and crucial parts of recruitment. Furthermore, AI can quicken the tracking process for ideal candidates for job positions. 

Project-based Contract Hiring

The usual hiring process involves recruiting candidates for a certain company position to run tasks that will benefit the company for a period that is not fixed. To this end, some individuals end up working for a particular company throughout their life if there are no hitches. However, the gig economy differs significantly in terms of process. 

The gig economy centers around project-based contract hiring that involves hiring an expert individual to run a specific project. After the job performance, the deal comes to an end. The gig economy received noticeable attention over the years, but the pandemic tripled the initial recognition level. 

Freelancers in search of projects they are best suited to are a major part of the gig industry. Hiring for one-time projects is a strategy the pandemic has put at the forefront of the recruitment process.

Employee Wellbeing

The year 2020 was a tasking year, health-wise and emotionally. Approximately 33% of workers in the US complained of feelings of depression during the first few months of the pandemic. However, to adapt to the situation, most workers became conscious of the effects of a mentally challenged workforce. So, as a result of all these factors, in the recruitment process, the mental health of candidates is now considered.  Stress is usually associated with most jobs, and it can cause several long and short-term health issues if steps are not taken to prevent such. 

Transparency In the Recruitment Process

 Usually, in the process involving client acquisition, most employers are usually tight-lipped about details concerning their company. Transparency in the recruitment process is now being promoted in the recruitment process because it helps the candidates to be more interactive during their interview sessions. Transparency in the hiring process involves: 

●      Employee Benefits: Before choosing to work with a particular company, most candidates prefer being aware of the employee benefits. Hiring managers Being straightforward about what their company offers increases the chances of hiring loyal employees.

●      Selection Process: Informing the candidates of the selection process you will be using is crucial. For example, you can share if the recruitment is going to happen in stages. 

●      Salary Range: Stating the salary range for the job you are offering is an effective method to filter candidates in the hiring process. 

●      Timeline for Recruitment: This is the most important aspect you need to share with the job applicants. Most candidates that will apply for the job position may be out of work, so a long hiring process may not be ideal for them. Try and be specific about the length of time of the job recruitment. Let the applicants know the specifics of the situation they are entering into. 

If your actions as a hiring manager reflect transparency, the chance that the honesty will be reciprocated is high. 

Detailed interview Feedback

No company or business enjoys rejecting job applicants, but they will prioritize hiring qualified candidates. The job industry currently notes the importance of providing constructive feedback to successful and unsuccessful job applicants. When you provide detailed feedback stating the reasons for hiring or rejection, it reflects the fact that you respect the candidates. 

Additionally, it creates an opportunity for applicants who may feel unfairly treated to be aware of the reasons they were not hired. An aggrieved job applicant that feels wronged can share the details concerning your company on the internet through social media. That can spell doom for your company, so to avoid this provide detailed interview feedback as a form of justification. 

Fairer hiring process

Earlier on, we shared the fact that due to the pandemic, most recruiters will be focused on hiring diverse and versatile applicants that can easily adapt to unforeseeable situations. To solely achieve this recruiting trend, most companies usually adopt a fair and more consistent hiring process. A fair recruitment process usually includes: 

●      Training hiring managers on the interview process: Instead of relying on conventional hiring methods, hiring managers can adopt standardized methods they can use to sieve through qualified candidates. Recognized and tested templates that will help in finding the best candidates for a specific job position should be used. 

●      Create a diverse hiring team: One person should not be in charge of recruitment which is a sensitive task. No matter how impartial a person is conceived to be, a certain element of bias still resides in the person. A team consisting of multiple individuals that can make constructive decisions should handle employee acquisition. 

●      Set fair interview questions that will expose all the job applicants to the same interview experience. 

●      Consistent tests: Let the skill test you set for screening be void of inconsistencies. 

●      Maintain contact: Be in close reach with the job applicants throughout the recruitment process.

Applicant Data Protection

Cybercrime, which includes fraud and internet hacking, is the downside of technology enhancement. Personal data can be used fraudulently if one is not careful. From the start of the pandemic, the FBI recorded a shocking 300% rise in cybercrimes. The increase in remote work in the pandemic, which involves the exchange of personal data, added to the increase in cybercrimes. However, despite this setback, it appears that remote work is becoming an inseparable part of our current business world. Job applicants’ data is now being considered as a priority to safeguard them from internet hackers. 

Using Soft Skills as a Hiring Recruitment

In a company, apart from the cut-out assigned roles your qualifications can accomplish, there is another set of skills that are needed. This set of skills are referred to as "soft skills." Soft skills due to the pandemic are now a crucial part of hiring requirements. Soft skills include leadership, adaptability, creativity, communication, among others. They assist in job performance in a company. 

Hiring Generation Z

A Gen Z member is anyone born between 1997-2012. Over the years, people from this age grade have been slowly entering the workforce. However, 2020, the pandemic year, significantly changed their work perspective. It caused a good number of Gen Z members to view the workforce in a positive light. To hire Gen Z members who are better adapted to the recent changes in the business sectors, unlike the millennials hiring managers should: 

●      Solely concentrate their actions on selling the role. 

●      Include technology in your hiring process. 

●      Include remote work.  

Final Thoughts

The first crucial step that leads to the running of a successful company is the recruitment process, where you have the option of selecting qualified candidates that will assist in achieving company goals. The conventional methods used by the workforce were changed by the pandemic resulting in new hiring trends highlighted in this write-up.

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Harper

5 Ways to Prep Your House Before Winter

Winter is a time of fun and celebration, but to many people, it’s also dangerous. Many accidents can occur due to frigid weather, such as slipping on ice or facing burst pipes. While those occurrences are tragic, in most cases, they are also preventable. As long as you know how to winterize your home, you’ll be able to ride out the season in joy, just as you should.

1. Check Your Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping lines most doors and windows and allows the air outside to stay there. Over time, this material can lose functionality or start to rot, leaving your home more exposed to the elements. Improper weatherstripping can account for nearly 40% of heating issues in the winter.

Check your doors and windows before winter sets in. If you notice weatherstripping is torn in any place, replace it immediately. Having functional material in place could stand between you and a hefty electricity bill.

2. Add Insulation to Your Attic

Your attic and basement might be the coldest places in your house. Because the temperature in your attic isn’t regulated like the rest of the house, it can only do so much to keep out the heat and cold in their respective seasons. 

Adding insulation can also protect your home against moisture that could seep in through the attic at any point in the year. Insulating this area protects your walls and home’s interior from massive damage.

3. Check on Your Roof

When the snow has fallen and ice is everywhere, you won’t be able to pinpoint any issues with your roof other than by sight. You should have your roof checked out before it becomes too slippery so professionals can still climb on it and look for weak spots or missing shingles.

If you have it in your budget, consider installing a “hundred-year roof,” which is durable enough to last through even the harshest of winter storms.You can replace shingles yourself, but make sure you avoid any hazards that could come from climbing up there in cold weather. When in doubt, rely on a professional.

4. Wrap Your Pipes

Pipes need insulation, too. You may let your faucets drip when the weather is below the freezing point, but your pipes might also need an extra boost to stay warm. Luckily, you can find pipe sleeves pretty easily and secure them with duct tape. 

 You want to make sure your pipes stay warm throughout the cold winter months, or they may burst and force you to pay for repairs. You’ll have to repair the burst pipe and deal with any water damage that happens as a result. When in doubt, wrap your pipes up to fight against the winter weather.

5. Switch Your Ceiling Fans

If your fan has multiple settings, consider switching the direction before the cooler temperatures set in. Most fans have two modes you can use depending on the temperature outside. The winter setting will enable your fan to rotate the opposite way, thereby pushing the warmer air down to the floor where you are instead of bringing it to the ceiling. This way, if you run your fan in the winter, it won’t be as cold as it could be in the summer.

Spend Your Winter Worry-Free

 If you winterize your home before the cold weather or drastic snowfalls set in, you won’t have much to worry about throughout the season. While others may be concerned about burst pipes or potential damage, you’ll have peace of mind because you already took care of the pressing matters.

Winterizing your home doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s an easy process that can be done in a weekend and save you so much time and money in the long run. You can take care of your household all winter by preparing for bad weather in advance.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison

5 Tips for Plumbers to Have Better Communication & Understanding with Client

Do you know a single person that would be excited because of the need of calling a plumber? Commonly, people associate plumbers with not really pleasant people who more likely will destroy plumbing or pipes, make a mess in your house, and leave them alone with their breakages. Consequently, it is quite a challenging task for plumbers to provide their customers with great experience and deliver the service their clients expect and demand.

Mostly, it happens for two reasons - poor skills of plumbers or initial misunderstanding between the client and the executor. The first thing is quite easy to avoid. Before calling a plumber, make sure he or she is a real professional with high ratings and works for a trusted company that is long on the market. The second thing depends on the skills of a plumber too but the skills related to communication with the clients. 

However, the ability to clearly understand and communicate with potential clients comes from experience, no matter if we talk about a single plumber or for the whole organization.

Therefore, here is a top list of useful tips that will help plumbers to organize their business and get the successful results of their work. Your success doesn’t depend on the range of your service. It is better to offer fewer services but at more reasonable prices and the highest quality compared to your competitors.

Effective Time Management

When people call a plumbing company, it’s mostly an emergency case and they expect you to handle it timely and professionally. To dispatch your plumbing teams on time, you should use smart tools that will help you organize field plumbing work efficiently. E.g. Orderry software for plumbing companies offers a built-in calendar to schedule call-outs and maintenance jobs as well as a handy mobile app for work order processing in the field.

Staff training

People learn, widen their experience, and develop their professional skills during their whole life as there is no limit to perfection. It is important to care about the skill level of the plumbers within your company and it also concerns the workers themselves. Each plumber must be interested in personal growth and development as their career and earnings fully depend on it. Provide regular training and practical learning courses for plumbers to be 100% sure of their competency and deliver high-quality service to your clients. 

Consider trends

The plumbing market is constantly changing and adopting the latest innovation in it like eco-friendly and energy-saving techniques. To keep up with the competitors, you should be aware of the latest trends in the modern plumbing market to correspond to the expectations and requirements of your customers. That’s what helps you save your reputation despite any changes in your industry.

Marketing strategy

These days marketing is an inevitable part of business in any industry and specialization. Moreover, it is vital to offer your target audience the services they are willing to offer. The way you present your services is also important as the ads should be attractive and engaging for your potential client using the marketing channels they tend to use more. Your potential clients can also find the available information about your company on the paper writing services reviewsso ensure that the reputation of your company corresponds to your advertising.

Hey! You can also find out more about how to define your target audience and attract potential customers on social media by the following link. 

Software investment

You should also think of creating a corporate website to advertise your company, show the contact information and provide potential customers with the contact form to order the needed service. However, remember that software requires investment - ready-made apps or custom apps as well. The management system for a plumbing company is tasked with automating the processing of client information, orders creation, and management. It provides your company with transparency and your clients with a great customer experience. Commonly, the ready-made management systems require a month or year fee which amount depends on the range of functions and options you want to have in it. Well, the choice of the software system is fully related to the specifics of your plumbing business and industry in general. 

First impression matters

Due to the statistics, about 78-80% of customers are willing to return to the services or to refer the company to their friends in case of a good first impression and experience with a plumbing organization. Structure the process from the first conversation with your customer to the very end of your cooperation, meaning not only plumbing quality matters. The attitude, the way you talk to your clients and you hold the internal workflows within your company is extremely important.

Be different 

The variety of successful plumbing companies is surely wide. That’s why you need to define your key differentiators meaning what services or what other features make you unique and trusted on the market. There are different ways you can promote your company on the web or within your city - social networks, paid advertising like billboards, newspapers, corporate website, different sales, promos, etc. There are numerous and best online writing services that can help you with the promotion of your service and write attractive ads that will make your company stand out.

Guest Contributor: Frank Hamilton

Bedroom Decor: 25 Top Tips For Decorating Bedrooms

Whether you’ve just got the keys to your dream home, or you want to spruce up the master in your current home, being armed with knowledge and ideas when it comes to how to decorate a bedroom is the best way to achieve impressive results.

Our bedrooms are our sanctuaries, a little place to call our own in a busy world, and for many, a busy house. Your bedroom should reflect your own unique style, offering a calming space while also meeting your needs and providing all the practicalities you need to be comfortable and able to relax at the end of a long day. Creating a space designed with care, thought and consideration is the best way to ensure your bedroom provides you with everything you need.

Your bedroom certainly isn't just the quality of your bed. Read on to discover how to decorate a bedroom, with our 25 top tips, ideas and inspiration…

Side Note: Want to give your bedroom a complete makeover, but don't necessarily have the budget? Check out these amazing tips from Omysa on 6 budget-friendly bedroom makeover ideas!

Create a Calming Colour Palette

Subtle and simple colours work best in the bedroom, as they create a gentle and restful environment. Avoid bold primary colours, instead choosing muted tones in either dark or light shades. Darker colours will create a super cosy feel, whereas lighter yet calming shades such as lavender, blues and greens will result in a calm and serene feel. One of the first things you should do is choose your colour scheme, as this will impact many other areas of your design. As a rule of thumb, just choose toned-down versions of your favourite colours, and shades that make you feel good.

Prioritise Storage

Our bedrooms have to work hard. They often provide a space for sleeping and relaxing, as well as sharing intimate moments, a place for storage, dressing and much more. All of this can be tricky to configure in a way that provides everything you need but still looks stylish, neat and tidy. The trick is to ensure you have plenty of practical storage that also fits in with your scheme.

Storage should be prioritized and considered as one of the first steps when it comes to redesigning your bedroom. Where possible, consider including built-in storage as it will become part of the room and offer the most space. The trick with storage is to include all you need, without it interrupting the flow and design of your space. This is where careful planning and consideration really pays off.

Image Credit: Pinterest.co.uk

Create a Reading Nook

While you might want to avoid having a TV in your room, creating a space designed specifically for relaxation aside from your bed is a great way to make your bedroom work harder for you. If you have an empty corner, add a hanging chair in lovely natural woven rattan, or a luxurious velvet armchair, complete with a bookcase and footstool.

Image Credit: Pinterest.co.uk

Layer Lighting

Lighting is really important in your bedroom, but it’s often overlooked. Lighting plays a key role in creating the right atmosphere, and in a bedroom, you may require different levels of lighting. Consider a pendant light hanging from the ceiling for brighter light, like for when you are getting ready. You will also need low-level lighting that you can use independently from your main lighting. Think lots of lovely lamps, or wall lights on either side of your bed that you can easily switch off before you go to sleep.

Go for a Relaxed Style

As it’s likely you are trying to create a space to unwind, choose a laid back style over a more formal design for your bedroom. Think lots of natural materials, soft edges and colours, minimal clutter but enough to make your space cosy instead of stark. Try a premium wool rug on the floor to add warmth and softness, beautiful linen curtains and large textured pillows on the bed. Simple details will go a long way to creating a relaxing environment.

Layer-Up Fabrics

A great way to add interest to your bedroom while keeping the look simple and calming is by using various fabrics. Think linens, wool, cotton or even velvet to create texture and softness. Different fabrics can be layered in the room - try hanging a pair of beautiful curtains, dressing the floor with a large luxurious rug, placing a wool blanket on an armchair, and linen throws on the bed.

Image Credit: Pinterest.co.uk

Frame the Outside World

Making the most of your view outside of your bedroom is a great way to bring nature in. This will have a calming influence on your space and what you can see outside may even influence your scheme. Consider your window dressing carefully to frame your view, let light in during the day, but offer darkness for a restful night’s sleep. Consider shutters, blinds and curtains and think about whether you want to make a feature of the window, or simply frame the view beyond.

Make Practical Choices

It can be all too easy to get wrapped up with the style of your space and overlook the practical elements. In considering how you will use the room, you can create a space that suits your needs and as a result, is easier and enjoyable to spend time in.

Think about the smaller details - do you read in bed? Then introduce bedside tables with lamps so that you don’t have to get out of bed to turn the light off when you want to go to sleep. Do you sleep better in a very dark room? Try blackout blinds or curtains. If you have hardwood floors, consider laying a bedroom rug to use under your bed to make getting up in the night more comfortable. Does clutter bother you? Install lots of storage to keep the room tidy and calm. Think about these elements early on, to create a space that suits your needs.

Image Credit: Pinterest.co.uk

Soften Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a lovely feature to have, particularly when they are original. While you might not want to cover up your beautiful floors completely, hardwood flooring can be a little stark in a bedroom. Consider softening the space by laying a large rug under the bed. Not only will this help with sound insulation and general acoustics, but it will also add warmth and make for a far nicer surface to pad around on when you first wake up. Try a shaggy rugto add texture and a super soft finish to sink your feet into.

Introduce Natural Materials

Natural materials are the perfect way to add interest to your bedroom, without the need for bright colours or fussy patterns. Materials such as wood, bamboo, seagrass and rattan all have a softness to them, but will also add warmth and character. Think a dark wood chest of drawers, seagrass baskets to store blankets in, dark wood frames for artwork and a beautiful rattan armchair.

Consider the Flow of the Bedroom

The flow of your space plays a huge role in how you feel when in your bedroom. You should be able to move freely around the furniture, from one side of the room to the other. When the flow is disjointed, this can cause us to feel uncomfortable, irritated and even overwhelmed. When it comes to getting the flow right, the trick is to carefully plan the space. Measure up and consider where you will place furniture, move around the room and check if the placement of anything causes us to have to stop/start as you move, if this is the case, have a rethink.

Don't Forget the Ceiling

Most of the time we spend in our bedrooms is spent laying down, which means the ceiling takes centre stage. However, many of us overlook this design opportunity. A painted or wallpapered ceiling is a wonderful way to add interest and will create a cosy canopy over the bed. For something striking, try a dark muted colour that extends down the walls by a metre, or go for something subtle like taupe or plaster pink and keep the colour to the ceiling. You could also try wallpaper in muted tones - a nature-inspired pattern would work well.

Image Credit: Pinterest.co.uk

Keep things Simple

When it comes to decorating your bedroom, it can be all too easy to get carried away with trends and different concepts, overcomplicating the look and feel. In order to create a relaxing space, keep everything simple. Pull back on your colour scheme, opting to include just 2-3 shades. Avoid lots of different materials, instead of focusing on natural elements, linens and wool. If you want to use a pattern, use just one and keep it to one area, such as the cushions on your bed. If you include metals, such as in your light fittings, opt for one finish, such as brass.

Create a Focal Point

Just because you’re going for a calming scheme, doesn’t mean you can’t create a statement too. The bed should be at the centre of the room and the focal point, from which you can build on to create something really special. Focus on this area and allow the rest of your decor to complement the focus of your space. Try a large headboard in wood, or upholstered, place a bedside table at either side of the bed, and wall-hung lights above the table. Add a large print, or two above the headboard exactly in the centre, and finish the look with a beautiful pendant light hung over the bed.

Image Credit: Pinterest.co.uk

Dress the Bed

One of the most simple and effective ways to add character and style to your bedroom is to dress the bed. Start with beautiful Egyptian cotton sheets - if you want to go for a colour, choose something muted and calming. Next layer up throws, linen works well, or wool if it’s winter. Try placing one horizontally across the bed, and throw another on top so that it lands in an organic way, rather than organising it neatly. Next place cushions against the headboard. Two large cushions work well or try several smaller ones arranged symmetrically. This is a great opportunity to introduce a little colour and texture, adding personality to space.

Add a Personal Touch

Our bedrooms should feel warm and cosy. A great way to achieve this is to introduce a few elements that remind you of your loved ones or of fond memories. Framed photos will add that extra personal touch, and being able to see them first thing in the morning or at the end of a long day is a great mood booster. Try a handful of photos in matching frames to keep the look simple - think brass and glass, or simple wooden frames.

Try a Bohemian Scheme

The boho trend is known for being laid back, welcoming and cosy, making it a great choice for your bedroom. You can approach this trend in many ways, including a Scandi influenced neutral colour scheme, or using muted tones such as blues lifted with the addition of pinks and terracotta. To keep the room calm, strip back the look a little - include just one element of pattern, one colour on the walls, one large piece of art hung above the bed and a large jute rug on the floor.

Author's Note: We created, what we believe, is the ultimate guide when it comes to styling your home in a Bohemian fashion! Check out our 30 Boho style tips for the ultimate Bohemian-inspired home.

Image Credit: Pinterest.co.uk

Hang Natural Wreaths

If you want to try something different to the obvious artwork above the bed, consider hanging beautiful dried wreaths instead. Try a small collection of five in varying sizes, and stick to a simple colour palette. Introducing natural elements is a great way to add interest to your bedroom while keeping the look simple and stylish.

Go for a Moody Colour

If you don’t spend much time in your bedroom during the day, a dark and moody colour is a great choice. A dark shade, such as deep grey, will give your room a cocoon-like feeling, making it a wonderful place to retreat to at the end of a long day. Paint all the walls in your chosen shade and create a contrast with crisp white bedding, adding warmth with wood furniture.

Image Credit: Pinterest.co.uk

Introduce Greenery

Plants can sometimes be overlooked in the bedroom, but they can make a huge difference to the look and feel of your space. Not only do they help to purify the air, but they also bring a little bit of the outside world in, which can be incredibly calming. Try introducing a few plants to your scheme - include a large floor standing plant, a collection of smaller plants to place on surfaces or shelving, and a few hanging plants to add interest and variety.

Use Mirrors to Maximise Natural Light

If your bedroom is north facing or generally doesn’t get a lot of natural light, try introducing large mirrors to bounce extra light around the room. A light and airy bedroom will ensure space feels bigger and is generally a calming place to be. Try a large gold framed mirror hung above a chest of drawers, as well as a full-length mirror opposite a window.

Layer-Up Rugs

Regardless of whether you have carpets or hardwood floors, layered rugs can add a super cosy feel as well as introducing texture and interest. If you’ve opted to paint your walls a colour, try introducing a simple grey rug with a thick pile, and layer a smaller jute rug on top. Sheepskin rugs are also great for layering and can even be thrown over the end of the bed too.

Paint a Feature Wall

If all-over colour isn’t really your thing, consider opting for a simple feature wall instead. A feature wall is best paired with white or very pale grey walls. The colour you choose will shape the rest of the colour scheme which will greatly influence how your bedroom looks and feels. As before, opt for a muted tone of your favourite shade to create that calming vibe.

Follow the 'Rule of Three'

When it comes to styling your bedroom, always follow the rule of three. As one of the most simple rules to follow in interior design, in grouping items together in three you will create more appealing displays. Don’t forget to vary height too to add interest. Try three vases of different heights on top of your chest of drawers, or group together three special items to add that personal touch to your space, while keeping the look stylish.

Add a Jewel Toned Rug

If you’ve decided to go for a neutral scheme, try introducing just a touch of colour with a jewel-toned rug. Think deep and rich greens, blues or even purples and let the single piece take centre stage. Place at the side of the bed for a super soft surface to sink your feet into. In an otherwise simple room, a traditional style rug works especially well to add a touch of understated colour, subtle pattern and texture.

Now that you know how to decorate a bedroom, it’s time to put the above ideas into practice. The trick is to plan in advance, and don’t try to achieve too much. Pick out a few key design features that you love to create a beautiful calming space. Remember to create a colour scheme using just a few shades, as well as space planning and factoring in enough storage. All of this will help you create a bedroom that’s beautiful as well as a joy to spend time in.

Guest Contributor: landofrugs.com

SEO for Plumbers: How To Grow Your Business?

Modern business conditions are game-changers for both online and offline, small and large businesses from different industries. Regardless of your business niche, proceeding without a digital presence, digital marketing and SEO, in particular, is no longer possible to stay competitive.

The plumbing industry is no exception. SEO promotion allows you to reach out to the target audience and create an influx of new consumers more efficiently compared to the usual marketing activities. It's time to use plumber SEO promotion to become the top local plumbing services provider. How to get started with plumbing SEO promotion to drive quick results?  Find out the best tips next. 

HOW CAN SEO SERVICES BENEFIT A PLUMBING COMPANY?

SEO services can benefit a plumbing company in several ways. SEO services aim to improve a website's visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). By optimizing the plumbing company's website for relevant keywords and local search terms, SEO helps it rank higher in search results. Increased visibility means more potential customers are likely to find the website when searching for plumbing services in their area.

Compared to traditional advertising methods, SEO services can be a cost-effective marketing approach for a plumbing company. Once the initial optimization is done, the ongoing costs of maintaining SEO efforts are relatively low. Unlike paid advertising, where costs can quickly add up, SEO focuses on organic search results, generating long-term visibility and traffic without ongoing advertising expenses.

Top SEO Tips To Grow Your Plumbing Business

Want to reboot your knowledge in promoting your plumbing services? You need the following SEO for plumbers tips and to read this post. It’s time for growing your plumbing business in 2021 and getting loyal customers with the help of SEO. Here is how.

Create Useful Content

Search engines are ultimately focused on delivering quality content to users. To gain the trust of the search engines, it is worth providing quality content. Run an active blog on your site.

Provide your site visitors and potential consumers with valuable information. For example, you can create various guides, instructions on how to choose the right plumbing, or in which case it is important to call a master and when you can solve the problem on your own.

Don't forget about the psychology of your target audience. Since most people, when faced with any breakdowns in the context of plumbing, try to solve the problem on their own before turning to professionals. Therefore, you should both provide them with how-to tips and explain when the professional help is a must as such a content mix will be relevant for your target audience.

Activate Local SEO

SEO optimization and the abundance of different strategies can be confusing for website owners. Many of them are focused on getting to the top of Google's results, and this is a logical desire. But do not forget that some areas of business require proper promotion at the local level. It is very important for such an area as plumbing.

When creating your content, there is a need to add keywords with the city mentioned. This will allow those users who are looking for a service in a particular city to be able to find your site. The emphasis on local SEO promotion in tandem with general SEO tactics is what will bring real effect and will allow you to get loyal customers and promotion in the ranking.

Use the Backlink Strategy

One of the most effective SEO strategies is to get backlinks. The presence of such links is something like an indicator of trust in search algorithms. These sites gain a ranking advantage and rank higher.

Today there are different ways to get such links. For example, you can either buy SEO-friendly backlinks or use a guest posting strategy. When buying backlinks, make sure you get quality links. As for the strategy of guest posting, this can be done both independently and with the help of professionals. Professionals offer a complete solution regarding the implementation of the strategy and quick results. Therefore, it is worth considering ways to get backlinks to promote your plumbing services. Think over a good link-building processto get the most of this tactic. 

Optimize Your Site For a Mobile Version

To reach the top of the search engine rankings, you should think about creating a high-quality mobile version of the site. Today, more and more users are using various gadgets to search for information on the Internet. According to stats, 54,8 % of worldwide traffic is mobile. There is no doubt that this trend is here to stay for the next few years.

It is worth paying special attention to this matter and creating a high-quality mobile version. Make sure your site is displayed without any errors on all devices. In the absence of a high-quality mobile version of the site, all your actions in the context of SEO may be ineffective.

Create Social Media Profiles

Building social media to promote plumbing services is a great strategy to gain new clients and improve your position in the ranking. When providing services in the local market with a specific territorial reference, then social networks are another opportunity to get the target audience.

Notify your subscribers about all services and promotions. You can also duplicate content from your site on social networks. For example, you can write that a new service has appeared on your site or you have published a detailed guide on how to fix some problems without experts. This can force the subscriber to go to your site to view the information in more detail. This way you can generate an influx of targeted traffic that is more likely to become your customers. 

Wrapping Up

Modern SEO practices and strategies can be applied to absolutely any field of activity. To maximize your online visibility as a plumber, explore valuable insights from resources like https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook-spotlight/7-best-link-building-services-uk-7-months-long-research-results to refine your SEO strategies effectively. As you can see, SEO promotion in such an area as plumbing is an opportunity to take your business to the next level, so get started with the simple tips we have shared above. 

 Guest Contributor:  Nancy P. Howard has been working as a journalist at the online magazine in London for a year. She is also a professional writer in such topics as blogging, SEO and marketing. 

What Is Plasma Cutter, Types and Working

Plasma cutters are commonly used for cutting different metals using plasma arc. It has a high-frequency power supply that sends an electrical charge to the metal object to be cut. This is done by generating a steady stream of ionized gas particles that form a plasma, as it travels from the nozzle of the cutter to the object being cut. 

It produces a more accurate and efficient way of cutting metals as compared to conventional methods like chipping saws and abrasive cutters. A general Plasma Cutter usually runs on 220 volts at 50 Hz or 60 Hz, depending upon the country where it is manufactured and sold (50 Hz in Europe and Asia and 60 Hz in North America and some other countries).

Plasma Cutter has a small semicircular window at the top where it shows how much it is being used during operation. A red color bulb means that the Plasma Cutter is on standby mode, green color means it is ready for operation. Plasma cutters are battery operated, with batteries ranging between different manufacturers. 

 Plasma cutters come with a standard power rating of 100 amps up to 500 amps, which is capable of cutting almost all kinds of metals. A plasma cutter has a nozzle that produces a plasma arc that is further converted into heat, by transferring its kinetic energy to the molecules in the metal.

Plasma Arc torch consists of two electrodes i.e., cathode and anode which acts as an ionizing gas chamber where gas filled inside it gets ionized and forms plasma arcs at the end of the nozzle.

A Plasma Cutter makes use of Plasma produced from gases like oxygen (O2), nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2) through air or pure argon (Ar).[1] The choice of which gas should be used depends on the material to be cut, for example, a Plasma Cutter which is used to cut mild steel uses Plasma produced from Air or mixed gases of air and Argon.

The process of Plasma Arc starts when an electrical arc is struck between the cathode (negative electrode) and anode (positive electrode). This initiates a chain reaction called Ionization Process which releases super heated ions that result into Plasma formation. The atoms get ionized through various processes like Collision Ionic Absorption, Photoionization, Secondary Emission etc.

The Plasma Arc Cutting process is governed by two different types of Plasma i.e., "Dark Plasma" formed due to resistance against the cut, and "Bright Plasma" which emits light energy that results into plasma cutter flame seen during cutting. The metals are heated up to high temperatures, resulting in formation of molten metal vapor along with hot dust particles which are ejected out from the other side of the Plasma Torch nozzle at very high speed. Maintaining Plasma Cutter requires changing gas cylinders, electrode/tips, AC capacitor plates, AC frequency plates etc.

A new process called Air Plasma Cutter has been developed by different manufacturers which makes use of air itself instead of using additional inert gases like Argon and Nitrogen. 

All these types of Plasma Cutting Machines can be used on various job sites, however Plasma Cutters are mostly used in Plasma Arc Cutting Applications in engineering industries, Plasma Arc Cutting Applications in marine industries, Plasma Torch Cutting Applications in automotive or shipbuilding industries and Plasma Arc Cutting Jobs at construction sites.

Guest Contributor: Damaso Sanoja

How To Spot A Well-cared-for Property: 5 Signs

When looking for a new home or property, we often pay more attention to its location and aesthetics. However, you should also consider the structural integrity of the building. 

Most times, you will need the help of a professional to evaluate the "health" of the building. But what if you can't afford to hire an inspector? How do you know if the property has been managed well?

Signs Of A Well-cared-for Building

Surely, property managers and owners can conceal major issues with fresh paint or some minor upgrades, but they can’t totally hide major repair problems. 

Here are the five most important components of a house or building that can help you decide whether it’s worth investing in it.

A Well-maintained Roof

The roof is often the most susceptible to wear and tear as it is directly exposed to different elements. 

Well-maintained roofs can last thirty years or more, however, poor-quality shingles and tiles can significantly reduce their lifespan. You should be able to see from the ground if there are broken or missing shingles. 

Make sure to ask the seller how old the roof is, and inspect the gutters and drainage systems if they are in good condition. A well-maintained gutter system helps avoid water damage issues especially in ceilings, which can be difficult to detect in plain sight. If the roof isn't old enough but still needs some repairs, ask the seller to lower the price so you can save money for repair work.

Don't forget to check the sidings too. Like roofs, sidings are also prone to damage. You should be able to quickly assess the condition of the sidings by simply looking at them. Things like missing or rusty nails, cracking caulk or crooked joints, fading or missing paint, rotting, mold, and water stains are major issues to consider.

Absence Of Watermarks And Mold

Mold is every homeowner’s toughest enemy. It is a fungus that comes in different colors, such as white, green, and black.

If there is water damage or leaks on the roof, the property most likely has an issue with mold, even if you can’t see it. You should also check for water puddles near the exterior walls of the house and look around for watermarks, which are a major sign of leaks.

Some other common places where mold is likely to take hold are around leaking pipes, windows, and basements. If you notice an unpleasant odor inside the house or building, it's another tell-tale sign of mold problems. Ask the seller if the property has mold or water damage problems and make sure to add a mold-related contingency to your offer if you really are interested to buy the property.

Renovated Bathrooms

An easy way to check if the previous owner of the house has taken good care of the property is by checking the bathrooms. A bathroom should be renovated every four or five years. Check to see if the fixtures are still in good condition, such as the shower, sink, toilet, and bathtub. 

Well Maintained Interior 

It takes more than a quick freshening up to reveal how well-cared-for a building is. You can’t mask stains on tiles or floors, dirt stuck on walls, and a poorly organized interior space.

Look for a home or property that boasts a clean and well-maintained interior. This means the walls are freshly painted, and the floors have no stains and cracks, so do the countertops and tables.

A well-cared-for building will also have highly maintained furniture. Even if the furniture pieces are quite old, they are still very functional and have no sign of major damage or cracks. With such an interior, you won’t need to shell out more money on repair or renovations. In most cases, all you need is to add stylish home decor to make your new home more like “you.”

Fully Functioning HVAC System

Look for a home that has proper ventilation. Poor airflow is a common sign that the existing HVAC system is no longer functioning properly. This means that the previous owner hasn't taken much effort to clean air filters or have their air conditioners or heating systems regularly checked by technicians.

A well-functioning HVAC system also suggests the absence of water leaks which can quickly damage a home and even lead to serious structural issues. Air conditioners that make low-level noise as they start up and shut down are okay, but any rattling or buzzing noise is a red flag.

Conclusion

Buying a home or property is no easy feat. You should take time assessing the building to make sure it’s free from costly damage and is worth your investment. Remember the pointers we discussed above when inspecting a property.

If you really like the property but you uncovered some issues, talk to the seller and negotiate the price so you can allocate budget for repairs.

 Guest Contributor: Leila Amber

Fall Festivities You Can Host in Your Backyard

 Now that it’s finally fall, your wait to participate in seasonal activities is over! You can host plenty of fall festivities from the comfort of your own backyard. All you need is some refreshments and a few activities to keep adults and children alike occupied during the event. Try out these fun suggestions to make yourself and your backyard the talk of the town.

1. Neighborhood Potluck

As the weather cools down, many people celebrate holidays that bring families and friends together. Some people in your community may not have families or friends to go to for meals and celebrations. In that case, you could consider hosting a potluck where every guest brings a dish or contribution of some sort.

By involving yourself in the community you live in, you could change people’s lives or how the community is run. Reaching out to others when loneliness is all-consuming, especially for those who don’t have anyone with them on holidays, can help you make new memories and put smiles on others’ faces.

2. Trunk or Treat

If you don’t mind potentially tearing up the grass in your backyard — or if you have a larger driveway than most people — you can host a “trunk or treat” where families can go trick-or-treating around to the trunks of different cars.

This event leaves most of the decoration up to the owners of the individual vehicles who participate, so you can relax and only worry about acquiring candy and decorating your own trunk for the Halloween season. For families who don’t participate in Halloween but still love the concept of trick-or-treating and dressing up, this opportunity could be a wonderful tradition.

3. Game Night

If you want to spend time with friends and family outside, consider transforming your outdoor space into an environment prime for partying. Hosting a game night outside is akin to hosting a house party, so you have to be sure you’re ready enough for the people who might attend.

Consider allowing people to RSVP to the party, either by mail or digitally, so you have an accurate headcount of who will be attending and how much of everything you’ll need. You can guess how much each guest will eat, but the best method is to make sure you have one pound of food for every guest.

 Once you have the menu and music sorted out, think of what sort of fall-themed games you could host on this game night. Consider buying small prizes to award the winners of games to motivate people to play. If you want a modern twist on bobbing for apples, consider blindfolding contestants and allowing them to reach into a pail of water and apples using just their hands. You could also host a costume contest and give awards for the most creative or best costumes.

4. Movie Marathon

What could be better than cozying up with some snacks and watching favorite fall movies? Whether you choose to go the spooky route or find something milder that reflects the season, you can host a successful movie marathon from the comfort of your backyard.

The most important thing you’ll need is a projector. From there, you can either have a collapsible screen, an inflatable screen, a white sheet, or something else that you can use to project the movie onto. Be sure to make plenty of snacks to keep all your guests satisfied. 

Consider creating a fire pit in your backyard ahead of this occasion. While you might have blankets to ward off the chill of the night, they can’t compare to the warm glow of a fire. Aside from providing your guests with much-needed warmth, a fire pit can also set the mood for the season.

5. Haunted Hay Maze

If you’ve been through a corn maze, you know just how thrilling it is to get lost in nature and finally find your way out. You can build a similar maze in your backyard using bales of hay. While it might not be as challenging as a corn maze, it could still provide your guests with the excitement and triumph of emerging victorious. Just make sure your yard is large enough to hold a labyrinth!

Instead of buying fake haybales, consider supporting a hardworking farmer or other local hay-grower. Make sure to put your order in early, well in advance of the party, to make sure you’ll have the quantity you want, as hay is regularly in high demand. Get other members of your household to help you build the maze, and you’ll have an activity that will keep people talking about your festivities for years to come.

Find a Fun Way to Spend Your Fall

It would be a shame if you let the season slip by without celebrating. Why not round up your closest friends and family, or your entire neighborhood, to take part in the fun autumn festivities with you? Planning something can get you in the right mindset for the holidays, and when all the planning is done, all you have to do is sit back and watch it all come together.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison

Exterior Paint Finishes: A Guide to Choosing the Best Paint Sheen for Your Home Exterior

Choosing an exterior paint color for your home is just one part of the paint-selection process. As a homeowner, you want to ensure that your exterior paint withstands harsh weather conditions and UV radiation. While exterior painters will expertly prepare your home for a smooth, long-lasting paint job, your chosen paint finish can either make or break the final look and longevity of the paint. This handy guide will help you choose the best paint finish for your home exterior.

Best Exterior Paint Finishes for Your Home

Paint sheen is not just about aesthetics. Paint finishes affect how long exterior paint lasts on siding, trim, doors, and other exterior surfaces. There are four different types of paint sheens that professional painters typically use on home exteriors and each has unique benefits when used on the correct surfaces.

Flat Paint Finish

While flat paint finishes used to be the most popular, they aren’t used much on exteriors these days. Flat paint is matte, porous, and susceptible to fading and mildew problems. Most customers desire paint finishes that are shinier and more durable, but flat paint doesn’t have to be ruled out completely. Because flat paint isn’t shiny, it can be a great option for disguising flaws on older homes. However, a flat finish is only recommended for exterior walls, and not areas that are touched often such as doors, railings, or windows.

When to use a flat paint finish: If your home has older wooden siding, or you need to conceal siding imperfections, flat paint can be a good choice.

Eggshell Paint Finish

Eggshell paint is the most popular exterior paint finish for the body of a home. Because eggshell isn’t dull like a flat finish, or too shiny like a high-gloss sheen, it looks great on a variety of siding types such as HardiePlank, stucco, horizontal wood, and others. Eggshell paint also offers more durability than flat paint, so it can easily be washed with occasional power washing. It’s also an ideal choice when you need to hide imperfections under the coating on older wood or stucco divots. Eggshell can also protect your home from precipitation and seasonal weather changes. This popular paint finish lays down nicely, so you won’t be able to see any brush strokes, roller edges, or spray marks after applying.

When to use an eggshell paint finish: If you’re repainting your house siding and want a low-reflective finish that also conceals minor imperfections. An eggshell finish is also perfect when you need to subtly bring out trim details.

Satin Paint Finish

Satin paint has a nice sheen and is ideal for exterior trim areas that are used or touched often. This highly durable, stretchy paint resists peeling and mildew. A satin paint finish is perfect for use on a variety of trim areas such as eaves, soffits, overhangs, trim boards, porch ceilings/trim, door frames, window sills, and so much more. It’s important to note that satin paint magnifies imperfections like dents, dings, cratering, and ridges in older wood trim and wood siding.

When to use a satin paint finish: If you want a beautiful sheen on your trim that isn’t too shiny, this is the finish for you. This is especially true if you live in a hot, sunny climate as satin paint contains more UV protectant to prevent fading.

Semi-Gloss Paint Finish

A semi-gloss paint offers visible shine on home exteriors and is ideal for surfaces that require frequent cleaning. The glossier sheen makes semi-gloss paint more durable than satin, so it’s easier to clean. Semi-gloss paint can also endure harsh weather conditions and withstand excess moisture. While a semi-gloss paint finish can look beautiful on trim details, it isn’t a good choice if you need to conceal cracks, chips, or other surface imperfections.

When to use a semi-gloss finish: A semi-gloss finish is best for painting garage doors, front doors, exterior trim, gutters, shutters, metal lamp posts, railings, and window sills.

High-Gloss Paint Finish

If you want your exterior trim to really pop, then this is the paint finish for you. A high-gloss sheen offers extreme durability and adds a beautiful richness to paint color. You may be tempted to paint your entire home exterior with this easy-to-clean, highly durable sheen, but it isn’t a good idea! Painting all of your siding with high-gloss paint will make your home look “plastic” and magnify surface imperfections. Simply use this finish for highlighting ornate architectural details, trim, and doors. Professional painters will happily paint your exterior walls and siding with a semi-gloss or satin paint to complement the high-gloss finish of your trim.

When to use a high-gloss finish: Use this heavy-duty paint to highlight architectural details, decorative fixtures, accent trim, shutters, front doors, black metal railings, window frames, or anything else you touch on a regular basis.

House painting tip! Semi-gloss and high-gloss paints can be brittle and chip if not applied to the right surface or with the right preparation. Gloss paints can look amazing on front doors that have been kept in great shape from porches and awnings, but won’t look nice if your door has dings, cracks, or other blemishes. Professional house painters will ensure your home is prepped and painted properly so that your paint job looks amazing and lasts a long time.

Choosing Exterior Paint Finishes: Get Expert Help

Paint finishes on your home are just as important as the colors you choose. This is why it’s critical to trust your exterior house painting project to a professional painting company. Not only will professional painters use the right painting tools and techniques to deliver a flawless finish, an expert paint color consultant will help you choose the perfect paint finishes for your siding and trim. Trusting your exterior home painting project to the professionals will provide you with beautiful, long-lasting results. Request your free exterior painting quote today!

Guest Contributor: Mark Sharp

Blue Collar Eats - Amigos Mexican Restaurant in Frankfort IL

Have you checked out our new Blue Collar Eats video over on Facebook where we reviewed Amigos Mexican Restaurant? “You guys know me, I’m always on the hunt for tacos, and we found somebody that’s giving Frankfort a run for their money”, says Kevin. This restaurant is definitely a hidden gem! We sat down and gave you the scoop, along with Ron and Jason who joined us for this delicious meal.

Ron, one of our plumbers, joined Kevin in reviewing this restaurant out. “The steak is real nice, tender, delicious, the cilantro is fresh, onions are fresh, everything is diced up real fine, it’s easy to eat. I like this taco a lot!”

Jason, another one of our plumbers, explained why everyone says this place is giving Frankfort a run for it’s money. “There’s no doubt in my mind that this place is gonna give places a run for their money.” Ron chimed in and agreed, saying, “No, definitely. Even the chicken is traditionally seasoned, not overpowering, really nice, juicy and tender. Pretty much everything you would want in a piece of chicken.”

All three agreed “now that’s a good taco!” as they cheered to the tacos and took a bite.

Kevin review a little bit of everything, from the tostados, chicken tacos, steak tacos, their guacamole, homemade salsa and burritos. He said everything was great, and the best tacos he's ever had.

“The chicken tacos and the al pastor are great!” says Rasheed from Bear Down, he’s one of their best customers! He loves this place and talks very highly of them.

Another customer explained he loves the tacos, and his little brother likes the burgers. “There’s something here for everyone.”

Amigos reopened their doors on Thursday, October 14th at 20831 S. Lagrange Rd. in Frankfort IL. Keep in mind it is a cash only establishment, but they do have an ATM located inside of the restaurant.

Check out our video on Facebook on our page, Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing - Local Plumber and make sure to check out the restaurant whenever you’re in the area!

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell