Tipper2010

Intuit, the makers of TurboTax and QuickBooks, have been helping small businesses manage their finances, and taxes for more than twenty years. Who better to address some of your burning tax-time questions? However, keep in mind that this is general … Read More

The post 6 Common Fiverr Seller Tax Questions appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

(BPT) – Being a small-business owner or home-based professional is hard work. Long hours may come with big rewards, but maintaining a clean and well-organized office might just be one of the many sacrifices. Do you think the mess doesn’t matter when it comes to the bottom line? The reality might surprise you.

Productivity and workplace cleanliness are directly related, meaning dust and grime is more than just an eyesore. A clean office produced a 5 percent productivity gain, according to a study conducted by HLW International LLP. What’s more, employee morale and engagement improve when an office is organized and clean, which in turn means higher productivity.

Piles of paper here, folders scattered there and lots of clutter everywhere — the effects of a messy workplace go even further. When office spaces are dirty, germs and viruses spread easily. In particular, touchpoints such as doors, handles, phones, etc. can be a transfer point. When you or one of your team members becomes sick, it can halt productivity for the entire business.

To keep your office clean and productivity pumping, consider these five smart tips and tricks:

1. Stock your cleaning arsenal.

When you have the right cleaning supplies and tools on hand, it’s easier to adopt and stick with a cleaning routine. Some essentials include paper towels, all-purpose spray cleaners, dusters and air deodorizers. Fortunately, you can get everything you need to maintain a clean and tidy office at Staples. Visit www.staples.com to place an order — you can even pick up breakroom essentials like coffee, along with clever office organizational supplies.

2. Wipe once weekly.

Place a bottle of disinfectant wipes at each person’s desk and encourage everyone to wipe weekly. Not only will this prevent dust and food grime from building up, it will also help eliminate germs to keep everyone healthy. Make sure to focus on the phone, keyboard, desk surface and door handle to your office. If your space has a breakroom, wiping it down regularly is equally important.

3. Plan a purge day.

Particularly appropriate during spring cleaning season, planning a purge day is a great way to eliminate clutter and inspire organization. Whether you’re a one-man-shop or have a small team of dedicated employees, set aside a few hours on a particular day to recycle old paperwork, donate dated office supplies and toss broken desk gadgets.

4. Rearrange the workspace.

After the clutter is gone, it’s time to organize. Rethink your file system and use color coding to your advantage. Use storage options to streamline desk space. Invest in ergonomic office supplies to help keep your workforce healthy. Digitize what you can to eliminate excess paperwork.

5. Organize the digital workspace.

Technology is another big consideration when it comes time to clean. Dated files, legacy software and hidden computer viruses can cause digital chaos that cuts productivity quickly. Clean up your technology systems by deleting unnecessary files and software. Buy a backup drive and cloud storage as necessary.

Want more tips for keeping a clean office from the experts at Staples? Visit www.staples.com and prepare for productivity progress.

 

So you’ve decided to invest in yourself, your future, and your happiness and start your own business.

You’ve joined the ranks of 15 million workers in the United States who are making money by working for themselves. It’s an … Read More

The post Smart Money: Guide to Building Your Business Online – Step 2 appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

The Fiverr community is made up of many creative and talented people in all kinds of fields, leading all kinds of lives. Part of what makes the Gig economy so appealing to people around the world of all different stripes … Read More

The post 4 Tips for Succeeding in the Gig Economy appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

(BPT) – Companies across the nation are looking for ways to become more energy efficient, and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are no exception. Reducing energy consumption is one of the top areas where SMB leaders need more guidance — up 14 percent from the previous year, according to the Cox Conserves Sustainability Survey.

Energy costs are among the largest business expenses for any company. Simple conservation efforts will go a long way to lower the power costs of your current operations.

“More companies than ever have said they want information on sustainability,” says Cox Enterprises Executive Vice President Alex Taylor. “Our survey showed that some SMBs often find it difficult to make or justify the investment in sustainability programs or prioritize them over other demands and initiatives. From our own experience with the Cox Conserves program, I can confirm that sustainability is as good for our business as it is for the environment.”

Here are some quick tips that can help any sized business improve efficiency and cost savings.

1. Know your baseline. Your utility company can provide detailed usage records that show usage and cost totals, as well as helpful details like peak usage times. This data helps you measure your progress.

2. Take advantage of savings. Government agencies offer a variety of tax credits, rebates and other incentives to support energy efficiency. Visit energy.gov/savings to find programs that may be available to your business.

3. Pay attention. Take note of the natural energy sources specific to your geographic location. Sun or wind energy technologies may be great money-saving solutions. If the sun sufficiently lights your office or meeting room, make a point of keeping the blinds open and the electric lights off.

4. Look at lighting. Lighting retrofits are a simple and effective solution that do not interrupt regular operations and often offer a short return on investment.

5. Encourage employees. Turning off computers and other office equipment when not in use is an easy way employees can make an impact.

These tips can start your business on a journey toward becoming a more efficient and eco-friendly organization. The benefits start at protecting the earth and extend to enhancing the bottom line.

On Thursday March 3rd, in celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Fiverr held a networking event near our NYC headquarters to gain perspective from entrepreneurs and artists alike.

We wanted to bring people together from various … Read More

The post Fiverr Celebrates National Women’s Month appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

Caroline Beaton is an award-winning writer, millennial expert and brand consultant tackling the psychology of millennials at work.

Self-employment is a victory for people who value setting their own priorities and schedules. But it’s not without shortcomings. Drawbacks include lack … Read More

The post 5 Mistakes I Made In My First Month Of Being Self-Employed appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

(BPT) – The cars of today aren’t quite your father’s car. While that’s not a surprise given the rise in new technology for the automotive sector, what some homeowners may find surprising is the level of technology with items in the garage next to the car — like the lawn equipment. Here are three unique ways today’s lawn equipment is featuring automotive-like technology.

Bluetooth Connectivity

While Bluetooth technology has become more of a standard on new cars, it is actually a unique feature on lawn equipment. With the Cub Connect mobile app, owners can connect their smartphone with certain lawn mowers, garden tractors and zero turn riders via Bluetooth. It takes the guesswork out of maintenance by allowing the lawn tractor to alert its owner about needed oil changes, blade maintenance, air filter replacements and other routine maintenance.

“With so many apps available for things homeowners don’t use, this app can actually help them keep track of maintenance for an important piece of equipment,” says Jason Cameron, home expert and TV host.

Electronic Fuel-Injected Engines

Electronic Fuel-Injected Engines — or EFI engines — were popularized in the automotive sector in 1980s. However, no one had been able to engineer the same type of technology in residential lawn tractors until this year. For the first time ever, fuel-injected engines are now available on XT2 LX42 Cub Cadet lawn tractors. The new engine technology reduces emissions and delivers excellent fuel consumption — using up to 25 percent less fuel than carbureted engines that are standard on other lawn tractors.

“According to a recent study, lower fuel consumption is a top benefit to residential lawn mower customers,” Cameron says. “And they have a willingness to pay for fuel-injection technology — more than half surveyed were likely to purchase a riding mower with a fuel-injected engine.”

Another advantage of the engine technology is that riding mowers with these engines feature a one-step start, making it easier to start in all weather conditions. The push-button start mirrors the features in many cars.

Zero Emissions

Hybrid and electric cars have carved a place in the automotive world, but there is now an equivalent to that eco-friendly technology for lawn care. The RZT-S Zero is the world’s only electric zero-turn rider with steering wheel control and four-wheel steering. It requires zero gasoline, zero oil, zero oil filters and provides zero emissions and zero engine noise, making it one of the most environmentally friendly lawn mowers on the market today. It operates on battery power, which provides up to 60 minutes of continuous mowing on an overnight charge.

For handheld lawn equipment, there’s a new technology available that also provides zero emissions. Cub Cadet powered by CORE uses a sophisticated motor technology to deliver more torque with longer runtimes and no gasoline. It’s the same type of technology used in wind turbines and even submarines. In addition to providing zero emissions, it offers reduced noise and high torque levels equal to two-cycle engines most common in garages. This technology is available in string trimmer, hedger and leaf blower options.

With features like Bluetooth, push-button starting, fuel-injected engines and zero emissions, cars aren’t the only products showcasing innovation. The next generation of lawn equipment is designed to help homeowners create their ideal outdoor spaces by incorporating efficient new technology. More information about these automotive-like features is available at www.CubCadet.com.

 

There’s no denying that the internet has changed the way we work and live. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the rise of freelancers in the American workforce. A recent study done in part by the Freelancer’s Union reports … Read More

The post Building Your Business Online: A Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

(BPT) – The path to professional success often begins with a phone interview. Ninety-two percent of HR managers rely on phone interviews to narrow down the pool of job applicants, and 88 percent say that a first impression on a phone interview is a key indicator of whether or not a candidate is right for the job, according to research from TracFone. For those looking to secure their first professional job, rejoin the workforce or climb the professional ladder, the importance of phone etiquette cannot be understated.

To master the phone interview, follow these five tips:

* Speak clearly. Speaking in a clear, confident voice eliminates potential for miscommunication and provides a positive tone to the call. Be sure to sound upbeat and enthusiastic during the interview – you can even smile to help with this and use your voice to convey your excitement about the position.

* Stay connected with the right device. All of the interview preparation in the world won’t save you if your phone fails, so make sure you’re available with a secure line when the call comes through. Consider TracFone, which offers affordable, quality smartphones such as the Alcatel 460 – the perfect tool for accessing TracFone’s nationwide coverage on America’s largest and most dependable 4G LTE networks. Plus, with no activation or cancelation fees and unlimited carryover to keep any unused minutes, text and data, you can change your no-contract plan as often as your needs change without penalties, perfect for the on-the-go professional.

* Keep your resume on hand. Often, hiring managers will reference your resume during the phone interview process. Having a copy handy will help you answer those questions with confidence and ease. You can even make a list of “talking points” that provide more detail about your background to reference during the call.

* Ask questions. The interview is meant to be a conversation and two-way process, so it’s important to have a few questions of your own about the company and position for which you’re applying. This will show the interviewer that you don’t just want any job, but a long-term career at that company. It’s also a good opportunity to determine if the job and the company really are the right fit for you.

* Send a follow-up thank you note. The phone interview doesn’t end when you hang up. One of the most important steps to career success is the follow-up. Carefully record who you spoke with and send them a thank you note for taking the time to speak with you. If you have their email address already, use that, or research their contact information on sites like LinkedIn. Reiterate your interest in the position and emphasize why you are a perfect fit. It’s an important, lasting impression that may help you secure the job and, ultimately, career success.