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What Equipment Do You Need For A Successful Event Planner

Why Hire A Corporate Event Planner

When companies throw corporate events, they think hiring a corporate event planner will put them way over budget. In reality, planners know the tips, tricks, and contacts that save businesses time and money in the long term without having to sacrifice the quality of the event.

Event planners build relationships with suppliers and received discounted rates from vendors that a planner will pass onto the client. When a company calls the same provider, they’ll pay their standard rates. These may be just as much as 20% higher compared to the rate of a well-networked event planner might receive.

Time is money and employees in the business don’t have sufficient time in their hands to plan the entire corporate event.

Spreading employees thin is pointless when a planner may do the same job more efficiently. Planners can organize and execute the event in less time than the company ever could, allow employees to concentrate on their responsibilities.

Event planners have in-depth knowledge and wisdom accumulated from the experience of many years of planning events and parties. Planners know the most recent trends, latest venues, hottest colors, spending budget-saving secrets, and details that businesses frequently look over when you just plan several events annually.

Planners have a Rolodex that’s worth all the cost of an event planning company. They’ve all of the right contacts at their fingertips, from lighting to decor. Using multiple search engines to find out vendors for the party is pointless when planners may have all of the best vendors on speed dial.

Regardless of how much meticulous planning, preparation, and management the employees do for the event, there’ll be an unforeseen hiccup. Guests shouldn’t be knowledgeable as to the problem and the staff planning the event shouldn’t appear panicked. The planner knows who to call and how to remedy the situation quickly. Planners decide using their resources to maintain the event on the right track.

A planner is an expansion of the company. They do all the hard work for the event so that employees can enjoy the event as they’re meant to. A planner allows all employees to network efficiently and make favorable impressions.

Great planners allow the business to be part of the details and decisions without being burnt out on an info overload, which occurs when employees inside the company plans the event. Planners will get to be familiar with the business and find the sellers which are ideal for the company and the event message.

Time Management

Planning an event by yourself can be a challenging task, especially if you are in full-time employment. Many do not realize the amount of time management necessary to not only pull off a successful event but also make it memorable with a bang.An event planner would aid in managing time required to plan the event as well as the schedule day of. A professional and dedicated event planner will go all the way to ensure that your event meets each deadline, is within budget, and is an unforgettable occasion.

Cut Costs

Many companies choose to plan their events because they think event planners are expensive and the task of DIY will help save money. However, hiring a corporate event planner can aid in reducing costs of throwing an event. Often times, event planners have access to negotiate lower fees, especially when they have established relationships with key venues and vendors. Corporate event planners can even advise you on where to cut corners with cost and stay within budget.

Experience and Guidance

Event planners select the industry due to a history of experience, savvy skillset, and a passion to see your dream event come to fruition. Many companies who DIY event planning will not have the savvy know-how and emotional collectiveness to put out “fires”. However, corporate event planners have seen it all and have learned to roll with the punches in case the unexpected occurs. Furthermore, a good event planner will host a post-event debrief with you to discuss the successfulness of your event and how things can be improved for the next occasion.

They focus on the details  

When it comes to planning, event experts have an eye for the finer things. Perfectly matching the color of the tablecloths to the accent pieces in the floral arrangements probably isn’t something you want to deal with. These meticulous details may seem irritating to the average host, but event planners love every second of it! Planners focus on the minute details that will take your event to the next level while you keep your attention on the big picture.

They stick to your budget

Hiring an event planner may seem like an unnecessary expense, but they actually help you save money in the long run. Event experts know where it’s acceptable to cut costs and when it’s worth spending a few extra dollars. They stick to your plan from the beginning, allow you to make adjustments if needed, and ensure that you don’t leave the event with an empty wallet.

They have connections

You’re likely already working on a tight budget (who isn’t?), so any way you can minimize costs is important. Many event planners have connections with suppliers and vendors that can offer you discounted services on decor, food, and more! And most importantly: planners are never afraid to negotiate to get you a better price.

Consider When Looking For The Best Event Planning Agency For Your Company.

Identify your needs

Do you struggle with the planning logistics? Do you have management issues during the event? Are you unable to leverage social media efficiently to promote your event? Do you lack the resources to segment and manage your attendees? What exactly is your planning process, and what are the challenges you want to overcome?

The answers will help you know what to look for when outsourcing the logistics to a third company. For example, you may have a strong social media team that can take care of promoting the event, or maybe you already have an event management tool that handles the event registration, mass mailing, and attendee segmentation. Yet you still need help setting up the venue and assisting the attendees during the event. Be very specific about your needs, because this will give you the framework to find the right event planning agency.

Ask the right questions

If you want to have a strong and efficient collaboration with the planning agency you’ll be hiring, you can’t see them as a simple logistics team that does just what you tell them do. On the contrary, you’re searching for a strategic partner that, apart from accomplishing the logistic tasks, will also consider your goals and help you design the best events.

So when scheduling a meeting with representatives from an event planning agency, make sure you have prepared the right questions for them. Instead of asking them about their planning protocol, you may want to know how they can you align your event marketing efforts with your business goals. You can also ask what their approach is to designing attendee experiences.

A seasoned planning agency will be more than thrilled to assist you with the event marketing strategy and help you run a flawless and results-driven event.

Pay attention to the questions you’re being asked

You know you’re dealing with a professional planning team when you’re not the only one asking questions. A powerful agency will take good advantage of the kick-off meeting and ask you about things such as your business goals, your audience particularities, your previous experience with event marketing, the messages you want to convey, and the internal processes you’re running.

They’ll do that to see if there’s a compatibility between the solutions they can provide and your needs. Apart from that, they’ll be able to use this information to design a personalized proposal for your brand that is aligned with the reasons why you want to run events.

Obviously, you can (and should) talk about logistics, too, but at the first meeting, pay attention to the strategic questions you’ll be asked. If you see that the planning team is trying to uncover your needs, know you’re in good hands.

Evaluate the agency’s portfolio

Each event planning agency will have an impressive portfolio that includes inspiring descriptions of the events they worked on, awesome photos, and positive ROI results. And although this gives you a better understanding of the agency’s planning style, you may want to look beyond these indicators.

So when evaluating the portfolio, also make sure the agency has experience with running the type of events you want to plan. For example, if you want to run conferences or product presentations, you won’t go with an agency that only has experience with weddings or concerts.

Also, ask the agency representatives what results they’ve generated for their clients. How many high-quality leads did their clients capture during their events? How many sales were those companies able to close after the event? This information will help you truly get to know if the planning agency can actually help you plan and run impactful events.

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Long Distance Moving Tips

Short distance moving guide

Consider hiring a moving company

Moving companies are not just for those moving long distances. They are here to make any relocation easier and faster. When moving with a company like Commercial movers you know that you will be taken care of. Your items will be transferred fast and with no damage. Movers are professionals, working carefully but fast. When hiring a moving company, you should always look for recommendations and read reviews online. This will give you better insight into the company and help you make an informed decision. Take your time choosing the company you move with. Even short-distance relocations require good movers to rely upon.

Ask friends to help

If you are not moving far away you will have the luxury to ask some friends to help. This short distance moving guide is all about making it easier for you. Asking a friend to help is not the same as hiring a moving company though. You can always count on cancellation and a change of plans. This is why it would be best that you ask your friends just to help you pack and declutter. These types of jobs will give them a little more flexibility and won’t impact the moving process greatly. All of them have their worries and jobs to manage during the day. If they are too busy just ask to keep an eye on your pets. Relocating with animals can be tricky sometimes. Make sure you ask in advance and not occupy their entire day. You still have a moving company to rely upon to mage your relocation.

Short distance moving guide section about packing and decluttering

Aside from a moving company, the most important aspects of the relocation are packing and decluttering. Decluttering process always comes first, even before hiring movers. Always be harsh when it comes to throwing things away. You do not want to move all of that clutter into our home. Packing and decluttering are done in the same manner and it is room by room. Start the decluttering process from the most cluttered parts of your home like the storage areas. Proceed throughout the entire home. Once you are done decluttering, start packing in the same manner. Packing room by room ensures your house won’t be full of boxes an inaccessible.

short distance moving guide should help you ensure a smooth and fast move. Make sure you visit your new neighborhood a few times and walk around a bit. Meet the neighbors and ensure you get to know the area. If you have kids and pets it would be great for them to walk around the new neighborhood a bit before the move.

How to find good long distance?

Imagining the moving process without a good and reliable moving company is impossible. When you hire a moving company, you can forget about dealing with moving stress. Nowadays, when you have a lot of moving companies to choose from, it would be bad not to hire some of them. Still, it is an important thing to know all the things about your future moving company. In this case, when you are wondering how to find good long distance movers

Tips that will help you to find good long distance movers

Before you discover what are the benefits of using long distance relocation services, we would like to present to you a list of the tips that will help you to find the right movers for your process. Here is a list of them:

Check the reviews. – If you are doing research on the internet of companies, you have to check the reviews. Keep in mind that knowing other people’s experiences can be really helpful for picking the right moving option.

See for how long a company is in the business. – To know and to find good long distance movers, you should also see for how long a company is in the moving industry.

What types of services do they offer? – In the case that a company offers different types of moving services, you can make a conclusion that it is a reliable and decent one. For example, if they offer some specialty moving and packing services, it tells you that movers are experienced and good ones.

Ask someone familiar who has recently relocated. – The last thing is asking someone familiar to give you a recommendation for a company. When you get it, you can do research about that company.

To know if a moving company is a good one, check if they offer a free estimate

Not all companies offer free estimates as one of the services. Getting a free estimate means that you can discover how much your relocation is going to cost you if you use the services from that company. Keep in mind that when you know the costs on time, you can organize even better for your relocation. A good example of a company that offers different types of services and a free moving estimate is the Authority Moving Group company. In this way, you can see if the costs are suitable for your budget or not.

When you find good long-distance movers, contact them

Once you find potential good long distance movers, you should contact them. Tell them about what type of relocation you are planning to make and how many belongings you have. By defining it, you will know what can you expect from that company and if movers are suitable for your moving or not

Hiring good long distance movers is an important thing

In the end, you can see that it is an important thing to find good long distance movers. You just have to take your time when you are searching for them. Consider all these tips that we have presented to you and be sure that you will find the right option in no time!

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take an active personal role in your move, providing professional planning and coordination to assure a smooth transition into your new home.

Movers representative will meet with you to outline the moving plan, target dates, procedures, and, if necessary demonstrate simple packing techniques.

How to Estimate Moving Jobs: A Pricing Guide for Small Businesses

Moving jobs can cost a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Because moving can be expensive, clients will want detailed, accurate estimates before they purchase your services. Writing a formal estimate also helps a moving company take a detailed look at costs to that they end up making a profit. Just remember, you’re legally bound by the information in your written estimate

Visit the House

Don’t simply give quotes over the phone or online. It’s important to visit the potential client’s house in person so you know exactly what you’re dealing with and can charge accordingly (see additional costs below). Otherwise, you might end up lowballing yourself and confusing the client with extra fees later.

Make an Inventory List

Visiting the home will also obviously help you make an inventory list of everything you will move, something you need to include with your written estimate. You need to include all furniture, even smaller items, and the approximate number of boxes you’ll be moving. This inventory list must be included with your estimate.

Decide on a Type of Estimate

There are three types of moving estimates:

Binding moving estimate: the price you provide in the estimate must be honored in the final invoice. If anything changes, though, such as having to move additional items, then you can adjust the price.

Non-binding moving estimate: you can bill up to 110 percent of the price you provide in this type of estimate at delivery time and bill additional charges later. This estimate is your best guess and the final number is determined by the shipment weight and services provided.

Binding-not-to-exceed moving estimate: same as a binding estimate except if the client’s items weigh less than you estimated, then the client pays less too.

Consider the Moving Date

Charge twice the average during busy moving seasons, like summer and holidays. You should also set a time limit on the quote, such as 30 days. If the client doesn’t make a decision after the quote’s expiration date, draw up a new one, if requested, and make sure to add extra charges if the new relocation date falls in a busier season.

Tips for Moving Out of State

Whether you plan to relocate down the street, or across the country, the following tips can aid you in your move.

Develop a master plan before you move

Sit down with everyone in your household and put together a master to-do list. This should include a strategy for packing, contacting all relevant service providers and determining if you’ll need a professional moving service.

Get started on your move early

Moving is a long and involved process, so it’s extremely important to give yourself plenty of time to prepare. If you choose to hire a professional moving company, you need to make preparations in advance. Call potential moving companies as early as possible, and weekend moves require even more notice. If you want to move on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, call at least a month in advance. If you’re moving Monday-Thursday, a two-week notice should suffice.

Choose your moving method

You can handle everything yourself, or hire professional movers to pack, transport and unpack everything for you. Many people opt for intermediate options, such as hiring movers to take only the largest, most awkward items, or packing up everything themselves and letting the movers drive the truck to the new home

Consider the cost of these services as well as your schedule. One of the main factors that will influence the cost of a move is whether it’s classified as interstate or intrastate. Interstate moves involve crossing state lines and intrastate moves stay within the same state.

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Differences Between A Dui Lawyer And A Criminal Law Attorney

Got a DUI or DWI? 3 Things You Need to Know

If you’re facing a DUI or DWI charge, you may be wondering how to deal with it. Many people wrongly assume that a DUI is a traffic offense when it is really a crime. Litigation occurs in criminal court, and you are being charged with a misdemeanor or even a felony, not a traffic ticket!

Here are a few things you should consider when charged with a DWI or DUI:

1. Finding a Good DUI Attorney might not be easy.

Attempting to find an attorney or lawyer can be difficult, especially for a first-time offender. If this is your first offense, you may choose to proceed without a lawyer, but a good lawyer can help you navigate the court system and see if a plea deal is available. If this is your second offense or higher, you definitely need the help of a lawyer. Look for a lawyer that specializes in DWI and DUI cases, and try to meet with at least two lawyers before you decide who to go with.

2. Figure Out How You’re Going to Pay your DUI fine and legal fees.

You’ll likely have two costs when facing a DUI or DWI conviction: court fines and legal fees. Make sure you’re prepared for both.  DWI fines in the state of Texas can which could be up to $10,000. If you’re unable to pay your DUI or DWI fines or penalties, it may result in jail time. Reach out to friends and family if you know you’ll have trouble with this part. You can pay them back later, but the judge will not take ‘later’ as an answer. If you’re worried about being able to pay legal fees, talk to your lawyer up front about the total costs for representing you. You may want to look into a legal protection plan, which can offer legal help at a lower cost.

3. Investigate Your Case and the Law.

You should also make sure that you were rightly charged. DUI charges are usually pretty irrefutable, but if your lawyer can help you find a loophole, or you were treated unfairly, you may be able to file a lawsuit to counter the charges against you. Your best chance of fighting a DWI or DUI is with a qualified attorney that specializes in these cases.

The most important piece to remember is that once you are charged with a DUI, you are a criminal in the eyes of the court. You need to be efficient in finding yourself a defense and be prepared. DUIs and DWIs are no joke, because driving under the influence could hurt not only you, but others on the road. Be prepared and professional with your case from start to finish, and use the charge as an opportunity to learn about yourself and your responsibilities as a driver.

Things You Should Do When Facing a First Offense DUI

Imagine this scene: you’re having happy hour cocktails with friends from work, and the night is winding down. You’re a little buzzed, but don’t feel drunk. You know you should probably not drive, but home isn’t far, so you decide to go for it.

You only get a few miles down the road when you see the police lights in your rearview mirror. The next thing you know, you’re being booked at the local police station for a first offense DUI.

It only takes a few critical decisions to join the ranks of 1.5 million people who are arrested for drunk driving every year.

When getting a DUI, it’s important to know what steps to take to ensure your rights are protected. Here are 5 steps you should take right away.

1. Stay Level Headed

If you get pulled over, it is crucial to keep your calm. While you probably won’t be able to talk your way out of a first offense DUI, being rude to the officer certainly won’t help your case.

Make sure to cooperate with the officer’s requests and directions. Legally, you have the right to refuse a breathalyzer test and the field sobriety test. Keep in mind, however, that the officer may still decide to arrest you for a DUI charge.

Refusal of these tests may eliminate certain evidence against you.

2. Contact an Attorney

After you have been charged with a first offense DUI, you will probably have to make court appearances. This is where you will face sentencing, and could be charged with fines, probation, or even prison time.

You will have the option to represent yourself in court, but this is not necessarily a good idea. An attorney will better understand your unique circumstances and can navigate the legal process.

Also, you should make sure to contact an attorney who has experience with DUI cases. Just because your buddy went to law school does not mean that they know how to help you with a DUI. With the consequences that are at stake, it is crucial to be represented by someone who knows how to get the best outcome for you.

Depending on the incident that led to the DUI, the case could go on for a long time. For instance, if there was a collision that involved another vehicle or property, you could be sued for personal injury or property damage. If this happens, the case could drag on for several years.

3. Get Your Story Straight

If you are facing a case that could take several years to resolve, you should make sure to get your story straight as soon as possible. You will likely be asked to give statements and multiple depositions. If details change from one deposition to another, it can make your testimony look weak.

  • Write Things Down

Do you remember what you were doing three weeks ago tonight? Probably not off the top of your head. You would likely need to consult your calendar or people who were with you.

For this reason, you should never rely on your memory to help you keep your facts straight when it comes to legal issues. You may forget minor details that seem minor to you, but that opposing counsel can latch onto.

Write things down like where you were, who you were with, what you did, etc. This will help you ensure that you are telling the truth with consistency.

  • Talk to Witnesses

If there were witnesses the evening you were out or in the vehicle at the time of the DUI, make sure to speak with them as well. Their testimonies will also be important.

In the best case scenario, what they remember can help you. But even in the worst-case scenario, it’s better to hear a testimony that will hurt your case before the fact.

  • Don’t Overshare

Whenever you are dealing with legal issues, it is important to be circumspect about who you share details with. For example, your coworkers do not need to know everything about your case. You should also avoid discussing details in public places.

Additionally, be mindful of what you share on social media. Even something that seems harmless, like sharing photos of nights out with your friends, could hurt your case. For instance, if your pictures frequently have alcohol in it, opposing counsel could use that as evidence against you, perhaps imply that you’re an alcoholic.

4. Understand the Consequences

As you get started with your case, it is important to know what kinds of consequences are at stake. Depending on the severity of the charge, you may face hefty fines or prison time.

In most cases, your license will be suspended for some length of time. You may also need to take an alcohol education or driver education course.

If you are mandated to do these things, you should always follow through. The more compliant you are, the more smoothly the process will go.

5. Talk to Your Insurance Company

Often, after a DUI, you will see your insurance rates go up. This is because insurance rates are based on how the insurance company evaluates the risk of having you as a client. If you are charged with a DUI, that will make you seem at higher risk of causing an accident.

Reach out to your insurance company to see what kind of rate increase you can expect. Also, find out if there is anything you can do to bring your rates back down. Sometimes a driver education course may help to lower your rates again.

What is an Aggravated DUI?

There are certain factors that, in the eyes of the law, make some drunk driving cases worse than others. These cases are called “aggravated DUIs” are come with a heftier punishment.

If you’ve violated any of these conditions, you may find yourself with a higher fine, a longer suspension, or a larger prison sentence:

  • Unusually high blood-alcohol content:

The legal limit in every state is currently 0.8%. Anything higher than that is grounds for arrest. Those who are caught with a BAC far higher than that may be considered for an aggravated DUI.

  • Children in the car:

Driving drunk with minors in your vehicle? The state is probably going to charge you with an aggravated case. In many states, driving drunk in a school zone is considered the same as having children in your car.

  • Several convictions:

The more offenses you have, the larger the penalty. Repeat offenders are treated as aggravated cases.

  • Driving extremely fast:

The judge will take your speed into consideration. Driving fast is considered to be aggravated behavior and you’ll be punished accordingly.

  • Driving without a license:

If your license has been revoked for a DUI or any other reason, you’re expected to stay off the road. Those who are caught drunk driving without a license will face some serious penalties.

Things To Know If You’re Facing A Dui Or Mip

Nobody is perfect, and we all have our moments of unfortunate judgment.  If you made some poor decisions over the holiday weekend and are now facing a DUI or an MIP, here’s what you need to know.

#1: An alcohol-related charge is NOT a conviction

Just because you’ve been charged with DUI or MIP does not mean you’ve been convicted.  Even with evidence such as blood alcohol content above the legal limit, it is still possible to strike a plea deal, negotiate a diversion whereby a conviction does not occur or even have the case dismissed, so don’t give up hope.

 #2: Contact an experienced DUI/MIP lawyer right away

Your best shot at fighting a DUI or MIP charge is to get an experienced lawyer on the case right away.  A lawyer can examine the details of your case, including your arrest record, and determine the best line of defense for your specific situation.

 #3: Mum’s the Word

With the exception of your lawyer, be careful about the people to whom you reveal details of your case.  Whether it’s the prosecutor asking you questions or a casual conversation with a friend, things you say could be used against you in court, and your friends and family could even be called as witnesses against you.

#4: Stick to the Rules

If your license has been suspended, then don’t drive, no matter how inconvenient.  Don’t go out drinking, and don’t be out in an environment where it could appear that you are.  If you think your behavior could be seen as questionable, then avoid engaging in that behavior.

Long-Term DUI Consequences

If you’re convicted of driving under the influence, don’t worry too much. You should, first and foremost, be thankful that you’re still alive. And, if no one else was hurt, you should be thankful for that, too. Each year, more than 10,000 Americans are killed in drunk driving accidents. Luckily, you still have time to get your life back.

The initial steps in recovering from a DUI conviction are overwhelming. They’re the biggest challenge in the whole process. As soon as you’re charged, the shock and fear will start to take hold. You’ll find yourself asking questions like:

  • Am I going to lose my job?
  • Is anyone going to insure me now that I have a DUI?
  • How much will insurance cost?
  • Will I ever drive again?
  • Can I travel internationally after getting a DUI?
  • What is my life going to be like now?

The consequences of drunk driving are well documented. However, people don’t know what life after a DUI is like until they live through it. If you’ve never been convicted of driving under the influence, it may feel like you’ll never recover. It’s possible to get back on your feet, though. If you stay strong while you manage the consequences of your conviction and seek treatment for alcoholism if you need it, you’ll be fine.

You’ll be back to living a normal life before you know it.

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Criminal Defense Attorney Practice

How to identify a good criminal defense lawyer

What a Criminal Defense lawyer can do for you

A competent criminal defense lawyer can negotiate a plea bargain, prepare your case for trial, and craft the best strategy for your defense. If you’re facing a criminal charge, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer to help you understand the nature of the charges filed, any available defenses, plea bargain deals, and the consequences a criminal conviction will mean for you.

Why hire a Criminal defense attorney

If you are suspected of a crime or charged with a violation of law, you may require the services of a criminal defense attorney to present your defense or negotiate a penalty. As different rules and procedures exist for different offenses, you should seek a criminal defense attorney who has worked on your particular type of case to provide you with the best defense. An experienced criminal defense attorney knows what information the government will need to prove your guilt. The defense attorney will also know what information you need to prove your innocence, including whether there are any legal rules justifying your actions.

Things You Should Know About Public Defenders

Defendants have a constitutional right to an attorney. If they cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided. These are known as public defenders. While public defenders offer free legal representation, their results are often found wanting when compared to a private criminal defense attorney. Here are three things you should know about public defenders before you go to court.

1. Public Defenders are Often Overworked

Anyone facing criminal charges who can’t afford an attorney goes to a public defender. As a result, public defenders may receive hundreds of cases per week. Every single person under arrest needs a court trial, and most of them rely on a public defender, even for misdemeanors. One study found that most public defenders have triple or even quadruple as many cases as they can comfortably handle.

Public defenders rarely have the time necessary to build a strong defense. Moreover, they can’t specialize in any one area of law because they represent any case that comes through their door.

2. Public Defenders are Assigned

As the now-infamous saying goes, “You have a right to an attorney, you don’t have a right to a specific attorney.” In practice, that means defendants are stuck with the public defender they’re assigned.

If someone doesn’t believe the public defender is acting in their best interest or devoting resources to their case, their only alternative is to hire a private attorney. Private attorneys give defendants the freedom to “shop around” and find the legal counselor who can best represent their case.

3. Public Defenders Get Worse Deals

Studies have found that public defenders are significantly less likely to get a not-guilty verdict. In the case of a deal or plea bargain, people represented by public defenders are more likely to get longer sentences and tougher probation criteria than private defenders.

How to identify a good criminal defense lawyer

Reputation:A good crime defense attorney will be known for his reputation in the community. A reputable lawyer is one who has handled difficult or high-profile cases and has a higher ratio of wins as compared to other lawyers. A good lawyer’s reputation for success will most certainly precede them.

Experience:

When it comes to finding an expert, experience matters especially when your life is at stake. Serious crimes can be handled with ease by an expert criminal defense lawyer. Handling a crime case in the trial room can very tricky and difficult task. Apart from the detailed knowledge of the legal terms and processes, the lawyer must have dozens of cases under is or her belt. This gives them experience and expertise to understand the tricks and pitfalls of trying various types of cases.

Research skills:

The attorney that you hire should have good investigation skills. This skill is very important as it is often the minute, unnoticed details that can make or break a case. He should be able to spend hours researching information for his clients. Also, he should be aware of where to look for right kind of information, so their research is accurate and backed up by the authority of the source. A good investigation and research help in building a solid defense.

Analytical skills:

Apart from putting in hard work, your lawyer should possess analytical skills to analyze the information collected. He should have a sharp mind so as to make quick decisions and arguments in the courtroom.

How to identify a good criminal defense lawyer is easy if you look for the above-mentioned attributes in your shortlisted attorneys.

Check out their client feedback and ratings:

One of the best ways to gauge how an attorney will treat you is by looking at how they have treated others. Past client testimonials and scores from professional ratings organizations such as Avvo can provide an invaluable look into a lawyer’s character and reputation. If others have praised them for their work, they will most likely offer you the same level of service.

Retain a dedicated defense attorney:

While most firms claim to “handle” criminal defense cases, some firms only dedicate a small portion of their practice to criminal defense and have less experience than in other areas of law. When your freedom is on the line, you cannot afford to go with an attorney who only dabbles in criminal defense. Attorneys that have dedicated a large portion if not their entire practice to criminal law will be better equipped to defend you against the prosecution’s claims and maximize your chances of success.

Stay away from public defenders:

While public defenders are almost always the more affordable option, they are frequently inexperienced and overloaded with cases, meaning they will not be able to dedicate the necessary amount of time your case deserves. A private attorney will have a much greater investment in the outcome of your case and will be able to provide a superior level of dedication.

Get References

Experienced and qualified lawyers will have one thing in common regardless of their differences in law: They will have lots of happy former clients who will have reviewed them favorably online.

It will be extremely helpful to you if you can read reviews from past clients. Getting this kind of information from those who have previously worked with your potential lawyer can be invaluable in the decision-making process.

Look for Confidence

An experienced lawyer should know the legal system well enough to know how things turn out and what a time frame looks like for different parts of the case.

While many factors, including whether a case will even go to trial, cannot be known up front, it’s a good idea for the lawyer to know the tendencies of the prosecutor’s office when it comes to making deals.

A possible outcome of a criminal case is the prosecutor making a deal with you, so it helps to have a lawyer already familiar with what kinds of deals are offered and under what circumstances.

In short, look for someone who knows enough to be confident about their abilities, but who is not so blinded with those abilities that they make promises they cannot keep.

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Home & Mold Inspection

Standard Mold Removal Guidelines

Now, we’d like to share that knowledge with fellow mold remediation professionals because existing literature on the topic of residential mold removal is just not enough. We’ve outlined simple and straightforward procedures, in compliance with current industry standards, for easy reference on or off the job site.

To be clear, these guidelines are not meant to replace existing protocols for mold remediation. Rather, they aim to enhance current standards by reformulating them in a way that is easier for readers to follow. We have broken them all down to the bare essentials and used our years of professional experience to illustrate how to apply those standards safely and effectively at any job site.

Who are these guidelines for?

The Residential Mold Removal Guidelines are written in a style that anyone can understand. They are therefore perfect for, not just mold remediation professionals, but also:

Homeowners, landlords and property managers

Indoor environmental professionals

Mold inspection, testing and remediation companies

Industrial hygienists, engineers & consultants

Remediation & abatement workers

Contractors, eenovators & construction workers

Educators & health-care professionals

A Guide for Mold and Mold Testing

Are you concerned Mold in your home? Have family members been getting frequently sick? Or, perhaps you can smell a mildew? Whether it seems apparent or not, mold is running rampant. It is vital to properly maintain a home to limit the possibility of mold in your home. Otherwise, you could need further mold testing by a home inspector and remediation.

What causes mold?

The underlying cause of microbial growth is moisture. If you can stop moisture intrusion or control where it is, ultimately, you can control the mold. In a home, the main causes of mold are from moisture intrusion protruding through exterior walls, roof leaks, or the HVAC system (air handler). This can be due to delayed maintenance of a home or failure of key home systems.

How can I find the mold?

When concerned about the location of mold, try to find a spot of possible moisture intrusion like a roof leak or near a window. Look at all your ceilings to check for water stains and around all windows for water staining.

When it comes to the HVAC system, it can be a little more complicated, but a perfect place to start is at the return filter. Ensure you have a new (high quality) air filter in your air handler return. You may also check in this area for signs of water damage.

Replacing your filter at your air handler return is an important maintenance item to control the air inside your home. You may check behind this filter for moisture. Once a place of moisture is found, you can call the proper contractor to repair the system: e.g. roof, exterior windows, HVAC.

How to clean the mold

When in doubt, you may clean mold with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water. HOWEVER! If the underlying issue (water) is not repaired, the mold will continue. It is best practice to hire a professional so the issue does not arise again.

Mold

Can mold cause health problems?

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed.

Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional.

Are there Federal regulations or standards regarding mold?

Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set. Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants.

Has EPA issued specific recommendations on how frequently carpet should be cleaned?

No. EPA recommends that consumers and others follow manufacturer recommendations and industry standards for keeping carpet clean to protect indoor air quality wherever carpet is installed. A number of carpet cleaning companies have been under the incorrect impression that EPA issued official carpet cleaning recommendations in a 1989 letter from the then-Deputy Director of EPA’s Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office in EPA’s Office of Research and Development

Does ultraviolet (UV) radiation from UV lamps kill mold?

If properly designed, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) cleaners that use ultraviolet radiation from UV lamps may destroy indoor biological pollutants such as viruses, bacteria, and some molds that are growing on the moist interiors of HVAC surfaces (e.g., cooling coils, drain pans, or ductwork). But typical UVGI cleaners used in homes have limited effectiveness in killing bacteria and molds. Effective destruction of some viruses and most mold and bacterial spores usually requires much higher UV exposure than is provided in a typical home unit. Furthermore, dead mold spores can still produce allergic reactions, so UVGI cleaners may not be effective in reducing allergy and asthma symptoms.

Mold Testing and Inspection Experts

Mold Inspection Sciences of Boulder provides the following services: mold testing, mold inspection, mold detection, CIRS protocol inspection and testing, mold remediation protocols and support services, and post-remediation clearance testing

specialize in collecting the appropriate type and number of samples required to determine the presence of mold. Using laboratory grade measurement and collection devices we obtain samples and ensure the sample integrity so when evaluated by our laboratory you can be confident the results are accurate.

Mold Inspection Services

mold inspection and mold testing services leverage our extensive knowledge of mold and mildew (black mold, black toxic mold, Stachybotrys, and other molds) and the conditions conducive to mold growth as well as building construction, air flows, building materials, and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems.

Moisture Detection

Where we find mold, we find moisture. By locating the source of moisture and identifying hidden water intrusion sources we can focus our mold investigation in the right areas. Where there is water damage from a flood, leak, or natural event we can inspect and asses the water damage along with identifying the presence of mold and make recommendations on the best ways to return the home or office to a healthy state.

ertified Mold Inspectors

value certification, education, and experience. Performing quality mold inspections requires all three. Each of our inspectors, consultants, and project managers is a Certified Mold Inspecto

Mold Remediation Courses

Learn the fundamentals of mold remediation and become familiar with important guidance documents that will help standardize the work.

Objective – Define remediation, identify the parties involved, and describe the remediation process from start to finish.

Understand the role personal protective equipment plays in reducing exposure to mold during remediation activities.

Objective – Identify the different types of respirators and other personal protective equipment used in mold remediation.

Design remediation projects that protect workers, occupants, and the surrounding uncontaminated areas.

Objective – Identify three types of containment and describe how they isolate the mold contaminated areas.

Objective – Identify the important standards and guidelines to follow when remediating mold.

Objective – Describe how air filtration devices can be used to establish a pressure differential to prevent the escape of airborne contaminants from the work area.

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Accountant Practice Sale

The Most Common Accounting Mistakes Small Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them

Most small business owners are an expert in their field, but not necessarily in the accounting aspects of building a business. And, with this comes a few common mistakes. Yet, even simple small business accounting mistakes can prove to be financially limiting and costly down the road. With the help of an accounting professional, it is possible to overcome at least some of these mistakes. Take a look at some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

#1: Choosing the Right Accounting Software for My Business

You’ve purchased small business accounting software. You assume it will be ideally matched to your business and easy enough to jump into. It’s not. The problem is, each business requires a carefully selected and even customized accounting method. There are always risks related to regulatory compliance when the wrong accounting software is used or information is overlooked.

To resolve this, work with a professional that listens to your needs, learns about your business, and modifies your bookkeeping methods to meet your goals.

#2: Your Business Has Poor Organization and Recordkeeping

It’s quite common for small business owners to lack the time and skills to effectively manage small business recordkeeping and bookkeeping. There’s much to do and it takes time away from your business. And, there are dozens of apps and cloud accounting options present. Which do you use?

The good news is all of those options are a good thing. It means there are no longer excuses for not getting your business organized. With a bit of help, it is possible to set up a system that streamlines your business operations.

#3: Cash Flow Versus Profit-Loss Statement

Many small businesses are making money on paper, but they end up going under if their float to getting paid is too long. This is financially limiting and stunts your growth as well.

It’s important to understand how this impacts your business. Cash flow is a critical component of any business operation — it determines how much you end up borrowing and paying for, too. Learn the best methods for managing cash flow.

#4: Not Understanding Standard Accounting Procedures and Terminology

Many small business owners don’t understand key business accounting terms and procedures. What does setting up controls mean? What about bank reconciliation? What are your balance sheets and when are they updated? Profit and loss statements are filled with very specific terminology you need to get right.

It’s possible to learn these terms and methods on your own. There’s plenty of information available. However, it takes time to learn it all. More importantly, you may find applying specific procedures and tax laws to your business challenging. To overcome this, work with a tax professional you can depend on.

#5: The Small Business Budget

A budget provides financial insight. It offers guidance to you about where your business is right now and what your goals are. That’s because a budget — which many small business owners lack — creates key goals for your company to manage. Flying blind, on the other hand, is a common small business mistake.

Creating a budget takes some time and a good amount of dedication. Once it is in place, it can be modified each month to meet current needs. Software is available to help with this, but an accounting professional is also an option.

Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing Accounting Software

Your accounting system should have similar intelligence to do the same thing for your business. Your employees should be able to collaborate from anywhere, at anytime in a secure hosted environment. If you’re looking to upgrade, here are seven mistakes to avoid when purchasing accounting software.

1. IT HAS BEAUTIFUL SCREENS

It’s easy to make accounting software look beautiful, but does that cute baby blue interface really work in the real world? A screen that has a picture of how your check will look like when printed may impress you, but try cutting 25+ checks one at a time in that interface. Not so beautiful anymore!

2. IT HAS BUILT-IN DASHBOARDS

Almost every product today has dashboards. They call it business intelligence, but how intelligent is a dashboard that’s not customizable to what is important to you? What about canned templates that mean nothing to you and you can’t change them? You need feature-rich tools that let you configure your own dashboards with real-time data, and that you can slice and dice the way you want.

3. IT HAS GREAT SECURITY

Most business applications today have multiple levels of security, but what about a desktop application? We are in the era of the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) world. We all want to use Excel and report writers to get at the data and how we want to see it. Most of these tools will bypass the application’s security leaving your company exposed. Security needs to be bound to the data, not the application!

4. IT DOES EVERYTHING

It is easy to demo software to make it look like it can do almost anything. Do your due diligence and document your company’s must-have requirements. During your demo, make sure to see that all those requirements have been met!

5. IT IS TOO EXPENSIVE

It is always easy to first evaluate what something costs before evaluating its value. Business tools should always be evaluated on the impact they make to the company. What is the ROI? How will this solution leverage my company’s growth? Would you spend $10,000 to save $500,000?

6. DATA CONVERSION IS A BREEZE

Really? Anybody that says data conversion is a breeze is simply living in another world. One of the most important factors in implementing a new system is to take advantage of its capabilities, but using old data structures can be limiting. For example, if the old system is limited to a simple chart of accounts structure, then converting it as is can limit the new system. Instead of converting, you should be re-aligning your old data along the structures of the new system’s capabilities. Take advantage of your new efficiencies to grow your business faster!

7. I LOVE MY SERVERS

Who really wants to maintain servers? Cloud technology is the way to go! It should be agile and run in a browser interface. You don’t make money managing hardware, infrastructure, or software. Why not access your information at any time, anywhere and on any device?

Common Accounting Software Mistakes To Avoid

No company can afford to operate without the right accounting software. When considering whether to buy a new product or upgrade their current solutions, however, business owners often fall prey to some common mistakes. Here are five gaffes to avoid:

Relying on a generic solution

Some companies rush into buying an accounting system without stopping to consider all their options. Perhaps most important, they may be missing out on specific versions for their industries.

For instance, construction companies can choose from many applications with built-in features specific to how their businesses work. Nonprofit organizations also have industry-specific accounting software. If you haven’t already, check into whether a product addresses your company’s area of focus.

Spending too much or too little

When buying or upgrading something as important as an accounting system, it’s easy to overspend. Those bells and whistles can be enticing. Then again, frugal-minded business owners may underspend, picking up a low-end product and letting staff deal with the headaches.

The ideal approach generally lies somewhere in the middle. Perform a thorough review of your accounting needs, transaction volume and required reports, as well as your employees’ proficiency and the availability of tech support. Then calculate a reasonable budgeted amount to spend.

Getting stuck in a rut

Assuming you already have an accounting system, one of the keys to managing it is knowing precisely when to upgrade. You don’t want to spend money unnecessarily, but you also shouldn’t risk errors or outdated functionality by waiting too long.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your financial statements are a potentially helpful source of information. A general rule of thumb says that, when revenues hit certain benchmarks (perhaps $5 million, $10 million or $15 million), a business may want to start thinking “upgrade.” The right tipping point depends on various factors, however.

Neglecting the importance of integration and mobile access

Once upon a time, a company’s accounting software was a standalone application, and data from across the company had to be manually entered into the system. But integration is the name of the game these days. You should be able to integrate your accounting system with all (or most) of your other software so that data can be shared seamlessly and securely.

Also consider the availability and functionality of mobile access to your accounting system. Many solutions now include apps that users can use on their smartphones or tablets.

Going it alone

Which accounting package you choose may seem an entirely internal decision. After all, you and your staff will be the ones using it, right? But you may be forgetting one rather obvious person who could help: your accountant.

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Does Your Vacation Rentals Cleaning Listing Stand Out

CLEANING GUIDELINES FOR COVID-19

It is assumed that your cleaner is a professional and already adheres to many, if not all, of the standards of professional cleaning addressed in the sources above.  If you advertise on VRBO or AirBnB, these documents are available to you. In addition, AirBnB’s guidelines are available to you for a nominal fee on a number of websites.  Therefore the summary below is specifically addressed to the special risks created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

it is expected that testing before flying and/or further testing at the state’s airports will help keep tourists who have COVID-19 from entering the state.  That, combined with the already low rates of infection and statewide implementation of safe practices including use of masks and social distancing will reduce the likelihood that guests staying in vacation accommodations will be sick when they arrive or become sick during their stay

“At this time, our best research shows that COVID-19 is spread in the following ways:

• It spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet).

• The virus travels through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

• These droplets can land in the mouth or nose of someone nearby or possibly inhaled into the lungs.

• COVID-19 may spread like this even if the infected person is not showing symptoms.

• There is evidence that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly eyes; however, this is not thought to be a main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning.”

Numerous scientific sources tell us that respiratory droplets of the virus stay airborne for three hours (WHO) whereas aerosol (smaller) droplets stay in the air for longer periods of time – at this point not known. It is estimated to be over a period of 18 hours or less. As they drop, they are expected to deteriorate in strength. Different strategies for handling airborne droplets are discussed below.

Wait a minimum of 24 hours before anyone is allowed to enter the vacation unit. It is recommended by VRHP that waiting for the majority of droplets to fall before entering the unit (three hours) is the “safest course of action” and that longer periods of time up to 24 hours are reasonable if the situation allows. This suggests that avoiding back to backs, if possible, is preferred. Once the time has passed and the property is “safe”, the cleaner then enters the property, opens the windows to further dissipate any remaining random droplets, cleans, and sanitizes the unit’s surfaces using CDC approved sanitizing cleaners. If this strategy is employed, when the cleaner does enter, he/she will primarily be focusing on hard surfaces as the 24 hours of no entry and the open windows will address residual airborne droplets. When the schedule does not allow waiting for 24 hours, then a number of other strategies (2-4 below) can be employed.

Prepare Your Vacation Rentals for Coronavirus

Clean, clean, clean

Scrub every surface according to CDC Standards. Take extra precaution with items like comforters and throw blankets that are sponges for germs. Consider switching to machine washable options (if you do not have those already)

Stock up on essentials for germ protection

Put hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in a visible spot in most rooms of the household. Also put a bottle of hand soap at every sink. Business Insider also suggests having on-hand:

Paper Towels

Toilet Paper

First Aid Kit

Tissues

Dish Soap

Communicate with your guests

Let your guests know that you are taking every precaution to clean and disinfect your vacation rental. Also provide your guests with the tips and tools needed to stay healthy. The CDC and World Health Organization have ample resources for you to share with your guests.

HOW WE’RE KEEPING YOUR VACATION RENTAL CLEAN

The cleanliness of our vacation rentals has, and always will be, held to the highest standards in the vacation rental industry. Keeping your vacation rental clean amid COVID-19 (and beyond) is no different and it’s our top priority to exceed the business standards in order to ensure your home and vacation is a worry-free one.

VRHP/VRMA Cleaning Guidelines

As we are following the recommended cleaning guidelines from the Vacation Rental Housekeeping Professionals (VRHP) and Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA), we’ve begun an increasingly rigorous sanitization and disinfection protocol. These protocols protect both our guests and our staff, delivering peace-of-mind to everyone.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Usage

For the safety of our staff (including housekeepers, inspectors, maintenance technicians, etc.), we are providing them with facemasks and gloves during all vacation rental visits, whether internal or external visits. All staff has been properly trained in correct mask and glove usage.

Gloves will be changed between properties and during any in-property tasks. Our staff will wash their hands as soon as gloves are removed and between glove use.

Any of our team members who arrive at work showing signs of illness, experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms, or have come into contact with a person suspected of having the virus will be sent home and recommended to have themselves tested. Once we receive confirmation that this individual is healthy, we will welcome them back into our offices to continue serving our guests.

Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures

Gloves will be worn at all times while in the home and our staff will sanitize their hands both prior and post home clean in order to ensure no bacteria is spread.

team will also pay careful attention to high-touch surfaces including (but not limited to):

Doorknobs

Stair railings

Telephones

Remote controls

Television buttons

Sliding door handles

Touch screens

Kitchen appliances and fixtures

Light switches

Vacation Rental Cleaning Procedures You Must Follow During & After COVID-19

Safeguard your vacation rental properties from coronavirus with these recommended cleaning procedures to keep guests and high star ratings protected.

Vacation rental cleaning is always one of the highest priorities for vacation homeowners and vacation property managers. However, thanks to the coronavirus, the cleaning stakes have been raised. Now, it’s more important than ever to protect your vacation rental against germs and viruses. We are here to help you reassess your vacation rental cleaning procedures and processes to make sure your properties are protected and 100% coronavirus-free with these recommended guidelines

Clean & Disinfect After Every Guest

In a world before coronavirus, you may have given your rental vacation properties a regular cleaning that would’ve been more than acceptable for the next incoming guests. However, due to the contagiousness of the coronavirus, guests are demanding the highest standard of cleaning possible – can you blame them?

Start by cleaning frequently touched and visibly dirty surfaces using soap and water. High touch surfaces include tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.

For soft surfaces such as carpeted rugs and drapes, clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces.

Vacation rental cleaning: your questions, answered

What’s the difference between normal housekeeping and vacation rental housekeeping?

How often do you check your blinds for dust? Or change the sheets of every bed in your home? When you own a short-term rental, these are just some of the tasks you’ll need to take care of between every guest stay. And while it might be tempting to simply hire conventional cleaning providers, you risk providing inadequate accommodations—which can potentially hurt your rental business in the long run.

Typical housekeeping isn’t usually a comprehensive clean. It refreshes your home, sure, but a normal clean doesn’t always address the little things that your guests might notice (and mention after their stay). Vacation rental housekeeping is a typical clean and then some. The goal of vacation rental housekeeping is to present a home that is clean, comfortable, and inspires glowing reviews. When you rent out your vacation home, you commit to providing a meticulous clean between each stay—which is no small feat, especially if you’re also juggling customer service, bookings, and marketing.

What should I look for when researching vacation home cleaning services?

Many vacation rental owners leave the cleaning of their homes to “professionals”—but that label is no guarantee for a guest-approved clean. We recommend working with a service that specifically offers cleaning for vacation rentals. They’ll know what needs to be done and how quickly they’ll need to do it before the next guest arrives.

Often, you’ll find vacation rental managers will offer to connect you to a local housekeeper. Some may even offer in-house cleaning services. But that convenience may come at a cost: small vacation rental managers who offer housekeeping may not always have the staff to keep up with spikes in demand, potentially leaving your home in the lurch. Seek out and build connections with other vacation rental owners in your area. Ask them about their experiences with local house cleaners and property managers. It’s always a good idea to do your homework, especially when the comfort and safety of your guests is on the line.

Why should I hire a professional vacation rental cleaning service?

Because life happens. You don’t always have three hours to clean your home on an ever-changing schedule and within tight deadlines. And you don’t always want to sacrifice holidays or special events to clean up after someone else.

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Purchasing A Chiropractor Practice

Primary tips for choosing the right chiropractic care

Everyone suffers from illness and pains in their life at some point due to aging or unhealthy and improper lifestyle habits. And, in most cases, you just know how it’s essential for you to visit a doctor. While feeling frequent back pains, headaches or joint pains, temporary medications or surgical treatments are not really the right choice always. Thankfully, chiropractic care is one of the most commonly used, non-invasive and ideal health care that promotes pain-free healing plus a healthy life.

However, between the multiple possible choices, it’s just difficult to choose the right chiropractic care who helps you in attaining your personal health goals. So, what makes one chiropractor unique from the next? Here are a few tips to evaluate before you consider the right chiropractic care:

Research and Reviews

When selecting the best Chiropractic care, it’s necessary to do some research about it. Quality clinics often have no complications and specialized chiropractors to serve best to the patients. Once you do the thorough research, you’ll learn about in which area they are specialized and what type of treatments they conduct and whether it’s suitable for you or not. Furthermore, ensure to look up reviews from earlier clients. It will give you a picture of how well and effective the treatments are and how the patients are being taken care of.

Time conscious

Time is important to everyone. Most often, patients have to put up with long waiting hours just to see a doctor even when they booked an appointment. This is very much unacceptable especially when it happens almost every time you visit. Patients should be informed should the doctor be late and have the option and privilege to reschedule. So make sure that the chiropractor you choose values both his time and that of his patients.

Values your well-being

Usually, when people consult any medical practitioner for either therapy or medication, it is because they are either in pain or they want to be in a better state than they are currently in. As a patient, it is your right to know and fully understand the situation and the extremity of the case you are in.

Understanding the causes and extent of the case will help in choosing options and how you want to proceed. If a doctor is too timid to tell you the gravity of the problem, switch doctors and look for someone who will talk to you straight and provide you solutions.

Using the Web:

While it might be tempting to simply type “chiropractor near me” in the search bar, there are more precise ways to find a chiropractor. When you’ve curated a list of chiropractors in the area, check their websites.

Specifically, look to make sure the chiropractor:

  • Has the proper license to practice in your state
  • Has performed the procedures you might need, successfully and often
  • Has many positive reviews listed on their website and other websites

There are also more specific websites you can use to find quality chiropractic care. The American Chiropractic Association maintains a listing of qualified chiropractors around the country and state websites may have tools to verify a chiropractor’s license.

Word of Mouth

This is a standard method of research when making nearly any important decision. We naturally seek the advice of friends and family. When you get a recommendation, ask what they like about the doctor – what keeps them coming back. Find out what happens at an appointment. Do they have time to talk about life changes, concerns, and to get to know each other? Or, is it clinical and quick? Some people might want to get in and out in a hurry while others seek a deeper relationship with their practitioner.

Quality of Service

At the end of the day patients are still customers who need the best quality service in the form of treatments from their doctors. It is important to find a chiropractor who will not eat up too much of your time just because of too many necessary tests. Things to watch out for when looking for a chiropractor.

Research your condition

Do some research on the condition(s) for which you are seeking treatment? There are many credible websites and library resources with information on conditions like sciatica, back pain, herniated discs, and other musculoskeletal conditions commonly treated by chiropractors.

Bonus tip: Check if any of the recommended chiropractors are covered by your insurance plan.

Two simple methods that can help you in choosing the right chiropractor for your specific requirements.

Do you want to visit the chiropractor for pain relief?

You may classify the chiropractors loosely in two main groups: the holistic chiropractors and the mechanistic chiropractors. Every chiropractor is aware of the distinction also. This duality adds more strength to chiropractic care. The holistic chiropractor helps in looking after your overall health while the mechanistic chiropractor will focus on alleviating your specific problem, like a specific pen bothering a specific part of your body.

Generally, all chiropractors offer both these services in combination. While treating your specific problems, they do have a look at your overall health and see if there are any other areas in your spine where you may need special care and look after. Thus, you can visit a chiropractor regardless of the situation. Choose chiropractors who offer holistic services, and you can be sure the mechanical service will be automatically provided also.

Did the pain come in your body from specific injuries or was it a gradual onset because of some regular habit?

When you have sudden pain, then it means that you have been injured somehow. It can be anything from a fall to an injury on the sports field. But for treating these injuries, chiropractors will have specific certifications and more training in. So, when you have a specific injury to treat, then you must choose a chiropractor that will be able to treat your sprains and your strains with confidence. They must be able to differentiate the various forms of injuries and can recognize the warning signs of potential further damage if there are any and then give you the required solutions and references.

Some chiropractors can view the spine as subluxations and can miss signs of other injuries which can need the help of specially trained chiropractors, neurologists, and orthopedists. So, you need to assess your injury, see what problems you have and then visit a chiropractor who is specifically trained for those problems. A mechanistic chiropractor can be a safer option when you have a painful injury to look at.

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Top Pest Control Tips

Frequently searched questions on pest control

What is the difference between termites and ants?

Yes, for some who still associate termites with ants due to its name label white ants, both pest species have vast differences. In terms of outlooks, the termite has a thicker waist, straight antenna and uniformed wings. Besides their appearance, their food choice and habitat is different to those of ants. Termites feed on wood and moisture, live underground forming colonies and work 24/7. As such, to get rid of termites, termite treatment carried out is different on how you will get rid of ants.

How to get rid of ants?

They are tiny and generally harmless, yet they annoy many households because of their persistent presence. Particularly, they crawl along the kitchen top and along the wall, and despite how we try to remove the ant infestation, success seems low. This includes using insecticide spray, sticking traps or utilises repelling methods such as natural ingredients including chalk, vinegar and spices. Ant control is necessary to remove its nests and root source, and detect areas with high risks of ant activities for added measure. This includes monitoring and ongoing pest control services to keep condition under control.

What Does termite infestation look like?

Majority search on termites amongst many pests due to its ambiguity and complexity. Because they are not physically present or visibly seen, signs of termite infestation can be challenging to take notice. While some pests illustrate clear signs of infestation such as droppings and scratch marks, termite infestation signs are less straightforward.

Why do I have booklice in my home?

Given their name as a hint, most would think books cause booklice infestation. However, this is just a mythical statement and rather booklice is a result of high moisture and humidity. They feed on mold and mildew and perhaps the reason why we associate this unusual pest with books is their presence on books as they feed on mod among them. Ensure the home is well ventilated, humidity level is reduced and remove any poor condition of items that grow mold and mildew on them.

Does citronella repel mosquitoes effectively?

One of the most common go-to mosquito prevention remedies in response to the high dengue cases is the use of citronella or lemongrass. Mozzies dislike the scent and will repel them for a short while, however, mosquitoes used receptors to track and follow their hosts as they picked up the carbon dioxide as we exhaled. They also used their strong sense of navigation in detecting the body warmth and heat we exude and thus, getting rid of mosquitoes should not rely on the repel method. Instead, ensure adequate mosquito control that eliminates mosquito breeding and adult mosquitoes are in place.

Home & Garden Pest Management Guide

The Home and Garden Pest Management Guide provides information on identification and management of pests, diseases and weeds in the home and garden, with emphasis on pest prevention and Integrated Pest Management.

This publication:

Includes information on over 400 common pests and diseases of fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and lawns, and how to manage them;

Contains hundreds of photographs of plant pests and weeds to aid with identification;

Provides information on new invasive pests and weeds that may threaten agriculture, forestry and the environment;

Provides tips on composting, fertilizing, lawn care and safe use of pesticides.

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management is a decision-making process for managing pests in an effective, economical and environmentally sound way. An Integrated Pest Management approach can be used for crops and livestock pest management, and in the home garden.

Techniques used in Integrated Pest Management programs range from preventative and cultural measures to the use of biological, physical, behavioral and chemical controls. One or several measures may be coordinated into a management program for a target pest, or for the entire pest complex of insects, mites, diseases and weeds affecting a particular crop.

The Six Elements of Integrated Pest Management

Planning and managing agricultural production systems to prevent insects, plant diseases and weeds from becoming pests

Identifying pests, their natural enemies and damage

Monitoring populations of pests and beneficial organisms, pest damage, and environmental conditions

Making control decisions based on potential damage, cost of control methods, value of production, impact on other pests, beneficial organisms and the environment

Using strategies that may include a combination of behavioural, biological, chemical, cultural and mechanical methods to reduce pest populations to acceptable levels

Evaluating the effects and efficacy of management decisions

Natural Pest Control Guide

Garden Pests A-Z

Ants, Aphids, Birds, Caterpillars, Cats, Deer, Dogs, Earwigs, Fleas, Gophers, Mealy bugs, Mice, Mildew, Mold & Fungus, Moles, Opossums, Scale, Slugs, Snails, Spider Mites, Thrips, Voles, Whitefly

Natural Pest Repellants

Garlic Fire Spray, Smothering Oily Mixture, Rhubarb Spray, Molasses Blend, Vinegar Blend, Scale Mixture, Fish Fertilizer

Even when using natural sprays, do as little harm as possible and don’t try to outgun nature.

You will have some advantage in managing garden pests if you are gardening organically as you will be encouraging natural biological control. Still it’s wise to be prepared for action should your plants come under attack.

Beneficial Garden insects and creatures: Here’s how toattract these good critters to help with natural garden pestcontrol

Regulatory Directive: Guidelines for the Registration of Microbial Pest Control Agents and Products

This directive outlines the requirements for the registration of microbial pest control agents and products proposed for pest management at this time. The data requirements are essentially harmonized with the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Microbial pest control agents are naturally occurring or genetically modified microorganisms, including bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, viruses, mycoplasmae or rickettsiae, and related organisms.

Several regulatory proposals, including PRO98-01, Guidelines for the Registration of Microbial Pest Control Agents and Products, dated January 30, 1998 and PRO93-05, Research Permit Guidelines for Microbial Pest Control Agents, dated November 25, 1993, invited comments on proposed registration requirements for microbial pest control agents. Approximately 65 detailed comments on PRO93-05 were received from interested parties in the biotechnology, agri-food and forestry sectors, and eight comments were received on PRO98-01 and incorporated as appropriate.

Foreword

This directive outlines the requirements for the registration of microbial pest control agents and products proposed for pest management at this time. Microbial pest control agents are naturally occurring or genetically modified microorganisms, including bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, viruses, mycoplasmae or rickettsiae, and related organisms.

This directive reflects progress in several important areas:

The data requirements are essentially harmonized with the United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). accepts all U.S. guidelines for conducting studies. Both countries require efficacy data to be generated. International activity involving the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Working Group on Pesticides has developed a document, Guidance for Registration Requirements for Microbial Pesticides, which will be published in 2001. The document proposes guidance for registration requirements for microbial products, and indicates where there are differences among countries.

The Guidelines will help enable products that have the potential to contribute to alternative pest management to be considered for registration because the data requirements are specifically developed for these types of products.

The Guidelines support effective and sustainable pest management and the introduction of new pest management technology, fundamental elements of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency’s (PMRA) overall program to reduce risk to humans and the environment.

Several regulatory proposals, including PRO98-01, Guidelines for the Registration of Microbial Pest Control Agents and Products, dated January 30, 1998 and PRO93-05, Research Permit Guidelines for Microbial Pest Control Agents, dated November 25, 1993, invited comments on proposed registration requirements for microbial pest control agents. Approximately 65 detailed comments on PRO93-05 were received from interested parties in the biotechnology, agri-food and forestry sectors, and eight comments were received on PRO98-01 and incorporated as appropriate.

Pricing Guide for Pest Control Business Owners

As the owner of a new pest control company, one of the things you may be struggling with figuring out is how much to charge for your services to remain competitive. If you charge too little, you won’t make enough profits, and you won’t be able to grow your company.

Additionally, some owners believe that up-charging customers and inflating prices is an effective strategy because it gives the appearance of legitimacy and quality. However, studies have found that this is not the case. If you price your services too high, you can end up driving customers away.

So, just how much should you charge for pest control jobs? In this article, we’ll cover all of the things that should go into your decision. By the end of the article, you’ll know exactly how to price pest control services so that you can remain competitive in the industry.

How Much Does Pest Control Cost?

Before setting your price, you should investigate the average price for pest control services in your area. How much does an exterminator cost these days anyway? The average pest control costs can vary depending on where you are. For instance, the price of pest control jobs rodent infestation

Not All Pest Control Pricing is the Same

The other thing to consider when determining how much to charge is that not all pest control pricing is the same. Numerous factors go into the price of a project. We’ve highlighted some of those factors below.

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Car Dealer Practices You Must Avoid

Can you make money buying cars at auctions?

Buying and selling used cars can be a profitable endeavor, and you may be eager to jump right in and get started. To make the most money possible through this process, you generally need to get a great price on the cars up-front and sell them for a higher amount. Making repairs and upgrades or simply waiting for a classic car to increase in value at a later date are often necessary as well. The first step to make a big profit on a vehicle purchase is to get a great deal on your purchase, and buying cars at an auction is an excellent idea to consider. If you are new to buying at auctions to resell, you can learn more about the car auction process so that you can be a more informed buyer.

Understand the Different Types of Auctions

There are two main types of auctions available to choose from. Government car auctions typically sell used vehicles that were used in public service, such as police cruisers or school buses that have been retired. Local car auctions typically have vehicles that are in less desirable condition. They may be trade-ins to dealerships that the dealership cannot resell to the public in a cost-effective way, or they may be repossessions. When buying these cars, understand that they may have high miles and may be in poor condition. If you plan to fix them up and resell them for a profit, however, local car auctions can be ripe with opportunities.

Do Your Research

At auctions, you are typically allowed to inspect the cars on a superficial level before you bid on them. Check out the condition of the car to look for rust and corrosion. Check the disc brakes, and lift the hood to see if the oil has been changed recently. You typically can open the car doors to inspect the interior as well. If you are not thoroughly knowledgeable with this process, consider watching others as they inspect the car. They may notice things that you did not find through your inspection. After you have taken these steps, look at the VIN number and research it online. Ensure that the VIN details match the car that you are looking at. You should also use a car auction prices guide to determine the maximum value you should bid for the car. It is easy to get caught up in the emotion of bidding at an auction. When buying cars at an auction, you may wind up bidding more than the car is worth if you are not careful and diligent.

Understand Your Risks

When you buy cars at auction and resale for a profit, you are assuming considerable risk. While you can learn a lot about the condition of a car through an initial visual inspection, you cannot drive it. You also cannot have a mechanic professionally inspect it. In some cases, cars sold at auction have had their VIN numbers changed or have had their odometers adjusted. Therefore, you truly cannot know with certainty what you are bidding on. In addition, you do not have a warranty. These cars are sold as-is. With this in mind, consider the maximum amount you may want to bid on a specific vehicle to moderate your risks.

Getting Started: Learn the Ropes & Find Undervalued Cars to Buy

In theory, the secret to successful car flipping is four words long: “buy low, sell high.” In practice, it’s more complicated. Successful car flippers must:

  • Have basic familiarity with state and local automotive codes, including how long it’s permissible to hold a car without registration and when frequent sellers are required to obtain dealer licenses
  • Know where to find undervalued cars for sale and how to obtain them quickly and legally
  • Understand the local used car market

How do people make money at auto auctions?

there are several different ways of making money at or from purchases made at auto auctions. Below is a list:

  • Salvage Parts

Junk yards purchase vehicles from salvage auto auctions to disassemble and sell parts and scrap left overs

  • Rebuilders

Body shops purchase vehicles from salvage auto auctions to rebuild and resell vehicles at a discounted price to public

  • Car Dealers

Used and Franchise car dealers but vehicles at a discounted price to resell to public and make money on the mark-up and financed deals

  • Used Car Wholesalers

Wholesalers purchase vehicles to resell to other dealers or at other auctions to make small margin profit

  • Exporters

Exporters buy and resell to buyers in other countries who do not have access or do not know how to buy at US auctions

  • Towers

Towers make money on short haul inbound and outbound transport ov vehicles to/from auction

  • Transporters

Transporters make money on long haul inbound and outbound transport ov vehicles to/from auction

  • Inspection Services

Inspectors make money on inspecting vehicles at distant locations on behalf of buyers

  • Finance

Banks and finance companies make money on lending funds for buyers to purchase at auctions

What to look for when buying a car at auction

We’ve got five tips for buying a used car at auction. Following these principles will help you score the best deal at private car auctions.

INSPECT THE VEHICLE

Most of the time, you are purchasing the car based on a physical inspection only. Make sure you carefully investigate every part of the car before bidding. Watch for some significant signs of repair such as paint overspray, scored brake discs or an uneven stance. Make sure you also use all of your senses to determine if the car was involved in a flood.

If you aren’t sure what you are looking at, take a qualified mechanic with you. There’s nothing worse than paying for a car that’s a junker. Don’t forget to bring your FenderSplendor Paint Meter with you to quickly assess the car’s paint for hidden damage. You will have a tool with you that gives you the upper hand over other dealers.

RUN THE VIN

Write down the VIN found on the dashboard before you bid on the car. Then, compare that number to the trunk lid and door stickers. If these numbers don’t match, parts have been swapped during a major rebuild. It’s wise to move on.

You can also use your mobile device to run the VIN through a title check. This will help you determine what you’re dealing with before you get in too deep.

RESEARCH THE CAR VALUE

Utilize online resources to get a general estimate on what the car is worth. You’ll want to use prominent sites such as Edmunds and KBB, but don’t be afraid to check Craigslist as well to value the car locally.

WATCH THE OTHER BIDDERS

Before you start bidding, it helps to observe some auctions first. If you pay attention, you’ll notice some people take an unusual interest in a few cars up for sale. This might mean they are simply trying to bump up the prices on these cars. After a few visits, you’ll get to understand what’s happening in the background and you’ll be better prepared to invest.

DON’T GET CARRIED AWAY

Once bidding begins at the auto auction, it’s easy to find yourself caught up in the moment. Don’t get so immersed in beating someone else that you end up paying more for a car than it’s worth. If you want to make a profit flipping cars, then you have to know when to stop bidding.

Observe Other Bidders

Take your time and watch the action closely on all the cars up for auction. Look for suspicious actions such as bidders who seem to be active on every lot; they may just be trying to pump up the prices. Go to a few auctions before actually participating in one yourself. Get to know the players.

Don’t Get Caught Up in the Bidding

It’s easy to get carried away during bidding and wind up spending hundreds more than a car is worth. Don’t pin all your hopes on one vehicle. Be ready to walk away. If you have to take the bus home afterward, it’s still better than winding up with a clunker.