Month: July 2018

2018-07-24T10:05:00

(BPT) – In today’s digital world, there’s an app for that — whatever “that” may be. Devices like smartphones and tablets are becoming the dashboards of our lives. Depositing a check? Snap a picture of it and tap the button on your bank’s app. Does your son or daughter at college need money? Transfer it electronically. Forgot to pick up milk? Hop online and order it. Fueled by smart technologies, mobile devices and 24/7 connectivity, the way consumers browse, shop and pay is increasingly digital.

For small to medium-size businesses (SMBs), that can present a challenge. This year alone, 280 million Americans are expected to go online every month, according to eMarketer research, and Pew research estimates that eight in ten Americans will make an online purchase. Yet, according to research by Visa, less than half of SMBs have an online presence. Similarly, for in-store shopping most consumers (78 percent) surveyed by Visa say that they prefer making payments digitally either with a card or their phone. Does your SMB accept digital payments both online and in-store?

As digital commerce continues to expand, SMBs that don’t jump onboard risk being left behind. In an effort to understand more about what consumers want from SMBs, Visa and a consortium of partners surveyed more than 400 SMBs and nearly 2,500 consumers.

The result is a guide on how SMBs can grow their businesses in an increasingly digital world: “Digital Transformations of SMBs: The Future of Commerce.” It offers actionable tips for technology and digital upgrades that SMBs can implement to help grow their businesses, including a “how to” on digital payments, marketing and advertising tactics, new service considerations and customer loyalty programs.

Some of the findings that came out of the survey might surprise you. Here are three key reasons why SMBs should go digital:

Consumers expect it, but you’re not offering it. While 90 percent of consumers say they want to support small businesses, there is more to the story. Consumers still expect convenience, and today, that means digital offerings. This creates a big problem for SMBs, whether they realize it or not. Visa’s survey found that only 15 percent of SMBs sales are conducted via digital channels, yet 61 percent of consumers surveyed plan to increase their online purchases in the next 5 years. That represents a significant gap between what consumers are planning and what SMBs are delivering.

It may help the bottom line. Moving, storing and securing cash, checks and money orders takes valuable time and is also subject to fees, losses and theft. Based on survey responses collected from SMBs, Visa estimates the surveyed SMBs’ average cost of processing digital transactions was 57 percent less than cash transactions. This, based on annual sales volume, number of cash versus digital transactions, and processing costs for digital and cash payments (inclusive of direct expenses and labor costs). Adding digital payments may help businesses increase sales: two-thirds of SMBs surveyed shared that they believe customers spend more when using cards versus cash.

Consumers want digital loyalty plans. Only one in five SMBs surveyed offer a loyalty program, but rewards can drive consumer preferences. Seventy-eight percent of consumers say they’re more likely to choose a business that has a loyalty program, and of those, most say that they check out the programs before trying a service, a restaurant or a store for the first time. Every SMB knows that differentiating themselves is a key to success; a loyalty program is an excellent way to stand out from competitors. Why do a digital loyalty program and not, say, a paper punch card? Because nearly all consumers surveyed — 90 percent — prefer digital.

If you want to find out more about how to go digital, download the “Digital Transformation of SMBs: The Future of Commerce” guide at www.visa.com/smbDigital. It’s free, and it’s filled with actionable tips to help you get started.

*References to consumer and small business preferences are based on findings from the survey Digital Transformation of SMBs: The Future of Commerce. Survey was commissioned by Visa and conducted by a third party research firm, Maru/Matchbox, during February and March 2018 and administered in English to U.S. 425 small and medium size businesses with storefront or at home business in food/dining, retail, services and grocery industries, and 2,458 consumers taking into account balanced income, age and regional representation.

2018-07-24T13:31:00

(BPT) – In this increasingly digital world, there’s an app for just about everything. People are glued to their smartphones, texting instead of talking, and, in general, interacting with technology more than they do with the living, breathing world around them. But there’s a cure for tech overload: Gardening. Whether you’re creating a vegetable garden in your backyard or planting flowers and herbs on your apartment balcony, it’s all about getting outside, feeling the sun on your face, and putting your hands into the soil.

If you find you’re desperately in need of a break from devices, try gardening to get back in touch with what’s real.

If you’ve never gardened before, it might sound intimidating, but just dive in. Plant a flower in the ground or grow herbs on your windowsill and see what happens. Sun, water, and a little TLC is all it takes. You’ll find that gardening is an easy, enjoyable hobby that anyone can learn to do. And it’s good for your health, too. Here are four surprising ways gardening is good for you.

Locally grown food is healthy. Eating local is on trend these days. What’s more local than your own backyard? Pick your veggies at the peak of ripeness and walk 20 feet to your table, rather than having them picked early and transported for 20 (or 200) miles to the grocery store. That means they’re full of flavor and freshness. You’re getting more nutrients, too. The BOOST Collection are plants from Burpee that include specially selected vegetables with higher antioxidants filled with vitamins A, C and E, beta-carotene, selenium and lycopene. Another health benefit: Growing your own vegetables allows you to choose what fertilizers and pesticides come in contact with your food. Instead of paying more at the grocery store for organic produce, grow it at home for a fraction of the cost. And the convenience factor can’t be beat. Craving a salad for dinner? Pop outside and pick some lettuce.

You’ll have more compassion and less anxiety. Research has found that gardening creates compassion toward others, less worry and anxiety, and lowers depression. Further, people who spend more time around plants are more likely to help others and engage in social relationships. If you want to experience the satisfaction for yourself, start with something simple. Wave Petunias and Cool Wave Pansies are the perfect easy-maintenance, high-performance plants that are great for beginners!

Gardening combats loneliness. Studies show that chronic loneliness increases your risk for all kinds of ailments, from stress hormones to inflammation to heart disease. Gardening combats loneliness by giving us a sense of community as it allows us to come together to enjoy local gardens or meet fellow gardeners in your neighborhood. Looking to go one step further? Start a weekly cooking group with friends using ingredients from your gardens! Get started with one of Burpee’s favorite recipes.

It counts as a workout. You might not think of gardening as a physical activity, but it gets your heart rate pumping. Whether you’re pulling weeds, lifting your Wave petunia planters, or working the soil, research shows you’ll be burning 200 to 400 calories per hour!

So, the next time you’re feeling digital fatigue, let gardening be your refuge. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you.

2018-07-24T10:23:00

(BPT) – Today’s gamer is no longer the stereotypical teen loner playing in his parents’ basement. In fact, today’s gamer is probably more like you than you think. She’s a co-worker with two kids, the guy next to you at the gym, a fellow volunteer — and most commonly, a spouse, sibling or friend. Gaming has changed a lot over the years and so have the players who play them.

Gaming isn’t kids play; today, gaming is a hobby that is being enjoyed by more than 2.6 billion fans — yes, that’s billion with a “B.” According to the recent State of Gaming Report, the average gamer age in the U.S. is 35 and 31 percent are women.

Gaming is gaining such mainstream popularity that even if it hasn’t hit your world yet, it likely will before you know it, so here is your Gaming 101 to get you in the know.

The growing buzz around gaming

With more fans than traditional sports like basketball, baseball and even football, Esports is the professional sport of video gaming, played by teams for spectators. Professional gamers can net serious bank, to the tune of $20 million prize pools or more. Even celebrities are getting into the mix. Mark Cuban and Ashton Kutcher have invested in esports betting technology; Superstars Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson and DJ Steve Aoki all own pro gaming teams; Mila Kunis, Megan Fox and Drake all game themselves; and Steven Spielberg just released “Ready Player One,” a blockbuster movie about gaming.

Talk the talk

Social interaction is an integral aspect of gaming, and playing online with fellow gamers around the world will probably result in new terminology. Beginner slang includes:

* n00b: Short for a newbie, or new player.

* Pwn: Dominating the competition.

* Twitch: YouTube alternative and a great resource for watching live gaming.

* Lag: Slow or stuttering gameplay due to a poor internet connection.

* FTW: For the win.

Tips for gearing up

One term not discussed above that you’ll frequently hear in gaming sessions is “rig.” This is slang for the computer you use to play your games. Gaming PCs are built to be far more powerful than your average computer because today’s games require massive power to play. To really get the most out of today’s PC games you need a computer built with lots of CPU power and a quality graphic card, which helps the game perform faster and in more detail, creating an immersive play experience. Today there are a range of options to get in the game, from Dell’s G-Series lineup, which is a great entry-price option, to Alienware laptops or desktops, which are considered the Ferrari of gaming.

Getting your game on

All right, you’ve learned the important terminology and you’ve got the rig you need to enjoy the world of gaming. Now it’s time to pick a game by reading game reviews, viewing trailers or asking friends what they enjoy playing. Pick a game with a theme that interests you and be mindful of the game’s Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating if younger players will play it or be in the room while it’s played.

Once you choose the right game for you, set the game to an easy difficulty setting so you can nail the fundamentals and work your way up. Don’t worry, no one will judge you! After that, all you need is practice. Great gamers aren’t born overnight, but the path to gamer status is an exciting and incredibly enjoyable ride.

2018-07-23T16:17:01

(BPT) – Across America, decks have become a popular place for people to entertain guests or just relax. The greatest appeal? The elevated outdoor living areas offer a convenient option for enjoying the great outdoors in a comfortable, room-like space that’s somewhat removed from the elements.

Further, studies reveal adding a deck to your home pays for itself in terms of resale value. A 2016 report by the National Association of Realtors estimates new wooden decks recover 106 percent of their cost, with the average deck costing $9,450 and generating $10,000 in value. In fact, a deck was ranked third among home improvement projects recouping the most resale value.

“Backyard decks have replaced patios and front porches as the social centers of suburbia in the summer,” writes Steve Cook on Homes.com. “Decks are elevated to catch summer breezes and to facilitate conversations with neighbors. Large enough for a table and grill, most decks are more versatile than front porches and provide privacy from street traffic.”

While building a deck isn’t difficult, it’s helpful to understand some of the potential pitfalls before getting started. Here are some common mistakes made by inexperienced homeowners.

* Choosing the wrong side of your house. While your backyard is an obvious option, it’s not always the best choice for your lifestyle. Are you most apt to enjoy a full-on sunny spot, or a shady haven on a hot day? Will wind be an issue? Are you aiming for privacy, or a chance to socialize with neighbors? Which positioning provides the best views?

* Not researching your optimal layout. A nearly endless number of sizes and shapes are possible. Before choosing, think beyond just aesthetics and consider how you’ll actually use the space. Where will furniture be placed? What will the foot traffic patterns be? How will users access the deck from inside and outside your home? To what extent will new doorways and stairways be necessary?

* Not opting for real wood. While the grain of authentic wood is hands-down more visually stunning than composite, many homeowners don’t realize wood can also be more affordable and just as easy to maintain. The NAR study also found wooden decks recoup greater resale value than composite decks. A particularly beautiful and versatile choice for decks is Western Red Cedar, a stunning species that inherently resists rot, decay, shrinkage and insects. And if left unfinished, it weathers over time into an attractive silvery gray patina. Do-it-yourselfers report it handles like a dream because it’s naturally flat and able to absorb a wide range of finishes.

* Not considering air quality. Composite deck materials often emit greenhouse gases during the manufacturing process, whereas woods such as Western Red Cedar leave a smaller carbon footprint than any other building material. That means you can rest easy knowing you’re choosing the greenest option available.

* Not factoring in maintenance and upkeep. Regardless of materials, decks typically need periodic cleaning to protect them from the elements and keep them looking like new. Fortunately, a Western Red Cedar deck is relatively low maintenance. Maintain its beauty by cleaning it annually with a plain bristle brush, and should you choose to stain your deck, be sure to select a quality product.

For more information about creating your dream deck, visit RealCedar.com.

2018-07-20T12:15:00

(BPT) – When you’re making memories surrounded by friends and family by the grill, the last thing you want to be doing is swatting and shooing away pests. With a few tips from Terminix, you can help keep your backyard the perfect place for all your celebrations.

Reduce standing water

Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. In just one bottle cap full of water, mosquitoes can lay 100 eggs that may soon wreak havoc on your yard. In addition to itching, mosquito bites can transfer disease-causing pathogens, making it all the more important to guard against these pesky pests. Be sure to get rid of standing water in objects like trash cans or old tires, and change the water in birdbaths and kiddie pools at least once a week.

Inspect for nests

A nasty wasp sting can ruin outdoor fun quickly. Luckily, you may be able to spot their distinctive, umbrella-shaped nests. Look for them in areas with some protection, such as the corners of windows, below decks, and under soffits, porches and awnings. They may even make a home inside your grill. If you encounter any wasps or their nests, contact a pest control professional to remove them so you can avoid being stung.

Keep outdoor surfaces clean

Bees love anything sweet, but that shouldn’t keep you from enjoying an ice pop or fresh watermelon slice. Just ensure that you clean up immediately after eating and mop up any spills to help avoid attracting pests to your party. And apart from being unsightly for your guests, trash cans also attract bees to your yard. Keep any outside trash sealed and away from the grilling area.

Choose clothes carefully

It may seem far-fetched, but even what you wear can attract certain pests. Bees are drawn to bright colors, so stick to un-patterned, muted colors. Avoid dark colors and reds as well, as some bees can associate these with their natural predators and see them as a threat.

Bring in the professionals

Some problems call for professional help, and pest control technicians can fight pests both inside and outside your home. For example, the new Terminix Quick Guard(R) Mosquito Service works immediately to kill and reduce mosquito populations in your yard so you can enjoy backyard activities all year long. For any pest problem, a well-trained inspector will recommend the best treatment solution for you.

2018-07-20T13:10:00

(BPT) – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 20,000 people require medical attention every year because of crashes involving trailers towed by passenger vehicles.

These recreational outings don’t need to go sideways — nor does whatever you may be towing. Here’s a safety checklist to ensure you are towing trailers, boats and campers the right way:

Feel the (tire) pressure: An often-forgotten element on the trailer towing checklist is making sure the trailer’s tire pressure is at the right level. In addition, inspect tires for wear or trauma — and be sure to have a spare.

Get hitched: A starting point to towing is knowing the pulling capacity of your vehicle, as too much weight can cause a load of problems, no matter how much power your engine has.

On the towing vehicle, avoid using a ball mount and hitch that is rusted, cracked, corroded or poorly designed — anything that can compromise its integrity. A safe answer is applying a new hitch, like the Ultra-Tow Complete Tow Kit from Northern Tool + Equipment, which is a durable and easy solution to pull whatever you’re towing.

Bottom line: Always reference the “coupling to tow vehicle” section of your vehicle manual to make sure it is done right.

Be a chain agent: The next step is applying the safety chains, which need to be rigged to the tow vehicle. Avoid the common mistake of rigging the safety chains to the hitch or ball mount itself. Safety chains are federal law and will keep the trailer from drifting in the event the trailer coupling separates from the ball mount.

Light it up: No matter what you’re driving, communicating with other vehicles is paramount to safety — and that means having properly working brake, tail and turn signal lights. Before departing, sync up the trailer lights with the tow vehicle and test it so that other motorists will know your actions.

Locked down and loaded: Once everything is hitched, it’s time to load up the cargo. It’s best to be balanced with weight distribution, but put heavier cargo in the front of the trailer. And of course, do not overload.

This pre-departure checklist is only a start. Once on the road, remember the basic safe driving practices when towing a trailer: Drive at moderate speeds, avoid sudden stops, don’t use cruise control and allow more distance for stopping.

No matter how much of a rush you are in to hit the road, don’t take any shortcuts when it comes to towing safely.