Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-10-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that the area of skin around the eyes is one of the most sought-after focuses of cosmetic enhancement surgery today? That’s because the delicate skin around your eyes is 10x thinner than the skin on your face, and therefore the most likely to show early signs of aging. But fortunately, there are non-invasive alternatives to eye enhancement procedures, including proactive steps you can take now to help protect and improve the look of your skin, both above and below the eye.

Here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when it comes to caring for the skin around your eyes:

DO improve your nightly routine to help protect your eyes. Beyond just getting a good night’s sleep every night, consider habits like using an anti-allergy pillow cover, which can help reduce eye puffiness if you are prone to allergies.

DON’T forget the sunglasses — even on cold winter days. The same UV rays that damage any exposed skin can cause even more signs of aging to appear around your eyes over time, and wearing sunglasses can help you protect that skin.

DO use a gentle touch around your eyes. Because this skin is so delicate, you’ll want to avoid rubbing, tugging or pulling this skin. Apply skin care products with a very light touch by dabbing on with your fourth finger or pinky.

DON’T use the same skin care products as on the rest of your face. It may seem natural to just apply the same products to your eye area that you use elsewhere, but this thinner skin will benefit most from products that are specially formulated for both underneath the eyes as well as above the eyes. RoC Skincare’s NEW Derm Correxion Dual Eye Cream is a great solution with two separate formulas in one convenient jar:

• A lower eye cream to visibly reduce wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles
• An upper eye gel to lift, tighten and “freeze” the brow area and eyelids

“Many people don’t realize some of their daily practices and habits may actually be further damaging this fragile skin,” said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nkem Ugonabo. “Using a two-in-one eye cream, like RoC’s Derm Correxion Dual Eye Cream, that addresses the problems commonly seen both above and below your eyes, is an important step toward helping reduce the signs of aging.”

With Advanced Retinol to smooth wrinkles, Peptides to diminish eyelid creases and folds, Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and Dynalift to instantly lift and tighten your upper eye, this 2-in-1 product will re-awaken the eyes and provide a more youthful appearance. In just one week, 96% saw the look of lines and puffiness reduced, and in two weeks, 90% had visibly lifted eyelids and reduced dark circles. After four weeks, 100% felt more confident about their appearance.

RoC was the first to discover the method for stabilizing retinol over 25 years ago, combining it with other ingredients like antioxidants to make it safe and effective for daily use. RoC Retinol products are clinically proven to work quickly and to continue delivering results.

Instead of rushing to get cosmetic surgery to improve your eyes’ appearance, you can discover a non-invasive eye lift using this 2-in-1 cream that was developed with dermatologists and plastic surgeons to help re-awaken your eyes.

Find RoC’s NEW Derm Correxion Dual Eye Cream for under $30 at Walmart.

2023-10-17T10:01:00

(BPT) – If you love Indian cuisine, you’ll be glad to know you can now enjoy awesomely authentic meals and sides without the cost of dining out — and without spending hours in the kitchen.

Thanks to convenient, easy-to-prepare Tasty Bite entrees and rices, you can create a memorable meal full of bold flavors in just minutes. With their wide variety of options, you can enjoy a quick and easy ready-to-eat dish — or incorporate their products into recipes that will soon become family favorites. Tasty Bite makes Indian food accessible to everyone with their All-Natural, GMO-free, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and organic options — all ready in under two minutes.

Here are tips and recipes for creating outstanding dishes with genuine Indian flair.

1. Up your spice game

Stock your spice cabinet with the flavors of India so you’ll be ready to boost your culinary repertoire. Turmeric, ginger, curry and cumin are popular in Indian cuisine, so these should be at the top of your shopping list.

Pro tip: For best results, “bloom” spices by heating them up in cooking oil first. This will enhance the flavor of your finished dish.

2. Make it easy for yourself

There’s no reason dinner in a hurry has to be bland or boring! When time is short, try an easy-to-prep selection like Tasty Bite Organic Madras Lentils, Tasty Bite Organic Chickpea Tikka Masala and Tasty Bite Organic Coconut Chickpea & Turmeric Curry — plus a variety of rices that are simple and quick to fix and serve as is, or to use in recipes that make everyday meals an adventure. Their convenient products are chock full of classic Indian aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric and ginger — combined with hearty vegetables and slow simmered to perfection to free you from boring meals.

3. Do some weekend meal prep

To make it even easier to create exciting, flavorful — and more healthful — meals from Indian cuisine on busy weekdays, do some extra prep on the weekend. Cut up veggies and store in air-tight containers so they’ll be ready to go when you want to cook a meal during the week. Commonly used vegetables in Indian dishes include spinach, bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, onion and carrots.

4. Put an Indian twist on an old favorite

Take your nachos to the next level with Madras Lentils in just 20 minutes.

Tasty Madras Lentils Nacho Cups
Total time: 20minutes. Serves 4.

Ingredients
2 pouches Tasty Bite Organic Madras Lentils
1/2 cup tomato, diced
1/3 cup onion, diced
1/3 cup jalapeno, diced
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. lime, juiced

Salt and pepper to taste

Scoop or cup style nacho chips

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps
Mix in a medium size bowl tomato, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, sugar and lime. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Heat Tasty Bite Organic Madras Lentils according to package instructions.

Fill nacho chip cups halfway with Tasty Bite Organic Madras Lentils.
Top with tomato mixture and cheddar cheese.

5. Spice up your breakfast

You can even include Indian flavors for a satisfying breakfast with this fun play on the breakfast burrito.

Breakfast Burritos
Total time: 25 minutes. Serves 8.

Ingredients
1 cup Tasty Bite Organic Madras Lentils
1 cup Tasty Bite Basmati Rice
1 onion, chopped
6 large eggs
8 flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 sliced avocado
2 tablespoons butter (for eggs)
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps
Using medium pan, saute chopped onion with half the butter until golden and translucent.
While onion is cooking, heat lentils and rice according to bag instructions.
Once onions are cooked, remove from pan and place in bowl. Set aside.
Using the same pan, add the rest of the butter and scramble eggs. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble burritos using rice, lentils, onion, eggs, cheese and avocado.

For everyone from college students to busy families, there are plenty of options for convenient meals and sides at TastyBite.com — or look for the colorful new packaging reflecting the bold flavors and ingredients of this awesomely authentic Indian food at a store near you.

2023-10-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – The winter holidays are fast approaching. If you enjoy hosting friends and family for dinners or the occasional happy hour especially during the holiday season, one way to impress your guests is to plan and prepare various drinks for each occasion.

While you likely prioritize getting the best spirits, mixers and glasses, it’s essential not to overlook the significance of ice. Different ice shapes serve distinct purposes, and incorporating the right ones into your beverages will wow your guests and let you flex your skills as a home barkeep. Check out the four main types of ice and how to use them when crafting holiday drinks.

1. Cubed

Classic and versatile, cubed ice is your all-purpose companion. Whether you’re crafting a classic Long Island iced tea or a refreshing gin and tonic, cubed ice will swiftly chill your spirits. It’s also perfect for serving iced teas, rum and cola or mojitos in a highball glass.

2. Crushed

Recognizable by its pebble-like texture, crushed ice brings a unique element to your drinks. The pebble-like ice melts faster than your typical cubed ice. While not all cocktails benefit from dilution, certain creations like the Mint Julep thrive on it, according to Vine Pair. Crushed ice’s ability to thin out syrup and juices is its secret weapon, especially for dessert options like a homemade take on shaved ice.

3. Mini cubed

A generous supply of mini-cubed ice is the perfect answer for filling water bottles or delivering a quick chill. Like crushed ice, mini-cubed ice is fantastic at quickly cooling drinks, making iced coffee or chilling soda and water.

If your plans involve blended drinks or frozen cocktails, mini-cubed ice is the way to go. The small cubes blend smoothly, so every drink you make has a consistent texture.

4. Round

Round ice (also known as sphere or ball ice) isn’t just aesthetically pleasing. It melts slowly, gradually chilling your drink without diluting it. For those who enjoy sipping on whiskey, bourbon or craft cocktails, opt for round ice in a lowball glass. It’s also helpful to keep any cocktail or non-alcoholic drink chilled during long parties.

You can get round ice trays to make them at home, but if you have an LG refrigerator, some make slow-melt LG Craft Ice™, so you can have round ice on demand.

All the ice you need at home

While your fridge may make cubed and crushed ice, you’ll likely have to buy specialty trays to make others, like mini-cubed and round shapes. Even for cubed and crushed ice, your fridge may not make enough to serve drinks to your guests all night.

You can effortlessly enjoy all these four ice options at your convenience with the LG Smart Mirror InstaView^® Counter-Depth MAX French Door Refrigerator. This large-capacity fridge makes these four types of ice to suit any holiday get-together or occasion, including LG’s exclusive slow-melting, round Craft Ice™.

In addition to its spacious interior, the refrigerator offers a sleek, counter-depth design that blends seamlessly with surrounding cabinets and also features LG’s latest Mirror InstaView^® window. With just two quick knocks on the glass panel, you can illuminate the contents inside your refrigerator.

To learn more, visit LG.com/US. Elevate your entertaining with the perfect ice for every occasion.

2023-10-15T23:01:00

(BPT) – During the holiday season, it’s hard not to feel joyful. Coming together to celebrate with friends and family is a time to feel grateful for all you have. Holidays are also an opportunity to spread joy to others and teach your children that it is truly better to give than to receive.

Grace Harry, music industry executive and author of The Joy Strategist, says the holiday season is a great time to teach kids about empathy.

The commercialization of the holiday season has trained kids to make lists and feel entitled to get, get, get. To balance the materialistic messages they may receive, you can use the holidays to show your kids how they can support others and give back to their communities. Check out Harry’s five suggestions on how your family can spread joy to others this winter.

1. Make a meal

One of the highlights of the holidays is getting together with loved ones for meals. Set aside time during or between holidays to volunteer at a soup kitchen. Under the guidance of the staff, your family can cook and serve a nutritious meal to those in need. This activity will help nurture a spirit of compassion in your kids and allow you all to share a meaningful moment together as a family.

2. Act as Santa’s little helpers

Help out Santa by acting as his elves this holiday season. Many United States Postal Service locations offer the Operation Santa program, which allows people to adopt a letter written to Santa and fulfill the letter writer’s wish. The concept is simple. As a family, pick one (or a few!) letters written to Santa, purchase the gifts and mail them. There may also be other local programs with a similar mission that allow you to purchase and deliver gifts personally to children in need. Witnessing the joy and excitement when these children receive their surprise gifts is a gift unto itself.

3. Volunteer while you vacation

Traveling for the holidays is a privilege that not everyone experiences. This season, plan to travel with intention and give back to the places you visit. “When I travel to other countries, even if I’m at a resort, I always make a day, either at the beginning of the trip or the end, to do something in service, like reading to children in local schools,” says Harry.

There are plenty of organizations (and even travel planners) that offer opportunities to build homes, bridges, and other structures in underserved communities. By offering your time and skills, you can leave a lasting impact on the places you visit and create family memories centered on giving to others.

4. Participate in a community drive

Research local toy, clothing, and food drives in your community that collect essential items for those who can’t afford them. Often, these drives provide a list of items to take the guesswork out of donating and ensure that the donations received actually meet the needs of the community. Set time aside for your family to review the list and find gently used toys, clothing, and other items you can donate this season. Encourage your friends and neighbors to take part, too!

5. Give the gift of time

While the holidays are known as a time to gather with loved ones, not everyone has people they can spend the holidays with. Your time and presence are some of the most precious gifts you can give during the holidays. For example, your family can volunteer to sing carols at nursing homes or spend time talking and playing board games or cards with residents. These simple but heartfelt interactions can easily brighten someone’s day and fill their hearts with joy.

This holiday season, spread joy wherever you are and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Using these five tips, you can create moments with your family that you’ll cherish forever and spread the spirit of kindness and generosity that mark this time of year.

For more of these tips and to learn how to bring joy into your life, check out Grace Harry’s The Joy Strategist, available wherever books are sold.

2023-10-12T20:01:00

(BPT) – Imagine if every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, age or gender, could enjoy an effortless experience when using their home appliances. LG’s Universal UP Kit, unveiled at IFA this year, makes this inclusive vision a reality, providing innovative home appliance accessories and add-ons that leverage universal design to enhance accessibility and usability.

To develop the Universal UP Kit, an initiative that forms part of LG’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) management strategy, the company brought together several teams, who collaborated closely to create solutions embracing the “Design for All” ethos. Read on to learn more about how the groundbreaking Universal UP Kit came into existence.

The journey began when LG product designers and developers held meetings with a wide spectrum of customers, including those with physical limitations. Feedback from these invaluable sessions highlighted the considerable need for physical tools or accessories — distinct from the Braille stickers the company previously introduced — that could make appliances easy to use for a broader range of people.

“We wanted to develop a kit offering practical solutions for improving the usability and accessibility of LG appliances, without necessitating any structural changes or the purchase of brand-new appliances,” remarked Ha Young-soo, lead of the H&A Design Lab New Experience Design Task.

The teams involved in the project set about translating the feedback from the meetings into tangible solutions. Prototypes were crafted using paper or wood, and then plastic samples were made on 3D printers, enabling the team members to get a better sense of the viability of their ‘outside-the-square’ designs.

During the development of each Universal UP Kit solution, LG focused on three key aspects of design: functionality, aesthetics and safety. Functionality and safety were the priorities, but the company also considered color and shape to ensure that every accessory harmonized seamlessly with the relevant appliances.

“This project’s strength lies in the initial emphasis we placed on design, and has resulted in products that are not only functional and convenient, but are also aesthetically pleasing,” explained Park Se-ra, a specialist at the LG H&A customer experience innovation planning team. “Taking this approach, we were able to accommodate the diverse needs of both disabled and non-disabled individuals and achieve a level of innovation that may not have been possible if we’d focused solely on safety and functionality.”

The Moving Drawer is a prime example of the Universal UP Kit designers’ concern for the safety of users, particularly those with physical limitations. Made for use with LG microwave ovens, the convenient Moving Drawer ensures a safer user experience by helping to minimize the risk of injury when taking hot food out of the microwave.

“Given the relatively long lifespan of home appliances, the Kit represents a useful solution for both previously purchased and brand-new appliances,” commented Lee Jae-kul, a senior specialist at LG’s CSO ESG strategy team. “We think there is an opportunity here for continuous development and refinement through customer feedback and accessibility evaluations.”

In addition to the Universal UP Kit introduced at IFA, LG is actively developing and testing new Universal UP Kits that can be easily adapted for various product ranges. LG’s ultimate goal is to provide all LG appliance owners with a convenient and genuinely accessible user experience, ensuring a better life for all.

2023-10-12T12:29:00

(BPT) – Did you know that in some low-income communities in the United States, there may be as few as one book for every 295 children? This limited access to books coincides with the growing national literacy crisis, with more students struggling to achieve basic reading proficiency across the country.

To help meet the needs of these communities, the nonprofit organization First Book is dedicated to eliminating barriers to learning and inspiring young minds by providing educators and students in Title 1 eligible schools and programs with much-needed books, resources and access to leading experts.

Now you can join in to support their efforts and have a blast at the same time by teeing up for the Inaugural First Book Open, a month-long virtual golf tournament with a purpose, launched in partnership with World Golf Tour (WGT) by Topgolf and with the support of Build-A-Bear Foundation, a long-standing corporate partner of First Book.

“Education transforms lives, and at First Book we’re building a world where every child can benefit from the joy and opportunity of a quality education,” said Kyle Zimmer, Co-Founder and CEO of First Book. “Thanks to our partners at Topgolf and WGT, we’re spreading awareness about the barriers to quality education and the expanding resource gap in schools that unfairly burdens tens of millions of our nation’s children. The collective impact of small contributions throughout this event will translate to transformative reading materials and opportunities inspiring our youth.”

How to play

It’s easy to join in the fun. To kick off the festivities, The First Book Open will be hosting a livestream event on October 14 at noon EST. This will feature Kyle Zimmer, Co-founder and CEO of First Book, WGT guests, and special messages from First Book member educators, former NFL player Chris Long founder of the Chris Long Foundation, and Build-A-Bear Foundation — plus interactive gameplay. Details on how to donate and participate during the month-long tournament will also be provided.

The livestream event will be followed by 30 days of virtual golf that will help unite the collective strength of purpose-driven collaboration to support kids in need.

To get started, just download WGT on your mobile device or desktop any time between Oct. 14 and Nov. 14, select the First Book Open, and start playing to participate. All month long you’ll be playing virtually on the historic Congressional Golf Course in Washington, D.C. This is a free-to-play tournament open to eligible players within the U.S. Pre-paid gift card prizes will be awarded to the top three scores on the leaderboard.

The prizes awarded to the top three overall scores from the leaderboard will be: First Place $1,000; Second Place $500; Third Place $250; plus, each time you play a full round, your name will be entered into a drawing. At the end of the tournament, two winners will be chosen to send a First Book Marketplace gift certificate to an eligible school in their community. The First Book Marketplace provides new books and resources to educators serving kids in need. All tournament participants can choose to donate to First Book at end of game, helping to support kids and eliminate barriers to educational equity.

“Topgolf is rooted in our belief in the unlimited power of play, and we see this belief come to life with the First Book Open as people are invited to play WGT for such a worthy cause,” said JF Prata, chief operations officer for Topgolf Media. “It’s things like this that make all of us at Topgolf so proud and remind us why we do what we do.”

Learn more about how First Book helps educators and children all over the United States at FirstBook.org, and for more information about The First Book Open, you can visit FirstBook.org/home/first-book-open.

2023-10-12T10:01:00

(BPT) – Can you name the world’s strongest material? If you guessed diamond or steel, you’d be wrong. Graphene — a basic building block of graphite, the material commonly found in pencils — is a lightweight, flexible and incredibly strong material used in various industries and has the potential for even more applications. Read on to learn five surprising facts about the world’s strongest material.

1. Nobel Prize-winning

While the use of graphene is fairly recent, it’s not completely unknown to the scientific community. For over a century, scientists have studied the substance’s atomic structure and examined how to extract and use it.

However, it wasn’t until 2004 when scientists Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov of the University of Manchester finally isolated graphene. The pair won the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics for their revolutionary discovery. More importantly, their work has opened up a world of possibilities for the potential uses of graphene.

2. Harder and stronger than the rest

Graphene is incredibly tough. In fact, it’s harder than diamonds and 200 times stronger than steel. To pierce a single sheet of graphene as thick as plastic wrap, you’d need the weight of a car balanced on top of a pencil! It’s because of this strength that graphene has been used to make stronger aircraft wings and durable body armor.

3. Industry-leading material

The potential application of graphene is only limited by human creativity. Currently, the substance is used in the aerospace, aviation, military, professional sports and electric vehicle industries.

More recently, graphene has entered the commercial space, and many businesses are finding ways to incorporate this innovative material into their products. For example, ZAGG uses graphene to create incredibly tough yet sleek phone cases. By integrating graphene into their products, ZAGG can deliver the same drop protection as bulkier cases in a much slimmer design, proving that bulky doesn’t equal protective.

4. Incredibly conductive

Graphene isn’t just strong. It’s also one of the most electrically conductive human-made materials on earth. In fact, graphene is a million times more conductive than copper. Because of its high electrical conductivity, graphene has the potential to be used in medical devices, electronics and more!

5. Light and flexible

Graphene is incredibly light, and it’s even more elastic than rubber. Because of these properties, it can provide the same protection as thicker materials and can be molded into just about anything. ZAGG’s graphene cases, including its Milan Snap, London Snap and Crystal Palace Snap cases, offer drop protection up to 15 feet in a slim, lightweight design that fits easily in your pocket and comfortably in your hand.

These are just a few of the many amazing properties of graphene. As technology advances and scientists continue to study and improve upon the substance, you’ll likely see more products made from or incorporating graphene. The applications are endless, from the phone in your pocket to the International Space Station.

2023-10-11T09:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know nearly half of American consumers (46%) are in the market for a new washer/dryer within the next 12 months? That’s according to a new survey by LG that looked at habits, priorities — and problems — people face around getting the laundry done.

If you’re thinking about replacing your appliances, you may find that what you’re looking for in a new model has changed. Features that matter most to consumers have shifted, revealing concern for water and energy efficiency, plus an increased interest in technology that can save time and help ensure your laundry gets done well, the first time.

Conservation is top of mind

Water and energy efficiency ranked as top consumer priorities when it comes to finding their next washer and dryer. In fact, 56% said water and energy efficiency was the most important to them, surpassing factors such as cycle setting varieties (47%), convenience features (44%) and design aesthetics (37%). Survey respondents even expressed a willingness to pay more upfront for appliances that offer better efficiency, recognizing the potential long-term savings on water and energy bills, on top of benefiting the environment.

Water and energy efficiency was also the top reason current LG owners said they’d recommend LG washers and dryers to a friend or family member. For instance, LG’s 4.5 cubic feet Capacity Smart Front Load Energy Star Washer with TurboWash^® 360° and AI DD^® Built-In Intelligence stands as an example for water and energy efficiency. Its generous capacity means doing more laundry in fewer loads, saving time and water. With 5 powerful jets to spray clothes from multiple angles you also get a more thorough clean in under 30 minutes, using less water. The AI DD^® Built-In Intelligence feature automatically adjusts water levels based on load size, while Cold Wash technology penetrates deep into fabrics for cold water savings — with warm water performance.

As for dryers, the LG 7.4 cubic feet Smart Front Load Electric Dryer with AI Sensor Dry & TurboSteam™ Technology provides built-in sensors and AI technology to detect fabric texture, load size and moisture levels to automatically adjust drying time for more advanced fabric care and energy savings.

Smart features help prevent laundry mishaps

If you’ve ever added too much (or too little) detergent, changed the color of clothes by choosing the wrong temperature or accidentally shrunk something doing laundry, you’re not alone. The survey shows more than 2 out of 5 adults admitted to shrinking items in the laundry, with the same number showing they’ve used too much detergent — and 38% reported ruining the color of an item due to a laundry mishap.

Only 60% expressed confidence with determining the right amount of liquid laundry detergent (with 40% less than very confident), and even less felt confident about being able to determine correct laundry cycles. In the survey, 4 in 10 reported detergent-related mishaps, which can result in issues like soap residue in clothes or machines.

For anyone who has experienced these kinds of mishaps, the latest technology can help prevent common laundry disasters. For example, LG’s auto-dispense feature helps you determine the correct amount of detergent needed for each load, ensuring precise usage and cost savings.

Furthermore, LG’s built-in intelligence technology removes the guesswork. AI technology selects optimal wash motions and settings, and the washer can even auto-select a compatible drying cycle to ensure your clothes are washed and dried correctly, reducing the chance of laundry disasters like ruining colors or shrinkage.

A brand consumers trust

According to the survey, LG is the most attractive brand to consumers in the market for a new washer/dryer, with 64% saying they would “definitely” or “very likely” purchase an LG when ready to buy. Convenience features valued by consumers include smart features that LG’s ThinQ^® app provides, like being able to start and monitor cycles remotely, and being able to anticipate maintenance needs for their appliances.

The LG ThinQ^® app helps you manage your appliances and more to make every day a little easier — and keep your home running smarter. It provides proactive smart alerts, sent directly to your smartphone to help you understand and address your appliance maintenance needs, averting potential problems and keeping your LG appliances running their best for years to come.

Learn more about LG washers and dryers to meet your family’s laundry needs at LG.com/us/laundry.

2023-10-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – No matter the size of your business, growth is typically a top goal. Your success depends on increasing customers, jobs and revenue year-over-year. However, it’s all too easy to lose sight of your big-picture goals when you’re busy with the daily operation of your company.

Here are some tactics for improving growth in your business.

1. Improve your marketing with co-branding.

While marketing may not be your best skill, it’s critical to let people know about your business — and make it easier for new customers to find you. Many vendors you currently work with may offer co-branded marketing opportunities that can help increase your brand visibility and credibility. By partnering with a well-known brand, you can tap into their existing network of customers and reach a wider audience than on your own. Being associated with a high-quality brand will also enhance your image and reputation.

2. Invest in digital marketing for lead gen.

Today, you need a digital presence: an easy-to-navigate website, presence on social media and ideally, enrollment in a paid search campaign.

• Be sure your website is mobile friendly, allows potential customers to request information or even better, allows them to schedule an appointment on the spot with your company.
• Using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest allows you to visually share about your business using project photos and testimonials from satisfied clients. You can also share informative posts about design trends or maintenance tips to help position yourself as a trusted expert.
• Update your Google My Business profile to include project photos, services you offer, and reviews from past clients. Don’t forget to ask for a review when a job is done! Doing this will help boost local SEO and establish credibility and trust when potential clients are researching your business. Plus, it’s free!

3. Support your team.

While your business changes and grows, the industry itself is constantly evolving. Ensure your entire team is updated on the latest developments in construction by providing regular training sessions through vendors you work with or local industry organizations, so they have the tools they need to succeed.

4. Provide excellent products and service.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but top-notch products, like those certified by ENERGY STAR — backed by product warranties — result in happier clients. Making smart choices when it comes to products and services you offer will lead to positive word-of-mouth, which every business needs to grow.

Providing clear information and consistent communication also improves customers’ trust in you and your company. Ask what makes the project more viable from their point of view. Offer financing options so your business becomes accessible to a wider range of homeowners who may prefer to pay overtime versus using cash all at once. Financing can also lead to increased sales, bigger projects and improved customer satisfaction.

5. Join a program to help grow your business.

If these tips sound challenging, there’s help available. Joining programs that offer dedicated support plus the tools and resources needed to best serve your customers and tackle any window or door installation project can help you grow your business.

The Andersen Certified Contractor Program offers exactly that. Participating contractors experience increased sales, access to in-home quoting tools, co-branded marketing opportunities, product and installation training, and pre-qualified homeowner leads. As an added perk, windows installed by an Andersen Certified Contractor qualify for an exclusive 2-year limited installation warranty, giving customers added peace of mind.

Here’s how the program has helped contractors around the country grow their businesses:

Marketing support: Andersen offers business development funds to use on turn-key marketing programs and co-branded marketing opportunities. “We doubled our appointments last year, and we’ve seen a 40% growth in sales on the window side,” said A.J. Ballantine at Cornerstone Remodeling, Maryland.

Pre-qualified homeowner leads: “We’ve done windows through the leads program that have turned into kitchens and bathrooms; that’s every contractor’s dream. I wouldn’t have been in that home for any reason other than my affiliation with Andersen,” said Justin Britton, Jay Bee Contracting, New York.

Training and support: Andersen provides in-home selling and quoting tools, product and installation training and a dedicated support team. “The number one thing to me is the support. If we need something special, if we need training or support as a team, they’re there for us,” said Jeremy Owens, 3 Generations Improvements, California.

Access to products, warranty and financing: The program also offers contactors access to the full portfolio of Andersen products, a 2-year installation warranty — plus consumer financing options. “I have tools at my fingertips. I’m not waiting for quotes to be done by a vendor or supplier. I’m able to get those done and turned around quick,” said Paul Unferth at Big Fish Contracting, Wisconsin.

Ready to grow your business? Learn about becoming an Andersen Certified Contractor at AndersenCertifiedContractor.com.

2023-10-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is all about making memories and spending quality time with family and friends. But the 44 million people in the U.S. living with untreated hearing loss may be struggling more than they realize to connect with loved ones and make those precious moments count. Bring more joy to your holiday season by helping your loved one take control of their hearing.

Risks and risk factors for hearing loss

Age is the biggest risk factor for hearing loss, which affects about a third of people over 65 and nearly half of people over 70. Fatigue, frustration and loss of confidence associated with mild to moderate hearing loss causes people to withdraw from the people and things they love, increasing their risk for cognitive, mental and physical decline.

Signs of hearing loss

The average person waits seven years from the time they notice hearing loss to get hearing aids, and many don’t realize their hearing has been deteriorating for years. Common signs of hearing loss include:

1. Keeping the radio or television at an uncomfortably high volume.
2. Regularly asking people to talk slower or louder, or requesting they repeat themselves.
3. Struggling to hear in noisy environments like restaurants, parties, or places with background noise.
4. Getting easily fatigued from social activities or avoiding them altogether.
5. Trouble keeping up with conversations or making misplaced comments during a conversation.

How to help someone you love with hearing loss

Hearing loss can be a source of stress for the whole family. Breakdowns in communication can lead to tension in the household that affects all family members and relationships. Plus, individuals living with hearing loss often experience a wide range of emotions, sometimes demonstrating patterns of grief.

You don’t have to let hearing loss interfere with your holiday season; instead, you can help your loved ones manage the holidays with ease by:

• Creating a comfortable environment. People with mild to moderate hearing loss often can’t easily distinguish between conversation and background noise. Help them have quality conversations by giving them a quiet space to talk to family and friends without TV, music or excessive background chatter. If they seem tired or overwhelmed, remind them to take a break outside or in a separate room where they can rest their ears.
• Noticing obvious signs of hearing loss. If someone you love is showing signs of hearing loss, help them take a free 3-minute hearing test online at lexiehearing.com to assess if they might have trouble with hearing / have hearing loss.
• Encouraging them to try a hearing aid. If an online hearing test indicates mild to moderate hearing loss, give over-the-counter hearing aids a try. Quality brands like Lexie Hearing sell them in pairs at pharmacies and big-box stores nationwide, as well as online at lexiehearing.com.

If a hearing test reveals severe hearing loss, make an appointment to see a hearing health care professional.

How to choose hearing aids that give you the best benefit

Choosing the right hearing aids will give you a personalized experience, restoring confidence in most situations. Most over-the-counter models come at a much lower cost than traditional hearing aids, but among OTC options, quality and features vary. Here are some tips for choosing the right over-the-counter hearing aids to ensure you get the best benefit:

• FDA labeling. Be sure to get a model that meets FDA standards. Look for product descriptions that say FDA-cleared to ensure you are getting a good quality product.
• Hearing aid support. Transitioning to hearing aids takes time and support. Choose a hearing platform with great hearing aid support so you can be confident you’ll have help acclimating to your new hearing aids when you need it. Lexie hearing aids come with Lexie Care, giving wearers access to highly trained support services available seven days a week to ensure they have a great hearing experience. Lexie also offers incentives for hearing aid wear to help wearers more fully acclimate to their new devices.
• Easy-to-use app. Hearing aids that pair with a mobile app give you more control over your hearing experience in any situation. Look for options with app-based controls that allow you to adjust your hearing experience for different environments and save preset customizations that fit your lifestyle.
• Self-fitting technology. Look for “Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids,” an important designation for high-quality models so you can be confident in your choice of hearing aids. Self-fitting technology gives wearers more confidence by providing total control to customize their hearing wherever they are. If you use a smartphone, look for devices that provide the option to connect to it, as they provide more visual control than those with only physical buttons on the hearing aids themselves.
• Generous return policies. Look for brands that have generous return policies so you can confidently try them out in different settings. For example, Lexie offers a 45-day risk-free trial period for returns on all products to give customers enough time to properly adjust to their over-the-counter hearing aids. Lexie recommends wearers use new hearing aids for at least three weeks to adjust to better hearing.
• All-day comfort. Consider behind-the-ear designs. While in-ear designs more easily mask as earbuds, behind-the-ear styles are intentionally designed for comfortable, all-day wear, so you can get the most benefit from your hearing aids all day long.

This holiday, make the most of your time with family by helping your loved ones get back to better hearing so they can enjoy the moments that count.