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What Delivery Food Do Americans Love Most?

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Imagine having every type of cuisine in the world just a few clicks or a phone call away. Wait a minute – you don’t have to imagine it! Because food delivery makes that possible.

In the year 2021, you can get pretty much any type of food delivered. While we tend to think about the classics – Chinese food delivery, Mexican food delivery, and pizza delivery, there are actually thousands of local and international dishes that can be delivered right to your door.

Restaurants and third-party delivery apps have tracked delivery food data to find out which are the most popular delivery food in America. Keep reading to learn all about delivery food trends.

1. Chicken Fingers and French Fries

Chicken fingers and french fries are an all-American classic. So, it’s no surprise that this was GrubHub’s most ordered food of the year. This popular dish comes from American food restaurants, bars and pubs, and specialty chicken restaurants – which means the dish is accessible pretty much anywhere in the country.

It’s hard to go wrong with these delectable fried options and your choice of dipping sauces. It’s a meal sure to please any age group for lunch or dinner.

2. Burrito Bowl

The burrito bowl is a customizable way to get all your favorite burrito toppings in an easy-to-eat-with-a-fork meal. And more and more Mexican restaurants are offering some form of burrito bowl on their menu for delivery.

The burrito bowl ranks among the top delivery food choices in America. However, watch out, because it may not be the most cost-effective item you can order for delivery.

3. Build Your Own Pizza

This is a no-brainer. Delivery pizza will always rank among the most popular delivery items in America. But what might surprise you is that customers often prefer to customize their pizza choice.

Choosing the toppings on a build-your-own pizza makes it easier to please a group of friends or family at the next social gathering. And if you’re in the mood for high-quality New York-style pizza, all you have to do is click.

4. Greek Salad

Delivery food can be healthy too! Salads, particularly Greek and cobb salads rank among the most popular food delivery items over the past year. Whether it’s a side salad to go with your pizza or a lunch salad to keep it light in the middle of the workday, people seem to enjoy the toppings and flavor of a good Greek salad.

Delis, Greek restaurants, pizza restaurants, and fast food delivery menus usually offer some type of salad options. The high availability may be part of why it’s so highly ranked on our list of popular items.

5. Spring Rolls

Have you noticed how many different varieties of spring rolls there are? Traditionally, you would find spring rolls on a Chinese food menu, but you could also see it on a Vietnamese or Thai food menu too.

Spring rolls contain a variety of vegetables (sometimes meat) and can be steamed or fried. The most commonly ordered variety is the fried spring roll served from Chinese food delivery menus.

6. Cheesecake

You may have noticed that there are not many desserts to make the list of most popular delivery foods. There could be a few reasons for that – namely that ice cream doesn’t always travel well.

But the next time you’re craving something sweet after a meal, try a slice of cheesecake delivered right to you!

7. Chicken Tikka Masala

Wondering where Indian food delivery would rank on our list? Well, here it is – and the most popular among the Indian cuisine dishes is chicken tikka masala.

This is a comfort meal unlike any other. And it usually comes in large quantities perfect to share with family or eat for multiple meals. Tikka masala may come with a side of bread or white rice which only enhances the eating experience. The delicious flavors and reasonable prices could be why this dish makes the top delivery items in America.

8. Breakfast Sandwich

Working from home or recovering from a late-night zoom call with friends? How about a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on a toasted English muffin?

Is your mouth watering yet?

Delivery food isn’t just for lunch and dinner – you can find plenty of breakfast sandwich options too. Customize your sandwich and order a coffee to make a complete breakfast to start your day off right. Breakfast sandwiches are rising in the ranks of most popular food delivery items.

9. Donuts

Speaking of delivery breakfast food, the popularity of delivery donuts is also on the rise! With so many varieties to choose from, no wonder delivery donuts sales are 9 times higher than in 2019.

Many donut shops offer a half-dozen or a dozen donuts for delivery. Start your weekend off right and check out why delivery donuts are so popular!

10. Burger and Fries

We couldn’t leave out a fast-food delivery classic – the burger and fries. This combination remains one of the most popular delivery food items from third-party food delivery sites.

Your favorite chain burger restaurants are now delivering the classic drive-thru specials. High-end restaurants and bars are also getting in the delivery burger game. So, no matter which variety of burgers you prefer – you can get it delivered!

Honorable mention on our popular food list goes to milkshakes, which is a common add-on to the burger and fries delivery combination.

Ready to Try the Most Popular Delivery Food Items?

You have 10 of the most popular delivery food options to choose from. Which one will you try first?

The past year was very difficult for the restaurant industry because they had to close their indoor seating or limit seating for health and safety reasons. However, the growth of the food delivery industry gave those food establishments a chance to keep up sales to loyal customers.

So the next time you ask yourself, what food should I get delivered tonight? – revisit this list. And for more food trends, lifestyle tips, and news, check out the other blogs on our site!

What Is It Like Flying in a Helicopter?

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Did you know that trying new things can make you feel happier? Try something new, like going on a helicopter ride. If you want to go but aren’t sure what to expect, we can help.

In this guide, we’ll go over what to expect when flying in a helicopter. You’ll learn what to wear, where you might sit, and how to get the best pictures.

Want to learn more? Keep reading.

Wear the Right Clothes

What you wear for your helicopter ride will impact your experience. You want to feel comfortable and safe during your ride.

Leave your loose-fitting clothing items at home. Don’t wear a loose scarf or hat. Your scarf could get pulled up by the wind, and you could lose your hat during the kick-off.

Do you have long hair? Make sure you pull it back into a bun. During the ride, your hair could get tangled because of the wind. Prevent tangles later on by tying your hair up before the ride.

Where Will You Sit?

The pilot will have specific instructions on seating. If you’re going on a flight with your friend or partner, there won’t be an issue.

Yet, during a helicopter tour, there might be a few people you don’t know. Some people want to grab the best seat.

The helicopter tour service will work hard to seat people together. Yet, be aware that there are times when it isn’t possible.

Don’t try to take someone’s seat after you received a seat assignment. You don’t want to waste time and take it away from your ride.

Research the Helicopter

The helicopter you end up in will get determined by the company you book through. Some helicopters will have front-facing seats.

Larger helicopters will have a bunch of rear-facing seats. Everyone will be able to see, no matter the helicopter type.

If you’d like to watch where the pilot flies, aim to book a front-facing seat. If you or your partner suffers from motion sickness, try to get a front-facing seat as well.

People who experience motion sickness may have symptoms if they sit in a rear-facing seat. Consider taking a non-drowsy motion sickness medication before the trip.

Safety Tips

During the helicopter ride, there are things you can do to have a safe experience.

Pay attention to what the pilot says. Make sure you follow the pilot’s instructions regarding exiting or entering the helicopter. When the rotors are still moving, you could end up getting injured.

Before walking toward the helicopter, make sure your personal belongings are secure. You don’t want any items blowing away. Don’t wear loose clothing.

If a belonging does end up flying away, don’t go after it. The staff will work hard to try and get these items back. You don’t want to put your life in danger going after your belongings.

Make Sure You Follow Your Pilot’s Rules

The helicopter tour or ride will have a careful plan. The pilot will have a time when they plan to take off and when they plan to land. To stay on schedule and enjoy your experience, make sure you listen to your pilot.

The tour staff and the pilot can answer questions you have. You could also email the company ahead of time if you have questions. You can get an understanding of what to expect during your ride.

If you or your friend or partner feel uncertain about the trip, call ahead. This way, you can feel relaxed about the trip. Most pilots and tour staff will work their hardest to make riders feel comfortable.

Do You Want to Take Pictures?

An exciting part about a helicopter ride is getting to take pictures. Take pictures with your camera or your cell phone. If you’re hoping to get fantastic shots, consider wearing darker clothes.

Bright-colored clothing will get picked up in the window. There are some glares and reflections on the windows. Wear dark clothing, so your reflection won’t appear.

Will the Experience Feel Scary?

Helicopter pilots undergo training to maintain a high standard of professionalism and safety.

A passenger who felt nervous at take-off will begin to relax once in the air. The stunning views around people tend to calm passengers.

Will There Be Turbulence?

Turbulence or bumps during a helicopter ride tend to be rare. A helicopter’s response to turbulence is a lot different compared to a plane.

Helicopters ride out turbulence differently because of their flexible blades and sleek shape. Passengers don’t tend to feel anything.

If the turbulence is going to be severe, the pilot won’t take flight.

Can You Hear the Pilot During the Ride?

During the ride, you will hear what the pilot says if they give you noise-canceling headsets. Feel free to ask your pilot a question during the flight.

Research different areas you want to explore. Consider flying in a helicopter on your next day off.

Now You Know What to Expect When Flying In a Helicopter

We hope this guide on helicopter travel was helpful. When flying in a helicopter, make sure you listen to the pilot.

Call ahead and ask questions before the trip. Tie up your long hair, leave your hat or scarf at home, and bring a camera.

Are you looking for more helpful tips? Check out our resources on food, travel, and more.

How to Get Ready for Boating Season

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It’s springtime, which means boating season will be here before you know it. There is a lot of preparation needed before you can hit the water, and you don’t want to miss out on boating time when you could have taken care of things beforehand.

It’s important to take stock of your inventory and check your life jackets and other safety equipment on board. Below are some valuable tips to help you get ready for boating season.

Prepare Yourself

Use the time you have before boating season starts to make sure you are ready to hit the water. Make sure you have taken the boating course and your certificates are up to date.

Review technical details of your boat. Read the owner’s manual and the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance guidelines, and familiarize yourself with all of its components and safety features. It’s worth it every year to review your boat before the spring boating season begins.

Conduct Basic Maintenance

Although your boat has probably been sitting in storage, you will want to do some essential maintenance and checks before taking it near the water.

  • Check Mechanical and Electrical Components – check that batteries are charged, and make sure to clean connections to prevent problems on the day you plan to take the boat on the water. You will also want to check electrical lines and systems.
  • Give the Boat a Once-Over – you will need to give the boat a once-over and examine the hull. Inspect the hull for any damage and give it a good cleaning. Check fittings, swim ladders, and hatches.
  • Check Navigation Equipment

Your navigation and anchor lights should have been checked during the once-over, but it is worth it to pack extra bulbs to be sage, and you should make sure that your navigation charts are up to date. Test your GPS, radar, and radio to ensure they are in working order before going out on the water.

Check Safety Equipment

Make sure your safety equipment is to code and in good shape. This includes checking emergency signaling equipment and signal flares. Make sure they are stored in an easily accessible location on the boat. If expired, replace before taking the boat on the water. Boats typically need to have the following safety equipment:

  • Horn
  • One life jacket per passenger on board
  • A fire extinguisher, number of fire extinguishers vary depending on boat size,
  • First aid kit

If you are unsure what equipment is needed in your boat, make sure to check out a boat guide because you don’t want to start your boating season off with a fine.

 Licencing and Registration

Keep your boat registration and boating certificate in a safe and dry place. The same applies to your fishing license if you are using your boat for fishing. Also, make sure your insurance is up to date in case of an accident.

Make a List

Making a list helps you focus on what needs to be done to prepare your boat. Here are the most significant things to include on your list for getting your boat ready:

  • General cleaning tasks (deck, hull, topsides_
  • Check drains for blockages
  • Wash bota and add a coat of wax to protect the paint
  • Clean wood finishes and oil them, clean fixtures, such as windows, hatches, and blinds
  • Replace wiper blades if worn
  • Inspect ladder, rails, trim, and fittings
  • Check portlights to make sure they work, change and burnt out bulbs
  • Inspect hoses, and clamps, including waterline hoses
  • Have engine serviced or inspected by a mechanic

Take the time to go through your boat and make sure everything is working correctly. Getting stranded out in the water can be a scary experience that can be avoided with maintenance and preparation.

5 Simple ways to show your garden some ‘love’

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If there have not been much gardening activities that have taken place last winter, then chances are your glass lawn may need some attention. Unfortunately, our bitterly cold winter climate can damage the quality of a natural grass lawn. However, cheap artificial grass by the Grass Warehouse looks just as natural as genuine grass and no maintenance is required to keep the artificial grass looking vibrant and neat and tidy. Using artificial grass is a permanent way of showing your garden some love.

Purchase new outdoor furniture

New outdoor furniture really makes a difference to the way a garden looks and how a garden is used. If you are looking to add a ‘fun factor’ to your garden then a hot tub or jacuzzi really will help bring fun to your garden. If you have the budget spend money on building a swimming pool then why not? It will not only add fun to your garden, but it will also add value to your property.

If you are looking to create more of a social dining setting in your garden, rattan outdoor tables and chairs will give a lovely bohemian look to your garden whilst providing somewhere for you and your guests to sit down and eat and drink together. Equally, a rattan style sofa will also help to add a less formal comfort to a garden, there are lots of different styles of furniture that can be used in a garden, it’s about finding the pieces of furniture that suit your requirements

Tend to your garden

If there is any weeding or removal of dead plants that needs to be done, now is the ideal opportunity to have a good garden tidy up. However, removal of plants does not always need to leave a garden looking bare, you can always replace dead plants and flowers with newer vibrant ones. However, gravel and small stones can be used to cover any bare areas if you decide not to proceed with replacing old plants with new ones.

Invest money in new gardening equipment

If you decide to invest money in to purchasing new gardening equipment, it will make your life a whole lot easier if you want to keep your garden looking perfectly manicured. The most common types of gardening equipment that are used for personal gardening use are: the lawnmower, strimmer, garden shears and a water sprinkler. The newer a piece of gardening equipment is, the more reliable and longer lasting it should be.

Paint and maintain your garden fences

Painting and maintaining garden fences may seem like a chore or very hard work, but it is important to keep your garden fences looking in top condition. The easiest way to ensure debris and moss is removed from your fence, is to use a high-quality pressure washer, as this will quickly and efficiently remove any unwanted dirt from a fence without causing any damage. Once a fence has been sufficiently washed, the painting process can go ahead, luckily there are outdoor paint brands that offer a wide range of colours of hardwearing and long-lasting paint, so you will not need to keep painting your fences very often.

 

How to create the Cottagecore look

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Cottagecore is an aesthetic which is very much on trend at the moment. It helps to bring cosiness to your home by adding character, but in a sustainable way. It gives a very natural and traditional finish to your home without being outdated as it is a way to bring organic elements indoors, whether that’s from indoor plants or dried flowers. This trend has shifted away from the prints and florals which were once sought after in favour of a more simplistic look.

Introduce nature to your home

Adding plants and flowers to your home is the easy way to bring nature indoors however, it goes much further than that. By using natural materials like stone and wood helps to make your home well connected to the great outdoors. By adding warm, organic textures to your home with a natural wood flooring will brighten up your living space. Solid wood flooring can be very expensive so by SPC flooring, it is a great alternative to get the same effect. As it’s 100% waterproof, it is ideal for families and pets. From Herringbone to regular style flooring, there is a style for everyone.

Log fire

Whether you opt for an open fire or a wood burner, it helps to create a warm and relaxing atmosphere which is idyllic throughout the colder months. The natural sounds of crackling wood burning away brings comfort to a home. It helps to bring the family and guests together making it the heart of the home.

Furnishings

A lot of vintage and reclaimed furniture is made from natural resources which is perfect to to get that Cottagecore feeling. By incorporating preloved furniture to your already existing furniture will still give your home a contemporary feel and style. It is a great way to redesign your home whether that is on a budget or not. Think about uplifting your current furniture. To incorporate the more natural and subtle tones, you could reupholster your chairs or sofas which is what Cottagecore is centred around; returning to traditional skills and incorporating them into your lifestyle.

Decorating your home

This is by far the easiest way to adjust the aesthetic of your home. Maybe you could learn to sew to make cushion covers or have a go at making pottery to create simple decorative pieces. Painting your walls a colour which is earthy and natural will help bring simplicity to your home whilst being an inexpensive way to change your indoor environment and atmosphere. Think about simplicity. Maybe declutter your home to add space to your living area which will add serenity and become a relaxed place to unwind. Think about the materials, opt for décor pieces which use organic materials as this will help to bring in the natural beauty of the outdoors.

The aim of the Cottagecore trend is to celebrate traditional skills. You want your home to feel inviting so by using muted tones combined with layers of texture will help to add depth. Whether you live in the rural country side or a flat in the middle of a city, there are many ways you can create a rural, pastoral vibe.

Top 3 Worst Sleeping Positions and How to Deal with Them

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We’ve all read a guide or two on the best positions for sleep. However, following them is more complex than reading them. This is, of course, because we don’t have much control over what we do while resting. If it were a simple issue to fix, you probably wouldn’t be here reading this article.

Don’t worry, though; there are many methods to solve sleeping problems related to body positioning. Here’s a quick look at three of the worst sleeping positions and a few solutions that might work for you.

Supine or Back Sleeping

We see it all the time in movies and television shows. It’s usually people lying on their backs staring at the ceiling before heading off into dreamland. The reason it’s a common sight is that supine sleeping is the best for many people.

There are exceptions, though. People that suffer from sleep apnea or breathing problems need to avoid the supine sleeping position at all costs. The combination of the supine sleeping position and sleep apnea are related to many serious health conditions.

People with sleep apnea, who try resting supine, can run into complications such as bruxism, hearing loss, short-term memory loss, dry mouth, snoring, hypertension, diabetes, and a higher risk for a stroke, heart attack, or heart failure.

However, if you’re adamant about resting in the supine position, there are some precautions you can take to ensure a restful night. Consider visiting a doctor for a diagnosis beforehand. Purchase a supportive pillow for optimal comfort. And, if you suspect or receive a diagnosis for sleep apnea, opt for a PAP machine or alternative remedy for breathing problems.

Prone or Stomach Sleeping

Sleeping prone has an impact on breathing, as well. Unlike the supine position, however, airflow is impacted by pressure on the chest and stomach rather than the nasal canal or mouth breathing.

In most cases, the impact is less significant than supine sleeping. Instead, a common problem is neck pain. This is because the head needs to lay on its left or right side to avoid suffocation. Even when a person avoids neck pain, they can often strain back and shoulder muscles.

The potential for serious complications is less significant while sleeping in the prone position. But, if you want to stay on the safe side, consider a few of the following ideas. First, try finding a mattress that won’t put too much pressure on your stomach. If there’s enough give, you can avoid the unnecessary pushback from typical mattresses that can impact breathing.

Next, consider a memory foam pillow. Unlike alternatives, these are the best for providing enough support for your head without hurting your neck. Finally, try to avoid eating heavy meals or oversized portions before heading off to bed. The last thing you want is to apply force to your stomach after a large meal.

Left Side

People who opt for sleeping in a lateral position on their left side have potential issues to watch out for. However, before looking at those, it’s essential to consider the positive effects. This is an excellent option for individuals suffering from sleep apnea and other breathing problems.

It’s also a fantastic position for people recovering from injuries on the right side of their body. Additionally, a pregnant woman can reduce pressure on the bladder and achieve relief from back pain.

Sadly, resting on the left side isn’t an optimal choice for everyone. Where those with breathing troubles have much to gain, individuals with any vulnerable heart conditions should think twice. Resting on the left side causes a few bodily changes. The thorax can shift, and organs can move. The right lung, as a result, can apply a lot of pressure on the heart.

Another common but often less serious issue involves pressure on various nerves. This usually occurs with people’s shoulders, arms, and legs. It can lead to pain in these areas along with the hips.

If you’re intent on sleeping on your left side, there are a few things you can do to make it viable if you struggle with any of the issues mentioned above. One surprisingly simple solution for nerve pressure involves a body pillow. This can provide a comfortable place to rest your right leg and arm, avoiding much of the complications that come with sleeping on the left side.

Some people complain that their left nostril often becomes obstructed. After consulting with a doctor, you might find a solution with decongestants. Teas with ginger are also an efficient alternative.

Regarding the impact on organs and the thorax shift, there aren’t too many viable solutions. There are people that claim body pillows have a positive effect. However, you shouldn’t take action before consulting your physician.

Everyone Sleeps Differently

The three worst sleeping positions are on the back, stomach and left side. But fear not if these are your prefered positions as there are ways of making these positions work for you. Some of the solutions can be as simple as sleeping with a body pillow. Of course, everyone has a different preference. Perhaps you’ve found a way to make these positions more viable?

Bear in mind that you should always speak with a professional before making any significant changes regarding your sleeping habits. Getting proper rest is essential for leading a happy and healthy life.

Plumbing Signs to Watch When Having A Cast Iron Pipe Plumbing

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The age and era for cast iron plumbing should be long gone. Ideally, these systems we used centuries back and may not be efficient today. The chances are high that a homeowner still having these pipes will face a few challenges here and there. Common of the problems with them is that they are prone to damages due to extreme weather changes, water quality, and age.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that it is always easy to know if one may need a cast iron pipe repair. That is especially true since the pipes are hidden behind walls and in the basements. But in most cases, some universal signs will tell when someone should do a cast iron repair or consider a replacement. The signs include but are not limited to the following.

Discoloration

When a homeowner discovers some brown or yellow water coming from the taps, the piping systems may be faulty. This will come due to the corrosion or rusting on the cast iron pipes. Discolored water, especially when that is not a common issue in a given area, means the pipes are vulnerable and should be checked.

Leaks

Frequent leaks are another symptom a homeowner may want to consider. This may be happening more often than not due to cracks in the pipes. Some of these leaks can be so persistent and come along with risks to the property like flooding. As such, when the leaks are persistent even after some minor repairs, doing a replacement is usually the next big thing to do.

Odor

It can be so uncomfortable to live in a house with an unpleasant smell. Such odor will come when cracked pipes allow sewer gas to escape. A normal sewer system should be airtight, but there can be a few exemptions once in a while. When the case persists, it may mean the owner needs some serious cast iron pipe repairs or even replacement.

Mold

Mold is another evident sign of complication with the piping system. A cracked pipe that leaks water will lead to mold infestation. The costs of dealing with mold due to the magnitude of damage they cause can be unbearable. As such, whenever you notice even the slight of mold development on the wall or anywhere else, seeking expert advice will be a wise move.

Cracks

Cracks are common to occur at any point in the house. But when one notices them on the foundation or along the walls, it shows the pipes are damaged. Usually, this may happen when the mainline had a leak but went undetected. When left unreplaced, the damage will bring some sinkholes.

Healthy Lawn

Funny but true. While sewage may be unhealthy for human beings, they are good for vegetation. When someone notices a strangely healthy lawn developing around the home without doing anything, it could mean the sewage is leaking. And in most cases, this may indicate a deep-rooted problem in the whole plumbing system.

 

Tips to Securing Your Dream Interior Design Job

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A good majority of the people who study architecture and design in college end up securing interior designing jobs. Interior design can be a very lucrative career, especially if you align yourself with the right people and advertise yourself properly. If you’re stuck looking for interior design jobs available and don’t know how to secure your dream job, here are some tips that should help.

 

Check with Your Professor

Make sure you keep in touch with your college professors even after graduation because they may turn out to be of great help when starting out your career. Most interior design professors are well connected with people within the industry, so you can always ask them if they are aware of any job opportunities available. In fact, most firms go to these professors to ask them if they have any fresh graduates they can recommend. If you are in your professor’s good books, then you definitely could be recommended for a job in interior design.

 

Consider Internships

When you’re fresh out of college, internships provide a great way for you to learn and gain experience that may help you stand out from other candidates. This is because most organizations will only hire someone who has some experience. Even if it is an unpaid one, an internship gives you an opportunity to get one foot in the door. You will work with professionals who have been in the game for a long time and could learn a lot from them. Another thing with internships is that you have a chance of being hired full-time once the internship is over, and even if you don’t get hired, you will have people who can be your referees and would have also made some important networks. There really is no downside to getting an internship.

 

Try Getting an Advanced Degree

By furthering your studies, you will always have an edge over other candidates when applying for a job. With an advanced degree, not only do you get to learn more and broaden your knowledge, but you also get to know more people and create networks. Getting an advanced degree is now easier than ever, and you can do it alongside other things. With the option of night learning and even online classes, you can easily get your advanced degree without having to put a stop to other things.

 

Dig Deep

Look at as many job websites as possible. Most companies looking to hire will always post on the internet, and you can take this opportunity to find interior design jobs available. Other than company websites, you can also check with professional organizations such as IIDA, ASID, IFMA, NEWH, and AIA as some companies will always go to these organizations when doing their recruitment.

 

At the end of the day, finding that dream job may be quite difficult, but as long as you put in the work and do everything you’re supposed to, you will have a good chance at securing a nice interior design job.

 

 

Josh Melick’s Take on 3 Dimensional SaaS Pricing and Its Importance

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Pricing is one of the most difficult strategies in SaaS application that needs to be developed. There are things that could impact revenue and the future of the company. Many SaaS startups don’t usually think of this important factor as they face the overwhelming task of making and running SaaS business, says Josh Melick.

Many SaaS groups tend to do bronze, silver, or gold plans where each tier comes with more features. Melick mentioned that they may also use it separately or just a part of it and see per seat licensing and or other “usage” pricing qualifications. Like “This many users” or “send this many messages or “use this much storage space”.

2 Dimensional Plans :

Those mentioned above are what Melick sighted as dimensional plans. One is the tier, the other dimension is usage. Most of the new businesses tend to think simply and just use one dimension. Use just one plan, or usually don’t charge users anymore. It might be good for some cases such as selling to SMB’s with few employees, or specialty apps like accounting or legal department which is of but a few users. For this particular dimension, it might include enough messages or storage for most users, or protect it against extreme usage, said Melick.

Melick advised that “Grandfathering” customers is a common strategy that startup businesses use into all inclusive packages with no upsells. Problem is, they might be creating a legacy of no price increase and in result, the business will not be charged for increased features that the business may create in the future. Other companies are hesitant in adding a “pricing gate” as it will discourage current customers into using new features – that is where the problem lies as the company needs the customers to give them feedback so that the company can perfect the platform and make best experiences. And that is the actual concern.

All of this may cost the business some money and the business has left out other pricing dimensions that are as essential.

There’s a Third Dimension and it matters.Time is the third dimension. The prices in your business as well as those that are around it will rise over time. You can’t just depend on changes, upgrades or even inflation to grow your share in time. Increasing prices in line with the inflation might cost you money in the long run. Prices may increase over time to stay competitive in the business and adjust with the inflation.Growth is needed. Growth-minded SaaS businesses are well aware that over time, every area in the business needs to grow. Grow on features, customers. Expanding accounts and lands. This is how businesses achieve the most sought after “Net Negative Churn”.

More startup businesses are hoping that prices will eventually rise over time and it’ll come naturally in one of the dimensions Melick mentioned like the usage of the customer will increase in the long run or customers liking the business’ new feature. These strategies are optimistic but don’t guarantee a revenue in the future. Rather than waiting for the price rise to happen, be straightforward and make it happen. Right then, the revenue will follow, says Melick.

How do you do that? Melick said that it won’t be easy but it is possible to take consideration of time to the account and adjust the pricing accordingly leading to higher revenues. Here are some pointers from Melick:

First, the hardest but most obvious to do is changing the price. Each year, increase the business prices to 5-10% without grandfathering. Definitely there will be feedback by doing this – it could be good, bad and ugly. There will be certain loyal customers of your business that will stay. It will be good as well if you can run some models on how much you can afford to lose and can still come up ahead with regards to the prices. Raising prices works because if not, it wouldn’t be in the standard private equity takeover playbook.

Second, include in each renewal cycle that the price will increase by percentage (5-7%) in the annual agreements clause. It works well in businesses that tend to negotiate. Naturally customers will try to negotiate. This will challenge your sales team, you might come into agreement with the customer for a flat increase once they are not satisfied by the end of the term. This strategy is with an added bonus as it gives customers a good reason to discuss the account by the end of the term. If you have confidence with your product, customers will continue on using it. Evergreen renewals without communications don’t get the business feedback.

Lastly, once automatic price increase is in place, business can already negotiate with the customers – but update customers instead. With more features or users, business may offer to waive the 7% for an upgrade to the next tier.

Pricing is a constant issue for SaaS founders. For the business revenue and profit number to be able to meet the goals, it is important to get the pricing element right. No one ever said that setting pricing is easy, don’t hesitate and check with experts if you need assistance. Don’t ignore it, hoping that it’ll solve problems by itself finishes Melick.

Top Digital PR Trends You Need to Follow in 2021

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If you thought that the world stopped in 2020 while working from home, you’re wrong. A lot of things were happening in the digital domain. The Internet was on fire as most of you spent time online watching your favorite Netflix or YouTube, face-timing to catch up with your friends and family, using social media like Facebook and Instagram.

This sudden shift in how everyone perceived the Internet and changes in consumer behavior has given some valuable insights into what will work for digital PR. So, here are some top trends that you can follow to spice up your marketing strategies.

Top Digital PR Trends You Need to Follow in 2021

Live Streaming and Videos

Videos have existed for a very long time and are the future. If you never thought of using them in your marketing strategy, then 2021 is the time. Videos were all over the place in 2020 in webinars, live-streamed events, or video conferencing. Live streaming became popular in 2020 when all the events were canceled due to the pandemic, and businesses had to look for new ways to connect to their consumers.

With social distancing in place, live streams allowed for a personal connection through live customer engagement. According to Livestream, 82% of audiences preferred live streams to social media posts. Looking at this, you can rethink your digital PR strategies aligning them with live streaming platforms such as ticktock, Instagram reels, Facebook live, etc.

Visual Search

In 2018, Google came up with theGoogle lens that enables users to find products based on the image uploaded. This Artificial Intelligence technology allows searching using an image and not any keyword. Besides Google Lens, the Pinterest lens and several other related visual search tools turn on the user’s camera into the search bar.

This was the beginning of search engine transformation where customers no longer had to wade through different search results to find what they wanted. It is the future of search, and businesses should leverage visual search adding high-quality images of their products and descriptive keywords.

User-Generated Content

Just like live streaming, user-generated content marketing skyrocketed. This became a new alternative for the business to promote products and services. The beauty of this kind of marketing is that it’s not like a typical ad that you see on TV or anywhere else. User-generated content includes social media posts, real videos, reviews, images to promote a brand candidly. This content has a significant influence on the purchasing decision of consumers.

Sometimes social media influencers are in paid partnership with the brand, and other times, it can be genuine feedback from a customer. These reviews look more authentic, and it works too. It’s more like the traditional word-of-mouth promotion but with a twist.

Brand Activism

Brand activism has popped up as an upcoming marketing trend in the year 2020. When most people were spending their time online, it was no longer possible for the brand to stay behind the curtain.

Consumers are no longer passive buyers; they want to buy products from good brands representing the same values as they have. Therefore, they had to come out, speak up and interact with their brand-conscious consumers. Many brands came together to talk about the pandemic behavior. Another movement for which brands spoke was ‘Black Lives Matter’.

The digital scenario doesn’t seem to be changing much, as it is slowly gaining popularity amidst the pandemic crisis. So, you’ll see all these digital marketing trends going up in the next few months. Adding them to your marketing strategy will bring more value to your brand and help your business not only survive but grow in this uncertain time.