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Arnett Hailey

Technology

Start a Woodshop Business

by Arnett Hailey on

If you have a talent for crafting wood into anything likable and valuable, it may be time to start a woodshop business to earn money. Your woodshop business could also help you share skills and expand your talent. However, creating a woodworking business requires a plan and other considerations like any other business. The following are things to consider when starting a woodshop business.

Setting the Workshop

Before you set up the business, you first need a workshop that will give you directions to the type of business you should set up. So, start by choosing the tools you need for your business. Some fundamental tools you must have include wood chisels, table saw, chainsaw, hammer, wooden planks, etc. another valuable thing you need for quality woodworking is Easel CNC Software. The software helps you to come up with high-quality designs.

Choosing Location

After deciding how you want the business to be and gathering the right tools, you next need to choose a location for the woodwork shop. The site of the business has an impact on how you operate. However, contrary to some companies, your shop should be far away from residential areas. This is because of the noise, residue, and space you need. Nonetheless, ensure the location is accessible for ease of transportation.

Creating a Business Plan

A business plan is a vital element when starting any business. It gives direction on where to start, how to do it, where to get funds, etc. when starting a woodshop business, you need to plan on furnishings, target clients, startup capital, suppliers, etc.

Building a Catalog

After you have created a business plan, bring your focus to the deliverables. What kind of custom items do you want to make? Create a catalog depending on what you plan on selling. Knowing what your target customers are looking for and what is available in the market is crucial. Check the items in high demand, and don’t forget to scrutinize the competition. When creating your catalog, think of how you will make your business the destination for innovative and unique wood products. Think of how you need to convince your customers to buy an item without second thoughts.

Pricing is another vital thing you should think of when creating your catalog. You can start by analyzing how other woodshops are prizing their items and optimizing your rates. Pricing your quality items well will send customers your way, and you will not have a problem making sales.

Setting up Marketing Plans

Every business needs a marketing plan, and a woodshop is no exception. When you are a new business or brand, you must create brand awareness using the best marketing strategies. So incorporate traditional and digital marketing methods to introduce your business into the market. Start with building social media accounts and highlighting your products. You also need a website to represent you online. Other marketing methods include word-of-mouth, printing flyers, business cards, and paid ads.

Bottom Line

Before you start a woodshop business, it is crucial to take some time to think through these things. Research the market for your product’s viability and demand level. This way, you will know where to begin with your business.

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Education

University of Phoenix Advises on How to Dress for Success in the Modern Workplace

by Arnett Hailey on

People all over the world have conformed to workplace attire expectations for years. But recent times have seen a shake up in these dress codes for many businesses. From the rise of casual clothing for remote work to the wider acceptance and embracing of gender-neutral clothing, many individuals now have more freedom over how they dress for work, whether their roles are remote, in house or hybrid.

One of University of Phoenix’s careers advisors, Carla Hunter, NCC, BCC, CCC, has shared her tips for dressing for success in the modern workplace on the University’s blog. She advises employees to dress for the job that they want and the job that they have, reminding them that they should feel both comfortable and empowered in the clothes they select.

Here, we’ll delve into Hunter’s advice, explaining that industry, environment, generation and gender can all impact dress codes.

Evolution From Professional to Casual Workwear

Casual workwear became prominent during the 1990’s, when “casual Fridays” or “jeans Fridays” became popular. When employers realized that casual wear didn’t typically impact productivity, many relaxed their workplace dress codes beyond the end of the working week.

A couple of decades later, the COVID-19 lockdowns and work-from-home lifestyle heightened this approach, making workwear yet more casual for many. As a result, “business casual” is a popular option for lots of workplaces today. While this approach isn’t always suitable for C-suites, many office workers (especially those who work in remote or hybrid set ups) are embracing power casual or work leisure wardrobes. And those who are permanently remote may still opt for business on top and pajamas below.

A Culture of Individuality

Along with this growing emergence of casual workwear, now many offices welcome a blend of Baby Boomers, Millennials and Generation Xers to the workplace. Some companies have seen a higher volume of young people entering the workforce in light of the Great Resignation, which saw many Baby Boomers leave the workforce while younger generations sought better benefits in new roles. Given this mixture of generations, especially younger generations, a culture of individuality has emerged in the workplace to accommodate workwear.

Generational perspectives on workwear are quickly reshaping what work attire looks like in the modern working world. From tattoos and piercings to statement t-shirts and ripped jeans, wearing clothes that represent their authentic selves is more the norm for younger generations than it has been before. As a result, corporate dress codes are gradually fading in many organizations.

While some traditional companies uphold their old workwear expectations, many companies that have launched in the last decade have more contemporary workwear expectations. These businesses, which are often tech companies and remote-work set ups, often attract younger employees.

Furthermore, as many workplaces let go of outdated gender-specific workwear codes, gender-neutral workwear guidelines are becoming a new norm. Business casual once meant jeans for men and skirts or dress pants for women. But the modern approach of simply dressing as ourselves has replaced these gender-specific limitations in many organizations. More than ever before, people are dressing for who they are rather than dressing to meet expectations.

Professional Clothing and Productivity

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some employers relaxed dress code rules for their remote teams. Others implemented telecommuter dress codes. The Society for Human Resource Management reported that individuals who dressed according to these codes, often in smart casual, business casual or business professional wear, recorded higher levels of productivity than workers who dressed in pajamas or gym clothes.

Similarly, Forbes has suggested that a professional dress code should ask employees to:

  1. Be as professional as they can in whatever style they choose
  2. Be themselves by dressing in the colors and styles that suit them
  3. Dress in a style that befits their industry

These three dress code requirements set a workwear boundary while allowing individuals to dress in ways that please them.

Balancing Employee and Employer Workwear Preferences

Appealing to workers, whether through workwear or otherwise, is now more important than ever for many employers. To put this into perspective, University of Phoenix’s 2022 Career Optimism Index®, which surveyed over 5,000 American adults and 500 employers about their career experiences, found that nearly 1 in 3 employees would leave their job without having another lined up.

Similarly, 33 percent of respondents in a Randstad survey said that they would quit their job or turn down a job offer if the employer required them to follow a conservative dress code.

While dress codes are changing and are now often relaxed and employee-centric, wearing formal or business work attire is often particularly important when clients or stakeholders visit a workplace. In this case, many employers uphold stricter rules on the kinds of clothing that employees should wear on these occasions.

Learn more about how to succeed as a professional by signing up for University of Phoenix’s Career with Confidence newsletter on LinkedIn.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix dedicates itself to advancing adult and nontraditional learners’ educational goals and to helping students select degree programs that best suit their interests. The University’s degree programs can lead onto numerous in-demand career paths including cybersecurity, nursing and business. Meanwhile, the University offers flexible start dates, online classes and numerous scholarship opportunities so anyone to earn the degree they desire. In addition, University of Phoenix offers a Career Services for Life® commitment to active students and graduates provides the resources needed to be prepared when entering the workforce for no additional charge. This covers resume and interview support, career guidance, and education and networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.

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Education

How to Choose a Bike for Your Child

by Arnett Hailey on

Teaching your child to ride a bike from a young age has many benefits. For starters, children absolutely love the freedom of being able to ride a bike. It allows them to explore with confidence and promotes independence. Furthermore, cycling is great for both mental and physical health and will also improve their coordination and motor skills.

If you are choosing a bike for your child, it is important to look for one that is made from good quality materials that will ensure the comfort and safety of your child. The experts at children’s bike manufacturer Woom say that a lightweight bike for kids is the best option as it will be easier for kids to ride as it is built specifically for children.

What to Consider When Buying Your Child a Bike

It is important to choose a bike that your child will be able to hold and maneuver. This is where lightweight kids’ bikes come into their own. Look for a bike with an aluminum frame rather than one made from heavier metal as your child may struggle to control a heavier bike.

The design of the bike is something to consider too. Whether you are buying your child a balance bike or something a bit bigger, look for a bike that is easy to step on and off from.

The age and height of your child are important considerations when buying a bike as well. Most bike retailers will have a chart that you can use to find the most suitable bike for your child. As long as you have their age and height, you can find a bike that is the right size. However, it is not just the size of the bike that is important, especially as your child gets older. You also need to think about the type of cycling that your child is likely to be doing and then choose the most appropriate bike for this.

What this means is that there is no point in buying a road bike if your child is likely to spend most of their time on a BMX track or traversing muddy mountain trails, and vice versa.

If your child is young and you are buying their first bike, stay away from bikes with gears because these can be confusing. Gears are important when you are riding different terrain and need a bit of help in terms of how fast you need to move the pedals. So, if you are cycling up a hill, you might want to use a lower gear so that you don’t have to push so hard on the pedals. If you are cycling on a flat surface, then you can move to a higher gear so that the pedals are not spinning so fast, and you need to put a bit more force on them. For children just learning to ride or those who do not spend much time cycling up hills, gears are unnecessary and often confusing. Plus, they make the bike heavier and harder to control.

Protection is Important

When you have bought a bike for your child, never forget to buy protective gear as well. As well as a helmet, you should look for some knee and elbow padding because kids tend to fall from their bikes quite a bit when they are learning. Furthermore, make sure your child’s bike is fitted with a bell and that it has lights. You should also consider reflective taping for your child’s clothing or a high vis vest so that they are always visible when out on their new bike.

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Technology

5 Telugu Action Adventure Movies From 2022 That Are A Must Watch

by Arnett Hailey on

Action-adventure is a well-established and thriving movie genre, especially in Telugu cinema. If you’re a fan of Telugu movies, you’ve surely seen some applaud-worthy films in this genre. Although this genre is a tough nut to crack for movie makers, if they do so successfully, the audience’s response is incredible.

Filmed with spectacular scenes of combat and a gripping storyline, these movies have the potential to do wonders at the box office. Today, let’s take a look at some Telugu movies from this genre that are an absolute must-watch.

  • Bhala Chora Bhala

Action-adventure films don’t always have to be fantasy driven. It can also be set in seemingly normal surroundings. One such movie is, A. Pradeep’s Bhala Chora Bhala. The film stars Khayyum Ali, Venkatesh Marturu, and Ram Jagan in lead roles, while Chintu, Naveen Neni, A. Pradeep, and Chitram Seenu play supporting roles.

The narrative of the film revolves around Raj and his friends who unknowingly get entangled in a mess involving criminal activities. Soon, they get dragged further into the mess. How these friends manage to get out of this forms the crux of the story.

  • Bimbisara

Debutant Mallidi Vasishta’s Bimbisara is a Telugu language action-adventure or fantasy-action film. Produced under the banner of N. T. R. Arts, the film stars Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, Catherine Tresa, Samyuktha Menon, and Prakash Raj in prominent roles.

The story of the film starts in the 5th century BCE with a strong and powerful King, Bimbisara, reigning over the Trigartala Empire. Later, the film shifts to the present time as Bimbisara time travels and lands in the modern world.

  • RRR
  • S. Rajamouli’s much-awaited magnum opus, RRR is an epic action adventure meant to enthrall the audience with its visuals and storytelling. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan in lead roles, while Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Shriya Saran, Samuthirakani, Ray Stevenson, Alison Doody, and Olivia Morris play significant roles.

The film’s plot is Rajamouli’s imagination of what would’ve happened if two real-life Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju (Charan) and Komaram Bheem (Rama Rao), would’ve actually met. Set in the 1920’s British Raj, the movie is an absolute treat for any cinema lover.

  • Nallamala

Written and directed by Ravi Charan, Nallamala is a 2022 action-adventure movie set in the 1990s. The film stars Amit Tiwari in the lead role along with Nassar, Prabhakar, Ajay Ghosh, Tanikella Bharani, Bhanu Sri, Shawar Ali, Rajsekhar Aningi, Chalaki Chanti, and Chatrapathi Sekhar in prominent roles.

The film narrates a story about the Nallamala Forests. It talks about the events that happened when a beast-like human entered the sacred forest disturbing the peace and joy of the people who were rejoicing in their victory against slavery.

  • Karthikeya 2

One of the most loved Telugu movies in the genre is Karthikeya 2. This Chandoo Mondeti’s directorial is a sequel to his debut film, Karthikeya. In this film, Nikhil Siddhartha reprises his role as Karthikeya, while Anupama Parameswaran and Anupam Kher play significant roles.

In this sequel, Dr. Karthikeya is seen treading through a web of conspiracies in an attempt to retrieve a mythological treasure and clear his name.

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Business

How to Become a Woodworker

by Arnett Hailey on

The woodworking craft is fascinating to many, and becoming a woodworker isn’t as difficult as you might think. If you are interested in woodworking, you can start learning the craft by taking classes through your local community college or nearby technical school. Even if you don’t know how to use any of the hand tools associated with woodworking, plenty of classes will teach you their basics. Find out how to become a woodworker by following these steps

1.   Learn Woodwork Skills

Woodworking is not for the faint of heart. Making anything beautiful or valuable takes years of practice, patience, and skill. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get started on your way to becoming a woodworker. You can learn through online tutorials and YouTube channels like The Wood Whisperer, Fine Woodworking, and Ana White. There are plenty of books with great tips too. If you have some money to spare, there are also classes at local hardware stores. Depot; many wood shops offer classes as well.

2.   Learn About Woodworking Tools and Equipment

There are many woodworking tools and machines out there. It would help if you learned about different types of woodworking tools before you can start working with them, which is why it’s best to start at the beginning of your journey by learning about the essential tools needed for any project: hand saws, chisels, planes, knives, scrapers, drills, clamps, and squares. However, more productive power tools such as table saws, planers, and jointers can help make the job easier.

High-tech CNC machinery with Easel CNC Software can produce more accurate and precise results and meet high demands in production-related industries. Quality equipment will save time in the long run because they work better, last longer, and need less maintenance. However, don’t be discouraged by all the different kinds of tools – find one you’re interested in and try it out!

3.   Learn to Appreciate Wood

If you love the outdoors and enjoy working with your hands, you might consider woodworking a career. The world is full of beautiful, handmade wooden objects that often pass down from generation to generation. One good way to learn more about the craft is by joining a local guild or organization in your area, such as organizations of craftsmen. Appreciating wood and its products is a gateway to learning how to work with it, but there are many other avenues into this beautiful craft.

It will also open you to fantastic wood techniques like wood carving, marquetry, pyrography (burning designs on wood), intarsia (cutting intricate designs out of different colored woods), fretwork, and turning. Each is a different skill to master – just like any other trade – but you need to learn from field skills because they’re no longer part of high school programs.

4.   Work on Your First Project

As you work on your first project, remember that it is okay if you make mistakes. Take time to learn from your mistakes and ensure they don’t happen again. When you feel ready, show off your first project, and let your friends or family see what you have created. Continue working on new projects until you find one you love doing.

As you gather confidence, let it out to the world through social media. Upload pictures of your completed projects onto Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Share with people so they can see what you have done and want to try their hand at woodworking too! Also, don’t shy off from selling your creations as a side gig. Put them for sale on websites like Etsy, eBay, or Amazon. You’ll be surprised how many people might want to buy them!

5.   Build a Portfolio of Your Work

To become a woodworker, you’ll need to start by building up your portfolio of work. Start by completing small projects and asking friends and family members if they want anything made for them. Remember that there are many different areas of woodworking. So, try to learn as much as possible about what you wish before branching off on your own.

Some examples include cabinetry, furniture design, architectural millwork, musical instrument design, and restoration. You may also be interested in joining or starting a community-based workshop near where you live. They may not offer classes but will provide an opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals who share the same interests as you.

Conclusion

Woodworking is a fantastic hobby and profession that an interested person can take up at any age. Whether you want to make your furniture, create beautiful art pieces, or become a professional woodworker, there are many ways to get started. With the variety of tools and materials available today, as well as the help of experts, it is easier than ever before. Also, learning to work with high-tech CNC machining with a CNC software package can be very rewarding. As you learn more about this exciting field, keep in mind what inspires you to work with wood so that you can embrace your passion.

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Business

Choosing What to Keep in Your Unit: The Dos and Don’ts of Self Storage

by Arnett Hailey on

If you require a storage unit, you have some items you want to keep for some time. Maybe you are moving to a new place, running out of space, or have some delicate documents that require safekeeping. Whatever your reason is, it is crucial to know that storage companies have restrictions on what you can and cannot keep in their units. Therefore, before you pack your items and head to your chosen storage unit, read through this article to know what you should and should not do when storing your items in a storage unit.

The Dos of Keeping Assets in a Storage Unit

When storing your items in a self-storage unit, here are things you should do.

  • Research the Company

The first and most crucial thing is researching the company to confirm it is genuine. Many storage companies are running unscrupulous businesses, and you need to know them. The safety of your items depends on the company you pick. Therefore, check the legitimacy of the company by checking accreditation. You can also read customer reviews to see what other people feel about their storage units. The important thing is choosing a storage unit that will be safe to keep your valuables.

  • Buy Insurance

Insurance is also crucial when storing your items in a self-storage unit. You can ask the company if it offers coverage for the items stored in its units or whether they know a reliable insurer. The most crucial thing is making sure your belonging are covered from damage. With insurance, the company can cover the cost of the damages. Having insurance means your items are protected from elements like theft, vandalism, fire, and water damage.

  • Label Your Boxes

Since you might be storing the items in the unit for a while, it is crucial to organize them properly since you will not remember where you put what after months of keeping them. Therefore, the best way to organize them and ensure you don’t damage fragile items is by labeling the boxes. You can place the boxes in similar categories on one side so it will be easy to recognize the things. This is also vital if you want to retrieve the items.

The Don’ts of Keeping Assets in a Storage Unit

  • Keep Perishables

This might may be a no-brainer, but it is worth mentioning. The main idea of keeping items in a storage unit is to access them later while still in good shape. Therefore, never place perishable items in the unit. It can ruin other things or make the unit smell bad when they spoil.

  • Store Invaluable Items

Never store items you cannot afford to lose in a storage unit. Even with insurance, you cannot recover the meaning of the items you lose. Furthermore, the self-storage industry is not heavily regulated. Therefore, your items might go unrecovered.

  • Share Your Keys

Depending on the type of lock the company uses, you might be given a code or some keys. Be careful to whom you provide the keys. It is best you store them to yourself and only offer them to a person you can trust.

Takeaways

These are the untold rules of storing your items in a self-storage unit. Ensure you research the company first before committing and buying insurance. Label your boxes, and don’t store perishables. Also, don’t keep valuable items, and avoid sharing your key or code.

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Technology

Top Reasons Wood Carvers Should Go CNC

by Arnett Hailey on

For years, there have been a lot of advancements in the processes of manufacturing. And one of the advancements that top the headlines is the use of CNC machines among wood carvers.

Especially the manufacturing sector benefits from CNC machines. Compared to manual machining, CNC technological development has many benefits for wood carvers. Some of these benefits include:

1.      Eliminate Inconsistencies and Human Errors

If you make products using conventional methods or by hand, you won’t attain the similar level of accuracy and consistency as you could with a CNC machine.

A CNC machine uses fine-tuned precision tooling, detailed model references, and design software, like easel CNC software, so as to replicate and produce multiple products, which are identical virtually.

2.      Greater Accuracy and Zero Defects

Since precision cutting and turning machines work autonomously and without manual intervention, they usually pass the possibilities of human errors that seep into the process of manufacturing.

With software programs and codes governing the process, CNC machines are capable of delivering greater accuracy with no flaws.

In addition, these inputs remain immutable during the whole production process unless it is changed deliberately, which as well maintains consistency in final products. Plus, a CNC machine may operate for longer hours without compromise or breaks.

3.      Improved Safety

Similar to everything in life, individuals are prone to make mistakes. In factory settings, those mistakes might, at times, be expensive and dangerous.

The enhanced safety, which a CNC machine offer is another great benefit of using it. This is basically thanks to the fact that CNC machines are automated and computer-controlled.

Normally, this doesn’t just help to carry out tasks with consistent precision. It as well helps to eliminate the importance of human operators, reducing the risks of accidents.

4.      Enhanced Efficiency

CNC machines are designed for non-stop performance, enabling manufacturers to use them continuously.

The equipment should switch off for repair and maintenance. And it needs warm-up time – meaning you can operate on them anytime.

5.      High Cutting Parameters

A high-speed CNC turning service is currently available in sealed-off cutting areas. Chips fly at high speed, following the spray of a coolant fluid since it is sprayed at high pressure in the process of machining.

Manual operations won’t be possible when the rate reaches 10,000 pm or more. Because cutting speed is high, it’s important to keep the feed rate and chip width stable in order to avoid vibrations.

6.      Increased Productivity

Since you may program a CNC machine to carry out a series of actions, you may step away as the equipment gets to work.

This might include out-of-hours in some setups, increasing your rate of output as well as productivity. This is especially true for every precision engineer working in several CNC centers.

The Bottom Line!

With the increased demand for wood carving in modern times, currently, there are many companies, which develop and design CNC machines for the international and local markets. Some companies even offer models equipped with many cool user features, making it simple for wood carvers to work on their projects.

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