<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Bianca Banda, Author at i Business Day</title> <atom:link href="https://ibusinessday.com/author/bianca-banda/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://mail.ibusinessday.com/author/bianca-banda/</link> <description>Just another WordPress site</description> <lastBuildDate>Fri, 26 May 2023 08:57:41 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1</generator> <image> <url>https://ibusinessday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cropped-iBusinessday_fav-32x32.png</url> <title>Bianca Banda, Author at i Business Day</title> <link>https://mail.ibusinessday.com/author/bianca-banda/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>6 Differences Between Modern Steam Boilers and Older Ones</title> <link>https://ibusinessday.com/6-differences-between-modern-steam-boilers-and-older-ones/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Bianca Banda]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 26 May 2023 08:56:40 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[modern boilers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[old steam boiler]]></category> <category><![CDATA[steam boilers]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://ibusinessday.com/?p=172742</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Steam boilers were one of the pieces of machinery that played a pivotal role during the Industrial Revolution. Today, many businesses from every industry utilise them in their daily operations, work production, and services. Even homeowners rely on steam boilers to combat low temperatures during the cold season. Because of their essential features, steam boilers […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://ibusinessday.com/6-differences-between-modern-steam-boilers-and-older-ones/">6 Differences Between Modern Steam Boilers and Older Ones</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ibusinessday.com">i Business Day</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400">Steam boilers were one of the pieces of machinery that played a pivotal role during the Industrial Revolution. Today, many businesses from every industry utilise them in their daily operations, work production, and services. Even homeowners rely on steam boilers to combat low temperatures during the cold season.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Because of their essential features, </span><a href="https://www.trilogyboilers.com.au/"><span style="font-weight: 400">steam boilers</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400"> are unsurprisingly costly. Buying one is an investment many businesses save for because boilers provide long-term convenience. Even though they’re expensive, they can last for more than a decade or more, with little maintenance if you use them accordingly.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Because of that, many still have and use their old steam boilers despite their age. However, there comes a point when it’s time to replace your old boiler with a modern one. Why? Because even though your old boiler is still performing seamlessly well, modern boilers can provide benefits that could work better for you. In this <a href="https://ibusinessday.com/">post</a>, let’s look at some differences between modern steam boilers and older ones.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">1 – New models work better with modern electrical systems</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">One of the ultimate reasons people choose to replace their decade-old boiler is that it’s no longer compatible with today’s electrical systems. It’s the same reason people say it’s more costly to keep using old appliances than replacing them. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Since the machine of older boilers are massive and have different machine-build, their old wiring may no longer be compatible with modern electrical systems. This first difference then leads us to our second one.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">2 – New models are more energy-saving</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">I mentioned many say using old appliances is more costly than replacing them. The same is true with steam boilers. Since older boilers are no longer compatible with electrical systems today, they tend to use more energy than they need to operate.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">On top of that, the design of older boilers is bigger than modern ones. Because of that, their “machine work” tend to consume more energy to produce their work output. </span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">3 – New models are in line with the updated HVAC systems</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">HVAC is the acronym for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Steam boiler manufacturers must adhere to the latest HVAC regulations–and comply, especially when selling and distributing new models. Doing so allows people and businesses that rely on boilers to maximise their boiler’s potential.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Even though steam boilers require low maintenance and have a long life span, their systems could decline over time. That’s why even though your old boiler is still highly-efficient, there’s a possibility it couldn’t keep up with the latest and modern boilers that comply with the updated HVAC regulations.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">4 – Newer models are better at retaining latent heat than older models</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">One of the downsides of older steam boilers is that heat can escape from their flues. According to research, older boilers waste enormous energy because they only run at 60 to 70% machine efficiency. This also contributes to why they’re consuming more energy during use.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">With new and modern boilers, you won’t have this problem. Boiler professionals attest that modern models are capable of capturing latent heat while the boiler’s cycling. As a result, the boiler’s efficiency level increases to at least 98%. On top of that, modern boilers can also reuse latent heat, which makes them more efficient.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">5 – Older boilers are more costly in terms of natural gas bills</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Since the chances of heat escaping from an old boiler model are high, they’re not only costly in energy consumption but as well as gas. There are two components steam boilers need to operate. Those are water and gas. How they work would vary depending on the type of boiler you’re using. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Since gas is an essential and critical component in a boiler’s operation, if you’re using older models, you’re prone to gas wastage. If that’s the case, you’re more likely to consume your gas quickly and spend more on gas bills. </span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">6 – Newer models provide more stable temperatures</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Lastly, newer boiler models provide more stable temperatures. I’ve been saying that despite their incredible performance and low maintenance requirements, the aging of boilers is inevitable. And along with that comes a decline in their performance. When boilers age, the air quality that they’re emitting also declines.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">If air quality suffers, it could cause risks of safety hazards, especially if the primary use of the boiler is for temperature purposes. The great thing about newer boiler models is that they’re enhanced with draft regulations that allow them to produce more stable temperatures. With that, the air quality that modern boilers emit is guaranteed to not cause any health-related concerns. </span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">Older steam boilers may still be efficient, but modern ones provide better benefits that will benefit you for a long time.</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Even though buying a new boiler can be heavy on the pocket, it does provide better benefits not only for your costs but also for work and use efficiency. Despite modern models being better, it does not deny that older boilers are efficient. It’s just that modern advancements today are now evolving, that’s why it’s time for them to have a replacement for better work production. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><b>About the author:</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Bianca Banda is a writer for </span><a href="https://www.trilogyboilers.com.au/"><span style="font-weight: 400">Trilogy Boilers Australia</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400">, a veteran specialising in boiler and burner installations, servicing, engineering, and industrial gas plumbing.</span></p> <p>The post <a href="https://ibusinessday.com/6-differences-between-modern-steam-boilers-and-older-ones/">6 Differences Between Modern Steam Boilers and Older Ones</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ibusinessday.com">i Business Day</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>7 Advantages & Disadvantages of Marketing Detox Drinks</title> <link>https://ibusinessday.com/7-advantages-disadvantages-of-marketing-detox-drinks/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Bianca Banda]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 20 Apr 2023 09:08:54 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[detox cleanse]]></category> <category><![CDATA[detox drinks]]></category> <category><![CDATA[product marketing]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://ibusinessday.com/?p=138430</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Today, living a healthy lifestyle is increasing among many adults. Since the pandemic hit without warning, many have realised the importance of a healthy body. As a result, more and more businesses are advocating better product options that would benefit many people’s health. One of the products that many businesses are offering today is detox […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://ibusinessday.com/7-advantages-disadvantages-of-marketing-detox-drinks/">7 Advantages & Disadvantages of Marketing Detox Drinks</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ibusinessday.com">i Business Day</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400">Today, living a healthy lifestyle is increasing among many adults. Since the pandemic hit without warning, many have realised the importance of a healthy body. As a result, more and more businesses are advocating better product options that would benefit many people’s health.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">One of the products that many businesses are offering today is </span><a href="https://www.wednesdaycleanseday.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400">detox drinks</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400">. Since many people have become more committed to an active lifestyle, more and more healthy food and drink shops are rising today. The thing is, this business type is appealing because people who don’t have the time to commit to an active lifestyle have the option to choose better and healthier food consumption.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">However, selling products like detox drinks comes with advantages and cons. The truth is many businesses are marketing detox drinks unrealistically. Because of that, many have high expectations of what detox drinks can do to your body. If you plan on starting a detox drinks business, here are some advantages and disadvantages of marketing them.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">Advantages</span></h2> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400">1 – Could influence people to hydrate regularly</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Health dieticians would always recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water daily. But in reality, we know that most adults don’t follow that advice. One of the advantages of marketing detox drinks is they influence people to hydrate better and regularly.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">One of the primary ingredients of detox drinks is water. And since many people don’t enjoy drinking water alone, detox drinks can be a great alternative to help them stay hydrated. For people always looking for a flavour in their beverages, detox drinks can be the better and healthier alternative. </span></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400">2 – Provide nutrients from fruits and vegetables, especially for people who hate eating them</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Another advantage of marketing detox drinks is they help people consume nutrients from fruits and vegetables. Many dieticians recommend including at least one to three greens in every adult’s daily food consumption. But just like the water advice, we know that most adults rarely include greens in their daily diet.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Since detox drinks are rich in fruits and vegetables, they can be a great source of nutrients for many adults. It can be appealing to people who rarely consume fruits and vegetables. On top of that, they will also have enough water to keep their bodies hydrated. </span></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400">3 – Could reset people’s unhealthy eating habits</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">One of the advantages of healthy and greener food and drinks is they motivate and influence people to choose better eating habits. Even though many people can’t commit to resetting their habits completely, from time to time, with the help of healthy options like detox drinks, they could try to choose better eating habits.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Some even start slow by replacing sugar and carbonated drinks with detox drinks. Even though detox drinks have little scientific evidence in promoting weight loss, it’s packed with nutrients from fruits and vegetables that could help reset many’s unhealthy eating habits.</span></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400">4 – Could influence people to have a positive body image</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">I just mentioned that there’s little scientific evidence about the weight loss effects of detox drinks. Even though that’s the case, including it in many people’s diet influences them to have a better and positive body image.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">The truth is, when people start choosing better options that concern their health, they begin to gain more self-confidence. Even if the person is not yet seeing visible results of their fitness efforts and better food consumption choices, they begin to feel more confident by committing to their habits. </span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">Disadvantages</span></h2> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400">5 – It could set unrealistic standards relating to weight loss</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">I mentioned earlier that many detox drink businesses promote them like miracle beverage that works overnight. As a result, many people who don’t take the time to learn about detox drinks believe those false claims. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Health professionals say the most efficient weight-loss activity you can do is combine regular exercises with calorie-deficit consumption. Relying on detox drinks alone won’t give you the dream body you want. That’s why when marketing detox drinks, it’s better to be transparent about how far it can help with people’s fitness journey.</span></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400">6 – Can lower energy levels of people who depend entirely on detox drinks </span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Another disadvantage of marketing detox drinks is it could affect people’s energy levels, especially if the business is marketing a three-day detox that restricts food consumption. Reducing carbohydrate and calorie intake will indeed promote weight loss. However, both are necessary for providing people with the energy they need to operate optimally. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">If businesses that sell detox drinks market them for weight loss and restrict food consumption, it could have adverse effects that could affect a person’s daily performance and condition.</span></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400">7 – It could cause people to spend too much money and not receive the proper nutrients and effects they’re expecting</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Lastly, detox drinks could cause people to spend massive amounts on detox drinks and realise they’re not getting the nutrients and effects they’re hoping for. Again, this could happen, especially for people buying detox drinks without researching their benefits and uses.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Many people learn too late that what they consume does not give them sufficient nutrients they need. It’s critical to understand that marketing is powerful. It may be profitable for a business to take people’s money, but it’s ethical to help them maximise their funds to better alternatives by marketing transparently.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">Market ethically, transparently, and responsibly.</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Every product and service in every industry comes with advantages and disadvantages. However, as business owners, you always have the power to control what you put out to the world. And since you can market to your advantage, it’s best to be ethical, transparent, and responsible in promoting health-related products like detox drinks. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><b>About the author:</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Bianca Banda is a writer for </span><a href="https://www.wednesdaycleanseday.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400">Wednesday Cleanse Day</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400">, an </span><span style="font-weight: 400">inclusive Australian brand that offers nutrient-rich cleansing and digestion products. The brand sources the finest ingredients available to create a solution that supports and improves the body’s natural restoration process.</span></p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://ibusinessday.com/7-advantages-disadvantages-of-marketing-detox-drinks/">7 Advantages & Disadvantages of Marketing Detox Drinks</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ibusinessday.com">i Business Day</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>7 Ways To Market Your Forex Platform Better This 2023</title> <link>https://ibusinessday.com/7-ways-to-market-your-forex-platform-better-this-2023/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Bianca Banda]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 06 Mar 2023 09:44:50 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Forex]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Forex Broker]]></category> <category><![CDATA[forex market]]></category> <category><![CDATA[forex platform]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://ibusinessday.com/?p=97353</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Today, hundreds to thousands of forex trading platforms are available. All you need to do is search online and look for forex trading platforms that best appeal to your trading needs. With the growing competition in the forex business market, it’s more challenging now to market a forex platform. When you search for the keyword […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://ibusinessday.com/7-ways-to-market-your-forex-platform-better-this-2023/">7 Ways To Market Your Forex Platform Better This 2023</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ibusinessday.com">i Business Day</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400">Today, hundreds to thousands of forex trading platforms are available. All you need to do is search online and look for forex trading platforms that best appeal to your trading needs. With the growing competition in the forex business market, it’s more challenging now to market a forex platform.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">When you search for the keyword “forex trading platform” online, you’ll see thousands of brokers offering various trading options. From </span><a href="https://www.fpmarkets.com/what-is-cfd-trading/"><span style="font-weight: 400">CFD trading</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400"> to ETFs, online trading services and products can overwhelm you, especially if you’re a beginner. From a customer’s perspective, choosing a broker to trade with can be overwhelming and confusing. On the other hand, from thousands of forex brokers’ perspectives, appealing to their market becomes increasingly challenging.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">If you operate or work for a forex broker company, you likely relate to and understand this dilemma wholly. In this <a href="https://ibusinessday.com/">post</a>, let’s discuss ways to market a forex platform this 2023.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">1 – Make your name or brand tagline short yet attention-grabbing</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">When you type “forex brokers online” in your search engine, you’ll see many results from brokers that almost have the same names and headlines. For professional marketers and advertisers, a brand’s tagline and name should follow the golden rule of “short and sweet.” In other words, your forex platform’s name or tag point should grab the attention of your target market and stay with them. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">As a financial service company, this point might seem pointless and a waste of time. However, regardless of the business type, having a killer brand name and catch-point is one of the strategies that could make your brand influential and famous. </span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">2 – Make forex, financial terms, and jargon easy to understand</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">One thing that pushes people away from learning or starting trading in the forex market is its jargon. The truth is many are interested in expanding their financial ventures. But the difficulty of digesting the terms and vocabulary of a specific financial service prevents them. </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Since hundreds to thousands of forex brokers are available that use the same terminology, take the opportunity to make trading easy to understand for regular people. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">It’s helpful to remember that many people are unfamiliar and unadept with financial terms, especially if they’re from a different industry. Try to explain and define forex jargon in a manner that anyone can understand. Doing so will help you attract new potential traders interested in the market.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">3 – Establish an audience base on social media</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">According to statistics from 2021, 91.9% of marketers in the U.S. use social media. That is the percentage from one country only. Can you imagine how many businesses and brands have social media today in 2023? Despite being a financial service business, an online presence makes a huge difference in marketing and promoting your platform.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">If your forex broker company only relies on word-of-mouth and search engine advertising, this is your sign to expand your advertising strategies to social media. You can communicate directly with various audiences and spark consideration into trying forex with social media. Also, you can educate and share tips easily on media platforms.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">4 – Provide tutorials, educational references, and tips on how to trade better</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Another helpful marketing strategy you can use is sharing education references, tips, and tutorials on your website and social media pages. Today, the internet is full of information. Unfortunately, many are unreliable. Hence, many people believe and have negative connotations on financial services, like forex. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Once you establish enough audience on your social media pages, you can share tips from your professional traders. Of course, don’t forget to make those tips easy to understand by anyone. You can also take this opportunity to educate people about jargon’s meaning and proper uses, so people will know how to use them accordingly.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">5 – Partner and pitch collaborations with other companies</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Today, B2B collaborations help small to big-sized businesses to reach their goals quickly. Collaborations and partnerships allow brands to have a win-win situation and expand their networks. It’s difficult pitching a collaboration or partnership with another forex broker company. So instead, consider working with other financial brands relevant to forex. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">You can partner and collaborate with banks, insurance companies, or other financial services you can offer discounts or perks for your clients. Partnerships give your market and potential clients confidence that your business is reliable and safe.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">6 – Provide monthly, quarterly, or yearly webinars that your traders can attend to learn about the updates and changes in the market</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Every customer wants and appreciates a business or brand that provides opportunities for them to learn. And since forex is a technical industry, staying up to date with the trends, news, and changes in the market is a must. With that, consider including monthly, quarterly, or yearly webinars for your audience.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">You don’t have to conduct a webinar every month if that’s not feasible with your company’s goals and budgets. Instead, you can schedule one quarterly or yearly if that works better. You can invite famous and professional traders to your webinars and share trading tips for every currency pair or company stock with your traders. Again, it’s up to you to decide what topic or agenda to have in your webinars.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">7 – Be engaging and approachable to your clients</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Lastly, be engaging and approachable to your clients. Since you’re managing and operating a technical and financial business, expect your clients to have difficulties and queries. Train your team to listen to your traders’ needs whenever they have one. Try to designate a group to focus on traders’ concerns if possible.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">No trader or client would want to entrust their money with a company that does not listen to their concerns. That’s why you must address your client’s concerns and be available for their questions whenever they have one. Having a reliable customer care team heightens customer trust and recommendations to others.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">As they say, marketing is king.</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Marketing goes beyond an entertaining storyline and clever promotional tactics. It’s also about connecting with your clients and providing the best product or service experience that they could have. And since marketing a financial brand like forex requires more effort, try starting with these seven simple ways to move ahead in the game. </span></p> <p> </p> <h4><b>About the author:</b></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Bianca Banda is a writer for </span><a href="https://www.fpmarkets.com/forex/"><span style="font-weight: 400">FP Markets</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400">, one of the best-regulated Global forex brokers with over 40 global industry awards—and counting, making them the trusted trading broker by many. </span></p> <p>The post <a href="https://ibusinessday.com/7-ways-to-market-your-forex-platform-better-this-2023/">7 Ways To Market Your Forex Platform Better This 2023</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ibusinessday.com">i Business Day</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>7 Valentine’s Activities To Do With Your Non-Materialistic Special Someone</title> <link>https://ibusinessday.com/7-valentines-activities-to-do-with-your-non-materialistic-special-someone/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Bianca Banda]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 13 Feb 2023 09:40:46 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category> <category><![CDATA[date ideas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Valentine's Day]]></category> <category><![CDATA[valentines]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://ibusinessday.com/?p=83186</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Many videos and content online tell us that if our special someone does not surprise us or give us something expensive and luxurious, it means they don’t care. The thing is, it’s illogical to measure someone’s love and care based on the gifts they give. After all, each of us has different ways of expressing […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://ibusinessday.com/7-valentines-activities-to-do-with-your-non-materialistic-special-someone/">7 Valentine’s Activities To Do With Your Non-Materialistic Special Someone</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ibusinessday.com">i Business Day</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400">Many videos and <a href="https://ibusinessday.com/">content online</a> tell us that if our special someone does not surprise us or give us something expensive and luxurious, it means they don’t care. The thing is, it’s illogical to measure someone’s love and care based on the gifts they give. After all, each of us has different ways of expressing love, especially on Valentine’s. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re in love, you’re probably thinking of the best gift or surprise for your lover. Honestly, the best gift varies on the person you’re giving it to and not what others tell you it should be. For instance, not everyone is into materialistic and superficial gifts. Many out there appreciate spending quality time and activities with the people they love.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">If your lover falls into that category, here are seven Valentine’s activities you can do together for a memorable one.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">1 – Have Valentine’s photoshoot and process your photos together</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Today, photo-taking has become a part of many people’s lives. When you visit your social media accounts, you’ll find images swarming around, making them essential assets in the digital world. But I’m not suggesting this activity to post your photos online. You can do this simply because you and your lover want to document your 2023 Valentine’s.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">To make it more fun, instead of just going to a professional photo studio, you can also look up a studio where you can try </span><a href="https://dscolourlabs.co.uk/"><span style="font-weight: 400">film processing</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400">. That way, you and your partner can also try an activity and experience how to manually make your shots into a printed copy and not just via printing.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">2 – Have a spa or massage day</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">One of the best gifts you can give to an adult who is always on the go, has a lot of work, and lacks sleep is rest. Whoever said that a Valentine’s Day date should only be dinner dates, watching movies, or exchanging gifts is wrong. A spa or massage day could be the best gift if your lover has a lot on their plate.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">For non-materialistic people, surprising them with a day of pure relaxation and recovery is one of the best gifts they’ll surely appreciate and enjoy spending with you. Who knows, maybe you also need one, too. You might as well spend it with the love of your life this coming Valentine’s Day.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">3 – Go to a zoo, museum, or ocean park (be kids for a day)</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">There’s a stigma that adults going to zoos or ocean parks are weird unless they’re with kids. Because of this, many adults who genuinely love going to zoos and ocean parks refuse to because they worry about others. The good news is that stigma does not really matter because no one’s stopping you at the end of the day. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">If your lover is into animals, going to a zoo or an ocean park is truly a fun Valentine’s Day activity to do with them. Aside from those two, spending Valentine’s Day in museums is another fun idea. If you both love art and love learning about history, this is one of the best activities you can do. </span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">4 – Go on a road trip out of town and visit local sites or try local delicacies</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">People say it doesn’t matter where you bring two lovers as long as they’re together. I believe that’s exactly how you feel, too. And if you and your special someone loves driving around and spending time with each other, why don’t you surprise them with a trip out of town?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">You don’t necessarily have to stay the night. One full-day trip would be enough. A two to three-out-of-town drive to a place you haven’t been to would be fun. But of course, you can also go to a town you both love going to. You can spend the day visiting local attraction sites and trying local delicacies you haven’t tried before. </span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">5 – Spend the day doing what you both wanted to but haven’t done before (have a piercing, get a tattoo, or dye your hair)</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">If your lover has been telling you that they’re thinking of getting a piercing, a tattoo, or dyeing their hair, why don’t you accompany them on Valentine’s Day to finally do it? Valentine’s Day is not only about going on romantic dates. It’s also a day where you can be brave and finally try something you both want for a long time.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Afterwards, you and your lover can have dinner at your favourite restaurant or grab a takeout meal to enjoy at home. Wouldn’t it be fun to do that thing you’re both scared to do? This Valentine’s Day will surely be memorable if you spend the day doing what you both wanted to but haven’t done before.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">6 – Surprise your lover by dressing up exactly how you looked like when you first met and relive that moment for a day</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">If you and your lover have been together for years, you’re probably running out of ideas and surprises to give them. Here’s a fun and quirky idea. Why don’t you dress up exactly how you looked when you first met and relive that moment for a day?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Tell your lover to dress casually for a lunch or dinner date and pick them up wearing what you wore when you first met. You can also set the mood by pretending you’re travelling back in time and acting like it’s your first time meeting them to make it fun. If you haven’t worn that outfit for a while, your lover will surely laugh and appreciate your effort. </span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">7 – Spend the day at home catching up and telling each other stories you haven’t told them yet</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">If you and your lover’s love language is quality time, then a day at home catching up and telling each other stories you haven’t told them yet would be a fun date idea. Even mature and healthy relationships need time to catch up and tell each other stories they haven’t told them yet, no matter how long they’ve been together.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Also, if you think about it, there are many parts and stories about yourself that you probably haven’t shared with your lover yet, no matter how long you’ve been together. Take Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to reconnect and get to know your special someone even more.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">How you spend Valentine’s Day matters more, not the price tag of your surprise gift or activity.</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Valentine’s Day only happens once a year, and it would be a waste to let the day pass by without doing something special with the love of your life. Don’t stress over what gift or surprise to get your lover, especially if they’re non-materialistic. Again, how you spend the day matters more than the price of your present or surprise. What matters most is you both enjoy and make each other feel loved, heard, and appreciated. Happy Valentine’s Day!</span></p> <p><em><strong>Written by Bianca Banda</strong></em></p> <p>The post <a href="https://ibusinessday.com/7-valentines-activities-to-do-with-your-non-materialistic-special-someone/">7 Valentine’s Activities To Do With Your Non-Materialistic Special Someone</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ibusinessday.com">i Business Day</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>5 Tips To Consider When Looking For Your Dream Home</title> <link>https://ibusinessday.com/5-tips-to-consider-when-looking-for-your-dream-home/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Bianca Banda]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2022 12:53:47 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dream home]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Real estate]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Real Estate Agents]]></category> <category><![CDATA[real estate properties]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://ibusinessday.com/?p=60236</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>People say that there’s no place like home. For homeowners, this saying stands true because their homes are where they relax and unwind after a tiring day. Houses are very sentimental and crucial to people because they worked hard to own and live in their dream homes. Wouldn’t it feel like you already won in […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://ibusinessday.com/5-tips-to-consider-when-looking-for-your-dream-home/">5 Tips To Consider When Looking For Your Dream Home</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ibusinessday.com">i Business Day</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400">People say that there’s no place like home. For homeowners, this saying stands true because their homes are where they relax and unwind after a tiring day. Houses are very sentimental and crucial to people because they worked hard to own and live in their dream homes. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Wouldn’t it feel like you already won in life once you finally have your dream house? For most people, it takes years or even decades of hard work, sacrifices, and persistence to purchase their dream homes. But even though it seems easy to buy your dream home once you have the money, looking for the right house is as hard as dating.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Since you’ll be making a huge purchase that you’ll live in for a long time, it’s crucial to look into every detail of a home. I know there’s pressure in looking for the perfect home that will meet people’s standards of how a house should look because of the internet. But at the end of the day, you’re the one who’ll be living in your home, that’s why you should only consider the things that will work for you. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">If you’re already in the phase in your life where you’re scouting for your dream home, you’re only a few steps closer to living in your future house. To help you, here are five tips to consider when looking for your dream home.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">1 – Consider the location very well.</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">First, let’s start with the ‘heart’ of your dream home: its location. The location of your home is one of the most critical aspects you should consider before buying a house. Since this will be where you’ll likely live for the rest of your life, you have to consider its proximity to critical establishments you need.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">It’s wise to choose a location where supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals, schools, and malls are accessible. If you plan to have children someday, the proximity of the schools should be on your priority list. Having a grocery and hospitals nearby is a must, too. You’ll never know when emergencies will happen, so choose a place near almost any establishment. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Whether you want a house in the city, the suburbs, or the countryside, make sure you choose a location accessible to establishments. If you can, I’d recommend working with </span><a href="https://www.bennettproperty.com.au/"><span style="font-weight: 400">real estate agents</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400"> from different companies to get the best advice for your preferred needs and location. </span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">2 – Never spend more than your allotted budget.</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">When scouting for your dream home, there are times when you’ll want to add thousands of dollars more for a larger property. But even though it’s tempting to add a ‘small amount’ for a bigger home, don’t you think you’ll need those extra thousands for other essential things? When you feel tempted to spend more than your allotted budget, ask yourself that question. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Most of the time, you’ll see houses that offer more than you need. And when you’re scouting, there are moments when you’ll feel like you need every single thing you see in a big house. But the thing is, do those features meet your life plan? Most of the time, you’re just getting caught up in the moment of fantasising about how those unnecessary features would be beneficial.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Remember, there are other things you’ll need to make your house a home. Those few thousand dollars can be handy for furniture and appliances instead. Again, never spend more than your allotted budget.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">3 – Consider the structure, condition, and age of the house.</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Some people prefer buying old houses to newly built ones. Why? Because many people believe that the materials of old houses are better and sturdier than the ones we use today. Also, some love living in a house with a long and rich history. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">On the other hand, many people prefer to live in a newly built house, where they can start with a clean slate and fill it with memories. Whether you’re looking for an old or new property, always consider the current structure, condition, and age. Even with new houses, ask your real estate agent about their age and year of construction.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">You might want to bring an engineer during your ocular visit. That way, you can get their honest and professional opinion about the property’s condition. Remember, you’ll be spending a massive amount on this purchase. So, it’s reasonable to know the condition of your future home.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">4 – Ask yourself, does every room and area in the house serve a purpose?</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Today, the concept of minimalism has been taking over many people’s lives. And frankly, minimalism works and helps many to keep and buy things they only need. Many people live in a massive house alone. Some don’t use those extra spaces and become their visible stock rooms over time. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">With that, ask yourself, does every room or area in the house I’m scouting serve a purpose? If not, it could be better to look for another property with the rooms you need for a more reasonable price. Again, sooner or later, an area without purpose could only become your visible stock room. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Also, wouldn’t it be harder to maintain a bigger house? If you only need two to three rooms, I recommend sticking with your needs instead of going for the “picture-perfect” home.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">5 – If there are areas you want to renovate, ask yourself if it is necessary or not. </span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Last but not least is: if there are areas you want to renovate, ask yourself if it is necessary or not. There can be moments when you’ll visualise how a property could look better with a renovation. But often, those ideas are only your “wants” and not a “need.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">With that, always try to stay rational and practical when you’re mind’s full of aesthetic ideas. Remember, your dream home does not have to look like a celebrity’s home. What’s important is that you are comfortable, happy, and feel rested in your house. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Also, you don’t have to incorporate “Instagram-worthy” designs just because it’s famous. It’s your home, so you style it the way you want. Better to consider allotting that for a home appliance or furniture you can enjoy if the renovation would cost you a lot of money.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400">Try your best not to buy a house based on society’s standards of how a home should be. </span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Hopefully, my five simple <a href="https://ibusinessday.com/">tips</a> will be helpful to your house-hunting journey. Finding the perfect home can be challenging. But never buy a property you don’t like, only to impress your family and friends. Remember, it’s your money, your home, so it’s your choice. I hope you try your best not to buy a house based on society’s standards of how a home should be. Because if you fall for that, then would that still be your dream home? Good luck on your house-hunting journey!</span></p> <p> </p> <p><b>About the author: </b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400">Bianca Banda is a writer for</span><a href="https://www.bennettproperty.com.au/"><span style="font-weight: 400"> Bennett Property</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400">,</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">one of the largest and most successful real estate agencies offering a full range of property services, including sales, leasing and development. </span></p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://ibusinessday.com/5-tips-to-consider-when-looking-for-your-dream-home/">5 Tips To Consider When Looking For Your Dream Home</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ibusinessday.com">i Business Day</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>A Brief Look At Fossil Fuels and Solar Energy Use</title> <link>https://ibusinessday.com/a-brief-look-at-fossil-fuels-and-solar-energy-use/</link> <comments>https://ibusinessday.com/a-brief-look-at-fossil-fuels-and-solar-energy-use/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Bianca Banda]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 17 Nov 2021 08:06:56 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Latest]]></category> <category><![CDATA[clean energy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fossil fuels]]></category> <category><![CDATA[renewable energy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[solar energy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[solar panels]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://ibusinessday.com/?p=1372</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Photo by Bradley Hook from Pexels Has it ever crossed your mind how powerful and magnificent our planet is? If you look closely and see how much Earth has to offer, it’s easy to see how each of its aspects is skillfully designed to co-benefit everything else. In fact, that’s just the start of its […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://ibusinessday.com/a-brief-look-at-fossil-fuels-and-solar-energy-use/">A Brief Look At Fossil Fuels and Solar Energy Use</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ibusinessday.com">i Business Day</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="has-small-font-size">Photo by Bradley Hook from Pexels</p> <p>Has it ever crossed your mind how powerful and magnificent our planet is? If you look closely and see how much Earth has to offer, it’s easy to see how each of its aspects is skillfully designed to co-benefit everything else. In fact, that’s just the start of its wonders. A lot is still yet to be understood and discovered. </p> <p>Experts say that we, humans, are considered to be the highest form of animals. It’s quite subjective to assume that we are. But, if we’re to base it on intelligence, there’s no doubt that we truly are that. Imagine, humans built civilisations and were able to create and innovate things that made life more complex. </p> <p>Those discoveries led to the modern life that we have now. In this day and age, one thing that is vital to almost the entire world’s lives is electricity. We rely a lot on technology that it’s nearly impossible to survive without one. Hence, making it hard to survive without energy.</p> <p></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We’ve been utilising the wrong energy source </h2> <p>If you’ve been wondering where the energy we utilise comes from, it is fossil fuels. According to research, fossil fuels have been around millions of years ago. They are formed from dead organisms’ remains. Even though they’ve been around for that long, humans have only been utilising them for around 200 years. </p> <p>Fossil fuels aren’t bad. What makes them harmful is that once they’re burned, they release air pollutants that are being trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere. These pollutants are responsible for the greenhouse gases effect. If you’ve been trying to recall what greenhouse gases are, here it is. They’re gases that help keep the planet warm. </p> <p>But, you know, when they say too much is dangerous? That’s the case with greenhouse gases. As we continuously burn fossil fuels, greenhouse gases increase, which then triggers global warming. </p> <p></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why do we still use fossil fuels instead of renewable energy?</h2> <p>The reason why we’re still using fossil fuels instead of renewable energy is that it is cheaper. Also, most of the world’s economies and cities are designed and built to utilise fossil-fueled energy. To shift to renewable energy such as solar for solar panel use means to change a city’s current infrastructure design.</p> <p>To cut it short, we need to redesign our cities to make use of better energy sources. Redesigning also means more costs for the government and private sectors. Isn’t it a hard and complicated process? It truly is. </p> <p></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Solar energy </h2> <p>Though renewable energy demands a lot of change and planning to be utilised, they are slowly being integrated into some businesses. One of them is solar energy. To utilise solar energy, you need solar panels. </p> <p><a href="https://www.penrithsolar.com.au/sydney-solar-panels">Solar panels</a> are photovoltaic cells that collect the sun’s energy. This energy is then being converted into alternating current through the use of an inverter, making it compatible with electricity use. You might be wondering, ‘Then why don’t we all just use solar energy instead?’ </p> <p>One thing to know about solar panels is that they are costly. Solar panels are mostly custom-made and are made to last for as long as 35 years, maximum. But, solar panel installation is no easy task. Aside from its cost, a lot of factors are needed to ensure that your solar panels will do their job accordingly. This includes your surroundings, <a href="https://ibusinessday.com/tips-for-diy-window-upkeep-and-maintenance/">home</a> condition, plans, and energy usage. </p> <p></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Solar energy is slowly making moves as its demand continues to increase</h2> <p>News has it that solar panels’ demand has increased over the last couple of years. Its market price has already decreased compared to how much it used to. Even though it decreased, solar panels are still not yet widely available to everyone. Thankfully, a lot of businesses and high-end residential areas are starting to shift to solar power.</p> <p>Aside from the fact that solar panels cost an average of $15,000 (price depends on the size of your property and how many panels you’ll need), a lot of factors should be met before any installation.</p> <p></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Solar panels and urban areas</h2> <p>One of the main reasons why a lot of cities around the world are having a hard time integrating solar energy is their infrastructure design, just like I mentioned earlier. One important requirement of solar panels is their surroundings. If your property were to use one, the property next to yours shouldn’t be blocking your solar panels. </p> <p>This is one of the biggest problems in dense cities. Since high-rise properties are built next to each other, it’s nearly impossible to apply the use of solar panels to cities. The primary purpose of the panels is to collect sunlight. If a high-rise building blocks a property with panels, expect that no energy can be utilised at all. </p> <p></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How can we then utilise and promote solar energy use?</h2> <p>It’s quite hard to come up with a solid plan as to how we can promote solar energy use. Aside from its price point that can only be afforded by big businesses and upper-class people, it needs a thorough plan and structure for implementation. </p> <p>Thankfully, huge corporations such as Apple are using one. Their main office in California is 100% powered by solar energy. If ever you own or work for a huge, influential brand like Apple, this is a great step to take. Once more brands and businesses start to shift, other corporations would also start to do so. </p> <p>If you own a property that is qualified for solar panel use, and if you can afford to do so, why don’t you consider shifting to a better energy source? One government sector that can do this is transportation. </p> <p>In China, some of its cities have been using 100% electric vehicles for public transportation. At night, the vehicles are recharged at their solar charging area for about 2 hours. If other cities can study and compare China’s framework to theirs, it will be easy to formulate ways on how solar energy can be utilised. </p> <p></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Solar can be the future if designed and planned meticulously </h2> <p>Experts say that solar energy is the future. Right now, the path to that future may seem rigged. But, if the government and private sectors come together to allocate their funds in the right places and formulate ideas religiously, this future can be our tomorrow. </p> <p>If ever you happen to be able to shift to a better energy source, use your privilege to learn its benefits and to do so. Make your home a better place and help the planet regain its health for the better. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>About the author:</strong></h2> <p>Bianca Banda is a writer for <a href="https://www.penrithsolar.com.au/sydney-solar-panels">Penrith Solar Centre</a>, an Australian solar company that advocates better energy resources to improve the quality of life on Earth.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://ibusinessday.com/a-brief-look-at-fossil-fuels-and-solar-energy-use/">A Brief Look At Fossil Fuels and Solar Energy Use</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ibusinessday.com">i Business Day</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://ibusinessday.com/a-brief-look-at-fossil-fuels-and-solar-energy-use/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>