Personal Finance eBook “Money Management Made Easy” includes main topics on Why Money Management Is Important and What It All Boils Down To. The Foundation of Good Money Management. What Are Your Expenses? What Is Your Income? Create Your Systems. Spending Recommendations. What about Debt? Creating New Financial Habits. Click “Money Management Made Easy” to download (300 KB pdf) this free eBook.
Marketing your content on your own is doable. But it’s easier if you ask an influencer to help you out. Influencers are people who’ve got a considerable following. When they recommend something on their sites or social media channels, their followers go and check out their recommendations.
Let me give you an example. For instance, an influencer dined at a small restaurant and found the food to be very delicious. He raves about it on social media, and the next day, his followers flock over to the restaurant to go check out their menu! Of course, the restaurant will be very pleased. They’ll have more business thanks to the influencer helping them get the word out about their great food!
Can you see where this is going? Can you see yourself using someone else’s influence to promote your content?
Think about how powerful influencer marketing is: if you work with a lot of influencers, your network could potentially grow exponentially! You don’t need to rely on your own audience helping you get the word out. Instead, you’ll be leveraging the influencers’ to get to their followers.
But how do you get influencers to come help you out?
For starters, you can go on social media and look for people in your industry with sizeable followers. You don’t just want anyone to promote your business. You have to look for influencers who work in the same industry as you.
For instance, if you work in the dog industry, you wouldn’t want influencers who promote make-up and other beauty products. Their followers will find it odd they’re promoting something so completely unrelated to their niche. This can cause people to unfollow the influencer, and of course, you’re not going to get good conversion rates either. However, if you look for influencers who share the same interests as you, then their followers would most likely click on through to your content.
Once you’ve identified your influencers, it’s time to approach them. You can straight up ask them to help you promote your content in exchange for something. Or you can build a relationship with them, try to get in their radars by commenting on their content. This will take time, but when you’ve gained their trust, they’ll be happy to put in a good word for you with their followers.
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The truth is creating content is time-consuming. Even if you’re a fast writer or you’ve got someone on your team who churns out quality content like a robot, it will still take some time. If you’re not willing to spend all your energy creating content, then how about you leave it to the experts?
Outsourcing is a great solution to help get your content marketing strategy moving along. Of course, the downside is outsourcing can get quite costly. But if it’s an investment you’re willing to make, here are some tips to help you outsource successfully.
1. Choose the right freelancer
There are plenty of freelancing platforms you can use to look for the best writers. The general consensus is that when it comes to freelancing, you get what you pay for. So, if you pay peanuts, you’re most probably going to receive work that won’t ever meet your standards.
2. Provide clear instructions
If you provide vague instructions, you’re going to get a piece of work that’s also going to look vaguely like what you were expecting. Setting the right instructions will help your freelancer submit jobs that will meet your expectations.
3. Treat your freelancers with respect
Just because you’re paying someone to help you out, doesn’t mean you can treat them like slaves. This means paying them fair rates and setting appropriate deadlines for various projects.
4. Have an editorial calendar
An editorial calendar will you help you manage and streamline your content marketing activities. Without it, you’ll be all over the place. You wouldn’t know which content types to assign to which freelancers, and you’ll find it hard to keep track of content that’s already been published and what hasn’t been yet.
5. Provide timely feedback
Freelancers thrive on feedback. Just make sure, however, that you provide constructive criticism. You don’t want to go all in and destroy a freelancer’s morale. It’s not going to help either of you. Helping your talented freelancers to improve and create content that fits your requirements will help your business in the long run.
6. Build long-term relationships
When you find good freelancers, make it a point to build long-term working relationships with them. They’ll be more loyal to your brand, and they’ll be more motivated to continue creating high-quality content.
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Leadership skills ebook “Communication Skills for Effective Leadership” covers “Good communication skills are crucial in a leader if they are to remain a leader. A leader can be defined as someone who plays a prominent role in a business or a department within it. There are also religious, political and community leaders, leaders of groups and teams, and so on. In this guide, we will be looking at business leaders and how good communication skills are an
important part of effective leadership“. Click “Communication Skills for Effective Leadership” to download (899 KB pdf) this free ebook.
We all hope this won’t be for many years yet, but it’s always best to be prepared in order to protect both yourself and your family in case the unexpected should happen.
Why Write a Will?
No matter what your age, if you have anyone who depends on you in any way, it’s a good idea to line up life insurance and write a will. The average cost of a funeral in the US is about $16,000. End of life medical expenses can really mount up even if you have good insurance.
A will is therefore one of the best ways to plan ahead for these end of life costs, and to make sure your family or those taking care of your estate (that is, what you leave behind) aren’t stuck with a mess to try to sort through.
What Is a Will, Exactly?
Generally speaking, a will is a legal document that states how you wish your property to be distributed after you die. If you have young children or pets, a will can also stipulate who will be their guardian in the event of your death.
Why You Should Make a Will
There are a number of key reasons why you should make a will. The first is to use it as a means of detailing your wishes clearly and precisely so there is no misunderstanding. This will mean a lot less chance of people fighting over the will – that is, contesting it – once you have passed away.
It also helps protect those who rely on you financially. For example, pets can’t care for themselves, and far too often they are thrown out on the street or dumped in a shelter to be killed.
Young children will not be independent for many years and therefore need to have their interests protected until they come of age. In addition to guardianship and living expenses, your will could also make provisions to ensure that if they wish to go to college, money will be available.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Will?
Without a will, the state or country in which you reside will decide how to distribute your assets to your beneficiaries according to its laws. In some cases, the spouse is the beneficiary, in others the children.
Dying without a will is referred to as being intestate. Due to divorce and to mixed families, the results of the settlement process may not benefit those you wish it to. Therefore, it is better to try to control the process with a will than leave your survivors at the mercy of a judge who knows nothing about your family situation.
Do It Yourself, or Get an Attorney?
These days, you can do just about anything online, including making a will. The question is, will the document be legal? In case you have any doubts, hiring an attorney is your best option. If you have a complicated family or financial situation, an attorney would also be a better bet than trying to do it all on your own.
The Pros and Cons of Having an Attorney
The biggest disadvantage of hiring an attorney is the cost. However, the money you spend can more than pay for itself in terms of the amount of time and money they can save you by making sure your will is water-tight and advising you on the best ways to protect your estate from excessive taxes. This will ensure that there is more for your family to inherit.
Another disadvantage might be not hiring the right lawyer. Most can handle simple wills, but the more complicated the will, the more you need an attorney that specializes in wills. You should also hire someone you like and trust. They should handle your paperwork and all business associated with your will in a timely manner for a reasonable fee.
An attorney who specializes in what is called estate planning can ensure you get your ducks lined up in a row when it comes to your will and the key financial considerations related to your estate – that is, the money and possessions you leave behind. They can also serve as the executor of your will (meaning the person who handles the estate until it is settled) if you don’t have any next of kin or anyone you think will deal with the issue in an honest, fair and/or responsible manner.
What You Need to Put in Your Will
Regardless of who writes the will, there are several essential elements that can help reflect your wishes:
1. The designation of an executor, who will carry out the provisions of the will.
2. A list of the beneficiaries — those who will be inheriting the assets.
3. Instructions related to what the assets are for each person, and how and when the beneficiaries will receive the assets.
4. Naming a guardian for any minor children and/or pets.
5. A list or inventory of the assets. This should include tangible goods, such as clothes, cars and so on, and financial assets, such as 401ks, and insurance policies. Note that you are usually required to state the beneficiaries in the 401k accounts, keep them up to date, and ensure that your designations match what is in your will.
What Is a Living Will?
A living will outlines the way you want your health care and end of life decisions to be handled. We can never predict what is going to happen to us, but being prepared can take a lot of guesswork out of the situation for your distraught relatives and for your health care providers if something bad ever does happen.
A living will can involve a number of aspects related to your health care. One aspect you have probably heard of is a Do Not Resuscitate order, or DNR. A DNR states that you don’t want extraordinary means to be used in order to keep you alive in the event that something serious happens. For example, you might be in an accident and end up unable to speak and therefore to make your own health care decisions.
Your living will can serve as your input into the decision-making process. If you are so badly injured or ill that you lapse into a coma, for example, emergency medical staff would not put you on a respirator (that is, a device that breathes for you) or do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to get your heart going again.
In addition, you can outline your preferences with regard to procedures such as tests, surgery and so on, and even food, water and painkillers. Many people who are concerned about maintaining quality of life rather than duration, and dignity in the face of death, might refuse these means of sustaining them in order to die more quickly.
In some cases, it is even an instance of economics. End of life care can be expensive and people who feel there is no hope don’t wish to leave behind a lot of expenses in relation to something they feel to be hopeless anyway.
Organ Donation
Some people feel strongly about organ donation even though family members might be squeamish. Organ donation can benefit around 50 people.
Donating your body to science
This is a lot less common than organ donation, but of huge benefit to medical schools, which always need teaching and research materials. Once they have finished, you would be cremated.
Choosing an agent for your living will
Once you have created a living will, choose someone who will be assertive and respect your wishes. In this way you can be sure they will be the best advocate for you and do as you request, not act on their own personal preferences.
Choosing Beneficiaries
You can designate anyone you wish as a beneficiary in your will. Who you include and who you decide to leave out is entirely up to you. Having said that, there are a number of practical considerations that should determine your list of beneficiaries.
If you are married, your spouse might go at the top of the list. If you have children, you might wish to make separate provisions for them if you feel it is necessary; for example, if you and your spouse are separated or divorced. You could set up a trust for each child so they will have money as needed, such as if they go to college.
Some people leave money to their parents or siblings. It is important to note, however, that if you don’t keep your list of beneficiaries up to date and you then die, circumstances could change significantly. For example, imagine you decide to leave money to your brother under the assumption that if he dies, your nephew would receive the money.
Depending on what state you live in, that may or may not be true. In some cases, the wife would be seen as your brother’s beneficiary, so she would receive the legacy – not your nephew. This might or might not be okay depending on whether you think she would be responsible and use the legacy for your nephew’s best interests, or do as she wished with the money without any regard for her son.
Charities
If you have no living relatives, or think that they are wealthy enough to not want or need your money and possessions, you could leave them to charity. However, if you do have relatives, ignoring them complete in your will could be very hurtful.
Particular Bequests
You can outline specific bequests as you choose, such as your coin collection to Uncle Ted or your clothes and furniture to the Salvation Army. To be sure nothing is left out, an inventory which is kept up to date can help.
Conflict of Interest
Do not add anyone to your will who would have a conflict of interest. For example, you shouldn’t name your lawyer or your health care agent because they could be seen to benefit from your death.
One of the most important decisions you will make is who you want to be the executor of your will – that is, the person who oversees it and makes sure it is acted upon in accordance with your wishes.
Choosing an Executor for Your Will
There are a number of important considerations when choosing an executor. You can choose a family member or friend if they have good common sense and are a reliable person who follows up on things without procrastinating. In addition, they should have the sense to know when they need help with things they can’t handle and where to go for assistance.
They should also be someone reasonably local and a person who is likely to outlive you. In addition, they should be someone you get along well with, who you trust and respect, and who feels the same about you. They should be someone you are likely to maintain a relationship with, such as a son or daughter. If you are choosing someone close to your own age, you could also name a successor – that is, another person who would take over as executor if your first choice was ill or deceased.
A third choice would be a corporate executor – that is, a bank or other financial institution or lawyer who would administer the estate. This is a good option if the estate is going to be very complicated or there are any personal or family issues which might cause problems.
An Impartial Executor
When there is a lot of wealth at stake, or a long-term administration situation such as a trust for each child, who are all very young when you pass away, a corporate executor and trustee might be your best option. The executor you name might not live long enough to see the trust through if the children are toddlers and their money will be held in trust until they are 18 or 21.
A second consideration is human nature. If you don’t have an ironclad will and an executor with backbone, one or other of the beneficiaries may start a catfight and contest the will. This can seriously deplete the value of the estate’s assets in a very short amount of time, leaving little or nothing for anyone at the end.
A third concern might be what your surviving spouse will do once you are gone. Think of Cinderella being left at the mercy of her stepmother and treated like a servant because her stepsisters ended up with the best of everything. With divorce so common and all sorts of family combinations, an impartial executor would be your best option to ensure your children’s interests are protected.
Inheritance Tax Basics
The first thing to remember is that inheritances are not considered income for federal tax purposes, whether you inherit cash, investments or property. However, any earnings from the inherited assets are taxable. You will be taxed on the interest paid in related to inherited cash in a bank account, for example, or dividends on inherited stocks or mutual funds.
Any gains when you sell inherited investments or property are generally taxable. In some cases, you can claim losses on these sales. State taxes on inheritances vary, so it is important to check the rules with your state’s department of revenue, treasury or taxation for details.
Set Up a Trust
A trust allows you to pass assets to beneficiaries after your death without having to go through probate – that is, legally settling the estate. Trusts are similar to wills, but avoid state probate requirements and the associated expenses.
Use a revocable trust so you can take the money out at any time. An irrevocable trust is a bad idea because it will tie up the assets until you die. Also avoid putting your assets into joint names with your child, since this will actually increase the taxes the child will have to pay once you die.
Place Your Insurance Payout into a Trust
When you die, your insurance payout will be treated as taxable. However, arranging for the money to be placed in a trust will avoid this.
Minimize Retirement Account Distributions
Inherited retirement assets are not taxable until they’re distributed. Certain rules may apply when the distributions must occur, however, if the beneficiary is not a spouse. In most cases, the surviving spouse can take over the IRA. Remember that required minimum distribution requirements would still apply; for example, once you turn 70.
Give Away Some of the Money
It may seem counter-intuitive, but sometimes it makes sense to give a portion of your inheritance to others because of the tax benefits involved. In addition to helping those in need, you could potentially offset the taxable gains on your inheritance with the tax deduction you receive for donating.
Gifting
If you’re expecting to leave money to people when you die, consider giving annual gifts to your beneficiaries while you’re still living. You can give a certain amount to each person, for example, $14,000 per year per person, without being subject to gift taxes.
Talk with an estate planning professional to ensure you’re staying current with the frequent changes to estate tax laws.
What Is a Trust?
A trust is traditionally used to minimize estate taxes and gain other benefits as part of a well-crafted estate plan. It is a financial arrangement in which a third party, or trustee, holds assets on behalf of a beneficiary or beneficiaries. Trusts can be arranged in many ways and can specify exactly how and when the assets pass to the beneficiaries.
The Benefits of Having a Trust
There are a number of benefits to setting up a trust:
* Low or no taxes and fees – Trusts avoid taxation and probate fees (that is, the legal settling of your personal estate when you die), and they can also gain access to the money more quickly than having to wait for your entire estate to be settled.
* Control of the wealth – You can specify the terms of a trust so as to control when and to whom the money will be paid. There are two kinds of trusts, revocable and irrevocable. With a revocable trust, you can revoke the money if you choose, meaning that the assets in the trust are still accessible to you during your lifetime. An irrevocable trust ties up the money so that it will only be freed up once you die.
* Protection of your legacy – A properly constructed trust can help protect your estate from your heirs’ creditors or from beneficiaries who may not be adept at money management. Basically, you set the terms so they can’t blow through all the money on a trip to Vegas. A trust is also a good way to set aside money for a college education.
Things to Be Aware Of
There are a couple of things to be aware of when setting up a trust. The main one is to not put your name jointly on the trust, because whoever you are leaving it to will have to pay taxes on it in relation to how the asset has grown in value in the time it has been in trust.
Trusts can be set up for all sorts of contingencies you would like to cover to make sure your loved ones are cared for once you are no longer with them. Check with a qualified legal and financial representative for more information.
What Is Probate?
Probate is a legal process for settling an estate according to the will of the deceased. The deceased’s taxable estate is made up of all of the assets in which he or she holds an interest at the time of death. Generally speaking, only the assets they held individually in their own name will have to go through probate.
Probate, or Not?
Whether or not an estate has to go through probate depends on the state requirements.
For example, many states set a threshold such as $25,000 or less, so an estate in that bracket won’t have to go through the process of probate and the estate can be settled quickly with fewer taxes and fees.
Some assets are exempt from probate court, while others are subject to probate. A good will can prevent a probate tangle. So can good organization, with you naming beneficiaries to your important accounts such as your 401k and other investment accounts. You can name more than one beneficiary and indicate a percentage split, such as 50/50 between your spouse and child, or 25% each for your spouse and three children.
Or, you can fill out a transfer on death (TOD) designation so that the account will go straight to your beneficiary without going through the probate process.
Trusts are also exempt from the probate process. This means they don’t get caught in any legal tangle in relation to the estate, so that your beneficiary can access the money more quickly compared to having to wait around for the probate court to settle the will.
Which Assets Pass through Probate?
The following are usually subject to probate:
* Cash, cash accounts without TOD designations
* Personal property, including valuable items
* Real estate
* Assets held as tenants in common
If you haven’t set beneficiaries for your accounts, take the time to do so now. If you have life insurance, make an arrangement to deposit the payout into a trust so that some of money does not tip you over the threshold of probate and ends up taxable and not accessible until the will is settled.
1. Not having a will
More than half the US population has no will. This is just asking for trouble for any loved ones you leave behind.
2. Trying to do it all by yourself
You can find sample drafts of wills, and there are websites that can help you put together a basic will, but the more complicated your situation is, the more you need professional help. Issues in relation to a large number of assets or a complicated family situation (such as having had two marriages and two sets of children or step-children) are good reasons to have everything checked over carefully by a lawyer who specializes in estate planning and estate management.
3. Not knowing the rules in your state or country
There are quite a number of rules with respect to wills which vary from state to state as well as from country to country. Filing the document and having it recognized as legal and binding are two of the most important issues.
Another is that of probate – the process of dividing up the estate and making sure everyone, including the tax man, gets their share. In some states, the probate cap is $25,000, in others $50,000. If the estate is worth less than the cap, there’s no need for probate court, which will make things a lot easier for your family.
4. Not appointing an impartial executor
Your executor will oversee the whole process. An impartial one who has no vested interest in your estate can help eliminate disputes that could lead to your will being contested.
5. Not listing all your beneficiaries
People assume that their family will be covered, but unless you name names specifically, they might not get what you intend them to.
6. Not setting up trusts
A trust is a great way to save on taxes so that your loved ones will get more of the estate you wish to leave them.
7. Trusting people to do the right thing
There’s nothing quite like a will and the prospect of inheriting to bring out the worst in some people. A well-written will administered by a professional who is an impartial executor can stop the feeding frenzy that would put sharks to shame if your relatives all try to fight for what they consider to be their “fair share”.
When Should You Change Your Will?
The short answer to this is whenever you like. After all, it’s your money and possessions to do with as you choose. Having said that, you don’t want to run back and forth to a lawyer and/or notary every week because you’ve tweaked your will yet again.
There are several occasions when it does make sense to change your will, though. These include:
1. A major change in your life
This might include:
* Marriage
* Divorce
* A new child
* A step-family due to remarriage
* A new asset of significant value
* The death of a spouse
* The death of one of your beneficiaries
* The death of a dependent, someone you were caring for who no longer requires care
* Significant changes in the value of your assets, such as your stock going up or down
2. Opening one or more trusts for your beneficiaries
This will have a significant impact on the estate because trusts are usually not subject to probate court and the fees and taxes involved in settling the estate.
3. Using various strategies to reduce the tax burden on the estate
You can give away money each year up to a certain sum without your beneficiary having to pay tax on it. You could also make a donation to a charity to reduce the value of the estate, to decrease the taxes on it and/or get it below the value that would require the entire estate to go through probate. In New York State, for example, probate starts after $30k, but in New Jersey it is a lot less, at only $10k.
4. Leaving money to a charity or cause in your will
This helps you support a cause you feel passionate about. Check the http://www.charitynavigator.org/ site to see which charities are ranked most highly in terms of how well they put their donations to good use. The ASPCA, for example, only spends 75% of donations on the animals. The rest is salaries and marketing.
5. Leaving specific items in your will
If you don’t give them away before death and don’t state which beneficiary you want to give these items to, the executor of your will might have a fight on their hands, and/or probate won’t know your wishes and everyone will be upset.
When NOT to Change Your Will
You should not change your will if you are emotionally upset and want to hurt someone because they have hurt you. Keep a cool head and don’t try to use your will as a weapon or blackmail people with it.
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Self Help ebook “Planning for Death” looks into “aspects to planning for your death that include what your wishes are in relation to your health care, memorial arrangements and what is to be done with your body. The other major considerations are to do with family finances. Who will be in charge of your estate – that is, what you leave behind of value? How will your family be looked after once you are gone? How can your estate be protected from excessive taxation?” Click “Planning for Death” to download (474 KB pdf) this free ebook.
There may come a time when you find yourself dealing with anger at work. It may be your anger or someone else’s. Whatever the situation, it’s vitally important to diffuse the discord as quickly as possible. It’s no secret that a stressful work environment is an unproductive one. Keep reading to learn more about maintaining harmony on the job. It can be done.
Take a Deep Breath
When people get angry, they tend to say things that only make the problem worse. If you ever feel yourself starting to get frustrated at work, take a deep breath and count to three. It may not seem like much, but it can be enough time to regain your focus in order to keep your composure. If you’re talking to a co-worker and feel yourself starting to get upset, consider asking that person if he or she can come back and talk to you at a later time when you feel better.
Focus on the Issue
If you are having a hard time getting along with someone at work, it can really make it difficult to interact together effectively. In this case, it’s important to only focus on the job-related issues you have with this individual and not the dislike you may have with them as a person.
Remember, lashing out at your co-workers can create more problems and make getting along with them extremely difficult. This can lead to an increase in the anger and anxiety levels of everyone involved.
Express Yourself Clearly
It can be very frustrating when it seems that the people around you don’t get what you’re trying to say. Typically, when you get angry, it becomes somewhat difficult to express yourself in a way that everyone understands. For best results, always make sure to speak calmly and clearly. Express your side of the issue without being defensive or placing blame.
Know Your Limits
Do you find yourself getting angry often? If so, it’s important to identify what sort of things set you off and also be able to recognize when you’re starting to feel upset. When you’re quick to anger, you might find yourself in an argument before you know it. So, recognizing the fact that your behavior is starting to get aggressive makes it easier to calm down and focus on solving the issue at hand.
Remove Yourself from the Situation
If your job presents you with a situation you feel you can’t handle, do whatever you can to get yourself out of the situation as calmly and quickly as possible. Politely ask the individual you’re dealing with if he or she can wait a few moments while you find someone else to assist them. This is a much better alternative to having an outburst in front of co-workers or customers. You’ll usually find it much easier to calm down once you’ve taken yourself away from whatever it is that is stressing you out.
Dealing with anger at work is never a pleasant experience. However, armed with this information, it should make difficult instances a little bit easier on everyone concerned.
Bullying, regardless of the location or situation, should never be tolerated. There is no excuse. This is especially true when the bullying occurs at your place of employment. Here are some of the things you should do, in the event you come in contact with a bully. Don’t let the individual get away with it!
Deal with the Situation Immediately
If you’re having problems with a bully at work, you may be tempted to ignore them and hope that they stop bullying you on their own. The thought of confronting a co-worker who is already being aggressive is certainly intimidating. However, ignoring the problem isn’t going to make it any better. The bully will likely continue to pick on you if they feel so they can do so without consequence.
Be Professional, But Firm
While confronting your workplace bully, it’s important that you don’t stoop to their level. While getting into a screaming match might blow off some steam, it ultimately lets the bully know he or she can get a reaction out of harassing you.
Don’t let your emotions get the better of you during a confrontation. Let the bully know exactly what it is they’re doing that’s unacceptable in a calm, firm voice. If they refuse to have a reasonable conversation with you, try to ignore them and tell them you plan to talk to the supervisor. Don’t let them pull you into an argument by pushing your buttons.
Keep Track of Everything That Happens
Document everything you can about each case of bullying you experience, with as much detail as possible. Try to include the date, time, names of any witnesses and the details of the incident. If the bullying occurs through email, be sure to keep all of the emails and print out copies. You can present these to your supervisor later if you decide to get them involved.
Call for Help If Necessary
In some cases, you can get the bullying to stop by talking it out with the person. Once some bullies realize that they’re causing serious harm with their behavior, they put an end to it. But, in most cases you will have to talk to your boss or HR representative about the problem behavior in order to get it to stop.
Let them know how the bully is causing a negative impact on your work performance. Don’t forget to take your documentation with you. It’s also wise to ask if you can bring your witnesses along so that they can help you explain the situation.
Don’t Let It Get to You
Even if you get the bullying to stop, you may still feel hurt emotionally by the experience. Try to remember that their behavior is about issues that they are experiencing, not about you. Don’t let their insults have an impact on the way that you view yourself or your work.
It’s unfortunate that as long as there are mean and angry people, there will be bullying. But, the good news is that as long as you’re confident enough to report it, chances are you’ll successfully stop the bully in his or her tracks.
It certainly isn’t easy to cope with a difficult manager. When these uncomfortable run-ins occur frequently, it generally makes the situation even worse. Reading the following advice is a great first step toward rectifying the problem. If these suggestions don’t help, consider speaking with your manager’s manager. Don’t give up!
Examine the Situation
Sometimes, it can be difficult to admit our own faults. Before you decide your manager is being hard on you, think back to your past interactions. Is your manager really being difficult or simply pushing you to do everything that you work requirements dictate?
Find Out Why They’re Difficult
If you decide that the problems between the two of you does stem from your boss, you need to find out why he or she is acting this way. Otherwise it will probably very hard to shift your relationship with them.
Put yourself in your boss’s shoes and imagine how you would feel if you were dealing with the same situation. It may give you some insight on why your boss is giving you a hard time.
Consult with Your Co-Workers
Your co-workers may be able to tell you a bit more about why your manager acts a certain way, especially if you are relatively new to the workplace. Ask them if they notice the behavior, and if it’s typical of your manager or something that person has only been doing recently.
Not only can your co-workers give you some information that may help you understand your boss’s motivations, they may also be willing to help you stand up to the manager if things get out of hand.
Stay on Top of Your Work
If you and your manager aren’t getting along, it’s best not to give them a reason to doubt your performance. Don’t let their negative attitude put a damper on your work performance. Redouble your efforts and get as much work done as you can. This way, when they interact with you, they have nothing to focus on except your exceptional performance.
In addition, make sure that you always arrive to work on time. Try not to take longer than the time allotted for breaks or for lunch. Showing up late and taking extended lunches gives your manager an excuse to be critical of you.
Think about Moving On
It can be hard to realize your full potential at work when dealing with a difficult manager or boss. You won’t excel at a job with manager difficulties attached as much as you would working for a boss that you respect and that respects you in return. If you can’t get your manager to change his or her behavior, it may be best to move on to a different job or a different position within the company you’re currently associated with.
Don’t let a strained relationship with your manager force you to quit your job without trying all of the suggestions mentioned above, though. Remember, just because someone is in a managerial position, doesn’t give that person the right to be spiteful and mean.
You can’t please everyone all of the time, especially a work partner. There are going to be times that the two of you want different things. If this is something you happen to be dealing with, there is hope for a peaceful outcome. Consider the following suggestions, which will go a long way in helping you meet in the middle.
Discuss Things in Person
If you’re having a problem or disagreement with someone at work, you may be tempted to let them know about it via email. However, it can be difficult to express your true feelings in this manner. Why? Using such an impersonal form of communication has the potential to make you seem less serious about solving the issue. Set up a time to meet with the person face to face. For best results, make sure you agree on a place where both of you are comfortable.
Don’t Put Off Solving the Problem
The longer you wait, the more the resentment that your co-worker feels for you may grow. Try your best to discuss and resolve the issue as soon as possible. This is an excellent way to keep relatively small disputes from turning into bitter feuds. If the dispute was one that led to an actual argument, consider waiting until tempers have cooled on both sides before you start working towards a resolution.
Consider the Other Person’s Point of View
Finding a peaceful resolution to a workplace argument doesn’t mean deciding who gets their way. Try to consider how the other person is feeling and listen when they tell you where they are coming from. Whatever they’re requesting may seem more reasonable once you understand the reasoning behind it. With their feelings in mind, it will be easier for you to come up with a solution that works for both of you.
Ask for Their Input in Forming a Solution
When you and a work partner are having a disagreement, he or she may not be willing to agree with your solution to the problem. So, ask what specifically they would do to resolve the conflict. If they are willing to help, the two of you may be able to arrive at a solution together. That way, you’ll both feel better about the outcome.
Stick to a Compromise
Once you and your work partner have decided what you’re going to do to resolve the issue or disagreement, make sure you follow through with your commitment. If you don’t keep up your end of the agreement, how can you expect your work partner to do the same?
If some part of the compromise ends up not working for you, go to the other person and discuss how you can change things. The individual will probably be much more receptive to this than they would if you go back on your word with no warning.
Get a Third Party Involved
For smaller issues around the office, it’s often best for people to work things out between themselves. However, if you feel that it’s unlikely you’ll be able to work out your differences with someone on your own, consider speaking to your boss or supervisor about the issue. Don’t feel like you’re being immature by getting human resources involved in the problem. It’s their job to work out issues like this and make sure that you’re comfortable in your work environment.
Armed with these tips to strike balance with a work partner, you’re taking a step in the right direction. By remaining calm and discussing your issues, chances are the two of you will work things out in no time at all.
Unfortunately, one’s work environment is not always a harmonious place. Individual personalities and opinions clash. Colleagues come from varying backgrounds. Due to these factors, it’s sometimes difficult to get along.
The good news is this. There are numerous things you can try when dealing with a difficult colleague. As you can see, it’s basically a matter of common sense. If the first suggestion doesn’t work, go on to the next. You’ll probably be surprised by what a positive attitude and respect (among other things) will accomplish.
Stay Positive
Constant negativity from co-workers can impact your work life as well as your personal life. It’s important to focus on the positive aspects and tone out the negativity, so you can do your job effectively.
If it’s difficult to see the good things about your work, try to focus on what you have achieved and the opportunities that have been made possible in your personal life due to your efforts in the workplace. For example, paying off student loans, buying a new home, going on a vacation, or even starting a family.
Be Respectful
It can be challenging to have a respectful attitude towards a difficult co-worker, especially when it feels like they have no respect for you in return. However, it’s important that you don’t stoop down to their level by disrespecting them because you’re not seeing eye to eye. This only makes matters worse between you and your colleague and will push you farther away from coming to an agreement or resolution that works for both sides.
Keep Calm
Difficult colleagues can unhinge even the most calm and collected employee. But, lashing out at them in retaliation is not the answer. Staying calm during an altercation and focusing on what needs to get done will defuse the situation and may calm your co-worker in the process.
Separate from the Difficult Co-worker
If a difficult colleague continues to make your workplace experience unpleasant despite your best effort, you may want to consider removing yourself from the situation and avoiding future interaction. If you haven’t talked to your boss or supervisor by now, it may be the best option for you to request a different work schedule, or transfer to a different branch. If all else fails, seeking employment elsewhere may be something to consider.
Step into Their Shoes
Sometimes an argument among co-workers is due to a simple misunderstanding. It can become increasingly frustrating to explain something over and over again because your colleague doesn’t understand. While you may feel like your colleague isn’t listening to you, consider that they may not understand due to different perspectives.
If you are having a difficult time seeing eye to eye, try to understand how your colleague is feeling about the matter. Listen to what they are saying and ask thorough questions at the end, to ensure that you fully understand.
Confront Your Co-Worker
Try confronting them about their behavior face to face in a positive, professional manner. Often when people are being negative they don’t realize how it is affecting the people around them. Tell them in private that you’re trying have a positive outlook on the day and that you would appreciate their help. Keep in mind that if you’re in a good mood, there’s a good chance it will alter their outlook and put them in a good mood, too.
When it comes to dealing with a difficult colleague, chances are you won’t see an improvement overnight. But, don’t give up. In this case, patience it the key to success. Remember, as the old adage goes… “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar!”
Another thing that can make work life difficult is when you have far too much to do – simply because you find it difficult to say no.
If you have difficulty saying no when someone asks you to do something, you’re certainly not alone. The issue affects countless individuals every day.
Does this sound like you? If so, don’t panic. There’s absolutely no reason for you to feel guilty telling someone that you aren’t in a position to assist them. Believe it or not, saying no can actually put you ahead of the game. Continue reading to learn more about how to politely decline requests for help and feel comfortable doing it.
Sleep on It
When someone asks you for your assistance or invites you to a gathering or event, try to allow yourself at least 24 hours to give that person your answer. This typically represents adequate time to decide whether or not the task is worth doing, as well as considering what’s already on your upcoming schedule.
Allow Others to Step In
Saying no to a request for help means that you’re giving other individuals the chance to step in to assist with a project, event or whatever needs to be done. These people may be able to contribute in ways that you would have never considered, making it a win-win situation all the way around.
Avoid a “Should” Mindset
While you might think of several reasons you “should” say yes, it doesn’t mean it’s necessary to do so. Never guilt yourself into something you really don’t want to do. Chances are, it will make the job much more difficult because you don’t have your heart in it.
Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries – in both your professional and personal life – is a wonderful way to help you with the art of saying no. Don’t hesitate to let people know when you are and are not available. This narrows down the possibility that you’ll be asked to do something, during your “I’m not available” time slots.
Suggest an Alternative
You always have the option of suggesting an alternative, if you’d like to help out in a less time-consuming or easier manner. If nothing else, consider suggesting someone else for the task. However, make sure you speak with the potential replacement before volunteering that individual for the job.
Kick “Maybe” to the Curb
Although you may be tempted to say “maybe” as a safe and comfortable alternative to saying no, it’s generally never a good idea. Why? You just might be setting yourself up for continued requests for help or invitations until you actually decide to decline.
In the event the individual continues to persist, try this. Explain that you’d really like to lend a hand, but you simply don’t have time. In addition, consider telling them that if your calendar does clear you may be in touch.
Of course, there will still be times when you just can’t say no and that’s okay too. Some family obligations follow you throughout your lifetime. But remember, saying no doesn’t mean you’re being selfish. It simply means that you’re choosing to focus on the obligations you already have. By not spreading yourself too thin, you end up devoting high-quality time to things already on your plate.
As long as there are consumers, there are going to be difficult customers. It’s just a fact of life. Should you find yourself in a situation where you need to assist an angry customer, the following tips will definitely come in handy. It’s probably easier to calm someone down than you think.
Practice Listening
It’s always important to listen carefully to what a customer has to say, even if they are being difficult. Give them your full attention and let them know that you’re listening to what they have to say. Proving that you’re a good listener has the potential to make an angry customer more likely to want to do business with you, which is the ideal outcome.
Consider Their Point of View
It isn’t enough to simply listen to what the customer has to say. In order to diffuse the situation, it’s best to put yourself in their shoes. Imagine how you would feel if you had to deal with the same situation. Most importantly, let the customer know that you understand how they feel. This will help to build a connection between you and the customer and move the conflict toward a reasonable solution.
Pretend You Have an Audience
When a customer is being irate in a one-on-one setting, it can be tempting to lose your temper back at them. When dealing with customers, always pretend that other customers are watching. Don’t do or say anything that you wouldn’t do in front of a crowd of people, or your boss.
Consider how someone watching the conversation would feel about the way you’re acting and also the way that the customer is acting. It can be reassuring to realize that other people may think that the customer is being difficult right along with you.
Remain Calm
Getting aggressive or angry toward a difficult customer will never do anything to solve the problem. It fact, it can damage the reputation of your workplace. Make sure to keep your voice low and calm as you help the customer get what they need.
Be sure to avoid becoming defensive and let the customer know that you’re there to help them. If you treat them courteously and with respect, they are more likely to curb their difficult behavior and deal with you in a more respectful manner.
Come Up With a Plan
It’s important that the customer knows that you are going to work toward solving their issue. Come up with a plan to take care of their problem and let them know what each step will be. They won’t have a lot left to be angry about once they see that you are serious about getting things taken care of.
If you promise to contact the customer as soon as the issue is resolved, make sure that you follow through. Even if you don’t have an update for them yet, it’s important that they know that you’re actively working to help them.
These are just a few simple things which will help you properly deal with a difficult customer. Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid the issue. Remember, the best thing you can do is to be sympathetic to the problem and listen. Treat angry customers like you would expect to be treated in a similar situation. The key to success is diffusing anger.
The best constructive criticism you can give someone is a combination of both positive and negative feedback. Because this type of criticism is meant to improve the outcome of a specific situation, negative feedback alone will probably only make things worse. This is true in both work-related and personal situations.
Unfortunately, many people are afraid to offer constructive criticism simply because they don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings or jeopardize friendships. If this sounds like you, don’t despair. Read the following tips on how to give constructive criticism instead. Someone you end up helping will be glad you did!
Don’t Be Vague
Don’t be vague when giving constructive criticism. Focusing on the real issue makes things less confusing and easier to rectify. Being vague might be misconstrued as uncertainty or a lack of caring on your part. Tackling a situation head-on is always the best route to take.
Avoid Assumptions
Making assumptions won’t get you anywhere. That being said, they should be avoided at all costs. Stick to what you know about the person and the situation. If you don’t, assumptions can make you look bad – especially if they turn out to be incorrect.
Wait Until the Time Is Right
Waiting until the time is right to offer constructive criticism really makes the difference between success and failure. For example, if a co-worker is in the process of finishing a project, don’t start telling the person what they should have done differently. Instead, wait until they’re attempting to do similar work. That’s a much better time to share insight on how he or she might be more successful the second time around.
Re-Evaluate Your Intentions
Before you share any constructive criticism, take a few minutes to re-evaluate your intentions. Are you giving feedback to truly help someone improve the situation? Or are you using the opportunity to interject your personal feelings about the individual? Sometimes it may take a bit more soul-searching to decide between the two. However, there’s no reason to get down on yourself. It’s simply part of being human.
Express Appreciation
Regardless of the situation at hand, always try to express appreciation for something related to the issue you’re discussing. This appreciation doesn’t have to be over something major – even telling the individual you realize they’re doing their best is helpful.
It’s no secret that when someone feels appreciated, they’re apt to do an even better job in the future. So, take this time to make someone feel better about themselves and the work that they’re doing. Chances are, it will result in the individual trying even harder to succeed. And, there’s certainly nothing wrong with that!
As you can see, giving constructive criticism doesn’t have to be as difficult as it may seem. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you can help someone by giving feedback, please don’t hesitate. In the long run, helping someone is always a good thing, regardless of the path it takes to get there.
Getting noticed on the job often leads to bonuses, perks or promotions. These three things are certainly worth working towards, aren’t they? That being said, there’s a right way and a wrong way to get noticed. The following tips will get you started.
Be On Time
If you make a habit of getting to work on time or getting projects done ahead of schedule, it’s sure to grab the attention of your boss and/or co-workers. Make sure you always allow plenty of travel time in the morning. This helps to ensure you won’t be late in the event of a mishap such as heavy traffic or being delayed by a train.
Use a day planner or calendar app to track your schedule so that you can manage your time effectively and get things done as efficiently as possible.
Go Above and Beyond
As you work toward completing an on-the-job project, look for ways that you can go the extra mile. Even if takes a bit more effort, contributing more than was expected on a project is sure to make you stand out among the crowd.
In addition, think of ways you can bring your skills and experiences to the table in order to help with problem solving. This shows you are resourceful and capable of getting the job done right the first time.
Stay Busy
If people notice you lingering around the office without anything to do, it will probably attract the wrong kind of attention. Make sure you always have something to do, even if regular work activities are slow. Asking your manager or co-workers what you can assist with during periods of downtime is highly recommended.
Focusing on busy work makes the day go by faster and proves you’re a dedicated worker. You might even learn something new in the process.
Be Courteous to Co-Workers
Helping out your co-workers when they are in need is a sure way to get some positive attention on the job. Talk to the people you work with throughout the day. If they are willing, attempt to get to know them better. Not only can you end up making new friends, you’ll also gain the reputation as someone who is helpful and a good listener.
Keep Up Your Appearance
Many people are generally aware of the amount of attention you spend on your personal appearance. Even if your job isn’t customer service related, people will be more likely to take you seriously if you take care to maintain yourself and your wardrobe.
Your clothing should always be in accordance with any dress code your employer has put into place. Clean and wrinkle-free garments are an absolute must as well.
Co-workers also tend to pay attention to your demeanor. Wearing a smile and having a good attitude can go a long way towards someone forming a positive opinion of you. As silly as it may seem, if you find it hard to maintain a pleasant demeanor, practice smiling in a mirror. Believe it or not, it usually helps!
Now that we’ve given a few tips on how to get noticed the right way, it’s time to take action. Just think – if all goes well, you could be enjoying job-related perks or a promotion before you know it.
Let’s face it, it isn’t always easy to accept constructive criticism in a graceful manner. It can sometimes feel like a personal attack, even though the person giving the feedback doesn’t intend it to be construed as such.
If you happen to be someone hovering on the sensitive (or self-critical) side when it comes to responding to this type of criticism, read the following tips. They’re meant to help you accept critical feedback like a champ.
Ask for Specifics
One of the best things you can do to help you accept constructive criticism in a positive manner, is to ask for specifics. Unfortunately, it’s difficult for many people to give this kind of feedback in the first place. That being said, if you don’t understand something or feel as though you don’t have enough information to make a change for the better, ask for further details.
Chances are, the person sharing the information with you will be more than happy to give you additional feedback. Asking for it goes a long way in letting that person know that you really want to make changes and inevitably succeed.
Request Additional Help
In a similar way, requesting additional help doesn’t make you seem more incompetent; it shows that you want to improve upon whatever you’re having difficulty with. You’ll probably find that the criticism-giver will be more than happy to give you the extra help that you need. However, if that person is unable to assist, ask them to refer you to someone who can do an adequate job.
Share Your Progress
It never hurts to share your progress with the person who you’re interacting with. It’s just another way to show that individual that you’re truly okay with the things they’ve discussed with you. It also indicates that you are serious about doing all you can to change the current situation for the better.
You even have the option of “going to extra mile” and asking for additional feedback on what you’ve accomplished. By doing so, you may find it easier to stay on track with the rest of the project.
Don’t Take It Personally
Last but not least, never take constructive criticism personally. If you do, chances are quite high that it will only make the situation at work worse – and you certainly don’t want that. If the criticism is especially harsh, keep in mind that the person giving it may be having a bad day. Don’t let that reflect on your relationship or think that it’s the way you’ll most likely discuss things in the future.
Armed with this information, do you think it will be easier for you to accept constructive criticism? One of the most important things to remember is that this feedback is meant to help you with future endeavors. Very seldom is it meant as a personal attack. Remember, the best thing you can do is to remain calm and try to learn from the experience. It can be a good one.
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Men may not be as difficult to interpret as women, but it still does require an observant eye to catch their non-verbal communication. So here are a few tips to decoding what men really mean when they do the things they do.
He licks his lips
When you are hungry and a plate of delicious food is placed in front of you, don’t you lick your lips with anticipation and desire. It is the same case with this scenario when men do it. When a man licks his lips in front of you, it may indicate a hunger or desire for you.
Physical touch
Anytime a man touches you, it indicates that he is attracted to you. For example, he would push your hair out of your eyes. It gives off a sign of intimacy and he is definitely interested in you. It’s a sign that he wants to touch you and get close to you but he needs an excuse to do so. He is also testing out the waters. If you react by pushing your arm back or evading his touch, it shows that you are not interested. However, if you smile and acknowledge his touch, it will indicate to him that you are also interested in him.
Running his fingers through his hair
When he runs his fingers through his hair, it may be an act of trying to look his best for you or preening. If he fixes his hair in your presence, there is a good chance that he may be interested in you. If he does it while approaching you, it may mean that he is unsure of his appearance and wants to look good for you. So, if you are interested in him, compliment him on his appearance and this will put him at ease.
Hand gestures
If he uses his hands to explain something, this means that he is very expressive and passionate. Men who talk with their hands are usually good communicators. So, take note of his hand gestures. The bigger the hand gestures get and the more he does it, the more he likes you and is trying to get your attention.
His eyes
If he raises his eyebrows, it may mean that he is attracted to you. Is he maintaining eye contact with you? If he is, it means that he is genuinely interested in who you are and what you have to say.
In conclusion, it may take a while before you start reading being able to read men’s body language but start practicing it and soon it will come naturally!
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It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and have the same old meals every day. If you’ve got your local pizza place on speed dial, or keep staring into the fridge wondering what to make, it’s time for new inspiration so you can broaden your recipe horizons.
Your first step will be to organize your recipes.
How to Organize Your Recipes
Unless you are a very talented and creative chef, you’re going to need to use recipes to get your new joy of food initiative underway.
Some people love to collect cookbooks. You may have many already sitting on shelves gathering dust. If that’s the case, it’s time to put them to work. Grab a pad of sticky notes and a pen. Print out a blank calendar and start planning breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and desserts as needed.
Make notes about each recipe you cook. For the ones you don’t like, just put an X on the Post-it, with a comment as to what was wrong with it. For those you did like, make comments on what could have been better. Create a spreadsheet with the names of the recipes on them for each book, and the page number. Invest in a clear lucite cookbook stand to hold your books open to the right place without them getting splashed.
Online Recipes
Some people have digital cookbooks. In this case, go through the same process as above – only this time, bookmark your favorite recipes and make a note in your spreadsheet.
Saving Recipes in Folders
There are many free recipe sites online, some with better recipes than others. Aim for the ones with 4 or 5-star ratings. Read the comments as well for additional advice. Save them in folders on your computer. It might help to sort them by category, such as soups, desserts and so on.
Tagging Your Recipes
You might also collect individual recipes online. In this case, taking the trouble to tag them can help you sort them more easily. Use keywords related to the main ingredients, such as shrimp, or the style of cuisine, such as Indian, Chinese or Creole.
Pinning Them
We love Pinterest because you can find so many recipes on the boards, often with great photos to inspire you. In some cases, the recipes will be very unhealthy and fattening, but you can use them as inspiration for your own healthier versions. In this case, create a Pinboard for courses, foods, cuisines and so on.
Don’t worry. We understand. Even our favorites can start to seem pretty dull after a while. Plus, being so busy can mean you’re spending all that time in the kitchen, so that when you finally sit down to eat you’ve lost interest.
Finding Inspiration
Making the most of the cookbooks and recipes you have is one way to gain inspiration. Another way would be to try to recreate recipes you’ve enjoyed at restaurants. Some people are very conservative when they are eating out, sticking to the familiar such as pasta. In truth, this is a waste of time and money. Anyone can boil pasta and make any one of hundreds of sauces. Be more adventurous and try something new. If you can’t decide, ask your wait staff. They’ve eaten everything on the menu and will know what’s good.
Another way to gain inspiration is to try a recipe makeover. Pick one of your favorite recipes and try to make it healthier. Or, mix it up with different ingredients. Or, try a different cuisine. Start exploring Cajun or Indian cooking and experiment with all the luscious spices.
You can also try to eat your cookbook; that is, work your way through all the recipes in your favorite cookbook one at a time. Make notes as you go along. You’re sure to find some new favorites.
Make and Freeze
If slaving away in the kitchen is really what’s getting you down, try some make and freeze meals. Buy some square plastic containers with tight-fitting lids and some plastic food storage bags. Go to the grocery store, do your shopping, come home, and start cooking.
The principle behind make and freeze is to do all your cooking in one day to create meals you can eat that day, and then portion up the rest. You can then heat and eat them any time. This ensures you always have something on hand to eat, and making a number of dishes to rotate means you won’t get so bored. Best of all, if you have a busy family life, or anyone has allergies, you can color-code the lids and put tape on the containers to say what’s in them, and for whom.
Freeing up your time in this way can inspire you to enjoy your food even more now that it’s no longer a daily grind.
Variety Is the Spice of Life
One of the easiest ways to mix it up at each meal is to add spices. If you seem to be having the same old meat and potatoes with vegetables, for example, consider which seasonings can add to their flavor for all-new taste sensations.
If the meat is dull, why not try your own homemade barbecue sauce – far healthier than the salty kind that comes in bottles. Try a rub or a marinade for the meat as well. There are prepared ones, of course, but it is cheaper to do it yourself. Just look up recipes online and experiment.
If the potatoes are boring, there’s lots you can do to jazz them up. Try a dash of sour cream and some chopped chives or scallions. Make your own potato skins with cheese, tomatoes and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Boil them, then fry them in a little oil with some sesame, black mustard, and cumin seeds, for a deliciously crispy Indian-style treat.
For green beans, toss them with garlic and olive oil, add butter and almonds and some lemon juice, or make your own green bean casserole with onion rings on top. There are healthy versions of this recipe that will give you all the flavor of your favorite ingredients in this dish, but without all the calories.
Switch the Starch
Another way to add interest to your meal is to switch the starch. Instead of potatoes, try rice, noodles, or quinoa. There are many different kinds of rice, from white to brown, wild to parboiled. Parboiled will give you the typical taste you find in Mexican dishes.
As for noodles, there’s pasta, egg noodles, Chinese noodles, buckwheat, soba and udon. Each will have its own distinct taste and add a whole new flair and culinary twist to your usual dishes. One small change to your usual recipes and menus can lead to big results.
One of the great things about social networks is how easy it is to share recipes and ideas. We all have to eat; it is just a question of what. While it’s true that delivery is easier than ever before, it’s also true that people have started taking more of an interest in cooking because they see delicious-looking recipes in a number of places and want to try them.
Recipe Websites
The most obvious place to start is one of the many free recipes websites. Choose the ones with the highest ratings. Look up recipes you’ve always wanted to learn how to make. Or, search by cuisine, such as Italian or Chinese, to broaden your horizons. Your teen has just announced they’re vegetarian? Search for recipes that everyone will be willing to eat.
You can also look at your favorite chef’s website for free recipes. Emeril, Rachael Ray, and others, all have free recipes available.
Facebook and More
Facebook is the largest social network in the world, so it’s no surprise they have millions of members interested in talking about food and hundreds of food-related groups. Some of the ideas are a bit hit and miss, though, so find a couple of groups with recipes that look appetizing and try them. Once you’ve been in the group for a while, you should also be able to find cooks you can trust.
The same is true of digital cookbook authors. Some “cookbooks” are just thrown together by content farmers who copy and paste 100 chicken recipes from Allrecipes or similar sites without any regard for the rating on the recipe or how well it’s written. Then you end up with a mess on your hands because an ingredient is missing, or a measurement is wrong. In fact, always use common sense when it comes to measurements in fractions, because different computers and browsers can render them differently, changing the numbers or producing random squiggles.
Since a picture is worth a thousand words, you might also find recipe inspiration on Instagram, Snapchat and Pinterest. Pinterest is extremely lively – the only trouble is organizing all the recipes you find and not spending too much time on the site, because you’ll run out of time to cook!
There are of course many more apps for the iPhone than Android, but the best apps are available for both. In addition, Android is catching up, with some powerful foodie-apps designed to make your life easier.
Some of the most popular apps for both iOS and Android for foodies include:
SideChef
This is ideal for new cooks, giving step-by-step photos and instructions. The instructions can also be made verbal so you don’t have to get distracted looking back and forth at the screen, and it helps you time your recipes as well.
Yummly
You get to “Yumm” (like) recipes and enter any dietary restrictions first. Then this app will keep delivering more and more suggestions based on what you’ve put in. Great for the solo cook, but a bit tricky for families.
Kitchen Stories
This gorgeous app has excellent presentations of tasty recipes and a good search feature. They also make it easy to create a shopping list for each recipe.
ChefSteps
The free app has excellent how-to instructions, so it is ideal for beginners and intermediate cooks wanting to add to their skills. The paid version is packed with recipes. This app is pretty plain in appearance but that does make it easier to use.
Food Network in the Kitchen
This great app gives you all your favorites from the network right in the palm of your hand.
Epicurious
30,000 recipes at your fingertips. No more need to worry about what to make for dinner!
There are many more apps than this, but these are good for beginners. Also, try not to overdo it on apps. Remember, as cool as an app might be, they will take up room and eat up resources on your phone, so read the reviews and give each app a test drive to see if it suits you and is worth making room for.
Make Small Changes
The first thing to keep in mind is their tastes. Remember the movie Julie and Julia, where Amy Adams decides to cook her way through famous French chef Julia Child’s classic cookbook? If you have a young family and/or are overweight, chances are this would not be the best book to start with.
Instead, think about what they like to eat and mix it up a little. Change the chicken, perk up the potatoes, vary the veggies.
Restaurants Can Help
When going to restaurants, order strategically. Try dishes you’ve never had before. Get everyone in the family to order something different and taste each other’s. Rotate the plates clockwise around the table so everyone gets a taste, and let each person keep either their favorite, or their own.
Make notes on what you have that the kids really like, and then discover how to make it yourself. When serving the dishes, you can say, “Remember when we went to X restaurant and had Y dish? I’ve learned how to make it myself so we can enjoy it any time.”
Make It Attractive
Another way to get them excited to try your new experiments is to make them as pretty as possible. Studies have shown that we eat with our eyes long before we put a forkful in our mouths. Brown lentil stew is delicious, for example, but unfortunately looks like a pile of cow poo.
One suggestion for getting our daily allowance of fruits and vegetables is to “eat a rainbow” – that is, one food for each of the seven colors of the rainbow. Lay out a pretty fruit platter with cheese, or vegetable platter with dip, or roasted vegetables, and you’re more than likely to see the food disappear.
Eating habits can become ingrained from a very young age, and food refusal can become a real nightmare for parents, especially if your child goes the route of many kids: the white route. This means bread, pasta, potatoes, and often means weight gain as well. More than 33% of children in the US are now overweight or obese, and type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure have been diagnosed in children as young as two years old. The only way to combat this trend is with healthy, balanced, home-cooked meals.
Eating Together
The first way to deal with fussiness is to eat at the table together, not let them graze. Regular meals and not too many snacks will mean they will be hungry for real food.
Don’t make the dinner table a battleground. Start introducing new foods when they are young, in a structured way. Plan to serve each new food every day for about a week. Be sure it is well cooked and in small pieces so no one will have any trouble chewing and swallowing it. One good example of this is broccoli.
Put the food on their plate on the first night and say they can eat as much of it as they like. Do the same every night for the rest of the week. Don’t fight or argue with them; just put it on the plate and see what they eat. Studies have shown that this method actually works better than the “reward” method of letting them be excused from the table, or getting dessert, once they’ve finished their broccoli.
Other Tips
If they have lunch at school at their meal program, get a menu for the week if you can and ask your child what they enjoyed each day. Then start to make it yourself.
If you’re at a community potluck or picnic, put together one plate. Taste the food yourself and put together a plate for them of easy things to eat. Again, pay attention to what they like.
Most kids love sweet things. Skip the candy and stick to fresh and dried fruit. For dessert, aim for recipes with fruit in them, such as apple crumble.
All kids love fun food presented nicely. You can create “cupcakes” for lunch or dinner – that is, a complete meal in a muffin cup. Use pretty papers to make the meal even more interesting. Ham and cheese, chicken and vegetables and more can all become fun meals your kids will devour.
Make Small Changes
Our food tastes, habits and appetites develop when we are young. Some of us eat like birds. Others have a hearty appetite, but for all the wrong foods. Men are commonly associated with meat and potatoes, for example. They also love their barbecue. There was a popular book in the 1980s called “Real Men Don’t Eat Quiche” which referred to masculine stereotypes and food trends. A real man would eat a “bacon and egg” or “ham and egg” pie, but not quiche.
So a lot of food preferences can be what you call what you are serving. Sweet potato casserole versus pie might appeal to one preference or another.
It’s also a question of presentation. Most men love pasta. Put in some peas and carrots for color, and use a cream sauce for pasta primavera. Chances are it will taste so good he won’t even try to pick out the veggies.
Make their restaurant favorites but add different sides. Studies have shown it takes at least seven to ten attempts to introduce a new food to a child, so try the same approach with an adult.
Visual Appeal
Food that looks good will also tempt the appetite and get even the most reluctant eater to try something different. So too will things that look familiar. See what their family eats and try to duplicate, with healthier versions if what they eat is a real diet buster. For example, if they love fried chicken, make your own baked version in the oven. If they love biscuits, serve a healthy chicken casserole made with lots of vegetables and skim milk on a split biscuit so they won’t keep reaching for the bread basket.
Avoid Waste
A lot of people worry about wasting food by trying new things, but there’s really no need. If you have a freezer, just make up your own TV dinners with the leftovers. Label everything for you, or for them, and they can help themselves when you’re not there.
A lot of people also say it is too much hassle to make only one biscuit at a time per person. The secret is to cook in bulk. Make a dozen or two, wait until they cool, and put in the freezer in a zippered storage bag. Take out a couple at a time and reheat in a low oven until they are warmed through.
9. Healthy and delicious one-pot meals
The secret is to cut things up small enough to make it tough for people to pick out anything they don’t eat. One-pot meals that are healthy and delicious can also be a great way to feed the family cheaply, plus have handy leftovers you can pack up for future heat and eat meals. The trick is knowing what will freeze well, so steer clear of creamy sauces or bases.
Soup
The most obvious one-pot meal is soup. Boil up the bones left from a roasted or rotisserie chicken, remove any remaining meat, and add some seasoning. When it’s simmered enough, throw in some fresh or frozen vegetables and cook until tender. Serve with a salad and some cheese to make the meal more filling. If you want, you can also add pasta shapes, noodles or rice and cook until tender.
Other good choices include lentil, split pea and ham soup. Italian wedding soup is another hearty favorite. Minestrone will work well also. All the nutrition stays in the pot instead of boiling away, making it cheap and easy but healthy too.
Stew
Another obvious choice is stew. Choose your meat, such as beef, lamb, chicken or turkey. Brown it lightly, then add onions, carrots, potatoes and other root vegetables. Simmer until tender. If you’re pushed for time, use frozen vegetables.
Chili
Another one-pot meal that’s sure to be a hit with most families is chili con carne. Use ground beef or ground turkey to make the dish healthier. Add low-sodium canned tomatoes or cook down fresh ones for an even healthier recipe. Vary the beans, from pink to black, or use the ever-popular kidney beans. If you want to make chili NON carne, leave out the meat and use even more beans. Serve with biscuits or bread on the side.
Oven Meals
We all think of one-pot meals on the stove, but you can do them in the oven as well. Try risotto with chicken and vegetables, or a pot pie with a biscuit topping. Roasted root vegetable or Mediterranean style roasted vegetables are great as a meal on their own, or a side dish any time.
Have you ever tried Beef Guinness stew? It’s another one-pot wonder you can make on the stove or in the oven. The rich sauce is sure to tantalize everyone’s taste buds.
No meal seems to be complete without some sort of sweet treat as a dessert, but a lot of people steer clear because they think they have too many calories or are wasted calories.
Make Use of Fruit
The truth is, a healthy and delicious dessert can stop food cravings and actually prevent people from overeating. They can also be low in calories and even nutritious – for example if you use the natural sweetness of fruit to give them their flavor.
The US recommendation is for 2.5 cups of fruit each day, and the same of vegetables. That can be tough to do unless you drink a lot of smoothies and eat a lot of salads. Why not make them a part of your desserts instead?
Fresh fruit like apples, pears and peaches are perfect for a fruit crisp or fruit crumble. Dried fruits are ideal for homemade cookies and fruitcakes. Berries are great on their own, or can be used to dress up plain pound cake or homemade angel food cake, which comes in at less than 150 calories per slice. Angel food cake uses a lot of egg whites. Don’t throw away the yolks. Use them for homemade bread pudding with layers of fruit, flan and more.
Carrots are perfect for carrot cake. You can also expand your repertoire to zucchini bread and muffins. Sweet potatoes are great for bread and pies. You can also use the low carb trick of cauliflower as a substitute for rice for your own rice pudding. Chickpeas, or chickpea flour, is another handy low carb, high fiber swap that lends itself to cakes, cookies and brownies. Soy flour will work well also. These latter two are also ideal if you want to go gluten free.
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Cooking and Meal Preparation report “Joy of Food” covers topics including Tips for Eating Mindfully, Emotional Eating, Mindful Mealtimes, Benefits of Cooking at Home, Benefits of Cooking and Eating as a Family, Calorie Control through Substitutions, Advantages of Growing Your Own Food, Storing Your Harvest and Organic Food. Click “Joy of Food” to download (356 KB pdf) this free report.
