Category: Internet Marketing

Home Business Magazine Online

Communities worldwide are frequently blindsided by natural and man-made disasters, ranging from hurricanes and earthquakes to industrial accidents and cyberattacks. When these events occur, the aftermath can be devastating, leading to loss of life, property damage, and long-term economic setbacks. Without proper leadership and preparedness, the recovery process can be prolonged and arduous.

In the face of such challenges, community leaders play a pivotal role in disaster preparedness and response. Their ability to plan, communicate, and coordinate can significantly influence how well a community withstands and recovers from disasters.

Let’s explore some practical leadership strategies to help build stronger, more resilient communities prepared to handle any disaster effectively.

1. The Impact of Effective Leadership on Disaster Preparedness

Effective leaders can inspire and mobilize their communities, ensuring everyone is on the same page when a disaster strikes. Leaders set the tone for preparedness, emphasizing its importance and encouraging proactive measures. They coordinate efforts, allocate resources, and make crucial decisions that can save lives and reduce damage.

Key traits of effective leaders in disaster preparedness include decisiveness, communication skills, empathy, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These leaders are often seen as pillars of strength in their communities, providing direction and reassurance during uncertain times. Their ability to anticipate potential problems and develop strategic solutions is invaluable in disaster management.

2. Developing Comprehensive Disaster Plans

Creating a comprehensive disaster plan is a fundamental step in disaster preparedness. Such plans outline the actions to be taken before, during, and after a disaster, ensuring a coordinated and efficient response. A well-developed plan includes various components such as risk assessments, emergency response procedures, communication strategies, and resource management.

Professionals with an MPH in disaster management are uniquely qualified to develop these comprehensive plans. Their specialized training equips them with the knowledge and skills to assess risks accurately, design effective response strategies, and coordinate with multiple stakeholders. These professionals understand the intricacies of public health and safety, making them invaluable assets in disaster planning and response efforts.

3.     Conducting Thorough Risk Assessments and Management

Effective risk assessment requires a systematic approach. Communities should start by mapping out potential hazards, considering both natural and man-made threats. They should then analyze historical data, environmental conditions, and emerging trends to gauge the likelihood of these hazards occurring. Finally, they should assess the potential impact on people, property, and critical infrastructure.

Once risks have been identified and assessed, communities can develop mitigation strategies to reduce their impact. These strategies might include building stronger infrastructure, implementing early warning systems, and establishing emergency response protocols. By addressing risks proactively, communities can enhance their resilience and reduce the potential damage from disasters.

4. Building a Robust Communication Network for Emergencies

Effective communication ensures that everyone in the community is informed about potential threats, knows what actions to take, and can coordinate efforts during and after a disaster. A robust communication network includes various tools and channels to reach all community members quickly and efficiently.

Leaders should establish multiple communication channels, such as social media, text alerts, community websites, and local radio stations, to disseminate information. It is also essential to have a backup communication plan in case primary systems fail. Regular updates and clear, concise messages can help prevent misinformation and panic.

5. Training and Drills: Ensuring Readiness

Regular training and drills are essential for ensuring a community’s readiness for disasters. These exercises help familiarize everyone with emergency procedures, reduce panic, and improve the efficiency of responses. Training programs should cover various scenarios, from natural disasters like earthquakes and floods to man-made crises such as industrial accidents and terrorist attacks.

Simulation drills play a crucial role in preparedness. They allow community members and first responders to practice their roles in a controlled, realistic environment. These drills can reveal weaknesses in plans and procedures, providing valuable insights for improvement. For instance, evacuation drills can help identify bottlenecks in escape routes, while communication exercises can test the effectiveness of alert systems.

6. Strengthening Community Partnerships for Disaster Response

Building strong partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies is vital for effective disaster response. Collaborative efforts can enhance resource sharing, coordination, and support during emergencies. These partnerships can also provide additional expertise and resources that a single entity might lack.

Community leaders should actively seek out and cultivate these partnerships. Regular meetings, joint training exercises, and shared planning sessions can strengthen these relationships. Establishing clear roles and responsibilities before a disaster ensures a seamless response when one occurs. This collaborative approach maximizes the community’s resilience and ability to recover quickly.

7. Public Education and Awareness Campaigns

Public education and awareness are cornerstones of disaster preparedness. Educating community members about potential risks and the steps they can take to protect themselves increases overall resilience. Awareness campaigns should be ongoing, utilizing various platforms to reach a broad audience.

Educational programs can include workshops, seminars, and informational brochures. Schools can integrate disaster preparedness into their curricula, teaching children essential skills and knowledge. Social media and community websites can disseminate information quickly and effectively, keeping the public informed about potential threats and safety measures.

8. Leveraging Technology for Disaster Preparedness

Advances in technology have introduced new tools and systems that enhance prediction, communication, and response capabilities. Communities can leverage these technologies to improve their preparedness and resilience.

Early warning systems, such as weather alerts and earthquake detectors, provide critical lead time before a disaster strikes. Mobile apps and digital platforms enable real-time communication and coordination among community members and emergency responders. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can map hazards and resources, aiding in planning and response efforts.

Investing in technology also means ensuring accessibility and usability for all community members. Training programs can teach people how to use these tools effectively. Regular updates and maintenance ensure that systems remain functional and reliable. By embracing technology, communities can stay ahead of potential disasters and respond more efficiently when they occur.

9. Continuous Evaluation and Improvement of Preparedness Plans

Disaster preparedness is an ongoing process that requires regular evaluation and improvement. Communities must periodically review their preparedness plans to identify gaps and areas for enhancement. This continuous improvement cycle ensures that plans remain relevant and effective.

Evaluation should involve feedback from all stakeholders, including community members, first responders, and partner organizations. After-action reviews following drills or real disasters can provide valuable insights into what worked well and what needs improvement. Surveys and community meetings can also gather input and suggestions.

Updating plans based on feedback and new information is crucial. As new risks emerge and technologies evolve, preparedness strategies must adapt. Leaders should establish a routine for reviewing and updating plans, ensuring they reflect current best practices and community needs. This commitment to continuous improvement strengthens the community’s resilience over time.

Conclusion

Disaster preparedness is a multifaceted effort requiring strong leadership, comprehensive planning, effective communication, and community collaboration. By understanding the importance of preparedness, leveraging technology, conducting regular training, and fostering partnerships, leaders can significantly enhance their community’s resilience. Public education and continuous evaluation further solidify these efforts, ensuring that communities are ready to face any disaster. With proactive leadership and a commitment to preparedness, communities can not only withstand disasters but also recover and thrive in their aftermath. Taking these steps today can make all the difference when the unexpected occurs.

The post Building Stronger Communities: Leadership Strategies for Disaster Preparedness appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/newsstand/news/building-stronger-communities-leadership-strategies-disaster-preparedness/

Updated 7th August 2024

Would you like some strange ways to make money to liven up your weekend??

Are you a bit bonkers yourself?

A bit out of the ordinary?

Not your usual Joe?

Then these are just the money making ideas for you.

At MoneyMagpie we’ve got loads of articles on ways to make money, but these are the ones which are just plain weird…and frankly, we like ’em!

Oh, and if this tickles your fancy, check out 10 more strange ways you can make money!

 

1. Make Money Being a Friend

The first of our list of strange ways to make money is a money making opportunity you probably haven’t heard of: being a friend.

Yes, there are people out there who will pay you a fee to be their ‘friend.’

What does it involve?

Whatever the person wants – whether it be someone to show them around the area, to go the cinema with, a workout buddy, an instructor or even a wingman!

If this sounds like an interesting way of making money you should sign yourself up to Rent a Friend.

It’s absolutely free to join and you keep 100% of everything you earn, only people looking for a friend pay.

People tend to charge anything from £5 – £30 an hour for their time, so there is good money to be made.

Click here to find out more about making money being a friend.

 

2. Make Money Taking Part in Clinical Trials

Did you know you can earn over £4,000 taking part in clinical trials?

It comes with risks, but it can help researchers break through with new medication that helps loads of people. You might participate in a short term trial, like ‘flu camp’, which is residential – or a longer term trial over a few years.

Most clinical trials are Phase One drug testing, meaning you’re one of the first humans to try a drug.

So if the idea of being a human guinea pig fills you with terror, then this isn’t the thing for you.

But if you understand the risk and are still happy to go ahead with it, there is certainly money to be made. You can earn anything from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand pounds for a few days’ testing. For example, Trials4Us do clinical trials, from £150 to attend a medical checkup for high blood pressure to £2850 for testing a drug to aid alcohol addiction. FluCamp runs trials in London for £4,400.

You might need to be an otherwise healthy person to volunteer, or you could be a subject if you have a particular condition.

Click here to find out more about making money taking part in clinical trials.

 

3. Make Money Playing Video Games

If you’re a big gamer then making money playing video games is probably the ultimate dream.

But it doesn’t have to be just a dream.

There are, in fact, several ways you can make money playing videos. Some of these ways will just supplement your income, but others can be full time money makers. One of the easiest and low-demand ways is to play games online for sites like Swagbucks.

If you just want to make a bit extra money from your hobby, why not set up a gaming blog? You’ll be able to put some adverts on it so once it begins to get a lot of visitors you’ll start to make money.

Or, if you prefer making videos to writing up articles, you can upload videos to YouTube or twitch.tv and see how much you can make there.

If you want to make serious money with video games, though, then why not become a video game tester with a starting salary of £18,000?

There’s also the chance to win BIG money in e-sports tournaments (the largest prize pool to win from is $40m) but you have to be incredibly good to win!

Click here to find out more about making money by playing video games.

4.. Make Money Selling Breast Milk

Admittedly this isn’t something that everyone can do – at least half the population (men) are already unqualified for it!

But when it comes to strange ways to make money…this is pretty high on the list!

Yes, amazingly, you really can make money selling your breast milk.

The World Health Organisation has said that the best food for a new born infant is breast milk from another healthy mother if the infant’s mother cannot breast feed herself, which has resulted in a demand for healthy breast milk.

You’re able to donate to UK milk banks but you won’t get paid for this, or you can sell your breast milk online.

Sites like Onlythebreast.com allow you to post an ad online and wait for a response from someone who requires breast milk.

You can make good money as well, at the moment four fluid ounces of milk are being sold for £15.

There are genuine concerns, however, about people who buy breast milk online. Buyers are rarely sure of the health of the mother they’re buying from and so risk getting milk contaminated by drugs or infections

Click here to find out more about making money selling breast milk.

 

6. Make money sleeping

Could you imagine getting paid to sleep?

How brilliant would that be?

Well some lucky so and so’s get to do just that, and they’re called bed testers.

Bed testers get to test out a whole range of beds, often luxury ones, and then give a verdict based on the night’s sleep they had.

We’re really including this one for a bit of fun because it’s really hard to become a full time bed tester – as you can imagine, it’s very competitive!

Most people were first introduced to the idea of being a bed tester after Hotel Chatter put out a call in 2006 for a professional to test their 25,000 beds.

Could you imagine? Well, we can always dream (although, unlike bed testers, we won’t get paid for it!)

 

7. Make money testing food…yes, even chocolate

Getting paid to test food sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

And, unlike getting paid to sleep, it’s something you have a good shot at actually being hired to do.

As a food tester, research companies are interested in getting your views on food products.

Once you’ve tasted the food you’ll be asked to give your feedback on the product – this might be as part of a focus group or you might simply just have to give it a score in a questionnaire.

In between each food sample you’ll be given a palette cleaner, such as a cracker and water, so you’re ready for the next taste.

Tests tend to last around an hour or two, but maybe slightly longer if you’re taking part in a focus group.

You’re not going to make a career out of it, it’s really just a nice way to supplement your income, but you can earn between £5-£55 depending on whether you’re just completing a questionnaire or if you’re taking part in a focus group.

Click here to find out more about getting paid to test food.

 

8. Make money donating sperm and eggs

Selling sperm or eggs might sound desperate, but it’s perfectly legal in the UK to do so.

If you’re a man, well, frankly it’s easy money! It could even be described as a leisure activity.

The only requirements are that you should not have any history of sexually-transmitted infection, or a personal or family history of inheritable disorders. You must also undergo medical screening, including a HIV test.

Be aware that you may also be turned away if your sperm quality isn’t high enough (don’t take it personally!)

According to the HFEA you can’t technically be paid for donating sperm, but you are given £35 per donation to cover expenses.

Egg donation, however, is a much more serious procedure…and not a lot of fun.

The egg donor must be between the ages of 18 and 36 and, before the donation takes place, a donor will have to undergo screening to limit the chance of genetic abnormalities and sexually-transmitted diseases.

If you’re found to be suitable to donate, you’ll be matched with a couple who have infertility issues. You’re then given fertility drugs to administer at home; these stimulate the ovaries into producing a number of eggs.

The HFEA has capped the amount you can make for egg donation at £750, hoping that this will only encourage people to give eggs out of altruistic intent and not because they need the extra money.

Click here to find out more about making money donating sperm and eggs.

 

9. Make money by queuing

Have you ever been told you don’t get paid to stand around and do nothing?

Well, here’s a job that genuinely pays you to do just that – getting paid to queue (or line sitting).

How does it work, you ask?

Well, we’ve all seen the long queues as people wait in line to be the first to get their hands on the latest Apple product, sometimes even enduring a whole night of rain. Chances are at least one of those people would have paid you to take their place.

Equally there are many people who would love to get the latest iPhone or concert tickets but can’t because they have work or family commitments. They may well be willing to pay for your line sitting services.

Despite success in the US, it’s still a relatively unheard of practice in the UK so you’d be leading the way with this money making opportunity.

You’d be able to set your own price, either at a fixed rate or an agreed amount per hour/half hour. For example, you could charge a fixed rate of £100, or agree on £6 an hour.

Click here to find out more about making money queuing.

 

10. Make money watching TV

Ok, unlike the last point, this is a slightly misleading title.

You can’t make money JUST by watching TV, but there are certainly ways you can incorporate watching TV into your money making process, and that’s pretty cool right?

For example you could make money by giving your views on the latest television programmes by joining a focus group or taking part in relevant online surveys. You could even set up your own blog reviewing the latest TV programs.

There’s loads of other ideas of as well, so click here to find more ways to make money watching TV.

 

11. Make money selling your hair

This one isn’t really that bonkers, but it sounds strange at first – you can make money selling your hair.

Despite huge scientific progresses, we still haven’t found a cure for baldness so wigs, hair extensions and hair pieces are still in high demand.

You’ll need at least 6 inches of hair and it must be clean, healthy and shiny – any damaged hair will not be accepted.

If you’ve got an unusual natural hair colour then you can get more for it, although remember to speak to a wig seller to find out the price before cutting your hair. It’d be awful to lose all that hair only to find out you don’t like the price!

Prices vary, but some wig sellers will pay up to £200 for your hair, so there is potential money to be made.

Click here to find out more about making money by selling your hair.

 

12. Make money from misery

If you’ve had a real life horror story then you can make money selling it either to a magazine or newspaper.

We know that might sound callous at first but we all know the saying ‘When life gives you lemons…’

For a good, unpredictable story newspapers will pay between £200 – £2,000. In fact one of our readers managed to get £2,200 for their story.

You could go on to do more. If you can help others, why not write a self-help book?

Click here for more ways to make money from misery.

 

13. Make money beekeeping

Why not become a beekeeper and make money selling the honey?

Maybe you can think of several reasons not to – the fear of getting stung or not having the first clue how to start.

But it’s a good money maker because it’s also vital to the environment. We need good bee keepers to help act against the number of bees dying all around the world.

You don’t need loads of room or time to be a beekeeper, in fact professional beekeepers can get away with inspecting their bees only once a month.

However, you’ll just need to put some initial time investment to learn everything you need to know about bee keeping. It’s important to know the very best way to keep bees as some amateur owners have harmed their bees by not knowing the ins and outs of caring for them properly.

It’s not a quick money maker either. It can take more than one season for your bees to start producing honey, but once they do you can begin to sell it.

You won’t just be making money, you’ll be helping the environment and, who knows, you might discover a new passion.

Click here to find out more about beekeeping for money.

 

14. Make money as a life model

If you’re not sure what life modelling is, it’s modelling nude as artists paint or sculpture you.

So, first off you’ve got to decide whether you’re comfortable standing nude in front of a load of strangers…while you’re starkers…it’s not for everybody!

Don’t worry if you don’t think you’re in perfect shape though, this is about interesting and real body shapes so don’t be put off if you do want to give it a go – plus you’ll hopefully end up with a beautiful sculpture or picture of yourself.

You’re paid an hourly rate – the average rate is £10.63, although in London it’s £11.11.

Click here to find out how to make money as a life model.

 

15. Make money collecting

There’s nothing particularly weird about making money collecting certain items and selling them on at a profit so you might wonder why this one is in our list of strange ways to make money.

Well, there are very strange and surprising things you can collect to make a profit.

For example, did you know you could make money collecting Disney DVD and blu-rays?

Or would you have thought you could make money collecting Barbie dolls?

Other weird collectibles include piggy banks, Lego, comics and action figures.

You’d be surprised just how many ways you can make money collecting.

 

16. Make money SELLING SELFIES

Instaprints makes it easy for you to get paid for your Instagram selfies. Just link your Instagram profile with your Instaprints account and get paid for pictures you’ve taken… and of yourself! Be aware that anyone can buy them and you can’t say how they will be used – but mostly they are used for prints or photo-books.

With Instaprints you can set your own rate and they will handle all the shipping and printing to customers. You can earn anything from a few pounds up to £50 per image… definitely a bit weird but worth checking out!

 

17. Make money BUYING GOLD

Want to avoid inflation-busting cash crashes? Put your money into gold via the smartphone app Glint. Not only can you buy gold which is stored in a real vault in Switzerland, you can also spend it too using a specially made debit card.

You’ll avoid any decreases caused by inflation and you can switch your gold into an actual currency at any time if you’re worried about its value.

It all works in the way of a normal bank, and your gold and money are protected. The Financial Conduct Authority audits Glint.

So, feel like you want to buy some gold? Get downloading the app on the Apple App Store or Android Store, and get your new debit card delivered in just a few days.

Find out more about investing in gold here. 

 

18. Make money TRADING IN EMPTY INK CARTRIDGES

Everyone wants to help the environment, and everyone has empty ink cartridges lying around their home or workplace. But, instead of chucking your empty ink cartridges away, why not recycle them instead?

Printer Cartridge Recycling pays people for each one they receive. You’ll get cash depending on the ink cartridge you’ve sent. A minimum threshold of £5 must be reached in order to send the cartridges to them.

Alternatively, you can send them to the Recycling Factory. All you have to do is box up your cartridges and send them Free Post to the company. They’ll sort out the rest and pay you.

 

19. Make money SELLING YOUR PHOTOS

Snapped a really cool shot? You can earn money easily through Adobe Stock.

Each time someone purchases your photo, you’ll get a 33% commission. If it’s a video, you’ll get a 35% commission. You have to reach at least $25 in royalties before you can request a payout through either Skrill or PayPal.

So, if you’re an avid photographer or think you’ve just snapped something pretty neat, this one might be worth checking out.

Find out more about selling your photos online here. 

 

20. Make money BY DOING PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING

Fiverr is a unique website in that you can get paid to do just about anything. You might get $5 for posting a photograph of your dog. Or, they may want you to buy a fridge magnet from wherever you are.

The site does offer more traditional paying services too such as freelance writing or graphic design. Nonetheless, you can be paid for doing pretty much anything.

It’s worth checking out if you’re short of cash, planning a holiday or just want to earn some extra money on the side.

 

Bonus money-maker – Make money selling pictures of your feet

Yes, you read that right, you can make money selling pictures of your feet!

It’s a bit of a ‘fetish’ thing, so you’d need to feel comfortable before going ahead, but if you’re proud of your feet and want a bit of extra money, this might be one for you.

You can use a site like FeetFinder to sell pictures of your feet. FeetFinder has over 150,000 verified users, where all models are ID verified and all buyers must add a card to use the site in any way, and to beat the scammers: with FeetFinder you’ll also have to pay – as a foot model – a monthly subscription of $2.99, but for that, the site will do all the marketing for you. 

Find out more about making money from your feet here. 

Which of these money makers are you going to try? What’s the most bonkers way you’ve made money? Let us know in the comments below.

The post 20 strange ways to make money appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/20-strange-ways-to-make-money

Google announces the general availability of the Structured Data Files (SDF) QA format for Display & Video 360, enhancing bulk review capabilities for advertisers.

Why we care. This update simplifies the process of reviewing resource settings in bulk, making campaign management more efficient for advertisers using Display & Video 360.

Key details:

• The SDF QA Format was initially released in open beta on May 30, 2024
• It’s now generally available as of August 8, 2024
• Applies to Line Item and YouTube Ad Group resources

How it works:

• Uses human-readable values instead of numeric IDs
• Available for SDF v6 and later
• Accessible through Display & Video 360 interface or API v3

New file types:

• “Line Item – QA”
• “YouTube Ad Group – QA”

Between the lines. This update addresses a common pain point for advertisers managing large-scale campaigns, offering a more intuitive way to review settings without navigating complex numeric IDs.

What’s next. Advertisers should consult the updated Bulk Tools guide to determine if the SDF QA format suits their integration needs.

The bottom line. While enhancing readability, these QA format files are read-only and can’t be used to modify or create resources, maintaining a clear separation between review and action processes.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/google-rolls-out-structured-data-files-qa-format-for-display-video-360-445098

Updated 7th August 2024

Would you like some strange ways to make money to liven up your weekend??

Are you a bit bonkers yourself?

A bit out of the ordinary?

Not your usual Joe?

Then these are just the money making ideas for you.

At MoneyMagpie we’ve got loads of articles on ways to make money, but these are the ones which are just plain weird…and frankly, we like ’em!

Oh, and if this tickles your fancy, check out 10 more strange ways you can make money!

 

1. Make Money Being a Friend

The first of our list of strange ways to make money is a money making opportunity you probably haven’t heard of: being a friend.

Yes, there are people out there who will pay you a fee to be their ‘friend.’

What does it involve?

Whatever the person wants – whether it be someone to show them around the area, to go the cinema with, a workout buddy, an instructor or even a wingman!

If this sounds like an interesting way of making money you should sign yourself up to Rent a Friend.

It’s absolutely free to join and you keep 100% of everything you earn, only people looking for a friend pay.

People tend to charge anything from £5 – £30 an hour for their time, so there is good money to be made.

Click here to find out more about making money being a friend.

 

2. Make Money Taking Part in Clinical Trials

Did you know you can earn over £4,000 taking part in clinical trials?

It comes with risks, but it can help researchers break through with new medication that helps loads of people. You might participate in a short term trial, like ‘flu camp’, which is residential – or a longer term trial over a few years.

Most clinical trials are Phase One drug testing, meaning you’re one of the first humans to try a drug.

So if the idea of being a human guinea pig fills you with terror, then this isn’t the thing for you.

But if you understand the risk and are still happy to go ahead with it, there is certainly money to be made. You can earn anything from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand pounds for a few days’ testing. For example, Trials4Us do clinical trials, from £150 to attend a medical checkup for high blood pressure to £2850 for testing a drug to aid alcohol addiction. FluCamp runs trials in London for £4,400.

You might need to be an otherwise healthy person to volunteer, or you could be a subject if you have a particular condition.

Click here to find out more about making money taking part in clinical trials.

 

3. Make Money Playing Video Games

If you’re a big gamer then making money playing video games is probably the ultimate dream.

But it doesn’t have to be just a dream.

There are, in fact, several ways you can make money playing videos. Some of these ways will just supplement your income, but others can be full time money makers. One of the easiest and low-demand ways is to play games online for sites like Swagbucks.

If you just want to make a bit extra money from your hobby, why not set up a gaming blog? You’ll be able to put some adverts on it so once it begins to get a lot of visitors you’ll start to make money.

Or, if you prefer making videos to writing up articles, you can upload videos to YouTube or twitch.tv and see how much you can make there.

If you want to make serious money with video games, though, then why not become a video game tester with a starting salary of £18,000?

There’s also the chance to win BIG money in e-sports tournaments (the largest prize pool to win from is $40m) but you have to be incredibly good to win!

Click here to find out more about making money by playing video games.

4.. Make Money Selling Breast Milk

Admittedly this isn’t something that everyone can do – at least half the population (men) are already unqualified for it!

But when it comes to strange ways to make money…this is pretty high on the list!

Yes, amazingly, you really can make money selling your breast milk.

The World Health Organisation has said that the best food for a new born infant is breast milk from another healthy mother if the infant’s mother cannot breast feed herself, which has resulted in a demand for healthy breast milk.

You’re able to donate to UK milk banks but you won’t get paid for this, or you can sell your breast milk online.

Sites like Onlythebreast.com allow you to post an ad online and wait for a response from someone who requires breast milk.

You can make good money as well, at the moment four fluid ounces of milk are being sold for £15.

There are genuine concerns, however, about people who buy breast milk online. Buyers are rarely sure of the health of the mother they’re buying from and so risk getting milk contaminated by drugs or infections

Click here to find out more about making money selling breast milk.

 

6. Make money sleeping

Could you imagine getting paid to sleep?

How brilliant would that be?

Well some lucky so and so’s get to do just that, and they’re called bed testers.

Bed testers get to test out a whole range of beds, often luxury ones, and then give a verdict based on the night’s sleep they had.

We’re really including this one for a bit of fun because it’s really hard to become a full time bed tester – as you can imagine, it’s very competitive!

Most people were first introduced to the idea of being a bed tester after Hotel Chatter put out a call in 2006 for a professional to test their 25,000 beds.

Could you imagine? Well, we can always dream (although, unlike bed testers, we won’t get paid for it!)

 

7. Make money testing food…yes, even chocolate

Getting paid to test food sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

And, unlike getting paid to sleep, it’s something you have a good shot at actually being hired to do.

As a food tester, research companies are interested in getting your views on food products.

Once you’ve tasted the food you’ll be asked to give your feedback on the product – this might be as part of a focus group or you might simply just have to give it a score in a questionnaire.

In between each food sample you’ll be given a palette cleaner, such as a cracker and water, so you’re ready for the next taste.

Tests tend to last around an hour or two, but maybe slightly longer if you’re taking part in a focus group.

You’re not going to make a career out of it, it’s really just a nice way to supplement your income, but you can earn between £5-£55 depending on whether you’re just completing a questionnaire or if you’re taking part in a focus group.

Click here to find out more about getting paid to test food.

 

8. Make money donating sperm and eggs

Selling sperm or eggs might sound desperate, but it’s perfectly legal in the UK to do so.

If you’re a man, well, frankly it’s easy money! It could even be described as a leisure activity.

The only requirements are that you should not have any history of sexually-transmitted infection, or a personal or family history of inheritable disorders. You must also undergo medical screening, including a HIV test.

Be aware that you may also be turned away if your sperm quality isn’t high enough (don’t take it personally!)

According to the HFEA you can’t technically be paid for donating sperm, but you are given £35 per donation to cover expenses.

Egg donation, however, is a much more serious procedure…and not a lot of fun.

The egg donor must be between the ages of 18 and 36 and, before the donation takes place, a donor will have to undergo screening to limit the chance of genetic abnormalities and sexually-transmitted diseases.

If you’re found to be suitable to donate, you’ll be matched with a couple who have infertility issues. You’re then given fertility drugs to administer at home; these stimulate the ovaries into producing a number of eggs.

The HFEA has capped the amount you can make for egg donation at £750, hoping that this will only encourage people to give eggs out of altruistic intent and not because they need the extra money.

Click here to find out more about making money donating sperm and eggs.

 

9. Make money by queuing

Have you ever been told you don’t get paid to stand around and do nothing?

Well, here’s a job that genuinely pays you to do just that – getting paid to queue (or line sitting).

How does it work, you ask?

Well, we’ve all seen the long queues as people wait in line to be the first to get their hands on the latest Apple product, sometimes even enduring a whole night of rain. Chances are at least one of those people would have paid you to take their place.

Equally there are many people who would love to get the latest iPhone or concert tickets but can’t because they have work or family commitments. They may well be willing to pay for your line sitting services.

Despite success in the US, it’s still a relatively unheard of practice in the UK so you’d be leading the way with this money making opportunity.

You’d be able to set your own price, either at a fixed rate or an agreed amount per hour/half hour. For example, you could charge a fixed rate of £100, or agree on £6 an hour.

Click here to find out more about making money queuing.

 

10. Make money watching TV

Ok, unlike the last point, this is a slightly misleading title.

You can’t make money JUST by watching TV, but there are certainly ways you can incorporate watching TV into your money making process, and that’s pretty cool right?

For example you could make money by giving your views on the latest television programmes by joining a focus group or taking part in relevant online surveys. You could even set up your own blog reviewing the latest TV programs.

There’s loads of other ideas of as well, so click here to find more ways to make money watching TV.

 

11. Make money selling your hair

This one isn’t really that bonkers, but it sounds strange at first – you can make money selling your hair.

Despite huge scientific progresses, we still haven’t found a cure for baldness so wigs, hair extensions and hair pieces are still in high demand.

You’ll need at least 6 inches of hair and it must be clean, healthy and shiny – any damaged hair will not be accepted.

If you’ve got an unusual natural hair colour then you can get more for it, although remember to speak to a wig seller to find out the price before cutting your hair. It’d be awful to lose all that hair only to find out you don’t like the price!

Prices vary, but some wig sellers will pay up to £200 for your hair, so there is potential money to be made.

Click here to find out more about making money by selling your hair.

 

12. Make money from misery

If you’ve had a real life horror story then you can make money selling it either to a magazine or newspaper.

We know that might sound callous at first but we all know the saying ‘When life gives you lemons…’

For a good, unpredictable story newspapers will pay between £200 – £2,000. In fact one of our readers managed to get £2,200 for their story.

You could go on to do more. If you can help others, why not write a self-help book?

Click here for more ways to make money from misery.

 

13. Make money beekeeping

Why not become a beekeeper and make money selling the honey?

Maybe you can think of several reasons not to – the fear of getting stung or not having the first clue how to start.

But it’s a good money maker because it’s also vital to the environment. We need good bee keepers to help act against the number of bees dying all around the world.

You don’t need loads of room or time to be a beekeeper, in fact professional beekeepers can get away with inspecting their bees only once a month.

However, you’ll just need to put some initial time investment to learn everything you need to know about bee keeping. It’s important to know the very best way to keep bees as some amateur owners have harmed their bees by not knowing the ins and outs of caring for them properly.

It’s not a quick money maker either. It can take more than one season for your bees to start producing honey, but once they do you can begin to sell it.

You won’t just be making money, you’ll be helping the environment and, who knows, you might discover a new passion.

Click here to find out more about beekeeping for money.

 

14. Make money as a life model

If you’re not sure what life modelling is, it’s modelling nude as artists paint or sculpture you.

So, first off you’ve got to decide whether you’re comfortable standing nude in front of a load of strangers…while you’re starkers…it’s not for everybody!

Don’t worry if you don’t think you’re in perfect shape though, this is about interesting and real body shapes so don’t be put off if you do want to give it a go – plus you’ll hopefully end up with a beautiful sculpture or picture of yourself.

You’re paid an hourly rate – the average rate is £10.63, although in London it’s £11.11.

Click here to find out how to make money as a life model.

 

15. Make money collecting

There’s nothing particularly weird about making money collecting certain items and selling them on at a profit so you might wonder why this one is in our list of strange ways to make money.

Well, there are very strange and surprising things you can collect to make a profit.

For example, did you know you could make money collecting Disney DVD and blu-rays?

Or would you have thought you could make money collecting Barbie dolls?

Other weird collectibles include piggy banks, Lego, comics and action figures.

You’d be surprised just how many ways you can make money collecting.

 

16. Make money SELLING SELFIES

Instaprints makes it easy for you to get paid for your Instagram selfies. Just link your Instagram profile with your Instaprints account and get paid for pictures you’ve taken… and of yourself! Be aware that anyone can buy them and you can’t say how they will be used – but mostly they are used for prints or photo-books.

With Instaprints you can set your own rate and they will handle all the shipping and printing to customers. You can earn anything from a few pounds up to £50 per image… definitely a bit weird but worth checking out!

 

17. Make money BUYING GOLD

Want to avoid inflation-busting cash crashes? Put your money into gold via the smartphone app Glint. Not only can you buy gold which is stored in a real vault in Switzerland, you can also spend it too using a specially made debit card.

You’ll avoid any decreases caused by inflation and you can switch your gold into an actual currency at any time if you’re worried about its value.

It all works in the way of a normal bank, and your gold and money are protected. The Financial Conduct Authority audits Glint.

So, feel like you want to buy some gold? Get downloading the app on the Apple App Store or Android Store, and get your new debit card delivered in just a few days.

Find out more about investing in gold here. 

 

18. Make money TRADING IN EMPTY INK CARTRIDGES

Everyone wants to help the environment, and everyone has empty ink cartridges lying around their home or workplace. But, instead of chucking your empty ink cartridges away, why not recycle them instead?

Printer Cartridge Recycling pays people for each one they receive. You’ll get cash depending on the ink cartridge you’ve sent. A minimum threshold of £5 must be reached in order to send the cartridges to them.

Alternatively, you can send them to the Recycling Factory. All you have to do is box up your cartridges and send them Free Post to the company. They’ll sort out the rest and pay you.

 

19. Make money SELLING YOUR PHOTOS

Snapped a really cool shot? You can earn money easily through Adobe Stock.

Each time someone purchases your photo, you’ll get a 33% commission. If it’s a video, you’ll get a 35% commission. You have to reach at least $25 in royalties before you can request a payout through either Skrill or PayPal.

So, if you’re an avid photographer or think you’ve just snapped something pretty neat, this one might be worth checking out.

Find out more about selling your photos online here. 

 

20. Make money BY DOING PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING

Fiverr is a unique website in that you can get paid to do just about anything. You might get $5 for posting a photograph of your dog. Or, they may want you to buy a fridge magnet from wherever you are.

The site does offer more traditional paying services too such as freelance writing or graphic design. Nonetheless, you can be paid for doing pretty much anything.

It’s worth checking out if you’re short of cash, planning a holiday or just want to earn some extra money on the side.

 

Bonus money-maker – Make money selling pictures of your feet

Yes, you read that right, you can make money selling pictures of your feet!

It’s a bit of a ‘fetish’ thing, so you’d need to feel comfortable before going ahead, but if you’re proud of your feet and want a bit of extra money, this might be one for you.

You can use a site like FeetFinder to sell pictures of your feet. FeetFinder has over 150,000 verified users, where all models are ID verified and all buyers must add a card to use the site in any way, and to beat the scammers: with FeetFinder you’ll also have to pay – as a foot model – a monthly subscription of $2.99, but for that, the site will do all the marketing for you. 

Find out more about making money from your feet here. 

Which of these money makers are you going to try? What’s the most bonkers way you’ve made money? Let us know in the comments below.

The post 20 strange ways to make money appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/20-strange-ways-to-make-money

Home Business Magazine Online

Running a home business can be incredibly rewarding, offering the flexibility to set your schedule and the convenience of working from home. However, it also comes with its own set of unique challenges, particularly in the realm of legal protection.

Ensuring your home business is legally secure is essential to avoid pitfalls that could jeopardize your hard work. This article will explore several effective legal strategies to protect your home business, drawing insights from The Maddox Firm, a leader in providing comprehensive legal assistance.

Understanding Business Structure

One of the first steps in protecting your home business is choosing the right business structure. The structure you select will affect various aspects of your business, including liability, taxes, and the ability to raise capital. Common structures for small businesses include sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations.

Each structure has its advantages and disadvantages. For instance, a sole proprietorship is easy to set up and offers complete control to the owner, but it does not provide any separation between personal and business liabilities. On the other hand, an LLC offers the advantage of limited liability protection, meaning that the owner’s assets are generally protected from business debts and claims. Consulting with a legal expert can help determine which structure best suits your business needs and goals.

Crafting Solid Contracts

Contracts are the backbone of any business relationship, and home businesses are no exception. Whether dealing with clients, suppliers, or employees, having well-drafted contracts can protect you from disputes and misunderstandings. A good contract should clearly outline the terms of the agreement, including the scope of work, payment terms, deadlines, and any other relevant details. It should also include provisions for dispute resolution and termination of the contract.

It’s essential to ensure that your contracts are legally binding and enforceable. Generic templates found online may only cover some of the specifics of your business needs or comply with local laws. Therefore, having your contracts reviewed by a legal professional to ensure they offer the necessary protections is advisable.

Protecting Intellectual Property

Intellectual property (IP) is one of the most valuable assets for many home businesses. IP can include trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets. Protecting these assets is crucial to maintaining your competitive edge and preventing others from using your ideas without permission.

Trademarks protect brand names, logos, and slogans that distinguish your products or services from others. Copyrights safeguard original works of authorship, such as written content, music, and software. Patents protect new inventions and improvements to existing technologies. Trade secrets encompass confidential business information that provides a competitive advantage.

Registering your IP with the appropriate government agencies provides legal protection and the right to enforce your IP rights against infringers. However, registering and maintaining IP can be complex and requires careful attention to detail.

Compliance with Local Regulations

Running a home business requires compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. These include zoning laws, business licenses, tax registrations, and health and safety regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, penalties, or even the closure of your business.

Zoning laws regulate the types of businesses that can operate in specific areas. Before starting your home business, you must check with your local zoning office to ensure your business activities are permitted in your location. Additionally, most companies require some form of licensing or permits to operate legally. These requirements vary depending on the type of business and the jurisdiction.

Tax compliance is another critical aspect of running a home business. Depending on your business structure, you may need to pay income, self-employment, sales, and other relevant taxes. Keeping accurate financial records and filing timely tax returns is essential to avoid legal issues with tax authorities.

Health and safety regulations may also apply, especially if you have employees or your business involves producing or handling goods. Ensuring a safe working environment and adhering to applicable health regulations is a legal requirement and a moral obligation to protect yourself and others.

Conclusion

Protecting your home business with effective legal strategies is vital for its long-term success and sustainability. Numerous legal considerations must be addressed, from choosing the right business structure and crafting solid contracts to protecting intellectual property and complying with local regulations. Seeking professional legal advice can help you navigate these complexities and ensure your business is well-protected.

By proactively addressing legal issues, you can focus on growing your business confidently, knowing you have a solid legal foundation.

The post How to Protect Your Home Business with Effective Legal Strategies appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/business-start-up/legal-structure/how-protect-home-business-legal-strategies/

Google announced the release of v17_1 of the Google Ads API, introducing several new features and updates for developers and advertisers.

Key Updates:

• ShareablePreviewService.GenerateShareablePreviews(): Generates shareable ad preview URLs for enabled and paused asset groups, with expiration dates included.
• AdGroupAdService.RemoveAutomaticallyCreatedAssets(): Allows removal of automatically created assets linked to Responsive Search Ads.
• New ASSET_GROUP change status resource type.
• New offline_conversion_upload_conversion_action_summary report for offline conversion diagnostics.
• Added metrics to offline diagnostics reports to track conversions still being processed.
• Support for segments.sk_ad_network_version and segments.date for per_store_view segmentation.
• Retrieving information on video campaign bidding strategies, including Fixed CPM and Target CPV.
• New segments.ad_format_type for compatible reports.

Why we care. These updates provide advertisers and developers with more granular control, insights and flexibility when working with the Google Ads API. The new preview, asset management, and offline conversion diagnostics features, in particular, address common pain points.

What’s Next. Developers will need to upgrade their client libraries and code to take advantage of the v17_1 features, which will be published next week. Google notes that this release has no breaking changes.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/google-ads-api-v17_1-introduces-new-features-and-enhancements-445072

Updated 7th August 2024

Would you like some strange ways to make money to liven up your weekend??

Are you a bit bonkers yourself?

A bit out of the ordinary?

Not your usual Joe?

Then these are just the money making ideas for you.

At MoneyMagpie we’ve got loads of articles on ways to make money, but these are the ones which are just plain weird…and frankly, we like ’em!

Oh, and if this tickles your fancy, check out 10 more strange ways you can make money!

 

1. Make Money Being a Friend

The first of our list of strange ways to make money is a money making opportunity you probably haven’t heard of: being a friend.

Yes, there are people out there who will pay you a fee to be their ‘friend.’

What does it involve?

Whatever the person wants – whether it be someone to show them around the area, to go the cinema with, a workout buddy, an instructor or even a wingman!

If this sounds like an interesting way of making money you should sign yourself up to Rent a Friend.

It’s absolutely free to join and you keep 100% of everything you earn, only people looking for a friend pay.

People tend to charge anything from £5 – £30 an hour for their time, so there is good money to be made.

Click here to find out more about making money being a friend.

 

2. Make Money Taking Part in Clinical Trials

Did you know you can earn over £4,000 taking part in clinical trials?

It comes with risks, but it can help researchers break through with new medication that helps loads of people. You might participate in a short term trial, like ‘flu camp’, which is residential – or a longer term trial over a few years.

Most clinical trials are Phase One drug testing, meaning you’re one of the first humans to try a drug.

So if the idea of being a human guinea pig fills you with terror, then this isn’t the thing for you.

But if you understand the risk and are still happy to go ahead with it, there is certainly money to be made. You can earn anything from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand pounds for a few days’ testing. For example, Trials4Us do clinical trials, from £150 to attend a medical checkup for high blood pressure to £2850 for testing a drug to aid alcohol addiction. FluCamp runs trials in London for £4,400.

You might need to be an otherwise healthy person to volunteer, or you could be a subject if you have a particular condition.

Click here to find out more about making money taking part in clinical trials.

 

3. Make Money Playing Video Games

If you’re a big gamer then making money playing video games is probably the ultimate dream.

But it doesn’t have to be just a dream.

There are, in fact, several ways you can make money playing videos. Some of these ways will just supplement your income, but others can be full time money makers. One of the easiest and low-demand ways is to play games online for sites like Swagbucks.

If you just want to make a bit extra money from your hobby, why not set up a gaming blog? You’ll be able to put some adverts on it so once it begins to get a lot of visitors you’ll start to make money.

Or, if you prefer making videos to writing up articles, you can upload videos to YouTube or twitch.tv and see how much you can make there.

If you want to make serious money with video games, though, then why not become a video game tester with a starting salary of £18,000?

There’s also the chance to win BIG money in e-sports tournaments (the largest prize pool to win from is $40m) but you have to be incredibly good to win!

Click here to find out more about making money by playing video games.

4.. Make Money Selling Breast Milk

Admittedly this isn’t something that everyone can do – at least half the population (men) are already unqualified for it!

But when it comes to strange ways to make money…this is pretty high on the list!

Yes, amazingly, you really can make money selling your breast milk.

The World Health Organisation has said that the best food for a new born infant is breast milk from another healthy mother if the infant’s mother cannot breast feed herself, which has resulted in a demand for healthy breast milk.

You’re able to donate to UK milk banks but you won’t get paid for this, or you can sell your breast milk online.

Sites like Onlythebreast.com allow you to post an ad online and wait for a response from someone who requires breast milk.

You can make good money as well, at the moment four fluid ounces of milk are being sold for £15.

There are genuine concerns, however, about people who buy breast milk online. Buyers are rarely sure of the health of the mother they’re buying from and so risk getting milk contaminated by drugs or infections

Click here to find out more about making money selling breast milk.

 

6. Make money sleeping

Could you imagine getting paid to sleep?

How brilliant would that be?

Well some lucky so and so’s get to do just that, and they’re called bed testers.

Bed testers get to test out a whole range of beds, often luxury ones, and then give a verdict based on the night’s sleep they had.

We’re really including this one for a bit of fun because it’s really hard to become a full time bed tester – as you can imagine, it’s very competitive!

Most people were first introduced to the idea of being a bed tester after Hotel Chatter put out a call in 2006 for a professional to test their 25,000 beds.

Could you imagine? Well, we can always dream (although, unlike bed testers, we won’t get paid for it!)

 

7. Make money testing food…yes, even chocolate

Getting paid to test food sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

And, unlike getting paid to sleep, it’s something you have a good shot at actually being hired to do.

As a food tester, research companies are interested in getting your views on food products.

Once you’ve tasted the food you’ll be asked to give your feedback on the product – this might be as part of a focus group or you might simply just have to give it a score in a questionnaire.

In between each food sample you’ll be given a palette cleaner, such as a cracker and water, so you’re ready for the next taste.

Tests tend to last around an hour or two, but maybe slightly longer if you’re taking part in a focus group.

You’re not going to make a career out of it, it’s really just a nice way to supplement your income, but you can earn between £5-£55 depending on whether you’re just completing a questionnaire or if you’re taking part in a focus group.

Click here to find out more about getting paid to test food.

 

8. Make money donating sperm and eggs

Selling sperm or eggs might sound desperate, but it’s perfectly legal in the UK to do so.

If you’re a man, well, frankly it’s easy money! It could even be described as a leisure activity.

The only requirements are that you should not have any history of sexually-transmitted infection, or a personal or family history of inheritable disorders. You must also undergo medical screening, including a HIV test.

Be aware that you may also be turned away if your sperm quality isn’t high enough (don’t take it personally!)

According to the HFEA you can’t technically be paid for donating sperm, but you are given £35 per donation to cover expenses.

Egg donation, however, is a much more serious procedure…and not a lot of fun.

The egg donor must be between the ages of 18 and 36 and, before the donation takes place, a donor will have to undergo screening to limit the chance of genetic abnormalities and sexually-transmitted diseases.

If you’re found to be suitable to donate, you’ll be matched with a couple who have infertility issues. You’re then given fertility drugs to administer at home; these stimulate the ovaries into producing a number of eggs.

The HFEA has capped the amount you can make for egg donation at £750, hoping that this will only encourage people to give eggs out of altruistic intent and not because they need the extra money.

Click here to find out more about making money donating sperm and eggs.

 

9. Make money by queuing

Have you ever been told you don’t get paid to stand around and do nothing?

Well, here’s a job that genuinely pays you to do just that – getting paid to queue (or line sitting).

How does it work, you ask?

Well, we’ve all seen the long queues as people wait in line to be the first to get their hands on the latest Apple product, sometimes even enduring a whole night of rain. Chances are at least one of those people would have paid you to take their place.

Equally there are many people who would love to get the latest iPhone or concert tickets but can’t because they have work or family commitments. They may well be willing to pay for your line sitting services.

Despite success in the US, it’s still a relatively unheard of practice in the UK so you’d be leading the way with this money making opportunity.

You’d be able to set your own price, either at a fixed rate or an agreed amount per hour/half hour. For example, you could charge a fixed rate of £100, or agree on £6 an hour.

Click here to find out more about making money queuing.

 

10. Make money watching TV

Ok, unlike the last point, this is a slightly misleading title.

You can’t make money JUST by watching TV, but there are certainly ways you can incorporate watching TV into your money making process, and that’s pretty cool right?

For example you could make money by giving your views on the latest television programmes by joining a focus group or taking part in relevant online surveys. You could even set up your own blog reviewing the latest TV programs.

There’s loads of other ideas of as well, so click here to find more ways to make money watching TV.

 

11. Make money selling your hair

This one isn’t really that bonkers, but it sounds strange at first – you can make money selling your hair.

Despite huge scientific progresses, we still haven’t found a cure for baldness so wigs, hair extensions and hair pieces are still in high demand.

You’ll need at least 6 inches of hair and it must be clean, healthy and shiny – any damaged hair will not be accepted.

If you’ve got an unusual natural hair colour then you can get more for it, although remember to speak to a wig seller to find out the price before cutting your hair. It’d be awful to lose all that hair only to find out you don’t like the price!

Prices vary, but some wig sellers will pay up to £200 for your hair, so there is potential money to be made.

Click here to find out more about making money by selling your hair.

 

12. Make money from misery

If you’ve had a real life horror story then you can make money selling it either to a magazine or newspaper.

We know that might sound callous at first but we all know the saying ‘When life gives you lemons…’

For a good, unpredictable story newspapers will pay between £200 – £2,000. In fact one of our readers managed to get £2,200 for their story.

You could go on to do more. If you can help others, why not write a self-help book?

Click here for more ways to make money from misery.

 

13. Make money beekeeping

Why not become a beekeeper and make money selling the honey?

Maybe you can think of several reasons not to – the fear of getting stung or not having the first clue how to start.

But it’s a good money maker because it’s also vital to the environment. We need good bee keepers to help act against the number of bees dying all around the world.

You don’t need loads of room or time to be a beekeeper, in fact professional beekeepers can get away with inspecting their bees only once a month.

However, you’ll just need to put some initial time investment to learn everything you need to know about bee keeping. It’s important to know the very best way to keep bees as some amateur owners have harmed their bees by not knowing the ins and outs of caring for them properly.

It’s not a quick money maker either. It can take more than one season for your bees to start producing honey, but once they do you can begin to sell it.

You won’t just be making money, you’ll be helping the environment and, who knows, you might discover a new passion.

Click here to find out more about beekeeping for money.

 

14. Make money as a life model

If you’re not sure what life modelling is, it’s modelling nude as artists paint or sculpture you.

So, first off you’ve got to decide whether you’re comfortable standing nude in front of a load of strangers…while you’re starkers…it’s not for everybody!

Don’t worry if you don’t think you’re in perfect shape though, this is about interesting and real body shapes so don’t be put off if you do want to give it a go – plus you’ll hopefully end up with a beautiful sculpture or picture of yourself.

You’re paid an hourly rate – the average rate is £10.63, although in London it’s £11.11.

Click here to find out how to make money as a life model.

 

15. Make money collecting

There’s nothing particularly weird about making money collecting certain items and selling them on at a profit so you might wonder why this one is in our list of strange ways to make money.

Well, there are very strange and surprising things you can collect to make a profit.

For example, did you know you could make money collecting Disney DVD and blu-rays?

Or would you have thought you could make money collecting Barbie dolls?

Other weird collectibles include piggy banks, Lego, comics and action figures.

You’d be surprised just how many ways you can make money collecting.

 

16. Make money SELLING SELFIES

Instaprints makes it easy for you to get paid for your Instagram selfies. Just link your Instagram profile with your Instaprints account and get paid for pictures you’ve taken… and of yourself! Be aware that anyone can buy them and you can’t say how they will be used – but mostly they are used for prints or photo-books.

With Instaprints you can set your own rate and they will handle all the shipping and printing to customers. You can earn anything from a few pounds up to £50 per image… definitely a bit weird but worth checking out!

 

17. Make money BUYING GOLD

Want to avoid inflation-busting cash crashes? Put your money into gold via the smartphone app Glint. Not only can you buy gold which is stored in a real vault in Switzerland, you can also spend it too using a specially made debit card.

You’ll avoid any decreases caused by inflation and you can switch your gold into an actual currency at any time if you’re worried about its value.

It all works in the way of a normal bank, and your gold and money are protected. The Financial Conduct Authority audits Glint.

So, feel like you want to buy some gold? Get downloading the app on the Apple App Store or Android Store, and get your new debit card delivered in just a few days.

Find out more about investing in gold here. 

 

18. Make money TRADING IN EMPTY INK CARTRIDGES

Everyone wants to help the environment, and everyone has empty ink cartridges lying around their home or workplace. But, instead of chucking your empty ink cartridges away, why not recycle them instead?

Printer Cartridge Recycling pays people for each one they receive. You’ll get cash depending on the ink cartridge you’ve sent. A minimum threshold of £5 must be reached in order to send the cartridges to them.

Alternatively, you can send them to the Recycling Factory. All you have to do is box up your cartridges and send them Free Post to the company. They’ll sort out the rest and pay you.

 

19. Make money SELLING YOUR PHOTOS

Snapped a really cool shot? You can earn money easily through Adobe Stock.

Each time someone purchases your photo, you’ll get a 33% commission. If it’s a video, you’ll get a 35% commission. You have to reach at least $25 in royalties before you can request a payout through either Skrill or PayPal.

So, if you’re an avid photographer or think you’ve just snapped something pretty neat, this one might be worth checking out.

Find out more about selling your photos online here. 

 

20. Make money BY DOING PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING

Fiverr is a unique website in that you can get paid to do just about anything. You might get $5 for posting a photograph of your dog. Or, they may want you to buy a fridge magnet from wherever you are.

The site does offer more traditional paying services too such as freelance writing or graphic design. Nonetheless, you can be paid for doing pretty much anything.

It’s worth checking out if you’re short of cash, planning a holiday or just want to earn some extra money on the side.

 

Bonus money-maker – Make money selling pictures of your feet

Yes, you read that right, you can make money selling pictures of your feet!

It’s a bit of a ‘fetish’ thing, so you’d need to feel comfortable before going ahead, but if you’re proud of your feet and want a bit of extra money, this might be one for you.

You can use a site like FeetFinder to sell pictures of your feet. FeetFinder has over 150,000 verified users, where all models are ID verified and all buyers must add a card to use the site in any way, and to beat the scammers: with FeetFinder you’ll also have to pay – as a foot model – a monthly subscription of $2.99, but for that, the site will do all the marketing for you. 

Find out more about making money from your feet here. 

Which of these money makers are you going to try? What’s the most bonkers way you’ve made money? Let us know in the comments below.

The post 20 strange ways to make money appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/20-strange-ways-to-make-money

Google announced the release of v17_1 of the Google Ads API, introducing several new features and updates for developers and advertisers.

Key Updates:

• ShareablePreviewService.GenerateShareablePreviews(): Generates shareable ad preview URLs for enabled and paused asset groups, with expiration dates included.
• AdGroupAdService.RemoveAutomaticallyCreatedAssets(): Allows removal of automatically created assets linked to Responsive Search Ads.
• New ASSET_GROUP change status resource type.
• New offline_conversion_upload_conversion_action_summary report for offline conversion diagnostics.
• Added metrics to offline diagnostics reports to track conversions still being processed.
• Support for segments.sk_ad_network_version and segments.date for per_store_view segmentation.
• Retrieving information on video campaign bidding strategies, including Fixed CPM and Target CPV.
• New segments.ad_format_type for compatible reports.

Why we care. These updates provide advertisers and developers with more granular control, insights and flexibility when working with the Google Ads API. The new preview, asset management, and offline conversion diagnostics features, in particular, address common pain points.

What’s Next. Developers will need to upgrade their client libraries and code to take advantage of the v17_1 features, which will be published next week. Google notes that this release has no breaking changes.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/google-ads-api-v17_1-introduces-new-features-and-enhancements-445072

Design thinking is an iterative, user-centric approach to product and software development focusing on the person behind the problem. 

In enterprise SEO, design thinking seamlessly integrates SEO features into the core site experience. By focusing on people as the central element in addressing both problems and solutions, design thinking leads to future-proof SEO.

Integrating this approach into enterprise SEO encourages team collaboration, ensuring SEO initiatives are practical, technically feasible and aligned with business goals, all while staying cost effective.

Understanding design thinking in the context of SEO

Ingrained into the SEO process, design thinking shifts the focus from blindly optimizing for search engines toward creating value for the end user.

Many SEOs continue to seek to decipher the “200 ranking factors,” focusing on staying upstream of the never-ending slew of Google algorithm updates and guessing the next SERP layout change. 

Resulting SEO “strategies” — or hacks — have a short shelf life, good only until the next core update. Focusing on the short-term works for SEO experimentation in high-risk, high-reward environments. But this is hardly the right approach for real businesses with an eye for long-term growth. 

Design-driven and growth-oriented SEOs understand that the real and far more rewarding problem to crack is not the algorithm but the user. It requires knowing your audience, what they want and why and how to solve their problem given existing constraints.

Design thinking introduces a creative and systematic element to problem-solving. It involves understanding user needs, challenging assumptions, redefining problems and creating innovative solutions for prototypes and tests. 

The classic process typically includes five stages: 

• Empathize.
• Define. 
• Ideate.
• Prototype.
• Test.

Empathy

Understand users’ needs, behaviors and motivations. 

• Who are your users and/or audiences? 
• What problems are they looking to solve? 
• What’s their immediate need? 
• What’s their ultimate need? 

Tackle these questions through persona building. For example, your business is a local classifieds site with various verticals. One of your many user segments could be newcomers to your country. 

Immediately, they may be looking for a room or an apartment to rent. But ultimately, they are looking to settle down and build a new life. A classified ads site might be well-positioned to meet their needs at multiple stages of the journey.

Define

Clearly articulate SEO problems and goals based on user insights.

The immediate SEO goal here might be identifying the multitude of ways users may be signaling their intent through: 

• Internal and external searches. 
• Browsing patterns.
• Types of content viewed.
• Pageviews and searches that tend to occur within the same session.

Create a coherent content mapping that provides the right mix of relevant content to help capture the insights needed to address this overarching need.

Ideate

Brainstorm and generate a list of creative SEO strategies and solutions to address the problem.

Collaborate between analysts, designers, tech, marketers and product. This is the time to brainstorm, capture wild ideas, mull over desired outcomes, dream big and envision possible future states.

Ground the discussion in reality with an understanding of resourcing and tech constraints, immediate business priorities and more. 

As enterprise SEOs often sit at the intersection of product, marketing, and tech, you can serve as an arbitrator who helps define some of the core requirements and guide the discussion.

Prototype

Develop proof-of-concepts (POCs) for testing and validating ideas. Simple, fast, low-lift POCs are a great way to validate assumptions and refine selected approaches.

Test

Evaluate solutions through multiple tests and qualitative and quantitative data, then iterate.

Any user-facing SEO changes should involve a two-part testing process. 

• First, a limited rollout, an A/B experiment to understand the impact on user experience, engagement and conversion. 
• The second should be an SEO test rolled out to all users but restricted to a small portion of the site to understand and confirm the impact on SEO performance before a large-scale rollout.

Dig deeper: Enterprise SEO: Why ‘best practices’ won’t cut it and what to do instead

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Cross-functional teams for SEO

When SEOs work in isolation and are unsupported, it often results in mediocre strategies and the risk of a Google penalty, as they are forced to deliver results with limited resources while key decision-makers are distracted.

An SEO working as part of a larger design-oriented team equally invested in growth means shared ownership of outcomes and well-balanced, user-centric and SEO-friendly products.

In enterprise context, in addition to key SEO expertise or “Centers of Excellence,” SEO knowledge and responsibilities should be distributed far across various the organization. 

Key roles that require at least some relevant SEO training include:

• Product managers.
• UX/UI designers.
• Developers.
• Content strategists.
• Data analysts.
• QA engineers. 

Knowledge sharing and celebrating wins elevate curiosity, SEO expertise and morale.

Regular training sessions and detailed documentation will also help maintain acceptable SEO competence across large matrixed organizations.

Dig deeper: How to build an SEO-forward culture in enterprise organizations

Design thinking in action: Building a header navigation

Imagine you’re an SEO expert at a large ecommerce site. You noticed search engine bots struggle to find content and suspect a lack of consistent site header navigation could be the culprit.

The proposal is to introduce a header navigation, but the process makes all the difference.

Design thinking enhances enterprise SEO by promoting teamwork and focusing on user-centric solutions. It ensures SEO efforts are practical, feasible, and aligned with business goals. 

By using design thinking, you can create sustainable, user-friendly SEO strategies for long-term growth.

Dig deeper: 6 steps to a winning enterprise SEO strategy

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/design-thinking-enterprise-seo-445053

Home Business Magazine Online

Making smart decisions in companies isn’t as simple as it seems, considering the numerous options and potential consequences. One wrong move or poorly thought-out choice can lead to setbacks like financial loss, reputational damage, and decreased employee morale.

As a leader, it’s important to leverage all available resources to make informed and strategic decisions. One solution that has been gaining momentum in almost all industries is information technology consulting.

This article will first discuss what IT consulting is and how it can specifically aid your organization.

A Brief Overview of IT Consulting

You’ve probably noticed that technology is a major player in the business industry. But have you ever wondered how companies keep up with evolving tech and use it to their advantage? That’s where IT consulting services step in. These professionals help you navigate the tech jungle and achieve your goals with confidence.

Based on a report, the global IT consulting market is set to hit USD$1179.67 billion by 2031, growing at a solid 4.49% per year. This trend shows just how much IT support for businesses is becoming an essential component of their overall strategy. Make sure to team up with a firm that aligns with your values and objectives. The right partner can help you more than you expect.

The Influence IT Consulting Service Can Do

So, we’re now on the real question: how exactly do IT consultants influence decision-making processes? Of course, we’re not talking about the basics, like recommending software or hardware solutions. Let’s discuss and explore the key ways these tech-savvy advisors are shaping business choices.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

Some entrepreneurs find themselves out of their depth when it comes to the latest tech trends and tools. Perhaps their plates are full of responsibilities from daily business operations. If you’re one of them, it can be hard to oversee and stay updated on the tech landscape.

IT consulting companies bridge this knowledge gap, translating complex technical jargon into plain language that you can understand and act on. They bring a wealth of experience from various industries, offering insights that might not be available in-house.

For example, when a retail company considers implementing a new inventory management system, an IT consultant can explain the pros and cons of different options, considering factors like scalability, integration with existing systems, and long-term maintenance costs. This information empowers executives to make informed decisions that align with their business goals.

Photo 159868691 © Iuliia Lisitsyna | Dreamstime.com

Providing Objective Analysis

Your internal tech support can sometimes develop tunnel vision, becoming too attached to existing systems or resistant to change. External consulting firms offer a fresh perspective, conducting unbiased assessments of your IT infrastructure and processes. This objectivity is invaluable when it comes to making tough decisions about upgrades, replacements, or complete overhauls of technology systems.

IT consulting services might spot inefficiencies that in-house staff have overlooked or suggest innovative solutions that challenge the status quo. This outside viewpoint can be the catalyst for transformative changes that propel a business forward.

Mitigating Risks

Technology investments often come with significant risks, from cybersecurity threats to implementation challenges. This is especially true in the healthcare industry, where a wealth of sensitive patient data and stringent regulatory requirements heighten the stakes.

IT consulting companies help businesses like yours identify and mitigate these risks before they become costly problems. They conduct thorough risk assessments, develop contingency plans, and advise on best practices for data protection and compliance.

When a healthcare provider plans to move patient records to a cloud-based system, for instance, an IT consultant would outline potential security risks and recommend measures to ensure HIPAA compliance. This foresight can prevent data breaches, legal issues, and damage to the company’s reputation.

Optimizing Resource Allocation

Figuring out where to spend your IT budget can be a real headache. You need to weigh the costs against the benefits and ensure that everything aligns with your big-picture goals. It can be tough to think about, right?

No worries—tech consultants are here to help. They can help businesses prioritize their tech investments, focusing on areas that’ll deliver the greatest ROI. They can provide cost-effective analyses for different options, helping you understand the financial implications of your choices.

For a company considering automation technologies, an IT consulting agency will analyze the potential productivity gains against the upfront costs and ongoing maintenance requirements. This detailed analysis helps executives make decisions that balance short-term expenses with long-term benefits.

Facilitating Change Management

Bringing in new tech often requires significant changes in organizational processes and culture. In this scenario, IT consultants can be of great assistance—helping to overcome resistance and ensure smooth adoption of new systems.

They might develop training programs, create user guides, and work with department heads to address concerns and build buy-in across the organization. This change of management expertise is essential for realizing the full benefits of technology investments and avoiding costly implementation failures.

As you can tell, technology consulting firms can bring fresh ideas and innovative approaches to problem-solving. They can introduce you to cutting-edge tools and methodologies that might not be on your radar. This exposure to new ideas can spark innovation within the organization, leading to creative solutions and competitive advantages.

Conclusion

Almost all businesses, from small enterprises to large corporations, need sound technological guidance to thrive. IT consulting services have become key players in this regard, doing much more than just fixing computer problems. Their goal is to help you plot the best route, avoid costly detours, and reach your destination faster. So you don’t have to feel like you’re falling behind. These experts are in your corner, ready to assist you throughout the decision-making process.

The post The Role of IT Consulting in Decision-Making  appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/businesses/consulting/role-it-consulting-decision-making/