One-Person Army: Tips on Successfully Managing Your Business Alone

 

Can You Run a Business by Yourself? 

Starting a business alone is an ambitious endeavor that requires a lot of work, patience, and talent. Everyone knows that running a business is difficult to do at any point, but nowadays, due to recent state restrictions and guidelines, many companies have suffered. While some businesses have been forced to downsize their customer and employee capacities, their workers are looking for new ways to earn an income. Going into business for yourself is empowering for a lot of individuals because you can control your schedule and possible earning intake. 

 Pros and Cons of Starting Your Own Business

Though opening a business is risky there are many benefits that may be worth the risk. Below is a detailed list of the pros and cons of starting a business alone. 

Pros:

Unlimited Revenue. The sky is the limit and your business can make as much money as the effort you put into it. There is no cap to how much money your business can make and little to no guidelines on how the owner needs to pay themselves. 

Flexible Hours. If you enjoy setting your own hours then becoming a business owner is the right option for you. Prioritize the events in your life and give yourself the freedom to pick tasks that are convenient for you. 

Tax Advantages. Most states allow business owners certain tax breaks when they legally become established. 

Cons:

High Failure Rate. With reference to the Small Business Administration, more than half of new businesses fail within the first five years. This sometimes has nothing to do with the owner’s skill set or knowledge but a myriad of factors including the current economy, physical location, and market. 

Long Hours. You may have control of when you work, but that does not mean that you won’t be putting in a ton of hours. Owning your business is nothing like having a 9-5 job you may be working off the clock, weekends, and overtime. 

No Guarantee. There is no guarantee that your business would be successful and the risk is that you may not earn a reward. 

One Person Business Ideas 

There are many types of businesses that you can start and operate on your own. Listed below are a few businesses that can be successfully run by one individual.  

Freelance Makeup Artists. The life of a makeup artist is creative, exciting, and competitive! Many freelance makeup artists find a competitive edge by becoming mobile and traveling to their guests, rather than having their guests come to them. Use a customizable wheeled makeup case to keep all of your cosmetics neat, organized, and safe while your traveling to your next special event. 

Freelance Gig Operator. Nowadays, there are many ways to make money online. So long as you have a smartphone many options become available to you, some of which require little to no experience. These freelance applications are as listed and do not require a ton of experience. 

1. Task Rabbit 
2. Door Dash 
3. Uber 
4. Jobble 
5. Wag

Online Business Operator. Online businesses are simple, easy to start, and can produce a lot of money with just a little effort from the owners. In addition to selling your own merchandise consider making extra money on the side with Affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing allows you to advertise another company’s products on your website, and earn a commission off the sale. Learn more about our affiliate marketing program.

Real Estate Agent. Some real estate agents go into work for themselves and earn 100% of the commissions they get on houses or buildings. All states require a real estate agent to obtain a license in the state they practice in. Course time depends on your state as well, and classes range from 75-135 hours. 

Beginner Tips on Running Your Business Alone

1. Keep your business’s money separate from your personal account 
2. Outsource tasks that you might not be good at such as accounting or getting legal advice 
3. Stay organized with a daily calendar and plan ahead for success  
4. Ask for help when you need it 
5. Focus on making multiple forms of income 
6. Build a business website and make use of social media
7. Conduct your own market research before making any decisions 

Get your office Ready with theLAShop

Regardless of which type of business you own, you’re going to need a clean and organized working space. To get your office ready, theLAShop suggests the following items:

Mobile working station. This portable workstation is great for small offices, warehouses, or kiosks. The three-level design give you enough room to place your PC, keyboard, and even printer. 

Monitor Stand Riser. Organize all your work tools with a desktop organizer. 

Getting your home office ready for work is simple. Join theLAShop Rewards Membership Program to earn points and save money on purchases on home essentials. Don't forget to follow our Facebook and Instagram for information on the latest deals, freebies, contests, and more!

5 Delicious Recipes You Can Make with Your Home Garden

 

Healthy Garden Vegetable Recipes

From garden to table, recipes are easier than you think. 

Now that many of us are spending more time at home, we have more opportunities to grow our home gardens. Put your garden to work and organically grow your own fruits and vegetables outside or in your apartment.  Use a high-quality grow-light or grow tent to maximize indoor growth.

Home Garden Recipies 

Sesame-Ginger Cucumber Salad 

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 5 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon Sriracha chili sauce
• 1-3 cucumbers
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
• Chopped green onions

Directions:

1. Simply mix all the liquid ingredients together and trim the ends of the cucumbers before you cut into strips. Toss the salad and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for taste. 

Balsamic Cucumber Salad 

• 1 large English cucumber, halved and sliced
• 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium red onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
• 3/4 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
• Olives for flavor 

Directions:

1. Take a large bowl and add the sliced cucumber, tomatoes, and onion
2. Add the vinaigrette and toss lightly to mix 
3. Chill and sprinkle cheese before serving 

Strawberry Kale Salad 

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 bunch kale (about 12 ounces), trimmed and chopped (about 14 cups)
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 3/4 pound bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup minced fresh mint
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, pepper until the dressing is smooth 
2. Toss the kale, strawberries, bacon, and mint with the dressing. 
3. Add cheese and almonds before serving

Garden-Fresh Rainbow Chard 

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium red onion, halved and sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 bunches rainbow Swiss chard, coarsely chopped (about 16 cups)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Crunchy Lemon-Pesto Garden Salad 

• 5 tablespoons prepared pesto
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2-1/2 cups thinly sliced yellow summer squash
• 1-3/4 cups thinly sliced mini cucumbers
• 3/4 cup fresh peas
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 5 thick-sliced bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Directions:

1. Mix your pesto, lemon juice, grated lemon zest, dijon mustard, garlic salt, and pepper. 
2. In your second bowl add squash, cucumber, peas, Parmesan, and green onion. 
3. Add bacon and salad dressing 

 

 

Guide to a Sustainable Home Gym, Spa, and Recreational Backyard

Sustainable, Self-Sufficient Backyard Ideas

Global warming has become somewhat of a political debate, however, there is growing evidence that our planet is suffering due to the increasing amount of burning fossil fuels and other greenhouse gases.  According to NASA, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change global temperatures has risen about 0.8°C (1.4°F) since 1880. With our temperatures rising every few decades, the push toward becoming more sustainable is vital. In this article, we will be discussing how to build your sustainable home gym, spa, and recreational backyard. 

How to Make Your Home More Sustainable

NASA has reported that “Scientific evidence for warming of the climate system is unequivocal” to we must all do our part when it comes to living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Starting an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t have to be difficult as you think. There are even simple methods that can help you to become sustainable in your home or apartment : 

• Use LED Lighting 
• Create an indoor garden 
• Use a water-efficient showerhead 
• Repurpose and old household items 
• Use solar energy 
• Unplug your devices 

How To Make a Gym Sustainable 

Sustainability is great for the environment, and it can potentially save you money. Eco-friendly gyms and studios have become popular in the past few years. However, due to the recent closing and reopening of gyms, many gym rats are taking safety into their own hands and building sustainable home gyms. When creating your eco-friendly gym, you need to get eco-friendly products. Here is a list of some fun suggestions:

Fitness Dance Pole. A fitness dance pole is a perfect addition to any garage gym or backyard gym with a stable ceiling. Not only are these pole capable of giving you a complete, full-body workout, but they are easy to clean, require no electricity, simple to install or remove, and are is an all-around fun exercise.  

Trampoline. Believe it or not, a trampoline is a great way to get a safe and fun work out! Practice flips and turns safely while burning calories and having a great time. Nowadays, Trampolines are generally fairly priced and can be replaced easily. 

Half Yoga Ball. A half yoga ball is great for exercising, stretching, and practicing difficult yoga moves. Improve your balance without draining your home of electricity or adding extra waste to the planet. 

Other Tips Include:

• Moving the gym to the backyard and avoid air conditioning and fans 
• Use filtered water in a reusable water bottle 
• Choose eco-friendly cleaning products
• Limit paper use 

Eco-Friendly Spa Ideas 

With a little bit of effort, it becomes surprising easily to go green and live an eco-friendly lifestyle. It is not only simpler to live green but beneficial to our planet. While many spas and beauty salons are implementing new business models due to current reopening, others are bringing the comfort of a spa to their very own home. When building your home spa, consider these eco-friendly spa tools: 

Solar Powered LED Umbrella. An LED solar powered umbrella is the perfect addition to any patio or backyard as it allows you to enjoy the outdoors during the day by providing shade, the offers a soft and romantic LED light at night. 

Solar Sun Shower. Save money on electricity with a solar sun shower. Enjoy water heated to your ideal temperature before and after you use your pool or hot tub.  

Reusable Portable Sauna Tent. Reduce the amount of energy used when you customize the temperature and reuse this cotton cover after working. 

Other Tips include:

• Monitor temperature levels and water levels to eliminate waste 
• Purchase wooden furniture made from recycled wood 
• Using all-natural treatments 

Recreational Backyard

More of us are spending time in our backyards this year. Let’s make it a place we can actually enjoy. Backyard remodeling doesn’t have to be expensive. Choose sustainable entertaining ideas that won’t require costly upkeep of the use of electricity. Some example of these would include:

Basketball Hoop. A basketball court is a simple and easy activity that the entire family can play, while getting exercise and having fun.

Archery Set. Get creative and be your own superhero. Practice your aim with this fun and interesting home hobby. 

Birdwatching Camping Tent. Connect with nature from the safety of your own backyard. Watch birds or discover the constellations with this camouflage off the ground cot tent. 

Build a Sustainable Home with theLAShop 

As the increasing amount of greenhouse gasses continue to attack our ozone layer it is necessary for everyone to do their part. Living sustainably is the best way to live a healthy life without hurting the environment.  Join theLAShop Rewards Membership Program to earn points and save money on purchases on home essentials. Don't forget to follow our Facebook and Instagram for information on the latest deals, freebies, contests, and more!

 

Do Grow lights really work? And How to choose the Best Light for Indoor Growing?

Do grow lights really work? Yes!!! All plants need the light. But do you know how to choose a grow light for your plant? Now, let us keep it simple.

Mostly, there are High pressure sodium(HPS) lamp, Metal Halide(MH) lamp, LED light on the market.

The wavelength and effect of plants growing light

1. The color temperature and lumen

The color temperature and lumen are seen by human eyes with no effect on the photosynthesis of plants. Yes, you can ignore these two parameters.

2. The influence of spectrum to plants physiology

280 - 315nm -- minimal influence to the shape and physiology

315 - 400nm -- absorb tiny chlorophyll, affect the photoperiodic effect and prevent the stem growing.

400 - 520nm (Blue) -- absorb maximum chlorophyll and carotene and affect most to the photosynthesis. It suits for promoting plant growth.

520 - 610nm -- absorb pigment in low ratio

610 - 720nm (Red) -- absorb chlorophyll in low ratio and significantly affect the photosynthesis and photoperiodic effect. It makes flower and bear fruit well.

*Based on the above theory, plant growing lights are usually full blue, full red or red-blue-combination to cover the wavelength range that photosynthesis needs. Red-blue-combination light appears pink color in visual.

*Now, I think you have knew how to choose a grow light. Let's put it all together.

Spectrum is the most important parameter. Want your plants growing up, choose BLUE LIGHT; Want them flower and fruit, choose RED LIGHT.

The appropriate spectrum proportion of red and blue light is between 5:1 to 10:1, usually 7~8:1. It would be the best to adjust the proportion according to the plants growing period needs if possible.

The difference between HPS, MH and LED lights.

1. Energy
It is directly related to your electric bill. LED light costs about 1/4 energy consumption of HPS and MH lamp. As for the same wattage, LED light can save 30-40% electricity charge compared to HPS and MH lamp.
2. Application
The working temperature of HPS and MH Lights is pretty high that they would burn out the plant if too close as well as significantly affecting the room temperature if too many. So HPS and MH lights are apply for greenhouse, not for multilayer cultivating rack & seedling stage.

The grow light below 50W is suitable to close to plants, should be 20 - 40 inch height to the plant canopy when applied. Such as plant tissue culture, layered planting, floriculture at home, small space soilless culture. By the way it is good response at seedling stage. Light over 50W is used for greenhouse environment. The best distance between light & plant canopy (most plants) is about 100 inch.

Now I think you should have an idea why blue & red LED grow lights are the best seller, and how to choose the right grow light for your indoor growing.

Telescope for Kids Beginner as a Christmas Gift!

Would you imagine how happy a children when he/she have a telescope?!
Now we invite a girl named Alp who got a telescope as a gift!  Alp is almost 3-year old, she loves reading, exploring.

What do you waiting for, take one as a gift for him/her.

Summer Sales | Check theLAShop Coupon

What do you do when summer is coming? Of course, enjoy the sunshine in my backyard, on the beach, beside the pool, on the hill, even on the road. We dont really want to miss the brighten sunshine, and we dont really want to be burned either.

Patio umbrella, gazebo, pergola & sun shade sail is essential of summer resort. Now theLAShop.com provides you a large selection of outdoor patio umbrella, sunshade sail, outdoor lounge chair, gazebo top replacement, swing canopy, pergola canopy replacement, pool supplies & outdoor lighting.

Laying down on a lounge chair under a patio table umbrella, holding a cool drink, which just like you are having a vacation even in a backyard.

This 79" lounge chair is made of wicker which features UV resistant, rust resistant, weather resistant. Comes with an adjustable back & leg for laying comfortably.

Lounge Specifications:

• Rattan color: Coffee
• Dimension(overall): 79"L x 28"W x 35 "H

Umbrella Specifications:

• Umbrella Diameter: 9 Feet (8 Ribs)
• Umbrella Cover Material: 180g/sqm UV30+ Polyester
• Whole Pole Size: 94" Long x 1-1/2" Diameter

Canopy and sunshade sail could keep you & your family from sunburn & rain. Now we offer you this brand new waterproof universal canopy replacement for 10 x 10 ft. gazebo - the really waterproof gazebo top canopy.
             

Further more, I bet you would love this unbeatable canopy for the pergola! 2pcs of 15-1/2 ft. x 4 ft. ONLY $44.99. Other colors also available in thelashop.com.

Summer Party is one of part you don't want to miss it! Party tent would be your best choice. Here, you can get 10x10 ft., 10x20 ft. party tent & the frame kit, they are all metal tube for strong support. Their price are very adorable. You & your friends should love it!

A party at night, you won't miss the bling bling lights. Get your creativity started, you will feel so proud for your hand work! Other colors find here.

Umbrella with lights, so romantic beside your pool on the backyard. You deserve to have one, ONLY $64.99, SAVE UP TO 64%. Make this summer perfect!



















*More Home & Outdoor product for Summer Sale, check the store: www.thelashop.com

Washi Tape - 360 degree no dead corner for your house decoration

What’s washi tape? Learn the article from Katie Kavulla.

The surface of washi tape made from natural fibers makes it differently than any other type of stick paper tape. The advantage is there will be absolutely no residue left when torn off, because its viscosity is not too strong. You don’t need to worry about soil the wall or any of furniture.

Now Cute Japanese Washi Tape is widely used for packaging, crafts, and decoration! These masking tape are made of washi paper so they are semi-transparent, have a nice feel and easy to use.  Lots of colors and styles of Japanese tape - get creative - I'm sure you'll come up with creative ways to use these colorful washi paper tapes!

Cute & Colorful Series

Fluorescent Series

Cool Black White Series

no residue left when being torn off is the feature of washi tape. it can reliably adhere to ground, wall or any similar material. now, just start your personalization of your home with this amazing tape!

Here are some references:

1. Make Your Arch Colorful

2. Simple Decorate the Party

3. Make A Photo Wall

4. Mark Tapes

5. Stick A Geometric Figure