Here are some fall colors that won’t fade away. At Petrified…

Here are some fall colors that won’t fade away. At Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, 200-million-year-old petrified logs lie strewn across rolling clay hills. Each piece is like a giant quartz crystal. As impurities like iron and carbon oxidized, they permanently colored these ancient trees shades of red, yellow and purple. It’s a rare and beautiful sight that you’ve got to see for yourself. Photo by National Park Service.

An Entrepreneur’s Quick And Skinny Guide On How To Build A Startup

Every businessman wants more visitors, higher qualified leads and maximum revenue. Unfortunately, these things don’t come automatically.

To build a successful company, a new businessman will need to create and fine-tune a business plan. He needs to assess his finances, complete the legal paperwork, pick partners and select the best systems and tools to get his sales and marketing off of the ground.

If you’re not sure where to start the process, here’s a quick guide on how to build a startup.

Where to Start?

planning objectives and mission statement

To get started, you need to have the right mindset, passion and support. You should prepare yourself mentally by jotting down your objectives and mission statement.

How to Start?

  • First and foremost, choose a name that is related to your business. Make sure that it’s easy to pronounce and remember.
  • Secondly, it is crucial for you to decide as to whether you want to incorporate a company, make a partnership or become a sole proprietor. It is best to have a look at the multi-level forms of business and franchising.
  • Thirdly, prior to raising funds, you need to ensure that you possess a practical as well as achievable plan. You need to know how much money the business requires and be able to convince others of your plan.
  • Lastly, you should walk the street to discover the estimated size of your market. You need to have a clear idea of the USP of your product or service, the profile of your customers as well as their buying habits.

Ways to Plan the Path

business plan

When a newbie steps into the world of business, he/she should set the following objectives:

  • Visualize
  • Determine the Target Consumers
  • Decide what and where to sell
  • Decide the price and the marketing tactics
  • Manage time
  • Cash Flow and Projections
  • Manage the Cash Flow

Writing down a concrete business plan will always help. It will not only help you visualize your goals but also aid you in working your way to achieving them. Considering the limited resources, you need to define your target customers clearly. To ensure that you carry out your plan in a timely and systematic way, it is essential that you prepare a good work time sheet.

Setting the sales target a little higher compared to what the market can achieve realistically is the key. It is what can help and encourage growth. Most importantly, at least for a year, do a monthly projection of your profit and loss in relation to your sales target.

The Tricks to Get the Right Recognition

One may have an extraordinary product but if people fail to know about it, all the efforts will go in vain. Knowing the objectives of a marketing campaign and the target audience is the first and most important step in building a startup.

You should know how to utilize marketing tools, like Public Relations, Sales Promotions, Advertising Services, Internet, Word of Mouth amid others. You must give time for your marketing campaigns to show their results. Judging the campaign’s effectiveness right away is a big no-no.

Also, you should define a means to measure the effectiveness of your campaign. A database is an effective tool for defining targeted and effective promotions. It can also help encourage repeat purchases. To make it more effective, the database you’ll be creating should be maintained as well as updated from time to time.

Getting new customers isn’t the only important thing when it comes to building a startup. You should also know how to maintain them. So, follow the aforementioned tips sincerely and enjoy utmost success. Good Luck!

See Also: Best Tips For Young Entrepreneurs

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Want To Start Trading? Here’s What You Need To Know

Have you been toying with the idea of trading as a new profession? You’re in the right place as this article reveals the basics of trading– what it is, how it works and how to make it work for you.

What is trading?

Traders actively participate in the financial market by looking for ways to outperform the traditional buy-and-hold investing. Instead of sitting still and waiting for profit, they look for opportunities in the rising and falling market.

They usually work on their own, very often from home. Traders get to set their schedule and achieve unlimited income potential.

It’s relatively easy to enter the field, making it a really desirable profession. However, while it may be easy to start trading, it is challenging to become good at it and succeed.

People who want to become traders for a living often overlook the emotional, financial and time commitments that are required to build a successful trading business. In fact, around 80% of day traders fail within the first two years of their operation. But, if you can come up with a strategy, you’ll have a chance at becoming a successful profitable trader.

Learn how to conduct a fundamental analysis

stock trading

If you want to become a professional trader, you need to invest time in learning the basics of trading. Fundamental analysis is the central element of investing. There may be many different investment strategies, but the fundamental analysis is important to nearly all of them.

In general, fundamental analysis is a method traders use to evaluate security and to determine the intrinsic value of that security.

At the onset of their analysis, fundamental analysts assume that stock market may not be correct in the way it prices securities. When conducted accurately, fundamental analysis can unveil whether a security is underpriced or overpriced. Traders use that knowledge to make more informed decisions in their daily activities.

Most of the time, fundamental analysis is based on analyzing huge amounts of data points and sources to measure the intrinsic value of security.

What do fundamental analysts take into account?

  • Macro and microeconomic factors
  • Financial statements
  • Figures that are linked to the target security
  • Broader qualitative aspects of the company

Why is fundamental analysis so important?

The central objective of fundamental analysis is to determine the performance and general health of a company or security. Traders can identify strong companies and industries, thanks to fundamental analysis. That’s how they make long bets on strong names and short bets on weak names.

Some of the most critical aspects that are part of a fundamental analysis are closely related to the company in question. Fundamental analysts check whether:

  • The company’s revenue is growing
  • It’s making a profit
  • The company compares favorably with competitors
  • Successfully repays its debts
  • Is involved in questionable financial practices that take place in its management

Investing time in learning fundamental analysis is a smart move because it will provide you with an accurate view of a potential investment’s value.

Once you know which factors you need to include in your consideration, you will be able to capitalize on the best opportunities. There are plenty of online resources that can help you learn the basics of that strategy. So, have a look around and educate yourself before entering trading.

See Also: Top Jobs You Can Get With A Math Degree

Is there a way to predict the stock market?

Sadly, there isn’t. What happens most of the time is the following scenario:

Prices continue to rise but investors are aware that correction can happen and the prices will drop. However, they don’t know when that will happen and what can trigger it. This is why most investors prefer to sit on the sidelines and wait for the right opportunity. There are others who are risk takers and will just jump in.

If you’re one of the traders who prefer to wait, when should you get in? And if you’re already in, how will you know if it’s time to jump in?

These are some of the essential questions traders consider in their daily job.

Now, the answer?

First, you need to understand that specific point where stock prices are fairly valued. Then, you need to gain knowledge about the events that may potentially cause the downturn. Finally, it pays to have an understanding of the entire decision-making processes.

What is stock valuation and how it works?

The price of the stock is dependent on market activity. For example, before deciding to buy or sell, investors compare stock prices. If the stock is being traded at $20 per share and its fair value is $25, it’s a good idea to purchase it. However, if the stock trades at $20 but its fair value is $15, the stock is overvalued and traders should avoid it.

How do you calculate a stock’s fair value?

computing stocks

There are different strategies to help traders come up with that figure. You can utilize the combined value of your company’s assets on its balance sheet and reduce it by its liabilities. Take into account the net value of its future earnings.

These methods will bring you slightly different results which is why it’s not that easy to know whether the stock is fairly valued, overvalued or undervalued.

Human decision-making process

This aspect is arguably the most interesting part. Every individual has emotional and logical components in their decision-making process. While traders can analyze the situation using their logical side, their actions may involve emotions.

When making an investment decision, investors usually process data before making any good bet. However, since it’s hard to know everything, there’s still a good chance for a bad decision to happen. It can occur even to people who have incredible analytical skills.

So, before you start on your journey, make sure to take the basics of trading into account. It will set you on your way to a solid career.

See Also: 5 Ways To Becoming A Rock Solid Investor Today

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Erin’s Things: November 20

You’re reading Erin’s Things: November 20, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

This week I’ve got a little self-care (think massage), a little music and some pumpkin pie just in time for the holiday. Check out my list below for discoveries that made me happy last week! (and please share your cool finds in the comments below)

  • BIGTHINK.COM – This podcast is outrageously good. Historian Nancy Koehn (Harvard) discusses resiliency and muses on the question of what is a real hero? Her research focuses on what makes people live lives of purpose, impact and worth, focusing on leaders of the past and present. We live in a time where we find it easy to distrust in leaders, so how can we harness the power of the courageous to reveal once again what real guidance is about.
  • SOUTHERN BAKED PUMPKIN PIE – They arrive at your doorstep, frozen and ready to thaw whenever you want. What could be a better addition to your thanksgiving dessert menu than this with a buttery crust, creamy texture and warm spice aroma? It’s Thanksgiving this week, so amidst all the good friends and family get-togethers, nothing is as satisfying to share in as this sweet treat.
  • DRIP – started in 2011 as a membership crowd funding service providing a way for musicians to have a recurring income, it was forced to shut down in 2016. Soon it was acquired by kickstarter. Kickstarter has now re-imagined Drip, with 61 creators to start. Creators need income sources other than advertising. It works as a invite only (for now) membership campaign that allows contributors to continually support through recurring contributions as opposed to a one off campaign. With these membership contributions model, kickstarter is once again relevant by placing itself at the forefront of the digital age.
  • YAYOI KUSAMA – Born in Japan, Yayoi Kusama is the youngest of 4 children in a very affluent family. She is a self described ‘obsessional artist’, who is known for using many polka dots and infinity installations in her work, she’s been called incredibly avant-garde. At age 10 she began using these motifs (nets as well) and created watercolor, pastel and oil painting. She also began to have vivid hallucinations where flowers would speak to her and patterns would come to life, sparking her lifelong struggle with mental illness. Her painting, drawings and sculptures have drawn much attention since the 60’s- environmental sculptures using mirrors and electric lights give us a glimpse into her wildly focused imagination. She is a unique and contemporary feminist artist who operates now from a mental hospital. If you can catch one of her exhibits, you will be very inspired by the experience!
  • THE NOW – Los Angeles has done it again. Leading the way can experience luxury massages in a convenient, accessible and affordable way. The motto: ‘Restore Your Body. Reset Your Soul.’ Conceptualized by Amy Krofchick, Erica Malbon and Gara Post, the goal of their expanding brand is to uplift everyone through massage. With spas on Beverly Boulevard, Santa Monica, Studio City and Silverlake it is easy to get to, and enjoy the atmosphere of this sanctuary. We all need to hit the pause button from busy city life, I cannot think of a more convenient and aesthetically pleasing environment that makes one feel aligned with nature. Massages start at $35 for a 25 minute massage, and there are even massages for kids! If you feel like dropping in, you are welcome to do that, alternately you can make an appointment or even join on with a membership.

You’ve read Erin’s Things: November 20, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

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7 Iconic Chairs That Have Shaped Modern Furniture (Including the Seat You’re in Right Now)

Modern Chairs Iconic Furniture Eames Chair Interior Design

Left Photo: Charles and Ray Eames (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Middle Photo: 1971markus@wikipedia.de [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Right Photo: Scott Anderson from Jakarta, Indonesia (Egg Chair – IMG_7248) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

In the 20th century, modernism dominated aesthetic interests. In addition to fine art and everyday architecture, the modernist movement also transformed interior design, with furniture at the forefront. While most home furnishings received modern makeovers, it was the humble chair that had the most avant-garde transformation.

From the 1920s through the 1960s, a selection of the world’s top designers and architects turned their attention toward seating. Inspired by modern art and aiming for affordability, many of them experimented with new materials and forms that could be easily mass produced. This innovative approach to product design culminated in a collection of chairs fit for cozy and contemporary homes and modern art museums alike.

These are some of the world’s most well-known modern chairs that have shaped interior design today.

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The Eames Molded Plastic & Fiberglass Armchair

Intended as an entry for the International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture Design in 1950, the Eames Molded Plastic & Fiberglass Armchair is a customizable chair that comes in a variety of colors and silhouettes. While the base is available in either wood or metal, the seat’s shell is always made of Zenaloy, a durable yet flexible fiberglass-fortified polyester. The use of Zenaloy made mass production of the chair both easy and affordable, resulting in a low-cost, high quality product.

 

 

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The Egg Chair

In the 1950s, Danish architect Arne Jacobsen was commissioned to design Copenhagen’s Radisson SAS Royal Hotel. In addition to its rooms, façade, and other architectural elements, Jacobsen also designed special seating—including his iconic steel, foam, and fabric Egg Chairs—for the lobby. Renowned for its rounded shape, the Egg Chair is celebrated for its sculptural sensibility, undoubtedly inspired by Jacobsen’s experience as an architect.

 

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The Standard Chair by Jean Prouvé (1934)

Designed in 1934, Jean Prouvé’s steel and wood Standard Chair showcases the power of simplicity. The innovative chair features pairs of legs that vary in size and shape; thick back legs handle the weight of the individual, while slender steel front legs put a stylish spin on the practical design. The legs are available in a range of colors, while the seat can be customized with wood, plastic, or upholstery.

 

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The Eames Lounge Chair

Perhaps the most well-known modern chair, the Eames Lounge (670) was designed in 1956 by American architects and married couple Charles and Ray Eames. Showcasing the Eames’ interest in experimenting with different materials, the Lounge is composed of plywood shells, an aluminum base, and plastic-backed cushions.

While the Eames’ other creations were designed with efficiency and mass production in mind, the Lounge was conceived as a luxury item. Still, with  its low seat, permanent recline, and cushioned headrest, the high-end chair puts comfort first—especially when paired with the Eames Ottoman (671)!

 

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The Wassily Chair

In 1925, Bauhaus designer and architect Marcel Breuer created the Wassily Chair (Model B3), a piece of furniture celebrated for its bent tubular steel frame and Eisengarn upholstery. As a Mid-Century Modern architect, Breuer incorporated elements of the movement into the Wassily Chair, including a minimalist aesthetic and the use of angles and geometry.

The chair received its unique name after abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky shared his admiration for its experimental design.

 

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The Chaise Longue

Swiss-French creative Le Corbusier is praised for his distinctive works. These groundbreaking creations range from iconic homes to avant-garde furniture, like the Chaise Longue (LC 4). The Chaise Longue is composed of a steel frame and polyester cushions covered in either animal skin or canvas.  Designed in 1928, Le Corbusier combined form with function to produce a piece of furniture that is as artistic as it is comfortable.

 

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The Ball Chair

Finnish interior designer Eero Aarnio is known for a unique aesthetic characterized by his use of sleek materials and unconventional shapes. A key example of his eccentric work is the Ball Chair, a mod, orb-shaped seat designed in 1963. The Ball Chair is made of plywood, fiberglass, and upholstery, and offers a quirky and cozy place to perch in peace.

 

Related Articles:

20 Magnificent Mid-Century Modern Interiors

25+ Creative Bookcases That Add a Modern Twist to Interior Design

Original Parts From Vintage Vespas Turned Into Strikingly Modern Office Chairs

The post 7 Iconic Chairs That Have Shaped Modern Furniture (Including the Seat You’re in Right Now) appeared first on My Modern Met.

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Happy birthday, Zion National Park! On this day in 1919, Zion…

Happy birthday, Zion National Park! On this day in 1919, Zion National Park was established. Utah’s first national park, Zion protects some of the most scenic canyon country in the United States. It includes 229 square miles of high plateaus, a maze of sandstone canyons and waterfalls with colorful hanging gardens that are so stunning they look surreal. Photo by Kuang-Yu Jen (http://ift.tt/18oFfjl).

Let Them Buy Cake

When David Mullins and Charlie Craig walked into Masterpiece Cakeshop, a bakery in Denver, Colorado, five years ago, they had no inkling that the encounter would take them to the United States Supreme Court. All they wanted was a wedding cake.

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It’s the Kultur, Stupid

In a poll shown on German television on election night, 95 percent of Alternative für Deutschland voters said they were very worried that “we are experiencing a loss of German culture and language,” 94 percent that “our life in Germany will change too much,” and 92 percent that “the influence of Islam in Germany will become too strong.” Feeding this politics of cultural despair is a milieu of writers, media, and books whose arguments and vocabulary connect back to themes of an earlier German right-wing culture in the first half of the twentieth century. This is a new German right with distinct echoes of the old.

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Lewd and Ludic: the Stampography of Vincent Sardon

The Stampographer, a new catalogue of Vincent Sardon’s work, is exuberantly bizarre, often foul-mouthed, sometimes boring, sometimes tender. There are jolly naked cowboys, and blue-and-red biff-boff cartoon fights (Republicans and Democrats?), obscene photos and deliberately blasphemous images—not that anyone would disagree with Bernini’s Ecstasy of Saint Teresa as an illustration for “the orgasm over time.”

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You can tell someone’s lying to you by watching their face…