Corporate welfare is one of those things that everybody hates for different reasons, but nobody wants to do anything about it. Big businesses grow too big to fail on government subsidies, contracts and tax breaks. When they get into trouble, they have to be bailed out or the whole economy will fail.

It’s an endless cycle and it puts small businesses on uneven ground when it comes to competition and growth. If you’re running a small business, how are you going to compete with a corporation that gets millions or even billions of taxpayer money?

By some estimates, the Federal Government spends $100 billion in corporate welfare each year. But, is it helping or hurting the economy overall?

Corporate Welfare Helped Us Avert A Global Financial Crisis

Back in 2008, when the housing market was collapsing, when the banking industry was imploding and when the auto industry was on thin ice, bailouts from the taxpayers saved the economy from almost a certain ruin. Analyses of how this crisis came to be conflicting, but the analysis that bailouts averted global crisis all seem to be in agreement. What’s more, corporate welfare has helped us to develop certain sectors of our economy that industry couldn’t have developed alone.

Corporate Welfare Is Easily Abused

We often hear about companies that re-incorporate in other countries to avoid paying taxes. But, what you don’t often hear about is the tax incentives, government subsidized loans, contracts and grants they receive while they are doing business in the United States. Corporations literally take corporate welfare handouts and then hightail it to a more favorable tax climate.

In 2012, Eaton received almost $32 million in government subsidies before it relocated to Ireland. In 1983, Texas-based McDermott incorporated in Panama, but it still received $12 million from the Defense and Energy departments between 2000 and 2015.

Corporate Welfare Hurts Small To Medium Businesses

Unless you have a huge corporation, your chances of benefiting from corporate welfare are pretty slim. Two thirds of the $68 billion in grants and allocated tax credits between 2000 and 2015 went to 600 large companies. In that same period, 78% of loans, loan guarantees and bailouts to the tune of $18 trillion went to 12 U.S. and foreign banks. Meanwhile, the yearly budget for the Small Business Administration is only $1.4 billion

The Small Business Administration doesn’t function the same way that corporate welfare does. There are no direct loans for small businesses to get off the ground. Grants are targeted for specific nonprofits and educational entities for research into medicine, science and technology. So, unless your startup is looking for a cure for a new type of cancer, you’re on your own.

See Also: How to Ensure Growth in Small Business

You can still make use of the Small Business Administration’s resources to help grow your business:

• Talk with a counselor or attend a seminar
• Find business partnerships
• Use the website as a valuable reference

Many Sectors Thrive With Corporate Welfare Assistance

In 2008, banks received $700 billion in TARP funds to avert a global financial meltdown. A later study in 2014 found that banks took on riskier loans after they knew the bailout money was coming. So, in effect, the bailout set the precedent for riskier behavior.

A 2009 study found that the more connected a bank was to Federal Reserve boards and finance committees, the more likely it was to get higher levels of bailout funds.

The agricultural sector is supposed to help maintain our food supply and ensure that farmers don’t go out of business. Unfortunately, it’s not always being used that way.

Fifty people on the Forbes 400 wealthiest people in America list received farm subsidies before the 2014 farm bill was implemented. The largest 15% of farms take 85% of the funds, leaving small farmers in their dust.

Knowing You Aren’t Alone Is Half The Battle

Running a small business can be tough and it’s even tougher when you’re at a disadvantage. Look for other ways to compensate. Join a small business group in your area and pledge to work with other small businesses. Call your legislators at the federal, state and local levels and ask them to work toward a more level playing field. Small changes can add up over time.

Small businesses can compete if they band together. Don’t let an uneven playing field discourage you from following your dreams.

Learn more about corporate welfare from this infographic.

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“Coolly competent, the interviewee enters. Her handshake is firm, her gaze unwavering. Her answers are curt and unvarnished. She’s confident. She can get the job done, no doubt about that. But is she a nice person?”

“Warmly incompetent, the interviewee enters. She smiles nervously, but warms to the interview quickly. She speaks in fits and starts, but always with a big smile. She’s a nice person. But can she get the job done?”

Coolly competent, or warmly incompetent?

According to research done by Amy Cuddy, first impressions are binary. “We look first at two characteristics: how lovable they are (their warmth, communion, or trustworthiness) and how fearsome they are (their strength, agency, or competence)”.

We do this to answer a rather important question: whether or not your new acquaintance is a threat. Threats aren’t so prevalent nowadays. You’re rather less likely to be slain by a marauding tribesman. But our hunter-gatherer brains haven’t caught up. So, when we assess a stranger, we’re looking for danger signs.

Consider the first interviewee. Reading the description, many of you may admire her. She’s certainly got ability. But her lack of warmth triggers the ‘danger’ alarm. The interviewer goes into ‘avoidance’ mode, trying to get away from the threat in front of them. Despite seeing their obvious competence, they begin to find reasons to dislike the interviewee. So, even though the interviewee can do the job well, they don’t get it.

Cuddy advocates the approach of the second interviewee. Being warm and lovable activates the listener’s ‘approach’ mode. They begin to feel kindly towards you and will ignore some of the mistakes you make. You’re more likely to get the job. And if you go on to demonstrate great competence, they will say ‘I knew it all along’.

We think of job interviews as all about demonstrating competence. But they’re not: it’s about demonstrating warmth. That’s why they’re a part of the process: to weed out candidates who might pose a threat to the office environment. But what if you feel that you don’t come across warmly enough?

See Also: 8 Interview Tips For Introverts

The importance of emotion

Here begins the deluge of standard-issue advice. Smile. Make eye contact. Shake their hand with both of yours. Sit with your hands a certain way. Keep your body language open.

The trouble with these pearls of wisdom is they don’t go deep enough. The real way to change from office ‘threat’ to office ‘asset’ is in the way you speak about your experiences.

A quick test. Imagine you’re speaking to someone about your day. If you’re alone, speak out loud. If you’re not, run the conversation through in your head. Talk through what you’ve been up to, what your plans are tonight, and what you’ve got on the docket for tomorrow.

Now consider two possibilities. In the first, you logically went through everything you needed to do. “I’m writing a blog in the morning, then taking the dog out, then going out to dinner in the evening.” It all made sense, and hung together like a list.

In the second, you emphasised the emotive parts of your day. “So I’m struggling at the moment to get a blog finished: you know how it is. Then I’m doing a little walk with Jasper. Oh, and we’re going out to this Persian place. They do really good meze.”

Notice the difference in the two stories. One is rich with detail, full of images that spring to your mind. It’s obvious that the speaker enjoys what they do, and remembers important details from their day. But the other is bland. It has the bare facts, but no details: nothing is important enough to remember.

Let’s test this with an interview question: “Tell us about yourself”.

Here, it’s tempting to start demonstrating competency. You might speak logically about where you went to school, what you did afterwards, and what you did after that. But remember, it’s all about warmth.

You can use the same logical structure, but fill it with detail. What did you enjoy most about school? What did you learn about yourself from where you worked afterwards? What was important, enjoyable, inspiring, or difficult about the experience you had? What did you learn?

It comes down to empathy. The ‘perfect’ job interview isn’t one where you read off your resume. It’s a communion. It’s an easy friendliness and emotional openness that proves two things: that you’re not a threat, and that you might just be something special.

How Do You Show Warmth?

Competency is rather easy to demonstrate. You can reel off years of experience and academic qualifications. Warmth is harder. But there are some steps you can take to put you on the right path.

Reframe Your Experience

Anecdotes can be easily abused in interviews. Remember that time you made a discovery that saved the company? Consider how you might share that story in an interview. You might emphasize how important it was to the company and how much money it saved. Imagine the ideal reaction from your interviewer: ‘How conscientious you are! What an asset you are to that company. They must be terrified to lose you: what will happen now that they can’t leverage your competence?’

Try and find the warmth in your experiences. Tell the story of how you found the discovery. How did you feel when you found it? What dilemma did you face? Who did you tell? How did you feel afterwards? What did you learn? These questions invite the listener to consider your motives, instead of just seeing how great you are. They begin to understand you at a deeper level, and you start to build warmth.

See Also: Interview Tips: What Not To Say During Your Next Job Interview

Study Your Habits

It may be your brain that considers what to say, but it’s your body that says it. Sometimes, your body says things you don’t expect. You may feel deeply interested in the subject, but your body may be communicating disinterest. Get someone you trust to assess your speaking habits. Do you speak too quietly? Do you seem bored? Do you seem nervous?

Try to get the simple things right. Make eye contact. Keep your posture upright and your chest relaxed and open. Use energy when you speak to keep your listener interested. And while you’re there, focus on breathing to relax your body and calm your nerves. Tips on diaphragmatic breathing will be invaluable on that front.

Be Present

The trickiest thing about demonstrating competence is that it pulls you out of the moment. It sends you out of the interview room via memory lane. You begin to lose focus on the people opposite you. And as you lose focus, you begin speaking at them, not to them.

Every time you speak, your listeners are giving you crucial information. From their reactions, they might be indicating that they’ve heard what you’re saying before. They might be showing confusion or interest in something that you only explained minimally. They are guiding you.

Demonstrating competence can feel like reading off a list of things by rote, without regard for what people actually want to hear. Keep your focus on the person you’re speaking to. You’re speaking to them, so explain things that mean more to them. You’ll learn more about them, and they’ll learn more about you. And that’s how you make a connection.

 

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While some folks bandy around the statistic that we each make 35,000 decisions per day, others prefer to level it out at a neat 773,618 per lifetime.

Whatever way you look at it, you are at least aware of making a handful of semi-important to important decisions each day, and at least a couple of major-ish ones each week: and these are the kind of forking-path moments for which we need to be best advised. The wrong choice might wind you up with a heartache, crippling debt or serious injury.

Unfortunately, nobody ever teaches us how to make decisions. We’re just equipped with a ton of information through school, the media, and life, and expected to figure out how best to use it ourselves. This would be fine if we were robots, but when human values come into play we tend to frame the information we have in strange ways – for example, ‘confirmation bias’, where we focus on facts that back up our instincts rather than paying more attention to warning signs that we might be wrong.

What you need is a little objectivity. Let’s take a look at how to get some.

Step outside yourself

A Princeton University study showed that we are more objective when we pro-actively try to make a decision that will appear to be objective to someone else.

To truly shed your personal bias, pick a random figure from your life, or perhaps someone whose opinion you really respect. Imagine yourself explaining your decision-making process on a particular issue to them and see what comes out.

If in doubt, you can always find somebody to try it out on in person!

Make a decision, then decide whether to keep it

One reason it’s so tough to make a decision is because it feels so final. You um-and-ah between two options, never quite willing to opt for one or the other because it feels like a commitment.

In fact, it’s been shown that simply plumping for your favored decision and then deciding whether to keep to it can be a more positive way of moving forward. So, make your decision quickly, without too much thought – and then take a moment to reflect: does this feel right? Suddenly your options will seem less abstract.

Clear your mind

Decision-making moments often seem to come at us like a whirlwind. With new information and new emotions to process, it’s easy to make an overly-subjective choice based on the way you’re feeling in a given moment.

A study by the Association of Psychological Science showed that it only takes a few minutes to let those emotions fade and return to a more objective state of mind. So, next time you’re about to make a decision in the heat of the moment, take ten minutes to go for a walk, do some stretches or close your eyes and listen to music.

You’ll return to the decision-making process with cooler blood and a smarter state of mind.

Be positive

One of the reasons that decision-making is so stressful is that every option seems to be piled up with potential negatives. We want to avoid feeling regretful, so we concentrate on avoiding the biggest downfalls.

These negative issues also tend to be the most emotive ones, so concentrating too hard on them can lead you away from making an objective choice. Instead of framing your problem as the avoidance of negative outcomes, try listing the pros of each option first – and identifying the positive side effects of the cons.

Know thy own mood

You know intuitively that the way you feel will affect the decisions you make. Yet, particularly when emotions are running high, we don’t tend to slow down to consider these emotions. Before you make a decision, slow down and ask yourself how you’re feeling – and be careful not to make your choice based purely on the power of passing emotions.

See Also: 3 Simple Steps to Balance Your Emotional State

Look at the bigger (and older) picture

Human beings have a tendency to make our choices based on the newest information that we’ve received – often overlooking what we already knew.

Refusing to make snap decisions upon the discovery of new information can give you a chance to let it settle into context. Again, it’s about letting that initial emotion pass before you do something silly.

The 5 Whys

Perhaps you’ve already heard of the 5 Whys. It’s a process that can be applied to many different tasks in your professional and personal life, from the development of ideas to problem solving.

When it comes to making decisions, the 5 Whys can help you by identifying the underlying mechanics of the situation. Ask yourself a big why – ‘why am I thinking about proposing marriage?’ and then ask ‘why’ to each of your subsequent answers: ‘Because I love her. Why do I love her?’ etc.

GOFER

There’s no ‘Y’ in GOFER, but this is still a serious idea-interrogation tool. It means making a structured list of five key aspects of your decision:

Goals: What do you want from the outcome of this decision?
Options: What are the possibilities from which you must choose?
Facts: What do you objectively know about the situation?
Effects: What are the potential outcome scenarios of each possible decision?
Review: What do the above answers point towards?

Quantify your options

Decision-making is usually a complex process involving a whole ton of variables. Getting a bird’s-eye view on your opinions in each of these aspects can involve the kind of clarity that’s difficult to find when you’re stressed or hurried.

So, instead of letting those outcomes float around in a cloud, write them down and give each pro and con a score on a consistent scale: for example from -5 to +5, where -5 is a terrible con and +5 is the best pro.

Do the math at the end of it all and you should have a clearer idea of what you really think about each option. If your gut tells you that the math has given you a winner that you actually don’t want, that’s still okay – it just means the process has helped you to clarify your emotions and your inner needs, as well as the objective facts. We’re not robots, after all!

See Also: Why Good People Make Bad Decisions 

 

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Thinking of scaling or taking your dropshipping business overseas? Today is the best time to do that!

E-commerce’s global consumer base continues to expand exponentially and with this type of demand, supply must also rise.

BigCommerce reports that 96% of Americans shop online with 8% of millennials shopping daily. Studies show that more firms, including B2B companies, are now considering dropshipping. In 2011 alone, a Forrester report showed that dropshipping accounted for 34% of products sold on Amazon. That equates to $14.2 billion.

Increased consumer confidence, internet accessibility, multi/omnichannel options, technology, competition and innovation are some major drivers of this upbeat trend.

The Big Question

Is dropshipping for you?

Wisdom says if it is too good to be true, then it probably is. However, just like any business, dropshipping requires time and effort.

Dropshipping is an e-commerce order fulfillment model where a facilitator (dropshipper) receives orders from buyers (shoppers), passes it on to manufacturers or suppliers and delivers those orders direct to customers (D2C).

In other words, you order from a wholesaler or manufacturer only when your customers order from you. There’s no need for you to stock inventory. All you ever have to worry about is marketing and sales as your entire supply chain and logistics are handled for you.

Unfortunately, dropshipping isn’t for everyone. It could be for you if you love to work remotely and independently and if you hate:

• Warehousing
• Managing CRM/WMS/OMS
• Buying and stocking inventory
• Packaging
• Printing labels
• Shipping
• Handling returns
• Paper work

If you are looking for some inspiration, here are some of the top-rated dropshipping companies today:

• Oberlo
• SaleHoo
• Worldwide Brands
• Wholesale2B
• Inventory Source
• Vista Wholesale
• Dropshipping Design
• Doba
• Drop Ship Access
• Sunrise Wholesale
• Megagoods
• Dropship Direct

You could start a self-hosted dropshipping store. However, for someone who’s just starting out, you’ll be better off with platforms or companies that already have solutions that seamlessly integrate dropshipping with e-commerce like Magento, Shopify, BigCommerce etc. You can skip this tip if you have the men and means to build one from scratch.

Cross-Border Dropshipping

Cross-border dropshipping is basically you (dropshipper) dropshipping orders to customers beyond your borders. Take a look at the following model to understand the concept better.

Local vs Global Dropshipping

The following highlights some key differences between local and global dropshipping:

1 No customs duties, taxes, levies Custom duties, taxes, levies
2 Known regulated products Different from country to country
3 Single currency Multi-currency considerations
4 Monolingual Multilingual considerations
5 Single time zone Different time zones
6 Cheaper More expensive
7 Limited reach Unlimited opportunities

7 Tips For Better Cross-Border Dropshipping

Now that you know the differences, here are 7 tips to help you nail cross-border dropshipping:

Investigate Your Target Market

You need not become or hire a Sherlock Holmes. Simply look into existing research before you make the leap. Worth over $672 billion, China is the largest e-commerce market. However, issues like distance, customs procedures, government regulation and payment processing are major pain points for non-Chinese businesses.

Do your due diligence and risk assessment before commencing.

Know Your Target Customers

BigCommerce, in a recent report, similarly revealed that 43% of US shoppers shop while in bed. If this group form part or the core of your consumer base, you need to adjust your marketing efforts accordingly.

You need consumer behavior insight when dropshipping abroad.

Some key questions to ask include:

• What are their age, gender, income level, location?
• What hours do they shop online most?
• Who are they?
• What is their time zone?
• Which social media or search engine do they frequently use?
• What products sell more?
• What device is mostly used?

Answers to these questions will help you streamline your dropshipping services for more efficiency.

Know International Trade Regulations

It is easy to cross the line with cross-border dropshipping if you are ignorant of relevant international trade laws. This is why you need to familiarize yourself with the current business laws before you actually start with your project.

Take, for example, Kenya.

Recently, Kenya banned the production, selling and use of plastic bags, targeting manufacturers and sellers first. This information can help you decide whether to expand into Kenya, considering your product packaging practice.

Follow the Leaders

Follow industry leaders in cross-border dropshipping and not leads. Most e-commerce marketers spend their ad-earned currency chasing and hoping to convert and keep leads. Instead of being like them, you should study dropshippers like Irwin Dominguez who went from zero to over $1 million in one year.

That’s the kind of guy you should follow and leads will follow you back soon. Follow their strategies on blogs, podcasts, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and any other places where they hang out.

Optimize Your Dropshipping Website

It is critical to get your dropshipping website right. It is your major opportunity to attract, convince and convert leads.

Retail Dive reports that more than 65% of shoppers browse online before buying offline.

As they interact with your website, online shoppers form opinions about your business. They assess your site’s loading speed, landing pages, ease of navigation, design, UX, forms, product photography/description, and checkout to payment.

If you are unsure how to create one, you can hire freelancers to design one for you on a budget that won’t break the bank.

See Also: A Practical Guide to Hiring and Managing Freelancers

Offer Multilingual, Multi-Currency Support

Language is a core component of social identity and culture. Offering your services in languages local to your international audience is a great way to connect with them.

Currency conversion calculations is another pain point for many cross-border shoppers. E-commerce stores that support multi-currency payments take that stress off of shoppers. It allows them to pay in their local currency while you receive payments in your own currency.

Consider Marketplaces

Brand recognition and awareness take time to build. It is okay to sign up to popular marketplaces like Amazon or eBay when you are just starting out. They are platforms that support hundreds of thousands of stores. You can gain experience and share valuable insights from forums and community support such platforms provide.

See Also: The 5 Internet Marketing Trends That Will Dominate in 2017

As you cut your teeth and become more successful, you can start considering other options. If you’re on Shopify, apps like Oberlo can make dropshipping simpler by automating everything from product importation to order fulfillment.

What winning tips have you used in your dropshipping business?

 

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A happy, healthy and attractive beard is not just for the rich and famous. All men can have well-groomed facial hair with a little bit of effort and the right beard grooming tips.

If you’ve always wanted to grow beard that is free of beard dandruff, itching and other issues, here are five fast and cost-effective steps to implement.

Realistic Expectations

The first thing to realize is that your beard will not necessarily look like another man’s beard. If you have unrealistic expectations from the beginning, you will set yourself up for disappointment no matter how nice your beard looks.

Just as in life, you have to be happy with what you have and stop looking at what others have. Contentment goes a long way in your perception of yourself. Your facial hair is unique to you and it might not grow as thick as another man’s, but it will look masculine and convey vitality.

When you look into a mirror, be happy with the new growth. If you are confident in yourself, others will feel that and will also like your beard.

Wash & Shampoo Your Beard

You’d be amazed at how many people forget to shampoo their facial hair when they shower.

Just the simple act of washing your beard whenever you take a shower will do wonders in removing any dirt or grime that is trapped there. Sometimes, facial hair gets tangled up if it is longer, so take the time to just clean and straighten everything out in the shower.

Washing your face regularly will help exfoliate the skin and open up your pores. This helps to increase beard growth, making it thicker and fuller over time.

A shampoo with a good scent is a great option. If you go for one with lime or aloe vera, it will do a good job of removing the dirt. Beard shampoos are available and you can compare ingredients to see what works for you.

Remember though, you don’t want to overdo it. Don’t wash your beard so often with shampoo that you dry it out. Moderation is best.

Resist the urge to scratch

Some guys scratch their beard so fiercely that they end up with inflammation, which makes the problem much worse.

While it might seem impossible, resist the urge to scratch it regularly. If you must, try gently scratching it with something soft. One great technique is to use your fingertips instead of your fingernails. This way, you avoid the harder end and make scratching gentler.

You can also try massaging your beard. It will help you get rid of the urge to itch while preventing damage to your beard and skin.

Use a nice oil

Controlling the itch that accompanies beard growth can be one of the most challenging aspects of growing a beard. A good beard oil can help you with this.

Immediately after washing, apply beard oil. It will help keep your beard soft, prevent excessive itching and keep it healthy. Beard oil helps to protect and moisturize your beard by conditioning it, keeping it hydrated and giving it a nice shine.

Comb your beard regularly

Do you own a beard comb? If not, then get one as soon as possible. Beards grow in all directions and length they want, no matter how hard you try to direct them. They can end up looking rough and unkempt.

A beard comb has narrower teeth and will allow you to comb your facial hair more evenly. This helps your beard appear fuller and healthier. Combing also helps prevent tangles and split ends in addition to removing flakes (dandruff or beard-ruff) and reduce obvious patches.

Implement these five simple and easy steps today to have a happy, healthy beard that you’ll feel good about. Be patient with your beard.

At the end of the day, regardless of what you do, genes are an important factor in how your beard is going to turn out. If you take that into account from the beginning, you won’t expect too much and will be pleasantly surprised.

See Also: How To Grow Facial Hair Faster

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The worst thing about traveling is packing, especially for men. However, love it or hate it, every savvy male adventurer knows the importance of packing a perfectly assembled Dopp kit before hitting the road.

Simply tossing items from your bathroom cabinet into a bag is clearly not the best long-term strategy for staying prepared and exuding style while on your travels. There is a fine art to packing the essentials you need for a weekend getaway and we are here to pass that knowledge onto you.

If you’re baffled as to what exactly you need to pack, we’re here to put your mind at ease and help you construct your ultimate Dopp kit.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

The Kit

Let’s start with the bag itself. You need a sturdy, preferably dark-colored bag that exudes charm, confidence and charisma. It should be big enough to feature at least 2 compartments for easier navigation. However, it shouldn’t be too big or it will use up a large space in your travel bag.

When purchasing a Dopp kit, go for quality and style rather than cost efficiency, especially if you’re traveling often. If you are unsure where to look for high-quality Dopp kits, you can search online or ask your friends about what they use.

Shaving Foam and Razor

Unless you’re a sworn beard grower, you will need your shaving equipment. This is highly essential, particularly if you’re on a business trip where unkempt appearances are a big no-no.

Make sure you pick brands that you’re most comfortable with. The last thing you need is a shaving rash when you are giving your big business pitch.

Trimmer

For gentlemen who do prefer goatees or full-beard looks, a good trimmer is a must. Neat-looking beards require maintenance and with a proper beard trimmer, that’s easier than ever.

You can find decent beard trimmers on Amazon, like ​Philips Norelco 3100. For its price, it does really well in its job. Just make sure to also pack a pair of extra batteries or your charger.

Shower Gel

No one likes a smelly traveler, so hygiene is crucial when traveling from place to place. Skip bar soaps as much as possible since they usually end up broken and they get squashed. Packing a nice smelling shower gel is the solution to this problem.

Deodorant

Much like shower gels, deodorant can protect you while you travel and leave you smelling fresh throughout the day. Antiperspirants are often not allowed on planes unless they are travel-sized, so your best bet is to go with a deodorant with 24-hour protection.

Toothbrush, Toothpaste and Dental Floss

Bad breath is probably the most embarrassing and off-putting trait any person can suffer from. You may not be aware of it, but people around you can definitely notice it.

To make sure you dazzle people with your sparkling smile, don’t forget to bring your toothbrush and toothpaste. A dental floss is essential, too, since it helps dislodge those nasty chunks of food that can get stuck between your teeth.

Lint Roller

Whether you are on a business trip or you simply want to make a good first impression, appearances matter. Using a lint roller will get rid of any unwanted fluff or debris on your clothes, leaving you looking and feeling crisp, clean and confident.

Hairbrush or Comb

Like it or loathe it, your hairstyle is one of the first things people notice about you. Keeping it looking good is essential.

Get rid of that hotel bed-head look in the morning by running a comb or brush through your locks before getting ready to go out for the day. A comb doesn’t take up much space, but makes all the difference with your appearance.

Hair Gel or Pomade

Now that your morning hair is tamed, it’s time to style it. There is a wide  range of products that can help you get and keep your perfect hairstyle throughout the day. Choose between gels, wax or pomades to keep your hair looking as good as you feel.

So there it is – the list of essential items needed in every modern gentleman’s travel Dopp kit.

Every wash kit is unique and this list is just a guide about the basic things you’ll need for traveling. Pack all of these and you’ll be ready for any situation life throws at you. Safe travels!

See Also: How to Pack Your Suitcase Like George Clooney

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Most of us dream of owning a sleek, sexy and fast sports car. We see these amazing machines in movies, such as in Fast and the Furious, The Transporter and, most recently, Baby Driver.

With movies like these that show how outstanding and powerful these cars are, it’s no wonder why a lot of people want to own one. The sight of even seeing one makes a lot of people have goosebumps. As the driver inside the car revs the engine, its roar makes people shudder and look in awe.

Certainly a head turner in the streets, sports cars are also a unique status of wealth and power. Each car can be custom-made to fit the specifications of the owner. This fact is the reason why almost all of these cars cost a fortune.

However, for those who are financially secure and capable of buying a luxurious sports car, here are five facts you need to know first.

Expect Nothing Less

As an owner of a sports car, you shouldn’t expect less. The reason why these machines cost so much is that everything about it is made to be perfect for you. From the sexy look of the car, the excellent paint job, to the mechanical aspects and engine power, your car is equipped to please your every demand.

In addition to being customized, elite companies, such as Ford, Lamborghini and BMW, all have the capability to let other people know that you are worthy and capable of driving such an awe-inspiring machine.

Reality of Problems

Sadly, even if you’ve finally realized your dream of owning a sports car, reality will soon sink in. Owning a sports car requires tons of meticulous care, expensive repairs, and hefty taxes.

And if you’re a person who has a family, especially with teens, you’re going to have to accept the fact that they want a piece of your car. They’ll want to take it out for a spin, which could mean a bad thing for you and your dream car. Buying a sports car is difficult. Maintaining one is twice as hard.

Not for the Family Guy

Most sports cars are only for two: one for the driver and one “riding shotgun”. You can’t cram in more people inside if you want a comfortable ride. Sports cars aren’t for family trips.

See Also: What Science Says About The Car You Drive

Retaining its Value

Another reason why sports cars cost too much is that of their resalable value.

A lot of car enthusiasts or collectors are on the lookout for second-hand sports cars because they know of the difficulties of maintaining one. Since they are properly cared for, second-hand sports cars can remain as good as a new one, but with much lower price tags.

Although a second-hand sports car is cheaper compared to a brand new sports car, its price is still attractive. Some second-hand cars can even cost higher than the original price once their reputation and rarity rise through time.

An example of this is a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta which sold for only $33,500. The car was held on by its owner for almost 49 years. After waiting, he finally sold it for a whopping $38,115,000. Now, that’s value through the years.

Cool Factor

Your sports car can be an absolute head-turner. This is one reason why a lot of people do silly things when driving their sports cars.

No matter how tempting it is, don’t get caught up in the moment and do something that can damage your vehicle. Take pride in your purchase, but don’t do anything stupid that will jeopardize everything that you’ve worked for all your life.

See Also: How Your Car Can Affect Your Personal Branding

Takeaway

A lot of people think that the only hurdle in buying a luxury car is the absurdly high cost. However, when they do get to make that purchase, maintaining the car is twice as difficult. A lot of individuals will discover that going to any mechanic or to any other place that will take care of your car will charge extra.

Fortunately, owning a supercar isn’t just all about expensive maintenance. When you do get to own one, prepare yourself for the immense feeling of joy and pride when you drive it down the road. Flaunt your car responsibly and there will be no problems for you and your sports car.

 

The post Sleek and Sexy: Five Facts About Owning An Awesome Sports Car appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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Ladies, are you looking for a creative way to get your man out of the house on weekends? Are you sick of watching him sit on the couch, watching TV all day long?

Regardless of your reasons, you need to find an activity that will get him outside, playing and having fun.

Sometimes, adult men and children are not that different. Nowadays, both seem to prefer staying indoors where technology is readily available and no extra effort is necessary. A stressful desk job would do this to you, but this is no excuse to linger around the house while the sun is shining outside!

So, to everyone who asks me, I recommend finding a hobby that tricks men into getting outside willingly. The best way to do it is to get your significant other a few auto toys. This can be anything you think he may like. You can get him a car, helicopter or even a remote controlled boat.

Let’s see how exactly can a remote controlled toy keep your man busy outside.

Men love driving cool stuff

You don’t need scientific studies to know this is true! So, why not tap into this love for driving and buy him a toy car that he can drive in your backyard?

Make sure to get one that looks cool and implements lots of features that will look cool for an adult.

To get an idea of the type of RC cars men like the most, I talked to John from RC Rank. He says men are most passionate about big, fast trucks with lots of cool features and powerful engines. Just like in real life, right?

So, if you find the right truck or car, you will definitely have a happier man by your side.

He will make new friends

If your significant other is more of a Grinch, then an auto toy hobby may get him out of his shell. Making friends as an adult is a lot more difficult than it is for kids. Priorities shift and, in most cases, life gets in the way.

Still, it’s important to have friends and an RC hobby can be a great way to meet new people who like the same things. All over the USA and the world, people organize RC races and tournaments that bring passionate players together.

Take note, however, that it doesn’t necessarily have to be a big event. You can go and find a few guys with RC toys in your neighborhood and you can easily set up a race in no time.

It is relaxing and fun

I already talked about stress, right? Well, I’m returning to the subject because men are still under a lot of pressure to provide for their families. Times have changed indeed, but society is still more inclined to like men who are successful in both business and personal life.

If your man is under a lot of stress, an RC toy may give him the right avenue for release. He can have a lot of fun with the right toy, so make sure to get something he’ll like. For instance, if you know he’s passionate about flying or aviation, get him an RC helicopter or a drone. If he’s passionate about water navigation, an RC boat may be a better gift.

See Also: The Health Benefits Of A Drone Hobby

Bonding with the kids

A busy man can end up neglecting quality time with the kids and this can put a distance between them. So, to encourage them to spend time outdoors together, get them involved in a cool, fun activity, such as auto toys.

This is a hobby that offers a lot of bonding opportunities. They can try racing or putting together kits and DIY projects to improve their toys.

See Also: 5 Tips to Make Friends as an Adult (by Acting Like a 5 Year Old)

A few final words

While it may seem silly to think of a fully grown man playing with a remote controlled car, it is a healthy hobby that will get your man off the couch and breathe fresh air outside. It’s also relaxing and creates a wide range of opportunities to make new acquaintances and even friends.

So, if your man shows interest in this hobby, make sure to encourage and support him!

The post How Auto Toys Can Keep Your Man Busy Outdoors appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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Hardly a day goes by that you don’t see stories of women who get shamed in public for breastfeeding their babies. These stories often involve outrageous circumstances. For example, there are women who shop at lingerie stores who ask to feed their babies in the fitting rooms. Instead of being allowed, they are often redirected to an alley.

There’s also a hashtag trending on social media: #IPumpedHere. This hashtag highlights the degrading conditions in which women are forced to prepare meals for their babies upon returning to work.

In reality, however, women are allowed to feed their babies or pump almost everywhere in the United States. How is that possible? Read on.

The United States Is The Lowest Rated Developed Nation For Breastfeeding Policy

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be breastfed for at least 12 months. The World Health Organization, on the other hand, recommends two years. For those who can’t and won’t breastfeed, formula milk makes a great and safe substitute but it’s not the best for growing babies.

There are many reasons why women in the United States make the decision not to breastfeed. One of those reasons is the negative reactions women who decide to breastfeed in public gets.

There are laws that protect a woman’s right to breastfeed her baby in public in 49 states. There are also laws at the federal level protecting a woman’s right to pump when she returns to work.

Unfortunately, these laws only cover women who work at businesses with more than 50 people and limited to one year after the birth of a child. Because of these and many other issues, only about half of babies in the United States are breastfed until six months of age.

Laws For Breastfeeding In The Workplace

When mothers return to work, they will often need to pump at least twice a day. This helps keep their milk supply up. Without pumping, their babies will not be able to get the amount of breast milk they need to be healthy and to grow. Preventing women from pumping can also lead to pain and discomfort.

Federal law requires that companies with 50 or more employees follow these guidelines for working mothers:

• Provide adequate break time for pumping for up to one year after baby’s birth
• Provide a space, other than a bathroom, for employees to pump with a locking door
• Employers are not required to compensate employees for this time
• Provide electricity and refrigeration for pumping and storage

Why Support Mothers In The Workplace?

The biggest reason to support mothers in the workplace is that it is the right thing to do.

When women have options, they are going to be able to lead happier and more fulfilled lives. This, in turn, will lead to stronger families. In addition to that, keeping women engaged in the workforce longer allows them to grow faster in their careers instead of having to start over from the bottom every time they take a break to have a child or care for an aging parent.

Women do the majority of the unpaid caretaking and it can take a significant toll on their earning power in the long run. And if you still need more reasons to support women in the workforce, the United States won’t be able to compete in the global economy with other industrialized nations if we keep marginalizing the talent of women and forcing them off to the sidelines when they don’t always want to be there.

See Also: Helping Women Succeed In The Workplace

Breastfeeding Mothers, Know Your Rights

Knowing your rights and being vocal about exercising them is going to be important. Don’t be afraid to talk to your company about your needs because you might find that they are more willing than you think to accommodate you with a pumping room and break time.

If you are going to be breastfeeding in public, and you will be breastfeeding in public more than likely, be ready to confront and diffuse any uncomfortable situations. Remember that you have the right to breastfeed your baby and no one has the right to tell you not to.

The post You Need To Stop Telling Women Where To Breastfeed appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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The days when solar panels used to be a rare and exotic source of energy are gone. Their popularity is growing and a lot of people are now choosing it as their main source of electricity.

Before installing this system that is supposed to lower energy bills, people are usually curious about the average efficiency of solar panels and the price. If you are one of these people, you’re probably wondering if they are really profitable and how much you can save.

Here are some of the most important facts you should know about solar panels for home.

What is the price of solar panels?

The price of solar panels might be different depending on the state you live in as well as your desired size. The more panels you need, the higher the price tags become.

The average price for solar panels is about $4 per watt. A whole system can be as big as 5 kilowatts which means it can cost you almost $19,000. That may seem too pricey but it is worth it in the long run.

If you fear that this price won’t fit in your budget, there are ways for you to spend less on solar panels. Government incentives, for example, can reduce the cost of solar panels.

How to Spend Less on Solar Panels?

Federal investment tax credit is a way to make the price of solar panels lower. It can also save you some money on installation. Except for a national rebate, there are also regional discounts. If you add both, the price can be reduced significantly.

For example, if you have a house in Austin, Texas and want to install a large 7-kilowatt solar panel system, it would cost about $26,000. The city’s rebate will reduce $800 per kilowatt and you will save about $6,000. Thanks to the federal tax credit, you might be able to save an additional $6,000.

All in all, you’ll probably save more than $10,000 in total. So, before installation, consider checking the government incentives you can get in your city.

How Much Money Can You Save With Solar Panels?

The main reason to install solar panels is that it allows paying less for the electricity. How much exactly can you save?

Depending on the size of your system, you can save from $150 to $200 per month. The solar system pays for itself in a period of about 7 to 15 years. It is a good result considering the fact that it can serve you for 20 to 30 years.

The competition on the market of solar panels is growing, making them more affordable. If you also use the incentives and rebates, it becomes possible to install solar panels for less than $10,000.

Is It Worth Getting Solar Panels?

While making a decision about solar panel installment, it is important to think not only about the cost of the system but also about the amount of sun in your area. Both direct and scattered sunlight is good for solar panels but there still should be enough sunny days to feel the benefits.

Before installing a solar panel system, it might be a good idea to check a specialist’s opinion and find out if your state is suitable for solar energy usage. Another crucial factor is the location of the house and the roof.

Make sure it is possible to provide panels with good exposure. Check where the roof faces, the number of trees and presence of constructions that are situated around. In case the location is not satisfying, solar panels can also be installed on a garage roof or you can use a ground-mounted system.

Solar panels installment requires a lot of time but if you pay attention to all the details it might become a great investment.

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