Sunday, 25 November 2012

Truck and Van Maintenance Tips - Advice on Maintaining a Van

When your job heavily revolves around your van or truck for getting around and carrying supplies, anything going wrong can be a major problem. When you work for a large company, you will probably be able to have another van if something goes wrong with yours, but self-employed workers and small business will find any set back a major problem. When it comes to problems with vehicles, prevention is much better than cure. Repairs to vehicles such as vans and trucks can be very costly and many of the problems can be avoided by careful maintenance. In this article we will look at some simple maintenance tips that you can perform on your vehicle.

If your van is under three years old then it will probably still be under a warranty plan from the manufacturer. So if you have any problems with your van, your first port of call will be them. But even though you have a warranty, there is still a need to perform some basic maintenance to make sure everything runs smoothly. If your warranty runs out, you can often extend them for a reasonable price.


As well as a warranty, a breakdown package is strongly advisable as even the most looked after vehicles have a nasty habit of suddenly breaking down. There are many services available that will help you keep peace of mind traveling to and from your jobs.

Having your van serviced at a reputable garage is a must as it can help spot potential major problems and if you are ever thinking of selling on your van or truck in the future, a full and regular service history will help the vehicle retain its value.

So far we have talked about services and products that are advisable to use but what can you actually physically do on a regular basis to keep problems at bay? A lot of these tips are the same checks we should all do on any vehicle, but it is surprising how many people forget to do them. Check your oil level is alright by taking out your dipstick,

Top Tips and Tricks for Maintaining Your Woodburning Stove

Really hard working boiler? Then it is time for you to offer it a helping hand with a decent service this winter?

A good clean up is what is on the menu for virtually any woodburner stove which has been put through a hard winter. This will ensure your wood burning stove is in excellent health and ready for just about any of the unpredictable cold spells we regularly have to deal with in great britain.

To carry out a service it's advised that you simply contact an expert company. However if you fancy yourself a bit of a DIY'er then you might want to stick to all these simple measures.

To avoid the wife/husband maiming you and in order to avoid purchasing new household furniture it is usually a good idea to protect your entire area with big dust sheets.

When the cold season has finished it's time to clean out the wood stove from any ash and soot that the woodburning stove has collected. Having a vacuum to get rid of the soot a very good idea failing that you may just use a stiff brush.

You may find you've got a grate inside your woodburner though it is more common in multi energy stoves, but in the situation that you do you need to clean the ash pan as well as its contents.

Give your glass door a little clean up with some cleaning

Bringing Baby Home Tips to Maintain a Strong, Healthy Marriage

Two Shall Become One... and then three. What happens to the couple relationship when a baby is introduced into the mix? Well, for one thing, life gets very exciting! And exhausting. And challenging. Amid the chaos and the joy and the fear, it is possible to continue to develop a strong, healthy couple relationship. Here are some tips:

    Cut yourself some slack. Supermom and Superdad are mere myths - they don't exist!
    Cut your spouse some slack. Assume he or she has good intentions rather than interpreting everything as a dig against you or a sign of incompetence.
    Learn to forgive yourself. You'll be a great parent, but you won't get everything right 100% of the time. No one can.
    Remember that your marriage is a partnership, not a competition. You're in this together! Learn to approach chores and decision-making as a team.
    Reach out to friends. You're not in this alone! Lean on the support and friendship of those who've been there.
    Accept that your relationship with your spouse will inevitably change - don't let this be a surprise that you end up resisting.
    Take care of yourself. Rest when you can. Ask for help when you need it.
    Stay flexible. No matter how much you prepare, you can't really know what you'll do in every circumstance until you're in the circumstance.
    Set boundaries with parents and in-laws. Grandparents reared a family and the temptation is great for them to offer advice on how to rear yours. Take a deep breath, listen respectfully, stay non- defensive and don't burn bridges.
    Realize that taking care of a baby requires more work than most full-time jobs - it's important to recognize and affirm the efforts each of you puts in.
    Communicate! Remember that neither of you is a mind-reader. Be clear, patient and gentle in letting your wants and needs be made known.

Yes, life will change. You and your spouse will make memories that will last a lifetime. Keep the marriage as the number one priority. It's hard to imagine now, but Baby will grow up and leave the nest - your marriage will remain. Keep it strong for a lifetime of joyful parenting.

By Priscilla Hunt

Surefire Tips on How to Do Well in Your Job

If you are interested not only in keeping your job, but also in finding a successful career, it is important that you always keep your best foot forward. A lot of people, especially those who are new to their jobs, seem to be clueless on how to act appropriately and do well in their work. If you can relate to this problem and you really do not know what is expected of you in the office, just read on and follow the tips below.

Maintain Proper Decorum

If you want to keep your job, the first thing that you need to remember is that first impressions last. Thus, it is important that you maintain good grooming and proper office attire. Although appearance should not affect your chances of getting promoted, sometimes they do, especially if you are required to deal with customers and represent your company during conventions. How will your boss take you seriously if you do not show him that you are capable of dressing appropriately, going to work regularly, and being dependable? If you follow the office code of conduct, you are showing your boss that you are responsible and that you are able to abide by simple rules.

Try to Perform Better than what is Expected of You

One of the first things that you need to know well is your job description. Try to figure out how your position relates to the bigger picture. Once you know what is expected of you, be sure to meet all your production objectives and carry out your assignments on time. After you have learned to perform your work effectively, the

How Work-Life Balance Enhances Retention and The Establishment of a Skilled Mining Workforce

You must be aware that the recent surveys reveal that some of the mining industries in Australia are facing quite a few HR related challenges which includes better workforce management, accommodation and shift related work. Not to mention, there were additional related to the supervising contractors and most importantly- achieving a better work-life balance for retaining employees.

It was quite natural that most miners were inclined towards on-job safety, but there were greater concerns regarding how to strike a proper work-life balance that would help workers better survive the demands of the industry. What is important and needs to be understood is that the mining industries in Australia should strike a work-life balance and in no time you will notice better retention and establishment of skilled mining workforce.

Tips on how to maintain Work-Life balance for retention

If you happen to look for tips to retain skilled man-force in a nutshell, here are they:
  1. Make the employees involve in the daily job requirements- encourage them to participate in meetings and discussions and this is a great way to achieve a better work-life balance.
  2. You as an employer make the work place more rejuvenating. By doing this, you are actually motivating the employees. This will boost productivity and retention in the long run.
  3. You must understand that the same type of work-life balance policies doesn't work for all. Each employee is unique with different needs; and hence, policies made should cover the varied needs of the workforce.
  4. Communication! Yes this is the most important of all. Communicate everything clearly- be it the business requirements or the work culture- all are very important. Workers will soon find the perfect ways to accomplish their job and be happy and less frustrated at the end of the day.

By Deb Osterio

Tips For Maintaining Tennis Acrylic Surfaces

These days, tennis is not only for professional athletes, in fact, there are a lot of sports enthusiasts who made this recreational activity a hobby. If you are one of them, then why not have your very own tennis court constructed? And if tennis is on top of your list, then construction of courts with tennis acrylic surfaces is the way to go. This is definitely a good idea, for you will no longer have to think of the perfect place to play anymore. Instead, you can invite friends to come over and have fun at the comfort of your own home.

Why Acrylic?

Acrylic is a widely used material when it comes to tennis courts construction because of the following features and advantages:

• Durability - You can surely play for a longer time because tennis acrylic surfaces can stand the test of time. Because of the strength and resilience of the fibers, the court can endure changing weather, vigorous activities and other wearing conditions.

• Playability - All tennis players want a court that can allow them to perform to the best of their abilities. With acrylic tennis courts, one can be assured of sure-footnotes and steady ball bounce that will make every game worth the play.

• Minimal maintenance - Synthetic playing surfaces can be easily cleansed by the rain. And unlike natural courts, regular sweeping, watering and annual dressing are not required.

How to Maintain Tennis Acrylic Surfaces

If you finally decided on having your very own tennis court constructed, it is important to remember some techniques to make it last longer. Besides, it is a great investment, so keeping the value of your money is essential. So here are some tips to maintain tennis acrylic surfaces:

• Check your court for molds and other growth at least once a month. Indoor courts may need regular vacuuming and annual wet cleaning to get any dirt particles off. Food drops, drink spills and other foreign substances can cause fungi growth so cleaning with the use of detergent and soft-bristled brush is essential.

• Get rid of standing water. Rain showers are good cleansers for tennis courts. However, some of the water may settle and can cause

Thursday, 22 November 2012

Top 5 Tips to Making the Transition From Office Job to a Work at Home Based Business

There is no doubt the job market has begun to look rather bleak due to the recent recession. For this reason, more and more people are turning towards the internet for work. What many realize is that it can be rather difficult to make the transition from an office job to a work at home based business. Here are five tips to make the transition as smooth as possible.

1. Have a plan:

Without a doubt you need to have a plan that you can refer to from time to time. It is vital you have an in-depth plan that will lay out everything you intend on doing with your business. This includes plotting out who you will promote to, how you will reach them, what product or service you want to offer, and in what particular direction you intend on taking your work at home business.

2. Create a schedule:

Something that many people struggle with is dealing with the endless amount of freedom that is offered. You have the ability to work whenever you want which can lead to procrastination. To prevent getting in the habit of working a few hours a day, create a schedule for you to follow so you are sure to get the work done that needs to be completed.

3. Work from an office:

Whatever you do, do not try to get away with working on the living room couch or kitchen table. This is right amidst all of the distractions that are vying for your attention. Get away from the television and the food cabinets and start focusing on the tasks at hand. By locking yourself in an office you will find it to be much easier to focus.

4. Set goals:

To help you stay motivated with the work at home based business, set goals for yourself to strive for. You want to write out short-term and long-term goals so that you always have something to work toward.

Tips For Making a Good Impression on Your New Job

During this time when you are meeting your new colleagues and managers it is important to be careful of your behavior.

This is when they are assessing your abilities and the type of person you are. Here are some tips to help you during your first few weeks on a new job.

Dress Code

It is essential to your career success to make sure you are adhering to the proper dress code.

Many career experts recommend that during the first few months in a new organization to always dress professionally even on days where you are permitted to be casual.

You may be called into a meeting unexpectedly and you always want to be perceived as professional.

After you have established your abilities and have a proven track record you can begin to dress down but it is never recommended to dress too casual.

Establish A Good Record

When establishing a good record, it is important to put in the time by arriving to work early and staying late.

A new employee should be flexible in their schedule and willing to pitch in and help out the team whenever possible. It is just as important to show up to work every day.

You may have excellent skills but, if you are calling out in the beginning of a new position it will make you look not dedicated to you position. Additionally, try to keep your personal business to a minimum.

It does not make a good impression to be shopping on

Wednesday, 7 November 2012

Tips For Making a Good Impression on Your New Job

During this time when you are meeting your new colleagues and managers it is important to be careful of your behavior.

This is when they are assessing your abilities and the type of person you are. Here are some tips to help you during your first few weeks on a new job.

Dress Code

It is essential to your career success to make sure you are adhering to the proper dress code.

Many career experts recommend that during the first few months in a new organization to always dress professionally even on days where you are permitted to be casual.

You may be called into a meeting unexpectedly and you always want to be perceived as professional.

After you have established your abilities and have a proven track record

Leading A High Achiever In The Team

There is always comfort and familiarity with the normal, that's why it takes a different skill to handle a high achiever in the workplace. It isn't always a breeze to deal with a gifted team member or employee. In such a case, you have to apply the perfect balance of wind and sail for a gifted achiever to sail smoothly on to your goals and accomplish the exemplary results of their giftedness. A leader, by all means, need to be flexible and adaptable, and this trait is essential when managing a gifted team member. Giftedness, being a character boon and genetic advantage would typically achieve exceptional endeavors and outcomes, that's why it can be a godsend to the team. As a leader, adjust to the gifted group member so you can retain and make the most of their skills and capabilities for the team's success. Here are tips on how to manage a high achiever in the work place.

Useful Tips On How To Deal With A High Achiever In The Work Place:
Make the most of their potential. Identify the parameters and let the gifted team member run. Being endowed with skills different from regular team members, high achievers usually have distinctive characteristics, such as being not able to respond well to

Career Advice - How To Identify Achievers And Be One 2

  1. They can spot opportunities and are willing to take informed risks to capitalize on them.
  2. They are willing to admit mistakes and accept responsibility. They learn from them.
  3. They share the spotlight and credit with their associates, especially their boss.
  4. They are not afraid to ask for help from winners. When they seek assistance they learn new information and skills. They recognize that those who are asked for help feel complimented.
  5. They understand how their function can contribute to the success of their employer.
  6. They avoid a romance with their employer. That is, they treat the

Career Advice - How To Identify Achievers And Be One

The surest way to become a high achiever on the career path is to adopt the traits of those who have earned that status. Winners are identified by 13 indicators.

1. They separate work and play. They work hard and consistently to achieve success in each segment of their life.

2. They see their job as being composed of a variety of bite-size task and manage their time according to priorities. They focus on the tasks at hand.

3. They know how to manage their relationships with their boss, as well as their peers.