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As callme2work, we are always at the forefront of creating solutions to most of the challenges we face in our day to day lives. Our aim is to ensure seamless and real time connection to any specialist of your need at any time of the day.

Different people are becoming busier these days due to their work schedules while others are more often than not travelling for business. We also have those who cannot go out and seek certain services or handyman services due to their conditions such as home bound seniors and those with health problems. Our major aim of providing such services is to ensure there is a solution in the society as well as helping people live better and hustle free life.

We have developed an exciting product, Callme2work Eassy Shopper. With this, you can request for a shopping Marshall and get your shopping done and delivered to your door step in an hour or two. The shopping ranges from groceries, your favorite cereals, a special gift among many other household goods.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Download callme2work app from google play or Apple store.
2. Sign up using your personal information.
3. Request for a specialist on the category Eassy shopper.
4. Indicate the preferred shopping day i.e. urgently today, tomorrow or next week
5. Indicate your location
6. Send the request through the system

You will then receive the contact information about the shopping Marshall within your locality and provide further information on the shopping to be handled including shopping list and preferred store.

The actual shopping is handled as per your specifications and when there is need, our professional Marshall’s offer advice depending on the shopping being handled. We ensure doorstep delivery of your products in their best condition.

ADVANTAGES

• Time saver – Time is money, so when you are busy handling other tasks, let callme2work help you with your shopping and deliver it to your location in good time. Relieve yourself from stress and focus on other matters that require your attention.
• Reduce impulse buying – more often people go shopping as a family, as you pick your items from the shelf, the kids normally pick a lot of junk food and add to the trolleys. These are items they can do without and you could actually use that money to buy other items which they actually need.
• Saves on fuel and parking fees – Why spend extra cash on fuel when we can sort you out? why worry where to park your car when we can actually sort you out? Download callme2work app and request for a shopping Marshall at your convenience.
• Have extra time to rest and think of other matters – imagine a moment you leave your office at 6 pm, you are tired, traffic is packed up as usual and you still have to pass by the grocery shop. It can be quite hectic. Request for a shopping Marshall and pick your groceries right at the gate as you get home without stress.

 

Our shopping Marshall’s are experts with highest level of customized  service to individual shoppers by giving personalized attention.

Payment for the shopping is done through our mobile app.

Download callme2work today and get a shopping Marshall at the convenience of your home or office.

You can also peruse our website at www.callme2work.com for more information on the services we offer.

In the era of digital art, graphic design trends can evaporate as quickly as they emerged. What has been modern for the past few years may look entirely outdated now. While some trends have stood the test of time, others have vanished in the blink of an eye only to make room for new modern looks.

This year has been a year of crazy designs, experiments and wild imaginations. While some of this might have come a surprise to you, you might have seen it coming.

If you’re feeling fashionable and want to add some contemporary flair to your designs, the following are the new trends that will wow you and your consumers.

The “corrupted image” effect

This has been one of the most popular trends in the digital world lately.

This old trend has been rediscovered and suited into the modern graphic design.

The “Ruined” effect

Recently, graphic designers have been known for the “art of destroying”. This includes splashing, scratching, ripping off, breaking or any other form of ruining the aesthetics of a composition and this is considered modern.

 

Color

channels effect

Playing with color channels has been widely popular among designers. This technique allows designers to create a great illusion effect. A holograph, a hallucination, distorted reality, all which are considered highly influential to viewers.

Double exposure

This has been a popular trend for a while now. Despite the fact that it seem to have been used less in recent times, it is definitely a design which amazes many.

Double exposure duotone

This trend is a hybrid from double exposure and duotone, plus using color channels. Double exposure duotone is achieved by doubling the image or using two different overlapping images in monochrome colors. This way graphic designers achieve an ahead of time effect.

Double light

This another major trend in recent times. This effect transforms simple compositions into new edgy, modern looking ones. Double lights is an effect that can be achieved with two actual sources of light, or color channel splitting.

Creative typography

This is among the leaders for graphic design trends lately. When it come to this technique, imagination is your strongest asset. Creative typography can be combined with other techniques or used solely in the design. It impresses in both situations.

Cropped typography

This was a trend in the past years and it is still hot. It includes the art of erasing parts of the letters while keeping their readability. It requires a lot of creativity and professionalism.

 

Chaotic typography

This simply includes unconventionally order for arrangement of letters and words.

Colorful 3D substance

Bright colors plus a 3D composition is an absolute winning combination. With so many graphic design trends fighting for the leading position in 2018, bright colors are certainly on the top of the charts.

Bright colors can certainly make a design pop.

One color 3D

Lately, we’ve been seeing more and more product presentations using the same background color as the product presented. This actually makes a product look eye-pleasing.

Hand drawn illustration

Custom hand drawn illustration is always on the wave of popularity. Every design is a piece of art created with a lot of talent and imagination.

When it comes to graphic design, illustrations always bring a special unique vibe to the piece.

 

 

 

As we all know, the advent of digital photography has led to a whole bunch of folks thinking they are photographers. More people are trying to do-it- yourself every day. The DELETE button on their digital cameras allows them to throw out-of-focus, awkwardly framed, and miserable exposed images instantly. The result is still only bad picture.

When you hire a professional photographer, you aren’t just hiring someone with an expensive camera. You are hiring someone who knows how to make you, or whatever the subject is, look awesome. They use an artistic eye, they have an ability to put the subject at ease, and the technical skill to give you an image that everyone will notice. Artistic vision and the ability to see the image helps a photographer craft memorable images and snapshots.

As the saying goes, ‘you get what you pay for’ and paying for a professional photographer will bring you custom crafted images you’ll be proud to display and share for years to come.

Simply understand you’re not just paying for the actual photograph, you’re paying for time and expertise in creating the image itself. First, lets look at the actual time involved.

For a two-hour portrait session:

• Travel to and from the session
• One or two hours of shooting
• 30 minutes of setup, preparation
• 30 minutes to load photos on a computer for editing
• 30 minutes to back up the files on multiple external drives
• 3-4 hours of Photoshop time including cropping, contrast, color, sharpening

You can now see how one to two-hour session easily turns into more than ten hours of work from start to finish. So, if a photographer charges 4000 for a two-hour session then you can understand what it entails.

Qualities of a professional photographer.

• Creativity and imagination.

Photography, for all intents and purposes, is a form of art. Therefore, it requires a creative mind- and plenty of imagination. A good photographer can look at something ordinary, or even extraordinary, and find a million different ways to interpret what he’s seeing and convey those interpretations in beautiful and meaningful photos.

• An Eye for detail.

A good photographer has a very keen eye for detail to ensure that all elements within the photo- the lighting, the composition, the subject, and everything else in between- work together harmoniously to convey the right vision or message.

Key elements that make up a photograph:

• Lighting
• Composition
• Storytelling
• Emotion
• Patience and flexibility

Whatever the photography field, a good photographer is patient. The patience to wait for perfect lighting. Patient enough to deal with crying babies, hyperactive animals, and difficult clients. And patience enough to keep trying when they can’t get the right shot. In addition to that flexibility is also so key. The two qualities go hand in hand as a photographer should be patient enough to deal with whatever comes his way, and to be flexible enough to make the best of undesirable conditions.

• Good people skills.

Being a professional photographer means working with people – whether it’s a client, a model, or even a fellow photographer. Thus, a good photographer should have people skills. A photographer will also need to network to obtain clients and partnership, so knowing how to connect and communicate effectively with others is imperative. In addition to that, its just not enough to know how to take good photos. You must know how to interact with your subjects to make them feel at ease, get them to cooperate, or draw out all the right emotions out of them.

•        Passion

What sets a good photographer from the rest? Passion.

When you’re passionate about what you do, it will always shine through in your work. It takes a lot of time and effort to make it as professional photographer, and the ones who do succeed and manage to make a name for themselves are those who are truly passionate about their craft.

 

Things to know when hiring a photographer.

• You are hiring a visual solution provider.

This is what commercial photographers do. Every product has challenge to making it look great. Every service has challenges in bringing that service to a photograph. Professional commercial photographers are uniquely prepared to meet those challenges and provide solutions that make images that work for you.

• All photographers are not the same

That wonderful photographer that photographed you sister’s birthday may not be a commercial photographer, nor have the skills needed to provide that work. If you need a people shot, you should look for someone who does that well. If you have a product, make sure the photographer can shoot products. Remember that their portfolio while not having the exact shot you are looking for, will let you know if they are capable of shooting products, people, locations and studio work.

• Discuss your budget honestly.

Most professional photographers are decent, honest people and want to work with you. They can take your budget and find the best way to get what you need done. If your budget will not be enough for studio rental, they will find a way to shoot in location. If you only have a specific amount of money to spend on the photography, most photographers will find a way to make sure you get the absolute best work possible. And for sure, different photographers have different ways of getting things done.

• Hire a photographer that understands your needs.

How will you tell if they understand your needs? They ask questions. Lots of questions. They will want to see what you consider your competition, they may want to scout your location, or meet with you for a pre-production discussion. They may ask to do test shots before the actual shoot to make sure they can solve the challenges in the best way possible. They may also want to know what you want to do with the images, so they can prepare them for the best presentation possible.

• Great photography is not a cost item, it’s a profit center.

Good photography sells more product. It makes your service look better. It takes your business and shows it in the best light. Consumers and purchasers choose brands with great photography over products with bad, boring or mediocre imagery. Better photography sells more stuff to the clients you want to serve.

 

 

 

 

No one wants to have their home fumigated but in some particular devastating cases of infestation, fumigating the entire property may be necessary. Depending on the species of pests, different chemicals may be used to fumigate. Nearly all pesticides used in fumigation are hazardous to humans and animals, though, so it’s imperative you never attempt to fumigate your property without a licensed extermination professional’s assistance.

STEPS TO PREPARE FOR A FUMIGATION.

There are a number of measures that your household will be asked to take in order to prepare for the event. It can take several days to prepare, so make sure you have a plan of action to follow and don’t wait until the last minute to get started. Your exterminator will provide you with a checklist of items to help you prepare for a successful fumigation.

• Disconnect the gas supply.

If you use gas as an energy source in your home, you’ll need to have the gas shut off before fumigation begins. Schedule a temporary shutoff to happen first thing in the morning the day fumigation begins.

• Remove plants, animals and people.

Anything that’s alive will need to be removed from the inside of your home and kept away from the house. Both animals could get into a spot where they would be exposed to the fumigant. Houseplants can be moved outdoors to a shady spot several feet away from the home’s exterior. You will need to find a place for your family to stay for up to three days.

Perishable food items, including those inside your fridge and freezer, must be either removed from the home or double bagged in special fumigation bags. Items you must double bag if they are to remain inside  include items such as rice and cereals that are packaged in plastic or cardboard, even if these items are unopened. Any canned or bottled items that are unopened/still sealed may remain inside your home. Don’t forget to remove bagged pet food too, even if it’s unopened.

• Medications

Vitamins, over-the counter medications, and prescriptions must also be double bagged or removed from your home. Make sure you pack any medications you take regularly to keep with you and double bag all other items, including things like cough drop.

You’ll need to cut back plants and shrubs that are close to your home so they will remain outside the tented area. This can be a good excuse to get some much-needed pruning done. Once pruning is complete, thoroughly water the perimeter of your home to further protect the plants from the fumigant.

• Remove plastic from indoor items.

The plastic tent is used to trap fumigant inside your home, but when plastic is covering items inside the home, the gases can get inside or underneath and become trapped, so they are not able to dissipate once the fumigation is over. Any items covered in plastic should have the plastic cover removed. Plastic storage totes should have the covers removed as well. If you’re not sure whether an item in plastic is airtight or not, remove it from the property.

 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING FUMIGATION?

1. The area to be treated is covered with tarp (tenting) then all ventilation holes and slats are taped shut to ensure the fumigation chemicals are trapped inside.
2. After all humans and animals have exited, pesticide vapors are pumped into the tent structure where the seep into wood, and all the elements of the structure to kill hard-to-reach pests.
3. The chemicals are allowed to steep for a set period of time, usually between 24-72 hours, then the area is de-fumigated and the tent is removed.
4. A pest control professional will manually check all areas of concern in the property to ensure the pest infestation is under control. Continued follow-up spot treatments may be necessary.

After all fumigation activities is done, it is safe to clean or hire a cleaning crew to completely clean your home. For anyone else who is considering fumigation, I would recommend insisting that anyone who fumigates your home or business hire a professional cleaning crew to come in after the fumigation to completely clean all surfaces in the home.

I would also recommend washing all bedding and clothing that has been exposed to sulfuryl fluoride. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

However, if you smell anything unusual, you may want to stay out another couple of days and then contact the fumigation company to have the check it out.

Sometimes you want to get off the hassle of driving yourself. Sometimes you want to get to a deep remote area where a matatu can’t reach. Or sometimes you’d rather just want to drive yourself and avoid the hassle of a matatu. In all the above scenarios, the best alternative would be to hire car services to facilitate your movement around.

There are many services in the industry and settling for a good one may be a daunting task if you have not used one before. Below are some of the factors that you should consider making the process easy and efficient:

• When and where?
First things first, you need to know where and when you need the car. This is crucial to make prior arrangement depending on your schedule i.e. attending flight or just a normal cruise in downtown.

• Charges
It’s important to know how much they will charge you. The prices may be very high, and they can sideline you when you decide to ask for the charges after they have provided their services. Let them give you a breakdown of their services and charges before you make -a- decision.

• Who is travelling?
This is important since you will want to keep the cost as low as possible. So, if you are just a couple, or a small group with little luggage then you would opt for a smaller car which are normally cheaper. If you need more space, you can decide to choose a bigger car to suit your needs.

• Which car rental agent
Do you have a preference as to which car rental agent you want to use? Ensure to check other customer rating for the agency you want to settle for.

• Which car hire offer extras?
If you are looking for optional extras such as additional drivers, child seats then its worth comparing the overall cost inclusive of the extras. Sometimes you may find that the total cost of the extras you require is cheaper with a more expensive rental car.

• Know your rights
You should know of the safety policies that your prospect service providers offer. Another paramount factor is the insurance policies. You must know their policies and get an evidence. This is because some of them only cover the vehicle instead of covering both the vehicle and its occupants. It is safer to ride in a vehicle that has also insured its clients

It is after careful consideration that you should go ahead and settle on the agency and vehicle you need. Even though a driver’s license is enough document for you to drive on the Kenya roads, there are several factors you should consider as you drive around the country roads;

1. Seat belt laws
Although many Kenyan drivers don’t bother with seat belts, it’s a legal requirement for all drivers and passengers to wear one and, given the safety record of Kenyan drivers, its highly recommended too

2. Drinking and driving
For all drivers the legal maximum of alcohol in the blood is 80 mg per 100ml blood. Any level above this then you will be charged and face a fine.

3. Speed limits
The speed limits in Kenya are 50 km/h in town and 80 km/h outside of town and cities. You should adjust your speed for the road conditions and the type of car you’re driving.

4. Minimum driving age
Kenya sets the minimum age for motorcycle, cars, vans and trucks at the age of 18. To hire a car, you must be 23 years old and have held your license for 2 or more years.

5. Insurance
You must have at least third-party insurance on any vehicle driven in Kenya.

6. Speed cameras
Speed cameras are becoming very common in Kenya with mobile cameras being used increasingly. Its not unusual to not be warned that you are entering a controlled zone, so the best advice is always to watch your speed.

7. Using your mobile phones while driving
You are not allowed to use any mobile phones whilst driving unless with a hands-free kit and passengers may not use devices as they are likely to distract the driver.

8. Emergency
The emergency numbers in Kenya are 112 for the police and 999 for fire and ambulance.

9. What to do in an emergency
In an emergency, you are likely to be surrounded by a small crowd. If possible, call the police as soon as possible. Insist that none of the vehicles are moved and if possible, photograph the scene as the police may take some time to arrive by which time some of those involved are likely to have driven off.

The above precautions are supposed to guide you as you drive within the country. You are not limited to any of the points mentioned above, but rather you should always be careful as you drive to ensure you arrive safely in your destination.

Many offices nowadays opt for partitions in place of permanent walls, with increased options of floor-to-ceiling glass to opaque desk dividers meaning every workplace can find the right partitions to suit employees.

Below are some of the things to consider before deciding on which partition is most suitable for your work space:

Demount-able partitioning is effective in office areas and has the benefit of being easy to dismantle and re-erect if you need some flexibility making it the easiest to move around regularly. Sliding or folding doors partitions are great if you need to close or open up areas for different purposes.

Wood partitioning produces a practical but very pleasing office environment, as it creates a natural look and feel making them ideal for conference facilities, executive suites and boardrooms.

Glass partitions are an excellent choice if you want to make sure each office space has the maximum amount of light.

Types of partitions
1. Glass partition

Glass partitions aim to provide privacy and discretion without causing employees to feel cut off or excluded. These partitions are quick to install and are customizable, so you can add your corporate colors or logo to make your office unique.

2. Solid partitions

This offers maximum discretion and privacy. If your office requires spaces for high levels of focus, these partitions will fit the bill. These too are customizable and very fast to install to minimize interruption and distraction.

3. Acoustic partitions

This comes in a variety of designs including double glazed, single glazed and solid office partitions. Double glazed acoustic doors will provide better office soundproofing, while a solid partition will generally be more soundproof than a glass office partition.

4. Demountable partitions

Many workplace office partitions are demountable and locatable, meaning that they have ultra-fast removal and installation times. This ensures maximum flexibility for your business as they are easily interchangeable and can therefore help your business achieve the vision it has for its office more effectively.

The following are some of the advantages of office partitioning:
• Natural light
Glass partitions are effective in maximizing the impact of natural light. The clear glass in place of walls also creates a bigger impression of open space, providing a more positive, welcoming environment to work.

• Aesthetics
The range of styles and materials of office partitions available can contribute towards a modern, colorful environment. Solid partition walls can even be designed in keeping with your company’s color scheme. Likewise, opting for glass or part-glazed partitions instead of additional walls creates more space and light, features that are generally agreed to make for a more positive and appealing work space.

• Cost effective and practical
Office partitions, are a far more cost effective method of dividing the office than having a full, permanent walls instead. Likewise, partitions mean you can save on energy costs, as less rooms need to remain heated with lighting.

• Privacy
This reduces noise levels crossing the office , allowing staff to focus on their own work without distraction, and to take phone calls/hold meetings in a professional manner without excessive background noise.
The partitions create an element of personal space for each employee, clearly sectioning their work are. This can be useful for employees to feel secure in their work environment, and to be able to focus on their projects.

Majority of households will have a water- related emergency at some point. Whether it’s a blocked drain, a tap that won’t switch off or a leak under the sink, it’s often the case that professional assistance is required.
Regular, professional drain cleaning services should be part of the home maintenance routine due to the following reasons:

1. Reduce sewer blockages
Over time, blockages can build up in drains and pipes that haven’t been cleaned regularly. Although some small blockages may be fixed easily on your own, a more serious blockage could be developing inside of your drain pipes that could cause serious sewer problems. When that occurs, most if not all of the drains in your home may clog, water may spurt out of your drains when you flush the toilet, and eventually, an overflow or burst pipes can cause significant damage to your home.

2. Prevent foul odors
Without the periodic service of a professional plumber, mold and bacteria will accumulate in your drains and cause odors. The flow of water through the drains and pipes from normal usage is not sufficient to clean away the odor causing particles, which thrive in the damp, dark environment of your drains and pipes. These bacteria and mold can even make your family sick if they grow in large enough numbers. Regular drain cleaning will remove them completely, preventing odors and the potential for illness.

3. Fixing slow drains
Watching water sitting on the floor because your drains are slow can be very frustrating. Slow drains can indicate pipe blockage or issues with drainage in the main sewer line. Slow drains can promote mold growth, as well as the spread of odor through your home. A professional plumbing inspection and cleaning can help to clear drains and speed up the drainage in your home for a cleaner and fresher environment.

4. A clean and pleasant home environment

Poor drainage, clogged pipes, and sewage back flows can all detract from your home environment. Slow drains and dripping faucets can cause mold growth, sewage back flows promote the spread of bacteria and germs, while clogged drains can prevent your toilet flushing. If drain blockages and pipe problems are reducing your home’s cleanliness and your quality of life, call your plumber as soon as possible for drain cleaning and get your home back to normal.

5. Save your time and money

When drains and pipes aren’t cleaned, small blockages turn into large ones, pipes can become corroded, and backflow can occur from your toilet. The water that will spill into your home if this occurs is waste water which not only causes water damage, but also allows dangerous bacteria to seep into your walls and flooring. To repair this kind of damage, all the affected areas must typically be removed, which can be extremely costly and time consuming.

Drainage problems and pipe blockages can cause a range of issues in your home, but many can be easily identified and fixed by a qualified plumber. If you’re experiencing issues with your drainage, download CallMe2Work and get qualified, vetted and experienced plumber to identify and clear your drainage issues, and get your drainage flowing smoothly again.

Your birthday should no longer be full of “wishes” anymore. Infact you should not remember the last time you closed your eyes to really “wish” for anything. Rather, your birthdays should represent continual gratitude fest, filled with thoughts of all the ways you have been blessed by people, experiences, and limitless grace.

In honor of another birthday, here are some reasons for you to be happy. I would have shared very many reasons, but I know you don’t have all day.

You finally know who you are at your best.
You may not always live to the hype, but for you, recognizing your version of great brings clarity to your journey.

You are surrounded by love.
Your husband, your children, your family, your friends, your colleagues – you are surrounded by deep, abiding love.. the kind you don’t have to make excuses for.

Never run out of ideas
You may sometimes run out of answers, but never ideas. When you get stuck, just ask a new question.
Creativity is truly abundant.

Doors will open
You have been on this faith walk long enough to know that if you keep your eyes, ears, and heart open, the universe will provide. New opportunities will present themselves, and the path will emerge.

You found your courage
Your life is the culmination of countless leaps of faith. Just step out now… no more behind the curtains
Life is a learning journey
You may have made mistakes in your past, but you should know and understand that you are not your mistakes. You are pure possibility, and every day is new.

You are free
Free to be happy or sad. Free to sit or stand.. or fly. Free to be where you are needed, even if you are the one in need. Freedom is a gift.

You are healthy
Yes you are healthy

What’s before you is greater than what’s behind you
Your past might be pretty amazing.
But you should be ready for what the future holds and, at the same time, exceedingly grateful for the NOW. The now includes you. There are gifts available to everyone. All you have to do is open your arms to receive them, and step out and up with intention.

Here’s to another year of adventures. Here’s to more breakthroughs, here’s to more friends, here’s to more smiles, happiness. Here’s to your best friend, CallMe2Work, to bring you the best birthday gift of your life

Are you living with boring white walls, but hate the thought of painting? Painting is often a task many home owners dread. However it is one of the most inexpensive ways to improve the look of your home without too much effort.
Paint colors can dramatically change the mood and interior design of your home. Paint can make a statement with splashes of bold color, or it can be a soft backdrop to a more muted interior.
If you ask me, painting is one of the easiest and least expensive tools in the interior design world. And picking the best colors for your home is one of the interesting part of the process. With so many hues to choose from, where does one even start?
There are several factors to consider before you paint- things that will make your job much easier:

• Lighting

Does your room get a tone of natural light? Or not so much? Paint a color that looks very different depending on the light. As far as dark colors go, they can read elegant and cozy in rooms with good, natural light but can easily read claustrophobic in rooms with little natural light. Get a sample, and paint a square on your wall, paying careful attention to how it changes in certain lights through the day.

• Adjacent rooms

With open concept layout being such a sought after floor plan these days, many homes have rooms that floor right into another. If there is a half wall, or any other framing that technically separates the space, you’ll need to decide if you want to paint both spaces the same color or choose a complementary color for the adjacent space. If you are keeping the space adjacent to the room you are painting the same color, you’ll want to make sure that existing color makes sense in your home’s color story. Otherwise the entire area could just look disjointed.

• The size of the room

One of the common misconceptions about painting a small room is that you should stick to white to create an illusion of more space. While it’s true that white can certainly create a sense of airiness in some spaces, many interior designers swear by choosing dark colors for a small room to blend its edges and camouflage the fact that it is indeed small.
Alternatively, dark colors in large rooms draw the room in, making it feel smaller and more cozy. Lighter colors enhance the feeling of openness.

• Your furnishings

Unless you’re buying brand new furnishings to go into your room after you’ve chosen your color, you’ll want to think about how the furnishings you have will correlate with the hue you choose. Opt for a paint shade much lighter or much darker that the elements in the space.

• What vibe you’re going for

One of the favorite things about painting is that it can feel so trans formative. Color psychology is a real thing, and it plays out with the paint colors you seek in your home. Pale and cool colors create a sense of serenity. Warm colors, especially red, raise a room’s energy level and are great for fostering conversation and sociability. Bright colors, like yellow, are happy but can be hard on the eyes and can elicit negative feelings in some people. And neutral can lend a sense of calm and refinement.

• The future

If you’re dying to paint your bathroom a deep navy blue, do it! When all is said and done, this is your home, and your paint colors should reflect your personality. But first, consider what the future holds for the space you’re painting. Do you plan to sell your home in the near future? Will the room be re-purposed down the road for a nursery?
Knowing you will have to start the entire painting process over again may steer you towards a lighter shade than you were originally considering, given it will be easier to paint over down the road.

 

Technology is evolving at lightning speed and is forever changing the way the world works. And to continue improving our ways of life, we need to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and skills.

In order for you to have a professional advantage you need to display your skills beyond the basics. Setting yourself apart from the crowd in today’s competitive world. As an independent specialist or consultant, your knowledge and skills can be the difference between landing the assignment and the clients you want, and struggling to prove your value.

Keeping up-to-date on the trends affecting your industry is a key part of staying relevant, because it can help you see how your career fits in with your industry’s ups and downs. Do you know your industry’s biggest trends right now? What are people predicting in the next couple of years? How about 10 years from now?

Staying current in your field will require a strong mix of hard skills and the technical know-how needed in your line, and soft skills such as communication savvy.

Here are some of the ways to keep your knowledge and abilities up-to-date:

 

Join the conversation

Keeping up with the industry trends and insights require almost continuous maintenance.

Subscribe to newsletters, participate in workshops, and participate in discussions online. It’s only by keeping up on this front that you’ll even know about the technical changes on the horizon.

 

Make friends across generations

Don’t assume you don’t have anything in common with the new entrants in your field who are older or younger. Making friends who are not in your age group can help you communicate with a wider variety of people. Getting their perspective can help provide new ways of looking at the business. Finally, they can keep you dialed into big picture changes, as well as provide new tools and problems-solving approaches.

Make relevance a priority

As relevance slips away from you, the biggest danger is that you slowly become unemployable on the open markets. It’s possible to stick out safely in a certain job for a while, but always try to keep your skills fresh to the best of your ability.

Invest in continuing education and certification

While continuing education and certification programs typically require a more intensive time and financial obligation, they can help boost reliability, and demonstrate a commitment to your profession. Becoming proficient in a new platform, committing to uphold industry standards through a certification program, or staying on top of market trends by taking a class can position you competitively within your line of business.

Volunteer

Volunteer to take on new projects and apply the skills you’re working on. Your ultimate goal is to apply new skills which will lead you to a better placement in your field. Your volunteer work can be included as part of your experience on your profile just like paid work experience.

 

No matter what tactic you choose, maintaining expertise in your field shows clients you are well informed and dedicated. Set yourself up for success by investing in your skills and knowledge today.