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Showing posts from August, 2020

Why Carbonless Forms Make a Great Tech-Free Solution

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When you “cc” someone on an email, do you ever think about what this abbreviation actually means? In 1801, Pellegrino Turri invented carbon paper to provide ink for his mechanical typing machine, which was one of the first typewriters. Five years later, carbon paper was patented and released to the general public. Carbon paper soon became a primary method for rapidly reproducing documents or booklets, and today its legacy has remained in the header of emails. The “cc” abbreviation stands for “carbon copies,” or copies intended for recipients other than the principal addressee. Since Turri’s day, carbonless forms have largely replaced their early ancestor. Carbonless copy paper has  micro-encapsulated  dye or ink on the back side of the top sheet, and a clay coating on the front side of the bottom sheet. When pressure is applied (from writing or impact printing), the dye capsules rupture and react with the clay to form a permanent mark duplicating the markings made to the top sheet.

Sell Yourself with a Winning Elevator Pitch

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Can you introduce yourself or your business in a brief, compelling way? An elevator pitch does precisely that. While the origins of this term are debated, the name reflects the idea of a quick speech that could be given in the span of an elevator ride (thirty seconds to two minutes). An elevator pitch is a short description of an idea, product, or company that explains the concept in a way that any listener could understand. This engaging summary could be used to entice an investor, to explain an idea, or to sell your services. Done right, your pitch can help you land a job or connect with prospective customers. It can take time to solidify your pitch, but here are four tips that can help: 1. Build a Connection The start of a conversation is a perfect time to establish a relationship. Begin by introducing yourself and, if possible, build off a previous connection or shared experience. As you share, try to reference your credentials, training, or something that differentiate

What to Do When You're Tempted to Give Up on Your Business

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“It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” - NFL Coach Vince Lombardi   Should I give up? It’s the question that hits every aspiring leader at some point. It’s a seed of doubt rooted deep in our emotions and our identities as humans. As an entrepreneur, you will continuously face discouragement that threatens to cheat you out of hope and possibility. When you are tempted to quit on your business, what should you do? Rest is Best While there are many things you can do to combat discouragement, one of the best things is also the simplest: REST. Making decisions when you are fatigued or depressed can have long-lasting consequences. A pessimistic outlook can shape the trajectory of a decision, leading to poor outcomes down the road. And weariness has real effects: one study found that U.S. clinicians were 26% more likely to prescribe unnecessary antibiotics to patients during the fourth hour of work on a typical day. When you feel beat down or unce