The Basics You Need to Work from Home

This is a contributed post to JMLalonde.com. For more information on contributing a post, please see our contributing policies.

Woman working from home

Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels
A huge change that many of us experienced in 2020 – and one that has, for many of us, continued into 2021 – is working from home. The coronavirus and Covid-19 pandemic has seen countless workplaces have to change their standard operating procedures and encourage staff to become a remote workforce in a bid to slow the spread of the virus. Of course, switching from a designated office space to the comfort of your own home may be difficult to navigate while maintaining top productivity levels and it’s something that many of us are still struggling with. One thing that can make all the difference to your work from home is the equipment you have. Here are some basics that you should seriously consider investing in!

Ergonomic Furniture and Equipment

Offices will always have ergonomic furniture and ergonomic equipment for staff. It’s a health and safety requirements that are in place to protect your health and wellbeing. Working from standard furniture can see your body lack the support it requires when you’re working from a desk for roughly eight hours a day. Improper equipment can also result in chronic issues, such as repetitive strain injury. Of course, you want to avoid this at all costs. So, ensure you have some ergonomic equipment and furniture in your home. Your employer may offer it to you, or you may simply need to invest in some yourself. There are plenty of options out there. From ergonomically designed desks to chairs, footrests, back supports, keyboards, mice, and even more.

How To Give Better Business Presentations

Stan Phelps is a master of communications. He’s penned or co-written multiple books on business, leadership, standing out, and, now, delivering business presentations.

In his latest book, Silver Goldfish, Phelps partnered with Alan Hoffler to create a great guide to giving memorable presentations.

Man in a suit standing on a stage

What I’ve discovered is that every leader is a presenter. They have to be able to clearly deliver a message that will be heard loud and clear. This makes them a presenter.

Phelps and Hoffler will help leaders become better presenters. Silver Goldfish is the pathway to this.

Today’s article will look at 3 of the 10 keys they shared in their book. I know these keys to delivering better business presentations will help you.

How To Give Better Business Presentations

Cover of the book Silver Goldfish

Impressions Matter:

Phelps and Hoffler discuss the importance of the impression you make on those you present to. This includes the way you dress, the way you hold yourself, and the first words you say.

10 Marketing Trends To Improve Your 2021 Strategy

This is a contributed post to JMLalonde.com. For more information on contributing a post, please see our contributing policies.

To stay current and fresh in a competitive landscape, brands have got to keep adapting their marketing efforts, in response to new trends and practices. With so many marketing options out there, you’ll be spoilt for choice in 2021. To focus on some of the most important trends right now, be sure to check out these picks.

1. Social Shopping 

Social shopping, or social commerce, allows businesses to directly sell products using social channels. Social commerce is not the same as social marketing, which focuses on boosting web traffic with content. Social shopping rather involves a complete shopping experience, from browsing items to payment. The process is more streamlined when compared to shopping on a website. Further benefits of social commerce include:

  • Improved user engagement.

Quotes And Leadership Lessons From Project Power

Project Power is a unique Netflix original movie. The premise is that a drug is being manufactured and distributed that gives users superpowers for 5 minutes. The catch? You don’t know what your superpower will be. Your power could be incredible, or it could be deadly.

The theme isn’t the only thing that is powerful about Project Power. There’s quite a bit of star power packed into this Netflix original movie. Jamie Foxx stars as Art. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as local cop Frank. Rodrigo Santoro is Biggie. Courtney B. Vance is Captain Craine. As you can see, Project Power has star power.

Cast of Netflix's Project Power

Project Power was a fun, different take on a superpower movie. Its uniqueness is just quirky enough to make the film innovative. Check it out if you like superhero and superpowered movies.

3 Ways Leaders Earn Trust

A blog reader recently asked me the question “How do I earn the trust of those I lead?” His question is a good one and that’s why I wanted to use it as the basis for this article.

Trust is important to those in a leadership position. If your team doesn’t trust you, you will struggle with performance issues, quality control, and more.

Multiple hands with palms up

Photo by McKenna Phillips

Trust is the bedrock of great leadership. You need to learn how to get your people to trust you.

Today, that’s what we’re going to look into.

3 Ways Leaders Earn Trust

Keep your promises:

You hear this and you go “Duh! Of course leaders who want to be trusted must keep their promises.” Keeping your word is paramount in being trustworthy.

But…