For Businesses – Page 4

How to stay in touch with your loved ones during lockdown

In the UK, we’re in lockdown mode once again. Much like the first time, we will be confined to our homes. This means no mixing with anyone who doesn’t live with us, which sadly includes friends, and family too.

All we can do is make the most of it, and look at how we can stay connected. Here are our top tips on how to stay in touch with your loved ones during lockdown to tell you more.

Zoom

Zoom has been the platform of choice to connect with workmates and loved ones throughout Covid. If you’re yet to try Zoom, you can have up to 100 participants on a call lasting up to 40 minutes. Though, this can be extended if you use the paid version.

It doesn’t have to be about boring work chats either. You can invite all of your friends and family for a quiz night, or even attempt some karaoke. Given we can’t all meet up right now, it’s the closest thing we have to coming together, so be sure to schedule regular meetings so that you don’t lose touch with everyone.

Facebook Messenger

Most people use Facebook Messenger for casual chats with their contacts throughout the day. But, if you’re friends or family live abroad, it can save you hundreds off your phone bill, as you can call and video chat within the interface.

An added touch is the ability to play games together in the chat too. There’s everything from word games to puzzle games, and even the likes of pool and Pac Mac too. If you’re bored during the lockdown, it’s the perfect way to connect with others and let off a bit of steam too.

Netflix Party

Netflix Party (now known as Teleparty) is a way of watching your favourite shows together, regardless of the location of everyone else. Whether you’ll be tuning in to the new season of The Crown or rewatch a classic movie, everyone’s video will be synced and you can also participate in a group chat.

Unfortunately, during lockdown, there will be no cinema time. But you can recreate the experience at least in part this way. Be sure to bring some nachos and popcorn to the proceedings too!

Virtual Dinner Date

There will be no meeting up for a Tinder date during lockdown or even seeing your current beau unless you live in the same household. But what you can do is hold a virtual dinner date. Anything goes, though most couples order each other a takeaway. This can be a great way to get to know each other or keep the romance going if you’re in a long term relationship.

If you’re virtually meeting someone new, then you can make things interesting by asking each other some questions. Doing so can be a great ice breaker, especially if you’re nervous. Though at least with a virtual date, you can keep your slippers on at least!

To Sum Up

While lockdown isn’t easy for anyone, staying in contact with others is one of the best ways to get through it. Be sure to check in with friends and family every day, and make time to schedule longer chats at least once a week. Hopefully, this will all soon be over, but until then, the above list will give you some food for thought.

Becoming self employed in 2021

The coronavirus pandemic has sadly seen levels of unemployment sharply rise, with The Bank of England expecting figures to reach as high as 2.5 million. If your industry has been affected you might be considering your next career move.

One option is to become self-employed either full time or as a side hustle to bring in extra income. Here’s our top advice on how to get started.

Find a niche

As difficult as losing your job is, it gives you a rare opportunity to have a clean break from your previous career. If you’ve always had a burning passion for starting your own business, then now is the time to seize that opportunity. Of course, the success of your new venture comes down to finding the right niche. It should be something you’re either qualified to do or have a real interest in. Or even, an idea that fills a gap in the market.

If you need some guidance, then a business consultant can point you in the right direction. Market research is also imperative. You need to be aware of any similar products or services that currently exist so that you can develop your USP. Consider what you can offer that’s different to your competitors that will appeal to customers.

The admin side of things

Before you start, check if you’re eligible for a government startup loan or grant. Then you need to think about how you will cover your costs in general. On a basic level, you need to work out how much you need to make ends meet (and generate a profit) and sync this with how much you will charge your customers. Sticking to your market research is going to be helpful here, as your products or services need to be something that’s in demand so that they will sell.

Then there’s the so-called ‘dreaded’ tax return to consider. It’s often the thought of tax returns that put people off going alone, but with so many accountants out there, there’s no need to panic. Whatsmore, the current UK tax-free allowance is £12,500, meaning you are only taxed after you earn above this figure. If you’re planning on being employed and self-employed, you can earn up to £1,000 from your self-employment before you have to fill out a tax return.

Marketing your business

Due to the coronavirus restrictions, the way you can market your new venture is going to look a little different. For example, there will be no door to door enquiries or giving leaflets out in public for the time being. But, with the likes of social media marketing, email marketing and of course having your own website, this doesn’t have to be an issue. If you’re confident in digital marketing then you can create advertising campaigns yourself, or you can outsource your marketing to an agency if you have the budget.

To market your business successfully, you need to know who your core audience is in terms of age, gender, income and personality. It might sound a lot to consider, but it will help streamline your marketing efforts so that you target the right people. Don’t forget to tell your friends and family too, as building up your social media followers is going to help you get your name out there.

Networking

One of the best things you can do when you’ve just become self-employed is to network with others. Not only will this help create more awareness about your business, but it will help you learn more about the world of business in general. In-person networking events might not be happening right now, but there are plenty of online business groups and social media accounts you can connect with to spread the word.

When posting on social media, let people know your location by using hashtags. Growing a local presence could open up a wealth of opportunities, especially as people always look to support those in the community. Make sure it’s a two-way process by supporting other business owners so that your networking is seen as valuable to others. You might even find other individuals you can team up with to grow your business with from doing so.

To sum up

Becoming self-employed is not without its challenges at the best of times. But is a way of creating income especially if your industry has been affected due to the pandemic. Whether you start a side hustle or decide to give it your all, we hope the above tips will put you on the path for success with your self-employment venture.

Meet Edward (Ted) – Managing Director at 2excel Software & App Development

This week we’re heading to South Australia to talk to Edward (Ted), Managing Director of 2excel Software and App Development. Let’s hear what Ted has to say about his experience switching to Bark!

Can you tell us a little bit about you and your company?

2excel work on diverse projects ranging from simple information systems and websites to complex enterprise systems and web-enabled applications. We follow three main rules to get to our goals: do it on-time, do it within the scope and offer the best service delivering the best value possible.

Have you always been interested in the software industry?

I had a lifelong passion for technology and coding from selling computers in primary school to coding games in high school.

What made you want to start your company?

I kind of fell into it.

I have always been a bit of a geek; in primary school, I was building computers, in high school, I was programming and then when I left high school, I started building websites for people. When I was working for Yellow Pages I started building more websites, and that was when the accountant suggested that I should register my own business. I took on that advice and made it a reality, turning my passions and hobbies into a career and business.

What year did you join Bark, and why did you join?

Bark found me and started sending leads around February 2020, so out of curiosity, I accepted them as they seemed intriguing. After accepting the leads, I was able to make some sales from them. Because of the promising leads that Bark was generating I decided to continue with their service and started paying for the leads – I haven’t looked back since.

Tell us about your experiences on Bark…

Bark has kept the business very busy. Before Bark, we used to get around one or two leads a day, but now we’re getting around ten to fifteen leads a day. It was overwhelming, to begin with, but after a while, we managed to get accustomed to the extra leads. I will admit it has been a lot of work getting through the increase in leads but it has been a positive experience. The leads have helped increase our bottom line and they are now a major part of our marketing strategies.

What do you like most about Bark?

One of the best things has been the excellent communication from Simon who is Head of Partnerships with Bark. I feel we have built a close relationship where we can both be transparent and open with one another. It is nice to get someone who takes the time to listen and seems to take on any feedback; we can give feedback on their leads and they will actually respond! This has been very helpful in gradually improving the leads to help benefit our business. We have also been able to share information with each other, which in turn has helped each other out; I feel like it has been a win-win relationship.

Tell us your top tips for success on Bark!

Speak regularly to your Account Manager. Because they are there to help you convert the leads that they give you. They know how to deliver leads. If you want a long-term relationship, Bark is perfect, as they also look for long term relationships with their clients.
Take on all the leads you get from Bark. As you can’t always believe the information the customers provide until you follow up and they answer the phone, and you speak to them personally.
Don’t expect Bark to deliver miracles – you must work and sell to the leads that you do get. Bark is not expected to make a sale for you, and you need to do your part to make the relationship work. You need to be able to sell to the leads that they give you.
Make sure you have got the resources to back up the number of leads you get from Bark, as they will potentially send you a lot!

What do you think of the Customer Success Team at Bark?

They have been very helpful and prompt in answering any questions.

How useful has Bark been during the coronavirus pandemic?

Bark came to our attention back in February 2020 when the pandemic was starting to gain traction. Since then they have been a huge source of leads, which continues to grow. This has enabled our company to grow during the pandemic, rather than see us temporarily close our doors.

Due to this influx of leads, the company has had to expand resources and our team has now grown from three to a team of twelve here in Adelaide, South Australia. Our Indian team has also expanded from eleven to a team of forty. We are now three-four times larger than what we were, this time last year.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Because of Bark and the leads they have generated, we are now on our way to expand the business into New Zealand and eventually the UK and USA. Bark has changed our business for the better and is helping us achieve our expansion goals.

It was a pleasure chatting with Ted about the huge success his company has had in the short time since joining Bark. If you’re looking for Software and App development, head over to 2excel’s Bark profile where you can read reviews and request more information. Check out their New Zealand branch Bark profile too!

2excel software are also on social media! Check them out on Facebook or LinkedIn.

Covid-19 – FAQ for homeowners

The coronavirus pandemic has been a testing time for us all. Britain has now entered a second lockdown, meaning all attention will once again be on staying indoors. As a homeowner, it can be confusing to know what is and isn’t allowed.

To make things easier to understand, we’ve answered the top frequently asked questions regarding homeownership and Covid-19 to guide you.

Can I move house during lockdown?

Yes, although people from outside your household or support bubble can not help you to move house unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Estate agents, letting firms and removal companies can continue to work. This includes conducting property viewings, though everyone will be required to wear a mask and social distance when doing so.

Can I still claim for a mortgage holiday?

Yes. The scheme was due to come to an end in October 2020 but has now been extended for up to 6 months. You can claim if you are otherwise up to date on your mortgage, and have concerns about paying it due to being financially affected by Covid-19.

Buy-to-let landlords are also eligible to claim, with the expectation that they will pass the payment break onto their tenants. The deadline for applying for a mortgage holiday is January 31, 2021, at the time of writing.

Am I eligible for tax relief while working from home?

Yes. If you’re an employee who has worked from home for at least one day since April 6th, you can claim tax relief. The value is up to £125, so is well worth applying for if you qualify.

Do landlords still need to arrange repairs for tenants during lockdown?

Yes. The landlord is still responsible for maintaining the property, throughout lockdown and Covid-19 in general. Though the government has advised that repairs should only be carried out if they are urgent or if there is a safety risk while in lockdown. If repairs are required and the landlord needs to enter the property, it is advised the tenants stay in another room to avoid any contact.

I can’t stay at my main residence during lockdown. What should I do?

During lockdown, the government has stated homeowners can stay elsewhere overnight if there is a legitimate reason why they cannot stay at their main residence.

Otherwise, people are not permitted to stay in second homes, caravans, hotels or with friends or family.

Outside of lockdown, you should follow the local advice as each area of the UK may have different restrictions.

Can I have a cleaner in my house during lockdown?

Cleaning counts as a job that cannot be done remotely, and the government has stated that cleaners can continue to work as normal during the second lockdown.

If you have a cleaner visit your home during the pandemic, it’s advised you social distance and that they wear a mask.

To sum up

Above is a list of some of the FAQ for homeowners during Covid-19. As always, we suggest consulting the latest government advice on matters relating to homeownership, work and travel as the information is subject to change.

How to make your workplace Covid-19 secure

Covid-19 has changed the way we work, with many workplaces being forced to close their doors during parts of the pandemic and many employees working from home. If your job requires you to travel into the office or meet with colleagues or customers face-to-face, it’s never been more critical to have watertight risk assessments in place.

But what steps do you need to take to make sure that your workplace is Covid-secure?

Complete a Covid risk assessment for your workplace

It is your duty as an employer to protect your employees, customers, and anyone else that enters your buildings from harm. This includes taking reasonable steps to protect these people from Covid-19.

To identify where your employees may be at risk, you should complete a Covid-19 risk assessment for your workplace.

In your Covid-19 risk assessment, you should identify any areas of the workplace or situations which may cause transmission of the virus, identify who could be at risk, and work out the likelihood of their exposure to the virus. You can then put measures in place to mitigate or reduce the risk in these areas.

Maintaining hygiene during coronavirus

Covid-19 can be spread through contact with surfaces. That’s why it’s important to keep high-contact surfaces clean and encourage good hand hygiene amongst your employees.

You should use signs and posters to remind your workers to practice good handwashing technique and ensure that you have adequate handwashing facilities with running water and soap. You should also provide hand sanitiser around buildings and for employees who are unable to wash their hands regularly.

You should identify any surfaces which are touched regularly and implement an increased cleaning schedule for these areas. These areas could include door handles, lift buttons, desks, touch screens, and shared equipment.

Social distancing in the workplace during coronavirus

Social distancing involves people keeping a distance from one another to limit the spread of Covid-19. Where possible, you should keep two metres of distance from other households. However, where two metres isn’t possible, one metre is acceptable providing other protective measures are taken such as wearing masks, using Perspex screens, or facing away from each other.

Consider how you could implement social distancing in your workplace to reduce the chance of transmission. This may include using floor paint or tape to mark work areas, providing signage to remind people to keep distance, and limiting the movement of people wherever possible.

Working from home during coronavirus

If your employees are able to work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, you should allow them to do so wherever possible. This will limit the risk of transmission for any employees who must remain in the workplace.

Ensure that you communicate regularly with any employees who are working from home, making sure that they have everything that they need to work safely.

Protecting vulnerable workers during coronavirus

Some people are at increased risk of a negative outcome if they contract Covid-19. Companies should put measures in place to protect those workers as much as possible. This could mean moving vulnerable employees into roles where they are able to work from home to minimise the risk of them catching the virus.

Consult the experts in workplace health and safety

For more information about keeping your workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, occupational health and safety experts can give advice. If you are looking to hire an expert in health and safety to help you to make your workplace COVID-secure, you can find an occupational health and safety expert on Bark.

Five steps to living your best life during Covid-19

The coronavirus pandemic has left no area of life untouched. From your work life to your family life and your health to your social life, it’s likely you’ve experienced some major life changes over the past year.

Most people have simply been living in survival mode, doing whatever it takes to get through daily life. However, for some people, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused them to take a step back and reassess their lives, making long-term changes which will last long beyond the pandemic.

Whether you’re run off your feet as a key worker or struggling with isolation, here are five ways that you can take control of your life and thrive during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Focus on what you can control

It’s easy to feel out of control when so many areas of your life are restricted and you’re facing high levels of stress. But try to focus on the things that you can control. Set yourself small goals, whether that be starting to plan the book you’ve always dreamed of writing or taking up running. Focusing on specific goals can help you to take back control of your life.

Connect with nature

Spending time outdoors can help you to feel grounded when things are out of your control. Try going for a walk and really focusing on what you can see, hear and smell. You could also have a go at growing your own fruit or vegetables – there’s nothing more satisfying than eating food that you’ve grown yourself.

Maintain a routine

It’s easy to forget about self-care if you aren’t leaving the house as much as usual, but self-care translates to positive mental wellbeing. Try setting your alarm for the same time every morning to get up, take a shower and brush your teeth. A consistent morning routine helps to set you up for a good day, leaving you ready to achieve your goals.

Keep talking

It can be easy to feel isolated when you can’t see your friends and family as much as usual. That’s why it’s important to find new ways to stay connected during the coronavirus pandemic. Take the time to contact your friends and family by text, phone call, or even video call as regularly as possible. As well as supporting your own mental health, it could benefit the people you reach out to as well.

Hire a life coach

If this period of reflection has made you reconsider your priorities or empowered you to make a big change to your life, it’s worth considering hiring a life coach.

You may be wondering “what is a life coach?” A life coach can help you to make the changes you desire, whether that’s in your career, your relationships or your day-to-day life. They’re there to help you to set realistic and achievable goals and to empower and motivate you to achieve those goals.

Best of all – life coaching can be done virtually, so there’s no need to wait until the pandemic is over to get started. Your online life coach can support and empower you through video calls and over the phone, allowing you to make changes towards a positive mental wellbeing and a successful future.

If you’re thinking of hiring a life coach to help you to improve your life, you can find a life coach on Bark.

Five tips for planning a wedding during Covid-19

Covid-19 caused many couples’ dream weddings to been postponed or at the least dramatically altered due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Coronavirus has impacted on every single one of our lives in many ways and it can be crushing to learn that the wedding you’ve dreamed of for so long needs to be changed.

Whether you’re planning a small and intimate wedding within the Covid-19 restrictions or planning ahead for a more lavish affair once restrictions have been lifted, you’ll want to read our top five tips for planning a wedding during Covid-19.

Consider your budget

Even without Covid-19 hanging over us, budget planning should always be your first port of call. Carefully consider what finances you’ve got to work with so that you know exactly what you can afford and where you might need to compromise.

Try to avoid paying out large amounts of money to any supplier in the current climate. Deposits are fine but make sure you’re clear about terms and conditions relating to postponement and cancellation – and get it in writing. You don’t want to lose money if anything has to change.

Be realistic about dates

No one knows when large gatherings such as weddings will be able to recommence. Choosing a date in early 2021 may be risky so don’t get your heart set on it. Planning for late 2021 or even 2022 may be more realistic. No one wants the stress and uncertainty of wondering whether their wedding is going ahead and potentially having to rearrange it.

Review your guest list

There’s always a chance that things could change at the last minute, no matter how far in advance you’re planning your wedding. As well as having your ideal guest list, it’s useful to also write a core guest list of people that you wouldn’t want your wedding to go ahead without. If you are forced to cut your guest list down at the last minute, you’ll have your core list already planned out to fall back on.

Plan ahead with suppliers

With many couples being forced to postpone their wedding, many suppliers are quickly becoming booked up well into the future. If there are specific wedding suppliers that you plan to use, get yourself booked in as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may run the risk of your chosen supplier being fully booked, leaving you to scramble for an alternative who has availability.

Hiring a wedding planner for your Covid-19 wedding

Planning a wedding at any time is stressful, but there’s no doubt that the stress will be greatly increased if you need to plan your wedding during the coronavirus pandemic. Hiring a wedding planner can remove some of that stress. They are highly experienced in planning almost any type of wedding with connections in the industry which may go in your favour when booking suppliers.

If you’re thinking of hiring a wedding planner for your Covid-19 wedding, you can find a wedding or event planner on Bark.

Five reasons to hire an online dog trainer for your pandemic pup

Covid-19 made everybody reassess their priorities. For many people, it resulted in a new addition to their home: a dog.

It may be that you live on your own and need company, or that you’ve discovered a new love for walking that you want to share with a four-legged friend. Whatever your reasons for deciding to welcome a dog into your home, your canine will need training.

Whether it’s a rescue dog that you’ve rehomed or a young puppy that you’ve carefully selected from a litter, your dog will be looking to you for guidance on how to behave in their new home.

Here are five reasons to consider hiring an online dog trainer.

Counteract the ‘new normal’

Everyone keeps talking about the ‘new normal’ that we’re all adapting to. This new normal means that you’re probably spending most of your day in the company of your four-legged friend which is great for bonding but may also mean that your dog is becoming reliant on you. This could become an issue when it comes to leaving your dog alone in the future.

Your dog is also missing out on everyday stimuli, such as other dogs, people outside your household, traffic, and loud noises. Investing time in training your dog at this challenging time can help to counteract this strange situation, ensuring that you aren’t left with deeply-rooted issues later down the line.

Keep your dog calm in quarantine

There isn’t much that’s more stressful than your dog getting a sudden burst of energy when you’re in the middle of a Zoom meeting and deciding to destroy your chair leg!

Hiring an online dog trainer can help you to harness your dog’s energy and put it to good use. The online dog trainer can provide you with daily training exercises to do with your canine which will exercise their brain, leaving them worn out – so you can fool everyone into thinking you’re concentrating on that next video call.

Fend off the boredom

Let’s face it – lockdown is boring. When you’re not working or doing your daily exercise, there isn’t much else to do.

An online dog training course will give you something else to get stuck into, with daily training exercises to complete with your pup. While all of your friends are comparing how many box sets they managed to watch, you can revel in your success of training your four-legged friend.

Don’t miss out

When it comes to toilet training or lead training, there’s a critical window where your dog will be most receptive to training. Miss this window and it can be more difficult for your canine to master their new skills.

An online dog trainer can give you professional advice on the best way to train your specific breed of dog because they’re all different. The sooner you can train your dog, the less time they’ve got to get stuck in habits that are challenging to break.

Some things can’t wait

There are some issues that need dealing with straight away. Dog behaviour problems, such as aggression, require immediate attention. Signs of aggression in your dog include growling, snarling, baring teeth, snapping, or lunging. Fail to address aggression in your dog immediately and you could be left with a serious problem.

Online dog trainers are highly skilled in dealing with issues such as aggressive dogs, giving you techniques and exercises that you can do at home with your pooch.

If you’re ready to get started with dog training, find a Dog Trainer on Bark.

Meet Dan – Owner and Founder of dogHEART

This week we’re heading to Richmond California to chat with Dan, owner and founder of dog training company dogHEART.

Let’s hear Dan’s story about building a successful career on Bark.

Can you tell us a little bit about you and your company?

dogHEART is a behavior training business for Service Dogs and Pet dogs that started in 2017.

We strengthen the human-canine trust by showing humans how to bring out the best value in their dog so their dog will be safe, and owners will have confidence and peace of mind in public.

What were you doing before you launched your business?

I was in business development, helping failing non-profits become sustainable.

What made you want to start your company?

I enjoyed helping non-profits continue their mission with underserved communities. But it was time for me to follow my dream to help people find comfort and strength in life and trauma through dogs.

Well-behaved dogs are powerful healers just by their presence and unconditional love. My dream is to start an Integrative Wellness Center, utilizing Service Dogs in a holistic approach to heal trauma.

When did you join Bark? What made you join?

I decided to join Bark in November 2020 because I had to rethink how to continue business due to the Covid-19 pandemic locking everything down. I posted ads on Google Search and YouTube, which yielded minimal results. Bark was my only viable option.

Can you tell us about your experiences on Bark?

I began to receive more results in two weeks than I did in two months with my other ads! By my third week, I had three clients. I cancelled my other ads, and I am staying with Bark.

What’s the best thing about Bark?

There are so many great things I have found with Bark. Probably the best for me is their business model. I am no longer sending out ads, supposedly focused on my demographic, and waiting for clicks.

Bark reversed the current marketing model by allowing my business a space to be visible to the people seeking out my specific service, and I find that this model yields high returns on investment.

Any top tips for success on Bark?

Show your passion. Follow the profile template the Bark professional marketers set up. Contact your leads as soon as possible. Utilize the professional help that Bark provides.

What do you think of the Customer Success team at Bark?

I have reached out to Bark’s Customer Success Team several times as I was getting started. I am continually impressed at how quickly I can get a real person who is courteous, professional, and who expedites solutions.

How has Bark helped you during Covid-19?

I am thankful that I found and joined Bark. We all have to get through life during this difficult time. I find Bark to be the link between me and clients who need my services.

Anything else you’d like us to include?

I am amazed at how much Bark wants business people like me to succeed by offering to reapply credits if you do not receive any clients from your first credit pack. I love that credits do not expire!

We’ve loved chatting with Dan today – it’s great to hear how he’s used Bark to follow his passion (and we didn’t mind the adorably cute pics of the dogs either!). If you’re looking for a dog trainer, then head over to Dan’s Bark profile. You can find more information about dogHEART, check out his reviews and make an enquiry – all from one place! Stuck at home? Dan also offers puppy training online (for puppies 2 months to 5 months of age).

16 things to do during lockdown

Life is on hold, but you don’t have to be

Stuck indoors and looking to relieve the lockdown boredom? If you’re struggling to find a series on Netflix you haven’t watched, it’s time to think outside the box. Staying in doesn’t have to be a waste of time – why not discover a new skill or hobby? Not only will lockdown fly by, but you’ll come out of it as a new and improved version of yourself – win, win!

Train your pooch!

Give your pup some love this lockdown by giving them some behaviour training. Whether it’s combatting aggressive behaviour or teaching them basic obedience commands, dog training can lead to your pup living a longer and happier life. If you’re not sure, hire an online dog trainer and learn the most effective tips and tricks.

Learn a new language

Being stuck indoors is the perfect opportunity to brush up on your language skills. Long gone are the days of dusty old language books – there are now endless ways to learn a language online. Whether it’s watching foreign language shows on Netflix (with subtitles, of course!) or listening to podcasts, language learning doesn’t have to be boring anymore.

If you’re serious about improving your language skills, hiring an online tutor is a perfect way to add some structure to your learning. They’ll also hold you accountable on the days where vegging out on the sofa is much more tempting!

Set goals

If you enjoy living life in the fast-lane, lockdown might feel like it’s been put on pause. But having the time to slow down and reflect can be really helpful when it comes to understanding where you are in life and where you want to be.

Whether it’s working towards financial independence or trying to live a healthier lifestyle, setting goals and breaking them into small daily tasks will help you to feel focused and productive. If your goals seem unattainable or you don’t know where to begin, why not hire an online life coach? As long as you’ve got a strong internet connection you can have consultations via video call, or over the telephone.

Try a healthy new diet

One of the upsides of lockdown is that you can spend more time in the kitchen, try out new recipes, and kick-start healthy eating habits. If you have difficult dietary requirements or need help controlling your calorie intake, start your journey the right way by getting a nutritionist or dietitian.

Balance the books

Okay, so not very exciting – but hear us out! Lockdown is the perfect time to get on top of those boring financial tasks. If your business has been affected by Covid-19, it might be time to reassess your financial situation. If you need some help getting your affairs in order, an online financial advisor will be able to help you manage a number of tasks, including cash-flows and reassessing your budget.

Get the boring stuff out of the way so you can free up time for what’s important when lockdown ends!

Kick bad habits

Did you know it takes 21 days to break a bad habit? Lockdown is an ideal time to say goodbye to bad habits and form some healthy ones! The first step is identifying what you want to change and what your triggers are.

Once you’ve figured that out, there are lots of exercises to help you combat a bad habit. A tried and tested one is replacing a bad behaviour with a good one – if you find yourself regularly reaching for the cookie jar, why not replace it with some dried fruit? Alternatively, you could hire an online hypnotherapist to help you with the legwork.

Learn to code

Coding is an incredibly sought after skill in our digital world, so why not give yourself a head start and give it a go? There are tonnes of online coding courses out there, or if you’re looking for more personal support, you can find an online coding tutor.

Learn a new instrument

Ever committed to taking up piano or the guitar only to find that you simply don’t have the time to practice every day? With so much time on your hands, lockdown is the ideal opportunity to get your daily practice in. Struggling to find your inner Beethoven? Find an online music tutor.

Revamp your living space

If you’re sick and tired of being stuck at home, maybe all you need is to give it a new look! Interior designers are now providing their services online – designing a ‘virtual’ room and filling it with real-life items available to purchase – pretty cool right?

Learn to draw

Okay, so you may not be the next Picasso, but drawing is a great way to pass the time, and has been proven to help with anxiety and stress. If you’re serious about improving your sketching skills, it’s worth hiring an online drawing tutor to help you hone your craft.

Give your website a face lift

If your business has had to come up with new ways to connect with customers remotely this year, then having a great website should be at the top of your priorities. Whether it’s improving user experience (UX) or refreshing your content, investing time into your website will help to attract and retain new customers. But it can be a tricky task – especially if you don’t know the basics of web design. Hire a web designer to ensure your website gets the high-quality finish it deserves.

Get fit

With an abundance of online fitness classes to choose from, there’s no reason you can’t get fit from the comfort of your own home! Grab some household objects as weights and get moving! Getting an online personal trainer is a great way to add structure to your workouts and help you to achieve your fitness goals.

Get party planning!

Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or anniversary, lockdown is a perfect time to start planning your next event. Yes, the world seems uncertain, but there’s no harm in giving yourself a headstart for when normality resumes. If you need a helping hand, why not hire an online event and party planner? From scoping out the best venue to finding decorations, it’s easy for them to tick off their to-do list from home.

Update your CV

Smash the job market as soon as you get out of lockdown by updating and refreshing your CV. Not sure how to make the most of your CV? Online CV writers are on hand to ensure your CV is perfected and polished – highlighting your best bits!

Write a novel (or a blog)

There’s no better time than during lockdown to get those creative juices flowing. Pick up a piece of paper and a pen (or your laptop) and start working on that novel you’ve been meaning to write for the last five years. Or if you don’t fancy yourself as the next William Shakespeare just yet, maybe ease yourself in with a blog post. 500 words are very different from 500 pages, after all! If you need a polished blog for your business, you can find online blog writers to do the hard work for you.

Try out yoga

Lockdown is the ideal opportunity to find your inner zen. Whether you’re an experienced yoga-lover or a complete beginner, there will be something online for your age and capability. All it takes is a quick two minute Google search. Alternatively, you could hire an online yoga instructor – they’ll be able to ensure your form and techniques are spot on, saving you nasty injuries later down the line.