How Business Strategy is Changing | Tyler Sadek

The rapid growth of technology following the pandemic in 2020 was largely attributed to the increased funding for new startups and the overhiring of tech workers. However, as the year went on, many of these companies started to collapse. In 2022, many of those involved in the industry were laid off as part of a cost-cutting effort to fix what was left over.

Despite the disappointing news about the impending recession and the recent layoffs in tech, 2023 will bring many businesses the opportunity to adopt new tools and methods to improve their operations. These tools will allow leaders to manage their various operations more efficiently.

How leadership tools will be deployed for cost-cutting

It can be easy for leaders to panic during an economic crisis. However, instead of focusing on immediate cost-cutting measures, they should dig deeper and identify the root causes of their organizations’ inefficiency and overspending. Some factors affecting a company’s operations include disparate data, technical debt, and context switching.

These factors can affect a company’s operations and ability to navigate an economic crisis. By identifying the root causes of their issues, businesses can be positioned for future success.

One of the most effective ways to address these issues is by implementing software that can help improve the efficiency of a company’s operations. This can be done through the use of APIs and developers. These tools can help employees complete their tasks more quickly and efficiently.

Developers can automate the maintenance and entry of decentralized data, allowing teams to access current and holistic information at all times. Finally, APIs can help companies reduce technical debt, significantly reducing costs.

Leaders who get behind a set point will succeed

Leaders across various industries have been grappling with the unthinkable for almost three years. They are still debating the pros and cons of working remotely, going hybrid, or returning to the office. Unfortunately, there is no single answer to this question. Instead, leaders should be able to provide their employees with the necessary information to make informed decisions.

One of the most important roles of CEOs and executives is creating a standardized culture within their organizations. Whether they believe that a company should be physically located in the office or be able to work remotely, their employees should be free to choose their work environment.

Unfortunately, many companies fail when leaders don’t get behind a set point. They can create internal friction and lead to many issues with their employees. Besides having a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, employees also want to be able to work effectively.

In 2023, there will be a lot of transition and level-setting. Leaders and employees will have to start to reset the expectations of their workplaces, as well as their relationships with managers. Despite their challenges, there is still a lot of ground to cover to successfully implement the changes that will make our companies more effective.

Volunteering in the New Year | Tyler Sadek

If you’re looking for a way to improve yourself and meet more people, try volunteering. There are many ways to help those in need in both your local community and around the world. Here are some ways that you can volunteer in your community!

Organize a local Summer Reading Program

During the summer, students may forget about the lessons they learned. A summer reading program can keep their minds active and their reading skills sharp. It can also help them develop new vocabulary and improve their ability to read. Besides being fun, organizing a program can also help children develop their reading skills and encourage them to keep reading.

Visit the elderly

Many people who live in nursing homes and senior centers often don’t see many visitors. Visiting these facilities can help the residents feel valued and included. Even if you don’t have a relative living in a nursing home or a senior center, you can still help by volunteering at events held by the local senior citizen group. You’ll also be able to talk to the residents about the good old days and hear stories of their lives.

Help construct homes

Many people don’t have a place to call home. Habitat for Humanity is a national, international, and local organization that builds and improves homes for those in need. 

Package meals

Churches, schools, colleges, and other groups can easily package meals for those in poverty. These meals are given to children and adults who are in need, and some organizations are working to end world hunger by providing one meal a day.

Help with voter registration

In the U.S., most teenagers have to wait until they turn eighteen before they can register to vote. Those who need help figuring out where to go to register may wait even longer. Organizing a voter registration clinic can help increase the confidence of potential voters and make them feel more likely to participate in the elections.

Volunteer at your local YMCA

It’s always fun to stay at a local YMCA, and volunteering there can be a great way to interact with children and serve as a role model for others. You can also volunteer in various areas of interest, such as the weight room or the athletic team. While you’re working out, you can help kids develop their physical abilities by teaching them how to play sports.

Support the Red Cross

The American Red Cross is a national organization that provides emergency assistance to those in need. Its volunteers can provide medical expertise and help those in need during disasters. The organization also responds to other disasters all across the country. It’s hard to see areas devastated by disasters, but you can help in any way you can. You can also meet new people along the way.

There are many places in your local community where you can find volunteer work, as well as find community-related jobs. Doing something for others is a great way for people to improve their lives, as well as grow as individuals. You can also ask your family and friends to join, as volunteering allows you to make new friends and improve your skills.

Different Water Filtration Systems: Part Two | Tyler Sadek

Before we drink, bathe, cook, or wash our hands, most water is typically treated through various water filters. These devices are designed to remove harmful chemicals and contaminants from our water. They can also help prevent various unpleasant tastes and odors from developing. You may remember that we discussed several popular water filtration systems last year. Today we’re going to be building off of that foundation and talking about even more ways that you can filter your water. 

Activated Alumina

One of the best filters for removing arsenic and fluoride from your water is activated alumina. This ceramic compound is made of aluminum oxide and has a high level of adsorption capacity. This means that they bond together once the chemicals are drawn into the activated sphere.

This type of ceramic compound is also incredibly cost-effective when it comes to removing harmful metals and toxins from the water. It can keep in contact with the water for a long time, making it more effective at removing harmful substances.

Aside from being used for home, activated alumina can also be used in industrial applications. It can help remove toxic waste and other harmful substances from the water.

Alkaline and Water Ionizers

One of the most popular types of water treatment is ionized or alkaline water. This treatment is believed to have various benefits, such as improving digestive health and reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.

In ionized water, the charged minerals break down the acid and alkaline in the water to improve its drinking quality and soften it. Unfortunately, ionizers do not have the necessary filtration capabilities to effectively remove harmful substances from the water.

Ceramic Filters

Ceramic filters have tiny pores designed to trap various particles in the water. They are simple to install and can be easily used. If treated with silver, this filter can kill harmful bacteria and algae but can’t remove viruses.

Distillation

The distillation process is similar to the precipitation cycle. It involves boiling water and then cooling it down to allow it to come back to a clean liquid. This process can kill harmful bacteria and improve the taste and smell of the water.

The process of distillation can be completed with the help of various countertop equipment, and once it’s done, you’ll have safe drinking water. Unfortunately, the distillation process is slow and requires electricity and a heat source to operate.

Ultraviolet Light

One of the safest ways to treat harmful microorganisms, such as parasites, viruses, and bacteria, is by using UV light. This process works by exposing the water to high levels of UV radiation. This type of filtration usually requires a lot of energy to perform properly and tends to be pricier than in other ways.

Regarding water purifiers, UV lamps are typically the last step in the process. They can only achieve their best results if the water is at its most filtered because light can’t pass through non-organic components, decreasing its overall effectiveness. 

Although certain water filtration methods can remove all of the contaminants in your water, they can’t completely clean it. To ensure that you get the best possible service, it’s important that you first identify the areas of concern that you’re dealing with. After identifying these areas, you can choose a water filter that will meet your needs and improve the water quality in the areas where you need it most.

The Importance of Water Testing for Lakefront Homes | Tyler Sadek

Although lake homes are beautiful and relaxing investments, it’s important to monitor your home’s water supply if a private well supplies it. This is because a well near an aquifer could be contaminated with harmful chemicals.

Generally, water in an aquifer is clean. Through the sand and rock, it passes through a process that’s designed to remove harmful chemicals. However, the lake’s presence of fungi, bacteria, and chemicals can still contaminate the well water.

Although some lakes start out healthy, the populations around them can increase, resulting in more herbicides, pesticides, and fuels being used near the lake. This could be bad news for well-owners. Uninhabited lake bodies can also contain bacteria, E.coli, and Giardia, which can harm human health.

Testing wells near lakes

A well test is the most important step in determining if a lake or pond is contaminating your water supply. It can be done comprehensively. Understanding the test results is very important to diagnose well water contamination. After collecting the samples, ensure the technicians follow up with the owners to try and identify the cause of the issue.

Ensure that the lab you’re testing your well with understands and has experience with well contamination. For example, ETR Laboratories is both a research and testing lab. This can allow you to test your water and figure out a solution accurately. 

There are various types of problems that homeowners might experience with well water contamination.

Fungi

Although some water tests do not include the presence of fungi in their list of contaminants, it’s still important to test for these types of fungi if your home is near a pond or lake. Lakes with high levels of these fungi can contribute to the formation of groundwater contamination. An increase in your level of fertilizer or organic matter can increase fungal growth. 

Gasoline

Large bodies of water that can be used for recreation are also prone to be contaminated by the fumes from gasoline-powered boats. The water may have high levels of certain chemicals, such as xylenes, benzene, and toluene. These chemicals can then make their way through the lake’s soil and rock and eventually reach the aquifer.

A study conducted in New Jersey revealed that almost all of the wells near two lakes were contaminated with gasoline additives.

Iron Bacteria

If your well water has an oily film, it could be caused by iron bacteria. These are the types of bacteria that can dissolve deposits of manganese and iron in the water.

If a well is too close to a pond or lake that’s not being treated properly, the iron bacteria can enter your water supply. If the film is not caused by petroleum contamination, it could be slime produced by iron bacteria. A test to check the quantity of manganese and iron in the water can also help identify the cause of the issue.

Providing Customers With The Best Service | Tyler Sadek

If your product is good, but you have difficulty getting in touch with your customers, you’ll probably lose their business. This is why you must provide a good customer service experience.

One of the most important factors that businesses consider when it comes to long-term success is customer service. To provide a great customer service experience, you need to understand what it means and how you can improve it. We’ve identified several ways that you can improve your customer service to make it the best in your industry.

Know your product

Being a good customer service agent requires a good knowledge of products. As a support agent, you spend a lot of time troubleshooting.

Having a good knowledge of products is an essential skill that you should have to provide a great customer service experience. Aside from being able to explain the product in an informative manner, you also need to show your customers how it can benefit them.

Keep up a positive attitude

Positive attitudes are very important to provide a great customer service experience. Since most interactions happen over the phone, your language and tone of voice should reflect your positive attitude.

It’s easy to interpret the tone of a conversation as cold when it comes to email or live chat. The brain uses various signals to analyze a person’s emotional state, such as facial expression and body language.

You can utilize emojis or other friendly communication tools to convey good humor and warmth in an email or chat conversation.

Problem-solve creatively

Around 80% of customers have experienced bad customer service, so you have to focus on solving their problems to make it a central part of the support role.

One of the most well-known companies in the world that provides great customer service is Zappos. For instance, they provided a free pair of shoes to a customer because the delivery company sent his order to the wrong address. The company solved the issue and gave the customer a story he couldn’t wait to share.

You should never be afraid to try and solve your customers’ problems. Even though you can fix the issue on your own, you can create loyal customers by creatively coming up with a solution that goes beyond what’s required.

Be proactively helpful

One of the most important factors you can consider when it comes to providing great customer service is going the extra mile. Even though you have all the boxes ticked, you still want to improve.

Being helpful means anticipating your customers’ needs before they even ask for something. This is because, in some cases, customers may need to realize that they need something else.

The way you value your customers is believed to be linked to the concept of reciprocity, a social psychology phenomenon that states that people will continue to return for more if they feel valued.

Great customer service is all about being helpful and making your customers feel valued. It can help keep them loyal to you and your business and earn you a reputation as a helpful and enjoyable individual.

Being humanized is also important when it comes to providing great customer service. It can help you develop a stronger relationship with your customers and improve their experience.

Business Trends to Look Out for in 2023 | Tyler Sadek

In the next few years, businesses will face various challenges that will make their operations more complex. These include aftereffects of the rapid development of new technologies, the effects of the global pandemic, and economic issues. Here are some trends that are going to make an impact on how we do business in 2023. 

Accelerated digital transformation 

In the upcoming year, we’ll see various technological innovations continue to develop. These include artificial intelligence, the internet of things, blockchain, and virtual and augmented reality. However, these innovations exist in collaboration and will start to blur the boundaries between them.

New solutions that combine these technologies will allow businesses to improve their efficiency and effectiveness by making their operations more effective. These innovations are expected to help them create intelligent enterprises where processes and systems work together seamlessly to complete mundane and more complex tasks.

To effectively implement these technologies, businesses must ensure they have the right technology. This will allow them to make informed decisions and improve their efficiency.

In 2023, the barriers to entry will be lower than ever before as various technological innovations will be available in ‘as-a-service’ models and in no-code environments. Some of these include blockchain and artificial intelligence. These technologies will allow businesses to improve their customer service and sales by making their operations more effective.

Sustainability

The global pandemic and the climate disaster will have a bigger impact than anything experienced in the past decades. Investors and consumers must look for companies with the right social and environmental credentials. This is because, as conscious consumers, many prioritize the sustainability of the companies we do business with.

In order to effectively address the various challenges that will affect the environment, social, and governance processes in the next few years, businesses must make sure that their ESG processes are at the center of their strategy. This should start by measuring the impact of their activities on the environment and society and increasing transparency, reporting, and accountability. 

A comprehensive plan is required for every business, and it should include a set of goals and timeframes that are designed to minimize the impact of their activities. This should also be accompanied by solid action plans. This should go beyond the company walls, covering the entire supply chain and the credentials of their suppliers.

Immersion in the customer experience

The desire of customers to experience superior quality and value is expected to continue to rise in 2023. While it’s not always about the price point, both factors play a role in the way consumers consume goods and services.

Traditionally, technology has been used to reduce the complexity of the customer experience by making it easier for consumers to navigate through the various processes involved in buying goods and services. In 2023, it’s still expected that these technologies will play a significant role in helping consumers make informed decisions through immersion and interactivity.

The rise of the metaverse is expected to bring about the next generation of interactive experiences. This will allow consumers to interact with brands and other consumers through immersive 3D and virtual reality. In addition, we’re expected to see the emergence of virtual dressing rooms, allowing us to create our avatars and try on clothes. Walmart is already using AR, which is expected to play a significant role in helping consumers see how clothes fit their bodies.

The Key Components of Client Communication | Tyler Sadek

Client communication is a significant factor in the success of the company. Although the company can attract more customers through advertising and other forms, communication remains key to maintaining those customers. Building trust in clients requires vital components in communication, and they include;

Transparency

Transparency is on the top list of why a client would choose to do business with you. Transparency builds trust and long-lasting relationships between a business and its client. Companies can show transparency by involving clients in the company’s processes.

Listen

Clients are always right; therefore, listening to clients is a great way to build a business. Show them that their opinions matter and may be considered. They will always give their feedback if you are eager to listen to the clients. Their communication does not have to be verbal, and they can also communicate by their purchasing pattern.

Channel of communication

Businesses need to know their clients preferred channels of communication to create targeted campaigns. The client’s social media presence will help you know which platforms they can be reached. Communicating with clients through the most appropriate channel will be more satisfying.

Set expectations

In any business, there are expectations from both parties. Keeping them clear and attainable saves a lot of stress and miscalculations. Promises can create false expectations, so be careful with such. Define metrics that can be used to measure performance to avoid conflicts.

Have a crisis plan in advance

It is not all the time that things go as planned. A crisis might happen whether it was foreseen or unforeseen. Having a plan for maneuvering through a situation can save a lot of harm and miscommunications. A plan in advance will also prepare you on how to respond and communicate with the client.

Have a reporting process

A crucial client communication component is updating your clients on reports, performances, and results. Service businesses need to tell their clients where they are regularly to build trust and openness. Do not present reports in a language clients do not understand. Try to make it more elaborate by using data storytelling techniques.

Communicating effectively with your clients creates quality experiences and builds lasting relationships and trust. They are confident that you will deliver when you align the business with its mission.

Ways the Youth Can Help their Community | Tyler Sadek

It’s a common misconception that the youth are often thought of as the most burdened and inactive group. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The youth can significantly impact their community and seek to help it by volunteering and participating. There are many ways that the youth can help their communities worldwide. Here are a few examples.

1. PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY-WIDE EVENTS

The first way that the youth can help their community is by simply participating in events such as sports, school activities, and even gatherings with their friends. Participating in these activities provides the youth with an opportunity to bond and make strong friendships. The youth can also learn other skills relevant to that activity and life skills.

2. VOLUNTEER

Many youths know that volunteering is a great way to give back to others and their communities. It can also be very fulfilling, both physically and mentally. Volunteering can involve helping older people and simply handing out food, clothing, or money at a local homeless shelter.

3. GET INVOLVED

Youth can also get involved in their community by just getting out there and mingling with others. Getting involved in social events, classes, or even sports leagues can be a great way for the youth to build relationships and make friends. Getting involved may also help them develop new skills and meet new people.

4. PLANT A COMMUNITY GARDEN

Planting a community garden is a great way for the youth to get involved in their community and help feed the hungry. Community gardening provides an opportunity for the youth to learn how to work together and learn new skills. This can also provide them with a much-needed boost of confidence as they have just helped build their communities store of food. Community gardens can be a great way to teach the youth useful life skills.

5. TUTOR YOUNGER CHILDREN

Millions of children worldwide have little or no hope for their future. This is very sad, but it is also not entirely the youth’s fault. Many of these kids are forced to work to survive and put the lives of their families in jeopardy. The youth can change this by volunteering at schools and helping tutor the younger children.

These are just a few ways youth can help their communities. The youth play a significant role in their community, and they should be more involved. As such, making a difference can help to make them feel important as well as develop an even greater sense of self-worth.

Best Practices for Wastewater | Tyler Sadek

Due to the increasing number of water-efficient technologies and the increasing number of mills that can reuse and treat wastewater, industries have become more effective at managing water usage. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the water industry’s various strategies and practices to reduce its water consumption.

The various treatment steps performed on wastewater can be categorized into three categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary. The primary process involves separating the floating and settleable materials in the wastewater. This process can be carried out through gravity separation, screening, and sedimentation.

After the primary process, the effluent is sent to a dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit. The unit type used should be evaluated based on the influent conditions, required outlet conditions, and the type of operations necessary. A well-designed sedimentation tank can help remove up to 85% of the suspended solids in the wastewater. It can also reduce the overall BOD load by up to 40%. 

In the secondary treatment process, biological agents are utilized to remove the organic compounds that were previously deposited in the primary process. The main biological treatments used are the suspended growth processes and the attached growth processes.

The suspended growth process is carried out by microorganisms designed to remain in the liquid for a certain time. These microorganisms then use the liquid’s organic constituents as their food source. They then form an active biomass that can oxidize the incoming feed wastewater’s organic content. The most common type of activated sludge process is the ASP.

The clarifier, an ASP, is a component of the treatment process composed of an aeration tank, an air intake system, and a clarifier. The primary treatment process’s wastewater enters the aeration tank first, where it is mixed and aerated with microbial suspension. Continuous air injection is then used to maintain the solid and aerobic environment. The mixed liquor suspended solids in the tank are referred to as mixed liquor-suspended solids (MLSS). The organic portion of this substance is called mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS).

After the effluent from the aeration tank has been sent to the clarifier, the portion of the biomass that’s been recirculated back to the tank is then turned into waste-activated sludge. This process continuously biodegrades the organics in the wastewater.

After the clarifier has completed its work, the effluent is sent to a tertiary treatment facility. This process can help reduce the BOD and COD in the wastewater.

In addition to the biological agents, ASP can be utilized combined with powdered activated carbon (PACT) to increase the overall biological oxidation, aided by carbon adsorption.

Instead of being suspended in the liquid, microorganisms are typically attached to an inert material during an attached growth process. This process is not commonly utilized in the industry due to its size and constraints.

Reducing contaminants in the wastewater to meet the regulations is a part of a tertiary treatment process. This process can be carried out through various treatment technologies.

One of the most common methods of treating wastewater is by using sand filtration. This process can effectively remove the high levels of suspended particles in the wastewater. This process occurs through a filter bed composed of various filter media, such as sand and anthracite.

Chemical oxidation is another process that can reduce the non-biodegradable and residual COD in wastewater. Advanced methods such as wet oxidation, ozone oxidization, and Fentons reagents are commonly used to destroy non-chromophoric and chromophoric pollutants.

A membrane filtration process is another technique that can be used to remove heavy metals, total dissolved solids, and BOD and COD from the wastewater stream.

Treating wastewater can be incredibly beneficial, especially if you’re planning to recycle the water. These are just a few of the main ways that you can treat your wastewater. 

Planning for More Efficient Meetings | Tyler Sadek

Getting in back-to-back meetings can be very discouraging for most people. It can also take a lot of time away from other important work. However, meetings can be very productive and efficient if they are planned right. Here are a few simple steps that will help you plan effective meetings.

Send Out Invites Accordingly

Have you ever been invited to a meeting only to realize that you didn’t need to be there? Doing so wastes people’s time and doesn’t produce an effective meeting. For instance, if someone from accounting is needed to attend the meeting to answer questions about the budget, then invite them to the event.

If a supervisor or colleague needs to be informed about the details of the meeting, then don’t invite them to the event. Instead, prepare a summary of the discussion and send it to them afterward. This will allow them to appreciate the time-saving activity and ensure they are fully informed of the discussion.

Don’t Forget Reminders

Life is busy, and calendars often become full of events. To avoid getting caught off-guard, send out a follow-up reminder two days before the meeting. This will allow people to confirm that they still want to attend and allow you to reschedule if they change their plans.

Always Have an Agenda

Before you start planning a meeting, it’s important that you first determine the purpose of the meeting. This will allow you to set the tone for the discussion and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Before the meeting begins, create an agenda that includes a short list of topics to be discussed. Don’t create an overly detailed one-sided agenda that doesn’t allow for effective discussion.

Stick to the Topic

Agendas alone won’t get you organized efficiently. Make sure that the discussion is focused on the main topic and avoid allowing it to wander off on its own. Also, avoid bringing up topics that are unrelated to the main topic. No one likes to see a runaway meeting where the discussion takes a backseat to other matters.

Don’t Change Topics

Agendas alone won’t get you organized efficiently. Stick to it and ensure the discussion focuses on the main topic. Also, avoid bringing up topics that are unrelated to the main topic. If you’re planning on having an off-topic discussion, ensure that it’s addressed privately or in another meeting.

Try a New Approach

If the meeting’s approach isn’t working, then try a new strategy. For instance, if the brainstorming session is getting too quiet, try to change the direction of the discussion. Also, be flexible and pay attention to the meeting’s progress.

Wrap it up With a Summary

After the meeting, send out a summary of the discussion to everyone who was in attendance. It’s also a good idea to follow up with an email to those who were unable to attend. This will allow you to confirm that they are still interested in the meeting. Include any action items that were discussed and the due date.