For Low-Carbon Economy, Market Needs More Companies Like Three Valley Copper (TVC)

October 6, 2021

Investors have been taking a long look at the copper market lately — and some are starting to worry.

If all of the planned copper projects for the next 30 years come online as planned, they would amount to only half of the likely demand. Copper is an integral part of products from constructing homes to smartphones and critical to the electrification of the world.

As a result, it’s likely that the marketplace will see a significant increase in copper demand, according to a study conducted by the Copper Development Association, which examined the US energy storage market and the impact of copper.

That leaves plenty of room for explorers, developers, and producers to capitalize. One of those companies is Three Valley Copper (TVC.V), a copper mining company that’s already producing 99.99% pure copper cathodes.

The company still has more than 46,000 hectares to explore and has also identified 70 artisanal exploitation points having geological characteristics similar to those of its identified orebodies. It has also mapped locations of hundreds of artisanal pits with clusters of pits outlining clear exploration targets.

The market is going to need a lot more companies like Three Valley Copper to keep up with demand; but in the meantime, those companies that continue producing copper cathodes will have an advantage in a market that is always in need of greater supply.

That’s because copper is a key component in electric vehicles and in many vehicle parts, including batteries and working rotors. Since copper plays a crucial role in various components of energy production and storage, it will be equally important for energy storage applications, although the prominence of that role will vary depending on the technology.

That demand will come from a shift in consumer tastes, the need for more electric infrastructure with a growing population in the developing world, and the decarbonization of the economy in developed nations.

Canadian mining companies, including Three Valley Copper, are in a unique position to take advantage of the growing demand, according to Pierre Lassonde, chairman emeritus of Franco-Nevada.

“The greening of the world is going to be a renaissance of copper mining, and I don’t think it has clued in with the governments and the environmental groups, but the intensity of copper use going forward will essentially triple,” Lassonde told Kitco News. “Over the next 40 years, we’re going to have to triple the production of copper and when you look at where we are today, and the number of deposits we have, a lot of them are on their last legs.”

The mining industry is increasingly under pressure to produce vital minerals to support major global structural trends such as population growth, urbanization, and decarbonization.

However, for metals like copper, production constraints and a lack of quality projects have resulted in some bottlenecks in supply.

The global quality of copper ore, for example, has decreased over time, which means that copper mining needs to extract twice as much ore every 10 years to extract the same amount of copper. However, research shows that migrating to other available technologies and more efficient processes can contribute to addressing these impacts.

Many of the world’s largest mining companies need to rebalance their undiversified mineral portfolios. In order to meet expected demand by 2050, critical mineral mining must increase to five times the current production rates, the World Bank said in a recent report.

Market analysts estimate that by 2030, if no new mines are built, the annual copper shortage could reach 10 million tonnes. Known deposits of high-grade ore in the world amount to over 1 billion tonnes of copper.

That means there’s still plenty of demand for copper out there — and plenty of opportunities for mining companies to grow and flourish in the new economy.

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How To Navigate A Late Career Change Effectively

October 6, 2021

A late career change may seem like an unwise decision at first. If you’re unprepared for the shift, then it can be a hugely disrupting presence in your life and risk everything you have worked hard for thus far.

Your strategy makes a big difference here. Success is possible. Remember, many workers have been forced into new careers due to the pandemic and its devastating impact on industries. If some professionals can stick the landing during such a chaotic period, then your chances may be better while things are a bit calmer on the coronavirus front.

There are many things to keep in mind as you embark on a late career change. You must take stock of your positive qualities and perhaps improve other aspects of your skillset. A personal evolution is required alongside the professional one, so keeping yourself open to your own critique is key when jumping from one career to the next.

If you would like more insights on navigating a late career change effectively, read on after the jump for some tips and suggestions.

Question Your Current Career

Before embarking on a career change, it is worth evaluating your current career more closely. When you get to the bottom of your reasoning, you may be able to orchestrate a productive career switch.

The questions to ask yourself should be:

Are you inclined to be productive? Does the work no longer interest you? Do you arrive at the workplace eager to get started, or are you mindlessly going through the motions? How much time do you spend procrastinating?
How do others treat you? Is the workplace culture toxic? Does office politics precede everything else? Could your industry be too cutthroat? Have you found making friends challenging?
Is there potential for progression? Is your hard work sufficiently rewarded? Are you interested in climbing the career ladder? Is promotion all that matters to you? If you are apathetic now, how discontent might you be in the next ten years?
Are you proud of your work? Does your job cross any moral lines for you? Are your customers and clients given value for their money? Is the firm ran with the best of intentions?

These are just some of the lines of enquiry you could introspectively explore on your own. The stronger your feelings in favor of a career change, the better. Keep pushing for answers, and your direction in life may become more evident.

Look for Inspiration

The career you switch to must be something that genuinely excites you. Your effort cannot be aimless.

Some people seek to escape their existing careers out of desperation. Subsequently, they may leap into a new industry or job role that is not quite for them. They can always change again, but the costs associated with each career change and potential move can be extortionate. Ultimately, if you are going to switch, you need to succeed the first time, and inspiration can put you on the right path.

Try to do some research around what careers appeal to you most. Be patient and weigh the pros and cons of each potential change honestly. Remember that there are resources out there to help you secure well-paid work in growing industries, so consult those if necessary. Spend a few months sourcing inspiration and collating different ideas if you do not have one already.

Use Your Experience

If possible, you should bring much of your existing self to your new role. After years of accumulating experience, it is important that it all does not go to total waste.

Keep your transferable skills in mind as you push forward. Think about your aptitude for problem-solving, analysis, leadership or communication. Perhaps you have effective writing skills that could be put to good use? Remember that no matter where you work, some skills are universally applicable.

You could also pass on what you know. A career switch to coaching could be viable. You should explore opportunities around NLP life coaching certification to boost your chances of success here, giving you all the tools and knowledge you need to become a successful life coach. Flexibly work on your coursework on their online platform, and immerse yourself in their weekly training sessions to enhance your skillset.

It can be tempting to reset everything during a career change, giving you the sense of a fresh start. However, by building on what you know already, you can give your prospects a head start of sorts as you push forward.

Seek out a Life Coach

If you do not wish to become a life coach yourself, these roles can still be useful to you. Why not be a paying client yourself?

Life coaches are not therapists. Typically, they are entrepreneurs who specialize in a particular area of life, whether personal or professional. Do some research and see if a life coach can mentor you through your career change. The knowledge that they pass on to you could be invaluable.

Make sure the life coaches you work with have all the necessary credentials, such as coaching certifications. Set a high standard for the types of professionals you want to work with. Ask around your personal or professional network for recommendations, and be sure to field the reviews of past clients. After all of that, you should have additional assurances around the person you are working with.

A career change can be a sensitive and uncertain time for you, and you should not walk into it blindly. The wisdom of others can give you consensus and direction, so be open to feedback. A life coach will keep you firmly focused on the future and shape you into a formidable presence on your new career path.

Counter Ageism

When tailoring your job applications, try not to focus on the past too much. Unfortunately, many older people embarking on a career change may face elements of ageism in the hiring process, so minimizing that wherever possible could be helpful.

Staying current could help your employment chances a great deal. This can involve:

Staying healthy and active – Some people can look younger than their years through good exercise and eating well. The more physically able you appear, the better.
Use technology well – Some stereotypes involve older people being less competent with technology. A basic understanding of computers and mobile devices is not hard to achieve, so spend some time brushing up on all the latest devices, software, and social media platforms.
Choose an age–friendly industry – Some industries may be more ageist than others. Do some research to see where your years may work in your favor, such as teaching or any number of leadership positions.

It may seem unfair or uncouth to try and win ageists over rather than change the system outrightly. However, in defying stereotypes and working hard, your point should be made well enough during your job search. After changing careers, you may be able to change things far more impactfully from the inside.

Establish Boundaries with Yourself

Many people closely intertwine their personal and professional personalities together. Some people do not know who they are without their career.

However, it is crucial to have distinctly separate personal and professional identities, both for your career prospects and your sense of sanity. The switch can be much easier when you do not feel like sacrificing all you are to make the change. Your job may define you are to some degree, but it should not be the sole reason for which you live your life.

Having a broad range of hobbies and friendships can be enough to keep you grounded. Be strict with your working hours, and have downtime where your work machines are powered down. Sign out of your email accounts too. Create separate social media accounts for personal and professional endeavors, and consider buying a new phone that features contact information for friends and family only. Seek out therapy should you need it.

When you have established boundaries between your professional and personal lives, your mind may be much less crowded. You will be less susceptible to stress, self-doubt, and tunnel vision. Things should become clearer, enabling you to act on your career change in a more timely and decisive fashion.

Consult Your Spouse or Partner

Part of knowing yourself means listening to those who know you best. If you have a spouse or partner, they likely fall into this category.

Pay a healthy amount of focus to your personal relationships. Loved ones can be highly supportive during a time of such crucial change. They may be able to calm you when you are stressed or encourage you when self-doubt inevitably creeps in at some stage. Your spouse or partner can help you stay motivated, and their insights could be valuable as well.

Of course, the extent to which you listen to your spouse or partner is up to you. If they are indecisive or frequently disparaging of your career choices, it may be a good idea to phase them out of the decision if appropriate. However, they may provide valuable insights around budgeting for the career change or otherwise making ends meet during the beginning of your new career. Keep them in the loop where possible.

Your decisions here could even embolden your relationship. After all, nobody likes having the rug pulled out from under their feet, and some people find that their partner’s work stress becomes their own in time. Additionally, your choices may affect them to some degree, so it is vital to include them in the decision-making. Being transparent in your important decisions is a mark of respect, and all healthy relationships are built on that foundation.

Network Efficiently

Your professional connections matter just as much as your personal ones. Certain individuals should be notified that you are changing careers.

By switching careers, you should use all the resources you have available to you. Your existing network and your aptitude for further networking opportunities can hugely influence how much success you may experience. You can network efficiently by:

Start early – If your career switch seems to ‘make sense’, connections may be more inclined to reach out to you. Like or create social media posts that highlight your interest in your preferred industry long before announcing any definite change. Browse your LinkedIn page to see if any of your connections work in the industry you wish to switch to.
Practice discretion – Notify trusted contacts of your impending career change, and make sure they keep your confidence. Do not announce your plans far and wide too early, as it may anger your employer. If you are self-employed, you could make your intentions known sooner.
Attend industry-specific events – Mix with the professionals in your desired industry. Attend their talks and make any notes of key speakers that intrigue you. Remember that the UK is a relatively small place, so set your sights beyond local events.
Keep networking – Once your switch is underway, you must keep nurturing your networking relationships. Touch base with contacts who have helped you already, as you may be able to rely on their support in future.
Display gratitude – Try not to phrase things publicly as you abandoning one failing career for a more promising one. Focus on the idea of a ‘new challenge’, and you will not make any enemies.

Your ability to network is instrumental to your success. Sensitivity and tact are required here, so consider the feelings of others and how your departure may be interpreted. Behave with respect and reverence for your old and new industries, and many doors may open for you.

Conclusion

A late career change can be a mad scramble for stability. However, with a well-reasoned approach, you can lend more structure and strategy to your efforts. Try to open channels of communication with those in your personal and professional lives. Use your seasoned veteran status to your advantage, and let your past successes and skills fuel your confidence. Be honest with yourself, and be certain of what you want from your life. After all of this, your career change will be a natural advancement in your journey.

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How to Buy Bitcoin With Credit Card and No Verification

October 6, 2021

Currently, at $30,000 per Bitcoin, the crypto market is more active than ever. Bitcoin’s price forecasted to reach $66,000 towards the end of 2021. This means we can expect more and more rush towards the crypto industry, and consequently, people searching for ways to purchase BTC with credit cards anonymously.

To acquire BTC via card or bank transfer, at least over a specified limit, the most trustworthy online sites now demand KYC. Your name, residence, photo ID, and proof of address are usually required. The platform may need you to authenticate the source of your funds for significant transactions.

There are two types of services through which the subject process is possible:

Centralized service: In this type, you would directly purchase Cryptocurrencies from a company.
Decentralized Finance/ P2P (Peer–to–Peer) service: In this type, purchases are made from unaffiliated suppliers, with the platform acting as an intermediary.

Centralized Services

Centralized services offering purchase of Bitcoin with credit card anonymously include:

Exchanges: Binance, a popular crypto trading platform, is an example of this type. When buying bitcoins using a bank transfer, there are no costs, and credit card fees are typically affordable. However, you must be willing to go through the process of verifying fiat inputs and withdrawals. In fiat currency, the exchanges only accept credit card transactions from approved processors and do not allow anonymous credit card transactions.
Exchangers: Popular examples include Coinbase, Paxful, https://www.coinspot.com.au/buy/btc and more. Complete Know Your Customer (KYC) is also needed. Credit card fees can be quite high (10% or more) and are not disclosed on the website.
Unofficial Exchangers: The unauthorized exchange service is your only choice if you want to know how to purchase bitcoins immediately from the comfort of your own home without KYC. Since the majority of them are unlicensed, the risk is great. Your name or reference name, contact number, and email must be included. Even though the websites state you may purchase BTC with a debit card right now, the procedure isn’t fast because exchange requests are generally handled manually.
Wallets: Several reputable cryptocurrencies allow you to purchase bitcoins without ever leaving your wallet. When sending and receiving cryptocurrencies using a wallet, KYC is usually not necessary. However, when purchasing cryptocurrency with a card, verification is required.
ATMs: This is the only anonymous and “official” centralized method, although more and more machines require KYC nowadays. If you are living in Florida, try out this Bitcoin ATM in Florida.

The procedure for purchasing and selling bitcoins at an ATM varies by machine, but in general, it goes like this:

To purchase a Bitcoin ATM, enter your crypto wallet address. You will receive the code after depositing cash at the ATM.
ATM deposit addresses are available while selling at Bitcoin ATMs. A QR code that may be scanned is generally included. To this address, send the code. You will receive the cash.

Even though Bitcoin ATMs are becoming increasingly prevalent, this approach can be utilized if one is nearby. It is not as convenient as buying BTC online since you must purchase or sell at an ATM. Another issue is the high cost of Bitcoin ATMs.

Decentralized/P2P (Peer-to-Peer) Services

For peer-to-peer transactions, decentralized exchanges link buyers and sellers. No intermediary enables exchange.

A decentralized exchange allows both buyers and sellers to submit orders. You have two alternatives if you want to acquire bitcoins. You may say how much you want to spend, how much you’re willing to pay, and how you’d want to pay. Bitcoin circuit helps you with that.

Alternatively, you might look for an offer from a seller. This contains the selling price, amount offered, and payment methods accepted. You send money to the vendor when you accept the offer. Your wallet will receive the crypto sent by the seller. To avoid fraud, decentralized exchanges contain security measures such as escrow, deposit, and arbitration services.

Important Points to Remember

When buying bitcoins with a credit card, always observe the following vital points:

If you tell someone your wallet address, never expose your private key or seed phrase.
Double-check the charges for buying BTC with your credit card to ensure no hidden or high costs are present.
Verify the exchange before using it.
Double-check the Bitcoin address you have entered.
Track your transaction status with a Bitcoin explorer service.

Is Buying Bitcoin a Good Idea in the First Place?

It’s critical to realize that using an anonymous service will have both drawbacks and benefits. The benefits are as follows:

Without losing time on KYC, you may purchase bitcoins quickly with your credit card.
There is no danger of your personal information being exposed.
The tax officers have no way of knowing if you possess the cryptocurrency (but tax avoidance is never a good idea).

The drawbacks include:

Banks have the authority to deny transactions or suspend your account or card.
In situations of anonymity, the prices are high.
Checking the status of your transactions while at an ATM is a difficult task.
The promise to purchase bitcoins quickly with a debit card without KYC is unofficial, and there is no method to get your money back or refund.

We have gone over the advantages and disadvantages, and now you know how to buy Bitcoin with a credit card anonymously. If you’re looking for more tips, bitalpha ai official site can provide you more information.

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The Top 4 Online Tools for Money Management

October 5, 2021

With the increase in inflation across the world, money management has become of paramount importance for most businesses. Whether businesses wish to scale their radius or prepare themselves for the inevitable market crashes that result in currency devaluation, finance management should always be a company’s priority.

For this reason, we have organized a list of tools that can help small-scale businesses in managing their finances and ensuring that their financial strategies include room for rainy days.

Common Money Management Mistakes

Large-scale businesses have dedicated financial teams that are responsible for managing financial transactions, however, small-scale businesses are forced to handle matters on their own. These are some of the most common mistakes business owners make when managing their funds.

Overestimate Future Sales

Overestimating future sales can often result in miscalculation of the company’s month-end revenue closing. This unsettles the plans for the succeeding month and creates a chaotic situation for management.

Spend Too Much Too Soon

Many business owners often think that they need to continue increasing the amount of investment to multiplicate their returns. However, that’s not always applicable. Spending too much too soon can result in a disturbed ROI ratio and might push the company into financial hot waters.

Tools for Money Management

While money management might seem quite difficult, the following tools can make the process easy for you:

1. Mint

In any discussion on money management, the importance of Mint’s role cannot be understated. With its variety of available options, you can track cash flow and manage your budgeting with great ease.

2. Pay Stubs Maker

Businesses often face difficulties at the end of the month in managing their expenses and keeping track of different payments. While large-scale companies have dedicated finance departments to handle these issues, small-scale businesses encounter great complications. For this reason, it is often recommended that you get your hands on a paystub maker to produce pay stubs for all your transactions. Since paystubs contain detailed information about the transactions, they can work as proof of income for employees and proof of expenses for the employers.

3. SmartyPig

If you wish to save some of your money from your monthly profits but don’t know how much, SmartyPig should help you out of your misery. It offers you a variety of options for setting up a savings account, from which you can effectively track your account’s growth.

4. Yodlee

If you wish to manage your accounts and keep a track of your investments, Yodlee will prove to be a one-stop-shop for all your management needs. You can create a budget, manage your funds, and make payments right from the site. You wouldn’t have to look anywhere else.

Benefits of Money Management

Money management holds great advantages for any business’s existence. Let’s have a look at some of the most common benefits to fully understand its value.

Financial Understanding

When business owners utilize a proper channel of financial management, they understand the nitty-gritty details of the financial side. This increases the value of their hard-earned revenue and forces them to utilize it with greater caution.

Future Security

Businesses need to think ahead of their time to have a financially secure future. Their fund management strategies need to be on-point to ensure the company’s financial status remains on par.

With the use of effective money management strategies on both individual and organizational levels, business owners can ensure financial security. This helps them track their growth and implement the company’s plans of expansion with ease.

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How to Look After Your Assets

October 5, 2021

Assets come in two primary forms: hard and intangible assets. Hard assets are investments that are tangible and have intrinsic value through good times and bad. Examples are houses, buildings, land, or cards. Intangible assets are non-physical assets that have value and are used over the long-term such as stocks, bonds, and other financial assets. There is one thing that all assets have in common, however; they are very valuable.

Asset protection aims to ensure a person’s assets are safe from different third-party claims without resorting to perjury or other illegal activities. It’s really crucial to have asset protection from bogus lawsuits, taxes, & creditors in place so you can focus on other areas! That’s why it’s important to look after your assets, no matter how small or what kind they are. If you don’t take proper care of your assets, you could lose money. To find out more about doing this, keep reading.

Get insurance

All assets can get damaged or lost in some way, but that risk is much higher for physical assets such as houses and cars. So, you need insurance to protect these assets.

Anything can happen – your car could be stolen, your house could get lit on fire . . . If these things happen while your assets are uninsured, you will lose your assets as well as the money you use to replace them.

Insurance is a great way of looking after your assets because you know that they will be safe even if something horrible does happen. If you have no idea where to start, have a look at the best insurance for cars.

Create a trust fund

Your money is probably your most valuable asset. This includes all the money you currently have in your bank account, as well as future money that you may get in from investments in stocks or similar income streams. If your money is in your bank account, it has a higher risk of being stolen. On top of that, you may be tempted to use that money.

If you have extra money lying around, it is, therefore, a good idea to use it to create a trust fund. This way, your money will be tied up and thus safer, while at the same time still being an asset. Click here to learn more about setting up a trust fund.

Maintenance

Once again, this refers more to your physical assets, especially your house. A house is a great investment and asset because you can generally sell it at a higher price than what you bought it for, meaning it will earn you a profit. That being said, that will only happen if your house is looked after and well-maintained. Try implementing some of these home maintenance tips to make sure that your house’s value doesn’t decrease.

Make sure everything is legal

It’s very easy to fall for a scam. People may convince you that it’s a good idea to hide your money in places where it can’t be tracked. On paper, this may seem smart. However, it’s never a good idea to do anything outside the law – you may end up losing your money.

If you’re looking for places to put your savings, there are many ways that you can keep them safe and secure without breaking the law. If you are ever worried about protecting your financial assets, talk to a financial advisor to see if they have any advice.

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Professional Gamblers Who Are Also Entrepreneurs

October 5, 2021

The Good Hand(ful)

According to those in the know, you won’t be able to win at playing casino games without a pretty solid understanding of the world of entrepreneurship. The two are inextricably linked. This is because the game of poker, as a key example, teaches lessons in things like scrutiny, fortitude and self-control, which make up the very building blocks of an astute business mind. Of course, the proof is in the pudding – so let’s look at the lives and achievements of some of the gambling world’s most prolific business achievers.

A touch of training with the best poker pros

Phil Galfond, 36, is an American poker player, owner of real-money poker room Run It Once Poker and owner of poker training site Run It Once Training, where he is also one of the sites’ 130 coaches. As of February 2020, his total live tournament winnings exceeded US$2,9 million, with his 24 cashes at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) accounting for US$2 876 895 of that stash. Phil has also appeared on multiple seasons of Game Show Network (GSN’s) High Stakes Poker. An exemplary family man, he is married to Farah Fath and they have a son, Spencer (3). Just a touch quirky, Phil famously installed a slide between two of his New York penthouses – because how else would you move between the two at high speed!

On the entrepreneurial side of things, Phil’s Run It Once is apparently the most popular poker-learning portal in existence, offering as many as 5,000 videos with which to upskill in your chosen craft. Like the owners of other poker rooms, Phil has tried in recent times to equalize the position of professionals and beginners in the game and thanks to the level to which he is trusted and respected means RIO Poker is never lost in the morass of other “rooms”.

Betting your bottom dollar on Texas Dolly

Doyle Brunson, 88, now retired, played poker professionally for over 50 years and is truly a living legend for what he managed to accomplish – including authoring several books on the subject. This member of the Poker Hall of Fame, who even has a hand named after him (Doyle’s Hand, a 10-2), is, according to Gambling News Magazine “one of the most famous people ever to grace the tables”. While he boasts two WSOP main event wins and 10 bracelets (the most coveted non-monetary prize a poker player can win), things have not always gone ‘winningly’ at the felt. In 2004, an infamous ‘fluff’ of his, saw him launching what he thought would be a “sure money-maker”, Dolyesroom.com, at the peak of the then online poker boom.

Unable to foresee the negatives the future may churn out, he refused an offer for the “room” that was valued at a cool US$230 million – whoops. But no sweat – his total live winnings as of 2018 exceeded US$6,1 million, with the earnings from his 37 cashes at WSOP amounting to over US$3 million.

Brunson’s entrepreneurial element can certainly be seen in the writing of his three books – Super System, Super System 2 and Poker Wisdom of a Champion – which can be found, today, in the libraries of most serious poker students. When Brunson played his last game in 2018, at age 85, stating he was retiring to spend more time with his wife of 57 years, Louise, due to her ill health, he received a standing ovation and famously tipped his hat in acknowledgment. A legend is nothing without humility.

Smoke, mirrors and bushy beards

But undoubtedly the world’s wealthiest poker player, (well, from the looks of things, anyway), with a net worth at last count of US$150 million, is Dan Bilzerian, 41, of the beeeg beard. Whether you want to argue that he’s a trust-fund kid (apparently his father, Paul, set one up for him from an early age which has added quite a bit to his wealth), or that he’s astute with stocks, shares and more (he apparently has investment holdings in a range of other areas), Bilzerian is still popular for his extremely high-stakes poker games.

In fact, this dashing poker millionaire has been known to reap earnings from the felt of at least US$10 million a night. Browse through his eye-popping Instagram profile (@danbilzerian), replete with underclad female companions, yachting vacations and other glamorous breakaways, and you’ll want in on the action. This dude is an interesting mix of high-intensity gym workouts and indulgence in probably the world’s most pricey Cubans.

While he is undoubtedly a genius at the game, other aspects of his life also appear to bring in the bucks – from appearing in a range of popular movies to running Ignite which sells, among other things, vodka, and non-poker related wagers (such as the one for US$385 000, in which Bilzerian raced and beat Tom Goldstein on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Bilzerian was driving a 1967 AC Cobra and Goldstein a Ferrari 458 Italia. What a life!) Some say he may have taken a bit of a financial tumble lately, but what’s certain is controversy keeps a man sought-after.

Other businessmen who have become famous players, or players who have launched a range of successful business initiatives on the back of their playing prowess, include:

David Einhorn, 52, founder of the hedge fund Greenlight Capital and a regular participant in the most expensive/high-profile of poker matches (overall career winnings: US$5.1 million);
Douglas Polk, 32, formerly outstanding player (before his retirement from the game in 2018) and founder of Upswing Poker (overall career winnings: US$9,4 million);
Wall Street trader Andy Frankenberger, 48 (overall winnings: over US$2,5 million); and
outstanding tournament player specializing in high-roller tables, Phil Ivey, 44 (overall career winnings: over US$6,7 million).

These gentlemen show what a good teacher the game can be, if you’re open to its inherent learnings – including tuning in to that wise little voice inside.

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HR Software Apps – Keeping Your Hybrid Workforce Engaged

October 5, 2021

By Lara Blake

HR software apps including time trackers are one of the latest trends in HR management and are inevitably becoming a necessity due to a large percentage of the workforce continuing to work between the office and home.

Worldwide, we are continuing to see the ongoing effects of the pandemic in the shape of enforced lockdowns and as a result of this, a large number of companies are now offering a more flexible approach in the form of a hybrid working model whereby employees can work from home at least a few days per week. This shift has made HR reporting and analytics even more crucial for companies to effectively manage their remote workforce and ensure productivity and employee well-being.

Gold Coast App Developers Media Shark recently reported “We are beginning to see an increased demand in larger organisations reaching out to us to create customised software solutions specific to their business in order to monitor company culture and keep their workforce engaged whilst transitioning between the office and home”

HR software apps are not only assisting in an impending digital transformation within companies but also paving the way for strong employee retention strategies post covid.

It is abundantly clear that a large number of employees discovered that they prefer the work life balance that a hybrid working model allows and as a result of this, many companies are adapting to more versatile working arrangements.

Leading cloud based software company Salesforce recently announced that its employees may work “remotely part or full time after the pandemic” and many other multinationals have followed suit including Facebook, Amazon and Google.

What are HR software Apps?

HR software apps come in many forms however an increasingly popular application is an employee pulse survey or “pulse check”

A pulse check is conducted more frequently than an annual review and assess employee engagement levels. It’s a simpler “touching base” initiative to see how employees are tracking, where their motivation levels are sitting and their overall happiness and attitude towards their place of employment.

Obtaining quality data regarding employee engagement levels will enable employers to understand the levels of job satisfaction, productivity and performance within their teams.

The ongoing pandemic and continuous uncertainty regarding job security combined with remote working has left the vast majority feeling unmotivated and disengaged, so implementing a great reboarding strategy and some innovative HR technology along with refreshing company culture to reflect an updated mission statement could be the key to improving employee engagement levels and ensuring talented individuals stay committed to their roles.

58% of decisions concerning HR technology are due to the need to attract and retain talent.

HR software apps can also assist HR Managers with many other processes which would normally be done manually, some examples include:

Managing employee profiles
Staff hiring and application process
Employee onboarding
Timesheets
Annual leave
Payroll processing
Training modules
Performance reviews

Staff turnover is at an all time high, 41% of workers globally, are thinking about handing in their notice, according to a new Microsoft survey.

Since the beginning of the pandemic job roles have evolved and some employees have found themselves with a less challenging workload due to how their specific industry is coping.

The accommodation industry for example is still suffering immensely and employees who were previously office based now find themselves in operational roles. The film and production industries and the arts are also still struggling. Other industries have prospered however such as building and construction, software and IT.

The cost of staff turnover can cost a company around 33% of that person’s annual salary, this is broken down into a drop in productivity as one person leaves and a new person is being trained, annual leave payouts, the cost and time taken for advertising and interviewing and the onboarding and retraining process. Staff turnover also lowers morale within a team.

By ensuring employees are fulfilled and challenged and offering the opportunity to develop by upskilling and further training, companies are able to retain talent.

What is employee engagement?

Employee engagement isn’t just a happiness calculator (although this is also included) employee engagement is a measure of how connected an employee feels to their company, their motivation and enthusiasm toward their organisation, their position and the tasks they are assigned, their relationships with their colleagues and management teams.

An employee that feels valued and challenged is more likely to stay loyal to their company and organisations with high employee engagement levels are 17% more productive. It is reported that happy and engaged employees also have 65% more energy

According to Forbes, employees who are engaged in their work are more likely to be motivated and remain committed to their employer. This leads to achieving more business goals and helping to drive the organization forward.

How can we keep our hybrid workforce engaged?

Maintaining a great company culture takes time and consistency, to ensure our workforce remains engaged whilst working remotely we must instill trust and encourage collaboration between employees and employers.

What small actions can we take to keep our hybrid workforce engaged?

1. Implement HR Software Apps including – Pulse Surveys

Conduct frequent pulse checks every 3 months; keep the questions brief and remain consistent. Discuss the feedback with management teams and act upon the feedback provided, if employees feel their opinions are valued they are more likely to remain loyal to the company.

2. Refresh the company mission statement

Humans want to feel a sense of belonging, if employees feel connected to their company’s values, their commitment to the company is likely to be increased. Given the ongoing pandemic, it’s important to continue a “we’re in this together” mentality

3. Offer training and career development opportunities

Offering training and career development opportunities is key to retaining your “stars” This is also an excellent opportunity to utilise HR software apps for bitesize training modules for remote workers rather than in house training.

4. Prioritise your team’s thoughts and ideas

The whole idea behind employee pulse survey applications is to understand how your workforce is feeling. 64% of workers say they intend to resign from their jobs, citing the “lack of being heard” as their reason. Listen to your team!

5. Recognise each individuals achievements

Feeling valued at work feels great! There is nothing better than recognition for a job well done. If an employee receives awesome client feedback or comes up with a new initiative recognise this and share with everyone.

6. Acknowledge personal milestones

Acknowledging that employees have a life outside of work which includes weddings, college, new fur babies, children and family and offering flexibility can lead to a more loyal team. This is where the hybrid working model can really come into action!

7. Implement a healthcare initiative

Health and wellbeing have never been more important, by offering a healthcare initiative where employees feel supported and have the opportunity to attend gyms or health clubs for free or even at a discounted rate can lead to a less stressed employee, better overall mental and physical health and improved working connections.

8. Check in frequently on Zoom

Checking in frequently with your staff on the days that they are working from home will solidify that they are just as crucial to the business whether they are in the office or at home. Hybrid workers still very much want to be a part of the team, so touching base via zoom is a great way to stay connected even for just a brief check in.

9. Get the whole team involved in daily meetings

Keeping the team connected is easy with today’s technology, morning meetings can be scheduled with team members joining virtually. Speaking to colleagues on a daily basis will reinforce the sense of belonging to the team regardless of being at home.

10. Make sure there is always a manager available to help with questions and concerns

Some remote workers have reported their frustration at not being able to get in touch with a manager on some occasions and this has prohibited them from moving forward with some work projects. Always ensure there is a direct report available to answer questions and provide guidance

11. Empower your hybrid workers with projects that contribute towards team goals and projects.

Working from home doesn’t mean employees need to be chained to their home office desk for 8 hours, the idea is flexibility. Provide your remote workforce specific projects rather than hours worked.

12. Create a Team App

As we continue to deal with lockdowns and constantly changing situations and directives it is crucial we stay connected and communicate to our team. Creating a team app will enable the whole workforce to stay up to date with the latest information.

Final thoughts

As employers and HR Managers, understanding that happy and engaged employees are crucial to a businesses success is key. Building a great company culture and employee experience will then go on to build a great customer experience. In today’s society of technological advances and the new hybrid model it is important we utilise these software options to measure employee engagement levels and to simplify our day to day workload.

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About the Author

Lara Blake is the Business Development Manager for Media Shark, Gold Coast App Developers who specialise in App Design & App Development. Lara’s passion for tech coupled with an extensive career in Business Development has led her to become an advocate and writer for young professionals within the industry.

Should You Resort to Buying Cheap Stocks Based on Absolute Price?

October 5, 2021

If you’re new to the stock market, then you have probably set your sights on low-priced stocks.

But the question is: are they worth it?

Will buying cheap stocks based on absolute price help your portfolio? Or will they destroy your otherwise fantastic investment strategy?

Before you go ahead and buy one, make sure to read the pointers below.

What is a Cheap Stock, Anyway?

When it comes to cheap stocks, ‘penny stocks’ immediately come to mind.

The name easily describes itself—they’re stocks you can buy for under a penny. Just think of Elite Pharmaceutical, which you can buy for 37 cents a share.

Apart from the popular penny stock, there are some that trade at a low absolute dollar figure. A good example is Hudson City Bancorp, which you can buy for $9.

That said, price isn’t the only thing that makes cheap stocks, well, low-priced.

The stock is considered cheap if it trades below 50% of its pegged amount. In essence, not all stocks that are cheap are inexpensive.

Case in point: buying Berkshire Hathaway stock, specifically the class A ones. This will set you back $200,000 a share—cheap compared to its value of $400,000+ each!

Why Buy Penny Stocks? The Psychology Behind this Unique Investing Strategy

Investors often ask this question to so many money managers: why would you sell a valuable stock at a meager price?

According to experts, it all boils down to these four things:

Greed

No one can predict the future. However, some try to predict earnings, stocks, and other variables according to the current market climate.

While some come true, most of the time, they don’t. They end up becoming worthless stock, which is why owners will do anything to get rid of them.

Fear

Once the stock quotes begin to take a slow, steady slide, the fear envelopes investors. Some are worried that the tumbling prices will take their entire life savings along with them.

So while there’s still some net current asset value, many will sell them while they can.

Pain

This specific investment strategy brings more than just fear—it leads to pain as well.

Each stock represents the pain of losing everything. So instead of dealing with them, investors will sell them for cheap.

Pessimism

Even if you have high-dividend yielding stocks at hand, investors get to be pessimistic about it. Because of the lack of buyers and sellers, they will try to eliminate all of them.

Should You Buy Cheap Stocks?

Yes, because they yield spectacular returns.

Below, you’ll see the value of buying cheap stocks relative to the following:

Dividend Yield

For best results, you should buy cheap stocks relative to the share price. They should be higher-dividend yielding stocks, otherwise known as large dividend yield stocks.

According to a study by the Tweedy Browne Company, these stocks bring better yields in due time. That’s because they get to beat the market by significant amounts.

Earnings

Another way that cheap stocks dominate the market is through earnings.

Make sure to buy low price relative to earning stocks, otherwise known as low PE stocks. According to another Tweedy Browne study, they can give you high returns in the years to come.

In fact, these stocks dominated from 1957 to 1971, even with the rapidly-sinking stock market.

Cash Flows

Another strategy is to look at the stock price relative to the money that the company has brought.

For top money management firms, cash flow is the best way to measure profit. That’s because it represents the money and not just the accounted profit.

Tweedy Browne’s above-cited study also proves this to be true. Results showed that such stocks outperformed their peers over time.

Net Assets

This method is all about buying stocks that come with a low price-to-equity value.

It’s good to do stock trading when the company’s share price is below the share equity.

Another advantage of this cheap stocks sub-strategy is that assets prove to be more stable than the company’s net earnings. The latter can be inflated but not assets.

Cheap Stocks Win a Lot, But be Careful

Some money managers fail with penny stocks because of the risks inherent to them. So before you make a trade, you should be on the lookout for the pump and dump scam.

This occurs when people purchase penny stocks at meager prices. They hype the company to help increase the share value.

Because of this, buyers rush in to buy the stocks, most of which are sold at high prices. The result: tremendous losses on the part of the buyer.

That said, make sure to assess the intrinsic value before taking a dive. When it comes to this fantastic value investing strategy, knowledge is power.

Final Thoughts

As you’ll see, buying a low absolute dollar amount stock offers high dividend yields. They have a proven high-performance record, as the Tweedy Browne studies above show.

Buying cheap stocks is the best investment strategy right now, so make sure to try it!

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Is Investing In Gold Still a Good Idea in 2021?

October 5, 2021

Investing in gold, regardless of the form, remains among the top choices of investment among people for decades. But what we consider as an ever-green investment option has witnessed some dramatic changes over the years that have certainly affected its value in the market and the way it is getting perceived by the investors. Those who are interested in gold, invest in it via ETFs, or exchange-traded funds, investing in gold miners’ stocks or physically buy gold in Canada. Each of these options is equally popular among investors that have helped them create an impressive investment portfolio.

However, like any other investment option, gold also has its fair share of critics who advise against it. There is certainly a debate over whether it still pays to invest in gold or not. On one hand, where some argue that it is a material to be used in jewelry and not a lucrative investment option, others believe that gold is an asset that proves to be financially helpful for people in different ways due to its intrinsic qualities.

A Brief History of Gold

To gain a better understanding of gold and its investment options. It is important to look at its origins and history. As we are all aware that in ancient times in 2000 B.C, gold was first used as a material for jewelry and it continues to date but soon people realized its monetary value and started using it as a currency in 560 B.C. Gradually, gold was accepted and recognized as a highly lucrative investment option in the different corners of the world.

Gold in the Modern Economy

Fast forward to today, gold is still a sign of the wealth of people everywhere and carries unparalleled importance in society. It is certainly an important part of the world economy and it can easily be validated by examining the balance sheets of financial organizations or central banks. In today’s time, these organizations carried almost one-fifth of the gold and they are constantly making efforts to collect more.

Gold Preserve Wealth

One of the main reasons why gold is preferred by the top financial organizations in the world is because for generations it has successfully preserved and stored wealth. It may not have provided investors with much liquidity with its previous investment options but the same has been successfully solved with the current different forms of gold investments.

Apart from preserving wealth, it significantly multiplies in its monetary value over the years. If you invested $100, 10 or 20 years ago in gold, your amount would have multiplied significantly in 2021, but if you kept away $100 as savings, it would still be the same.

Gold as a Safe Haven

Every other investment option is easily affected by even the smallest highs and lows in the market but the gold value is not that easily collapsed. The current economy of the world may not be at its best considering the recent pandemic, but when you look at the prices of gold, you will find that investors who were smart enough to put their money in gold are benefitting even in today’s scenario.

Gold as a Diversifying Investment

There is no surprise that gold is considered a diversifying investment in today’s time. It has historically served as an investment option for people and even today, it is helping investors diversify their portfolios. With this diversification, people who are worried about the declining US dollar, inflation, and protecting their wealth can put a stop to their worries.

Various Forms of Gold Investment Options

In today’s time, investors are presented with various forms of gold investment options that they can use to enrich their portfolios. Depending in their needs and flexibility, they can choose any option from below-mentioned ones:

Gold Mutual Funds
Gold Bullion
Gold Jewelry
Gold Futures
Gold Coins
Gold Companies
Gold ETFs

The Benefits of Investing in Gold

Investing in gold can be beneficial to both long term and short term goals. For those looking for investment yield, investing in gold can be a good way to increase wealth over time. The benefit of investing in gold is that prices do not fluctuate as much as other investments, and this allows investors to profit when the market fluctuates and prices are unpredictable. This is unlike other investments, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, where losses and gains can vary depending on the government policies and economic conditions of the country. The benefit of investing in gold is also that gold itself does not lose value, so holding onto gold is a good investment regardless of the economy.

Investing in gold can also provide tax advantages as well. One of the benefits of investing in gold investments is that there are no annual tax fees associated with them. The best benefit of investing in gold is that there is very little risk associated with them, as even if the market takes a dip, gold investments will generally hold their value. Additionally, gold investments are not subject to inflation and are not affected by governmental policies around the world.

Investing in gold is a sound choice for anyone who wishes to diversify their financial assets. Gold is one of the safest and most secure investment options available and also offers the potential for large profits. The benefit of investing in gold investments can give you a valuable return on your investment, while also minimizing the potential for financial loss.

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The Perks of Employing a Lawyer to Manage Your Real Estate

October 4, 2021

You must know all the legal regulations and procedures according to your location and property type if you own a property. Usually, real estate planning refers to managing the property of the owner after his death. It involves a transfer procedure in which the property gets transferred to another person as per the deceased’s will. But dealing with the entire legal system is not easy. You need to hire a lawyer to manage your real estate-related matters. An ordinary person does not know the loopholes that exist in law. So, you need to consult your lawyer before making any decision related to your real estate.

Whether you want to buy the property for commercial or residential use, it is better to have someone to provide valuable legal insights. Employing a lawyer to manage your real estate matters gives you many benefits. It helps you get rid of the headache of the things that you do not know. Let’s explore the perks of employing a lawyer to manage your real estate.

Saves your Time

Being a business owner, you cannot concentrate on more than one thing at a time. You have to give time to your customers and manage your operations. So, if legal issues keep coming every day, it would be difficult for you to run your business smoothly. It could distract you from the core portions of your business. Hiring a lawyer will help you save time and effort. It would be better to search for a lawyer in your state or city.

For example, if you live in Ipswich, an area in Queensland, Australia, it would be better to consult the ipswich lawyers to save your time. Employing a lawyer to manage your real estate saves your time from legal disputes. You can use this time smartly to focus on other aspects of your business to earn more profitability and growth. Having a real estate lawyer consultancy with you means that you have his expertise and experience, so you do not have to do much. It will help you sell and buy the commercial space without any hassle in the long run. There are legal deals where you have to go through documents which can consume a significant amount of time.

Rather than going through this process, you can hire a real estate lawyer to cover all legal matters. Lawyers know how to analyze facts from an objective perspective. Instead of going through the entire process, they will stick to the relevant issues. While they look after legal affairs, you can give your time and energy to your business.

Protects your Rights

When you buy commercial property, you want to protect your interests and rights. Otherwise, you can sign a contract that does not suit your interests. Lawyers are responsible for protecting your legal rights, so they know how to negotiate the process if the deal does not go your way. By reviewing the contract, they can let you know if it’s in your interest or not.

You never know if there are any structural or environmental issues in the deal that you are closing. So, in such cases, the consultancy of lawyers becomes mandatory. It helps you to deal with legal problems effectively. Once you have a lawyer’s assistance, you will protect your interests and rights.

Deals with Potential Issues

When you do not have experience dealing with property-related issues, you can make wrong decisions that affect your business progress. Even if you do, there are still different issues that could concur during the process. From leaseholds to tenant claims, you can encounter anything that you possibly have not even heard of before. Dealing with such types of issues is not a piece of cake. But if you have an experienced and qualified lawyer, you do not have to worry about anything.

A real estate lawyer has hands-on experience in resolving legal issues. If a unique problem arises, you can follow the right track after seeking advice from your lawyer. Doing this will help you know what steps you have to take while dealing with any legal issue.

Negotiates for you

Hiring a lawyer helps you negotiate huge property deals quickly. While dealing with negotiations, it can be tricky for you if you do not have an unbiased mindset and a clear point of view. Your lawyer can act as a third party in negotiations and help you with their experience, making negotiations easier for you.

Keeps your Plan Updated

A foolproof real estate plan is the key to managing your properties successfully. It also helps you secure the financial future of your family as it involves future planning. A competent lawyer will always keep your financial plan updated by suggesting what changes your plan requires. If you have an updated plan, then your plan will get executed as per your wish. So, that is why hiring a lawyer can be a great option to have a secure plan in your hands.

Manages your Multiple Properties

A competent lawyer can help you in managing multiple properties. If you have more than one property, it can be difficult to watch their legal matters. So, hiring a lawyer can be the solution to manage your multiple properties efficiently.

Estate planning requires beneficiary designations and asset titling. The lawyer you will employ will maintain a check and balance on your properties to ensure they cover your designated beneficiaries. Your hired lawyer will be liable to ensure that everything goes smoothly to prevent unnecessary estate taxes payment and probate proceedings.

Conclusion

Hiring a lawyer can be the finest decision you can ever make to manage your real estate. In this way, you do not have to bear the hassle of keeping an eye on different legal issues related to your property. It will allow you to focus on critical business areas to help you achieve your goals and attain growth consistently. You have to be mindful while deciding to hire a lawyer. Check the record of the lawyer to see the competence level and make the decision accordingly. It will help you make the right moves for your sustainability and growth.

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