LinkedIn Hopes to Secure More Members with New Technologies

LinkedIn Hopes to Secure More Members with New Technologies

LinkedIn is one of the world’s most popular business networking and online resume sites. As a haven for job seekers and hirers, the social media network recently refined its news feed. Similarly, it has added a myriad of new features – designed to improve the user experience across multiple platforms. Here is a breakdown of some of the newest technologies and how they are affecting new and existing members.

Pipeline Builder

The Pipeline Builder has been refined to search for the right talent automatically. In fact, there are now sponsored updates and recruitment ads targeted to your core, niche, or geo-specific audiences. This feature also taps into a more diverse hiring place, which accounts for 78% of top recruiting trends by talent professionals. The result is a wider pool of potential candidates for you to network, engage and connect with. With diversity continuing to be paramount in 2018, here are some more benefits of the recently enhanced Pipeline Builder feature:

·         Attract talents through personal landing pages, while showcasing your business, services and jobs across the board.

·         This space enables you to engage candidates with the “I’m Interested” feature; a seamlessly integrated click-based portal that allows you to follow-up with potential hires in  a timely and professional manner.

·         The Pipeline Builder enables you to extend your brands’ reach to a wider scope of audiences. Similarly, you receive industry-specific and quality leads in real-time. This saves you time when looking for the right candidates to fill available positions within your business or organization.

·         Increase hiring conversion rates, while effectively pushing top-level candidates through the hiring process in a smooth and time-sensitive manner.

Effectively Source the Right Talent

LinkedIn has also enhanced their artificial intelligence (AI) powered features to help companies source the right talent. In fact, 35% of hiring managers and recruiters believe AI plays a pivotal role in their hiring and sourcing processes. With this in mind, LinkedIn has applied and implemented these new technologies across multiple areas. This includes but is not limited to:

1.    More responsive candidates with Spotlights

The new Spotlights feature helps you identify who you should reach out to first. It also helps improve leads and conversion rates, while saving you time on multi-tasking and screening efforts. With this add-on, LinkedIn analyzes and assesses behavioral data and responsive candidates for recruitment managers. This establishes a continuous flow of candidacy – but with a strong emphasis on precise and concise matches that meet your skills requirements and overall criteria.

2.    Boost engagement with open roles on mobile

LinkedIn is tapping into all the current and burgeoning digital trends. This includes the Jobs tab on mobile, which allows users to effectively digest information across a plethora of devices. For companies, mobile engagements are increasing across the board – and it’s imperative for them to reach wider audiences via mobile, wireless and digital devices. The mobile tab is powered by machine learning, which is resulting in relevant job information and insights for potential candidates. You can also respond to real-time feedback, which too improves future job recommendations and overall candidacy.

With over 50 million LinkedIn members viewing jobs on the platform every month, mobile-friendly and “smart” technologies are essential for talent acquisition specialists. You are sure to see a dramatic increase in the number of interested candidates, and your open roles must revolve around precise descriptions that generate more leads and decrease drop-off rates.

Secure a Competitive Edge

The Performance Summary Report allows you to effectively analyze and assess acquired data. In fact, this feature offers real-time data and measurable results for all organizations. With the right data, you are able to easily share insights, while comparing current engagement rates with departments within your business. Similarly, you can access job slot rates and utilization, as well as hiring – departure rates and followers. This feature even connects you with the latest in industry news, market trends and global networking opportunities.

Sources:

https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/blog/product-updates/2018/15-linkedIn-features-that-help-you-get-ahead-of-this-years-biggest-hiring-trends

https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/marketing/2018/02/the-smart-new-linkedin-feature-you-need-to-know.html

Should You Raise Your Insurance Deductibles? Pros and Cons

Should You Raise Your Insurance Deductibles? Pros and Cons

The insurance industry is turbulent and ever-changing at best. In fact, what might be trendy today may be obsolete tomorrow. One constant remains in the insurance industry, however; raising your insurance deductibles can lower your monthly premiums. Whether for health, car or even life insurance, this unofficial law is still in place across the industry as a whole. Still, with smaller and more affordable monthly payments – your deductibles are sure to be bigger .Similarly, how much can you truly save on monthly payments when you still have to meet a larger deductible?

With this in mind, are some benefits of raising your insurance deductibles:

Save Money on Monthly Payments

As mentioned above, the main reason to increase deductibles is to secure cost-effective monthly payments. This enables you to have better cash flow each month for other bills and expenses. For example: you may be paying $100.00 per month on a $1,000 insurance deductible. Taking out a $2,000 deductible may lower your monthly payments by 50 percent. However, it’s important to know that with any large or small deductible –it must be paid out fully in order for the insurance to kick in.

Save Money to Meet Deductible

By taking out a larger deductible, you can save money each month – which can be used to pay the deductible in whole. Remember, there usually no restrictions or penalties in meeting your deductible via traditional payments. Sadly, most people tend to meet their deductibles due to extensive hospital stays and/or emergency room treatments. Depending on your medical insurance carrier, you should be able to “ pay ahead” without any real monthly restriction. Still, it’s best to consult with your insurance company to see what type of options they offer. It’s also important to know that once your yearly deductible has been, you may quality for even lower monthly payments and higher deductible plans.

Disadvantages of Higher Deductibles

The disadvantage of taking out a higher deductible is the deductible itself. For example: you may be paying lower monthly payments on a $6,000 deductible. However, you will have to pay off the full deductible before the insurance is fully active. With this in mind, suppose you do not have to go to the hospital or ER within a full insurance year? This means you have essentially wasted monthly payments just to keep your insurance policy active. According to industry experts, the solution is to find a 50/50 insurance plan for policy. This allows your plan to “kick in” once 50 percent of the deductible is met, and you will still have cost-effective monthly payments as well.

Introduction of the Ketogenic Diet

What is a Ketogenic Diet?

The Ketogenic Diet – also known as “keto” – is soaring in social media popularity. In fact, Google searches for keto-related diet terms have skyrocketed in recent months. Even celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and Tim Tebow have praised this diet for its detoxification benefits. The Ketogenic Diet revolves around the idea of replacing carbs with fats. While this sounds counterproductive – the diet has helped many people effectively shed those unwanted pounds. Folks on the diet are consuming mayonnaise, butter, and whipped cream and even cheese. The diet is also designed to boost metabolism rates, while increasing vital energy levels as well.

Principles of the Ketogenic Diet

While the keto diet sounds too good to be true, it is working for many people across the world. The principles of keto include the following:

•          An eating plan that consists of 80 percent fat and very little carbohydrates.
•         Those on the keto diet can eat fish, eggs, meat, dairy, oils and green vegetables.
•         Carb-based foods – including rice, pasta, potatoes, and grains are strictly prohibited.
•      You cannot consume any fruits on the keto diet.

Usually, the body relies on carbs for energy production and vitality. However, keto changes the way your body turns food into essential energy. This means the body no longer relies on breaking down carbohydrates from verboten foods and snacks. This includes molecules of fructose, along with glucose and galactose. With keto, the body is forced to look for another source of energy. This is due to the carbohydrate induction being lowered or completely stopped during the diet.

The keto diet intentionally places the body in a state of ketosis. This is where fat is released from the cells and converted into ketones. This is the body’s plan B for energy production, and folks are able to lose weight since they are consuming foods – and burning their intake as well.

The health benefits and risks (if any) of a Ketogenic Diet

There are several health benefits associated with the Ketogenic Diet. As mentioned above, this is a low-carb diet, which concentrates on consuming fats to change the body’s energy production origins. According to dieticians and health experts, here are some of the top benefits associated with this popular and growing diet plan:

1.    Low-carb Diet is an Appetite Suppressant

One of the main benefits of keto is that it automatically reduces your appetite. This is due to cutting carbs and consuming more fat and protein. The result is fewer calories being consumed, which ensures more fat being burned and pounds being dropped. Due to the consumption of fat and proteins, however, you will not starve on the keto diet. The keto diet is also comparable with other low-fat diets in the industry. However, the main difference is that the fat itself is what is being used to build energy and lose weight.

2.    The Keto Diet leads to Safe Weight Loss

As mentioned above, cutting carbs is the best way to effectively lose weight. In fact, studies show that people on low-carb diets tend to lose weight faster, than those on low-fat diets. Keto also helps detoxify the system of harmful toxins, as well as chemicals left over from processed foods and carbohydrates.

During the first few days of the keto diet, you will lose a great deal of water from the body. This is usually excess water that has built up in the body for years. Similarly, the kidneys will shed excess sodium – resulting in rapid weight loss during the first two weeks of the diet. Again, you will not be hungry on this diet – and as long as you eat what is recommended – you will lose weight in a timely, safe and monitored manner.

As a popular and trendy low-carb diet, folks have heralded keto for helping them meet their weight loss goals. In fact, many are continuing to use keto for post-diet maintenance, and have lost significant pounds over the last 6 months. Here are some more health benefits of getting on the keto diet to achieve your desired results:

•          In addition to water weight, you will lose actual pounds stemming from the abdominal cavity. This means no more “beer bellies”, and you will also be converting fat into lean, healthy and attractive muscle. As always, you should use keto as part of any existing fitness or diet plan to maximize results.
•          As a carb-cutting diet, your blood triglycerides will significantly be reduced as well. This helps reduce blood sugars in the body, which can lead to stroke, diabetes and heart disease.
•          HDL – “good cholesterol” levels will increase on the keto diet. This too can help prevent heart disease, along with other medical ailments and issues.
•          Folks dealing with blood pressure issues will see a drop in blood pressure to normal levels. As with any diet, however, you must consult with your primary care physician before starting on the ketogenic weight loss plan.

Potential Risk Factors

As part of the introduction of the Ketogenic Diet, we also have to cover any potential risks or issues. While keto is relatively safe, there are certain aspects to keep in mind. For one, we know the diet places the body into “ketosis”, which means little to no carbohydrate intake. One of the main concerns of the diet is putting the weight back on within a year of losing it. This is very common with both low-fat and a low-carb diet; however, maintenance is the key to keeping the pounds off. This means you can resume normal eating but try keeping a good balance of carbs – proteins – and fats in your system. 

Similarly, you must partake in at least 1 hour and 30 minutes of exercise per week. This can include walking, swimming, jogging or other exercises to keep the weight off – and boost metabolism rates. Here are some potential risks of being on the keto plan for new and returning dieters:

•          There is a risk of losing muscle tone, while feeling tired and fatigued. After all, losing weight is a lifestyle change and can impact your body both positively and negatively.
•          Most of the weight you will lose is excess water. This may cause you to feel hydrated – so it is important to consume the right amount of water to avoid these issues.
•          Some health professionals believe keto should only be used by those dealing with extreme obesity. Since it is a short-term diet, chances are those in shape – will put back the pounds they lose due to normal eating and regular activities.
•          Folks with kidney or liver issues should not be on the keto diet. However, they can consult with their doctor – and unless he or she approves it – they should refrain from keto or other low-carb diets.

What to eat and what to avoid on a Ketogenic Diet

The Keto Diet allows you to eat foods that have fats and protein within. This includes fish, eggs, meat and dairy products. You are also allowed to consume all types of cheese, as well as whipped cream and especially yogurt. Other foods permitted in the Ketogenic Diet include:

•          Mayonnaise, butter, and margarine – no marmalade or fruits allowed though.
•          Nuts, cashews, coconut oil and olive oil
• ·        Grass-fed meat is the best way to get your protein while on the keto diet. Too much protein, however, is not good and that too must be curtailed.
•         Leafy green vegetables – fresh or frozen is good.
•          Again, you can eat harder cheeses on the keto diet – milk, evaporate milk, and condensed milk is okay as well.
•          Drink mostly water while on keto – you can enhance the flavor with a little lemon or lime juice if desired.

These are the essentials of the Ketogenic Diet. For more information, simply check Google or speak to you primary care doctor or nutritionist today.

Southern Yellow Pine in Tall Wood Buildings

“It’s the wood that makes it good.” Yep, we know ya’ll have heard this phrase before. However, we wanted to reiterate this for your next deck or flooring project. If you are planning your new masterpiece, Southern Yellow Pine is as elegant as it is durable. In fact, this species of tall wood continues to soar in global popularity. Whether for interior or exterior applications, Southern Pine is truly an ideal choice for several reasons. This includes but is not limited to:

·        Sturdy, homegrown and durable for tall buildings or home-based projects.

·        Environmentally-friendly, strong and designed to stand the test of time.

·        The perfect wood for frames, flooring, paneling and decking.

·        Lavish, stylish and great for ceiling panels, porch flooring and gazebos.

·        Versatile, safe and compatible with all types of remodels, renovations and applications.

Yellow Pine Popularity

Yellow Pine grows across the South – from Maryland to Texas. In fact, this high-density wood is used extensively in home and commercial construction across the USA. From dimensional lumber to plywood products, Southern Pine is even strong enough to sustain wooden roller coasters and traditional utility poles. With this in mind, you have unlimited options available for your home or business building projects. Here are some ways you can utilize Southern Pine for decks, flooring and even interior jobs:

·        Pressure treated Southern Pine can create an exquisite, functional patio or deck.

·        Yellow Pine captures the allure and essence of down-home Southern living.

·        Southern Pine hardwood flooring is a great option for any new home or remodel.

·        Pine paneling for panel walls or a fun play set with Southern Pine timbers.

The Benefits of Southern Yellow Pine

Southern Pine is super strong and truly has a high density. This makes it the preferred choice for home construction and commercial softwood projects. From boardwalks and decks to gazebos, this is one of the hardest pine woods – with high footfalls – that holds nail better. Also, this pine species has low moisture content and amounts of shrinkage. This makes it the ideal solution, which is easy to work with using hand tools and machines.

While Yellow Pine is not suitable for steam bending, it is more versatile and stable than other types of wood. Similarly, you are assured aesthetically-pleasing, durable designs that will last for years – if not – generations to come. With this in mind, you won’t have to go back and redo parts of your project. Instead, you can enjoy quality time with loved ones, friends and pets on your new Southern Pine porch, deck or floor!

Using Commerical Printing To Boost Your Business with a Professional Printer in Lubbock TX

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Using Commerical Printing To Boost Your Business with a Professional Printer in Lubbock TX

Professional Commercial Printing for New and Existing Brands

Lubbock, TX – February 25, 2018 – Parks Printing Company offers the best commercial printing services for all companies. With years of extensive industry experience, they have the tools and expertise to create stunning marketing packages for multi-faceted advertising. Whether you need business collateral, banners, or trade show posters – you can rely on Parks Printing to get the job done right.

For over 70 years, the company has helped businesses of all sizes with their printing needs. This includes digital printing, along with top-notch letterheads, envelopes, business cards and off-set printing. With the latest in cutting-edge technologies, no print job is ever too big or small. The company also features leading pressmen, digital printers, designers, and much more for your convenience.

With true personalized services, all customers are guaranteed aesthetically-pleasing designs and visuals. In fact, Parks Printing can help establish brand validity and awareness across the board. Each job is also assigned to a dedicated team of printers, customer service reps and pressmen to achieve your desired results.

Parks Printing Company is proud to offer the finest paper stocks for all printing needs. In fact, they can help you find the right stock that meets your needs within time and budget. This includes customized printing for brochures, flyers and folded cards. The team also handles bulk volume print jobs for invitations, postcards, and all marketing and advertising materials.

As always, the company can help you meet tight deadlines. This is done with special rush printing jobs, that never lose quality or vibrancy. They even specialize in printing existing logos, or creating new logos for your brands and companies. If you  need timely, affordable and dependable printing services, go no further than Parks Color in Lubbock.

CONTACT:

http://www.parkscolor.com

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Common Injuries Seen in Personal Injury Claims

Common Injuries Seen in Personal Injury Claims

Personal injuries can happen at any time in the workplace. Similarly, they can occur due to accidents, mishaps and negligence on the part of business establishments. From slips and falls to bodily harm, there are common injuries seen in personal injury claims. These usually include whiplash and neck sprain, which are directly associated with car accidents or small fender-benders.

Similarly, wrenched and sprained backs are common with falls in retail and commercial venues. Neurological issues and vision problems can also be attributed to personal injuries sustained at the office or in other areas. With this in mind, here are some essentials related to personal injury claims and how best to expedite restitution.

The Most Common Injuries

The most common injuries in personal injury cases involve the head and neck areas. For example: a wooden plank that falls and hits a person on the head can result in migraines and neck tension. This usually happens at home improvement centers, which are notorious for causing injuries to people of all ages. In these cases, an attorney will discuss the best ways to file a personal injury claim and seek damages. With years of extensive legal expertise, he or she will also gather vital evidence – which is needed to sue the company or business in question. Here are some vital steps taken in ensuring maximum payout for damages incurred by commercial negligence:

·         Detailed doctors reports will be needed to analyze and asses the severity of your injuries. This includes scans, MRI, neurological reports and other important documents.

·         Your attorney will review all materials needed, while helping you file a timely personal injury claim.

·         The responsible party may also request you to see their physician to correlate with your primary care physician’s findings. However, you must keep your doctor and lawyer in the loop at all times to prevent any problems and issues

·         Workplace accidents will require victims to also see company doctors. Use the same technique in keeping your legal team and primary doctor in the loop.

·         It is important to keep a log of all doctor’s visits, as well as contact with your insurance provider and that of the responsible parties.

Whiplash and Sudden Jerks of the Neck

Whiplash is perhaps the most common injury in personal injury claims. However, you do not have to be involved in a car accident to experience this trauma. Again, negligence at the workplace – or business venues – can also result in neck sprains and tension. No truer is this than with slips and falls, which also result in sprained backs, broken bones, or even ligament and tendon damages.

If planning to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit, it is important to take photos of the area where the incident occurred. This can show if there were obstacles or hurdles that were in your path, as well as any liquids that were on the floor. You must take these images – or have a witness take them – ASAP before the store has a chance to remove these objects or wipe their negligence away.

Back Sprains and Spinal Compression

Back sprains are also considered common personal injuries. However, any type of extensive back trauma – resulting from product liability or medical malpractice – can be ground for lawsuit and damages.  This is especially true if corrective surgical procedures were botched. It can also relate to defective medical support accessories, such as casts, harnesses or support wraps. Again, it is important to consult with a legal attorney should you experience any injuries due to medical procedures or defective products. The same also extends to defective automobiles, electronics, or anything that has supposedly passed stringent requirements for public safety.

Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_injury

https://www.edwardsandkautz.com/blog/2015/09/5-common-personal-injury-claims.shtml

Coconut Grove's Unique Culture in 2018

Coconut Grove's Unique Culture in 2018

Coconut Grove has long been known for its vibrant yet serene and tranquil environment. With its picturesque landscapes and scenic beauty, the area is home to several waterfront properties and luxury real estate. As a location synonymous with free-roaming peacocks and artistic energy, Coconut Grove continues to foster a unique and diverse cultural experience for home buyers and renters. However, this historic area is also Miami’s oldest neighborhood – with establishments along the shores of Biscayne Bay dating back to 1873. With this in mind, the community continues to showcase down-home traditional living with big-city amenities and features. In fact, this is what makes the area so original and different from other leading sub-divisions and developments.

New Residential and Commercial Developments

With some of Miami’s oldest single family homes, Coconut Grove continues to soar in real estate sales and investments. However, new residential and commercial developments are rapidly soaring in the area – resulting in long-time property owners becoming worried. This is due to older homes being transformed into huge mansions of concrete and glass. Similarly, mom and pop stores are being ushered out in favor of high-end retail outlets catering to the millennial population. With this in mind, long-time residents are worried that Coconut Grove is losing its unique history and tropical culture. So much so that some are fighting against new construction – in an attempt to salvage the area’s green space.

If looking for a house for sale in the area, it is best to consult with a leading real-estate agent. With years of extensive industry experience, local agents can explain the difference between newly erected properties and homes that have been around – in the area – for generations. Let us not forget that new condo units and high-rises are blanketing the area as well. While Coconut Grove already has its share of lavish and elegant beachfront condos, will the  new architecture take away or seamlessly blend in with the environment? Similarly, will mid-rise and high-rise condo prices restrict traditional home owners from banking in potential lucrative offers? These are some of the questions that do not have concrete answers – as of yet.

Preserving the Neighborhood

Coconut Grove is truly a real estate developer dream for any local or international building firm. However, residents feel the ongoing construction is taking away from the area as a whole. From Coral Gables and Pinecrest to Brickelll and S. Beach, the area is known for its aquatic and nautical activities. In fact, these areas truly feature Mother Nature at her best – with plenty of things to do and see for the entire family. Even with the new developments – like the exquisite One Park Grove condo high-rise -  seamlessly blending in with the environment, long-time residents feel the area is being redeveloped to lose its historic identity and persona.

From Caribbean-style cottages to beachfront homes with cozy interiors and exteriors, Coconut Grove – for the most part - remains a traditional haven for those that love swaying trees and open green spaces. In fact, this is what has – and continues to – attract investors from all over Florida and the country. Here are some essential points of interest when visiting or planning to move to Coconut Grove:

·         Charles Avenue – known for its Bahamian-influenced small homes and venues. The area is considered a Florida Heritage site and is close to the Charlotte Jane Memorial Park Cemetery.

·         Barnacle State Historic Park – a 40-acre bay-front park with mangrove forests and plenty of hiking, walking, cycling and jogging paths. It is also home to The Barnacle – the oldest home in Dade County, which is still in its original location.

·         Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – an Italian Renaissance-style villa with lavish gardens and 70 rooms filled with historic antiques and artwork.

·         Coco Walk – blanketed with sidewalk cafes, shops, and retail stores.

·         The Waterfront – a popular area known for its fishing, boating, kayaking and water-based activities.

If planning on moving to Miami Beach, Coconut Grove offers a spectacular experience like no other. Simply contact your local real-estate agent for more information on available listings today.