The Five Styles of Communication

The Five Styles of Communication

By Article Editor on

The Five Styles of Communication

One of the most important skills that a person must have is the ability to communicate effectively. Communication is more than just words; it also encompasses body language, tone, actions, and more. Effective communication requires understanding your own strengths and weaknesses as well as those of others on your team.

The five main styles of communication are assertive, aggressive, passive, passive-aggressive, and manipulative. Each style has a specific way of communicating that can help the person to achieve their goal.

According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the different communication styles can help you understand how to communicate with each person on your team, improve inter-team communication, and set boundaries for how you should be treated.

Assertive Communication

The most common style of verbal communication is assertive. This style allows the person to express him or herself in an honest and direct manner, also allowing others to express themselves honestly and directly as well. Assertive communication is honest, clear, and direct about the speaker’s feelings and expectations. This style is great for communicating when you have something important to say, but it’s not great if you are in a situation where a lot of emotion is involved since people who communicate assertively may bring up topics that are upsetting or uncomfortable.

Aggressive Communication

This style allows the person to express him or herself strongly and effectively, which helps them communicate their needs and opinions. It can have the opposite effect, however, which is why it is sometimes referred to as “micromanaging” or “bullying.” This style of communication includes aggressive body language such as pointing and glaring, interrupting or criticizing others.

When you communicate aggressively, you focus on getting what you want. You may be very direct in the way that you talk to others and can sound like a know-it-all.

Passive Communication

This type of communication allows the person to express him or herself in a way that is diplomatic and non-confrontational. It’s the opposite of aggressive, which means this style isn’t always easy to understand. For example, passive people don’t speak up unless they are asked questions or feel as though their opinion is being listened to.

When communicating passively, you may appear unconcerned with what other people have to say and you may seem overly excited about insignificant details.

Passive-aggressive Communication

The passive-aggressive style of verbal communication allows the person to express him or herself openly and honestly, but with a subtle undercurrent of hostility. This style is almost always directed at someone else and usually involves passive-aggressive behavior such as ignoring something or saying something in a shamefully manipulative way. Passive-aggressive communicators won’t say what they really mean or may keep the message worded in such a way that it can be interpreted several ways.

Individuals who use the passive-aggressive style may have trouble standing up for their own needs and goals. This style of communication is negative, draining, and damaging to relationships.

Manipulative Communication

At the other end of the spectrum from passive-aggressive communication is manipulative communication. Manipulative people will do anything to get their needs met and are willing to lie, cheat, manipulate, or blame others in order to get what they want. They may be obnoxious, touchy, and over-sensitive in order to get their needs met.

People who use manipulative tactics will have others do their dirty work for them, even though they are willing to take all the credit for themselves when things go well.

Communicating Effectively

Understanding how the different styles of communication work can help your team work more effectively together.

Using the five styles of communication to communicate with your team sends a message that you value their opinions, and that you trust them to tell you when something is wrong. It also creates a sense of camaraderie within the team since everyone’s opinions are valued and respected.
Dr. Jordan Sudberg stresses that communicating with confidence will improve your ability to successfully negotiate, delegate, and handle conflict constructively.

The Journey Of A Lifetime: How Saving My Mother’s Life Helped Change The World

The Journey Of A Lifetime: How Saving My Mother’s Life Helped Change The World

By Inesa Ponomariovaite on

Balance in life and balance health have always been two things that I am passionate about.  Changing the world is another.  If you don’t know who I am already, let me introduce myself.  My name is Inesa Ponomariovaite and I am a humanitarian, holistic health coach, and the CEO and Founder of Nesas Hemp.  That is who I am today, but my story actually begins many years ago.

As a child, I was in and out of the hospital.  I was very sick with many health issues.  It was an extremely challenging childhood.  While other kids my age were going to play or have a sleepover, I was going to a doctor or a hospital.  My health problems included lung and kidney issues. I was literally miserable.  Some doctors said there was no hope for me.  Over the years, it got worse. More pills, more procedures, and still more bad news.  

Then came what was probably the hardest decision of my life.  Our mother asked us if we wanted a better life and more quality food.  While this doesn’t seem like a hard answer, choosing a better life and better nutrition was, in fact terrifying.  To do this, our mother would have to leave us.  Otherwise, we would stay as we were, never improving.  Together, my brother, sister and I chose the better food which came with a very, very high price.  In exchange for my mother working more, I had to basically raise my siblings.  I was also working at the time and literally every penny I made went into our family budget so we could survive.

I realized as a teenager that if I didn’t take my health into my own hands, I would never get better.  So, I did my homework.  I changed my diet and experimented with different herbal teas and things like that.  I noticed small improvements.  Each improvement gave me the courage I. needed to change something else.  This gave me the motivation to continue my holistic health journey.  I was a very happy person for a short time; that is, until my mom called one day and told me she had terminal cancer and approximately six months to live.  I remember this like it was yesterday.  One minute I was in Chicago and happy. The next morning, I was back in Lithuania, racing to save my mom.

My mom said she was dying, I told her she was not.  “Cancer has a lot of solutions, and because it happened to us, we’re going to help the world be a better place,” I told her. That was the moment I realized my real purpose in life.  I saw myself not only saving my own mother, but so many others as well.  I made a deal with myself.  I would save my mom and I would save as many of them as I could as well.  Today, my mom is healthy and cancer-free.  It was a hard journey, but we beat cancer – my way.  Since that day, I have spent literally thousands of hours helping others and on cancer research.  This is truly my biggest passion in life.  I was able to save my mom and after just four months she was diagnosed as cancer free.  It was at this point that I really started helping people and sharing my message and my knowledge to a wider audience.   This was the genesis of my consulting company, Nesas Love To Live.  

Nesas Hemp came next.  I started it after I travelled around the world looking for the best products. I found that most CBD products either weren’t organic, weren’t grown in pure soil, or had toxins that weren’t meant to be consumed.  I had products tested and they failed.  Instead of getting more answers, I got more questions.  It reached a point where I simply couldn’t believe people were putting these products in their bodies. After travelling state to state and around the globe, it became abundantly clear that I simply had to do this myself.   Knowing that people use CBD for anxiety, CBD oil for pain, and so many other diagnoses meant doing it right.

Doing it my way meant creating my own beyond organic, proprietary soil.  It’s toxin free, metal free, mold free, and so pure.  Then there are my plants.  I call them my children because I nurture them the same way we nurture our families.  They are alive and they give life.  My job is to help them grow, to nurture them, and to preserve them.  At Nesas, we also have a proprietary extraction process.  To get the best oils and healing compounds, the plants must stay alive throughout the entire process.  It’s amazing to me that most of the industry is doing the exact opposite of what we are doing at Nesas.  When all of this is done properly, 100 percent by hand and not by machine, the medicinal power of the plant is incredible.

We’re the only company in the CBD space to produce a beyond organic product that is certified organic.  But for me, that certification isn’t enough.  My criteria are so much more stringent.  That’s why we are, literally, beyond organic.  We’re also the first company to get the Certification of Safety Seal from the FDA registered ACS Laboratories.  This means so much and it’s a true differentiator.  But not our only one.  

While other companies test their products minimally and for very few things, we test our full spectrum CBDa products continuously by the batch.  It’s significantly more expensive, but I believe our clients deserve the most accurate information about what they are buying.  It all goes back to my original goal – to help others heal and to make this world a better place.  From my perspective, it can only get better if we are helping people not tricking them into believing they are getting a product that simply isn’t what they think it is.

My journey to health started in Lithuania when I was a child.  Today, I am not only a U.S. Citizen, but also a health coach, humanitarian, and an entrepreneur.  I’ve come so far, but there is still so much work to be done. I’m on a mission to make a difference.  To some this may sound silly.  To others it may be overwhelming.  To me, every day I am achieving my goal of simply making a difference.  That’s the one thing I care about. That’s what drives me.  That’s what makes me smile each day, and that’s what makes this entire journey worth it.

Ten Proven Ways to Grow a Business

Ten Proven Ways to Grow a Business

By Article Editor on

Ten Proven Ways to Grow a Business

The key to long-term success in any business is growth, whether a startup or a thriving enterprise. Growth is what creates innovation, competition, and opportunity.

And while the key to successful growth is a bit different for every organization.

Fortunately, there are plenty of proven techniques out there that you can use to help your company prosper and hit new heights, according to pain management specialist Jordan Sudberg.

1. Networking

Networking is the best way to grow any business, from joining a local Chamber of Commerce to meeting with potential distributors or customers. Use opportunities such as hotel events and conferences to take on the old-fashioned pen pal system by contacting friends in other countries and asking them for advice on what they are doing. However, Sudberg notes the best way to network is to connect with people who already have a similar business. Ask customers and clients what they think about the company and what they want from it.

2. Focus on the customer

Customers are the key reason for any business’s success. Focusing on how to serve them better ensures the company is not missing out on growth opportunities. They are the reason for the business’s existence. Therefore, keep them and their needs at the forefront of all business decisions and actions.

3. Growth Hacking

Another proven way to grow a business is by growth hacking. Growth Hacking is a way of using some of the latest technologies to help the company grow faster. This can include ebook distribution, social media marketing, and paid traffic from services like Google Adwords and Facebook ads.

These methods will all play an essential role in growing a business quickly.

4. Work on a solid business plan

A solid business plan is a key to long-term growth. This should include the company’s goals, financials (including a profit and loss statement), marketing strategies, and some exit strategies.

5 Form Strategic Partnerships

Businesses multiply and form partnerships with other companies with similar values and missions. If the firm isn’t doing this already, it should start immediately.

6 Make a Decision about Acquisitions

Expanding the business through acquisitions can grow its size, influence, and expertise. There will be access to a wealth of resources, information, and technology across all aspects of the company.

7 Focus on the Technology

Jordan Sudberg believes that technology is a crucial part of being a successful business. There is a need to have it working for the firm at all times to ensure growth. Investing in the right technology and keeping up to date is critical. The quicker it adapts and maintains a solid technological foundation, the better.

8 Focus on building a loyal customer base

Building a loyal customer base can have enormous benefits for the business. Loyal customers will become brand advocates promoting the business to their networks and friends. They will also make repeat purchases even when cheaper options are available.

9 Network effectively and learn from others

Networking is the best way to grow a business. Learn what competitors are doing. Find out how international competitors are faring. And learn from other successful business owners.

10 Get teachers to help with learning

It is easy to get lost in running a business and not find time to learn what is appropriately needed. The best way to do this is to find someone who can teach you what you need to know.

Common Financial Concerns

Common Financial Concerns

By Article Editor on

5 Common Financial Concerns

Many of us take for granted how quickly the modern lifestyle seems to come and go. In a year, we might plan out what our next Christmas will look like. In a lifetime, we’ll probably never think about our finances at all, let alone plan them out in advance. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of life and forget that these are major concerns. If you’re not careful, they will catch up with you. It’s when they do catch up to you that things become complicated.

Common Concerns People Might Have

Financial concerns are common, whether you are a young adult or an old person. It doesn’t matter how much money you make, or if you have trouble affording certain things or can’t pay your bills. You need to keep in mind that managing your finances isn’t just about having enough, it’s about how you’re going to spend what you do have.

According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, these common financial concerns are just a few things you should make yourself aware of so you can have good habits and avoid potential pitfalls in your life.

1. Poor Credit

If you have poor credit, it is going to be a major concern for you. You may be denied loans that you want, or have to pay higher interest rates on those loans than you should have. You could also find that it is more difficult to rent an apartment or a place in the city.

2. Debt

Many people find themselves with credit card debt, or other forms of debt. This can be especially hard to manage, as you are paying interest on it. It can also be an obstacle to receiving loans such as a mortgage. If you have college student loans, they may affect what you can do with your savings, or how much you’ll make when you’re in the workforce.

3. No Savings

If you do not have any savings, this can be a cause for concern. If something devastating happens to you or your family, such as a sudden illness or car breakdown, the lack of savings could prove to be devastating. The issue here is that you may need to make an immediate purchase of an item that cannot wait until things start to settle down. You’ll need to fill in the gap with credit cards or other types of loans. This is how many people find themselves in financial trouble.

4. A Lack Of Insurance

This could be a major concern to you, especially if you have children. You might not be able to afford the type of insurance that would cover the cost of their health care if they were to get sick. You may also not have enough money to pay for their college education or help with a down payment on a house.

5. Retirement

If you are not properly invested for your retirement, this will be a concern. Retirement is going to be important someday, and if you haven’t prepared for it, it could really hurt you down the road. You may not have enough money to live comfortably when your career comes to an end.

How To Avoid These Concerns

The best way to avoid these concerns is to plan ahead and to anticipate problems that might eventually come up in your life. This will help you avoid them or work through them when they come up. As Dr. Jordan Sudberg points out, proper planning is going to help you avoid many of these concerns.

Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams

Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams

By admin on

Medicare doesn’t provide vision insurance coverage for eye exams or other eye-related procedures with a few exceptions for what is deemed medically necessary. For example, patients that have glaucoma, diabetes, or macular degeneration may have some procedures covered.

Medicare Part B covers exams for people with diabetes to test for diabetic retinopathy once a year. Only certain doctors are legally permitted to administer this exam from state to state. After the deductible is met for Part B, the patient is responsible for 20% of the approved amount.

Conventional routine eye exams cannot detect diabetic retinopathy. Dilated eye exams performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist properly licensed to give the exam can detect it and allow for the doctor’s diagnosis. Severe diabetic retinopathy, which requires invasive treatment, can only be performed by an ophthalmologist. Treatments may include injections, eye surgery, or laser therapy.

Glaucoma testing is available for specific groups under Medicare Part B. The tests are provided every 12 months for those deemed high risk.

According to Medicare, these patients are at higher risk of glaucoma:

• Hispanic men and women 65 and older.

• African American men and women 50 and older.

• Patients with a family member with glaucoma.

• Patients who have diabetes.

After the deductible is met for Part B, the patient is responsible for 20% of the approved amount for glaucoma testing.

Macular degeneration treatments and tests may be covered under Medicare Part B. Medicare may cover injected drug treatment and certain diagnostics if the patient has age-related macular degeneration. As with the other exceptions for vision care, Macular degeneration also carries a 20% responsibility for the approved amount after meeting the deductible.

Because prices for treatments and diagnostics fluctuate in different states and by different doctors, Medicare recommends that patients talk to their healthcare providers about costs. Factors that can impact price variance include:

• Where the patient gets the testing or service.

• The type of facility, doctor’s office, hospital, etc.

• If the patient’s doctor accepts the assignment.

• How much the doctor charges.

• Other insurance carried by the patient and what that covers.

Cataract surgery may also be covered by Medicare Part B. It can help cover the costs for corrective lenses required after the implantation of intraocular lenses. This can include glasses if lenses are not preferred.

Parts of Medicare and Approved Eye Exams and Procedures

Part A, considered hospital insurance, does not cover contact lenses, glasses, or routine exams. It can cover vision care for medically necessary procedures. This can include injuries or vision problems that require being hospitalized.

Part B, which is considered medical insurance, as mentioned, doesn’t cover eye examinations, save for a few exceptions. High-risk patients and those with glaucoma have 80% of some services covered. Medically necessary procedures related to cataract surgery may also be covered.

What is often referred to as Part C, Medicare Advantage, is a way to receive add-on benefits. This service can cover some of what Medicare does not in terms of dental, vision, and hearing.

Additional coverage from other providers often covers eye exams, glasses, and corrective lenses. Medigap, which is Medicare supplemental insurance, is a way to cover costs not covered by Original Medicare.

Vision providers that accept Medicare can be located on the Medicare.gov website. The database is accessible under the find care providers link.

Medicare Advantage plans are typically the way to go when looking for general vision care coverage. Several trusted institutions offer these programs, including UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross BlueShield (Anthem,) Aetna, and Humana. Each plan has different coverages and costs. Medicare Advantage plans can be found on Medicare.gov with just a zip code.

One area in which Medicare does offer the most benefits is the services of ophthalmologists. These doctors are specialists in eye disease treatment and in surgical and medical concerns of the eyes. While Medicare will not pay for a routine exam, medical and surgical cases can be covered by an ophthalmologist. Prior authorizations and referrals may be required. It’s suggested to check with the Medicare.gov site or speak with a representative to determine what is covered.

Medicare does not cover eye exams. According to Medicare—and most other insurance companies—eye exams are not considered a necessary part of the health care routine for people 65 years or older. This means that if you’re 65 or over and need an eye exam, you will have to pay for it out of your pocket. Some might argue that this is unfair, given that age can significantly contribute to vision loss, and there are some exceptions.

However, Medicare is not the only source of health care coverage in the country. Vision services may still be covered if qualified for gap insurance like Medicare Advantage. So, if whether your eye exam will be covered under your current health care plan is a concern, speak with your doctor or insurance company to see if it’s a covered service.

4 Simple Ways to Improve Fall Prevention Rates in Senior Adults

4 Simple Ways to Improve Fall Prevention Rates in Senior Adults

By Full Editorial on

Fall puts the lives of people in danger. It is prevalent among senior adults. Health conditions or physical conditions may aggravate cases of falls. They are the leading cause of other medical conditions, such as fractures. Therefore, if you are aged, you understand the frustration of falls. This article enlightens you with four simple ways of preventing falls among senior adults.

1- Observe the Type of Shoes That You Wear

As simple as it may seem, the type of shoes significantly affects the chances of falls. For instance, wearing high heels, floppy slippers, and shoes made of slick soles may increase the chances of a fall. Many of them have soft material with little or no threads and thus increase your possibility of slipping or stumbling. A fracture of such a magnitude will significantly impact your health. It may require serious medical treatment to restore it. It is even serious for senior adults whose bones take longer to heal. On the other hand, consider wearing nonskid shoes that fit correctly and are sturdy and flat. Such shoes reduce cases of joint pain and limit the possibility of having a fall.

2- Remove Any Hazards at Home

Keeping your home in order and all paths free from hazardous materials is essential. Remove boxes, newspapers, electronic cords, and other objects from walkways. Additionally, remove loose rugs that may cause a slip at home. It’s also vital to clean any spilled liquids, grease, food, or soap from the floor. Consequently, keeping your place free from items means having everything from food, drugs, and other essentials in reachable areas. You can also consider replacing bathroom mats with those that are nonslip. Depending on your age, having a bath seat may not be a bad idea. Your safety should come first.

3- Light Up Your Home and Living Space

Chances are that a good lighthouse is less likely to cause a fall. To avoid tripping, think of installing night lights in the bedroom, bathroom, corridors, and hallways. If you are living alone, then it’s prudent that you install a lamp next to your bed that is within your reach in case you need to wake up at night. You may also ensure that all paths leading to switches are clear, especially those that are away from the entrance. Always have flashlights in places that are within your reach. Lastly, ensure that you switch on lights before going down or upstairs.

4- Maintain a Routine of Physical Activities and Use Assistive Devices

Whenever possible, have regular walks and gentle exercises. They increase strength, thus improving your balance, muscle coordination, and flexibility. The activities increase your stamina and therefore reduce cases of falls. You can also think of having assisting devices such as handrails on the sides of stairways. You can also have raised toilet seats. They will limit excessive straining and falls.

Many simple activities can reduce fall rates among senior adults. Take the initiative to apply them. Your safety is important and may mean your life!

Being a Frontrunner Business

Being a Frontrunner Business

By Article Editor on

Being a Frontrunner Business

Frontrunner businesses are thriving, self-sufficient, and have stakeholder satisfaction at the highest level within their industry. They are known for their extremely high customer loyalty levels and usually achieve this with a massive following of word-of-mouth referrals from their customers. They are consistently profitable, enjoy high levels of success, and are seen as thought leaders within their industry. They are business leaders who constantly innovate their products/services and grow their businesses with sustainable practices. They majorly focus on sustainability and ethics in every aspect of how they do business. They have a small but loyal clientele of core customers/users who do not change as often as the market would have expected. Frontrunner businesses are known for their high-quality products/services and may be branded as leaders in their industry. They are positioned at the front of the pack regarding success, growth, and profitability. Here, we Here, We will glance at information on becoming a pertinent digital leader and remaining ahead of the curve.

1. Understand How Your Industry Is Being Affected By Digital Technologies

It is essential to understand digital technologies’ effects on your industry. The more you know how digital technologies will affect your enterprise, the better you will be able to prepare for the changes and adapt to the opportunities. It would help to consider how various digital technologies would alter your audience’s behavior and habits and study which changes may not have been foreseen by others. According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, the CEO and Medical Director of Spine and Sports Rehabilitation, “Digital Leaders are not satisfied with remaining stagnant. They push the limits and find opportunities in previously unimaginable places.”

2. Estimate The Investment Needed In Digital Capabilities

Knowing what sort of investment is needed in digital capabilities is essential. It would be best if you estimated the investment you will have to make in Digital Capabilities and identify what return on investment can be expected. To do this, you need to understand how your business uses digital technologies and how you want to develop your business in the future, whether leveraging growth opportunities, improving service efficiency, or brand differentiation. Dr. Sudberg explains this by saying, “Digital Leaders are forward thinkers. They don’t wait until their business needs are pressing and tangible; instead, they anticipate and act proactively before those needs manifest themselves.”

3. Understand Your End Users’ Digital Needs

To develop a digital strategy, it is essential to know your end users’ digital needs. You need to understand how your service will develop over the next few years and what your customers would like to have out of their services. By understanding these needs, you will be able to provide them with services that cater to their needs and, at the same time, benefit your business. There are different types of end-users: Customers are those who use your product or service. Dr. Jordan Sudberg stresses that end users are the people who use your product or service. Subscribers make up a portion of the above two demographics. You must understand how they will use your digital capabilities over the next few years and in what capacity they would like to use them.

Ways to Market Your Home Business

Ways to Market Your Home Business

By Article Editor on

Ways to Market Your Home Business

Some home businesses are need based but others are based on high demand in the market. Marketing is a key part of any business and everyone needs it to get ahead. It is important for your business to be able to find its niche and stand out from the rest. With these suggestions, you can make sure that your home business gets noticed by people willing to buy what you have on offer. Dr. Jordan Sudberg as a pain management therapist has a home business in home health care . Working with individuals with chronic pain is a tough job, but Sudberg finds joy in it. He treats patients who are having difficulty getting through their daily activities. “I am a part-time guy myself, so I’ll be working on my own,” says Sudberg. “It gives me the opportunity to work around my other commitments, whether it’s family or friends or just getting out and about.”

Sudberg has been successful in creating his niche because of the demand for people who are looking for someone like him. He chose to specialize in helping people with chronic pain so that he could serve those customers more faithfully . His practice also allows him to earn a living from his passion .

Ways to Market Your Home Business

1.Be consistent with your Marketing Efforts

Keep your website updated with new offers , Use social media platforms for promotion – Promote yourself through word of mouth .Your home business will grow stronger as time goes on. Take advantage of the many markets available but remember that you will only get noticed if you sell something people want. Using the right marketing techniques is key to making your home business a success. It will take some time to get noticed if you don’t have any marketing efforts in place but the rewards will be great. Selling a product that people want is the best way to make money and you can do this at home or on the move.

2. Promote Yourself through Word of Mouth

Your home business will grow stronger as time goes on .Take advantage of the many markets available but remember that you will only get noticed if you sell something people want. Using the right marketing techniques is key to making your home business a success. It will take some time to get noticed if you don’t have any marketing efforts in place but the rewards will be great. Selling a product that people want is the best way to make money and you can do this at home or on the move.

3.Don’t be Afraid to Use the Wrong Marketing Techniques

Putting all your efforts into the right marketing strategies will make it easier for you to market your business. It is better to put in some time and learn about various avenues for promoting your business than not doing anything at all. If you already have a business, marketing is an important part of running it successfully .If you are just starting out as a home based business owner, there is still time to work on building awareness for your product or service. Also, there are many benefits from working from home including a few challenges that can sometimes be overcome with hard work and a little initiative . There are many challenges but the rewards can make them worth it.

As Dr. Jordan Sudberg home business model is a success, he is able to sell his services and products both online and offline. As a home business owner, his goal is to maintain his client’s well-being in the easiest possible ways and to be there whenever they need him because of the high demands for his services in the market. He has knowledge, skills, expertise and years of experience that can be used to provide patients much-needed support. With proper marketing and strategies, he is able to use his success as a platform from which to build a profitable home business.

5 Things to Consider When Making an Emergency Preparedness Plan

5 Things to Consider When Making an Emergency Preparedness Plan

By Web admin on

When considering the disastrous aftermaths of Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, you can appreciate the importance of business owners creating emergency preparedness plans. Failing to plan is, as the old saying goes, planning to fail. And that’s something no business can afford to do.

It’s better to be proactive and plan ahead than to be reactive and scramble for help after an emergency materializes. But how do you create an emergency preparedness plan as a business owner? Keep reading to learn about five things to consider when devising a plan.

1. Assign Duties for Managing Emergencies

If you run a small business with a low employee count, the responsibilities associated with managing emergencies will likely be on your plate. But if you have a larger enterprise, you’ll want to appoint someone you trust with responsibility for managing emergencies that arise.

The person should have crisis management skills and a cool head under pressure. While you’ll be the boss, the person you choose should have the authority to spearhead evacuations and dialogue with authorities like the police or the fire department.

While someone will head this initiative, that doesn’t mean that the responsibility of coming up with a plan is on one person. It’s a company-wide effort. But you’ll want someone to lead the initiative when it comes time to implement the emergency preparedness plan.

2. Determine Risks to Your Business

If you’re going to prepare your business in the event of emergencies, you need to know the potential threats your business faces. You’ll want to consider your region and any risks that are common to the area. That could include flooding, earthquakes, forest fires, and other things.

It’s also important to consider your company’s proximity to things like roadways or transportation infrastructure susceptible to problems due to weather systems and human error. Determine the likelihood of any problems occurring and the probable impact on your company.

3. Reduce Risks

The next step is to reduce any identified risks to the best of your ability. If it’s determined your business needs to take more steps to be ready in the event of a fire, a fire suppression system is worth getting. Smoke alarms are good. But a fire suppression system will help to extinguish fires to limit any damage to your place of business and to protect human life.

In addition to getting a fire suppression system, your business can relocate flammable materials to more appropriate areas. Reviewing and replacing electrical wiring, as needed, is also a good idea. You’ll also want to figure out what things you can do if there’s a real risk of flooding, earthquakes, hurricanes, or other problems.

4. Develop Emergency Preparedness Plan

After completing the three steps above, you must move on to the development of an emergency preparedness plan. This will include arranging evacuation procedures that are practiced a couple of times per year. Everyone needs to know what exits to take and where to meet outside the office before an official count is made to account for all of the people working there.

Your company’s emergency plan should also include a list of emergency numbers. For instance, the list should have contact details for your insurer, internet service provider, fire department, crisis management team leader, and other relevant people and businesses.

When creating an emergency plan, don’t forget to account for your digital assets. It’s a good idea to have a plan in place to back up important files and documents.

5. Practice Makes Perfect

Once you create your plan, your company must ensure everyone knows about it and understands what to do when emergencies arise. It’s also important to remember that no emergency preparedness plan is a one-and-done deal. You will need to make changes to meet your business’ changing needs and requirements.

While no business wants to deal with a situation that warrants activating an emergency preparedness plan, the reality is that emergencies do happen. And your company needs to know what to do if the unthinkable becomes a reality.

Keep in mind the five steps above to create the emergency preparedness plan your business needs to stay in business.

Roedean School Students Raise Money for Ukrainian Refugee Children 

Roedean School Students Raise Money for Ukrainian Refugee Children 

By Article Editor on

A team of Roedean School students has completed a charity relay swim across the English Channel to raise money for Ukrainian refugee children. The 6 schoolgirls swam through the night from Dover to Cap Gris-Nez in Northern France in 13 hours and 13 minutes.

Believed to be the first all-girls school pupils to complete the crossing are Bella Mapledoram, aged 12; Clara Burton-Dowsett, aged 14; Rose Owens, aged 15; Amy Ng and Olivia Crawley, both aged 16; and Roedean’s head girl Jemima Venturi, aged 17. For Year 11 pupils Rose and Amy, the charity challenge took place during the middle of their GCSE exam period, and the two girls sat a paper and swam the crossing on the same day.

Taking the Plunge for Ukrainian Refugees

Considered the ultimate long-distance challenge, the Channel crossing is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, with 600 tankers, 200 ferries, and other vessels passing through daily.

Together, the 6 Roedean School students swam more than 21 miles, buffeted by tides, dodging swarms of jellyfish, and facing waves up to 2 metres high. The team took turns swimming during the night, with the girls swapping every hour. The pilot boat accompanying the team carried their swim coach Stefan Serafimov and two teachers, John Hobbs and Kate Wakeling. 

Despite the cold temperatures and choppy waves, the girls kept one another going through the night and cheered when they reached France. Bella, the youngest pupil of the group, described the feeling at the finish line as “amazing.”

The girls’ achievement will benefit young Ukrainian refugees as, through their swim sponsorship, the team has raised over £7,000 in aid of Roedean School’s 110% bursary scheme. This fund allowed six Ukrainian refugees to start at the Brighton school in the 2022 autumn term.

Training for the Channel Swim

Roedean School boasts a striking clifftop location just 10 minutes away from Brighton. From this position, overlooking the sea, students can easily access the beach through the School’s private tunnel, and the sea swimming club regularly meets first thing in the morning to get out into the water.

The Channel crossing team trained twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays at 6.30 a.m., before the school day began. Wetsuits aren’t allowed for the crossing, so the girls practised in costumes and swimming hats, building up their tolerance for the cold temperatures.

Top Marks for GCSE Swimmers

Two of the team managed the challenge despite also sitting their GCSE exams. Rose and Amy completed a biology paper in the morning before starting the charity swim at 11 p.m. that same day. Rose recounts having had little time to celebrate after completing the crossing as the girls had to revise for an upcoming chemistry paper the week after. Rose achieved top marks, one grade 8 and the rest grade 9s, and she is now entering Roedean School Sixth Form to study double maths, physics, and chemistry.

Headmaster Oliver Blond cited the Year 11 students’ incredible achievement as an example of Roedean School students’ well-roundedness and outstanding commitment to their co-curricular passions and community activities alongside their academic goals.

About Roedean School

Roedean School is a top UK day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18. Established in 1885 by the Lawrence sisters to offer girls an exceptional school experience, Roedean continues its vision today and provides an inspiring, comprehensive education in a safe and friendly community.

Though Roedean School students routinely achieve outstanding academic results, the School’s holistic educational ethos also ensures girls have access to plenty of opportunities to express themselves and grow into independent, cultured, and thoughtful young women who are eager to drive positive change in the world.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate recently awarded Roedean “excellent” in every category assessed, noting Roedean School students’ progress, positivity, and eagerness to participate in the school community.

Learn more about Roedean School.