But, rather than just looking at memes and sharing funny videos, why not take advantage of your social media reach and use it to network? Even if you just spend 15 minutes a day focused on networking and personal relationship building, it can have a massive impact on your business.

It Can Lead to Valuable Business Introductions and Connections

You can often see your friends connections, and often times there are people with similar interests that you share a mutual connection with. Simply asking for an introduction is a great way to make new contacts that have the potential to turn into solid business connections and resources down the line.

“You never know who you are going to meet on social media, which is why it’s important to always conduct yourself professionally, even on Facebook,” suggests the owner of National Pool Fences. This is a solid piece of advice, as a rude or offensive “look” can offend and turn off a potential contact.

It Can Drive Business Interest and Sales

Networking on social media is going to put your profile in front of a large audience. These people will then often read your bio and look at things like where you work and what you do.

This is a great opportunity to write an interesting bio as well as include a link to your website. You never know who is out there — someone might come in contact with your profile that has a need that your product or service solves. From a local service business that allows consumers to search for contractors to a local bar or pizza restaurant — social media can connect customers and businesses.

It Can Open the Doors to New Opportunities

While networking you never know who you will run into, and you even have the chance of connecting with someone that owns a business that has an open role that is a perfect fit for your skillset.

“A simple friendly conversation about sports can then translate into a business opportunity,” says Henk Schipper of Jaloezieen Fabriek. Also, you might uncover partnership or co-marketing opportunities just by being pleasant and dedicating 15 minutes a day to social networking.

Facebook is a great platform for a more informal approach, while LinkedIn, of course, is a much more business focused platform.

It Can Help Find Key Team Members

Do you have a position you need to fill? Looking for a freelancer with a certain skill? Maybe a recommendation for a marketing agency? Social media networking can connect you with other business owners that can help you fill positions or suggest vendors.

“Networking with others in groups related to your interests can also introduce you to a potential team member or future business partner,” offers Tony Rush of custom sub box company HiFi Sound Connection.

A little “we are hiring” or “looking for a freelance graphic designer” update in your bio can result in a flood of inbound job applicants and inquiries. Social media is a gateway to contacts and people all over the world. Take full advantage of it by just spending a few minutes each day in networking mode.

The post Why Networking on Social Media 15 Minutes a Day Can Pay Off Big appeared first on Emphas.is.

And, with services like same-day from Amazon, we can sometimes have what we want within a few hours. No wonder retail is dying a slow and painful death.

You can buy anything online these days, from supplements and clothes, to carry on luggage and home appliances. It couldn’t be any more convenient. So, with e-commerce booming right now, what changes should we look for in the coming year? Let’s look at some.

E-Commerce Will Be Entirely Mobile Focused

We are already seeing this a little, and one look at the websites of the largest e-commerce companies will show you that they are building for mobile traffic.

The goal is to make is easy to buy anything from a mobile phone, whether it’s a pair of sneakers or a new washer and dryer. Mobile optimization is advancing and you can look for a much seamless checkout process to be introduced for mobile phones.

Yes, even more seamless than it already is.

Social Media Networks Will Become E-Commerce Platforms

With the number os users networks like Instagram and Facebook have, as well as the number of business and brand accounts with pages, don’t you think they already have their own e-commerce platform ready and waiting to be rolled out?

“I think we will see Facebook lead the charge and come out with a huge e-commerce solution, allowing businesses to sell directly on their pages,” says Lisa Rush of customer service outsourcing company Staff Outsourcing.

It’s just a matter of time until it’s a reality. Businesses already have users on their Facebook pages, so why not let them purchase directly on there rather than sending them to another platform. The revenue Facebook can make on just a fraction of the transaction volume is billions of dollars.

Shopify Will Experience Its First Competition

Shopify has dominated the e-commerce space for a long time. Look at their stock prices over time. It’s amazing how quickly they grew. They process the most money out of all e-commerce platforms, and it’s not even close.

But, there are always going to be competitors, and 2020 is the year that Shopify will face its first major competitor. What Shopify does have going for itself now, though, is that it now allows CBD products on its platform. Who will that be? Many experts predict that Facebook is going to roll out its own platform and immediately take a huge market share from Shopify.

More Self-Hosted E-Commerce Players Will Emerge

Shopify hosts all of the websites that use its platform, which makes the online store not 100% fully controlled by its owner, and that doesn’t sit well with everyone.

“Many don’t like Shopify because it’s not a self-hosted options, and I think the demand for a new option other than WooCommerce exists,” suggests Chris Dziak of Pure Nootropics. WooCommerce is the option many go with that do want full control, as it is WordPress-based.

Look for some other options to come out that feature the ease and simplicity of Shopify, with the total control that many online business owners demand.

The post How E-Commerce is Going to Change in 2020 appeared first on Emphas.is.

Well, while most talk about it, the majority never follow through and they fall short of their goals, making excuses as to why they can’t go to the gym or why they don’t have time to eat healthy.

If you are ready to commit to a healthier version of yourself in 2020 then you need to read the tips below. Not only can they help you improve your fitness, but over time they contribute to a much healthier lifestyle, which in itself has several benefits.

1. Several Small Meals a Day

Many people eat less when they are attempting to diet, but this is the wrong approach. Starving yourself by eating less frequent meals can throw off your metabolism and cause complications.

You don’t have to eat less. You just have to eat less junk. It’s best to have several smaller meals throughout the day. This will actually get your system working better and your metabolism will work harder, burning more stored fat.

2. Eliminate Soda

If you only do one thing this year, switch to drinking water over soda and fruit juice, both of which are packed with sugar. Just doing this alone can help you lose a tremendous amount of weight.

“Soda is packed with sugar and by eliminating it from your diet you will see a significant improvement in little time,” says coolsculpting expert Darryl Howard.

If you need a little help, consider adding a no calorie flavored sweetener to your water. It’s much better for you than soda.

3. Find Time for Daily Exercise

You have to participate in some form of physical exercise every day. Now, you don’t have to hit the gym and lift weights for an hour, but you do need to get out and move around a bit, even if that means just going for a walk in the morning or evening.

“The hardest part of exercising daily is finding the time, but you have to just force the time,” says Chris Moberg of Slumber Search. “You never have ‘extra’ time during the day, so you need to shift and prioritize. Once you do this you will start making time.”

Early mornings are usually the best, as your body is fresh and you have the energy. Also, physical exercise in the morning can help increase your energy levels throughout the day and lead to a better sleep at night.

4. Find an Accountability Buddy

Want to really hold yourself accountable? Attack your fitness journey with a friend or coworker. This way you both are constantly motivating each other and if time gets tough you can be there to support each other.

“I find it easier to stick to a healthy routine when I have someone doing the same,” offers the blogger of a popular gun publication found here. “Sometimes you will push through the difficult times because you don’t want to let the other person down.”

Little text message exchanges are great sources of motivation as well. If both sides are onboard it can help greatly. “The best way to stay on track is to have someone with you on the journey,” adds Chris L., a blogger for a free horse racing bets website. “Having someone to turn to when you are ready to quit will prevent that from happening.”

The post 4 Ways to Get Healthier and More Fit in 2020 appeared first on Emphas.is.