| How to Defend Yourself Without Being Defensive Posted: 07 Dec 2021 04:00 PM PST There's a fine line between defending yourself and being defensive, but it makes a world of difference between ending and escalating a problem. If you regularly find yourself justifying yourself, blaming others, or trying to distract from the problem at hand, you may be on the defense. Fortunately, if you catch yourself getting defensive, there are ways to keep things in perspective and find a solution to the problem at hand—without getting defensive about it. [Edit]Keep calm in the moment. - Getting angry or upset immediately tends to look defensive. If you're feeling wound up, take a deep breath, count to three, and resist the urge to say anything until you've had a chance to think it through.[1] You'll handle the situation better once you've had a moment to ease your tension.[2]
- In many situations, it's okay to be quiet for a moment. If the other person expects a quick response, though, tell them that you need a moment: "I'm feeling a bit defensive right now and I'm taking a breath so I can respond with a level head."[3]
- Not every conflict needs to be addressed immediately. In fact, sometimes it can help to wait a day or two so that the situation can cool down.[4]
[Edit]Wait to respond to the criticism. - An impulsive reaction is usually based only on emotions. Your immediate reaction might be to lash out, write off the other person's feelings, or play the "blame game"— but all of these are defensive.[5] Pause for a moment before you reply, and don't interrupt or cut the other person off.[6]
- Let the person finish, even if they're wrong. Cutting in with corrections or "That's not true" shuts down further discussion.[7]
[Edit]Encourage the person to elaborate. - An explanation can make it clearer to you what the problem is. If you don't understand where the criticism is coming from, or if the person said something vague, respond to them with, "Can you elaborate?" or, "Could you tell me more?"[8] This also gives you some time to breathe so you're less likely to respond defensively.[9]
- For example, instead of, "Don't call my design ugly. I worked hard on that," say, "What makes you say the design is ugly?"
- If you're worried you'll snap at the other person, try a short statement, like, "Go on?" or "How so?"
- A direct attack is usually about some kind of frustration, not you personally. Say something like, "I can tell that something is bothering you. What's something we can do to fix that?"[10]
[Edit]Listen to what the other person says. - You'll be able to craft a more effective response. Chances are good that the other person is genuinely trying to help you, or is frustrated about a long-term problem. Give them the opportunity to share their thoughts and listen to what they're telling you.[11] Avoid interrupting or planning what you'll say in response.[12]
- If you're not sure what the other person is saying, ask for confirmation when they've finished. For example: "Here's my understanding of what you just said. You feel that I'm not taking care of enough housework and you're always asking me to do the bare minimum. Is that correct?"
- Ask the person for clarification. For example: "When you say that I'm too lenient with the kids, what do you mean by that?"
- Thank the person for telling you how they're feeling, or for their input. Even if it's harsh, it can show them that you're genuinely listening.[13]
[Edit]Validate the other person's feelings. - You don't need to agree with someone to make them feel heard. The other person wants to know you're acknowledging their feedback or emotions, and if you ignore or dismiss those, you can come off as defensive or self-righteous. Validating how they feel can help them feel understood and defuse tension or frustration in the moment.[14]
- "I didn't realize that you have to scrub the sink every time I dye my hair. I get why you're frustrated. I would be, too."
- "It sounds like Danica was an office legend, and that you guys miss her a lot. I imagine it's pretty hard to not compare me to her sometimes."
- "Your concerns about the cost are justified. I had the same thought myself—it's expensive. Here's what I'm considering in order to pay for it."
[Edit]Respond with the facts. - A factual reply is more level-headed than an emotional one. If your response is based on your emotions or opinions, you'll look more defensive than if you base your response around the facts. Leave your opinions and feelings out of your reply, and stick to what's objective.[15]
- For example, instead of "How could I steal the laptop? I wasn't even in the room!" say, "I was in a meeting with my supervisor when the laptop was stolen."
[Edit]Use "Yes, and…" in place of "Yes, but…" - "But" can imply you're trying to protect yourself somehow. What's more, it can make the other person feel shut down, because the underlying message is "You're wrong" or "Your side isn't important". If you replace "but" with "and," though, you'll show the other person that you want to work together and find a solution—not get defensive.[16]
- Instead of "Yes, but you yelled at me first," try "Yes, and I don't think yelling is constructive for either of us. I'd like us to avoid talking about politics for right now."
- Instead of "That's a cool idea, but I'm not sure if it'll work," try, "That's a cool idea. How can we make it work?"
[Edit]Use "I" statements to defuse the situation. - State how you feel instead of saying what they did wrong. If something specific puts you on the defense, "I" statements can be used to explain why it bothers you, without putting too much focus on the other person.[17] An "I" statement focuses on the action, how you feel, and why it makes you feel that way: "When you do X, I feel Y, because Z."[18]
- Instead of "Quit acting like I'm stupid," try, "When you keep asking whether I've ran my work through the spellchecker, I get irritated, because I feel like you see me as stupid or helpless."
- Instead of "Stop nagging me," try, "I feel frustrated when you keep suggesting I reach out to my mom. We have a bad relationship and I feel like you're ignoring that."
- Instead of "You're not making sense," try, "I'm not sure I understand what you're saying."
[Edit]Offer an apology if you made a mistake. - It's important to take responsibility for your actions. Even if you genuinely didn't mean to do something, responding with "It was an accident" comes off as defensive, since you're not acknowledging what you did. If your actions inconvenienced or hurt someone else, then apologizing shows that you accept responsibility for what you did, even though you didn't deliberately do it.[19]
- "You're absolutely correct. It was my responsibility to turn in the project on time, and by not doing so, I caused the team to miss our deadline. I apologize and will stay late today so I can turn in the project by tonight."
- "I'm sorry for sharing that article on Twitter earlier. I wasn't aware it was racist, but that's not an excuse. I've deleted it and am going to educate myself further on what racism looks like."
- "I didn't intend to leave you out of the party, but I see how it came across that way. I should have asked rather than assuming you'd be busy. I'm sorry."
[Edit]Show that you're open to feedback. - Asking for feedback shows that you want to work together. You're showing that you want to improve or find a better solution, instead of proving yourself "right" and everyone else "wrong".[20] Being open to suggestions also means the other person has to give constructive feedback, so you're focused on the solution, not each other.[21]
- "I'm pretty surprised to hear that my work was low-quality. I believed I was following the guidelines. Can you give me some tips on what needs improvement?"
- "I don't agree that the punishment is too harsh, but I'm open to alternatives. What do you think would be more appropriate?"
- It's okay to challenge an unfair or bad-faith suggestion. Say something like, "Taking me off the project seems like a rather extreme response to some typos. Can you explain how that's fair?"
[Edit]Resist the urge to immediately share "your side". - You'll look defensive by jumping in. Even if the other person is saying things that aren't true, it won't help to interrupt, correct them, or deny what they're saying. By redirecting the discussion or saying that the person is wrong, you'll shut them down and look defensive. Let the person finish first.[22]
- Let's say someone accuses you of making an inappropriate comment towards them. Don't snap, "I never said that!" Instead, let them finish, and then ask for clarification, such as, "What comment are you referring to?"
- If you're sure the other person is wrong, keep your response factual: "I believe what you're saying. I wasn't at the event, so I don't know who said that to you."
[Edit]Don't retaliate or dismiss what was said. - Writing someone off or lashing out is emotional and impulsive. Dismissing someone else's thoughts or feelings on something indicates you're not open to any view but your own. Similarly, verbal attacks or pinning blame on others shows that you're upset. Even if you're angry, resist the urge to make personal attacks, ignore how the other person feels, or play the "blame game".[23]
- "Can't you take a joke?" dismisses someone's feelings. Replace it with, "I didn't realize that would upset you. I'm sorry."
- "You're so nitpicky!" is a personal attack. Replace it with, "I hear you that the design could look better. Right now, the goal is to get it working."
[Edit]Set boundaries around nonconstructive criticism. - You don't need to tolerate personal attacks or rude comments. If someone is being unnecessarily harsh or making it personal, you're allowed to set a boundary to keep things civil. Clearly and firmly tell the person what they need to stop doing. If they continue to do it, don't be afraid to repeat yourself or end the discussion.[24]
- "Please tell me specifically what the problem is. 'Disgusting' doesn't tell me where I need to improve."
- "If you continue to call me names, I will have to ask you to leave."
- "Do not swear at me."
[Edit]Walk away if things get heated. - It's tough to have a productive discussion if you're angry or distracted. If something has really upset you or the other person, or if you're not able to have an in-depth discussion at the moment, it's okay to ask for a bit of time. Agree on when you'll discuss the problem; then, take time away so that you or the other person can cool off, or so that you can handle anything pressing.[25]
- "I hear what you're saying, but I'm really upset and need to cool down. Can we take about an hour and then come back to this?"
- "You have reasonable concerns. I still have some points to go over, so I can't address them right now. We can discuss them together at the end of the meeting, or you and I can talk privately later."
- Remember: criticism of your behavior or ideas isn't necessarily criticism of you. You're a separate entity from your suggestions, work, and actions. The person may be genuinely trying to help.[26]
- Identify how you're feeling: tense, angry, anxious, or hurt? Do you feel like you need to prove yourself right, blame or attack someone else, or that you can't "let go" of something? Are you thinking in absolutes ("always" or "never")? These are signs that you're getting defensive, and need to take a step back.[27]
- Don't expect to respond perfectly straight away. It takes time to consistently respond non-defensively. Keep trying![28]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Reset Your Google Password on Your Phone Posted: 07 Dec 2021 08:00 AM PST Since many Androids are attached to a Google account, you can change your password from your Google account using a web browser. You don't, however, need to use a web browser to do this. This wikiHow will teach you how to change your Google password on your phone if you still know it as well as how to reset a password you've forgotten. If you're using an iPhone or iPad, you'll need to perform the same steps from the Gmail app. [Edit]Changing the Google Password on an Android Phone or Tablet - Open Settings. You'll find this gear icon in the Quick Menu if you swipe down from the top of your screen. Alternatively, you can find the gear app icon in your app drawer or by searching.
- Tap . It's next to an uppercase "G" on a blue background.
- Tap . This is next to the multicolored "G" icon under your profile picture.
- If you don't have a Google Account associated with your phone, you will not be able to continue.
- Tap the tab. You may need to slide the menu left to find this option (the menu starts with the Home and Personal info tabs).
- Tap under "Signing in to Google." To find this option, you might need to scroll down the menu.
- Sign in with your password to continue.
- Enter the new password and tap . When you change or reset your Google password, you'll be signed out of your accounts except on devices that have special permissions (like your Chromebook).
[Edit]Changing the Google Password on an iPhone or iPad - Open Gmail. This app icon looks like a red and white envelop that you can find on one of your Home screens, in the Dock, or by searching.
- Tap your profile picture or initials. You'll see your profile picture if you selected one or your initials in the top right corner of the app.
- Tap . This is next to the multicolored "G" icon under your profile picture.
- Tap the tab. It's to the right of the Home tab.
- Tap under "Profile."
- Enter the new password and tap . When you change or reset your Google password, you'll be signed out of your accounts except on devices that have special permissions (like your Chromebook).[1]
[Edit]Resetting a Password You've Forgotten - Tap . Follow the steps to change your password on Android or iPhone to get to this screen, where you can indicate that you've forgotten your password to reset it.
- For Android phones and tablets, open Settings, then tap Google > Manage your Google Account > Security > Password.
- If you have an iPhone, open Gmail, then tap your profile picture and tap Manage your Google Account > Personal info > Password.
- Follow the on-screen steps to recover your account. If you don't remember your password, you'll need to either log in via a trusted device (like your Chromebook if you have 2FA enabled) or log in with a code sent via text or email.
- Log in with the email or texted code. Depending on your method of recovery, the website will look different. If you chose to recover via email, you'll get a link in your email to use. However, if you decided to use a phone number, you'll need to enter the code sent via text into the field provided.
- Make sure to look in your Spam or Bulk Mail folders for the Google email.
- Enter a new password. When you change or reset your Google password, you'll be signed out of your accounts except on devices that have special permissions (like your Chromebook).
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Budget for Medical Expenses in Retirement Posted: 07 Dec 2021 12:00 AM PST Planning for retirement is never easy, especially when you aren't sure how much money your medical expenses may be. Medicare expenses and supplemental out of pocket costs can vary, but there are ways to get an estimate for your retirement plan. In this article, we've detailed how you can create a budget for your future medical expenses and a few ways to cover those expenses when the time comes. [Edit]Estimating Expenses - Take your age into account. Recent reports show that a 65-year old couple should expect to spend at least $260,000 on medical expenses during their retirement. A 55-year old couple should expect to spend around $360,000 over their remaining years. The younger you plan to retire, the more expenses you will eventually accrue, even if you're in relatively good health.[1]
- The average life expectancy for a man is 76 years, while the average for a woman is 81 years. The amount of money you'll need is based on the average life expectancy, so if you live to be older, you'll probably need a bit more money.
- The older you retire, the less money you'll have to set aside, simply because you won't be living as many years in retirement.
- Consider your current health. Health risks are divided into 3 categories: low risk, medium risk, and high risk. Experts note that people with high health risks will probably pay 50% to 150% more for medical expenses than people who have low health risks. The categories are defined as:[2]
- Low risk: people who do not smoke and have no chronic conditions.
- Medium risk: people who may smoke or have one or two chronic conditions.
- High risk: people who smoke, visit the doctor regularly, or have 2 or more chronic conditions.
- Subtract costs covered by Medicare. If you are 65 or older and live in the United States, your health insurance will be covered by Medicare.[3] Most Medicare plans cover most medical expenses, but they also come with yearly deductibles. While you won't have to pay out of pocket for the bulk of your medical expenses, you may have to pay up to a $3,069.80 deductible per year for basic Medicare, especially if you have to stay in the hospital.[4]
- Therefore, if you live for another 10 years covered by Medicare, your expenses would reach $30,698 for one person.
- There are 4 parts to Medicare: Part A covers your inpatient/hospital stays, part B covers your outpatient/medical coverage, part C is an alternate plan for qualified individuals (also called Medicare private health plan), and part D covers your prescription drugs.[5]
- Account for things that Medicare might not cover. If you have Medicare, it won't cover some prescription drugs, hearing aids, dental care, or eyeglasses. These out of pocket expenses can really add up, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions. Totals for these expenses vary greatly depending on your age and your health.[6]
- The American Dental Association reports that 2 yearly cleanings and x-rays normally cost around $288 annually.
- Plan for any long-term care you might need. Unfortunately, Medicare doesn't cover long-term care, like home nurses or nursing home expenses. If you run into these expenses, you can apply for PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) or SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). These federal and state-run programs will help pay for any long-term care you or your spouse might need.[7]
- These services also cover care costs of cognitive impairment, like Alzheimer's.
- Expect a 2% inflation every year. Unfortunately, medical expenses aren't exempt to inflation. Just like other prices will rise, so too will your doctor's appointments, dental visits, and prescriptions. What you pay yearly now might not reflect what you pay in 10 years, so it's always good to have a little wiggle room.[8]
- Aim for an out of pocket budget of $4,500 per year. This is what most experts recommend for someone of retirement age. It will help cover any deductibles you end up paying, as well as unexpected costs, like dental visits, eye glasses, and prescriptions that aren't covered by your insurance. If you can set aside this much for every year you expect to be in retirement, you will probably be set.[9]
- Experts also recommend revisiting your retirement plan every 5 years, just to make sure it's keeping up with inflation.
[Edit]Preparing before Retirement - Create an HSA before you retire. An HSA, or a health savings account, can help you cover some of your medical expenses after you retire. If you want to create an HSA, you can either ask your employer or create one through your bank. Then, you decide how much money you want to add each year (up to $3,600 for individuals and $7,200 for families). When you need to use the money, you won't be taxed, as long as it's used for medical or healthcare expenses.[10]
- Once you enroll in Medicare, you won't be able to make deposits into your HSA anymore.
- Ideally, you would start an HSA now and then keep the money in the account until you retire. However, if you need the money before then, you can take some out to use for medical expenses without getting taxed.
- Consider using a high deductible health plan. High deductible plans don't start paying until after you've spent at least $1,400 (for an individual) or $2,800 (for a family) out of pocket for medical expenses. The benefit to these plans is that the premium, or the amount you pay per month for them, is much lower than typical health coverage plans. Usually, you would have a high deductible plan in conjunction with an HSA to pay your out of pocket expenses until the health plan kicks in.[11]
- If you want to look into a high deductible health plan, talk to your employer or shop for one online.
- Ask your employer about retirement health coverage. Although it's less common now, some businesses will keep providing health coverage even after you retire. If you like your health plan now and you want to stick with it, consider talking to your employer to see if that's an option. If it is, you may be able to keep your healthcare coverage even though you're no longer working.[12]
- If your employer doesn't offer it, check with your spouse's employer, too.
- Try a Roth IRA for fewer taxes. Since you might have to pull money out of your retirement for medical expenses, it's worth looking into a Roth IRA rather than a traditional IRA or a 401(k). In a Roth IRA or a Roth 401(k), retirement withdrawals are free, which can really save you money if you have to pay any out of pocket expenses.[13]
- Many businesses offer both traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. If you'd like to switch, talk to your employer.
- If your employer doesn't offer it and you make less than $117,000 per year, you can contribute up to $5,500 to a Roth IRA annually. If you're over 50, you can contribute up to $6,500.
[Edit]References |
| How to Clean a Fabric Sofa with Vinegar Posted: 06 Dec 2021 04:00 PM PST Your sofa is a hub for dirt and odors, and cleaning it can seem like a hassle. If you don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on getting your fabric sofa professionally cleaned and hate the chemical smell of some fabric cleaners, vinegar may be the perfect solution! Keep reading to find out how you can clean your fabric sofa with vinegar and a few household items. [Edit]Making a Vinegar Cleaning Solution - Fill a spray bottle with of warm water. The water breaks up and dissolves dirt and odors so they can be swept away. Club soda can also be used as a substitute, but the extra carbonation may cause bubbles to form.[1]
- Mix of white vinegar into the spray bottle. Use a funnel to avoid spills. The vinegar is a mild acid that breaks down dirt and neutralizes odors.[2]
- You can find white vinegar at your local grocery store or online.
- Add of liquid soap to your solution. A natural soap or dish detergent can be used. The small amount of soap will help remove grease and grime. Mix the solution gently to avoid bubbles by either stirring with a utensil or slowly swirling the spray bottle.[3]
- It's best to use natural liquid soap if you want to avoid fragrances.
[Edit]Cleaning Your Fabric Couch with Vinegar - Remove any slipcovers on the sofa. If your sofa has slipcovers, take them off to clean separately. Slipcovers are the fabric on top of your sofa cushions and pillows, and can be easily removed by unzippering their zippers.
- If you don't know if your sofa has slipcovers, check the bottom seams of the cushions. Chances are there's a zipper hiding there![4]
- Slipcovers can be washed separately in a washing machine on a warm, gentle cycle.[5]
- Once washed, lay slipcovers out to air-dry.
- Vacuum the sofa to remove loose dirt and crumbs. Using a vacuum on your sofa regularly will help keep your sofa clean. All dust, dirt, and crumbs must be removed from the fabric before using the vinegar solution.[6]
- Use vacuum extensions to reach hard to reach places.
- Remove cushions to suck out dirt trapped in sofa cracks.
- Dab any wet stains with a paper towel. Removing the liquid from the stain will let the vinegar solution do its job. Gently pat the stain and be careful not to rub the area.
- Spray the vinegar solution on the sofa. If you are spot cleaning, target the specific stain. If you are cleaning the entire sofa, spray the fabric with light mists. Let the solution rest on the fabric for a few minutes before scrubbing.[7]
- Be careful not to completely soak the sofa. The goal is to make the fabric damp to the touch, not wet.
- Dab the vinegar solution with a cloth or paper towel. While the solution is drying, gently pat the area. If there are stains that need more attention, spray the area again and pat thoroughly. [8]
- Repeat the process until stains, dirt, and odors are removed.
- To remove hard stains, carefully scrub the area with a toothbrush or cleaning brush using circular motions.[9]
- Allow the sofa to air dry. Once dry, the odor should be gone and your sofa will be looking almost new! Repeat this process whenever your fabric sofa starts to smell a little funky or you accidentally spill something on it.
- Suck the fabric dry with a shop vac or vacuum to speed up the drying process.[10]
- There may be a lingering vinegar smell when you are done cleaning. This will go away on its own with time, but if the smell isn't ideal, spray your now clean sofa with a light mist of your favorite spray odor eliminator.
- Label the spray bottle and keep the extra solution for future use. You never know when you'll need an emergency cleaner and stain remover!
[Edit]References |
| How to Start a Pest Control Business Posted: 06 Dec 2021 08:00 AM PST If you're looking to start your own pest control business, navigating the info on startup costs and permits might seem tricky–but we've got you covered. Pest control is a lucrative, exciting industry to hop into right now, since employment of pest control workers alone is predicted to grow 10% from 2020 to 2030.[1] To help you launch your own pest control company, we'll walk you through the key info on potential costs and profits, licensing, branding, and more. [Edit]Planning Your Business - Start a structural pest control business to work with residential or commercial clients. You'll help exterminate common pests like termites, ticks, cockroaches, rodents, and stinging insects.[2] You can even pursue one of these specialty fields to corner a niche market:[3]
- Wildlife management (removal of vertebrate animals like raccoons, opossums, gophers, etc.)
- Pest control for wood-destroying pests[4]
- Fumigation with restricted-use chemicals (a specialty within both structural and agricultural pest control)
- Choose an agricultural pest control business to work on large-scale pest control. As an agricultural pest control specialist, you'll combine pest management knowledge with a strong understanding of biology and agriculture. You'll manage weeds, plant pathogens, and more as you work on parks, farms, golf courses, forests, cemeteries, and/or waterways.[5]
- In some states, you'll likely need a college degree to get certified to operate an agricultural pest management business.
- You might also need to register your business with the Department of Agriculture if you plan to transport biological material or plants across state lines for large-scale agricultural work.[6]
- Visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/permits to view regulations and permits for importing, exporting, and transporting organic material.
- Plan to spend between $10,000-$50,000 to start your pest control business.[7] Before you write a business plan, keep the startup costs in mind, and create a 5-year financial plan that describes how much funding you'll need. Forecast how much money you plan to bring in–successful pest control businesses bring in more than $75,000 in profit each year![8]
- Pest control franchises require an initial investment between $25,000-$55,000 but provide training and name-brand recognition.
- Expect to charge between $250-400 for your services, though fumigation can cost significantly more (starting at $1000).[9]
- Write a business plan. Your business plan outlines your company's goals, financial objectives, and plan for success in your market. Presenting a strong business plan to potential investors or a major pest control company (if you're starting a franchise) is key to getting funding. Determine your management structure and figure out your value proposition by asking, "What sets my pest control company apart from others?"[10]
- Your business plan will also include funding requests and financial objectives.
- Register your business as an LLC or corporation. These two business entities protect you from personal liability.[11] Choose an LLC over a corporation for a lower starting cost—corporations are typically more expensive to start, and their tax rate is higher. Pick a corporation if you plan to grow your business into a larger chain and sell stocks. You can register your business through the Secretary of State website for your state.[12]
- Unless you plan to work in large-scale agricultural pest control across state lines, you won't need to register on the federal level.
- In most states, you'll pay less than $300 total to register your business.
- Even if you're buying a franchise, consider registering a business entity to reduce your liability. Most franchisees require you to be personally liable for your business.[13]
- Once you've registered your business, get your federal and state tax ID numbers and open a bank account separate from your personal finances.
[Edit]Obtaining Permits and Covering Liability - Create a services contract. Pest control contracts usually cover an initial treatment and create a plan for any future services. For example, if you run a termite company, you'll want to create a contract that provides free treatment if the homeowners find pests within a certain number of years after treatment. That type of "contract and bond" is industry-standard in the pest control business.[14]
- In your contract, state whether you'll pay for additional damage to the building if pests continue to create issues after your treatment. Many businesses will offer to pay $500-$1000 worth of damages (this is called a "repair bond").
- To be really competitive in the structural pest control market, you can even draw up a contract and bond that's transferable to the next owner if your original client sells their house.
- Get at least $500,000 worth of insurance coverage. You have to insure your pest control business before you can get licensed by your local pest control authority. At the very least, you'll need general liability insurance, which protects you from financial loss due to bodily injury, property damage, medical expenses, defending lawsuits, and more.[15]
- For example, California requires that you have at least $500,000 of general liability insurance to operate a pest control business.[16]
- Florida also requires that you have at least $500,000 of aggregated coverage.[17]
- You might also want professional liability insurance to protect your pest control business from financial loss due to errors, negligence, or malpractice.
- You can also obtain commercial property insurance to protect your equipment.
- Insurance costs small businesses an average of $1,200 per year.[18]
- Complete approximately 3 months of training before getting certified with your local pest control board. If you've never worked in pest control before, you can either take classes at a local technical school/community college, or you can obtain on-the-job training from a pest control expert. Once you've received training on chemical use and safety procedures, you can sit for your local pest control authority's applicator certification exam.[19]
- Obtain an applicator certification from your local pest control authority. Federal law requires you to get certified as an "applicator" to utilize restricted-use chemicals in your pest control business. Search your state's name plus "pest control license" to make sure your training fits the exact requirements, since pest control licensing is governed at the state level and requirements vary.[20]
- Your state might run the certification program through the Department of Agriculture, Structural Pest Control Board, or Environmental Bureau.
- You may also need a high school diploma to get certified, depending on your state.
- Certify your business with the state pest control board. After you've received your applicator certification, you can become a certified pest control business operator. The requirements will vary by state, but you should expect to provide proof of insurance and financial responsibility. You'll also provide documentation that you've registered your business name, and you may need to provide a "Certificate of Good Standing" from your Secretary of State's Office.[21]
- A "Certificate of Good Standing" proves that you've registered your business with the state, and you've paid all necessary fees and taxes.[22]
- Choose a business location and check zoning laws. Local ordinances created by your county or city might restrict how and where you can store pesticides and operate your business. Check with your individual city and county to determine where you can store your chemicals and whether or not you need special permitting.[23]
- The EPA regulates pest control storage for 55-gallon containers via instructions on the label for the chemicals. However, your county may have additional fire prevention measures.[24]
[Edit]Building Your Pest Control Business - Purchase business and pest control equipment. You might choose to purchase accounting software, client management software, and website hosting to keep your business organized and running efficiently. You'll likely spend between $10,000-$125,000 on equipment.[25] For pest control itself, you'll need to have:
- A company vehicle
- Pesticides and pest removal tools (such as sprayers or traps)
- Protective gear, including respirators, gloves, and goggles[26]
- Hire pest control employees. Spring is both the peak season for pest control and the peak hiring season in the pest management industry. Create a thorough application that asks about potential employees' job history, education, and relevant experience. Interview your employees face-to-face, check their motor vehicle history and criminal record, and require them to pass a drug test.[27]
- Build your brand. Now that you've got the legal and financial side of your business squared away, you get to really shape your pest control company's image! Design a logo and come up with a tagline that describes who you are and the services you offer. To come up with branding materials, ask yourself, "What qualities do we want people to associate with our brand?"[30]
- Pick an easy-to-remember name that describes the services you offer, like "Ridgewood Rodent Removal."
- Come up with a tagline that shows your brand values and voice, like "No pest is too big or too small" or "Take the stress out of pest control."
- Market your business. You've got your business off the ground, and now it's time to start providing top-quality pest control services in your community! Get the word out about your new pest control company through social media marketing, customer referrals, and special promotions.[31]
- Set up a company website to advertise your services online.
- For instance, you could reward customers with a 20% off discount on future pest control if they refer someone to your company.
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| How to Create a Virtual Recipe Box Posted: 06 Dec 2021 12:00 AM PST Much to the dismay of the cookbook industry, digital recipe storage has exploded in popularity, making paper recipes a relic of the past. This has led to the creation of many recipe management apps and websites, such as Paprika and Recipe Keeper. While many apps likely outshine your old recipe index cards, they (and most other) all require payment to take advantage of their coolest features. This wikiHow article will show you how to make a completely-free virtual recipe box that you can access from any computer, phone, or tablet, no matter where you are. [Edit]Using Whisk - Sign up for Whisk. Whisk is free recipe management app that makes it incredibly easy to save and organize recipes on any computer, phone, or tablet. Not only can you add recipes from the web, you can also enter your own recipes by hand. Whisk also plans to offer a recipe scanning tool you can use to scan your favorite recipes from cookbooks, recipe cards, and printouts (if available on your phone or tablets).[1] Whisk even calculates nutritional information based on what you enter!
- To sign up on the web, visit https://www.whisk.com.
- On an Android, open the Play Store, search for , and then tap Install.
- On an iPhone or iPad, open the App Store, search for , and then tap Get.
- Install the Whisk recipe saver Chrome extension (computer only). Whisk's browser extension lets you clip recipes you find on the web and save them right to Whisk.
- Clip a web recipe to Whisk. Once you have the Chrome extension installed (or you're using the mobile app), use your web browser to find any online recipe you like. Once you've opened the recipe, you can share it directly to Whisk and assign it to a category (e.g., Dinners, Vegetarian, etc.). Here's how to share:
- Chrome or Edge on a computer: Click the green-and-white "W" icon in the upper-right corner of Chrome to access the browser extension. Click Save recipe to save it to Whisk .
- Android: Tap the sharing icon in your browser—if you're using Chrome, it's the three dots at the top-right corner. Tap Share, choose Whisk, and then tap Save recipe.
- iPhone/iPad: Tap the sharing icon (the square with an up-pointing arrow) at the top or bottom of your browser, and then select Whisk. Tap Save recipe to save it to Whisk.
- Add your own recipe. Although not available on all phones and tablets (yet), Whisk offers a recipe scanner that lets you scan recipes from paper. And no matter what device you're using, you can always enter a recipe manually. Here's how:
- Mobile: Tap the Saved tab at the bottom of Whisk (it's the icon of a bookmark), and then tap + to open the menu. You can choose to save a recipe by link (just paste the URL of any recipe you find), create a new recipe by hand, or scan the recipe.
- Computer: Click Saved at the top of Whisk, and then click + Add. You can choose the option to save a link to a recipe (this pulls the details into a new entry in your recipe box), or select Create new recipe to type your recipe by hand.
- Organize your recipes into collections. Collections are like folders for your recipes—you can create collections based on any criteria you want, such as cuisine type or diet. On the Saved tab, click or tap the Collections option at the top, and then select the Add option to create a new collection.
- When adding a new recipe by sharing, using the Chrome extension, or entering manually, you'll be able to choose a collection during the adding process.
- To organize existing recipes in your collection, go to the Saved tab, click or tap Recipes at the top, select the three dots on the recipe, and then choose Add to > Collection.
- Share recipes with others. One of the best parts of having a recipe box is being able to share your favorite recipes with others. Whisk makes it really easy to do so. Just go to Saved > Recipes in Whisk, select the recipe you want to share, and then click or tap the Sharing icon at the top—it looks like an open bracket with an arrow. You can share it on social media sites, via text message, in an email, or in a variety of other apps.
[Edit]Using Organized Web Browser Bookmarks - Create a Recipes folder in your bookmarks or favorites. These days, all major web browsers sync across devices on the cloud, making it possible to view your same bookmarks (or favorites, as they are called in some browsers) on your computer, phone, or tablet. Your bookmarks are actually the perfect place to store and organize your favorite recipes! This method is best if the recipes you use are all on the web.
- Safari for Mac: Click the Sidebar tab in the upper-left corner to open the sidebar, and then click the open book tab to view your bookmarks.[3] Press Control as you click a blank area in the left sidebar, and select New Folder, and call it .
- Chrome: Click the three dots at the top-right corner of Chrome, select Bookmarks, and then choose Bookmark Manager. Click the three dots at the top-right corner of the open page, select Add new folder, and call it .
- Edge: Click the three dots at the top-right and select Favorites. Then, click the folder with a plus to create a new folder and call it .
- Add sub-folders for different categories (optional). You can add subfolders to organize your recipes however you'd like, such as by meal type, world region, or diet.
- To add a subfolder, select the new folder you just created, and then repeat the process for creating your Recipes folder—this time, name the folder the desired category, such as or .
- Bookmark recipes as you discover them. When you find a recipe you like on the web, add it to your bookmarks or favorites, and choose the appropriate category to keep everything in order.
- Safari for Mac: Click the share button on the toolbar (the square with an arrow), select Add Bookmark, and select the desired folder from the "Add this page to" menu. You can also type a different name for the bookmark and add notes to the "Add a description" section if you'd like.
- Chrome: Click the star icon on the right side of the address bar and select Add bookmark. Click the drop-down menu and select the folder you want to save the link to. If you don't see the folder, click Choose another folder…, select a folder, and then click Save.
- Edge: Click the star icon on the right side of the address bar, click the More button, and choose the folder you want to save the recipe to. Click Save to save it.
- Sync your web browser across all of your devices. As long you use the same web browser on your phone or tablet as you do on your computer (and use the same login information in both places), you'll be able to view your recipes on your phone or tablet—no need to lug your laptop into the kitchen when it's time to cook!
- If you're using Chrome, your browser is already set up to sync to any device you sign in to. Click the profile icon at the top-right corner—if you're signed in, great! If not, click the "Turn on sync…" button to sign in and enable syncing now.
- If you're using Safari, your browser content will always sync to the Apple ID you're signed in with.
- If you're using Edge, you should be set up to sync by default. Click the profile icon at the top-right corner, select Manage profile settings, choose Sync. If you see the option to Turn on sync, click it to sign in and enable syncing. If not, you're all set.[4]
[Edit]Using Pinterest - Create a Pinterest account at https://www.pinterest.com. Pinning recipes to Pinterest boards is today's equivalent to cutting recipes out of magazines. You can use Pinterest on your computer, and/or install the mobile app from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone/iPad). The best part? Pinterest is totally free.
- Create boards for different recipe types. If you want to keep your recipe box organized, you'll want to create pin boards for certain categories. To create a pin board, just click your profile photo or initial at the top to go to your profile, click +, and select Board. Type a category name, such as or , and then click Create.
- Search for recipes on Pinterest. Recipes on Pinterest are actually links to recipes that other people find on recipe blogs. You can search for a recipe using the Search bar at the top of the screen.
- To search for recipe pins, just select All Pins from the menu next to the search bar.
- To search for pin boards containing recipes, select Boards instead.
- To view a recipe, click the link at the top to open it in a new browser tab.
- Save recipes to your pin boards. If you find a recipe you want to make, just click the down-arrow next to the "Save" button to choose the pin board you want to save it to, and then click Save.
- Browse and manage your pinned recipes. You can see all of the recipes you've pinned on your profile page, which you can find by clicking your profile icon or initial at the top-right corer of Pinterest.
- Click a pin board to view all of the recipes inside.
- To manage recipes on a board, click the ORGANIZE link at the top.
- To change the order of pins on a board, just drag your pins to the desired positions.
- To delete one or more pins from a board, click the pin(s) you want to delete, and then click the trash icon at the bottom.
- To create a subsection of a board (such as for a cuisine type), click the pins you want to add to the new section, and then click the folder icon with a plus sign inside. Type and name for the section and click Add.
- To move one or more pinned recipes to a different board, click each recipe you want to move to select them, click the arrow icon at the bottom, and then click Save next to the desired board.
- Create a pin from an online recipe. Is there a recipe you found online that you can't find on Pinterest? All you'll need to do is create a pin for that recipe so you (and other Pinterest users) can add it to a pin board. Here's how:
- Click Home at the top-left corner of Pinterest.
- Click the + at the bottom-right corner.
- Select + Create a Pin.
- Click Save from website at the top.
- Type or paste the URL of the recipe into the field and press Enter or Return.
- Select an image from the source to use as the pin image and click Next.
- Choose a board to post the pin to.
[Edit]Using BigOven - Create an account at https://www.bigoven.com. BigOven is one of the most popular recipe managers and offers many cool features, including over one million recipes built into the app.[5] You can also use the Leftovers feature, which lets you enter the ingredients you already have to find out what you can make. While many feature are available in the free version, the paid version gives you even more. To sign up, just click Join Free at the top-right corner.
- You can use the free version of BigOven to save up to 200 recipes and scan one of your own. You can use Leftovers, create a grocery list, and use basic search features. The free version is ad-supported.
- Upgrading to BigOven Pro gives you an ad-free experience on top of the basic features included in the free version (such as grocery list and Leftovers). It also lets you save an unlimited number of recipes, access detailed nutrition information, copy and customize recipes, organize recipes into custom folders, and search using dietary filters.
- Both options automatically sync all of your recipes to your account, which means you can access your virtual recipe box on any computer, as well as in the official mobile apps.
- Search BigOven's massive database. After creating an account, you can enter the type of recipe you're looking for into the search box and click the magnifying glass to search. Many of the recipes are created by people like you, while several are added by BigOven's curation team.
- Click any recipe to view its information, including the cooking time, steps, ingredients, and photos. If you have a BigOven Pro subscription, you can also view nutritional information.
- You can also comment on and leave reviews on recipes you've tried.
- Add a recipe to your grocery list. To do so, click a recipe to view its details, and then click the shopping cart icon at the top of the recipe card. This displays a list of ingredients you'll need to prepare the item. Click the X next to each item you already have on hand, and then click Add to add the rest to your list.
- You can easily access your list while shopping—just pull out your phone, open the BigOven app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android, and tap GROCERY LIST.
- Save a recipe to My Recipes. If you want to save a recipe you've found while searching BigOven, just click the orange SAVE RECIPE button at the recipe card's top-left corner, and then choose a folder.
- If you have the free version, you can add it to WANT TO TRY, FAVORITE, OR MADE.
- If you have the Pro version, you can add the recipe to a custom folder.
- Use up your leftovers. One of the coolest features of BigOven is its ability to transform a list of your leftovers into a recipe you can make right now. Click the Use Up Leftovers link at the top of the page, enter three ingredients, and then click BigOven, what can I make? This returns a list of recipes you can browse.
- Add your own recipe. Want to add your favorite recipe to your virtual recipe box? Just click My Recipes at the top, click the three horizontal dots at the top-right, and then choose Add Recipe.[6] Then, you can add a recipe in one of 4 different ways:
- Click Type it in to type in your favorite recipe by hand.
- Click Copy/Paste to copy a recipe from text and paste it into a recipe field.
- Click Upload a photo or scan for instructions on scanning a recipe from a physical cookbook. If you have a free account, you'll be prompted to send an email to support@bigoven.com to claim a free recipe scanning credit. If you have a Pro account, you'll be able to scan right away.
- Click Clip it from any recipe site to paste the URL of your favorite recipe into BigOven and have it imported with ease.
- No matter how you add a recipe, it will be available on BigOven for all users to try!
- Plan meals in advance (Pro membership required). If you decide to spring for a Pro membership, you can click the Planner link at the top of BigOven to view and manage your meal calendar. This lets you plan days, weeks, and even months in advance.[7]
- You can click the calendar icon on any recipe card to add it to your calendar.
- Share a recipe with others. Find a recipe you love? Click the sharing icon (it looks like three dots connected by two lines) near the top of the recipe card to share it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or via email. You can also choose the Word document icon to export it as a Word document so you can store it on your computer.
- Whisk also includes tons of other features, including social interactions and the ability to create shopping lists.
- If you have an Amazon Echo or other Alexa-enabled device, you can add the Whisk skill to Alexa so you can add items to your recipe list using your voice. Just open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet, go to More > Skills & Games, search for , and add it to Alexa.[8]
- You can move recipes bookmarks/favorites to other folders by dragging them.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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