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Business
lifestyle Business
5 tips for Zooming at home
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Virtual meetings, events, training and even job interviews have become an integral part of the ‘new normal’. It’s therefore increasingly important to convey yourself in the best way possible for your profession on Zoom calls and interactions. Interior designer, Benji Lewis, from Zoom That Room, shares his tips on how to set up your home backdrop to reflect confidence and professionalism for each meeting.
1. Consider your backdrop carefully and make it appropriate for you – both professionally and personally. A patterned wallpaper background can set you up very well, but irrespective of the job you’re in, be mindful of the kind of pattern you choose. 2. Large scrolling designs are great for disguising the fact that you might not have brushed your hair before the meeting and can be surprisingly forgiving, though do always bear in mind how the colours and pattern look to someone on the receiving end of the call.
Perhaps do a practice run with a friend who can offer
feedback on how you look, or alternatively take a video of yourself. 3. Try to make the backdrop you choose feel appropriate for the job you’re in or the service you offer; a large bold patterned wallpaper is great for a creative but if your job involves advice, for example, in the legal profession, then consider a backdrop that is complementary to that. Bookcases (tidy of course) look effective, and ensuring that small ornaments have been removed from the shelves will make things look neater. 4. A structured design like brickwork looks smart as a background and is suitable for multiple job types. 5. If you wish to use a wall with pictures hanging on it as your background, be mindful of how your head shape looks against those frames. A gallery wall can be very effective, however one or two undersized pictures can look underwhelming. A single statement piece of art looks neat and organised.
GOVERNMENT LEVELS PLAYING FIELD FOR SMES
The government has published a ‘Selling To Government Guide’ to give small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) essential information on how to bid for and win government contracts. Some £50 billion worth of public contracts are available, including anything from supplying hospital equipment to providing public sector pensions, which are tendered each year. The guide includes advice on where business owners can look online for Government contract opportunities and also includes tips on how SMEs can make sure they are showcasing their strengths during the bidding process. This will be backed up by online webinar sessions for small businesses.
For details see bit.ly/sellingtogovernment
Every day I’m hustlin’
Research from Virgin StartUp has revealed that approximately two million (5%) people started a side project during last year’s lockdown. Wanting to be your own boss is amongst the main motivations for becoming self-employed (49%), alongside a better work-life balance (45%), disliking existing jobs (17%), and finding it hard to be managed (14%).
Elmcroft Business Services has launched in Orpington. As a family business that started on the corner of Elmcroft Road, the company has more than 16 years’ experience in the office supplies sector and has been recognised for its community work and excellence in customer service by the BOSS Federation. The company’s core values are Care, Trust, Respect and Professionalism, with an emphasis on minimising carbon footprints. It offers a wide range of products made from recycled materials, including paper and card, to help its clients meet their own carbon-neutral targets. It also supplies bio and recycled packaging, Fairtrade tea and coffee, eco-friendly cleaning products and more.
For details see www.elmcroftbusiness.co.uk or call 0345-222 2444.
PEOPLE IN BUSINESS (PIB)
We are an fun, friendly and affordable small business network group, holding monthly meetings for members who have exclusivity in their field. Our groups include Bromley, Bexley and Southwark.
Email pibnetwork@outlook.com or see www.pib-network.com for more information.
PRODUCTIVITY POD
If you’re a small business or sole trader and work alone – or just want some incentive to get your admin, accounts or social media done, join one of the Productivity Pod’s free sessions on Zoom! You continue to work with sound off but cameras ON & after the session you tell the others what you managed to get done in 2hrs!
Email productivitypod@post.com with your mobile number and name to register or for more details.
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
AQUAKIDS
Aquakids - swimming lessons that last a lifetime. Intensive lessons are now full - book in advance for April 2022. Monday - Friday. Check our social media and the website for the latest updates.
www.aquakids.co.uk Facebook@aquakidsuk Twitter @Aquakidsuk Instagram @aquakids.uk
MY PARTY BOX.FUN
We provide sustainable party boxes that contain everything needed for children's parties. Our aim is to provide stress-free planning while helping you to create magical memories!
www.mypartybox.fun Tel: 0333 444 2017 Email: josette@mypartybox.fun
THE SUNDAY SESSIONS: ACTING
She Soars Productions hold monthly Sunday acting workshops for children aged 12-18. Our fun full-day workshops are led by industry professionals and previous guest workshop leaders include Casting Directors and Film and Theatre Directors. Check out our socials for the latest updates and visit our website to book in advance for 2022 dates!
Email: office@shesoarsproductions.com Instagram @shesoarsprodltd Facebook @SheSoarsProductionsLtd
4TH BROMLEY SCOUT’S
4th Bromley (Holy Trinity) Scout group is an exciting and fun place to make new friends and memories for a lifetime. We meet on Friday evenings: Beavers aged 6-8 at 5pm till 6.15, Cubs aged 8-10 at 6.30 till 7.45 and Scouts aged 11-14 at 8pm till 9.30.
Everyone welcome - just get in contact on laura.evans94@googlemail.com
To submit a classified listing please call 07403 550068 or email hello@lifeinmagazines.co.uk Prices start from just £10 per month.
Based at Darrick Wood Senior School, the club was established by its current chief Instructor Graham Richardson in 1975. Class times are 7pm-8.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays.
See the website at www.jkaorpington.co.uk or email info@jkaorpington.co.uk
DESIGN & PRINT
NICKY GRANT DESIGNS
I specialise in making your business look its best with creative graphic design - offering a personalised, professional and cost-effective service.
T 07855 585690 E nickygrantdesigns@gmail.com
VINTAGE SCRIBE
Beautiful handcrafted invitations and cards for any special event. For that stylish, individual touch.
Call Vintage Scribe on 07716-837874
HEAlTH & BEAUTY
GEO SPORTS MASSAGE
Qualified Physiotherapist and Sports Massage Therapist providing sports and pregnancy massage in the local area. Whether it is a specific injury or to alleviate general aches and pains, sports massage can benefit you.
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact via Facebook: Geo Sports Massage, Instagram: geosportsmassage or Whatsapp: 07771 299123
SUBLIME BEAUTY
Mobile service for semi-permanent eyebrows, lips, eyeliner and collagen induction therapy. I am VTCT Level 4 Qualified - the highest accreditation in Semi-Permanent Makeup (Micropigmentation). Gift vouchers also available.
Email simone@sublimebeauty.co.uk or see www.sublimebeauty.co.uk
HOBBIES
THE CREATION STATION SEVENOAKS, BIGGIN HILL, HAYES AND ORPINGTON
Providing award winning inspiring and imaginative arts and crafts sessions for all ages, parties, events, activities and after school clubs. For more information and booking visit www.thecreationstation.co.uk/alix-purton or call
Alix on 07906 078840 @TCSBeckenham on social media
PETS
TOP KNOT TOYS
We make safe toys for dogs using traditional Royal Navy knotting methods and, where appropriate, the dying trade of ‘whipping & splicing’ is used. We also offer a range of accessories, household essentials & gifts including dog leads, Monkey-Fist knot toys and doorstops.
