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Cost-Effective Benefits of Investing in a Desktop Extruder for Your Small Business

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article | Cost-Effective Benefits of Investing in a Desktop Extruder for Your Small BusinessWhether 3D printing is your primary occupation or an occasional hobby, you can benefit from having a filament extruder on hand. For starters, it can reduce your time waiting for your online orders to arrive.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

An extruder pushes heated filament through a print head to create the 3D-printed object. Using a ReDeTec ProtoCycler dual-extruder system allows two different materials to be used simultaneously and eliminates the need to change the filament. This reduces downtime by allowing production to continue while the machine is printing. However, the dual-extruder system adds a little weight to the printer. In addition, many printers with a dual-extruder system require more maintenance than those with a single extruder. This is because the print heads can overlap during printing, and the two prints must be carefully aligned. This requires more precise calibration of the digital model and is more complicated than standard single-extruder devices.

Increased Productivity

An extruder machine can recycle shredded 3D printed waste (failed prints and supports) into new filaments for your printer. This reduces the amount of plastic waste by up to 50% and can save you money in the long run. Moreover, making your own 1.75mm or 3.0mm 3D printing filament with a desktop extruder is easy. This doubles your productivity, allowing you to print complex pieces with hydrosoluble supports and multiple materials for more durable parts in less time. It uses two independent extruders controlled by stepper motors and planetary gears, enabling you to make twice as much material with half the effort. It can also process a range of thermoplastics, including PLA grades optimized for 3D printing, ABS, PETG, and PP.


Lower Material Costs

In many 3D printers, the same model material is used for the print and the support structures, which can be challenging to remove in post-processing. A desktop extruder enables you to use different materials for these structures, reducing the overall labor cost and increasing design freedom. With a filament extruder, you’ll have a reliable source of quality printing material. You won’t have to rely on unreliable online sellers; you can always have your favorite filament color available when needed. The extruder screw has been adapted to process shredded plastics from 3D printer waste (PLA grades optimized for printing, ABS, and PETG). The system can also extrude other polymers, such as nylon and PE, in pellet forms. This helps to reduce your printing costs and protects the environment by eliminating redundant plastic pollution.

Enhanced Productivity

A desktop extruder allows you to produce your filament quickly and accurately. It also allows you to print with various materials and colors while reducing waste. In addition, you can print multiple parts at once with a dual extruder and print with different nozzle sizes simultaneously for more substantial prints. This increases productivity and reduces the time required to complete a 3D print job. In addition, the IDEX extruder features two independent extruders that can be controlled independently from each other to avoid cross-contamination and maximize efficiency. This ensures that you will have a consistent output without any wasted material. It can also process a variety of plastics in pellet form, including various PLA grades (optimized for 3D printing), ABS, PETG, and PP.

The Best Strategies for Your Association in 2023

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article | The Best Strategies For Your Association In 2023

There are a number of factors that will determine the success of an association. Therefore, it is important for any association to develop strategies that will allow them to reach their goals. So, what are some of the best strategies for associations? It will depend on your goals, but there are a few strategies that will always help you to find success and should put you in a much stronger position to grow and reach new levels. Whether you are a relatively new association or you have been around for a long time, here are a few strategies to implement this year.

Increase Online Presence

One of the best strategies to focus on in 2023 is creating a stronger presence online. Every association needs to have a strong presence online so that they can be easy to find by their target market. A few ways to create a stronger presence online include:

  • Refreshing the website design
  • Getting active on social media
  • Creating high-quality and useful blog content
  • SEO
  • PPC
  • Email marketing
  • Video marketing

Recruit & Retain Members

The success of an association depends on its ability to both recruit and retain members. The larger the membership base, the more money that you will make for the operation and the greater success you will be able to achieve. Recruiting members can be challenging, but there are a few effective strategies to try. These include:

  • Referrals
  • Member reviews
  • Discounted fees
  • Free access to content and events

In terms of retention, you need to make sure that your members are getting a good service for their money. You need to make sure that they feel supported, can progress in their careers, and have access to resources that they will find useful. You should also try to create and maintain strong relationships with your members and pay close attention to any feedback or concerns that they have.

Start a Job Board

Leading on from this, a smart strategy to implement in 2023 is to create a job board for your members. A key role of any association is helping members to develop and advance their careers, which will involve helping them to find their next roles. Job board software for associations can help you to attract new members, engage your current members and increase non-dues revenue by collecting fees from employers for posting on your job board. This could make a big difference to the success of your association while keeping your members happy.

Create a Financial Plan

Smart financial management is key for an association. You need to make sure that you are generating enough revenue to keep your association afloat and to grow and improve. Therefore, you need to look into different revenue streams but also have a budget in place that helps you to control your spending. You can use high-quality accounting software to manage your finances and improve your financial health.

These are a few of the best strategies to focus on in 2023 that should help you to find higher levels of success with your association.

Foolproof Tips to Build a Winning Crypto Investment Strategy

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article | Foolproof Tips to Build a Winning Crypto Investment Strategy

Are you all set to join the crypto investing bandwagon? It’s an excellent decision if you want to make the most of the market opportunity. But you may also feel overwhelmed by all the hype and uncertainty. Well, it’s normal to worry when money is involved, right?

Statistics show that the daily crypto trade volume is $50.9 billion, and it will only get bigger in the future. With so much money at stake, investors need to be extra cautious about the risks and threats in the industry. The last thing you should do is depend on luck. You’ve got to have a winning investment strategy to achieve your financial goals.

So how do you create one? There are no shortcuts, and you cannot take a one-size-fits-all approach. Here are some foolproof tips to get your game right.

Do Your Research

Crypto is a relatively new domain, and there’s a lot to learn, specifically if you are a beginner. Before diving in, brush up on your basics, such as the different cryptocurrencies, the technology behind them, and the market trends.

Following the hype looks easy, but it may not be the best way to start your investment journey. Educate yourself because it can help you make informed decisions.

Diversify Your Portfolio

Nothing gets better than diversifying your portfolio when it comes to any investment, and crypto is no exception. Diversification is the mainstay of a winning strategy because it lowers your risk and helps you weather any market fluctuations.

The best part is that the market has several options, so you can pick different coins to diversify easily.

Secure Your Investments

This one’s a no-brainer because security risks abound in the landscape. Since cryptocurrencies are digital assets, they are inherently vulnerable to cyber attacks and theft. Luckily, a few measures are enough to secure your investments. Use robust passwords, change them frequently, and enable two-factor authentication.

Storing your coins in a secure hardware wallet is a good idea. Bring a crypto recovery lawyer on board if you lose your coins due to an exchange’s negligence. They can help you sue in exchange for hefty compensation if it falls short of compliance.

Play With Common Sense

Emotions have no place in winning crypto investment strategies, so keep them out from the outset. Remember that investing here can be a rollercoaster as prices soar one day and fall the next.

You must steer clear of impulsive decisions based on greed and fear. Think long-term, and don’t let market fluctuations influence your choices.

Stay Up-to-Date

The crypto market is dynamic, so you must stay up-to-date with the latest news and trends. Even the smallest changes in the regulations and prices could impact your investments. But adapting your strategy quickly can save the day.

Follow industry experts, join online forums, and read reputable blogs to stay informed. You may even get some valuable advice to capitalize on an upcoming opportunity from these sources.

Summing Up

Crypto is a lucrative investment opportunity, but only if you stay calm and take a strategic approach. Follow these tactics to stay ahead of the curve and earn big profits. All the best!

Navigating Company Car Shipping Costs: Tips For Fleet Management

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article | Navigating Company Car Shipping Costs: Tips For Fleet Management

For companies that rely on a fleet of vehicles, managing car shipping costs can be a significant challenge. The cost of shipping company cars can quickly add up, especially if you’re not taking steps to minimize expenses. In this article, we’ll provide tips and insights on how to navigate company car shipping costs and optimize your fleet management. We’ll explore four topics, including understanding the different types of car shipping services, factors that affect car shipping costs, scheduling car shipments for maximum cost savings, and strategies for preventing damage during shipping.

Understanding The Different Types Of Car Shipping Services

Understanding the different types of car shipping services is essential to choosing the right one for your business. Open transport is the most common type of car shipping service and is typically the most cost-effective. In this method, the cars are transported on an open carrier and are exposed to the elements during transport. While this option is cheaper, it may not be suitable for high-value or classic cars that require greater protection. Additionally, open transport is ideal for businesses that need to transport several cars at once.

Enclosed transport, on the other hand, provides greater protection for your vehicles during transport. In this method, the cars are transported in a covered trailer that shields them from the elements. This option is more expensive but may be necessary for high-value or classic cars that require extra protection during transport. Enclosed transport is also ideal for businesses that need to transport their cars across longer distances.

Another option to consider is terminal-to-terminal shipping. This method involves dropping off your cars at a central location for shipping and then picking them up at a different location. While this option may require more coordination, it can be more cost-effective than door-to-door shipping. Additionally, terminal-to-terminal shipping may be more suitable for businesses that need to ship cars on a regular basis, as it can reduce transportation costs over time. Understanding the different types of car shipping services is crucial to making informed decisions about your car shipping needs and minimizing expenses.

Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs

Several factors can impact car shipping costs, and it’s important to be aware of these when managing your fleet. The distance your cars need to travel is one of the primary factors that affect shipping costs. The longer the distance, the more expensive the shipping costs will be. Additionally, the size and weight of your vehicles can impact the cost of shipping. Larger and heavier vehicles require more expensive shipping methods, such as enclosed transport.

The shipping method you choose can also affect costs, with open transport typically being the most cost-effective option. However, if your cars require extra protection, enclosed transport may be necessary despite its higher cost.

Seasonality is another factor that can impact car shipping costs. During peak seasons such as holidays or summer months, there is increased demand for car shipping services, which can lead to higher costs. Businesses should plan ahead and schedule their car shipments during less busy times to avoid higher shipping rates.

The level of service provided by the shipping company can also impact costs. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest shipping option, it’s important to choose a reputable and experienced shipping company to ensure the safe delivery of your vehicles.

According to Montway’s car shipping cost calculator, an available resource to help businesses budget their car shipping expenses,

“Various factors will impact the cost of your auto shipment. In order to get an idea of your final cost, we recommend requesting a quote from a carrier or broker.”

Here is a summary of factors that can affect your company car shipping costs:

  • Distance your cars need to travel
  • Size and weight of your vehicles
  • Shipping method chosen (e.g., open transport, enclosed transport)
  • Seasonality (e.g., peak vs. off-peak times)
  • Level of service provided by the shipping company


Scheduling Car Shipments For Maximum Cost Savings

Scheduling your car shipments in advance can help you take advantage of lower rates and avoid rush fees. By planning ahead, you can explore cost-saving options and choose the best carrier and shipping method for your needs. Additionally, businesses that ship cars on a regular basis may be able to negotiate lower rates with a shipping company. This can help reduce shipping costs over time and increase cost savings.

Consolidating multiple car shipments into one is another way to save money on transportation costs. By combining multiple cars into one shipment, businesses can take advantage of lower rates for larger shipments. This option is particularly beneficial for companies that need to ship cars on a regular basis, as it can reduce transportation costs over time.

Choosing the right carrier size can help you avoid unnecessary costs. If you’re only shipping a few cars, there’s no need to pay for a full-sized carrier. By carefully scheduling your car shipments and choosing the right carrier size, you can minimize expenses and maximize cost savings.

Scheduling car shipments in advance and consolidating multiple shipments into one can help businesses take advantage of lower rates and minimize transportation costs. By carefully planning your car shipments and negotiating with shipping companies, you can reduce your expenses and increase your cost savings.

Strategies For Preventing Damage During Shipping

Preventing damage during company car shipping is essential to minimizing expenses and ensuring the safe delivery of your vehicles. Properly maintaining your company cars can help prevent damage during shipping and avoid additional costs. Additionally, choosing a reputable and experienced shipping company can help reduce the risk of damage. Be sure to inspect your cars before and after shipping to document any existing damage and report any new damage immediately. Taking proactive measures to prevent damage during shipping can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.

Navigating company car shipping costs requires careful planning, analysis, and management. By understanding the different types of car shipping services, factors that affect car shipping costs, scheduling car shipments for maximum cost savings, and strategies for preventing damage during shipping, you can optimize your fleet management and minimize expenses. With the right strategies and resources, you can successfully navigate the complexities of company car shipping and keep your business moving forward.

Essential Needs for a Virtual Office

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article | Essential Needs for a Virtual OfficeThe global COVID-19 pandemic shut down many economies around the globe. It also shut down many businesses and other entities throughout the United States. Many turned to remote work to continue moving forward and providing goods and services for customers and clients.

As more people and more organizations integrate online and cloud services into their daily activities, the type of internet service makes a big difference in communications and productivity. So do the types of equipment and technologies that they use.

How Internet Service Affects Productivity

Running a virtual office requires an exceptionally reliable and fast broadband internet service. You should carefully choose your internet service to ensure it will support your demands. After all, a virtual office will have multiple users and devices constantly exchanging information, putting serious demands on your internet service.

Many virtual offices use fixed connections that provide internet services. Fixed connections support broadband internet that might use coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, or a DSL connection. Virtual offices also could choose among common wireless options for internet service, including satellite, fixed wireless, and 5G.

Virtual Office Communications Are Essential for Success

You cannot have a virtual office and support remote workers and remote work locations without a comprehensive office communications system. You need a system that will enable virtual meetings between two or more participants and document exchanges that occur in real-time.

While all of that is going on, you still need a way to support more traditional phone calls as well as virtual communications. A system that integrates a variety of communications systems into one unit is a terrific asset for any virtual office.

For example, OnSIP offers a variety of services that are simple, scalable, and support virtual office communications. You can customize your communications and get work done anywhere that internet service is available. That means just about anywhere in the developed world.

Answering Service and Receptionist

You likely will have people calling the phone number for your business or other organization. Those people will not be your workers, because they will use virtual office communications. So you will need a professional answering service and receptionist to handle incoming calls and direct the respective callers to the correct people.

A live receptionist who is professional and pleasant is a terrific asset and makes a direct personal connection with potential customers, clients, and other callers. The receptionist will be the first person many people speak with when calling to learn more about the goods or services that your business or organization might provide them.


Virtual Timeclock and Payroll

A virtual office has two ways to pay workers for their efforts. You could accept invoices and pay them based on the agreed rates for their time or the types of work that they accomplished. The other option is a virtual time clock that enables workers to punch in and out like they would in person. The virtual time clock helps you to keep better track of when and how long individual workers are on the task.

You also will need to pay your workforce as agreed. A payroll service can accomplish the task and pay your workers via direct deposit or through a pay app. Many virtual offices choose services that combine time clocks and payroll services, which can offer their employees several ways to collect their pay.

Assess Your Virtual Office Needs and Choose Wisely

Your virtual office requires you to consider how you will create virtually the same type of work environment that you would have in a physical office. You want to foster timely communication and cooperation among your staff to continue producing the best possible work environment and productivity. Assessing your needs and choosing wisely to equip your virtual office will help support productivity and possibly reduce your operating costs.