Great Light OptionsA simple tip to enhance security on your property is to get lights installed on pathways, driveways, hedge/tree/garden areas, and all entrances. Aside from security surveillance and alarm systems, installing lights on any property is a must for optimal security protection. It might seem basic, and it is, but some might overlook this first step to protecting any property. Here are 5 great light options for any yard or driveway. In-Ground Lights are -- just that. In the ground. They are great at blending in with all landscapes and staying hidden. Perfect for those who only want to showcase their lighting at night. Lantern Style lights are perfect for those who want their light fixtures to be seen at all times. According to Y Lighting ideas, “Driveway lights with a lantern design gives your front yard an “enchanted garden” feel.” They are sure to make any landscape intriguing, while still protecting it from unwanted attention. Light Poles come in all shapes and sizes. Whether a property calls for something overhead to light up a wider area, or something shorter to offer some romantic lighting on a pathway, these lights get the job done by keeping things lit. Hanging Lights are super trendy. They blend into any design and they’re good for people who like to spend their nights outdoors. String type lighting isn’t harsh, but it’s good enough to brighten up otherwise dark areas and keep intruders away.
Mushroom Lights look like mushrooms! This style of lighting is great for walkways. Instead of shooting light straight up, it’s deflected downward towards the ground. Lighting is then concentrated on the path instead of what’s around the path. Lighting is just a good idea. It’s nice being able to design a driveway, pathway, garden, or yard with unique and beautiful lighting features that cater to individual taste. More importantly, outdoor lighting is an easy way to keep an eye on any property. Always maintain peace of mind knowing that simple protection is a light switch away. Call We Are More for any lighting questions or installation needs!
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Here Are The Top 14 things Burglars Like To StealWhy do burglars steal? It’s an awful thing to do! The first thought would be that they are in dire need of whatever it is they’re taking, the second thought is that they like the adrenaline of it, and the third is that they can make a whole lot of money off of what they take. Businesses and homes need to be protected with security systems to ensure that burglars don’t get away with their schemes. Here are the top 14 things that most burglars like to steal so that people are aware of how important it is to have a security system. 1. CashIt can’t be traced, it can’t be closed like a credit card, and it’s easy to carry. Make sure to keep large amounts of money in a safe place, like the bank. If you like having cash on hand, think of getting a small vault that isn’t easy to lift, or put cash in an uncommon area like under the kitchen sink. 2. JewelryPrecious metals and stones used for jewelry can be sold for a high price, most times for more than what they were originally purchased for. Jewelry boxes are pretty but these are also good items to keep in a vaulted safe. Especially items that are rarely worn but cost a fortune 3. Prescription DrugsThese can be taken for self-use and also sold or made into other types of illegal drugs. Most people don’t think of needing to hide their prescription drugs, but medication is one of the first things a burglar would steal during an intrusion, so think twice. 4. ElectronicsHand held devices are the easiest to take, and most often can be sold for more than larger electronics. Example: Smartphones are usually more expensive than televisions. They most often also hold personal information on them, so it's wise to put passcodes on smartphones. 5. IdentityLike smartphones, mail, credit cards, birth certificates and anything with names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, or any other kind of personal information can be used to take a person's identity. 6. ClothingMostly pertaining to designer or name brand clothing and/or shoes. These pieces are easy to carry and can sell for a high price. 7. LiquorThough alcohol is usually stolen for self-indulgence, more expensive wines and hard liquor is taken to be sold. 8. KeysIf someone steals keys, they then have access to whatever those keys are meant for. If they can match keys to what the correct openings, burglars can then they can steal cars, mail, let themselves in and out of homes, businesses, offices, storage units and so on. 9. Art or Antique/Collectable PiecesThese pieces are usually easy to carry, or can be sold for a lot. Expensive art pieces on display in or outdoors should always have cameras on them. 10. Groceries or Non-Perishable Food ItemsFood items are most often stolen by those who can’t afford to buy their own food, and sometimes by those who are frightened of going to stores because they are a runaway or a fugitive who doesn’t want to be spotted buying food. Let me take this time to say, those who are in need of food are plenty. Not just in third world countries but also in our own community. If there’s food sitting on shelves needing to be used, please consider donating it to a homeless shelter or food drive before letting it meet the garbage or the hands of a thief. 11. Firearms/GunsFirearms are easily sold for a high price. These items are valuable to many and when stolen, they can be sold quickly because people who buy them aren’t required to have a carrying license or permit. Owning guns calls for a means of safe keeping. Security alarms, motion sensors, and cameras would be good to have in an area where guns are kept, even for the safety of children in the home. 12. ToolsGood tools are expensive, easy to carry, and hard to find once they’ve been taken. Larger equipment is harder to take, but if no one is home, burglars will find a way to steal whatever it is. Outdoor security is just as important as indoor security and will keep all tools, big and small, safe. 13. Lawn FurnitureNothing like having a beautiful porch swing taken in the middle of the night. Right? Wrong. Don’t worry, outdoor surveillance systems won’t let that happen. 14. BikesBMX bikes, cruising bikes, mountain bikes, or kids bikes often end up on the “most stolen” lists. They can sell for a good amount of money and also be useful to those who need transportation.
Now that you know what’s most wanted on a thief's mind, here are some things that should be most wanted on yours; security cameras, motion detectors, sensors, smart locks, security lighting, security control, alarm systems, and/or solar powered security appliances. If you have any questions or concerns, call We Are More today for a free quote and consultation on security products that would best fit your desired properties and efficiently protect what’s important. Things to Know About Smart SecurityWe Are More encourages everyone to thoroughly think through their decisions when wanting to implement new features in their homes, offices, and any other property. Installations of any kind should be done after consideration of pros and cons. We’ve put together a little checklist to make smart security an easier decision as it applies (and doesn’t apply) to your personal needs. The Pros of Smart Security-Affordable Doesn’t hurt to spend a dime on something that protects your fortunes. -Easy management of alarms Want your smart alarms to go off with certain things but not others? No problem, We Are More can install smart security to work with your wants and needs. -Catch things before they happen How nice would it be to detect a water leak before it floods your house? Or to catch a burglar before they steal anything from your shop? Very! -Monitor and control from anywhere in the world Being able to view and monitor your property even when you’re on vacation or just across the street at the neighbors house, is a great feature. -Less stress and more sleep If you’re an avid worrier when it comes to what’s most important, put your mind at ease and just get smart security installed! -Lighting and shading control Lighting and shading can be included with or added to most smart security installations. Check with We Are More to match you with the right provider before installations. -Customizable and able to link with other smart devices Smart security is able to connect with other devices, such as lighting (mentioned above), Amazon Alexa, and other smart appliances. -Increased home value If you ever decide to move, leaving your smart security connected to your house will automatically allow the value of your home to increase. “Also includes smart security” is a great line to have in your home description for buyers. -Did we mention SAFETY Let’s not forget to state the obvious; smart security keeps you, your home, belongings, family, employees, and treasures SAFE. These are only a few practical benefits that some people might overlook. Take some time to research smart security and add to your own pros list. The Cons of Smart SecurityThe CONS list actually took me a while to come up with, but here’s what I got.
-Power outages may affect your security But they don’t have to. Get a security system that has a backup energy source, like solar powered cameras. Yes, those are a thing, and We Are More would be more than happy to set you up with them. -Finding a fit for your specific needs Please don’t just choose a random system because it looks nice or the price seems right. You will want smart security that caters specifically to what you’re looking for. -Internet connection Smart security often runs off of Bluetooth connections. Making sure to have a reliable WIFI server plays an important part in security systems. -Device compatibility Yes, most security systems are compatible with other smart devices, but making sure you have the correct compatible devices is crucial. Though smart systems can pair with multiple devices, not every device is programmed to sync with a smart system. No matter the pros and cons, we know protecting what’s important will always be a priority. With that in mind, what’s the hold up? Call We Are More for a free consultation on quality and efficient smart security. Here Are 5 Tips For Working At HomeSo many people are working from home nowadays. Even before the coronavirus hit the nation, an estimated 4.3 million Americans were already working remotely. The statistics We Are More really cares about however, is the amount of people that would benefit from our work from home tips. Depending on occupations, it’s easy to assume that most remote jobs cater to different environments. Some people have opted to work from home, either as a business owner or independent contractor simply because they can. Some people also just work better from home, they are masters at accomplishing tasks from anywhere in the world. Since the coronavirus has affected millions of businesses and corporations, more people than ever are being forced to work from home. This blog is for them. Those who never intended confining their work space to a kitchen table, or couch, are having to do so amid fear of spreading the virus and the drive to maintain a paycheck. As a help for those who are trying to adjust to their new work environments, we came up with five things that every home worker should consider in order to maintain a good work ethic even with the distractions of home life. 1. Great Wi-FiIt’s a no brainer for people to have internet access when working from home, but most internet connections aren’t as strong as the one’s used in offices and other work spaces. The last thing any remote worker wants is interruptions and slow Wifi. Finding a great internet provider that offers quality yet affordable service is important to avoid down time while at home and to keep work flow moving steadily so you can get more done. If you’re thinking about getting a new provider with faster internet speeds and no lost connections, contact We Are More by phone and we’ll help you out. 2. Child SecurityWe know that being a parent can make working at home a million times harder, especially with toddler aged children and below. It would be exceptionally difficult to keep an eye on the kids as a single parent without any extra help from closed schools and limited daycare options during this time. That’s why We Are More highly recommends child security within your homes. You can keep an eye on your children and get work done without worrying about what they’re up to, or having to stop every five minutes to make sure they’re okay. Call us today for more recommendations in this category of home security. 3. Work SpaceIt’s third on the list, but probably the most important tip. Make sure to have an area in your home that is both relaxing and focus centric, it is key to getting work done in your house. You don’t need to have a fancy desk with 5 different PC screens and automatic closing doors to create a home office. All you have to do is make the best of what you’ve got. Find a quiet room/spot in your home where you’ll get minimal interruptions, set the lights at a comfortable brightness or turn them off completely, have water and snacks near by to limit getting up to grab food when you get hungry, put on a “work” music playlist to help you concentrate, and viola! A makeshift office. The worst thing about working from home is distractions, the best thing is being able to work the way you want, where you are most comfortable, to get the most out of your day. So, limit distractions by finding a good area to work without them, even if you have to set up base camp in the bathroom, do it! 4. LightingAs mentioned in the previous tip, having adjustable lighting is crucial for concentration. Being in a room that’s too bright can be harsh on the eyes leading to more headaches, eye straining, and stress. Being in a room that’s too dark could make you want to fall asleep, and staring at any bluelight screen for hours in the dark is another recipe for headaches, eye strains, and loss of sleep at night. The best solution is to have a well lit room from natural outdoor light, or adjustable lighting. We Are More has the best recommendations for adjustable lighting and can tell you about all it’s features and benefits, give us a call if you're interested. 5. Task ListsCreate a plan! I speak from experience when I say making a task list every morning before starting work has been extremely beneficial. Outlining your work day is a great way to stay productive and push forward to knock goals off your list. Give yourself the space to think before and after work about what tasks need to be added to your list so you can follow along and get the most out of your work day, no matter where you are working from.
That’s it! Five simple tips to help you work from home. Using all these tips combined, no matter how insignificant one or more might seem, you are sure to be more productive while working at home. Let us know what you think of our tips, or add some of your own in the comments! Smart Installation Myths1. "Smart Homes Aren't Environmentally Friendly."Wrong. Smart homes are so environmentally friendly that they constantly overlap with the same benefits of green homes. Though they are two different types of buildings, the amount of difference is a thin line. While green homes are focused more on the sustainability of water, energy and temperature, smart homes are focused on the control of these features. One uses less of them, the other controls the use of them. Different, but similar. With smart homes, the usage is literally in your hands. 2. "Only celebrities can afford smart installations."With that mentality, probably, but I don't think that way. If you can afford to go out to eat on the weekends, you can also afford smart living. Something as simple as having an Amazon Alexa can make your space a smart one! 3. "I'm not good with tech, I'm too old for this stuff, smart technology just isn't for me..."The best part about smart technology is that it does all the thinking for you. It's not called smart for nothing! After allowing the experts at We Are More to do the installations, you can sit back and relax. Voice commands and single remote control make smart living as easy as anything else you're accustomed to. 4. "Your entire property has to be smart."Not at all. Let's say you're wanting smart lighting for your bedroom but don't care to have smart lights in the kitchen. You don't need smart lighting configured throughout your home just to have it in one room. It can specifically be installed into your bedroom and nowhere else without any problems. You will always be in charge of your smart installations and the rooms you want it to be in. 5. "Smart thermostats save money."Yes and no. It is true that smart thermostats can save thousands of dollars each year, but a regular thermostat can save just as much money if monitored. The cool thing about smart thermostats is that they are programmable and can reduce energy bills without you having to do much of anything. To keep the price down with a regular thermostat you have to constantly remember to turn it off and on. With a smart thermostat the temperature can be set to automatically change with the temperature of the home, or be controlled from your smart device. The only difference is convenience. 6. "Smart technology is only used in brand new buildings."False. Majority of smart homes aren't (nor do they have to be) brand new. You could take a rickety old shack and turn it into a smart home in less than a day. Smart technology does not discriminate.
Do you know of any other smart "myths" that need debunking? Let us know in the comments and we'll do our best to answer your questions! 12 "Smart" Parenting ToolsParenting will always be a rollercoaster of sleepless nights, joyful times, and testing patience but, with smart technology, it has never been easier. Parents who utilize smart appliances are turning stress and anxiety into peace and calmness. Creating a childproof smart home is also simpler than it sounds. Below is a general "tip list" of the types of appliances that all parents can benefit from while lowering their heart rates. 1. Smart Sleep and Breathing MonitorsMonitor children's sleeping patterns along with heartbeat, breathing, and other sleep habits like rolling over and waking up. This is especially helpful for new parents. They won't have to get up as often to check on their baby through the night. 2. Video MonitorsKeep an eye on children from anywhere in the house. Parents will always know their toddler's whereabouts so they can calmly relax while having their attention in two places at once. 3. Entry Sensors for Doors and WindowsWhen babies start crawling and walking they'll want to go as far as they can. Use entry sensors to always know when they've crawled through a door or are attempting to open a window 4. Flood and Leak SensorsBath time is fun! Until parents end up with a waterlogged floor costing up to hundreds of dollars in repairs. Keep the splashing to a minimum with your older toddlers using flood and leak sensors to monitor any signs of water overflow from baths and sinks. 5. Indoor Security CamerasMuch like baby monitors, indoor security cameras help keep children safe. Parents can view their kids from anywhere to make sure they aren't getting into any mischief, but indoor cameras can also be doubled with alarms and intruder alerts. This helps parent's go about their day, and allow them to sleep soundly knowing their child is safe. 6. Sound MachineBabies need their sleep as much as parents do, but sometimes they have a hard time getting any. Sound machines block out unwanted noises that could wake a child up. They're also soothing and can give children something to focus on while falling asleep. 7. Motion Sensor LightsWhen toddlers are past the point of potty training, they'll need to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom. Having motion sensor lights that turn on as they walk to the bathroom will allow them to see where they're going without waking their parents up or crying out of frustration not knowing where to go. These lights can be installed in bedrooms, hallways and near doors. 8. Smart VacuumBy now, most people know about the famous iRobot Roomba. Such a great little gadget that does a big job at keeping things tidy. Busy parents can't always find the time to vacuum, that's why childproofing a home with a smart vacuum is beneficial! Limiting messes and one less chore is always nice. On days when nothing else gets done, at least the floors will be clean! 9. Temperature ThermometersNursery and bathwater thermometers are great for keeping children calm. Babies are sensitive and don't adapt to swift changes in temperature as well as adults do. Being able to monitor the temperature in a baby's room or bath water can help keep their agitation down while in a fussy mood. Helping them sleep better through the night means the parents will sleep better too. 10. Pool AlarmMost babies and toddlers love water! It's just fun. Sadly, an average of 350 children die each year from drowning in a backyard pool. There's no reason for children to continue adding to the statistic. Any parent with a pool would be wise to get an alarm for their pools. 11. Other Smart Room SensorsIf a parent doesn't have any cameras installed, or they do but want extra assurance, smart room sensors are good to have. These sensors notify parents when their child has left a certain section and gone to another, or if they've walked or crawled into a part of a house that's off limits. These areas could be a laundry room, office, pantry etc. 12. Reminder ClipsIf you want smart child safety to go a step farther, take it to the car! Reminder Clips are clipped onto children in cars and set off an alert if their parents leave the car without them. It might sound like common sense to some, "don't forget your baby in the car!" but babies die of heat exhaustion from being forgotten in a car multiple times a year. Even if you are the best parent in the world and know you would never leave your baby in the car, it's still a good idea to get one-- no parent ever planned on leaving their child in the car.
Lunch Spots For Hangry Workers In LahainaThe days seem longer at work, yes, even in Hawaii. Employees still enjoy paradise from the office and job sites, but workdays always get a little better around lunch time. Knowing the best spots to get food is a must on the islands. If you were raised in Hawaii, you are bound to know a few of the best lunch stops around. There are so many, however, that you probably have not heard of them all. Most of the ones I’m going to mention are well known, but make sure to drop some of your favorites in the comments so We Are More can try those out too! First, We Are More employees usually get food from places that offer take out. Being able grab food on the run, and still be able to enjoy a fresh meal is essential. Disclaimer: These places are not in order from most loved to least loved, they’re all great food options! FoodlandFoodland is a supermarket that can only be found in Hawaii. It’s the land of food! My favorite thing to get there is the fresh avocado ahi poke bowl with white rice. You just walk in, tell them what you want, pay for it, and go back to work. It is quick and fresh! They have a wide variety of choices to choose from when it comes to lunch favorites! I am stuck on the avocado poke though. You can never go wrong with a poke bowl, and Foodland’s bowls are always both affordable and tasty. Alchemy MauiWhen I first tried their surf club panini— I was hooked! Back then I was a college student, and the price of my sandwich had me second guessing my lunch choice, but everyone assured me it was worth it. They were right! It was mouthwatering goodness that I would gladly fork up my last dime for! The panini was packed to its fullest with chicken breasts, tomatoes, applewood smoked bacon, basil dijonnaise, and cheddar cheese, served on warm sour dough bread. It also came with a fresh and savory side salad and pickles! I’ve been back quite a few times since then and it’s always just as good as the first time, no matter what I order. Moku RootsI am not a vegan, or vegetarian, or any other type of person on a no meat diet. I love meat, it is part of my balanced diet, and it always will be. Moku roots is a vegan restaurant. I’m sure meat lovers everywhere are getting ready to skip reading this part of the blog. However, if meat eaters actually took a look at their daily eating habits, they’d be surprised at how many “vegan” foods they eat every day. Vegan food has the potential to taste just as good, if not better, as any other type of food! It just has to be prepared correctly, and Moku Roots does it right! Their food is not only healthy and nutritious, but it also tastes really, really, really good! My favorite thing to order from them is the loaded fries. I think it’s actually an appetizer, but there’s so much food on my plate that it could feed two people as a regular meal. They have so many different healthy options that are so delicious! Trust me, check them out. Baya BowlsAcai bowls are probably more popular in Hawaii than anywhere else in the US. Since that’s true, there are so many places to grab one, and they’re all delicious. We especially like Baya Bowls, not just for their insanely good bowls but also because they are nearest to our office for a quick pick up. Their acai bowls come with bananas, strawberries, granola, agave/honey, and of course acai. They also have a list of other treats you can add to your bowl. My favorite thing to add is lilikoi! I love the tartness mixed in with the sweet. Baya Bowls also offers different sizes, large and small. It’s nice having the option of how big my bowls are so I don’t waste a single drop! Aloha Braised & The Edge Maui Food TrucksAloha Braised fried rice herb chicken bowl is my go-to. When I’m feeling extra hungry, they’re always kind enough to whip up some buttered garlic shrimp and put it over some rice for me. They have all kinds of local favorites from loco moco’s to poke steak to local style tater tots! It’s always hard to decide what to get, but you could choose literally anything off their menu and be satisfied. All their food is delicious. Local or not, everyone should try it! The Edge Maui is pretty similar to the Aloha Braised food truck, which is why they’re also super good. They offer the same style of food, with their own way of making it. Their menu specials change from day to day. My favorites are their steak plate and their shrimp scampi with parmesan garlic bread. Simply amazing food that’ll leave you craving it on any workday. Every food stop in Lahaina has tastey food — if they weren’t all great choices, then they wouldn’t be in business. The eateries listed above are just a handful of the ones We Are More’s employee’s stop at on the busier days, but the list goes on and on. Hopefully, you will get to try some of these awesome places soon.
We Are More is not sponsored or endorsed by the companies listed above, this is not a sponsorship ad. Prepare For Hurricane Season, Protect Your SystemsIt’s important we do what we can to prevent damage to our systems. The state of Hawaii is always busy getting supplies together before a storm. That's why we compiled a 5 minute read to help you prepare.
Storm damaged computer equipment is more common than most people think. Probably because a modem (or any other computer equipment) is one of the last things we think to protect in the event of bad weather. Fortunately, its not difficult to avoid the hassle of replacing your modem or, even worse, the cost of replacing your entire computer system. A simple surge protector can do wonders. It'll protect your computer equipment from most thunderstorms, as well as common power fluctuations that occur with rain or wind (We Are More usually installs these for the businesses we work in). Surge protectors can't always protect against heavy storms, though, so it's a good idea to unplug your computer when a storm is in the forecast. You should also unplug your peripheral equipment (printers, scanners, etc.). It's pretty simple if you have a surge protector, just unplug the surge protector from the wall (there's no need to disconnect your equipment from the computer). Don't forget your high-speed modem router and switch that controls your VoIP WiFi and point of sale systems. If your Internet connection runs through coax (most do) unplug the coax cable. Power surges can travel through the line and fry your modem. This also goes for all audio visual equipment (amplifiers, signal processors, televisions) and security systems. If you don’t get a chance to disconnect your computer before this or any storm and a power outage occurs, go ahead and unplug your equipment. Power spikes can occur when service is restored, so this will help prevent damage. When the storm ends and the power comes back on, connect and turn on your computer first, then peripheral equipment. This will protect against power spikes that can occur as the computer starts up. Preparing for a storm should only take you a couple of minutes. And trust us--that's nothing compared to the frustration we all deal with if a computer modem or router goes down. We look forward to Douglas passing and We Are More continuing business as usual! Stay dry! Aloha from We Are More! Featured blog by Ola Shaw Family Time With TechnologyFamilies are finally spending huge amounts of time together! Which is probably a nightmare in some households, but it doesn’t have to be! When is the last time your family did a video game competition, or a BBQ with good food and music, or just a movie night in general? You can’t recall huh? We Are More thinks these last months during the corona virus pandemic (and going forward) have been the perfect time to remind families how much fun they can have together. All they need is a TV screen, a good sound system, and some magic dust from our installation crew! Seriously. Technology has the power to bring people together. Sarah M. Coyne did an article on the benefits of playing video games as a family. She said that “research has shown that video games can strengthen parent-child relationships and marriages when used in the right context.” This is an exclusion of violent video games or the overuse of video games to the point of addiction, but it shows that healthy use of video games is possible and can bring people together. So instead of taking frustration out on each other, why not let it out on a friendly game of Mario Cart? Or stop ordering takeout and start having a BBQ once a week! We Are More’s sound system installations will make every backyard BBQ feel like a party. Add in some lighting features while you’re at it to keep BBQ’s going later into the evening. Throw some steaks on the grill, burgers, shrimp, the works! Then bump up the tunes (or leave it low, as serene background music) and enjoy each other’s company. Wherever there’s good food, there’s happy people. Save the image below and send it to your family group chat to get things started tonight! Happiness can also be found in silence. Instead of struggling with trying to put the little ones to bed, why don’t you have a movie night? Make them excited about popcorn and other snacks. Remind them they have to behave to watch the show and that silence is key in the theater room! We Are More has a wide selection of TV screens that can be mounted in any room for your theater experience. They also offer surround sound installations, so it’s really “just like the movies.” Along with automated lighting control to turn your lights down from your comfy spot on the couch, they also recommend television providers that would be good for your personal preference. You’re going to have to choose the movie on your own though (I know, such a bummer. That’s usually the hardest part!).
Whatever the activity, We Are More can help make quality time a good time with technology. There are so many ways technology can bring families together. Don’t wait to think of ways to spend more time with your growing kids. Let’s use technology how it’s supposed to be used— to our advantage! Why The Internet Is ImportantWe live in a world where the next best thing is already a thing of the past, thanks to social media. Where we hear any and everything from news stations as long as their channel is the first to let us know. Where the spread of epidemics, mass hysteria, famine, economic distress, and the end of the world is on everyone’s minds due to the screens in front of them. These are just a few of the subjects that have been turning the globe upside down since the start of 2020. Thankfully, the internet is also keeping everyone connected and almost sane. People are learning how to interact differently. Even children are dependent on it more than ever as a means to education for the upcoming school year. What we do with the internet, how we utilize it, is vital to how it can benefit people in these troubling times. The internet was once a luxury to some and is now a necessity to everyone. To communicate with loved ones, stay informed, and even for things people used to take for granted, like shopping from home. Did you know –despite over 22 million Americans filing for unemployment (see chart below from The Washington Post)— since the corona virus hit the nation, America has seen an exceptionally high increase of online shopping? Online buying has never been more popular. Sure, states are reopening, and some businesses are too. Yet we still see the elderly fearing for their lives in grocery stores, even with a mask on, and others who cannot wear masks due to health conditions or phobias, keeping them away from public places. Not to mention the thousands of stores that were shut down due to the risk of spreading the virus that have yet to open up again, and financial obligations that closed some businesses indefinitely. It makes sense that there would be a rise in online purchases. According to The New York Times, the spike in online sales happened after Americans received their first stimulus check (see chart below), which aided in a surge of online shopping later in April. If the internet were not accessible, what exactly would people be doing for essential items? They would be growing their own food and sewing their own clothes, which some people are great at doing; but the rest of us? Not so much. The comfort of online shopping proves to be an essential part of the internet and is something that is helping online businesses stay afloat. Though the internet might seem like an awful place with everything going on, without the internet, people would be in even more chaos than they are now. Online businesses seem to be the only ones doing as good as normal. So, what could people do as unemployment rises and online sales increase? Here’s a thought, why not start an online business? It doesn’t even have to be a business you are passionate about; it just has to be something that would sell right now. A popular money maker during this time is recycled (used) clothing. Everyone loves shopping, but no one likes paying the highest price for something they could get cheaper elsewhere. Since there are so many people out of work, no one wants splurge on anything new, but they still want the satisfaction of buying things they want that they can afford. If you are someone who is staying home, think of the things people are willing to spend on, get creative, and start selling— boom, online work. Being a legitimate business owner entails a lot of other legal requirements, but starting small on resale cites like Mercari, Poshmark, eBay etc. is something anyone can do to make some extra cash. It’s the perfect time to make money while cleaning out your house. There are so many opportunities as well as advantages during this time of global stress. Use the internet! Find your niche. You got this!
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Our AuthorSamara Towers does We Are More's PR & Marketing which includes writing our blogs! She was born and raised in Hawaii and graduated from Corban University with a Bachelors Degree in Creative Writing. She produces content to give our audience more insight and opinions on technical solutions big and small. Archives
January 2023
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