As the owner of a small smart-up business, making solid business start up connections is the only way to get you in front of investors looking to put money into your company. However, many people go about this the wrong way: they put a huge amount of effort into networking and getting the right opportunities only to fall at the last hurdle when pitching to investors. To ensure this doesn't happen to you, make sure you follow the tips below:

In 2016, nearly $1.5 trillion worth of purchases were made online. With this trend likely to grow in the future, it's important to make sure that your brand develops a customer loyalty that allows you to compete with other e-commerce retailers. One way, in particular, that your business can increase customer loyalty is by using unique packaging. This is particularly true for customers looking to shop "green". These eco-conscious customers may just choose to buy from you again if you can help them achieve their environmental-friendly shopping aspirations.

Computers are involved in just about every aspect of life these days. As such, they contain a lot of important information that needs to be secured against hackers, viruses, and other potential threats. As an information assurance analyst, your job would entail assessing risks and helping companies and agencies protect their computers from intrusions and destruction. However, this job isn't for everyone. Here's what you need to know about this position to help you determine if it's right for you.

If you've finally taken the plunge into self-employment and will soon be joining the ranks of those forgo long commutes, pesky coworkers, and the aspects of modern office life to set up shop in a home office, you're probably excited and apprehensive at the same time. Any enterprise worth engaging in is bound to create butterflies. However, like many fledgling entrepreneurs, you may be planning on furnishing your home office with household castoffs, and this is a mistake.

Renting your own moving truck is a great way to save money on moving services and move at your own pace. It's also an ideal way to reduce the amount of time traveling between locations while you are on the road. If you've only driven smaller cars, then it may be intimidating to get behind the wheel of a larger moving truck. By the time you've driven the truck just a few times, it's a lot easier to get used to these truck operations and learn how to control different parts of it.

If you have obtained your CDL license, then you are probably ready to start looking for CDL jobs as a truck driver. If you are inexperienced or if you have a CDL license alone, then your career options may be limited. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to make yourself more marketable. A few good options are explained below. Go on Ride Alongs If you have recently obtained a CDL license, then it is likely that you have not had the opportunity to drive or ride in a commercial vehicle for an extended period of time.

Although it might seem unnecessary at first glance, network monitoring will actually benefit your company in the long run. When growing your business from the ground up, you need to control every facet of the organization to protect your long-term interests. Network monitoring services is an investment that you can make work for you. Here are the four main benefits of buying into those services for your business. Prevents Improper Use

It's a dreary subject that few people want to broach, but sooner or later, everyone needs to make funeral plans. There is healing in the planning of a funeral, and you may just find some bittersweet joy in the selection of a headstone, whether for yourself or a loved one. Here you will learn about headstones, and how to design one that will keep people talking about you long after you're 6 feet under.

From a barn on a farm to Mason jar candles and burlap table linens, planning a rustic wedding can be overwhelming. If you are one of the millions of brides who want one of these natural, distressed wedding themes, finding appropriate accessories to match your gown can be challenging. While you want to incorporate rustic elements, wearing cowgirl boots on your special day is a cliché that you should avoid. To ensure a memorable and personable day, consider these unique bridal accessories for your rustic wedding.

No one likes to talk about it, but when a loved one passes on, money is sometimes one of the first concerns, especially for families without life insurance. The average funeral in the United States costs between $7,000 and $10,000. Even in this incredibly difficult time, you can make smart choices that won't leave you with lasting financial consequences. Here are 5 ways to bring down the cost of funeral services, while maintaining all the dignity and compassion your loved one deserves.