June 2019 - Official Blog-Phoenix Pop

How to Spread the Word About a Fundraiser – Successfully

June 28, 2019

There are many different reasons to run a fundraiser and different ways on how to spread the word about a fundraiser. Maybe a startup company needs money to meet their goals, or there is a serious illness in a family that can’t pay for the medical coverage. No matter what the reason, it is more competitive than ever to actually get that money from potential donors.

How to Spread the Word About a Fundraiser

In order to run a successful fundraiser, the right people need to know about it. Here is how to spread the word about a fundraiser, and make it a successful attempt.

Have a plan in place

It is extremely easy to start a fundraiser, but actually getting attention is another thing. In order to set something up online, a person needs to only fill out a few boxes and click submit. While it is easy to set up, actually getting money is the difficult thing.

How to Spread the Word About a Fundraiser

It’s important to have a plan set up, and the objective to be extremely clear. Every single person who comes across the fundraiser needs to clearly know what it is for. Provide a backstory, give all the necessary details and keep things brief.

Have a website or official page

In today’s world, it’s a necessity to have some type of online presence when running any fundraiser. Not only are a lot of people just comfortable reading and learning things online, but making a payment is extremely easy as well. Not everyone carries cash around, but anyone with a smartphone can make a payment in a matter of seconds.

Having a website or social media page also gives the fundraiser so much more exposure. A local fundraiser with no talk online about it is only going to raise so much.

Interact with donors

When people give to a fundraiser, most appreciate even a small gesture. Use the official website or social media to do exactly that. Not only are you praising a donation, but you are also keeping the discussion going. The more times that fundraiser is actually discussed online, the more people will actually see it.

Be creative

In order to stand out from other fundraisers out there, it takes more than just asking for money. Have a contest if it makes sense. Set up a giveaway to involve all the different donors. Post interesting updates when available. The important thing is keeping everyone who is interested in engaged, without overwhelming them with information.

Doing the bare minimum for a fundraiser is not going to really do much in the end. Those who are thinking about giving money will definitely notice.

Reach out to traditional media

A lot of people get caught up in social media these days. While a great social media presence is great, plenty of people still rely on traditional media as well. Reach out to local newspapers, television stations and more. The worst that can happen is that they say no.

Getting exposure on any of those platforms can reach a lot of people. There are a lot of people who simply don’t spend much time online, but hearing about a fundraiser on television or in a paper can intrigue them.

The final word on fundraisers

Fundraising is important and as competitive as ever. There is only so much money that goes around. By putting in the extra effort, many will take notice. This can make the difference between an average fundraiser, and a fundraiser that exceeds all expectations.

When is Trout Season in California? – Fishing Year-round

June 25, 2019

When is trout season in California? April 27 of 2019 is the day when the California trout season kicked off. Local government hatcheries made adequate preparations in the weeks leading up to the occasion. Anglers can look forward to more than 95,000 pounds of the fish amassing a population exceeding 170,000. That said, here’s what else trout enthusiasts can expect for the season that is to come.

When is Trout Season in California?

In truth, you can fish across a number of lakes, rivers and other water bodies throughout the area during the rest of the year as well. During the in-season, the red tape is off for highly coveted locations in Eastern Sierra which bring together many from within and beyond the most populous state in the US. Fishing can be a great team building activity to get the team out of the office.

What Areas are Limited?

Ice and heavy snow have rendered some waters impassable and these areas will remain no go zones. The CDFW (California Department of Fish and Wildlife) has flagged down certain lakes which have turned into hostile fishing grounds unfavorable for human occupation. The conditions should let up sometime in early July enabling anglers to go fishing.

A Daily Limit of Five

The general rule of thumb across streams, rivers, and lakes presently stands at no more than five trout per day with a regulated possession of 10. For anyone above the age of 16, a state fishing license is a prerequisite for any fishing activity within California. Just like many other policies on gear specifications, bag sizes, and size requirements, rules differ from one area to another particularly on closing and opening days. Anglers are therefore advised to check with local authorities to familiarize with exact policies of the specific area.

In Conclusion

Back to our question of the day: when is trout season in California? Well, the date for the official unveiling was 27th April 2019. The season began on the last Saturday of the said month and spans all the way to November of the same year. However, this is peak season, and you can fish for trout throughout the year. That has always been the case year after year and it doesn’t look like changing anytime soon.

How to Care For Graphic Tees – Easy Tips

June 24, 2019

Do you want to know how to care for graphic tees? Are you looking for effective ways to make the process simpler and hassle-free? Owning an epic graphic design is not easy. It demands a lot of efforts and caution. If you want to make your wardrobe more useful and inspiring, you can go through the following awesome tricks and tips to handle your wardrobe and maintain the new look and freshness of your graphic tees.

How to Care For Graphic Tees

Stack Tees Vertically

Stacks graphic tees vertically in the drawer that will double the capacity and will also ensure easy access. You will love this arrangement as it will look like a graphic art display. Your wardrobe will look inspiring for sure.

Hang Shirts on Shirts

Just collect soda tabs and use these tabs for saving space in the closet. Loop those tabs onto the hangers and then hang the second hanger using the same tab’s second hole. By doing so, you can hang shirts on shirts and ensure easy accessibility.

Fold Your Tees

Folding your tees will not take more than a couple of seconds. If you fold your tees, you can maintain the freshness and will not make a mess by throwing all your clothes. It is always suggested to either hang or fold your clothes to avoid wrinkles.

Get Rid of Wrinkles

If your cloth ends up on the floor, then you can spray water on your tees. It will help you to minimize wrinkles. You can also hang your tees on the door while taking a shower. Hanging will offer the same benefit.

Use Right Product to Remove Stains

It is natural to get armpit stains on your T-shirt. Many of us face this problem. You can use a proper armpit stain solution to remove those stains from your T-shirt. Make sure that you are not using antiperspirants with aluminum for the same purpose. Also regularly wash your T-shirts.

Un-Shrink Your Tees

If you accidentally shrink your T-shirt in the laundry, you can easily unshrink it. Take hot water and add some hair conditioner and soak your tee in that water for around five minutes. After five minutes, you just need to stretch it back.

Final Words

Now you know how to care for graphic tees. Also, it is always important to maintain the quality of your T-shirt to wear it for a long time. Take extra caution and wash it inside out to preserve the creative art. Consider gentle cycle in machine to prevent shrinkage. Make sure that you are using cold water to wash your graphic t-shirts. But if you want to shrink your t-shirt, you can consider using warm water. Avoid machine drying.

Engagement Photography Tips for the New Photographer – Capture the Best Photos

June 20, 2019

If you are a new photographer and want to shoot some amazing engagement photos, then you are at the right place. An engagement photo session can be quite tricky at times. You have to think about some amazing and innovative poses, the location of the shoot, what the future bride and groom should wear, etc. As a newbie in the industry, it may be difficult to get a grasp on things immediately. There are many things that you have to consider and look for to ensure that you are clicking some of the best photos. Here are some of the engagement photography tips for the new photographer.

Engagement Photography Tips for the New P

hotographer

Some engagement photography tips for the new photographer include being aware of the backlight, avoid dappled light, choose different angles and more.

#1: Backlight Can Play a Powerful Role

You have to know and understand that the back light can be quite crucial for engagement photography. For this, you have to turn off the flash on your camera. You can also use the sun to create a beautiful silhouette to enhance the look.

#2: Avoid the Dappled Light

It is impossible to host the photo session at the perfect time of the day. If you think that the sun is very bright, then it is better to find shade for more balanced light. As a beginner, you have to be careful and avoid any type of dappled light.

#3: Climb High

Photos that are taken from a slightly different angle than that of the normal one that you choose for most of the time can make a great picture. You can stand on the walls or you can even bring a stepladder where you can climb to take some photos from that angle. This is also perfect for couples with noticeable height differences.

#4: Make the Best Use of Golden Hour

When the sun is about to set, the golden hour starts. Ask any photographer and they will claim it to be the best time for any photo session. The natural golden light can create a soothing and subtle golden effect, enriching the quality and texture of the photo. You need to make sure that you have at least a few perfect shots in this time.

#5: Use the Most of Inclement Weather

Sunset photos are too common. If you want to make something unique yet beautiful, then use the rain as the perfect photo session element. Do not let the rain cancel the plan. Instead ask your clients to make the most of it. You can use waterproof gear for your camera and light to ensure that they are completely safe from that of the weather.

Conclusion

So, these are some of the efficient, amazing and best engagement photography tips for the new photographer or beginner. If you are a budding photographer and want to cover an engagement photo session, then these tips will definitely help you. By taking the best photos, these couples can remember these photos for a lifetime and be recurring surprise gifts from time to time.

Best Tools For Jewelry Making

June 18, 2019

When you decide to make jewelry, there are several tools, supplies, and components you’ll want to have ready. Jewelry making can be so much fun and you don’t have to spend countless hours to learn the art. Thanks to online tutorials and videos, you can learn how to make jewelry in as little as an hour or less. Here are some of the best tools for jewelry making you’ll need to get started.

Best Tools For Jewelry Making

Chain Nose Pliers

This is critical as a jewelry making tool, especially if you’ll be working with beads. Chain nose clippers can be quite useful when you need to open and close sterling silver jump rings, for example. When opening and closing a jump ring, they allow you to twist them open and closed rather than pulling the ends apart. This work hardens them and prevents them from getting misshapen.

If you’ll be beading, consider purchasing pliers with spring handles. These types of handles are much easier on your wrists as they allow the pliers to spring open on their own whenever you close them. Best Tools For Jewelry Making

If you opt for a kit of pliers, you can use the chain nose pliers along with the flat nose to open and close jump rings without having to purchase a second set of chain nose pliers.

Cutters

Making jewelry requires cutting tight places. For instance, when snipping off extra wire after crimping the end. When beading, for example, the extra wire can be snuggled up between the crimp and the last bead, which is a very small space to work in. If you purchase a plier kit, side cutters can come in quite handy, but having ultra-fine point nippers is also a good idea.

Crimping Pliers

When it comes to jewelry making, crimping pliers are a must-have tool. They are used to close crimps at the end of necklaces to secure beads or other pendants on stringing wire. They’re also simple and easy to use and some come with interchangeable dies to meet your needs.

Jeweler’s Glue

Jeweler’s glue can be used to secure those knots that tend to unravel over time. The extra support from just a drop of glue or adhesive can keep the knots secure for up to a year or longer. It’s a great purchase as a single tube or bottle can go a long way.

Stringing Wire

This is not exactly a tool but it’s equally as important as any other tool used in jewelry making. Stringing wire is an essential component when planning out your jewelry project. There are plenty of options in the market but the most important factors to consider are the strength and diameter of the wire. The diameter is crucial because you need beading wire that will fit through the beads or any other additions to your jewelry. Strength is critical because you need wire that’s not only durable but also able to handle the weight of the beads, for example.

Bottom Line

With some of the best tools for jewelry making, you can start making your own jewelry today! Enjoy the experience and within no time you’ll get the hang of it.

Good Characteristics for a Job Application

June 18, 2019

Employers consider numerous factors when separating the average worker from the most ideal candidate for a job. While every business has inherently unique needs, there are several qualities and employee characteristics that everyone seems to value, the most common being; work ethic, attitude, and dependable. Here are some of the good characteristics for a job application.

Good Characteristics for a Job Application

When it comes to landing an interview, it’s important to know how to showcase yourself on a resume. Here are some characteristics recruiters look for when it comes to job applications.

Strong Work Ethic

A strong work ethic is one of the most popular qualities recruiters look for in a candidate. Over 70% of recruiters expect job applicants to demonstrate a strong work ethic. Job applicants who set high goals for themselves, or are receptive to stretch goals from their superiors, are willing to do more than just show up at work when they’re needed and leave when their shift is over.

Dependable

According to hiring managers at Indie Boutique Apartments, Dependability can make a world of difference between a job applicant who usually follows through and one who consistently does. Candidates who demonstrate a commitment to completing tasks on time, as assigned, during the application process are more likely to continue with the same trend as employees.

Positive Attitude

A positive attitude has plenty of benefits for individual employees and their colleagues. Positivity increases productivity and creates a more conducive environment for fellow employees. Outstanding employees consistently stand out for their positivity and earn great reputations for themselves.

Resilience is an important trait for anyone who wants to have success in their work life, but it’s especially crucial when you are working with other people. Maintaining positive energy even after making mistakes shows that person has what it takes not just day-to-day mentally or emotionally; but can handle stressful situations.
– PHX interior design firm in North Scottsdale.

Self-Motivated

When seeking employees for a job vacancy, recruiters often look for candidates who can work effectively with little to no direction. These employees need no more than sheer interest and enthusiasm to take initiative and get work done. This is why you need to be self-motivated when searching for a job. And self-motivation goes hand-in-hand with confidence as a skill that’s highly sought after among candidates.

Team-Oriented

An ability to work well with others is also a critical trait. Hiring managers often look for candidates who are comfortable working with a team. Many companies attribute their success to synergy and teamwork, and not just individuals. So, it’s not uncommon for interviewers to look for candidates with a history of collaboration.

Effective Communicator

Communication is also a top soft skill chosen by recruiters. An ideal employee will understand the value of good communication, as well as the consequences of poor or ineffective communication. Job applicants need to be able to demonstrate their ability to communicate in a manner that aligns with the expectations of the company.

The ideal employee will have a diverse range of communication skills, from being able to discuss problems at work and resolve them effectively or raise concerns without fear. Geneva Arizona Mortgage Lenders

Flexibility

The ability to adapt in a meaningful way, especially in the face of change, is an invaluable characteristic. For instance, candidates need to be comfortable with the unknown elements of a job, adjust to shifting goals and pick up new skills. Applicants who demonstrate flexibility can adapt more easily to their new work environment.

With the recent rise in technology, it is more important than ever for people working at a company to be happy. A good employee will do anything as longs their job provides them with an opportunity and treats fairly by management or other employees within the business environment that they work around every day.
– Dr. Afshin Malaki OBGYN in Phoenix.

Qualities of a Good Employee

While there are plenty of other good characteristics for a job application, the soft skills mentioned are considered among the most important. Not everyone will possess each of the qualities of a good employee, but some traits can be developed over time.

Recap of Good Characteristics of a Job Applicant

When applying for a job, one of the most important things is to make sure that they have good character traits. A person’s resume will only get them so far in an application process- it needs more than just being well written and organized; there needs to be something special behind every piece of paper you submit! The best way I’ve found myself successfully using these qualities as part of my applications was through personalizing each field with relevant experience, while also making sure not too much space wasted on unnecessary details or information (such as titles). This made me stand out among other candidates because employers could see how much care went into crafting this document which reflects what kind of employee would become a great addition to their company. – Phoenix Pop Team

Corporate Fundraising Event Ideas

June 18, 2019

Choosing a fundraising idea for your corporate event is sometimes difficult. Whether you plan the event yourself or hire a professional company to do the fundraising, it helps to know the different ways you can raise money. Here are a few corporate fundraising event ideas to bear in mind the next time you’re organizing a fundraiser.

Corporate Fundraising Event Ideas

Fundraisers are important events, therefore it is important to run it properly to ensure success. Below is a list of different corporate fundraising event ideas to hold.

Balloon Pop Off

This involves putting a slip in each balloon that states the prize to be won for popping that balloon. You can use the company hall or cafeteria for this event. Purchase fun items at wholesale stores or ask employees to donate prizes ahead of time. Charge a participation fee that allows participants to pop as many balloons as they can or a small fee per balloon that someone wants to pop.

Bingo Night

Bingo can be a great way to raise funds. Set up bingo night for employees and charge a small donation at the entrance for each bingo card received. Make things interesting by offering fun prizes for the winners.

Bowling Tournament

Contact your local bowling alley to set up a date and time for a corporate fundraising bowling tournament. Ask employees to compete in teams and set pledges for pins knocked down, winning teams strikes made, and so forth. Employees can make pledges based on how you’ve set up the event or ask volunteers to simply make a one-time Corporate Fundraising Event Ideas donation. Offer a fun prize for the winning team and collect pledges and donation afterward or on a specific day at work.

Company Picnic and Raffle

Hold a company picnic where employees and families can buy raffle tickets. Ask people who will be attending to create a great meal which everyone can partake. You can also spice things up with fun events like pie-eating contests, races or other activities to make it a great time for everyone and increase participation. This unusual event will draw quite the donations.

Competitive Events

Create an event in which different departments of the company compete against one another. There are countless variations you can use. See what types of sports or events interest most people and decide what will work best for an exciting competition. Consider asking for pledges or donations before the event.

Employee Dance

You can hold a company dance at an appropriate location and charge a small ticket fee at the door. Ask employees to invite their friends and family to attend. Consider offering drinks and snacks that attendants can purchase while they’re at the dance.

Karaoke Night

Host fun karaoke competitions and charge employees and/or family members a small admission fee to compete. You can also serve drinks and snacks. Publicize the event by inviting local stars and celebrities to compete and make the event more interesting.

Bottom Line

Choosing a fundraising idea largely depends on what you’re attempting to accomplish. The trick is to choose corporate fundraising event ideas that will align with your fundraising goals and expectations. For instance, some fundraising ideas need more planning than others so you’ll have to start planning earlier.

Ways to Track Employee Attendance – Using a Mobile App

June 18, 2019

Every business needs to accurately track employee hours. Tracking attendance helps to ensure labor regulation compliance, timely payroll processing, calculate savings and enforcement of time-off and attendance policies. Similarly, it’s important to choose an efficient attendance tracking system that is neither time-consuming nor cumbersome for the employees. Here are a few ways to track employee attendance.

Ways to Track Employee Attendance

Once someone completes the job interview process, it’s important to be able to keep track of their hours as an employee. Being able to utilize this software will help ensure you are always able to stay on top of employee attendance and reports.

Track Remote Employees with a Mobile Attendance System

A mobile attendance system helps to track employee hours when they work away from the office or facility. This information can be integrated with the payroll system for accurate working hours. One way to do this is by legally tracking employee hours through GPS-enabled company phones.

Use Wall Mount Card Swipes

These are a modern version of the older punch card system. In this case, employees use an ID rather than a timecard to clock in and out. Data is automatically transferred to a computer where employee attendance is calculated based on hours worked.

Ensure Hours are Accurate, Complete and Current

A general rule of thumb for tracking employee attendance is to have a system that uses a streamlined time-capturing process. You need to deploy a system that delivers accurate information to process payroll faster and carry out other reporting tasks. Whether the system is automated or manual, it needs to follow a consistent way of tracking employee attendance.

Have an Automated System for Regulatory Compliance

Accurate tracking is also essential for meeting numerous regulatory compliance requirements. Any tracking solution should make it easy to comply with internal policies and government regulations. Common causes of non-compliance are from inadequate or inaccurate record keeping. Using an automated system to track attendance and time can help to prevent costly litigation arising from noncompliance and reduce errors.

Use Attendance Software That Employees Can Embrace

Being able to view and track attendance data from a centralized system can be extremely valuable to a company. Employees should have an easy time viewing hours worked including accrued time, and available sick leave. These features help employees to readily adopt attendance software.

Choose a System That Easily Integrates with Other Applications

Just like moving companies use moving software, you’ll want to choose a system that can not only capture but also share data with other applications. This is especially critical for payroll, compliance and time off needs. The trick here is to ensure a seamless exchange and integration of data.

Get Software That is Hosted in The Cloud

Cloud-based systems allow companies to store accurate attendance records without the need for expensive, internal hardware. These systems are also less costly, offering easy solutions for entering working hours and routing time for approvals.

Keep Offices Secure with Advanced Technologies

Biometric data with retina and fingerprint scans have become essential for companies that need strict tracking and access control solutions. Another popular method is swiping barcode information on employee badges.

Bottom Line

There are plenty of ways to track employee attendance once they landed the job. Whether you go for manual or automatic methods, choose a system that will work best for your company needs while still meeting compliance requirements.

School Fundraising Tips – Surpass Your Fundraising Goals

June 17, 2019

Most schools understand the importance of growth and development. For proper maintenance of the academic excellence, offering scholarships and starting new programs, one needs proper funding. Without proper funds, it is impossible to develop the school in the best way. So, you need to start a proper school fundraising strategy that can help you to develop a successful fundraising plan. Here are some of the school fundraising tips that you can follow for the best result:

School Fundraising Tips

Are you planning a fundraiser in the near future? Here are some tips to help your upcoming fundraiser meet it’s goals for your school.

Tip #1: Think Ahead

The earlier you start to think about fundraising, the more funds you will be able to raise. So, you need to start planning today. You have to start by planning some amazing ways to raise funds successfully.

Tip #2: Building a Great Team

You have to first build an effective team with your students who can help you in different ways. Find the people who are friendly and great in communications. They can be perfect for this job as they can talk to potential donors and explain the cause. You also have to find someone who can keep a track on the money raised and keep on counting accurately all the time. Also, you need someone who can keep the track of the milestone.

Tip #3: Set a Goal

For the best and most efficient fundraising, you have to set a clear goal. An example of a goal is to get new sports equipment for the school’s athletic team. This goal will help you to raise more money as goals will help you to keep everyone focused and motivated. Fundraising without any goal will not have any track. You can at least aim for a better fund and successfully achieve it.

Tip #4: Prepare a Timeline

Rushing into everything at a time must be avoided. You have to pace yourself properly by making up a realistic and clear timeline for the school fundraiser. You have to provide a task list for the volunteers as well. This will help everyone to know when to do what.

Tip #5: Clear Communication

You have to keep everyone informed with the help of clear communication. It will help you to keep things moving. You’ll want to market and give the parents an early notice about the fundraising. Keeping everyone in the loop will create no confusion and avoid surprises.

Tip #6: Say Thank You

You have to let your volunteers know that you are appreciating their work and effort. So, do not forget to send a thank you card to the volunteers as well as to the donors. This will create a great impression and it will also motivate them to participate again.

Conclusion

School fundraising can be fun and amazing if you approach with the right planning and strategies. Follow the above school fundraising tips for the best result. Without proper planning, strategies and volunteers it is impossible to raise funds successfully. You need to make sure that you are getting all the things done as per required.

Pool Table Basics – What the Pros Want You to Know

June 17, 2019

When you’re learning how to play pool, you’ll likely come across different terminology, strategies and variations of the game. For you to become an expert in pool, you need to master the game’s principles and equipment. However, let’s start with some pool table basics.

Pool Table Basics

Some pool table basics include knowing how to play and to position your body, how to hold the cue stick, and how to hit the ball.

A Step by Step Approach

The basic principles are quite simple and easy to understand. You can start by following a simple step by step approach, as that’s the best way to learn more about the game of billiards.

The body position
Holding the cue stick
Hitting the cue ball

The Body Position

Your body position must be comfortable yet stable. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes as the dress code is rather casual.

Mastering the Stroke

Ensure your feet are a little wider than shoulder-width apart.

Each person has a different preferred hand position. If you’re right-handed, hold the cue stick’s base with your right hand and rest the narrow end on your left. Do the opposite if you’re left-handed.

How to Position Your Leaning Hand

Put a beer cap on the pool table
Hide it with your hand
Open your three external fingers
Lift your thumb forming a V shape
Place the cue stick between your thumb and the knuckles of your index finger

Experiment with a few hand positions to get one that’s most comfortable for you. For instance, some people prefer to rest the cue stick in between their fingers in a flat style while others prefer to rest the stick on their index finger. Alternatively, you can try curving your index finger on top of the stick and put your thumb at the bottom of the stick. Some people find that this technique allows them to have better control of the cue stick.

When practicing your strokes, switch your eyes from the point you’re aiming for on the object ball to the contact point on the cue ball.

Hitting the Cue Ball

Hitting the cue ball shouldn’t be difficult once you’ve got everything else right. Place the cue stick’s tip about four inches away from the ball. Then position the cue on your leaning hand. Move only your back arm when shooting and the rest of the body should stay still.

It’s also crucial that you don’t twist your wrist when hitting the cue ball.

Making Shots

When you’re just starting out, try to hit the cue ball straight and with power.

You should also experiment with slow, easy shots. A softer touch will sometimes help your ball to ride the edge of the table and stay in a more defensive position.

Focus

Pool requires you to focus and pay attention to the overall game. So, keep your eye on the ball and try to tune out distractions the best you can.

Don’t get too frustrated or overly confident – the tables can turn in a second. Focus on improving your shots and things will turn out just fine.

Bottom Line

Like all types of cue sports, pool takes some practice to get the hang of. There are various types of games but once you know the pool table basics and practice your shots, you should have an easy time playing most types or variations of pool games. If you decide to invest in a pool table of your own or maybe try to hold a fundraising pool tournament, be sure to maintain it in order to play your best as well.