Company BBQs are a great way to bring your staff together to enjoy themselves outside of a work environment. As summer approaches, outdoor events like BBQs are fun and family-friendly. By incorporating these ideas into your company BBQ, your event is sure to be a success!

Pick a Theme

Assigning a theme to your company BBQ allows everyone to get in the spirit of things. Decorations, the food that is served, and the dress code can be based on the theme. Some fun BBQ themes include:

• Red, white, and blue
• Hawaiian luau
• Western
• Summer camp

Don’t let these options limit you! The sky’s the limit when it comes to event planning creativity. Just make sure it’s family-friendly and easy for everyone to adhere to. Consider choosing your theme based on where your company is located and the age range of employees.

BBQ Sauce Taste Test

Did you know that barbecue sauces from different regions taste different? Many of them have sweet notes from fruits that are incorporated into the recipe. A taste test competition is a great way to tie the theme into a fun game. The major regional  BBQ sauces are Kansas City style, Alabama white sauce, Eastern Carolina style, St. Louis style, Lexington dip, Carolina Gold sauce, and Texas style. Provide information on which notes are present in each sauce, then have volunteers conduct a blind taste test to guess which one is which. The winner can take home a flight of BBQ sauce bottles as a prize.

Host Games

Games are fun for kids and grown-ups alike. They can bring everyone together as an icebreaker, or provide entertainment for the kids as the adults socialize. Here are some suggestions for family-friendly games:

• Three-legged race
• Water balloon toss
• Horseshoes
• Cornhole

Games are also a great opportunity to tie in the theme of the BBQ. For example, if your theme is Western, horseshoes would be a fitting game to play. If you choose Hawaiian luau, you can tie players’ feet together with a lei to stay on theme. The possibilities are endless!

Swap Recipes

Swapping BBQ recipes creates a sense of sharing and community amongst coworkers. Food often carries memories, and as people share how they made their food, they can also share what they remember about it. A recipe swap is a great way to incorporate a potluck into the BBQ as well, that way everyone is pitching in for food. Catering can be expensive and overwhelming to plan. A potluck ensures that there will be enough food and everyone will have something they love to eat.

Teach Techniques

Allowing employees to learn unique BBQ techniques from one another is a great way to make the event more engaging. Find a local chef who is willing to come and teach grilling techniques to your group. If there is a BBQ aficionado in the group, they can also help lead the tutorial. This helps maintain BBQ as the focal point of the event and helps everyone learn a thing or two. Event organizers can coordinate with the chef and keep pieces of meat or other foods on hand for the class in a portable fridge.

Hold a Cook-Off

A cook-off is another fun way to integrate friendly competition into the BBQ event. If you have some self-proclaimed chefs in your group, have them prepare their best dish during the BBQ. Event organizers can provide outdoor grills to cook on. Then, have the rest of the group vote to decide which one is the best. As they are cooking, the chefs can provide insight into how they came across the recipe and what their special techniques are. Other members of the group can follow along and maybe learn something along the way!

Rent Food Trucks

If not many people are showing enthusiasm about cooking, or if it is just too overwhelming to plan, rent food trucks! This is a great way to support local businesses and provide a variety of food options for everyone. You can invite multiple BBQ food trucks from the area, or choose different foods that relate to your event’s theme. Renting food trucks can also help you save time and effort on setting up before and cleaning up after the event. Also, no one will be stuck cooking the entire time, and everyone can instead focus on enjoying the event. If food trucks are not feasible for your event location, you can also cater food from a local restaurant.

Conclusion

Company BBQs provide a casual environment for coworkers to come together outside of the office. Picking a theme, hosting games, and providing lessons on BBQ techniques are just a few ways to engage everyone. Though planning one can be overwhelming, there are several tips you can implement to make your event a success.

The post Seven Company BBQ Ideas for Work in 2023 appeared first on ReadWrite.

Business owners and managers are always looking for ways to boost productivity in the workplace. A company can’t succeed unless everyone is motivated and willing to work hard to achieve shared goals. Being hyper-critical and micromanaging your team often backfires and makes employees feel more stressed and resentful.

Instead, you should work toward creating a happy workplace, relaxed environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Happiness and productivity are known to go hand in hand. So, if you want to see revenue increase and goals met at a faster pace, don’t just look at the bottom line but also consider the attitudes and mindset of your team. Here are a few tips to help you do so.

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Give Colleagues Positive Feedback 

When a colleague does something that makes your day, be sure to let them know. Everyone loves to feel appreciated, yet far too many people neglect the simple acts of kindness that make others feel like their effort is being valued. It could be work-related or any simple gesture that helped you out. They may have offered to chip in on a project to help you meet a deadline or met their work goals for the month. Any positive action, no matter how small, should be acknowledged with positive feedback to encourage similar behavior in the future. If it’s something small, a simple thank you may suffice, but if it’s more significant, you may consider sending them a card or a modest gift. Just be sure to be specific about what they did and how it affected you.

Congratulate Colleagues on Their Wins

In addition to providing positive feedback, you should also congratulate colleagues on any wins or achievements. No one wants to feel like their hard work is going unacknowledged, especially in the workplace. So, take the time to give recognition for employee achievements – large or small. Maybe they exceeded their monthly sales goals or brought in a new client.

No matter what the victory, make sure to acknowledge it and encourage them to keep it up. A simple email may suffice, or if possible, congratulate them in person. You may even consider hosting a regular meeting to acknowledge staff accomplishments. But don’t sandwich it in between feedback and requested improvements – let the kudos stand on their own and find a different way to address improvement if necessary.

Create Shared Plans

Humans are social creatures, and we thrive when working in groups. So, make an effort to create shared plans and communicate goals and expectations. Employees can quickly become frustrated and stressed out if they feel they need a clearer sense of what is expected from them, or they can’t effectively communicate with colleagues and management. So, creating shared plans helps to ensure employees aren’t wasting time trying to figure out how to best serve the company or team. It also helps encourage teamwork and collaboration so that no one feels isolated or left out of the decision-making process.

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Encourage an Open Dialogue

Communication is essential to a happy, productive workplace, so encourage open dialogue between employees, management, and other key partners. Have regular conversations about the team’s progress and get feedback on what works well and what can be improved.

Set aside time at your regular staff meetings to answer a few questions:

• How can we help each other use time more efficiently
• What are our biggest time wasters as a group? (Email, chatting?)
• What types of breaks are essential to help us focus longer?

Keep in mind that email and conversation are essential aspects of a healthy work-social life, but too much socializing can reduce focus. Also, remember that breaks are scientifically proven to improve focus in the long run. However, you must be strategic about when and what types of breaks you employ to improve productivity and avoid creating unnecessary distractions.

When creating this open dialogue, try to center it around how the group can improve and not single out particular individuals. That will make it easier to provide constructive criticism without feeling like you’re chastising anyone in particular.

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Set Clear Goals for Productivity AND Happiness  

Finally, you should also prioritize discussing goals for productivity and happiness in the workplace. While it’s essential to set objectives related to earning or completing tasks to keep everyone on track, this shouldn’t be your only concern. Also, discuss ways you can improve the workplace’s overall happiness and comfort level by eliciting feedback from your staff.

You could set a goal of hosting one pizza party per month or regularly recognize one person in the office for their hard work. Once you realize that happiness and productivity go hand in hand, you’ll start making a consistent effort to improve the mindset and well-being of your team. Everyone will be more productive if they feel their personal source of happiness is being recognized and fed.

The post Methods of Increasing Employee Productivity appeared first on ReadWrite.

As Father’s Day approaches, selecting the perfect gift for the entrepreneurial dad can seem challenging. These are fathers who work hard to fulfill their responsibilities, juggling between the roles of a father and a business leader. They work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to provide, protect, and pave the way for their families. Therefore, Father’s Day isn’t just an annual event; it’s an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the endless love and sacrifices our dads make every day.

Gifts, in this context, are expressions of love, gratitude, and understanding. An ideal gift resonates with the recipient’s personality, aligns with their interests, and caters to their needs. For entrepreneurial dads, who often dedicate a significant portion of their time to nurturing their businesses, gifts that blend practicality with novelty, reflect their passion for innovation, and that can offer them some relaxation is particularly meaningful.

Here’s a list of unique gift ideas, perfect for the business-savvy fathers who deserve the very best.

1. A Luxurious Barware Set

Every entrepreneur knows that some of the best business ideas emerge from casual conversations. A high-quality barware set serves as the perfect tool for these interactions. These sleek, stainless steel tools provide the perfect blend of elegance and function, making them a great addition to any at-home bar. It’s a tasteful gift that your entrepreneurial father will appreciate each time he entertains a guest or relaxes after a long day. Plus, there’s something special about a beautifully crafted cocktail that can’t be replicated in a commercial setting. A quality barware set can bring this exquisite experience home.

2. Stylish and Functional Desk Accessories

A clutter-free workspace helps to boost productivity. Gifting your dad some stylish desk accessories can help him keep his office neat and organized. Think along the lines of sleek pen holders, modern desk lamps, or minimalist charging docks. Not only do these items serve a practical purpose, but they also add a touch of personality to his workspace. It’s a way of turning his office into an inviting space that he’ll enjoy spending time in, potentially enhancing his creativity and productivity.

3. High-Quality Outdoor Footwear

Encourage your father to take a break and step into the great outdoors with a pair of  sturdy comfortable footwear. There are a variety of rugged options you can get that blend durability with comfort. This is an ideal gift for the dad who enjoys hiking, camping, or simply needs reliable footwear for his entrepreneurial adventures. Plus, a comfortable pair of shoes can also contribute to his overall well-being, encouraging him to take walks and engage in physical activity, which can reduce stress and improve creativity.

4. Mechanical Cuckoo Clock

In the fast-paced world of business, managing time effectively is crucial. Give your dad a fun and distinctive way to keep track of his schedule with a mechanical cuckoo clock. With intricate design details, these clocks are a nod to timeless craftsmanship and precision. As a bonus, they add a bit of whimsy and conversation to any office space. They also make for a compelling piece of wall art that never fails to draw attention and spark conversation, adding another level of charm to his office.

5. Subscription to a Premium Streaming Service

Unwinding with a good movie or show is a great way for your dad to decompress after a long day. A subscription to a premium streaming service like The Roku Channel can provide him with countless hours of entertainment, making it the perfect gift for the dad who needs a break from his busy schedule. This and other streaming services boast a diverse range of content, from critically acclaimed dramas to engaging documentaries that could spark his next big business idea.

6. A Personal Development Book

One common trait of successful entrepreneurs is their hunger for knowledge. Give your dad a renowned personal development book focusing on leadership, creativity, or business strategy. He’ll appreciate the thought behind a gift that contributes to his personal and professional growth. In addition, these books can provide him with a fresh perspective, inspire innovative ideas, and give him actionable advice to tackle new challenges, all of which could be instrumental in shaping his business strategies.

7. A Durable Tactical Bag

As an entrepreneur, your dad needs to stay organized on the go. A durable and versatile tactical bag will serve him well on his busiest days. You’ll want to get one with plenty of compartments for his essentials and one that is functional and stylish. This is a perfect gift for the dad, who is always prepared to go. It should also have a hard-wearing material and weather-resistant quality to ensure that it endures the test of time, no matter where his entrepreneurial journey takes him.

Give a Thoughtful Gift

Picking out the perfect gift for the entrepreneurial dad should always reflect his passion, personality, and lifestyle. From a luxurious barware set for hosting networking events at home to a durable tactical bag for his daily commutes, these Father’s Day gifts are designed to bring joy and utility into his life. So, this Father’s Day, let your gift be a testament to his dedication, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit, as he deserves nothing less.

The post 7 Father’s Day Gifts for the Entrepreneurial Dad appeared first on ReadWrite.

With the rise of automation and self-checkout options, kiosks are becoming a hot topic of discussion among many business owners. But what exactly is a kiosk, and is it a profitable piece of equipment for businesses? Today, we’re going to unpack everything you need to know about the different types of kiosks and whether they’re profitable hardware.

What is a Kiosk?

A kiosk is a small, computerized booth or screen with a digital display, usually a tablet or other touchscreen computer enclosed in a protective tablet wall mount. Kiosks are often found in high-traffic areas, and are intended to provide additional information or offer services to customers passing by. A kiosk may be manned by an attendant who can assist in a transaction, or it may stand on its own and be available to serve customers when human employees are busy. There are a few different types of kiosks that each offer unique services and advantages.

Different Types of Kiosks

Here are a few of the most common types of kiosks you may encounter on a daily basis:

Information Kiosks

An information kiosk is the most general type of device, and its sole purpose is to offer information to shoppers. Information kiosks can be a great way to provide customers with resources and answer their questions without bothering the staff. They can be interactive or non-interactive but typically feature a menu system to help customers find what they need.

Self-Service Kiosks

A self-service kiosk is a device that acts as a POS system where customers can check themselves out without waiting for a human cashier. It’s typically a tablet or touchscreen computer that allows customers to scan and pay for items. It may be monitored by a human employee in case there is a system error or customers have questions. Self-service kiosks are a great way to avoid backed-up lines when it’s busy and help reduce the cost of hiring cashiers.

Wayfinding Kiosks

A wayfinding kiosk is a device that exists to help visitors find their way around an area. You’ll often see them at the mall or in large buildings where visitors need assistance to find a particular store or department. Wayfinding kiosks can be a great way to show potential customers exactly where they need to go to find you, so they don’t get frustrated and simply visit another establishment. This can be especially crucial for businesses that aren’t easy to locate or are within a large complex with many other stores.

Advertising Kiosks

An advertising kiosk is a large, backlit digital display that shows advertisements for a business or event. It’s typically placed in a high-traffic area full of potential customers and intended to market products or services. It functions much like a billboard, although it offers additional flexibility and convenience because the display can be easily changed, or the kiosk itself can be moved to a different area.

Internet Kiosks

Internet kiosks are a particular type of kiosk that provides users access to the internet and other applications. They can offer visitors full access to the world wide web or restrict it to a particular page or application based on the goals of the provider. You can offer free internet access to encourage customers to try a specific software or application, or you can charge a small fee for use and attract those who just need to do a quick search while they’re out running errands. Internet kiosks are a great way to bring in new customers and offer exclusive access to a digital product or service.

Are Kiosks Profitable for a Business? 

The simple answer is yes; kiosks can be very profitable to many different businesses. However, it depends on your objectives and how you use it. For instance, self-service kiosks can be a great way to reduce the costs of hiring unnecessary employees, although they may not work for all businesses as certain industries benefit from human interaction.

Advertising kiosks are another device that can increase brand awareness and generate more sales. Here, you must have a solid marketing plan and research where your ideal customers are likely to hang out.

Kiosks are a relatively low-cost piece of hardware that serve a variety of different purposes and can certainly help you cut costs and boost revenue. They are also a great way to provide resources and information to customers that may not directly translate into sales, but can help create new interactions and build brand awareness that will ultimately help your bottom line.

However, like any piece of technology, you need to have a solid strategy and a clear set of goals to make money with a kiosk. If you simply plant the device in the middle of your storefront and expect it to magically sell your products faster, you’ll likely be disappointed. If you have a clear purpose and use your kiosk effectively, you’re sure to see a significant return on investment!

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Have you ever visited a dentist and felt uneasy after the appointment? Maybe something they shared didn’t sound quite right to you, or maybe their style of care was not a good fit for your needs. In any case, it may be time to seek a second opinion.

Especially here in Los Angeles, there are quite a few dentists, and it’s expected that you will connect better with some than with others. But when it comes to your treatment, it is vital to know you are receiving the best medical advice. Here are six warning signs that should prompt you to get a second opinion on dental work.

1. You’re Suddenly Recommended Multiple Procedures That Likely Aren’t Necessary

Perhaps you’ve taken your car to a mechanic only to hear that a component you have never had problems with suddenly needs replacing. Unfortunately, a visit to the dentist can sometimes feel like a similar experience.

If it is your first check-up (alondradental dotcom) at a new dental office and the doctor recommends multiple procedures, be sure to ask questions. The dentist may suggest replacing a filling or crown, even though you have not noticed any pain or discomfort in that area. This could be a warning sign that you need a second opinion from another dentist.

While there undoubtedly will be times when these procedures are necessary, your dentist should always present the data to you by showing you X-rays and discussing the pros and cons of waiting.

Most restorative dental work should last for at least ten years, often longer, so you are right to have some concerns if the dentist wants to redo work from only a few years ago. Especially if they push you toward expensive work during your first visit, be sure to consult another doctor before scheduling your appointment. After all, a second opinion from a dentist is never a bad thing.

2. You Don’t Feel As Though Your Dentist is Being Transparent

One of the most important elements in a doctor-patient relationship is trust. It can be hard to maintain a high level of trust if the professional you’re working with is not entirely open with you and explaining everything to you as you navigate each step of your journey. This can be a sign to get a second opinion on dental work.

For example, your dentist should always show you your X-rays and patiently explain what’s happening on each tooth. Before a procedure, the dentist should explain what will happen, why it’s necessary, and give you options to ensure your comfort and peace of mind.

If your dentist ever says, “It’s too complicated to explain,” that’s a clear sign you need a second opinion.

3. You Have Questions About Their Business Practices

Many wonderful dental offices out there are committed to your comfort and care. However, many dental offices will prioritize profits, even if it negatively impacts their patient base. Of course, it’s important to know what to look out for in this regard.

What actions might illustrate that a dental office is engaging in practices that are designed to be misleading, malicious, or otherwise undesirable? Here are some examples that might lead you to seek a second opinion from a new dentist.

• Your office is currently marketing a promotion, only for you to find out that it’s not actually available or that there’s a host of hoops you need to jump through to take advantage of said promotion.
• Your local office describes themselves as affordable, only to reveal that their work is quite expensive once they have you in the chair.
• They promote a ton of satisfied customer reviews. Still, actual reviews online in other places show that most people are not satisfied with their care and that they’re trying to hide this information from prospective patients.

These are just a few examples, but they illustrate why reaching out for a second opinion on dental work is vital not only to your oral health but your financial health and well-being. Some dental offices are happy to answer any questions you may have about insurance or our office policies before you sit through an appointment.

4. You’re Not Comfortable With the Way Your Dentist Is Engaging With You

Dental work isn’t always comfortable. Some procedures are invasive, and you may have a certain fear of the work or the tools used to get your oral health back in good standing. A good dentist will be there with you every step of the way to ensure that you’re as knowledgeable and as comfortable as possible. However, that’s not how it always plays out. This is when it’s a good time to look for a second opinion from another dentist. Here are some ways a dentist may ignore your preferences.

• Not listening to your concerns about a procedure
• Not pausing if you say something hurts or is uncomfortable
• Using a condescending voice when telling you how to improve your health
• Making assumptions about your lifestyle or other health challenges

Dentists invest in their patients by using the latest technology to maximize comfort and taking the time to make sure each individual is comfortable before they proceed.

5. You’re Not Given All of the Options Available to You

Many dental problems have more than one possible solution. A second opinion from a dentist is almost always necessary if you conduct research and find that there are other ways to go about solving an oral health issue than what you heard about at the office.

Sometimes this isn’t malicious — a dentist may just recommend the procedure they are more comfortable performing. But if a dentist knows something else may be better for you, they should readily sign off on a referral for you to get a second opinion on your dental work at an office with another specialty.

6. There are Serious Oral Health Issues You are Facing That Should Not Be Handled By Just One Dentist

Similarly to the last point, sometimes it’s simply in your best interest to see more than one medical professional. Especially for a significant diagnosis such as oral cancer, a second opinion is necessary to gain a full understanding of all the dental treatment options at your disposal.

Of course, oral cancer isn’t the only example. Maybe you had another major oral health problem and have already received treatment from a dentist. However, the issues are still persisting. You decide to get a second opinion from a dentist, and they determine that the other dentist’s work was not up to standards and did not actually address the issue.

The reality is that professionals can still make mistakes. Taking the time out to see other dentists to learn more about a serious health issue and what can be done to fix it can mean the difference between unnecessary or ineffective care and the immediate handling of a serious problem.

Inner Image Credit: Provided by the Author; Carolin Im m; Unsplash; Thank you!

Featured Image Credit: Provided by the Author; Photo by jmGrEfias; Unsplash; Thank you!

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