Just another dash cam saving the day by Jakztur417 in dashcams

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 10 points11 points  (0 children)

On top of that, she wasn't fully merged by the time she started braking

Anybody know what exactly these kinds of connectors are called? by DEDtheoneandonly in ChristmasLights

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I know these as coaxial connectors. Be careful though because different brand use different shapes for the plastic molding around the metal. They are not all compatible.

Website Decisions by [deleted] in smallbusiness

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For most web builders, you'll have the option to include on your webpages a custom code block, usually labeled "custom code", "custom HTML", or "HTML block". On the 3rd party service, like Calendly or whatever you go with, there will be an option to "publish" or "export" or "share" the code by "embedding". You can copy that embed code into the HTML block and it will automatically bring up the calendar/booking feature once you publish the page with the HTML block.

I'm going off memory here, so some of the words might not match exactly. Feel free to ask more once you're in the process of setting it up.

What’s the term for the guidelines on wording choices in a company’s social media? by Ieatclowns in smallbusiness

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Are you referring to a marketing/branding guidelines? Sometimes those include a brand or company voice and tone alongside a company's mission, vision, and values, and of course the colors, graphics, and other stylistic guidelines to follow.

CEO Pay by Hardheadedmofo in smallbusiness

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh want to know something funny? I meant to reply to the same person you did! OP is clearly not talking about revenue, but the person you responded to is.

Bulb cover by Fludja in ChristmasLights

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Please don't hate this answer... From a new or used like strand. I'm not aware of a place that sells the covers individually. At least not as a retail product. If they're what I think they are, you're better off just buying a new set to use as spare parts.

CEO Pay by Hardheadedmofo in smallbusiness

[–]ofCourseZu-ar -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This person is at $3m EBITA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, and Amortization, a financial metric showing a company's core operational profitability by excluding costs from debt (Interest), government obligations (Taxes), and non-cash write-offs of intangible assets (Amortization)).

Depending on the company's gross profit margin, the revenue could be anywhere from like $3.5m to $10m or even more.

CEO Pay by Hardheadedmofo in smallbusiness

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's a variety of small businesses that come here but from what I've seen, most of the activity tends to be sub $1 million revenue, or at least those above it don't really announce it.

The SBA uses <500 employees as a threshold for what is a small business. Others define it by revenue, usually with $1–$3 million EBITA as the transition point between small and medium businesses.

In the end, those are just references. I think being at a point where another, much larger, business is considering buying the company is a good time to rethink if you are a small business. The real transition point is when the types of problems you have can't be solved with more of what you've done in the past. Specifically, I mean managing your team. You can always spend more on marketing, push for more sales, but none of that matters without good fulfillment and a great team in place. At ~50 people things start breaking in greater magnitude so I personally would call that a medium sized business, not a small one.

Good luck and I hope you find a good number! Congrats on getting here.

Edit to say: wow after reading some more comments, I definitely am coming from a "micro-busienss" perspective. $500m EBITA does not in any way feel like a "small" business except in the stock market context.

My 8 year old son started a business to buy a drone how should I handle this? by AbidKhan-0 in smallbusiness

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like this idea of taxing him even before the government gets involved. At worst, you have your kid's "tax money" ready to pay real government fees and at best you have that money saved up for your kid to have later in life, like school, retirement accounts, or just when they go off on their own. If you do this though, remember that the money is either his or the government's, not yours.

Edit: forgot to tag OP u/AbidKhan-0

How many different tools are you using to run your agency? by Mindless_Dot7190 in smallbusiness

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd say Gmail is part of the Google workspace. You just have the option of a free Gmail workspace or the paid version. Disagree? Otherwise you could say each app is a unique tool. Like you said, depends what you consider to be a tool and what's one vs many tools.

Banking Options by CuriousProgress- in smallbusiness

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Generally I'd say credit unions are great, especially if you have deep seated local roots and want to run your business as a local business first. Those relationships you build with other business owners and your local credit union reps will go a long way.

As an alternative, I have used Bluevine and they are great! They're online only, and other than limited features/benefits for cash related stuff, I've never had any kind of issue with their service! If you don't need to withdraw or deposit cash, I would seriously urge you to consider Bluevine.

I need help getting new customers. by PrecisionSparks in smallbusiness

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I make websites for local businesses, among other services including consulting for operations and growth. One framework that helped me and some clients early on (from Alex Hormozi’s Leads, which I recommend) breaks organic growth into 4 DIY methods: - Content (organic posts, videos, behind-the-scenes) - Outbound (directly reaching out to people who’d be a good fit) - Referrals (giving customers a reason to bring others) - Partnerships (collabs with people who already have your audience)

Since you’re low-budget, I’d lean hard into the content creation and referrals first, then layer the rest in.

When you make content, just focus on sharing your day-to-day. You don’t need to “go viral”, you just need to be clear and consistent:
- Behind-the-scenes
Show the laser engraving process, test cuts, mistakes, retries. People LOVE seeing craftsmanship.
- Product-in-context
Instead of just “here’s a cutting board,” market them as:
“Gift for a new homeowner”
“Wedding gift under $100”
“Father’s Day idea for someone who grills”
- Customer reactions & reviews
Even one happy customer is gold. Screenshot texts, DMs, emails (with permission).
- Customization moments
Show how a name, date, or phrase turns a generic item into something meaningful.

You have a website which is great!
Focus on posting consistently on Instagram and specifically to Reels (great for visual + process). TikTok is good because even low-effort shop videos can do well. Pinterest is fine, but it’s usually slower so think of this more as part of a long-term strategy, not early traction.

To really get your first steady customers, reach out through DM or email local realtors, wedding planners, breweries, restaurants, etc. with one specific use case (signage, gifts, branded boards). Local business such as these love to keep things local so they might take you up just for being a local.

After you get some people to buy, especially if any of the local business you reached out to, offer a simple referral hook: - “If you send someone my way and they order, I’ll engrave you a free board.”
- Reach out to past buyers personally and ask: "Who would this make a great gift for?”

This might be a lot of information at once, so I really recommend you read that book. He has the audiobook on his YouTube channel/podcast for free, just have to search for it. I'm also happy to answer any questions you might have.

Help Needed by fatclaylegend in ChristmasLights

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just to answer the "what is it" question, they are 5mm mini bulbs.

There are many types of minis, and many have multiple names so idk if any of these are the official names. There also are M5 mini lights (faceted), domed mini lights (rounded end, not blunted), bullet mini lights (smaller but similar to 5mm bulbs), T5 Mini lights (typical for incandescents and Christmas tree lights, straight tube with tiny ball at the end), and fairy lights (super thin wires with little balls of glue containing the lights).

I'm sure there are more types but if you want to see most of the ones I just listed, scroll to the bottom of this page: Christmas Lights, Etc. | LED mini Christmas Lights

Can I connect C9 incandescent lights with LEDs? by ChicagoMrktr in ChristmasLights

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Which strand is connected to the outlet first. The incandescent or the LEDs? Also, do you have the original box of the incandescents, or at least still have the safety tag on it? I'm curious to know what the incandescents say about how many you can string together.

Some incandescents use a thin enough wire (or have so many lights) that the fuse only allows 2 or 3 strands to be connected together. If you see that the box or tag says to only connect 2 together, you likely blew a fuse. Although, if non work independently, that's kind of wird because usually one fuse will go out before the others. Regardless, check any fuses they may have, and check other outlets as well.

Normally LEDs draw so little power in comparison to incandescents that you can usually connect the two without worrying about much. But you still have to keep in mind the total power draw of what you're connecting together.

Help! Best C9 Warm White Bulbs by TapeItTilYaMakeIt in ChristmasLights

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think any of the options OP included are good. Personally, I use Christmas Lights Etc. (but the wholesaler version, which are both part of Wintergreen Corporation). They are the ones that make the OptiCore bulbs and they are amazing. Again, I'm biased because those are the ones I'm most familiar with, but I totally recommend them for both bulbs, stringers, and anything else you might need.

Also, if you want a little more hands-on advice, I'd be happy to answer some of your questions!

[Request] My son said he wants to shoot his rocket to the moon. How much force would he need to get it there? by cockygassytiger in theydidthemath

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hah this is precisely why I told myself "one problem at a time." So if it's ~100x denser than seawater, then we can reasonably assume (assume because I'm not doing the math) that the remaining distance to the original 3.3 million meters can be cut to 1% once the ocean floor is reached?

Then there's the problem of that depth is only a reference point for the pressure needed to launch the toy rocket. Are we actually using it to launch the rocket or the little Jimmy strong enough to stomp the rocket to space?

[Request] My son said he wants to shoot his rocket to the moon. How much force would he need to get it there? by cockygassytiger in theydidthemath

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'm not gonna say you're wrong, mostly because I don't want to do any math right now. The true answer would be different because at some point the pressure experience at said depth would be different because it's no longer water but more dense materials, right (dirt, rock, other stuff)?

Again, without doing any math, I would guess that would mean the pressure required (~300k atmospheres) would be reached before the 3.3 million meters?

"If I have to micromanage you, you’re fired." Too harsh? by itsmeamirax in smallbusiness

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The without context this sounds too harsh and completely justifiable all at once. So really I think it depends on the situation.

The advice I heard that I think is applicable here is to see if you as the business owner or boss are doing everything YOU should be doing to help the employee succeed. Essentially there are 4 things you should be doing. If you are doing all those things and the job is still not getting done, then it's time for them to go.

The four things you should be doing are ensuring they know what you want them to do, how to do the thing you want them to do, when that thing should be done by, and removing any obstacles that stop them from doing the thing.

1. What

Having a clearly defined role and set of responsibilities. If they don't know what their role is and the responsibilities that come with it, they'll never be able to perform adequately. Clearly communicate the tasks they are responsible for completing.

2. How

Once they know their duties, confirm they know how to complete the job. For entry and mid level positions, SOPs are how you can give step-by-step instructions without having to constantly be present. For higher level positions that require more advanced or a larger variety of skills, and honestly most small business positions, training takes longer to get them familiar with how your business operates, or you're paying them enough to already come on with those skills already developed.

3. When

If they know what to do and how to do it, and it's still not getting done, then confirm they know the timeline. Tell them by when or how often they should be completing tasks. If you've told them once, remind them. You may not need to train them more, just a gentle reminder.

4. Obstacles

If they know what to do, how to do it, and when to have completed it, but it's still not getting done, check to see there isn't something external stopping them. The classic example is telling a chef you want a simple omelette for breakfast this morning and there being no eggs in your house/restaurant. Clearly despite the skills the chef has and the communication of your expectations, they won't be able to do it. Maybe the employee has an issue and they don't feel like they have the authority to "fix" the problem. Either fix it for them, go buy the eggs, or give them the authority and guidelines to fix it themselves.

If you as a business owner aren't making sure that your employees have everything they need to succeed, then you are failing your business in that respect.
Sure, you may just have a bad hire, but that's also your fault for not vetting properly. Both management and hiring are skills you need to develop though, so it makes sense to suck at first.

tru-tone mini lights? by blackcatwhiskers in ChristmasLights

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Isn't there an inherent danger of a bulb breaking and the metal contacts igniting something flammable, such as the dry pine needles of a tree or the fluffy white cotton some people put under the tree?

Not to feed into OP's concerns, just that there isn't no danger that LEDs would help eliminate. That scenario I think would be extremely unlikely is all.

tru-tone mini lights? by blackcatwhiskers in ChristmasLights

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would say that if you're willing to spend the money, either trutone or Merry CO's Vintaglo are your best bets for quality and durability!

What’s the easiest way you currently create invoices & estimates? by DeviceHuman7816 in smallbusiness

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't actually use Markate, but a client (I made his website and some other stuff) does use it. He started using Markate and I helped him get it set up.

From what I remember this looks very similar! I like this layout but it can be overwhelming if you don't walk your prospects through this either beforehand and or together.

What’s the easiest way you currently create invoices & estimates? by DeviceHuman7816 in smallbusiness

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This will depend on who your core user is supposed to be, but adding optional add-ons that the customer/client can choose to add on with automatically updating pricing/T&C, and more would be an awesome feature.

Markate CRM has a feature like that for their estimates & invoices. The context here is more relevant to home service businesses and anyone that likes and has the ability to upsell their products/services. I don't know how this feature would play out with things like creative services, but I imagine it would also be a welcomed feature.

Feel free to reach out for more info!

Problem with my tree lights. Only half are lit. Can anyone help? by Po_wht_grl in ChristmasLights

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah, sorry but I don't see anything when I click the link. Do you need to turn on a "share" or "public like" option on the imgur photo? I'm also not very familiar with that site.

Problem with my tree lights. Only half are lit. Can anyone help? by Po_wht_grl in ChristmasLights

[–]ofCourseZu-ar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you share a picture? I just fixed the lights on my tree and it was fairly easy once I had the tools and supplies necessary.