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10 Ways to Make Zoom Calls with Friends More Fun

10 Ways to Make Zoom Calls with Friends More Fun


With more people staying home than ever, many people are turning to Zoom to stay connected with family and friends as well as working from home. If your social life seems to have taken a turn and is a bit mundane, then you may be looking for ways to spice up your social interactions.

Thankfully, there are some easy things that you can do to add some variety to these calls since it’s the best way to stay connected right now.

Four Zoom Keyboard Shortcuts

Many quick short cuts can easily make your sessions easier on this conferencing app. Here are some of the best ones to use:

• Record Your Sessions

By merely using Cmd+Shift+R, you can easily record your sessions with ease. (PC: Alt+P)

• Screen Sharing

One of the best features of this video conferencing platform is the ability to screen share. To start page sharing, type Cmd+Shift+S. If you need to pause this feature, type Cmd+Shift+T. (PC: Alt+Shift+S) (PC: Alt+T)

• Mute Your Voice

It’s advisable to keep your mute button going if you’re in a video conference. Use Cmd+Shift+A to mute your voice on this platform. Use Cmd+Ctrl+M to mute everyone in the video conference. (PC: Alt+A)

• Quickly Invite Someone

Cmd+I will allow you to invite someone to your conference quickly. (PC: Alt+I)

telehealth aka telemedicine
Learn how using telemedicine can help you avoid the germs of a doctor’s office.

Making Virtual Calls More Fun

When you’re stuck at home with nothing do to the Zoom, virtual parties may be just what you need. If you lack the creativity to enhance these web-based connections, there here are six tips for you.

1. Add Pizzazz with Special Effects

Did you read the story on the internet of the lady from Washington, DC, who turned herself into a virtual potato? The hilarious part is that she had to face her colleagues in an online meeting while being a spud. There are so many special effects on these video apps that can enhance your experience.

While you may not want to be a potato, the sky is the limit when it comes to virtual choices. A few options to consider include giving yourself frog eyes or becoming an extra-terrestrial. You can go to a black and white or sepia tone, or you can even become a ghost. What could be more fun than that?

Do you want to hide the clutter of your home? Then you can put a new background on your screen so that it appears that your sitting beachside rather than in your home office. Another option that you have is to distort your image.

The options are limitless and easy to do with the click of a button. You should play around offline to see what kind of effects you can add. Remember, you must turn these effects off when you switch from personal to business roles. You don’t want to be a spud like the lady from the capital city.

2. Send Super-Imposed Videos

It can be quite annoying to send video links when you copy and paste them into a taskbar. Then, your friend must follow the link and open it in a new window.

Using Zoom or another popular app, you can send videos in real-time. Add a bit more to your videos, and you can super-impose your body over the ones in the production.

What would your friends think if they see you on an underwater diving adventure in a foreign land, or you can saddle up a horse and ride in the Wild West?

You can immerse yourself in all the video chat options that are available to you on this app. The Intel® RealSense™ technologies are changing the way people communicate with one another, and it’s all for the better.

3. Make It a Virtual Game Night

Children and adults alike have become bored with social distancing and not being allowed to venture far from home. However, why not use Zoom to bring your friends in on your virtual world? You can create game nights right from the comforts of home.

You can play video games together, or you can opt for other fun classics like Charades or Win, Lose or Draw. The key to making this a success is to get as many people together as you can. Since you are connecting via an internet server, you can see and hear them.

These new game playing sessions can become so real that you might have to remind yourself that you don’t have a house full of friends. Sure, it’s not going to be just as fun as having them in your home, but think of the mess that you won’t have to clean up when the night is through.

4. Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Do you have boxes of old photographs stored in your closets? Are there are old films that have family gatherings recorded for the later generation to see? Zoom is the perfect way to put on a display and have the family take a walk down memory lane.

Since you are connecting with them in a manner where they can see and share videos and photographs, you can all bring your offerings to the table. Years of generational pictures can be shared with ease. Plus, you will learn a few remarkable things about the family you probably didn’t know.

Today’s generation uses digital platforms for their photos. However, back a decade or so ago, there weren’t the options that we have now. Make sure to record these sessions so that you can hear the stories time and again.

While the present seems to be wavering, why not look to the history of your family to bring you comfort. Plus, the elderly members of your clan would probably enjoy a stroll down memory lane with you and their loved ones.

5. Have an Old-Fashioned Bake Off

There is nothing better than the smell of freshly baked goodies wafting throughout your home. Do you love to cook? Do your friends, or family members also enjoy this past time? Why not have a virtual baking contest?

You can show off your culinary skills when you whip up a few fantastic dishes to entice everyone in your meeting. Teach some tips and tricks that you’ve learned over your cooking career, as well as take advice from those who’ve been baking up goodies for decades.

There are so many things that you can do with this tip if you only let your mind wander. You can charge a small fee and teach cooking classes, or you can have a hang out on Zoom for fun. Your perception only limits the options.

Just think you can show everyone what a great cook you are, and you won’t feel the pressure of having people breathing down your neck. Additionally, you can hide the mess when you’re on camera too.

Have you ever wanted to run a cooking show? Do you see yourself as one of the great chefs of our day like Rachael Ray, Julia Child, or the Frugal Gourmet? Since you’re already on camera, you might as well record these sessions. Who knows, you could be what one of those popular food networks is looking for as the next big thing in cooking.

6. Have a Virtual Dinner Date

Why talk when you can eat? Virtual parties should always begin with food. While going on a traditional date when restaurants are closed may make dating difficult, there’s nothing that says you can’t sit and dine with someone on the world wide web.

The best part about virtual dating and having these online dating sessions is that you can log off if things aren’t going as you planned. With the touch of a button, you can disconnect from Zoom.

Grab a glass of your favorite wine, a plate of delicious food, and sit in front of your computer ready to chat the night away. Thankfully, Zoom has a mute feature where you can mute your side of the conversation should you need to burp or have some other gaseous explosion. You may find that you like internet dating way better than doing them in person.

Use some of the other techniques talked about in this article to jazz up your date. Change the background to a tropical scene, or you can become an avatar with a made-up persona. It’s utterly amazing what the power of the internet allows you to do and grow when you feel that your options are limited.

While nothing is as enjoyable as holding hands, snuggling, or kissing under the moonlight, internet dating can be made possible with online apps.

leave the houseFinal Thoughts on How to Make Virtual Calls on Zoom More Fun

Video calls can be fun, especially if you’re both working and socializing from home. However, you can make things better using the power of technology. When you use your creative side and explore all the possibilities the internet offers, then you can see how much enjoyable the virtual world has become.

Business

I Love My Job! 5 Fun Methods for Improving Employee Performance

I Love My Job! 5 Fun Methods for Improving Employee


I Love My Job! 5 Fun Methods for Improving Employee Performance

Have your employees started to lag behind on productivity? If they’re not feeling excited to come to work—or just drained—you could end up losing time and money.

According to this research, 61% of people feel burned out on the job. 

So how do you keep morale up and your team working hard (instead of hardly working)?

Here are five tips for improving employee performance. With these tips, you can strengthen your team so everyone is working happily and productively.

Read on to learn how to improve your employee’s performance. 

1. Match Tasks With Skillsets

Your employees are individuals with their own likes, dislikes, and skills. Get to know them on a personal level. Understanding your employees will make it easier to match each person to a task based on their skillset.

No one’s perfect at everything. Instead of spreading your employees too thin, ask yourself: is this the best person for the task?

Don’t throw your employees into the deep end and expect them to swim. Instead, train your employees. This won’t only improve employee performance, but increase efficiency and reduce errors, too. 

Once your employees are trained, offer them chances at continued development. 

Giving them the opportunity to expand their skills through coaching, workshops, seminars, and courses will benefit the employee and the company.

2. Communicate

Your employees won’t know what they’re doing wrong—or just as importantly, right—if you don’t communicate.

Take the time to talk to your employees. Your feedback is valuable in improving employee performance. This will also help your employees feel recognized for their hard work.

Are your employees feeling engaged? According to research, highly engaged businesses experience a 41% reduction in absenteeism and a 17% increase in productivity. 

Communicating with your employees will give you the chance to make sure they feel engaged in their work, too. 

3. Get SMART

Your employees won’t know what they’re working for without obvious goals.

Instead of assigning busywork, help your employees set SMART goals. These goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. SMART goals show employees how their work benefits the entire business.  

You can also focus on their OKR, or Objectives and Key Results, to aspire and inspire your team. Using OKRs drives growth by encouraging your team to work on measurable outcomes. 

With SMART goals and OKRs, you can keep your team focused and working efficiently. 

4. Use Incentives

Show your employees how much you appreciate their hard work with incentives. These can include:

  • Going out for a meal
  • Paid time off 
  • A wellness program
  • Handwritten notes

Incentives can motivate your team and improve employee performance.

5. Consider Telecommuting

Allowing employees to work from home can improve efficiency and morale.

Show employees, you care about their work/life balance. Give them the chance to go to a doctor’s appointment or get their AC fixed while they work from home. That way, you’re maximizing time while keeping employees happy. 

Happy Hard Workers: 5 Methods for Improving Employee Performance

You’re only as strong as your team! With these five methods for improving employee performance, you can increase productivity and unite your team.

Check the Work Life section for more informative tips and tricks!

Entertainment

Sunshine State Fun: Top 5 Things To Do In Florida

Sunshine State Fun: Top 5 Things To Do In Florida


Sunshine State Fun: Top 5 Things To Do In Florida

Did you know that in 2017, Florida had over 118 million tourists visit from other states and countries? 

The sunshine state is full of wonders and fun things to do, especially in Orlando and along the coast.

Although Disney is a large attraction in Florida, there are many other places that you need to check out while in the state. 

Continue reading to discover the top 5 things to do in Florida, whether you are with your family, friends, or significant other! 

1. Relax in the Florida Keys

If you are heading to Florida and enjoy the sun, sand, and water, the Florida Keys may be just what you are looking for!

The Florida Keys are often considered America’s Carribean due to its impressive islands, coastlines, and water. Pack your swimming trunks, sunscreen, and water because the Keys are calling your name.

Going to the Florida Keys will be an amazing opportunity for you to unwind and take a step aside from the crazy world of work. Not only will you have an amazing view of the water, but you can also pack your fishing gear to take a trip and even check out guided tours in the area.

2. Check out the Everglades

In 1947, the Everglades became the second largest national park in the United States, just behind Yellowstone.

The Everglades consists of 1.5 million acres filled with marshy lands and swamp areas. If you enjoy boating trips, there are many tours that you can join while visiting. Be sure to grab your camera and be prepared to see wildlife that you may not normally be exposed to. 

One of the more interesting facts about the Everglades is that nowhere on the Earth has the same type of ecosystem, making it a unique and educational trip. 

3. Have Fun at Universal Studios

Going to Universal Studios can be a fun trip for families.

Both children and adults will be able to enjoy the rides and attractions that Universal has to offer. This theme park is based on some of the most popular movies that your family has seen and includes areas for shopping and eating.

Universal Studios consistently offers a variety of entertainment that can introduce you to different cultures and music. 

4. Party at Miami Beach

There are many things to do in Florida and checking out the Miami Beach is one of them! 

Those who aren’t able to travel all the way down to the keys can visit Miami for some fun can go onto this island that the beach is on, it is located just off of the mainland and is easy to travel to. 

The beach provides the perfect chance for you to party and relax under the hot summer sun. If you end up getting too much of the heat you can always check into one of the many hotels or get delicious food on Ocean Drive. 

5. Daytona 500

If you are planning to visit Florida in February, going to the Daytona 500 race can be a fun activity to do with the family or friends. 

Every year in February the Nascar season begins with the Daytona 500, which is one of the biggest races in the series. If you enjoy watching races and want to try something different than going to a traditional sporting event, Nascar is the way to go.

If you are heading out to the race you should pack extra sunscreen, personal fans, and ways to cool down. The track and racecars make the surrounding areas much warmer. 

6. Visit Coral Castle

Looking for a fun and historical trip to Florida?

Homestead, Florida is home to one of the biggest tourist attractions around— Coral Castle. In 1923, a man named Edward Leedskalnin singlehandedly began building the famous Coral Castle with over 1,000 tons of stone.

It is almost a mystery how one man could do all of this work on his own, and much of it was accomplished during the middle of the night making it even more impressive! 

Florida Travelling Tips

Planning a trip to Florida can easily become expensive because of all of the amazing attractions. 

If you are tight on cash, you can read about personal loans to help fund your next family trip. This will also give you the opportunity to come home with a little extra cash than you were expecting.

It is extremely important to check the weather before packing and leaving for Florida. In the summer, Florida tends to get extremely hot and humid, making a perfect setting for storms.

Going to Florida from June through November you may run a higher risk of dealing with heavy tropical storms since it is hurricane season during this period. It is also important to watch out for wildlife that you may not be familiar with at home, such as crocodiles, sharks, snakes, and even spiders. 

Enjoy the Best Things to Do in Florida 

Figuring out what the best things to do in Florida can be difficult and overwhelming, especially if you aren’t familiar with the area. 

Utilizing the list above can help give you ideas and places to go for your next trip. It is important to do thorough research on your activities and where they are located so that you can properly plan for your vacation. 

Don’t be afraid to explore while in the sunshine state. However, make sure that you pack plenty of sunscreens, bathing suits, and towels for your trip. Florida tends to have hot and humid weather in the warmer months on the year.  

Be sure to check out our blog if you enjoyed this article, to read more about how you can make the most out of your trips and vacations. 

Business

3 Fun Ideas for How to Open a Dance Studio that Twirls Past the Competition

3 Fun Ideas for How to Open a Dance Studio


3 Fun Ideas for How to Open a Dance Studio that Twirls Past the Competition

When you are trying to start a dance business, the best thing you can do for yourself is to find the steps that’ll be useful to you. 

Figuring out how to open a dance studio will go a long way toward the results that you get, the money you generate and the skills that you impart to your students. Thankfully, there are three concrete steps you can take to get the best from your studio. 

Follow these tips to get started. 

1. Get Kids Involved ASAP

When it comes to dance studios, the big business is with the kids. Parents are always looking for an activity to involve their kids with, and dance is always a hot ticket. 

Because of this, you need to market to parents that are looking into dance for their children. Above all, make it fun for the kids. 

Hand out dance pins, trophies and other awards for learning and stellar performance, and be sure that you hire instructors that are fun and full of energy. 

Always have some classes, activities, and events that cater to kids, and they’ll be loyal customers for years as they grow in their love for dance. 

2. Take Your Social Media Brand By Storm

Utilizing social media to your advantage, and bolstering your SEO strategy will help your dance studio more than virtually any other form of marketing. 

Get out on the various platforms so that you can inform people about what you do and teach lots of great dance lessons. Something as simple as starting a YouTube channel for your brand that teaches people dance tips will draw interest and point people toward your studio. 

Make sure that you are always consistent with the way that you put yourself out there, and learn the ins and outs of social media marketing as a whole. 

3. Find Ways to Get Involved in the Community

Finally, community is everything when it comes to your dance studio. It is an art that brings people together, so the best thing you can do is make your presence felt locally. 

The better you connect with your community, the more business and goodwill you’ll be able to generate as a whole. 

Since dance is cultural, you can participate in cultural events, parades and other happenings around town. By showcasing some of your best students at these events, people will get a firsthand look at the types of skills they can pick up when they enroll in classes at your studio. 

Keep Learning How to Open a Dance Studio

Learning how to open a dance studio can be incredibly rewarding. It takes a love of the craft and some marketing tips that’ll help you get an edge on your competitors. 

When you take the time to follow these three steps, you will get an amazing headstart on your competition and will make the process more rewarding. 

Consider these points and stick with us when you want to build your dance studio through content marketing, quality service and so much more. 

Health

Low Carb Not Low Fun: Go out to Dinner at These Keto Friendly Restaurants

Low Carb Not Low Fun: Go out to Dinner at


Low Carb Not Low Fun: Go out to Dinner at These Keto Friendly Restaurants

Sticking to your diet doesn’t mean you’re forced to stay home. Different eating establishments cater to individual styles of eating. 

If you’re eating a keto diet, there are restaurants who support your diet selections. 

The keto diet–short for ketogenic diet–burst onto the health scene in 1923 as the Ketogenic Therapy. Dr. Russell Wilder at the Mayo Clinic created it as a way to treat people who suffer from epilepsy.  

Five variations of the diet exist but they all have the same focus–low carbs and high fats. This ratio tricks the body into producing ketones that get turned into energy. The result is a dramatic drop in pounds and immediate weight loss results.

Don’t lock yourself up in the house to remain faithful to your style of keto. Eat out! Go to dinner at these keto friendly restaurants.

Subway 

Yes, Subway lets you order it the keto way. And the best thing about this restaurant chain is it’s almost everywhere. 

Subway lays its menu out buffet style. So you get to see the full selection of fats and carbs. Go the open-face route since most bread options don’t work with the keto diet. 

Try the cold cut combo, roast beef, tuna salad, or club. These meats pack healthy levels of fat, protein, and fiber, with a safe amount of carbs. If you must add veggies, eat the lower carb alternatives–bell peppers, olives, and spinach.

You can do some lettuce, but stick to romaine and arugula. Those contain less sugar and are keto-approved. Follow these tips to remain keto. 

Add McDonald’s to the List of Keto Friendly Restaurants

You can make a run under the golden arches and still remain keto true. You can get just about any McBurger as long as you minus the bun and fixings. 

Stop by for breakfast and order a bunless sausage McMuffin with egg and a large black coffee. If you miss breakfast, lunch has plenty to offer. Double your keto pleasure with a double cheeseburger (no bun) and an afternoon decaf–no cream.

Stay away from the fries and anything else breaded. They’re obviously packed with carbs and veer you off your diet. 

Chipotle

Everyone loves salad and you can have your fill at Chipotle. Stop by for lunch or dine in at dinner.

Chipotle has a salad bowl option. The best part about it is the lettuce is romaine, which is a keto approved vegetable. A bowl of romaine nets about 2 carbs a serving. 

Pile on some chicken, steak, carnitas, and even a hefty serving of barbacoa without the guilt. Choose wisely from the other fixings. Some of them have hidden carbs that will blow your diet up. 

Go ahead and ask for double meat and throw on a small serving of cheese and tomato salsa for flavor. 

Eat Out

Going low carb doesn’t mean low fun. You can have your keto and eat out on it too. 

Step out and enjoy the array of Keto friendly restaurants who cater to people on high fat, low carb diets. 

Read more of our articles for additional insight into business and lifestyle. 

Entertainment

5 Ideas for Fun Custom Bobbleheads

5 Ideas for Fun Custom Bobbleheads


5 Ideas for Fun Custom Bobbleheads

A doll with a head that bobbles: that is the classic bobblehead doll. And that could very well be the end of the story.

But it’s not.

The fun begins when bobblehead dolls are customized to represent something or someone in particular. A custom bobblehead doll is the perfect blend of art and laughter.

But before the fun begins, you have to decide what or who your custom bobblehead doll is supposed to represent. You will never run out of ideas for custom bobbleheads.

Here are 5 to get you started:

1. Your Favorite Pet

Who says bobbleheads have to be modeled after humans. Pets are people too. If not, at least they are great subjects for custom bobbleheads.

Make this gift card out to yourself.

You likely can’t take your favorite pet with you to the office. But you could put a bobblehead of her on your desk.

It will be like she’s right there with you, except without all the barking, territory marking, and… You get the idea.

2. Bobblehead Selfie

All of the power, science, chemistry and engineering that goes into smartphones these days has been reduced to one thing by the masses, taking selfies.

If you are going to take selfies, why not take them to the next level?

A custom bobblehead selfie is a great gift that reminds friends, family, spouses and other domestic partners that you are always there for them. So don’t hesitate to give the gift of yourself.

3. Confidence Boosters

If you think self-esteem is tough for adults, try being a kid again. It is harder than ever to navigate the grade school social highway with your ego intact.

Parents can give the gift of self-confidence by presenting a child with a bobblehead of themselves as their favorite superhero. It can be a reward for good grades on an exam, or politeness, or neatness, or any good thing that can be called out in a special way.

Because it is a custom bobblehead, your child’s likeness could be them ripping open their shirt to reveal a superhero emblem underneath.

Just know that some places charge extra to customize the body. There will also likely be a separate charge for glasses, masks, and head gear. When pricing your custom bobblehead, be very specific about what you want.

4. Sales Incentives

Sales rooms are powered by egos and incentives. Custom Bobbleheads of your sales team can help you tap into both.

The winner of your weekly contests can be represented by their triumphant bobblehead prominently displayed.

5. Bobblehead Family

As the old saying goes, the family that bobbles together… Well, you get the idea.

Next time, instead of a family portrait, why not try something a little different?

Why not do family bobbleheads every few years. The kids will love them, the grandkids will adore them. And for the first time, the Joneses will want to keep up with you.

There is no end to the creative ways to customize and utilize bobblehead dolls. If you are an out of the box thinker, give one firm bobble for “yes!”