How to Make the Best Paella in Sydney

How to Make the Best Paella in Sydney

Fluffy, golden rice, red peppers seasoned with saffron and a delicious tomato and garlic base cooked over a wood fire – this is what you see in the best paella catering in Sydney. Of course, there are variations; people have been tinkering with the recipe for centuries (with great results). Seafood, meat-based, vegetarian and mixed recipes all offer different and delicious takes on the traditional dish.

This article will share some top tips for making the yummiest dish possible, (mostly) regardless of which recipe you’re using.

 

Cook over a wood fire

Cooking your dish in an authentic pan over an open wood fire is arguably the most authentic way to make the best paella in Sydney. The wood fire gives the dish a smoky flavour and creates a layer of crisp, toasted rice at the base of the pan (which you can’t get by cooking it in an oven).

 

Don’t stir

While this may sound strange to those who are used to cooking Italian dishes like Bolognese and risotto, the best paella in Sydney is made by not stirring (except at the very beginning). As a dry rice dish, the aim is to have a crispy, caramelized base that sticks to the pan – which you can only really get by avoiding stirring. Connoisseurs also suggest using a medium to medium-high temperature once the ingredients start boiling in order to develop the crust at the base.

 

Use quality rice

paella rice

Debate continues to rage around which variation of rice to use in the best paella in Sydney. Some suggest that the short-grained bomba is a great choice due to the fact that it doesn’t overcook as quickly as other varieties, while others argue that bomba doesn’t absorb the sofrito (flavour base) as well as medium-grained varieties like senia. Experiment with different kinds of rice to find the flavour and texture you prefer – and regardless of which you choose, make sure to fry it in olive oil!

 

Use local, natural ingredients

It goes without saying that you should aim to use natural and locally-produced ingredients in any dish. This ensures that you’re getting the freshest, healthiest and most delicious produce possible. It’s also better for the environment as there are fewer chemicals involved and less transportation requirements.

 

Avoid certain ingredients and combinations

Connoisseurs and traditionalists argue that there are certain rules that one must follow in order to make the best paella in Sydney. This includes sticking to classic ingredients like green beans, rabbit, duck, artichoke and chicken, and avoiding “inauthentic” ingredients like peas, chorizo, stock and potatoes. By staying true to traditional ingredients, they argue, you will get a more genuine and Spanish-tasting flavour. They also suggest not to combine seafood and meat, and to only use seafood if you’re close to the sea (so that you’re getting the freshest, tastiest produce).

 

Add some secret herbs and spices

Experts suggest that the key to making the best paella in Sydney is to use the right herbs and spices – after all, the rich, smoky flavours are what make the dish so good! Smoked paprika, saffron and rosemary are the classics, creating warm, fragrant flavours typical of a traditional dish. The paprika and saffron also give the dish a gorgeous yellow colour. Avoid using cheaper alternatives like colorante (made from corn-starch, salt and colouring), which have a less authentic taste (and don’t provide as many health benefits).

 

Conclusion

Making the best paella in Sydney doesn’t have to be too hard. Feel free to experiment with different flavour combinations, but ensure you stick to tried and tested cooking methods for an authentic taste.

How To Make An Appointment To Visit A Wagga Dental Clinic

How To Make An Appointment To Visit A Wagga Dental Clinic

There are many people out there who will find themselves in a position where they will need to visit a medical professional. Someone may need to visit a doctor if they are feeling under the weather or someone may need to visit a dietitian if they are needing support with their food. In some other cases, people will need some support with their oral hygiene.

While this may seem like a relatively normal thing to need, there are all sorts of reasons why someone will put off this kind of support. One reason is that this type of service can have a bad wrap and many people have been taught to be afraid from a very young age. The other reason is that it is simply too expensive for people to be able to afford.

Each and every person in the world has teeth and so they should have the right to bulk billing appointments just like at a doctor’s office. But for whatever reason, the government isn’t willing to fork out the money for oral care and so people are left with extraordinarily high bills. As this is the case, many people decide not to go at all.

 

Why people should visit a Wagga dental clinic and how they are able to make an appointment

The only problem with not visiting a Wagga dental clinic is that people can often find that their condition will grow worse. This means that they will likely experience more pain and may even end up having to have surgery when they simply could have had a filling at the start. Because of this, people should always find a way to ensure that they are taking care of issues before they arise.

Thankfully there are plenty of things that people can do in order to be able to afford a visit to a Wagga dental clinic. For instance, they could sign up for private health insurance which will allow them to have free or discount check-ups. For others, they can go on a waiting list for a government service in their area so that they are able to receive free or rebated treatment.

When people finally realize this, however, they may be unaware of how they are able to book themselves in for an appointment. Some places will need people to drop in personally whereas others will accept a phone call. Most will accept online bookings in this day and age.

 

When people are finally ready to visit a Wagga dental clinic, they are usually able to quickly and easily make a booking online

When people are finally at the stage where they are wanting to visit a Wagga dental clinic and they have sorted out the financial side of things, they are able to quickly and easily make a booking online. This means they are able to take the first step without even having to leave the comfort of their home. All people have to do is whip out their smart phone and visit the website of their chosen professional.

When people open up the website they can then have a quick search through the website and can find an area that will allow them to book online. For websites that don’t have this feature, they may have an area where people can fill out a contact form and the company at hand will then get back to them with a time that they can book. In some cases, people will need to find the contact number featured so they can call.

How You Can Save Yourself Time By Searching for Glasses Online

How You Can Save Yourself Time By Searching for Glasses Online

In this day and age, it seems like most people out there are lacking in one area. This area is usually time. People are working longer and longer hours and no longer have time to spend on mundane tasks that are sometimes required in life such as housework or gardening. It can also be a pain when people have to find personal solutions for themselves such as making necessary purchases.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways that people are able to save themselves precious time especially when it comes to these kinds of tasks. For instance, instead of heading to a shopping centre and going through the hassle of sitting and traffic as well as trying to find a car park, people can kick back and search for glasses online. When people do this, they can quickly scroll through all of the options that are available and can find something that they think will suit them.

When people do this, they can easily add their desired item to an online cart, can make a quick payment, and can simply wait for their items to arrive in the mail. As it can be seen, people are able to save themselves a great deal of time by searching for glasses online.

 

People are able to browse more quickly when searching for glasses online

woman holding a stylish eye glasses

The problem with shopping for something in person is that several different stores aren’t likely to be all lined up in a row. In fact, it is more likely that they aren’t near each other at all. This means that people will have to waste precious time and fuel when travelling to several different locations to find something that is right for them.

When people put aside time in their day to search for glasses online, however, they can explore several different stores in a short period of time. All people have to do is perform a Google search and can then click on the different websites that show up. From there, they can explore these websites and can pick an option that they like.

This process can be so quick that people can even do this on their lunch break. Others may like to have a little online shopping session after work with a glass of wine. Whatever the case may be, people are sure to be impressed with how much time they are saving when they opt for searching for glasses online instead of in person.

 

Shoppers can easily compare prices when searching for glasses online

glasses

Another reason why it can be so beneficial for people to search for glasses online is because they are able to easily compare prices. Instead of having to travel from store to store in order to see what kinds of options cost what, they can jump from website to website in a matter of seconds. This means that people can easily ensure that they are finding the best value for their money.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, if items are too cheap they may not be of the best quality. As this is the case, people can compare all sorts of different prices and can choose items that aren’t overly expensive but that are also of good value. Once again, all of this can be done in just one short sitting.

In conclusion, it is important that people do everything they can to ensure that they are saving themselves precious time. One great way to do this is by searching for glasses online rather than in person.

Why You Should Prevent Poor Rubbish Removal Practices

Why You Should Prevent Poor Rubbish Removal Practices

The cost and difficulty associated with rubbish removal in inner-city areas often pushes people to poor practices like illegal dumping, overfilling their bins and littering. Many urbanised areas are facing increasing challenges with the amount of waste that is generated daily by the population and keeping up with the demand to dispose of it correctly.

Space at landfills is fast running out, the environmental impact of incineration is abhorrent to think about, and cities in the past have infamously resorted to putting their waste on floating barges, or dumping it in the ocean.

The short and long term impacts of poorly managed rubbish removal processes can be difficult to stomach. Read below for some of the outcomes and problems created by bad rubbish removal practices.


Overflowing garbage bins attract vermin

pile of rubbish

If you live in a big city then you’ve probably seen a rat or two before. Public or private bins open to the air are like a free buffet for vermin and insects. Rats can carry some nasty diseases (such as the plague!) so it’s certainly not attractive to have them around. Vermin infestation is a major issue that can threaten public health and some cities spend millions of dollars a year trying to control the population.

You can help by ensuring you don’t overfill your bins. If you have a lot of waste to get rid of, consider contacting a professional rubbish removal service or making a trip to the local waste management facility.


Waste pollutes the air and causes disease

Incorrectly disposing of your waste can contribute to air pollution and actually make you sick. Decomposition of wastes create air pollution can actually eventually lead to respiratory diseases. Cities like China with very bad air pollution are experiencing massive rates of respiratory disease and lung cancer. Millions of lives are affected by these diseases and end early due to pollution and poor rubbish removal practices.


The water supply can be contaminated

If you’re not practicing the correct rubbish removal procedures, you could be poisoning precious resources. Waste can seep into surface water, which can contaminate larger ecosystems. The effects of this can be devastating and long lasting.

It might not seem like a big deal when you are illegally dumping something, or littering on the street, but it might later add up to the devastation of local ecosystems and animals.


It’s bad for your local area

Come on, be a good neighbour. Poor rubbish removal practices like illegal dumping are an eyesore and can impact local amenity and housing prices. Having waste lying around is a cost to the community and a public nuisance. Not only that, but it can actually be dangerous. Waste or items left on the street can be hazards to local residents, especially if it contains harmful chemicals or substances.


How can you help?

If you’re looking to dispose of waste, ensure you use the correct routes of disposal. The fines associated with illegal dumping and littering can be considerable. If that’s not deterrent enough then it is you health and safety that are being put at risk. Encourage your friends and neighbours to throw their garbage away responsibly.

If you have more trash then your curb-side bin can reasonable handle, or have large items to remove then you should ensure your items are going to the correct waste and recycling management faciilties.

Consider using a professional rubbish removal company. These services can responsibly and reliably dispose of your garbage for a reasonable fee.

Hopefully this article has highlighted the importance of responsibly disposing of waste, help to look after your community.

Why Fake Grass in Sydney is Perfect for Those Living in a Townhouse

Why Fake Grass in Sydney is Perfect for Those Living in a Townhouse

While there are some people out there who love large properties with plenty of nature surrounding, there are some that just don’t want the maintenance and would much rather live somewhere small. Neither way is right or wrong, it is simply up to personal preference. For those who do prefer small properties, they may find themselves opting for a unit, apartment or townhouse.

When people do go for smaller options such as these, they will need to ensure that they are working with the space that they have. For instance, they will need to choose furniture options that are going to fit in each room. Similarly, they may not have any lawn areas and so will need to create their own sense of nature the best that they can.

There are many ways that people are able to do this. For instance, they could find plants that are suited to indoor conditions that will also help act as a natural air filter. Another great way that people are able to break up their indoors is by including greenery in their home such as fake grass in Sydney.

 

Fake grass in Sydney is a great way to decorate a balcony area

A great feature that is included in many townhouses in a balcony area. This allows people to have a space that is outdoors where they can enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. This is also an area where people can take their pets outside to use the toilet.

As many people will have a balcony area included in their townhouses, they will be wanting to figure out ways to decorate this area so that it is a visually pleasing area to be in. Furthermore, they will want this space to be an extension of the home. A great way to achieve this is by implementing fake grass in Sydney. Pets can then use the spots covered in this to do their business or it can simply bring some pops of green to the area.

For those who want to get really inventive, they don’t have to include fake grass in Sydney on the ground they can do so on the walls. Many people love having a green wall which is able to impress guests and create a sense of serenity and peace. This is a fantastic way for people to bring a touch of nature to them when living in a smaller space.

turf

 

Fake grass in Sydney can be a great option for a small outdoor area

While some townhouses out there will have no outdoor spaces at all, some will include little ones. They will likely lead to a garage or may have a little clothes line to use. Whatever the case may be, many people can feel that they are a little baron when they are all concrete.

Having said this, people may not have the energy to grow any greenery or may not be able to as they are renting. The good news is that they are able to spice up their outdoor area by including fake grass in Sydney. They can create one little area or they can cover the whole pavement if they choose to.

This can give a little space where kids can play or people can put some pot plants on top of it. Some may even like to create a miniature golf area in their backyard where they can have a play around with their friends on a summer evening. Whatever the case may be, people are able to get creative when they implement this product.

 

Fake grass in Sydney can make a front yard look fantastic

While it is likely that most townhouses and units will have a minimal lawn, there still may be a bit to take care of out the front of the property. As it is so important that the front looks amazing it can be a wise move to implement fake grass in Sydney. Not only will people not have to mow it but they are also able to impress their neighbours.

One of the best things about fake grass in Sydney is that it looks amazing all year around and people don’t have to do any watering. This means that they can go away for a holiday and won’t have to come back to a garden to take care of. This can often remove a great deal of stress and can help people look forward to coming home after a busy day at work.

At the end of the day, there are many people out there who may not like the look of this product but there are plenty who do. There are also great options to choose from which can look even better than the real option. As this is the case, it can be a good idea to look into fake grass in Sydney.

Why Consumers Continue To Gravitate To Ziptrak Blinds

Why Consumers Continue To Gravitate To Ziptrak Blinds

The need to access reliable quality blinds for your household or office has never been more necessary than it is today in 2018.

As temperatures begin to rise and electricity prices continue to skyrocket, it is paramount for homeowners and business managers alike to have outlets that relieve them of the heat and of their monthly power bill.

Ziptrak blinds are now one of the leading brands in Australia as their products are seen as the ideal solution to conditioning a home or commercial environment to the perfect temperature and the perfect light exposure.

Here we will take a closer glance at the rationale behind the boost in Ziptrak blinds sales, examining the benefits and advantages that customers can source from this outlet.

 

Protects Households From Extreme Weather Conditions

One of the few unfortunate realities of living in Australia is the exposure to extreme weather conditions. Ziptrak blinds have innovated their own products to ensure that customers have a safeguard on hand at all times of the day and night when those moments arise. UV rays that filter through in the summer and spring months are particularly pertinent, likewise for strong winds and cold storms when there is a transition from one season to the next. These outlets give a comprehensive control structure to allow consumers the capacity to eliminate unwanted heat, frost, wind and light from invading their space.

 

Aesthetically Pleasing Design Style

Outdoor blinds can be crafted from a number of different design choices. When it comes to Ziptrak blinds, this is a brand that matches beauty and aesthetics with practicality to ensure there is no compromise at either end of the spectrum. Given that the high frequency cordura tape is welded directly to the fabric to give the blinds strength and durability, there is no need for added stitching to take place. In those instances, the blinds appear patched together and it removes the organic features that are on display from this household item.

 

Variety of Colours for Consumers

Attempting to purchase blinds that fit in with the native décor can be a challenge that many outlets fail to deliver on. Ziptrak blinds fortunately do not fall into that category, because the transition in colours for the panels from beige to black or primrose to white illustrates that there can be a mixture of style and substance all in one delightful package. Other brands do not necessarily cater to this type of variety, forcing business managers and homeowners to compromise on a colour that runs counter to their domestic setting.

 

Upgrading and Downgrading at Consumer Convenience

The great news when it comes to Ziptrak blinds is that the interior can be altered to suit the convenience of the consumer and their surrounding environment. For those that wish to have their home or office completely covered from significant light exposure or from extreme heat or cold, there is a heavy duty block out option that places a priority on coverage.

Those households or businesses who wish to maintain their privacy find this option more than suitable. Others who want to invite a warm glow and welcoming aura to a location will take the alternative translucent and light blind model. This is ideal for consumers who can access a strong degree of natural lighting and rather than a desire to block it out, they can use the blinds to control the input.

 

Ease of Lock Access

The centre-lock release of Ziptrak blinds is a fantastic feature that makes the brand unique amongst the industry. With many other blind models, the consumer has to unlock from the left edge for the left-hand side and the right edge for the right-hand side. Here is where a middle lock is located to allow the left and right sides to unlock simultaneously, bypassing a common hassle that many customers had with their traditional blind systems. This advantage is compounded given the freedom to lock or unlock the Ziptrak model from either the inside or the outside – illustrating that the access to the product has never been easier.

 

Covered For 24-Month Warranty

In the event that a consumer wishes to change their Ziptrak blinds or they have been damaged, stolen or compromised in any fashion, then the 24-month consumer warranty is in place to act as protection. From interior to outdoor systems, this is a fundamental component that is enacted to help the consumer. Installers, retailers and fabricators are also entitled to this 24-month warranty as the 400 plus outlets across Australia help to pass on this deal to domestic customers.

 

Summary

Australian consumers are spoiled for choice when it comes to the quantity and quality of their blind providers in the domestic market. Yet it is Ziptrak blinds who illustrate across every category valued by customers that they are the leaders and the innovators in the field who win on trust.

 

Digital Marketing Trends to Watch

Digital Marketing Trends to Watch

Digital marketing is a rapidly growing and dynamic field. It is becoming increasingly important for SME’s to capture their target audience through the internet and to have continuous engagement throughout the customer’s experience. The dynamic nature of digital marketing means that new trends are continuing to emerge and change. Here are some of the current trends that SEO companies for small business use which have emerged and are beginning to shape businesses marketing practices.

 

The growth of mobile users

While mobile phones are no longer a new phenomenon, their pervasiveness has dramatically increased. Mobiles especially smart mobiles are one of the primary ways in which consumers get information and content.

More and more digital marketing strategies are creating sites and pages that can be accessed not just via the internet, but that are mobile friendly. Businesses are also beginning to communicate with their consumers through their mobiles, especially via text messages. Ticketing companies for example are beginning to SMS tickets to customers, rather than just emailing them.

 

Automation

We often think of automation as a phenomenon that affects industries such as manufacturing or construction. However, more and more marketing strategies are beginning to use automation in the form of ‘chatbots’ to communicate with customers.

Chatbots are essentially intelligent tools used by businesses on the internet to perform a number of functions such as: engaging with customers, answering questions, or even closing business deals. If set up correctly many people will struggle to tell that they are not talking to an actual person, but a robot.

Technological developments in recent years have meant that these chatbots are more efficient and useful for businesses.

 

Digital Marketing

 

Reviews are becoming more important

There is a growing trend across the internet for websites and forums to incorporate ratings and review functions. While similar types of functions have been around for a while, the integration of them through Google is relatively new.

Google’s ranking system looks at online reviews and ratings of sites and services and includes them in their overall evaluation of where a site should be ranked in its search engine. It is in Googles best interest to give priority to those sites with high rankings, so as to provide its users with the greatest and most relevant results.

Digital marketing campaigns are subsequently targeting customer reviews in an attempt to improve their online reputation and become more accessible to internet users.

 

The growth of ‘influencer marketing’

In recent years we have seen a decline in the popularity and success of traditional advertising methods and means i.e. telling an audience what your product or service does and why they should buy it. That kind of approach, especially on the internet is becoming less effective as people search for something they see as being more authentic and relatable.

This is where the ‘influencer’ comes in. The influencer is an individual identified by the company as having influence over their target market. The firm subsequently gets the individual to promote their product.

This type of marketing is extremely popular on social media platforms such as Instagram, where online celebrities can be seen promoting certain products or brands through posts, blog updates or captions.

 

Voice searching is changing user browsing

As technology has developed, voice command and voice searching has become increasingly popular, the popularity of services such as Siri is an example of this. This trend however is changing how internet users browse the internet and subsequently adjusting what they do and don’t see.

Unlike a regular Google search which shows a whole page of results, a voice search will only display the top results. This means that there is a growing pressure on businesses to get their websites and pages to be considered top results.

 

How to Survive Your First Social Dance Classes in Sydney

How to Survive Your First Social Dance Classes in Sydney

Starting a new hobby is an exciting, but nerve-wracking experience, it can be extremely intimidating. But, its important not to let this put you off, especially when you are starting your social dance classes Sydney experience. In order to help you feel a little more prepared, here are a few tips about how to survive your first class.

 

Tip 1: Find Out What to Wear

A major fear for anyone before their first private dance lesson in Sydney is looking silly by wearing the wrong thing. Luckily, there is an easy solution for this concern; all you have to do is call or email the instructor and ask for their advice. Make sure you know not only what clothes to wear, but also what footwear is best. It is recommended that you find out this information a couple of weeks in advance, so if you don’t have the suggested clothing, you have time to go out and buy a few things. Most of the time you’ll be told to wear something comfortable and easy to move in.

 

Tip 2: Find Out Where to Go

Before your firs private dance lesson in Sydney, you are likely to feel a little apprehensive, so anything you can do in advance to lessen your worries is a bonus. One thing you can easily do is find out the location of the studio and take a trip over there before your first class. This will be one worry off of your mind, and you will probably feel more relaxed if you know where you are going. This will also save you the panic of getting lost on the way to your first class.

 

Tip 3: Don’t Expect Too Much from Yourself

It is important to remember that you are starting social dance classes in Sydney for fun, and as a beginner you need to have realistic expectations. Obviously you want to do well and be good at your new hobby, but you also need to give yourself and your body time to get accustomed to the new movements. If you have high expectations you will only be disappointed, so don’t let this ruin your enjoyment of the class. You should also remember that everyone learns from their mistakes, so making mistakes will help you improve. Besides, who doesn’t want a few funny stories about their social dance classes in Sydney?

 

 

Tip 5: Ask Questions

You have paid for a private dance lesson in Sydney, so you want to make the most of it. If you are unsure about something, don’t be afraid to ask questions; this is what the instructor is there for. Asking questions also shows that you are engaged and interested. Furthermore, it will help you begin to develop a relationship with your teacher, and that will ultimately make your future classes more fun. Remember, no question is stupid and all questions are invited!

 

Tip 6: Know What to Bring

Another way to help you survive your first private dance lesson in Sydney is by knowing what you need to bring with you, and bringing the right things. Usually you won’t need to bring too much to your first class, as the instructor will advise you about what to bring in the future. But one thing you mustn’t forget is water! As you’ll be using lots of energy and exercising, it is important to keep hydrated. You could also bring a small towel with you in case you get sweaty, and perhaps a small snack for afterwards if you are hungry. However, if you are particularly worried about what to bring, don’t feel shy about contacting your teacher in advance and asking about what you may need.

 

 

 

5 Weird Facts About Printed Balloons

5 Weird Facts About Printed Balloons

For years, the go to party supply has been the classic printed balloon. But, how much do you actually know about them? Probably not much. These air filled balls are something we regularly use for celebrations, without actually considering where they originated from. So, to help you get to know the most frequent guest at all of your parties, here are 5 weird facts about printed balloons.

 

Fact 1:

Although today there are many different options in regards to size, shape, colour and even printed balloons, this was not always the case. Despite this, the concept of filling stretchy sacs with air has been around for decades. In the past, before latex was invented, people used the intestines of livestock. Essentially, they would fill animal intestines with air; these were very early versions of the inflatables we all know and love today. So next time you are complaining about having to blow up printed balloons for your kid’s birthday, just be grateful that you don’t have to get up close and personal with animal intestines to decorate for their party!

 

Fact 2:

The first recorded inflatable in the world was released from Paris in 1783. This precursor to the printed balloons of today was filled with hydrogen and was created by Jacques Charles; a scientist and inventor. Intestinally, it wasn’t until 1824 that the modern style inflatables we are familiar with were invented. These originated thanks to English scientist Michael Faraday, who was using them in gas related experiments. Although we know these air filled balls as party supplies, they began as a result of science experiments.


balloons

 

Fact 3:

It is quite common for people to release printed balloons outside in order to watch them float away; this is often done at celebrations like weddings. What you may not know, is that the released latex inflatables are capable of reaching a height of more than 5 kilometers- which is quite impressive! However, after this point, the air temperature gets too cold for the latex which results in it freezing and shattering into small fragments. Many governments prefer people to not release inflatables due to this because of the risk to the environment. But, this is actually a fallacy; if animals consume small latex residue, it will not harm their health in any way. Furthermore, latex is bio-degradable, so it is also not a threat to the environment.

 

Fact 4:

What you may not know is that there is a record for the most amount of printed balloons to be released in one go. The proud owner of this record goes to English Disney Park. At the presentation of the film Aladdin in August 1994, 1592744 helium inflatables were set free into the sky! Around two thousand people attended the launch, which was supervised by Colin Renwick. It’s safe to say that many of us can’t even imagine what that many inflatables would look like in the sky. The event was widely known as a spectacular show.

 

Fact 5:

Everyone has seen the breathtaking hot air balloons floating in the sky, these are often made from woven rattan and ply wood. It may come as a surprise to you that they have been around since 1783. The first living things to fly on this mode of transport were not humans, but a sheep and a rooster! Although today they are marketed as a unique experience, in the early twentieth century airships were used for protection. The original use for defense purposes was actually just as an observation point. However, as time went on, during wars, they were regularly used as a defense against enemy aircraft.

 

Why the Busy Light?

Why the Busy Light?

The busy light is a life-changing invention, created in the interest of optimizing productivity in your workplace. It is a USB device that you can connect to your PC or laptop. It’s inexpensive and easy to install, syncing up to different communications programs used in the office such as Skype for Business.

Once installed, the best busy light colour syncs up to your status on Skype for Business and displays this on your desk…

 

Red for busy

Yellow for being away from the computer

And green for available 

 

The busy light shows colleagues whether you’re currently approachable or not, and allows you to do focused work by telling the world to ‘do not disturb’.

Alternative products to the USB stick can be attached to a power source. Use adhesive tape to attach it to the side of your monitor or onto your desk directly.

 

Why is this such a big deal?

Here are a few stats to set the scene. Did you know that information workers are distracted for around 28% of their day? This is 2 whole hours of precious productivity time, per worker, per day. That is, 10.5 hours per employee, per week – so, a lot of lost time for the organisation.

 

Where do these distractions come from?

The open-plan style of office is becoming increasingly popular. This is to aid efficient collaboration between colleagues, with the ideal being a major boost in collective productivity. Living in the fast-paced digital age, it’s also becoming increasingly important for information work to keep up.

With this being the case however, it can backfire when a colleague comes over from their desk to ask a question. However, you’re in the middle of a call, or tied up in some work that requires your full attention. This ends up being a waste of time for both parties.

So, with the busy light clearly indicating a worker’s availability for a chat, it can save an unnecessary interruption and the valuable minutes of productivity lost. And the less interruptions, the better.

 

Don’t miss important calls

Another helpful function of the busy light is the alert system for incoming communications, in both audible and visual forms that you can’t miss. Flashing and ringing will make sure you know about any calls or messages.

If you have been away from your desk and return to see an intermittent flashing light, your busy light is letting you know you have missed a call or message.

 

Easily manage calls

The efficient functions of the busy light don’t stop here. Incoming calls can be set to forward to voicemail should you already be on one. Keyboard shortcuts can also be set up for common functions, and hooked up to different communications programs used in the organisation.

 

Going wireless

This device is bound to become the open-office standard due to these practical benefits. This has coincided with the going wireless movement. That is, wireless headsets having become the norm…

With this come some important changes, namely those that would previously be a clear signal to co-workers that we’re busy. For example, traditionally being on a call mean picking up the landline (or even mobile does the trick), this making it very obvious you’re busy on a call.

Wireless headsets on the other hand traditionally don’t give observers any way of telling whether you’re on a call or not. This is where the busy light comes in, and it’s revolutionary for minimizing distraction, and in turn, boost the overall productivity. You can see how this is a great way to raise your company’s bottom line.