Author: Igor

  • How to Increase Your Chances of Business Success

    No one begins a business fully confident that they’ll achieve success. After all, business is a highly competitive field, so there’s simply no way to guarantee that any particular business will rise to the top. Even some of the biggest names end up failing for reasons beyond their control.

    However, while you can’t be sure that your venture will succeed, there are things you can do that will increase your chances. It’s all about controlling what’s within your control. Do that, and you’ll be putting yourself in the best possible position for success. In this post, we’ll look at a few handy areas to focus on during the early days of your venture.

    Pexels – CC0 Licence

    Understanding What You Offer

    Your business won’t attract all customers. It’ll attract a specific demographic. One way to get ahead is to have a clear understanding of how and why your goods and services will appeal to that demographic. For instance, why would a potential customer choose your business over a competitor? It could be because you’re experts in your field, you have a great cost-to-quality ratio, or you’ve invested heavily in your customer service. Once you understand your USP and market position, you should be able to tailor your offering more clearly to your potential customers.

    Read Widely

    Knowledge is key in all aspects of life, and especially in the business world. The more you know, the more likely it is that you will succeed. In this day and age, there are countless online resources that you can use to inform yourself about the best way to set up your business. This is especially important when entering a sector with a lot of competition. For instance, if you’re opening a corner shop, then you’ll need to know what products you need to stock to attract customers and make sales. If you’re opening a hairdresser shop, then reading how to create an inviting and pleasant environment in your store will be beneficial. It doesn’t really matter what it is — the bottom line is that knowledge is power!

    Research Competitors

    You’ll be largely focused on your own business. But there’s a lot of value in spending some time looking at what your competitors are doing. For one thing, this might help identify something that is not currently being offered by others in your local area. Again, to use the corner shop example; if all your competitors are closing at 8 p.m., then having later opening hours could help to attract customers. It’s not about copying your competitors; just being aware of what they’re doing and how you can do things better. 

    Play the Long Game 

    Finally, remember that success won’t come overnight. In fact, it might not come for the first couple of years, and that’s OK — the bottom line should be the priority at this stage. In the early days, the focus should be on making your business as excellent as it can be, not on profits. Do that, and you’ll have the kind of business that eventually finds success.

  • Trampoline Games for Kids: Fun and Safe Activities for Outdoor Play

    Looking for a fun way to keep your kids active and entertained? Trampoline games for kids are a great way to get them outside and moving while having a blast. Whether your child is a trampoline pro or just starting, plenty of games and activities keep them engaged and excited.

    One classic trampoline game is “Crack the Egg.” In this game, one player sits in the middle of the trampoline and curls up into a ball, holding onto their legs. The other players jump around the trampoline outside, trying to bounce the “egg” enough to make it crack open and release the player inside. Another popular game is “Popcorn,” where players sit on the trampoline and tuck their knees to their chest, pretending to be popcorn kernels. The other players jump around, trying to “pop” them out of their position.

    Playing trampoline games with your kids is a fun way to spend time together and provides a great workout. Jumping on a trampoline can improve coordination, balance, and cardiovascular health. So, grab your kids and head outside to try out some of these exciting trampoline games for kids!

    Safety Precautions for Trampoline Games

    Trampoline games can be a fun and exciting for kids to enjoy their time outdoors. However, it is important to prioritize safety when participating in these activities. Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind:

    Trampoline Safety Tips

    • Always supervise children when they are using the trampoline.
    • Only allow one person to jump on the trampoline at a time.
    • Do not allow children under the age of 6 to use the trampoline.
    • Make sure the trampoline is on a flat surface and away from any hazards such as trees, fences, or other equipment.
    • Use safety padding to cover the trampoline’s springs, frame, and hooks.
    • Ensure the trampoline is in good condition and regularly inspected for wear and tear.

    Trampoline Socks

    Wearing trampoline socks can help prevent slipping and provide extra grip when jumping on the trampoline. It is important to ensure the socks fit properly and are not too loose or tight.

    Safety Precautions

    • Ensure children remove jewelry, glasses, or other accessories before using the trampoline.
    • Do not allow children to perform flips or other high-risk maneuvers on the trampoline.
    • Always jump in the center of the trampoline and avoid jumping near the edge.
    • Do not allow children to jump off the trampoline onto other surfaces.
    • Consider installing a safety net around the trampoline to prevent falls.

    Following these safety precautions can help ensure your children have a safe and enjoyable experience when playing on the trampoline.

    Classic Trampoline Games

    When it comes to classic trampoline games, a few stand out as timeless favorites. These games are easy to learn and play, perfect for kids of all ages. Here are some of the most popular classic trampoline games that you can try:

    Crack the Egg

    Crack the Egg is a classic trampoline game played for generations. One player sits in the middle of the trampoline and wraps their arms around their legs, holding on tight. The other players jump outside the trampoline to get the “egg” to let go of their legs and “crack.”

    Basketball

    Basketball is another classic trampoline game that is always a hit with kids. All you need is a small basketball hoop to attach to the trampoline’s side. Players take turns trying to shoot the ball through the hoop while jumping on the trampoline.

    Last One Standing

    Last One Standing is a simple game that can be played with any number of players. The goal is to be the last one standing on the trampoline. Players jump around and try to knock each other off the trampoline without falling off themselves.

    Hot Potato

    Hot Potato is a fun game that can be played with a small ball or stuffed animal. Players toss the ball back and forth while jumping on the trampoline. The person who drops the ball is out, and the game continues until only one player is left.

    Tag

    Tag is a classic game that can be played on the trampoline. One player is “it,” and they try to tag the other players by touching them with their hand. Players can jump around and try to avoid being tagged.

    Hopscotch

    Hopscotch is a classic game that can be adapted for the trampoline. Use chalk to draw a hopscotch board on the trampoline, and then play the game as usual. Players jump from square to square, avoiding stepping on the lines.

    Simon Says

    Simon Says is a fun game that can be played on the trampoline. One player is “Simon,” and they give commands to the other players. The players must follow the commands only if preceded by the phrase “Simon says.” Players who follow a command that doesn’t start with “Simon says” are out.

    These classic trampoline games are a great way to get kids active and engaged. Whether you’re playing with a small group of friends or a large party, these games will surely be a hit. So, get out there and start jumping!

    Trampoline Games for Skill Development

    Trampoline games are fun and great for developing skills such as balance, coordination, timing, and cardiovascular health. These games can help improve endurance and circulation while providing a fun way to exercise. Here are some trampoline games that can help your child develop essential skills.

    Jumping Jacks

    Jumping jacks are a classic exercise that can be done on a trampoline. They are great for improving cardiovascular health and endurance. To do jumping jacks on a trampoline:

    1. Stand in the middle of the trampoline and jump while spreading your arms and legs apart.
    2. Jump back to the starting position with your arms and legs together.
    3. Repeat this exercise for several minutes.

    Trick Shots

    Trick shots are a fun way to develop timing and coordination. To play this game, set up a basketball hoop or other target on one end of the trampoline. Then take turns jumping and trying to make a shot. You can also create your trick shots by adding obstacles or using different types of balls.

    Balloon Bounce

    Balloon bounce is a game that can help improve balance and coordination. To play, blow up several balloons and place them on the trampoline. Then have your child jump and try to keep the balloons in the air without using their hands. Adding more balloons or having multiple players can make this game more challenging.

    Simon Says

    Simon Says is a classic game that can be adapted for the trampoline. This game can help improve listening skills, coordination, and balance. To play, have one person be Simon and give commands such as “Simon says jump on one foot” or “Simon says do a somersault”. Players must only follow commands that begin with “Simon says”. If they follow a command that doesn’t begin with “Simon says”, they are out.

    Bouncing Tag

    Bouncing tag is a fun game that can help improve cardiovascular health and coordination. To play, choose one person to be “it”. The other players must jump around the trampoline to avoid being tagged by “it”. If someone is tagged, they become “it” and the game continues.

    Trampoline games are a great way to have fun while developing important skills. These games can help improve balance, coordination, timing, cardiovascular health, endurance, and circulation. Try these games with your child and see how fun trampoline games can be!

    Trampoline Games for Young Kids

    If you have kids who love to jump around, trampoline games can be a fun way to keep them entertained and active. Here are some trampoline games that are perfect for young children:

    • Popcorn: This classic game is perfect for toddlers and young children. Kids sit in a lying or seated position and tuck in their knees to become a popcorn kernel. The other kids then jump around the trampoline and try to un-pop the popcorn kernels.
    • Crack the Egg: This game is another classic that young children love. One player sits in the middle of the trampoline and rolls themselves into a ball by wrapping their arms around their legs and holding on. The other players jump outside the trampoline and try to get the “egg” to let go of their legs and “crack the egg”.
    • Ball Bounce: You’ll need a small ball that bounces well for this game. One player bounces the ball on the trampoline while the other players try to catch it. Having the players catch the ball while jumping can make it more challenging.
    • Follow the Leader: One player is chosen to be the leader and performs a series of jumps and tricks on the trampoline. The other players follow along and try to copy the leader’s moves.
    • Jumping Jacks: This game is simple but fun. Players jump on the trampoline while doing jumping jacks. You can make it a competition by seeing who can do the most jumping jacks in a certain amount of time.

    Remember to always supervise young children while they are jumping on the trampoline and make sure they follow proper safety guidelines. With these fun trampoline games, your kids will have a blast while getting some exercise and fresh air.

    Trampoline Games Involving Sports Equipment

    If your kids love playing sports, why not combine their favorite activities with trampoline fun? Adding sports equipment to your trampoline can open up a new world of games and activities. Here are some trampoline games involving sports equipment that your kids will love:

    Trampoline Basketball

    One of the most popular trampoline games involving sports equipment is trampoline basketball. You can attach a basketball hoop to the side of your trampoline, or purchase a trampoline with a built-in basketball hoop. This game is perfect for kids who love basketball and want to practice their skills while bouncing on a trampoline.

    You only need a basketball and a hoop to play trampoline basketball. The rules are similar to regular basketball, but with the added challenge of bouncing on a trampoline. Players can bounce and dunk the ball, or shoot from a distance while jumping. This game is great for improving hand-eye coordination and balance.

    Trampoline Volleyball

    Another fun game to play on a trampoline is trampoline volleyball. You can play with a regular volleyball or a lighter, softer ball. To set up the game, you’ll need a net that spans the width of your trampoline. You can purchase a trampoline volleyball net or use rope and poles.

    To play trampoline volleyball, players must bounce on the trampoline while hitting the ball over the net. The game can be played with two or more players on each side, and the first team to reach a certain number of points wins. This game is great for improving hand-eye coordination and teamwork skills.

    Trampoline Dodgeball

    Dodgeball is a classic game that can be played on a trampoline. To play, you’ll need soft, lightweight balls that won’t hurt if they hit someone. The rules are similar to regular dodgeball but have the added challenge of bouncing on a trampoline. Players must dodge balls while bouncing, and can throw balls at the other team while in mid-air.

    Trampoline dodgeball is a fun and active game that can be played with friends or family. It’s great for improving agility, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination.

    Adding sports equipment to your trampoline can create a fun and active environment for your kids to play in. Trampoline basketball, volleyball, and dodgeball are just a few games you can play on a trampoline with sports equipment.

    Health Benefits of Trampoline Games

    Trampoline games are a fun way for kids to get exercise and improve their health. Here are some of the health benefits that trampoline games can provide:

    Exercise

    Trampoline games are a great way for kids to get exercise. Jumping on a trampoline can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and burn calories. Jumping on a trampoline for 10 minutes can burn as many calories as running for 30 minutes!

    Muscles

    Trampoline games can help improve muscle strength and tone. Jumping on a trampoline requires multiple muscles, including the legs, core, and arms. Regular trampoline use can help improve overall muscle tone, as well as improve balance and coordination.

    Energy

    Trampoline games can help boost energy levels in kids. Jumping on a trampoline can increase blood flow and oxygen to the body, which can help improve energy levels and reduce fatigue.

    Heart

    Trampoline games can also help improve heart health in kids. Jumping on a trampoline can help increase heart rate, which can help improve cardiovascular health. Regular trampoline use can also help improve overall heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

    Trampoline games are a fun and effective way for kids to improve their health and fitness. So why not get out there and start jumping!

    Choosing the Right Trampoline for Games

    When it comes to trampoline games, having the right trampoline can make all the difference. Here are some things to consider when choosing a trampoline for games:

    Size and Shape

    The size and shape of your trampoline are important factors to consider when choosing a trampoline for games. Rectangular trampolines are generally better for gymnastics and tricks, while round trampolines are better for bouncing and games. Consider the size of your backyard and the age and size of the children using the trampoline when choosing the appropriate size.

    Safety Features

    Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to trampolines. Look for trampolines with safety enclosures, padding around the frame and springs, and sturdy frames. Always supervise children when they are using a trampoline.

    Indoor vs. Outdoor

    While most trampolines are designed for outdoor use, smaller trampolines are designed for indoor use. Indoor trampolines are generally smaller and have lower weight limits, but they can be a great option if you don’t have space for a larger outdoor trampoline.

    Weight Limit

    Make sure to choose a trampoline with a weight limit to accommodate the children using it. Overloading a trampoline can be dangerous and increase the risk of injury.

    Budget

    Finally, consider your budget when choosing a trampoline for games. While investing in a quality trampoline with safety features is important, affordable options are also available. Look for trampolines that offer the features you need at a price you can afford.

    Considering these factors, you can choose the right trampoline for games that will provide your children hours of fun and entertainment.

    Conclusion

    Trampoline games are a fun and exciting way for kids to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. With so many different games, there is something for everyone. Whether your child is a basketball fan or enjoys playing tag, plenty of games can be played on a trampoline.

    When playing trampoline games, it is important to always prioritize safety. Ensure that the trampoline is set up properly and that all players follow the game’s rules. It is also a good idea to supervise younger children while playing on the trampoline to ensure they do not get hurt.

    Some of kids’ most popular trampoline games include Crack the Egg, Trampoline Basketball, Trampoline Tag, and Musical Trampolines. These games are easy to set up and can provide hours of entertainment for kids of all ages.

    In addition to being fun, trampoline games can also provide a great workout. Jumping on a trampoline can help improve balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health. It is also a great way to burn off excess energy and get fresh air.

    Trampoline games are a great way for kids to stay active and have fun. Whether you are looking for a fun activity with your family or planning a birthday party, trampoline games are sure to be a hit. So grab your trampoline and get ready to jump into some fun!

  • Good Hotel, London

    Good Hotel, London

    We recently had an amazing stay at Good Hotel in London’s Royal Victoria Dock. Good Hotel is part of Good Group, a social business which has community and not individual at its core, providing premium hospitality with a cause.

    www.goodhotellondon.com


    The concept

    Founded by Marten Dresen, Good Hotel is the manifestation of his social business dream. The first Good Hotel popped up in Amsterdam during 1 year and trained and re-integrated 70 long-term unemployed locals who were living off welfare. Good Hotel now has locations in London (the floating hotel was transported from Amsterdam) and Guatemala (Marten founded a NGO called Niños de Guatemala there in 2006) and plans to open 5 new properties by 2020, focusing on destinations where touristic demand meets the needs for development.

    There’s one common point in all the Good Hotel properties: the contribution they make to the local community while offering a personalised, authentic experience. The Good Group has created an in-house training program called Good Training, offering long-term unemployed locals custom-made hospitality training and the chance to build a new future. Rooted in the local community, the ingredients, materials and labour needed at Good Hotel are all locally sourced from small business owners and craftsmen.

    Good Hotel also invests in the education of children of low-income families in Guatemala through the NGO Niños de Guatemala founded by Marten – in its first year it has donated $80,000 and is now working towards a goal to donate $500,000 per year).

    If you’re running a similar project and need guidance in social care, you can find organisations like CBAT that can help you in this process.

    The hotel

    Located in the Royal Victoria Docks, an up-and-coming area in East London, Good Hotel London is a floating hotel with an innovative design in a unique waterfront location.

    The modern rooms (4 types with different bed sizes and views to the dockside or waterfront and River Thames) have a minimalistic design, with Scandinavian-style wooden furniture and special details that make the stay even more pleasant, such as the fair trade toiletries, tooth brush and shaving kits, sockets for EU guests and a little doll handcrafted by Guatemalan artisans and designed to help you have a good night sleep.

    On the ground floor guests can find The Living Room, an open space with sofas where you can relax, big tables to work and meet other people staying at the hotel and a bar serving locally inspired cuisine with an international twist. On the top floor, guests can also find a roof area overlooking the River Thames and London, whilst enjoying drinks and café classics.

    When you book direct with Good Hotel, £5 will be donated to their NGO Charity partner, per booking, per night. When you book with Booking.com, they have partnered to created a unique ‘boosted’ link whereby if you book to stay anywhere with it, Booking.com will donate a percentage of your booking to Good Hotel’s NGO.
    Find out more here: www.goodhotelbooking.com

     

  • The Silver Building, creative workspaces in London’s Royal Docks

    The Silver Building, creative workspaces in London’s Royal Docks

    Located in London’s Royal Docks, an area currently undergoing a transformation to become a hub for creative industries, The Silver Building is a dramatic multi-purpose shared workspace centre in a striking brutalist building by the River Thames.

    www.thesilverbuilding.com

    On our last trip to London, we visited The Silver Building at Silvertown and were showed around the different areas and studios by its founder Nick Hartwright, who’s also behind Green Rooms Hotel – an arts hotel and social enterprise we’ve already talked about.

    The 50,000 sq ft building, originally constructed in 1964 for Carlsberg-Tetley Brewing company, opened in late 2017 and is already a bustling creative and entrepreneurial hub where new talent is nurtured and grown. The concept behind this project is to provide affordable workspace for everyone, with different studio spaces that cater for everyone: from fashion designers and artists to photographers and set designers.

    Working in partnership with the Mayor of London’s office and re-purposed by award-winning studio of architects and designers SODA, The Silver Building also features communal areas and events spaces across its four floors, with a ground floor café which is the beating heart of the development.

    Nick Hartwright has said about the project “The Silver Building is an incredibly exciting project and a perfect example of how modern regeneration should be carried out.  Over the coming years we’re going to put Silvertown on the map.  We’re going to engage with existing Newham-based businesses and we’re going to bring new enterprises to the area.  Everyone will benefit, and together, I’m sure we’ll produce some brilliant outputs.”

    And the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, supports the initiative and the offering of affordable workspaces for creative businesses: “London’s creative industries are unrivalled, but the capital is growing and we need to make sure we build great creative infrastructure into major development projects. As property prices rise, artists are finding it more difficult to put down roots here and that’s why they need access to genuinely affordable workspace.“

    Fashion designers like Craig Green and Liam Hodges have their workspaces here and also set designers Block9, who have worked with Gorillaz, Lana del Rey and Banksy. With prices of around £15 per sq ft, The Silver Building is attracting some of the most exciting creative talent due to its affordable spaces, the dramatic setting and the on-going regeneration of the neighbourhood.

     

  • FAIM, a magazine about people, places and food

    FAIM, a magazine about people, places and food

    FAIM is a new independent publication exploring the lives of young creatives from all around the world and discovering a new city in each issue. We chatted with its founders, Axel and Naiara, to find out more about why they decided to start their own magazine, the challenges they’ve faced since they started this project and what readers can find in the latest issue.

    www.faim-magazine.com


    Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your education and background?

    We are Axel and Naiara, the founders of FAIM. Axel, our art director and graphic designer, is French and studied Fine Arts and Graphic Design, so he is responsible for our beautiful image and general look. Naiara, FAIM’s editor-in-chief, is Spanish but moved to Paris three years ago. She is a journalist and is in charge of the project management and content production.

    What made you start your own magazine? What’s the main idea behind FAIM?

    We both work as freelancers, always looking for new exciting projects to work with. We had this idea of creating something together, launching our own project. And as paper lovers and maniac magazine consumers, the choice was easy. Even if, of course, we have discovered many things involved in the process of creating a magazine we had no idea of, but well, that’s also a part of what makes it so exciting.

    And about the idea, we live and work in Paris, but we both come from smaller cities and had had this conversation many times about how media and social media are often exclusively focused on what happens in big cities. That creates an illusion within our generation that makes young creators looking for an opportunity believe that they’ll only find it by trying their chance in a big capital, and that’s not true! We wanted to shine a light on all those people creating great projects in places other than big capitals and inspire others with their stories.


    Why did you decide to focus on Bristol in the second issue of the magazine?

    To choose our destinations we certainly do a lot of research. The recommendation for Bristol came from different channels, so we created a list with subjects we would like to talk about and we got surprised by how many amazing topics we were able to assemble. So when we compared it to our other options, Bristol just appeared as the logical choice. Then we started working on the content production and wow… It really is an amazing place with loads of amazing people living and working there.

    Can you tell our readers what they can find inside this issue?

    We believe that the content in this second issue will give our readers a proper vibe of what happens in the city. Bristol is a very community-focused place, so there are a lot of initiatives and projects that intend to create opportunities and connections within the city and its neighbours. We talk a lot about the ‘consume local’ movement, new ways to use old spaces and fighting to maintaining what makes them special, we offer a sneak peak into the fantastic food scene… And of course, in this issue our readers will find a lot of creativity. It is one of the attributes that stands out most here and, for us, you can see that it’s present in almost every aspect of the daily life: from the most obvious and well known street art scene to the way people work, create and consume.


    How do you see FAIM growing and evolving in the future? What can readers expect in the third issue?

    We see it as growing community. We want to keep on going out there to find those people who share a way of connecting and inspiring each other and tell their stories to the world. We think we all need to hear more of those. That’s why we would like to expand the project, try new formats and involve more people (contributors in different areas, members of our community, participants in each issue…). For now we are going to focus on the paper review and the website, but we have very cool plans for the future.

    And for the third issue, all we can say is that the creation rhythm for these two firsts issues has been a little crazy, so we haven’t chosen a destination yet. However, we think our readers from issue 1 might be able to tell that several things have changed for the better with the second issue, since we keep questioning ourselves and trying to find new ways to convey our message. And this is definitely something that will be found in issue 3. We keep evolving and having fun in the process, and we hope that’s something that is reflected in the magazine.


    What are the main challenges you’ve faced since you started FAIM? What’s the advice you’d give to someone who’s thinking about starting their own magazine?

    People who start their own projects often joke saying that, if they had known everything that they were going to need to do at the beginning, they might have never started. And even if now we don’t see ourselves doing anything else, well, we say that too! Because having your own project is something absolutely great and extremely satisfying, but it also means a lot of work that is not mentioned that often. And that has probably been the most difficult part of the whole process: we all think that creating a magazine is writing some cool content and creating a beautiful layout (we did too, so naive!), but then there’s business models, taxes, marketing and communication work, distribution…

    So if we were to give advice on starting a magazine, we would tell you to get as much information as you can before starting, talk to other people in the sector, read books and websites. And after all that, if you have a concept you’re happy with and an idea of how you want to achieve your objective, just launch it yourself. Assume that you probably won’t be ready enough and that you’ll make mistakes. That’s fine, no one starts being a master. And enjoy the process, it’s really worth it.

    Can you share some of your favourite independent magazines?

    Sure! We are big fans of French magazines Encore and Les Others, Spanish Fuet and Canadian Dinette. Some of our favourites also use this one-city format like Fare, Boat or Hamburger Gentle Rain. There are dozens of super inspiring projects out there, the independent magazine world is living a really interesting moment.