How to Find the Right Employees Using DBS Checks

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Finding the right employee can be a tricky process. Add to this the fact there will likely be internal processes to think about, and a DBS check to consider, and hiring one person can become an exhaustive process. A DBS check will help the employer ensure that the individual being hired has not had a criminal conviction. This is incredibly important, as some professional roles, such as working with vulnerable people, will be reliant on this. In order to guarantee safe recruitment, you must, first, invest in the proper DBS program.

The employee you hire must be the right fit, so they fit in well with the existing employees. The right work experience is also important, and any prior convictions must be acknowledged as this could understandably prevent you from hiring them.

Why hire multiple times when you can get the process done right the first time around?  Read on to learn more about finding the right employees using DBS checks.

Investing in a DBS check

First and foremost, you need to invest in an online DBS check, which will save you time and hassle. The good news is that there are now countless companies that offer these services, but it’s always worthwhile to use a reputable service. One such example is uCheck, as it allows you to run DBS checks on job applicants very easily.

Ensuring that the individual is a right fit

When you are hiring someone, you always want to make sure that they will be a perfect fit for your business, and this is once again a reason why DBS checks are so useful.

In particular, you must ensure that they align with the:

1. Company culture

Is the prospective employee a cultural fit for your company? They will integrate far better if they are, and get along much better with the other employees. After all, teamwork is often critical for achieving success.

2. Experience

Of course, experience is also a necessity in order to hire the right employee. Are they knowledgeable enough to complete the tasks that are required of them?

3. Background       

Are there any issues with the potential employee’s background you need to know about? Depending on this, you’ll find some applicants to be inappropriate for certain job roles -a DBS check will help you ascertain this.

Don’t hire multiple times

Rather than going through the recruitment process periodically in order to hire the perfect employee, why not get it right the first time around? In order to do this, you must learn how to hire the perfect individual for your company needs, and you can start by investing in a DBS check.

How it can affect your business

A business will always achieve success as a result of the employees that you hire. If they are productive, get along with one another and are knowledgeable in their field, your goals will be met, and progress will ensue. On the other hand, if you hire the wrong person, and you put your workplace safety and your company values at risk, your business will suffer a tremendous blow, and you will even be personally liable during certain outcomes. Imagine what would happen if you hire a truck driver that has had countless previous DUI charges?

It is for this reason that the recruitment process must be done slowly and taken very seriously. You don’t want your negligence to result in chaos, and this is where a DBS check comes in very useful. They are easier to access and do than ever, so why not prioritize it in your company’s hiring process?

The Best 5 Ways to Find the Right Job for You

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Finding any job at all nowadays seems to be becoming increasingly difficult, let alone finding a job that suits you perfectly. However, there are some tips that can help you to not only identify what type of jobs are right for you, but to also actively help you go out and secure those roles.

No matter what stage of life you’re at, whether you’re someone fresh out of University, or just someone looking to switch careers, we have a few pointers that should have you headed in the right direction.

Understand your strengths, weaknesses and transferable skills.

It is not particularly easy to look at yourself as a package of different skills, but that is how you will be viewed by any potential employer. If you have recently graduated then it will be difficult to identify where your transferable skills lie, so asking a few friends on your course might help.

For any good CV going forward it is important that you are sure of where your strengths lie and that you are confident in talking about them at length, whether that be on a phone or in an interview. Making sure that you have identified areas that you can improve on is key too, and shows that you have a mature approach when it comes to developing yourself as a potential employee.

Identify the jobs you want to do

This probably sounds like the simplest piece of advice ever, but it is clearly important that when you’re looking for a job you are doing it for YOU and no one else. You know yourself best and understand what you are going to enjoy most as a vocation, many people have romantic notions when it comes down to job role titles and the status, they hold but the most important thing has to be happiness.

Not only is it a good idea to identify these jobs but it is also important to scan a wide number of job roles in the area to see where you would be most happy specializing. By comparing and contrasting different job posts online you will also be able to see what each company is asking for in terms of skill sets and qualifications, which leads on to the next point.

Identify where you need to improve

You may not already have the skills or the qualifications you need to secure the job of your dreams just yet. That’s ok, as the old adage goes nothing worth having comes easy. What it is important for you to do now is to be clear about where you fall short, and note down the areas you need to improve.

I have heard of people applying for jobs that they knew they were not best qualified for in order to get specific feedback as to why their application failed. So if you have a strong chin that might also be a painful but ultimately important step in identifying how to best break into the industry.

Get professional careers advice

By now you have a strong understanding of your strengths, weaknesses and transferable skills. You have also taken the time to not only identify the jobs you want to go into but realise where you might be falling short. It is important to get professional help in order to make sure the preparation you have done up to now goes into making the right next step.

If you provide a careers advisor with the information you have collected, they will be able to help you in a number of different ways. First and foremost, careers advisors see thousands of CV’s a year, they will be able to give you the best possible pointers on how to improve your overall CV structure and content. Your CV is what sets you apart from everyone else, it is the face that the hiring professionals at the companies you apply for see, its critically important that it is up to date and in the best possible condition. One of the ways that you yourself can make sure there are no embarrassing mistakes in your CV is you double check your grammar, and look for common mistakes in written English.

Secondly, professional careers advisors have an in depth understanding of the job market and know what exactly which qualifications are respected and sought after by companies. The careers advisor will be able to point you in the direction of a course or a role that will help build up the skills you have identified as lacking.

And finally, they might surprise you with something you hadn’t previously thought about. Careers advice staff talk to people with all types of different personalities and from a wide array of backgrounds. They are very good at identify jobs that individuals would be good at. An advisor might suggest a job role that you had never thought about before, and it might just be perfect for you.

Make a plan and stick to it

Once you’ve identified how to take the next step on the path to your dream job it is important to set a goal and attack it. There is no point in having done all of that hard work to stop now, so it may take time to develop new skills and it might cost money to undertake a course whether it be short or long, but you know that it will be worth it in the end.

People can spend years and years in jobs that they don’t like, simply to pay their way and to make sure they’re putting food on the table. It doesn’t have to be like that, by identifying a few key things that separate you from your dream job you can begin on a path that can quickly lead you in a positive career direction.

Getting a new job can be difficult, it can be stressful, and it can be hard work.  But is it really going to be any more difficult or stressful than plodding along in a job that you hate? I think not! Be brave and take the first step on your new journey today.

Author Bio

Anna Clarke is the owner of online writing company 15 Writers. She is a successful entrepreneur with over 20 years’ experience in freelancing, academic dissertation writing consulting, specializing in Business, Economics, Finance, Marketing and Management.    

The Smart Snowboard is Here

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Much has changed since the snowboard was originally introduced in the mid-70s. 

A new life style developed and the winter sports were changed for good. But the snowboard stayed the pretty much same. Materials improved significantly but the basic concept and the way the training is conducted stayed the same.

For nearly half a century, the only way for snowboarders to improve upon their skills was to study other more experienced and prolific riders, and attempt to replicate the moves on their own.  Through endless hours of, practice, and failure, a rider can eventually nail a flawless performance, but the pathway to success is muddled with a long chain of tiny details, insider tips and tricks, and unquantifiable adjustments that are difficult to explain or impossible to identify. 

The time has come for a change. You will now be able to fast-track your path to performance. We are developing the first high-tech gadget that will transform any regular snowboard into a smart snowboard.

SG20 is a high-tech device designed to model every move, every adjustment, and every angle of your snowboard 15 times per second, and deliver high resolution graphics and details on what you’re doing well and what you need to improve.

Whether you are a beginner or intermediate rider, the SG20 can serve as a digital instructor, helping you make adjustments and improvements on the fly. You can use it to learn from your friends, or even learn new tricks directly from celebrity snowboarders around the world

We are creating a digital community of snowboard riders. Proficient riders will be designated by vote and top-ranking riders will be able to contribute to our advanced riding skills library. And guess what … if you are really good and many riders want to learn your riding style, you can get paid for you contribution.

We have something in store for the advanced riders as well.

If you are an advanced rider you can compete with others like you, and use the SG20 as a referee. You can compete with your friends on the mountain, but you can also compete with anybody from around the world who is using the SG20.

The SG20 riding community will be connected to social media. You will be able to learn new tricks form the pros, share your skills with anybody interested in learning your riding style, and challenge anyone to a riding contest anywhere across the globe.

Similar to an interactive computer game but based in reality and played for real in the snow, the SG20 allows you the opportunity to play in real-time against real riders. No CGI or artificial intelligence needed, just you, the snow, your board, and the SG20 to bring you all the action.

As you advance in the ranks, you will accumulate more points and rise in the ranking system.  Rank high enough, and other riders will want to learn your style.  The more riders who want to learn your style, the faster you become a pro, and when you become a pro, you get paid by the SG20 system in cash, not points

The SG20 system will share live data regarding snow and slopes condition based on riding characteristics and provide all gathered data on a virtual map. For example, any time a rider hits a hidden patch of ice or dirt, the SG20 will lock the coordinates, plot the spot on the virtual map, and send alerts to all riders using our app. Riders who venture into an unsafe area will be sent an instant warning to their smartwatch or SG20 bracelet. The warning system will also alert if there is a traffic jam or other obstacle ahead beyond view.  Safety is a priority for the SG20 community.

With an anticipated launch of December of 2019, the SG20 team is making final adjustments to this new high-tech gadget.  We are finalizing the design and adding capabilities before heading off to production.

The SG20 team needs your feedback. We are reaching out to the snowboarding community to help us uncover improvements that can be made and features that should be added before we move on to the final design.

Click on the link below! Be part of the community developing this revolutionary snowboarding gadget and help us make history.

Members will be able to buy the SG20 at half price.

www.snowgear20.com/developershub/

A Guide To Success In The Hospitality Industry

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The hospitality sector includes 4 specific core areas, within which there are sub-sectors, including bars, hotels, restaurants, conference and events, theme/amusement parks, travel services, and even more beyond that. Whether you’re currently already part of this sector, or you’re looking for employment in this field, there are always ways you can improve your performance to aid in a successful career and really make the most of your work.

Create the Best Experience with Attention to Detail

When you enter into the hospitality field, the top priority is always to ensure that guests have the best possible experience. The best way to do this is to stay hyper-focused on the details of the establishment and its interactions with patrons. From special personal touches, like fresh flowers, to keeping a high industry standard with thoroughly cleaned spaces. Don’t forget personal interactions; treat everyone as their own person, not a number or just another person in line. It’s the details that really make an experience and keep people coming back.

Stay Up to Date with Eagerness to Learn New Things

Another necessary key to success in this industry is to stay up to date with the wants and needs of your consumers. This is a rapidly growing, fast-paced field, and things are always changing, so be willing to learn new things and change right along with it. If your facility or service is dated and doesn’t offer what’s necessary, there’s not as much incentive for people to frequent your establishment. It’s important to stay relevant, so keep up with trends.

Keep Consumers Safe with Preparedness

Even with a modern facility and nice details, if your area of service is not prepared for emergencies, it could really negatively impact the facility. Even though it’s not especially common, emergencies of all kinds can pop up at any point, so it’s important to make sure you’re prepared to step up to any situation- weather, injuries, or otherwise. Staying calm and knowing what to do will not only keep everyone, yourself included, safe, but it will also bolster and uphold your reputation.

Working with and for people may not be for everyone, but if it’s something you’re interested in doing long-term, success depends on your dedication and positivity. It can be very challenging at times, but it can also be a very rewarding industry to be involved in.

6 Unique Engineering Jobs You Probably Didn’t Know Existed

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Studying engineering opens doors to a range of different job opportunities. While some jobs in the petroleum and construction industries are pretty well known, others don’t get their fair share of attention. Armed with a mechanical engineering degree, you can search engineering jobs and find opportunities in industries that are vastly different. For instance, a qualified mechanical engineer can land a job working as a medical engineer developing medical equipment or choose to travel the world as a Formula 1 racing engineer, attending Grand Prix events. The opportunities truly are endless. To help you lock on to an engineering job you would love to do for the rest of your life, the following are 6 interesting engineering jobs that are high paying and interesting.

Online Privacy Engineer: The role of a privacy engineer is to find software solutions to implement a company’s privacy policy. Most major online players such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, and others have multiple job openings for privacy engineers. As the threat of hacking grows in the future, the role and opportunities in privacy engineering are only going to increase.

To land a job as a privacy engineer you need a BS in computer engineering with a diploma in privacy engineering. A CIPT certification is often mandatory along with strong software development skills.

Preservation Engineer: Preservation engineering is a branch of structural engineering and architecture. The job entails preserving and restoring the structural integrity of old heritage buildings. Preservation engineers often work to preserve a single building as restoring and maintaining certain buildings needs constant attention.

Special Effects Engineer: The role of a special effects engineer is to design mechanical and hydraulic systems necessary for practical special effects in movies and television shows. The job requires a degree in mechanical engineering with a diploma in mechanical FX. The fun aspect of the job is the opportunity to create custom rigs using the combined principles of animatronics and robotics.  

Toy Engineer: Large multinational toy manufacturers such as Mattel routinely look for freshers with mechanical and manufacturing engineering degrees. Apart from designing new toys, engineers are also responsible for making manufacturing systems that can produce them at a factory level. However, being surrounded by toys all day but not being able to play with them can turn out to be a bummer.

Sustainable Architect/Engineer: For engineers who want to work towards making the world a better place, sustainable architecture can be a great career path. The role of a sustainable engineer is to design and oversee the construction of buildings that do not negatively affect the environment. This can mean the careful selection of sustainable building materials as well as finding energy efficient electrical components. The job of a sustainable engineer also involves implementing smart solar solutions that seamlessly blend in with the architecture.

Brake Engineer: Did you know there are specialized engineers for designing braking systems for supercars and bikes? These engineers are responsible for designing new mechanical and hydraulic braking systems that go everything from snowmobiles to fighter jets. A degree is mechanical engineering is often the basic requirement to secure job as a product engineer for a brake manufacturer.

Traveling and Outdoor Adventure with a Tactical Backpack

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You are reading this article because you are inquisitive, bold and love nothing more than a trip to unknown destinations, you see no national boundaries and share a common lust for wanderlust, right? The idea of spending a vacation doing grueling outdoor work, adding the threat of grizzly bears and creepy-crawlies, can be daunting for most people, but not to anyone who has spent enough time camping and hiking in the backcountry.  The anticipation of finding those hidden trails and streams that no one has been to for years, pulls your imagination into the outdoor adventure you have been waiting for.

But we all know that while traversing the great outdoors is absolutely exhilarating, anything that could go wrong, probably will, and that is when you truly appreciate the value of packing crucial gear such as a map, compass, flashlight, knife, first-aid supplies, firestarter, matches and extra food.  Gear that could be essential to your survival.

Planning the perfect trip can be daunting, not to mention overwhelming, and the more you plan your trip, the more anxious and confused you get. You think of almost everything, but you forget one of the most important things, to pick a top quality backpack for your trip.  And that old school backpack you had in college, that is now sitting in the back of your closet collecting dust, is just not going to cut it.  There are also so many backpacks on the market today that they all start to sound and look the same.  Not to mention that most of the well known outdoor brands charge well over $200 for their basic model backpacks.  And they all seem so flimsy.  They feel like they would tear apart in any sort of heavy use.

So depending on where you will be traveling, and for how long, remember that if your rucksack is of low quality, it’s going to wear out as you travel. If this has happened to you before, then it’s time to get a military-grade backpackthat isnot onlydurable, long-lasting, and water-resistant, but also has the following characteristics that will help it stay in good condition for years no matter how much you or the elements throw at it. In comes the SERGEANT Tactical Backpack.

Military-Grade Product Specs:

  • The SERGEANT tactical backpack is 22 inches tall, 12 inches wide and 10 inches deep. It is made from the highest quality and strongest military-grade material which is water and rainproof resistant 1050D Ballistic Nylon and includes Triple-Stitched Molle webbing, UTX Duraflex Buckles, and YKK Self-Repairing Zippers.
  • For extra sturdiness, the Sergeant assault backpack comes with an internal frame sheet for added strength, a protected laptop compartment, sternum and waist strap, 3 drainage grommets, 2 water bottle holders, fleece lined sunglass and device compartment, name tape holder and flag holder, and a hydration pocket with protected port.
  •  The sergeant tactical bag serves various functions where you can use it not only for all your outdoor adventures but also as an everyday carry bag, daypack, a camera bag, go bag, a bugout bag, school backpack, laptop bag, concealed carry backpack, hydration backpack, and much more.
  • At an affordable price this tactical backpack from sergeant has a Lifetime Warranty, which guarantees against defects in craftsmanship and materials for the life of the item for your 100% satisfaction.

Whether your trip is for a few days, a few weeks weeks or an around-the-world adventure, choosing the best travel backpack for your needs is as important as what you put in it. Keeping your travel gear safe and secure can mean the difference between making the mories that will last a lifetime or making the memories you can’t wait to forget.  Your SERGEANT tactical backpack will become your new best friend carrying your gear while you navigate the world, so whatever you do today, make visiting https://www.amazon.com/SERGEANT-Military-Tactical-Backpack-Ballistic/dp/B07JR3ZSRC a priority and begin traveling with one of the most rugged, reliable and trusted tactical backpacks on the market.  When it matters most, SERGEANT has your back.  Have a great adventure!

What You Need to Know Before Moving to a Mountain Town

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When you look back throughout history, you can find dozens of examples of great people who were inspired by awesome landscapes. And although there are many places you can find awe in nature – the coast, forests, and prairies – nowhere can quite compare to the majesty of the mountains.

But for many people, especially those trapped in the city, moving to the mountains can seem like a distant dream – a total one hundred and eighty-degree turnaround from their current lifestyle.

Mountain living presents many challenges and opportunities. Here’s what you need to know before you move to a mountain town.

The Air Is Cleaner And The Water Purer

The majority of Americans live in cities with high levels of air pollution. The particles from motor vehicles, especially diesel-powered cars and trucks, can damage the lining of the lungs, leading to asthma, bronchitis and even an increased incidence of cancer. As episodes in towns like Flint show, water purity can also be an issue.

But in the mountains, miles from the nearest big, polluting industrial center, the air is clean and the water pure.

The Communities Are Tightly Knit

Mountain towns tend to host tightly-knit communities: groups of people who are comfortable to rely on each other to make life more enjoyable and comfortable. Unlike in the cities, you are expected to get to know your neighbors and spend a lot of time talking with them. Things can get tough in the mountains, so you need a network of people you can rely on to see you through the harshest conditions.

It’s A Less Stressful Lifestyle

In the city, there’s a lot of pressure to succeed and rise to the top of one’s occupation. But out in the mountains, there is no such pressure: most people choose a role in the local community and stick with it for the long term.

Few people who live in mountain towns commute, so there’s none of the stress of sitting in traffic or sharing public transport. And, in general, there’s less noise and light pollution – especially helpful if you’re somebody who struggles with insomnia.

It’s More Affordable

Living in a mountain town tends to be more affordable than living in the city, thanks to much lower demand for things like housing and food. You’re likely to spend far less on entertainment too. Rather than shelling out for the theatre or a restaurant meal, you can simply take a stroll on your local trail, bring your mountain bike out for a ride, or put on your skis and enjoy your local slopes.

The Roads Can Be Harsh

Because so few people live in mountain towns and the terrain is so rugged, roads can be harsh, especially during the winter. It’s not uncommon for mountain towns to be cut off from the outside world for weeks at a time if the snowfall is heavy enough. Before moving to a mountain town, prepare physically and mentally for the fact that you may not be able to leave your house for several days at a time. If you do decide to move to the mountains, make sure that you’ve got adequate food supplies to keep you going, should the local store close. Also, invest in a 4×4 vehicle equipped with snow tires to make mountain driving as safe as possible.

Difficult Weather Conditions

Elevation brings with it a whole host of weather issues, from plunging temperatures at night to fog and sudden downpours of rain. If you move to a mountain town, expect strong winds, plenty of snow, and extreme cold during the winter months.

It’s Safer

Although crime in cities has been falling since the crime peak of the 1980s, you’re still much more likely to be a victim of crime in a city than you are in a small mountain town. Most mountain towns comprise small numbers of relatively affluent and stable people who have their neighbor’s interests at heart. Although crime does happen, it’s far rarer, meaning that you don’t have to spend as much money securing your property, or emotional energy worrying about it.

There’s Less Traffic

Traffic accidents kill more people under the age of forty than anything else. There’s much more traffic in the city, and a higher likelihood of being hurt in an accident, compared to mountain towns, making the latter a far safer option.

There Are Many Sporting Opportunities

Mountain towns often double up as tourist resorts for skiers, bikers, and hikers. But unlike tourists who only have a few days to enjoy the mountains, those who live year-round there get to enjoy them all the time. If you love outdoor or winter sports, then the mountains are an ideal place to live.

You May Have To Fend For Yourself

Because so many mountain communities are a long way from major population centers, utilities and services may be unreliable. For instance, bus services might not run during the winter months, or they may only run on certain days of the week. Stores may not be stocked during certain parts of the year or may find it difficult to supply the goods that you need consistently. Electricians and plumbers might live many miles away and only willing to travel to you if you pay their travel expenses.

You may also struggle to get access to medical care. Facilities may be located far away which may be a problem for people suffering from chronic conditions or who need immediate medical attention to manage their health, day to day.

There Are Limited Job Opportunities

Although people who live in mountain towns enjoy a lower stress lifestyle, finding work can be difficult. Many mountain towns do not support enough jobs for all the people who live there. The jobs that they do supply, mostly based in retail and tourism, tend to be less lucrative than those available in the city. But almost anyone can find a basic job at a ski resort to get the financial ball rolling.

It Can Be Depressing

If you’re somebody who is energized by being around people, then being in the mountains can be a lonely experience. Work is often solitary  (although not always), and it’s not uncommon to spend long periods alone, without interacting with anyone.

If you live in a tourist resort, the off-season can be particularly long and uneventful, and you may go a long time between social gatherings. Furthermore, because people usually only stay in mountain towns for a few weeks at a time, it can be hard to develop meaningful, long-term relationships.

Word Gets Around

One of the benefits of living in a big city is your anonymity. You can mess up your job or your relationships, but there usually aren’t any long-term social consequences: you just find a new place to work or new people to spend time with, and the problem goes away. But in mountain towns word can get around when you mess up, and it’s unlikely you’ll be able to pick up where you left off somewhere else.

You can deal with this in a couple of ways: ignore what other people think of your lifestyle and get on with it, or continuously bear in mind how the community might perceive your actions. Most of the time, you’ll want to do whatever helps you fit in with others by avoiding anything particularly controversial or anti-establishment. Put simply, it’s a good idea to be nice to everybody you meet.

You’ll Need To Learn To Plan Ahead

Big cities are incredibly convenient, offering practically every service at a moment’s notice. Forgot to pick up groceries from the store on the way home? No bother – just pick up your smartphone and get somebody to deliver them for you. Don’t have a battery for your torch? Just pop out of your apartment to the convenience store around the block for a new one.

Life in the mountains isn’t like this at all. Grocery shopping is a significant event – something that you’ll need to plan for, as the nearest supermarket can be many miles away. Often, the simple act of shopping requires an entire day dedicated to it and is something that you may only want to do once or twice a month.

Many people who live in the mountains share cars for shopping trips to save on fuel. They also plan menus weeks in advance, making sure that they’ve got everything they need in the pantry and the refrigerator ahead of time. You’ll also need to factor in the risk of poor weather preventing you from leaving your home.

The Mountains Will Challenge Your Fitness Levels

Living at elevation can be tough on your body because of the thin atmosphere. If you’re unfit, the lack of oxygen can prevent you from getting your breath and enjoying your leisure time. Before moving to the mountains, you need to make sure that you’re in good physical shape. Start jogging, running or resistance training in the weeks and months beforehand. You may also want to change your diet to help get rid of any excess weight that could make it for difficult to go hiking or biking.

How Technology is Helping People Share the Outdoors

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Technology is all around us these days and it seems like there is an app to help share almost anything from car rides to spare rooms to clothing.  However, the outdoors are a little different.  Can technology really help folks share the outdoors.  We recently found a company trying to do just that.

Sometimes it’s nice to plan and discover outdoor adventures on your own.  But let’s admit it, it’s usually better when someone can show you where the most fantastic destinations are.  That’s why the founders of Gear Easy launched an outdoor adventure marketplace.  We caught up with Jason, one of the founders who explained “When I’m traveling in a new area or even my own backyard there are a lot of great outdoor activities that only a few locals really know about”.  Jason continued “we grew tired of the crowds at popular outdoor areas and were looking for a way to access more authentic destinations without hiring an expensive touristy guide company, and we noticed there were very few options”.

While Gear Easy isn’t the first company to go into this space, they are quickly becoming one of the largest. In just a few months since launching they have hundreds of registered outdoor guides in the U.S. offering outdoor activities as small as 1-2 hour hikes in the Utah mountains to week long treks through the Appalachians, all hosted by local guides. “We saw most of the competition were focused on established and expensive large outdoor guiding companies who already had a presence on the web.  Gear Easy’s focus is just the opposite, we offer more authentic adventures from real locals, many who guide part-time or as a hobby, at a much lower prices.  The positive response has been overwhelming because people value true experiences over cookie-cutter packaged tours” Jason stated.

Research shows Gear Easy might be onto something.  Millennials, America’s largest generation by population, are soon to enter their earning prime. With a majority of this generation now in the workforce, they currently command an estimated $1.3 trillion in annual consumer spending. Where will this generation direct their wallets?

Eventbrite’s nationwide research of millennials (defined as Americans born 1980-1996) conducted by Harris, reveals this generation not only highly values experiences, but they are increasingly spending time and money on them: from concerts and social events to athletic pursuits, to cultural experiences and events of all kinds.  Often, the authenticity of an experience matters, and buying a one-of-a-kind offering versus something mass market has an increasing appeal to customers.  In the technology enabled sharing economy, these types of customized products and services can often be offered straight from the creator or host at a much lower price.

Gear Easy’s marketplace is not without its flaws.  As with any sharing technology platforms, you could have a bad experience due to a non-professional guide or narrow minded customer.  The company has implemented customer ratings, instant chat and electronic waiver system along with scheduling technology to help ensure guides meet customer expectations.  They also encourage guides and customers to be safe and have the appropriate insurance and communication habits when adventuring in the outdoors.  At the end of the day, Gear Easy is a great platform, but all of the guides are independent service providers.  Even with the shortcomings and risks that come with sharing technology platforms, guides on the Gear Easy platform are excited.  Sean an outdoor guide offering day hikes said “I’ve spent years developing my outdoor knowledge and skills, Gear Easy gives me an opportunity to earn money doing something I already love to do and share my favorite hikes with like minded people.” When asked what he thought about the platform he replied “it works for me, it’s simple, and they take care of all the scheduling and transaction stuff so I can focus on giving my customers a great experience.”

Customers seem to like the concept as well.  The idea of being able to book in advance or on the spot brings a lot of flexibility to travelers.  When we spoke with Kate, who recently booked a wildlife tour with her friend, she said “it was one of the best parts of our trip because the activity was something I would never had found if I were just looking at traditional travel information.”  She explained that she was able to book the activity the day before and was able to chat with the guide right on the platform about the trip before paying.  She also had to sign a waiver just like with other activities she did during her week long trip, but she was able to fill it out and sign it right on the iPhone before they started.  Kate said she would definitely use Gear Easy again.

When asked about what’s next Gear Easy, Jason shed some light on their plans “we are focusing on taking care of our guides and customers.  This means improving our technology and customers service so users keep coming back.” He then elaborated “Gear Easy’s mission is to deliver peak outdoor experiences, or in other words, experiences that people dream about and keep them engaged in the outdoors.”  “We aim to evolve our outdoor experience platform to where adventures, gear and content all come together in one place for our customers, all backed by technology and advanced analytics.” He ended with “we are excited about the space and believe there will be increasing demand that can be satisfied by great service and simplicity oriented technology.  We are concentrating on the U.S. but when the time is right we will offer services internationally.”

We will see where all this goes, it’s definitely exciting to see how technology can bring people together to experience the outdoors.  If you are looking for an interesting adventure or you think you might enjoy being an outdoor guide, then you may want to look at Gear Easy.

How Do Trail Cameras Work?

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Most people want to know how do trail cameras work? Trail cameras are used for many different thing including hunters for tracking game, for animal viewing, for security purposes and for taking stills and making videos in the forest.

Due to a number of benefits, these cameras offer their users high-quality sensors, automatic sensing and still capturing as well as high-quality video making.

Trail cameras have a capability to work with a preset program that determines the quality, nature, and kinds of images or video that the user needs to capture.

Sometimes, for the beginners or the newbies who have never used a trail camera before it may be hard to understand how it works or how can they make the best out of their best trail camera under 150 that have certain features they may not know well.

It is better to understand how the main features and functions can help you get the required still pictures in a productive way without getting any blurs and missed target.

There are different kinds of trail cameras found on the market include:

  • Digital trail camera
  • Motion activated cameras
  • Night cameras
  • Security cameras and
  • Wi-Fi or wireless cameras

All these kinds of trails cameras come up with certain features that assure to capture the required images, time-lapse photos or videos in order to provide the detailed imagery that is required within the specified period of time.

The main features that make a trail camera work at its best include:

The auto-capturing functions and features

  • Preset recording options
  • Image quality
  • Memory limit
  • Light settings
  • Night viewing capability
  • Easy controls and buttons
  • The accuracy of sensing motion or sensors

You can select the kind of trail camera you need depending on the purpose for which you need it and make sure to specify the features you are looking for.

How to set up and use the trail camera?

Here are some basic things you need to know about how these trail cameras work for you:

  • Decide on the best location for the camera where you will mount it for capturing the stills or for recording videos so that you would not miss your target.
  • Make sure the mounting place is safe and is located at the correct angle so that you can get the exact viewpoint of your target.
  • Adjust the light settings and image quality and kind of images you would need. You can set the preferences in case if you need stills or videos within the time span that you will set on it.

Stills take lesser memory whereas continuous videos may require more battery power and memory so you need to make sure your camera has the capability to support the functions.

You may also go for a flashlight if you need clearer images but infrared detection is more beneficial if you don’t want to alarm the target by using a light.

When the camera is set up depending on your preferred settings, it stays ready to sense the motion and capture the images as soon as the target approaches. Make sure it has the sufficient battery life to provide the functions you need.

It is better to rule out the sensor faults by accurately setting up the level of motion that is to be detected in order to make sure the movement in bushes or movement caused by wind is not captured which is unnecessary.

The trail cameras promise to let you record the videos within the time or take the clear shot or still images of the target so that you can examine and analyze your target easily. They can give you a better understanding of the area you are exploring with clear pictures.

These cameras are also good for animal viewing and for studying the habitat of the wildlife. The quality and accuracy of the trail camera matter a lot because if the sensors and the image quality is not good, you may nto eb able to get the required images and videos to examine or study what you need and it will only be a waste of money.

Mountain Driving: Tech That Can Help You

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Are you a fleet driver who uses mountain routes every day during your job? If so, you will need more technology on your vehicle than just an APC or dashboard camera. Are you planning on driving to the mountains during your next vacation, or do you want to have a 4×4 competition in the mountains with your friends? You too need some extra technology to help you overcome the challenge of mountain driving. It is popular for off-road enthusiasts to go for an adventure and test their prowess driving in the mountains with their vehicles. Here is some technology that can aid you.

GPS Tracking System

Many people think that GPS is for fleet vehicles. While it is very crucial for them to monitor their vehicles live, it is also an important technology for personal vehicles when they are driving through the mountains. Anything can happen to you, and GPS will be used to track the location. Some mountain roads have unexpected dangers including vehicle theft, but a GPS will help you to locate the vehicle if it is stolen.

Automatic Transmission

Gone are the days when a driver had to understand the vehicle’s mechanical functioning in detail to get optimum performance. Then, the right advice would be to shift an SUV or truck into a lower gear to allow smooth mountain climbing. Today, you don’t even have to know how to use a manual transmission. Just put the vehicle in drive, and it will automatically shift the gear to suit mountain climbing. However, some vehicles with an automatic transmission do have an option to manually select a lower gear for situations like this.

Automatic Air Conditioning

Most cars that include smart options have automatic air conditioning. When climbing steep mountains, logic dictates that a person switch the air conditioning off to allow the engine to focus on climbing the mountain. However, more sophisticated vehicles can detect this strain and switch the air conditioning off or let the vehicle use an independent electric motor rather than the engine’s power. Automatic air conditioning can also be used to maintain a steady temperature even as mountain air becomes cooler with increased elevation.

Automated Braking System

Animals frequently cross mountain roads. Some come out of nowhere, and the next thing you see is a crash. ABS for sophisticated vehicles can stop the vehicle without your control and save you from injuries. Try as much as possible to actively control a vehicle that has this option whether you are a private driver or a fleet driver. Most of the road safety experts agree that this is very important.

Adaptive Lighting System

The only thing between a driver and a crash at night is the headlights. Today, vehicles come with amazing technology including adaptive headlights. They adjust to the surroundings and become bright or dim depending on the situation. Mountain driving at night requires the full brightness of the lights so that one can see everything ahead. The adaptive lights will come in handy in situations like this.

Mountain driving is fun and risky at the same time. The above vehicle technologies and capabilities will be essential.