Article: Just because you aren't a big company, that doesn't mean you shouldn't have a vivid professional brand. Here are a few points to consider: Decide whether you will use your own name or work under a business name. Don't be afraid to invest in business cards, a logo, uniforms and a sign to put outside your home or business. Make sure all of them are consistently branded. Make it clean and professional. Use a logo or imagery that conveys your business or service. Include details about your offering and your prices and try to demonstrate your skills. If you are a designer or a writer, put up samples of your work. Let people know how to contact you. Actively marketing your services is vital to get your name out there, and it shows prospective clients that you're available for work. Consider these avenues: Investigate online advertising. This could include setting up social media accounts for your business, sending emails with special offers, or signing up for ads. Pursue print publishing. Buy up space in your local newspaper, or find a trade publication that caters to people in your industry and pursue an ad there. If there are publications or web pages that compare different contractors who offer the same services, make sure to get yourself listed. Describe your services in brochures. You can hire a professional to make them for you, or build them yourself using software like Microsoft Word or Open Office. Consider enlisting the help of a copywriter to highlight your unique skills and strengths. The right connections can make all the difference in running your own business. Attend networking events and join organizations. If you work mostly locally, consider joining your city's chamber of commerce. Notify other contractors in your field about your availabilityand find out their's. If another contractor is too busy to take on a gig, they might pass the client on to you. Do the same for them, when you can. Partner with those that can send you business leads. For example, if you are a copywriter, connect with graphic designers whose clients may also need marketing copy for their websites. Contact friends, family members and former colleagues to inform them of your services. Ask them to spread the word to potential clients.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Establish your brand. Create a website. Advertise. Network with other professionals. Inform your personal network of your availability.
Article: Mix the 8 oz. package of softened cream cheese with the cup of peanut butter in a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer. Mix until the ingredients become smooth. This mixing should take about 2-3 minutes. Add in the 3-3 cups of powdered sugar. Add in the powdered sugar in gradually, making sure every addition is blended in well before adding the next bit of powder. This blending process should take about 3-5 minutes. Once the powdered sugar is well blended, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla. The vanilla shouldn't take very long to mix in with the rest of the ingredients, about 30 seconds. When you add the vanilla, make sure the electric mixer is still going. You want the mixer to be constantly mixing. Once all the frosting ingredients are mixed in, add in 2 tablespoon of either milk or cream to change the consistency of the frosting to your liking. If you're looking for a low-fat option, you can try using skim milk or reduced fat cream, along with reduced fat cream cheese.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Mix the cream cheese and butter. Add the powdered sugar. Add the vanilla. Blend to your desired consistency.
Article: Wood fillers are thick pastes that usually come in round tubs. Use a small putty knife to apply the filler into the depressions created by your screw heads, as well as any knots or imperfections in the wood. Scrape away the excess filler, as this will make sanding easier later. Follow the product's instructions for application and drying times. You can leave the screw heads exposed if you like, especially if you may want to remove the ladder-stairs later. Use a piece of fine-grit (150-180 grit) sandpaper or an equivalent sanding block. Rub the entire wood surface with light and even pressure. Keep sanding until the wood feels smooth to the touch. If you've applied wood filler, wait until it's completely dry before sanding it. You may need to sand a bit more aggressively to smooth out excess filler. For your safety, wear a dust mask and eye protection when sanding. If you're painting the wood, apply a primer first and then 1-2 coats of your chosen paint. If you're staining the wood, apply a small amount in an inconspicuous area first to check the color. Then use a brush or rag to apply the stain, and wipe away the excess with a cloth. If you want the structure to retain a natural look, it's still advisable to apply a clear wood sealant, using the same techniques as you do for staining.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Apply wood filler to cover the depressed screw heads (optional). Lightly sand the entire ladder-stairs structure. Stain or paint the ladder-stairs to match the bunk set.