OUR LATEST INSIGHTS

Up to date, high-level business information that is relevant to our clients and contacts, helping keep up to date on the ver-changing business world of today.

Learn More

Cal Wilson / July 10, 2023

What is a SaaS reseller?

In the world of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), your business is often using suites of services from massive corporations like Google, Adobe, or Microsoft. But, oftentimes, you’re not going to deal with them directly. Instead, you can access the SaaS solutions you need through a reseller – a third-party company or individual that purchases software applications or services from a SaaS provider with permission to resell them to other customers. 

In this article, we’re looking at SaaS resellers, why a business would use one, and what to look for if you do.  

Why use a reseller? 

Because resellers act as a middleman between you and the big cloud services provider, there must be an advantage to using them over going direct to the source, right?  

Oftentimes, SaaS resellers will offer additional value-added services along with the software, such as customization, integration, training, customer support, or consulting. They may also bundle multiple SaaS solutions together to create a comprehensive software package tailored to specific industry needs or business requirements. Bundles and value-adds like these might not be available from the original software developer.  

Likewise, SaaS resellers can often walk business customers through several different software options, rather than just whatever one specific company has developed. B2B customers benefit from a reseller’s knowledge when selecting and implementing SaaS solutions.  

Of course, one of the most enticing incentives to go with a SaaS reseller is the pricing. Since resellers usually receive discounted pricing from the original provider, they can set their own prices when selling to their customers. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship between the SaaS provider, reseller, and end user. 

What to look for in a reseller? 

There are many resellers out there, so ensuring you choose a good fit for your business is a must. Some things to consider when making a choice: 

  • Specific product offerings – a diverse portfolio of software applications indicates their ability to cater to different business needs and suggests a comprehensive understanding of the SaaS landscape. 
  • Customer service environment – if they don’t have 24/7 customer service, and your platforms experience difficulties during their downtime, it could cause your business unnecessary disruptions to your service.  
  • Their pricing model – compare their pricing with other resellers and directly with the SaaS provider. Ensure that the reseller’s pricing is competitive and provides good value for the services offered.   
  • Experience in your industry – it’s beneficial to work with resellers who have a deep knowledge of the software products, understand your industry, and can provide valuable insights and recommendations.  
  • Value-add – what does the reseller bring to the table on top of the software offerings?  
  • Scalability – can the reseller keep up with your company’s potential future growth?  
  • Contracts and flexibility – before signing yourself into anything, review the reseller’s contract terms, including licensing agreements, renewal options, termination clauses, and any potential restrictions.  

As with vendors of any business service, the best practice is to not settle for a vendor that doesn’t meet or understand your needs. Do your research, explore your options, and make an informed decision.  

In conclusion… 

There are a lot of benefits to buying your business’ SaaS solutions through a third-party reseller; better pricing, extra support, and industry expertise among them. However, when looking for a reseller to work with, ensure it meets all your business’ needs and has experience working with your industry.  

Cal Wilson / July 4, 2023

Reflecting on the power of LinkedIn

In July of 2013, we published an issue of the Pulse looking at the growing power of LinkedIn, a platform that, at the time, had 225 million users and was quickly growing. Now, ten years later, the twenty year-old social network has over 930 million users, and has become a part of the standard corporate networking experience.  

So, is LinkedIn still a powerful tool a decade later? In this issue of the Pulse, we investigate.  

Is LinkedIn oversaturated? 

With nearly a billion users, LinkedIn has become a lot more crowded than it was a decade ago. Many users are simply creating profiles because they feel it is necessary for their careers, without putting significant effort into the networking aspect of the site. Your inbox is likely to fill up with promotional messages about things you don’t care about. Your timeline might be congested with personal posts that seem like they belong more on Facebook or Instagram than a professional networking site.  

So, is LinkedIn past its point of usefulness? Not quite.  

LinkedIn still brings a lot of value to the table. 

While the platform has certainly changed and expanded through its massive growth, there is still tremendous opportunity to bolster your career and connections.  

Given, this isn’t true for all professionals. Although we may all feel the pressure to hop on LinkedIn, it tends to be the most successful for those in traditionally “white collar” positions and professional practices.  

So, if that’s you, what are the benefits of being purposeful and consistent with your presence on LinkedIn?  

Expanding your network.  

Like any social media platform, LinkedIn is designed to help you expand your network. Specifically, your professional network. It’s a great way to keep up to date with colleagues, clients, contacts, and prospects, as well as keep them updated with your professional accomplishments.  

Participating in groups. 

LinkedIn supports the creation of and participation in groups focused on specialized topics, industries, locations, etc. This is a great way to maintain your professional network in a relevant way, focusing your social media effort on the topics that make a difference to your career. Especially with virtual networking on the rise in the past few years, these kinds of groups are a more organic way to meet likeminded professionals.  

Establishing your expertise.  

Various posting options on LinkedIn, such as articles and videos, allow you to establish yourself as an expert in your field. Knowledge-sharing is an important part of thought-leadership, and optimizing LinkedIn to build that credibility with your network could have significant benefits for your career.  

Researching positions/applicants.  

Whether you’ll be looking for a new position in the future, or will be hiring applicants for your organization, LinkedIn is a good platform for keeping up to date, researching organizations and people, and reaching out to potential options.  

Likewise, your profile gives you the opportunity to keep others informed about your past and present accomplishments, positions, and skills, meaning potential recruiters can find you.  

In conclusion… 

Although LinkedIn is a much more crowded platform than it was when we wrote about it ten years ago, and those extra users can come with extra filler on your newsfeed, there are still a lot of benefits to maintaining your profile. 

Cal Wilson / June 20, 2023

Why setting boundaries at work is as important as in your personal life

Many of us know we need to set boundaries in our personal life, whether that be with friends, family members, or romantic partners. When it comes to our careers, it can often be a bit harder to establish boundaries and look out for ourselves; with income and future success on the line, sometimes it’s easier to roll over and put up with things that don’t serve us.  

However, for your long-term wellbeing, it’s important to set boundaries at work, as well as at home. In this issue of The Pulse, we look at why.  

The benefits of boundary-setting.  

Ensuring you set healthy boundaries at work isn’t just good for you. It benefits your entire team, as well.  

Clear communication of your boundaries allows everyone working with you to understand your limits, capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses on the job. This doesn’t mean you’re never going to be pushed outside your comfort zone – that’s still a healthy part of growth – but by communicating your boundaries, your colleagues will understand how to best work with you, leading to everyone’s success. 

Likewise, establishing and sticking to healthy boundaries helps build your self-esteem, protect your emotional and mental wellbeing, and prevent burnout. 

What does this look like in the workplace? 

Obviously, boundary setting in the workplace is going to look a little different than in your personal life. Especially if you’re trying to set a boundary with a supervisor. It may involve a little more tact or subtlety in some situations, and assertiveness in others.  

There are many strategies you can implement to effectively establish boundaries.  

Prioritization.  

Reflect on and prioritize what’s most important to you in setting boundaries. You may be able to set hard lines in some areas but need to compromise in others. Being clear about where you’re flexible and where you are not critical to setting and maintaining boundaries. 

Clear, respectful communication.  

If someone has crossed a line or made you feel uncomfortable, tell them. Be honest but respectful when approaching a situation, not confrontational.  

Follow through.  

If you set a boundary, but don’t follow through, you’re giving others precedent to continue to overstep your boundaries.  

Practice ways to say “no.” 

You can’t always say no on the job. However, there are a lot of situations where you should. It can be hard to find the right words, so have a toolbelt of effective, assertive ways to say no. These can include: 

  • “I’m not comfortable with that.” 
  • “I can’t take that on right now.” 
  • “My plate is already pretty full.” 

Utilize your “out of office” and “do not disturb” functions.  

We’re trained to be on all the time in the digital age. Putting on your “do not disturb” function outside of work hours, or during busy work periods, is a way of setting a boundary about your work-life balance.  

Ask for help when you need it.  

Don’t struggle alone. If your workload is too much, or a co-worker is violating boundaries, seek support from the systems available in your workplace.  

In conclusion… 

Boundary-setting is a critical skill in all aspects of life, including in the workplace. When everyone communicates and follows their colleagues’ boundaries, we’re all more likely to succeed and avoid burnout.  

Cal Wilson / June 19, 2023

Combatting self-doubt as an entrepreneur

Self-doubt is a huge obstacle many face in their entrepreneurship journey. It can prevent us from taking important steps forward, impact performance, and can even negatively affect the way others view us. While a degree of self-doubt and insecurity is a part of being human, letting it hold you back from success helps no one.

What is self-doubt and where does it come from?

Doubt is a lack of trust, certainty, or conviction; in the case of self-doubt, that’s directed inward. Even if, on some level, you’re aware of your skills and assets, there’s an underlying nagging sense that you’re not going to succeed or you can’t accomplish your goals.

There are many potential culprits behind a person’s self-doubt:

  • Negative self-talk – even if it seems in jest, putting yourself down and focusing on your weaknesses can have a long-term impact on your confidence.
  • Past experiences – our brains pay more attention to negative experiences, like failures, than positive ones, like when things go smoothly.
  • Comparison to others.
  • Perfectionism – holding yourself to impossible standards makes achievable goals seem out of reach.

There are a lot of reasons why a person might be generally insecure,  but when it comes to someone’s career, these factors are certainly counterproductive.

How is self-doubt holding you back?

On top of it being simply unpleasant, there are a lot of ways self-doubt is holding you back when it comes to business. Here are just a handful of the consequences to self-doubt in business:

  • Reduced capacity for logical decision making, causing indecision, second-guessing, and potentially even missed opportunities.
  • Increased anxiety and stress.
  • Decreased confidence and self-esteem.
  • Hindered personal growth, due to fear of taking risks, trying new things, and having experiences outside your comfort zone.
  • Increased strain on personal and professional relationships.

All these facets are incredibly important to business success. Sharp, rational decision making is a crucial skill for any entrepreneur. Confidence and self-esteem are often needed to make successful pitches or stay afloat during hard times, while increased anxiety and stress can lead to the opposite. Personal growth is tantamount to growing your career and business, and fostering strong relationships is also critical in that process.

All of this to say, to thrive, you need to find a way to combat self-doubt.

First, identify the source of your self-doubt.

If you’re caught in a loop of self-doubt – maybe it’s about going into business, or maybe it’s anxiety before a pitch to a prospect – you have to stop and identify the source.

Are you focusing on a similar time in the past that went poorly? Do you not have enough information to move forward comfortably? Are you, in general, paralyzed by a fear of failure? All of these may be valid concerns – but can be addressed productively to move forward.

Arm yourself with information.

If the issue is that you just don’t feel like you have enough details to comfortably move forward in a given business scenario, then combat your doubt with information as your weapon.

Educate yourself on any relevant topics, seek details and clarifications, and answer any questions you might have that could contribute to your self-doubt.

There is always a risk of ‘paralysis by analysis’ so do identify that line if you can, where more information is valuable, or just your way of feeding your self-doubt. That’s not an easy task, but an imperative one.

Don’t dwell on negative memories.

Easier said than done, right? Well, chances are, if you were able to remember everything neutrally, there would be a higher number of times when things went well compared to when things went poorly. While our brains are easily drawn to the bad, if you take the time to list all the times things went well, where you succeeded and achieved your goals, you’ll find confidence comes a bit more naturally.

Take the leap.

If you’re stuck in the limbo of self-doubt and indecision, rip off the band-aid. Break the anxious thought loop and do what needs to be done. You can’t be successful without taking a risk.

Seek support where it is helpful, and not a crutch.

Dealing with self-doubt is a universal human experience. Chances are there are other people in your circle who have experienced the same thing. Whether it be a close friend, a family member, a peer, or a colleague you can trust, opening up and talking about your self-doubt can be the first step in resolving it.

The important thing to remember is to choose people who will be honest with you about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as challenge you to take those next steps and get outside your comfort zone, not hold you back. The world is full of naysayers, so take care here to consider opinions but trust yourself in the end to decide what’s best for you.

In conclusion…

Falling prey to self-doubt – while a normal human experience – only holds you back when it comes to your entrepreneurship journey, or any other journey for that matter. Finding strategies to combat it will improve your confidence and decision making capacity, all while opening you up to new opportunities.

Cal Wilson / June 14, 2023

You can’t have success without taking risks and making choices

Going into business is a calculated risk. So is moving to a new city for a new job, applying for a position outside your comfort zone, or asking for a raise you believe you deserve. When considering your future career goals and entrepreneurship, planning on taking calculated risks is critically important.

Opportunities for growth.

Canadian writer and motivational speaker Robin Sharma once said, “If you’re not failing a lot, then you’re not doing very much.”

That’s because taking risks, trying new things, and experiencing small failures, is all a part of the larger journey towards success.

Taking risks opens new opportunities for professional and personal growth. Any time we do something that puts us outside our comfort zone, we open ourselves up to acquiring new skills and valuable learning experiences, all of which increase our likelihood of future successes.

Failure isn’t failure unless you say it is.

Stimulating innovation and creativity.

Risks often involve trying new things, using new methods, considering new perspectives, and thinking outside your norm. This can lead to breakthroughs that inspire innovation and creativity. New approaches not only develop your own existing skillsets but could also lead to wins on professional projects.

Adversity is a terrible thing… to waste.

For example, trying a new method of completing a project or a new sales pitch may not only show you an alternative path forward to success, but can also offer valuable insights into what works for the future you want to build.

Increasing your professional visibility.

You’ve heard the expression, “fortune favors the bold?” Well, that’s because boldness and taking calculated risks can get you noticed, where others may fly under the radar.

Taking risks can help you get noticed by others in your industry or organization. When you take on challenging projects or roles, you increase the likelihood of gaining visibility and recognition for your work, which can lead to increased opportunities, networking, and career advancement.

Avoiding career regret.

No one likes being left with a heap of “what ifs”. We often regret the risks we didn’t take more than the ones we did. By taking calculated risks, you are giving yourself a chance to pursue your goals and aspirations, and you are less likely to wonder later in life what could have happened if you had taken that chance.

Entrepreneurship is a risk.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own business, the factor stopping you from getting there might be the potential risk. Risk of failure, of losing money, of not enjoying it the way you thought; these are all variables to account for. However, to be successful, you need to take those risks.  You can’t have one without the other.

There will always be risks in your professional career – some worth taking, some not. However, the biggest folly can be to resign yourself to never taking any calculated risks. There are lots of reasons why a well-planned risk will be in your favor.

Cal Wilson / June 12, 2023

High-risk merchant accounts and your payment processing fees

If you’re a business that accepts card payments, especially online, you may have encountered the term ‘high-risk merchant account.’ This can be a nerve-wracking term to hear, especially if it applies to you and your finances. So, what is a high-risk merchant account, and how does being labelled as one impact your payment processing fees? In this article, we take a look.  

What is a high-risk merchant account?  

A high-risk merchant account is what your processor may require you to operate under, depending on certain characteristics about your business. These characteristics are what the processor would typically associate as a higher risk for chargebacks and fraud.  

What makes a business high risk? 

Ultimately, it’s up to the processor’s policies. Some processors base it off particular industries, marking firearm, tobacco, cannabis, and other kinds of sales as high risk. International sellers are often also marked as high risk.  Since there is no governing body deciding what is high risk, every processor’s rules are going to be a bit different.  

Some other common risk factors include: 

  • Subscription-style payments plans. 
  • Being on the Member Alert to Control High-Risk Merchants, or MATCH list — a list managed by Mastercard that monitors merchant behavior, like chargeback history. 
  • High average transaction sizes. 
  • High sales volumes. 
  • A large number of card-not-present transactions, such as online or over-the-phone purchases. 
  • Little to no business experience. 
  • Long fulfillment time frames. 
  • Poor credit. 
  • Past fraud or illegal activity. 

What industries are labelled high risk? 

Again, it’s going to be up to the individual processing company, but there are some industries that have a greater likelihood of making those lists. These include, but are not limited to: 

  • Adult products or services. 
  • Bail bonds. 
  • Automotive parts and accessories.  
  • Regulated industries, like tobacco, cannabis, liquor, firearms, etc.  
  • Debt collections and credit repair. 
  • Online dating services.  
  • Dropshipping.  
  • Weight loss and dieting. 
  • Pawn shops. 
  • Online gaming and casinos.  
  • Travel and vacation.  

The high-risk label might impact your bottom line.  

On top of annoying you with a lengthier application process, being labelled high risk by your processor also comes with potential financial repercussions. These can include: 

  • Higher card processing fees. 
  • Higher chargeback fees.  
  • Cash reserve requirements – where the processor might hold onto some of your revenue as a hedge. 
  • Processing volume caps. 

None of these are ideal for your business, especially if you’re a new company trying to get off the ground and become profitable.  

What can you do?  

Unfortunately, you need a card processor, and you can’t always control the variables that mark you as high-risk. If it looks like this might end up being you, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk level, such as implementing policies to reduce chargeback levels and working towards improving your credit rating.  

It’s also important to note that many processors will try to lock high-risk accounts into longer-term contracts. Why wouldn’t they if they’re charging higher rates, right? If you’re signing a new contract, or stuck in a contract you’re unhappy with, working with an independent professional to review your card processing environment could be extremely beneficial.  

In conclusion… 

Every payment processor has different rules for what makes a business a ‘high-risk’ account. Falling into that category, regardless of whether or not it’s in your control, can impact your payment processing fees, and therefore, your business’ profitability.  

Cal Wilson / June 6, 2023

How do you cultivate innovation in the workplace?

In any business or organization, innovation is important for a number of reasons. Be it creative problem solving, new marketing methods, strategies for employee retention, or any number of important leadership initiatives, innovation is key.  

In this issue of the Pulse, we look at ways employers and managers can cultivate innovation in their workplace.  

Innovation starts at the door.  

Hiring a wide range of applicants, from different backgrounds and experiences, is critical to fostering a culture of innovation. This brings a multitude of perspectives to your team, which is key in sparking innovation.  

It’s important to be aware of this because many of us unconsciously tend to hire people with similar backgrounds and thought processes to our own. But, as innovation strategist Alex Gonzalez told the World Economic Forum (WEF), it’s dangerous “not to bring a multitude of voices, values, thought mechanisms, needs, and belief systems to the innovation gallery.” 

Be committed to constant learning.  

According to Deloitte, “high-performing learning organizations” are 92% more likely to innovate. Meaning, along with having a Learning & Development team on staff, it’s important to be committed to the lifelong learning and skill development of each member of your staff.  

This includes ensuring employees have access to the necessary resources, such as time, tools, training, and technology, to pursue innovative ideas and skills-development.  

Foster openness, belonging, and collaboration.  

Innovation is a natural conclusion of inclusive, supportive teamwork. It can only result within an organization where belonging, acceptance, and collaboration are a priority. The security that comes with a sense of belonging and acceptance leads to curiosity, which then fosters innovation.  

Your organization can help foster this kind of environment by encouraging open communication and valuing and acknowledging employee input, ideas, and feedback.  

Resist micromanagement.  

The death knoll of innovation can often, unfortunately, happen when middle management micromanages their staff.  

According to the WEF, “micromanagers tend to use the authority of their position to control how work gets done, create unnecessary bottlenecks, and focus on employees’ weaknesses and failures. All of this has a negative impact on engagement, productivity, and teamwork.” 

Encourage risk-taking.  

Innovation can only happen when employees feel safe to experiment, make mistakes, adjust, and try again. That’s part of why micromanaging is so detrimental. If your employees don’t feel safe to take risks, they will never progress, innovate, or come up with solutions to new problems.  

Recognizing and rewarding this innovation is critical in encouraging more, as well. Celebrate successes and publicly acknowledge individuals or teams who have made significant innovative contributions. 

Establish cross-departmental collaboration.  

It’s important to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing across different departments and teams. Encourage employees from diverse backgrounds and skill sets to work together on projects, as this can lead to fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. 

In conclusion… 

Innovation is crucial for the longevity of any business or organization. There is a lot you can do, as an employer or manager, that unintentionally stifles innovation. Proactively taking steps to foster curiosity, problem-solving, and collaboration among your staff will greatly aid overall innovation.  

Cal Wilson / May 29, 2023

Is textile recycling a future business standard?

A common material to end up in landfills, despite its recycling potential, is textiles. In fact, fewer than six percent of large cities in the United States accept discarded textiles in curbside recycling bins. It’s not a service that is widely available to the public, despite a pressing need to keep textiles out of landfills.  

For businesses that deal with textiles, recycling these materials might become a consumer expectation sooner rather than later, as the push for sustainability impacts shoppers’ decisions.  

How are textiles recycled? 

Textile recycling typically follows these steps: 

  1. Collection, where used textiles are gathered from various sources, either via drop-off points, curbside pickups, or dedicated recycling centers. 
  2. Sorting, where the collected textiles are sorted based on their material composition, condition, and potential for reuse. Items in good condition may be sorted for resale, while damaged or unusable textiles are set aside for recycling. 
  3. Cleaning, where the textiles suitable for reuse are washed or dry-cleaned to remove dirt, stains, and odors.  
  4. Reuse and resale, where the cleaned textiles are sold for reuse in secondhand stores, consignment shops, online platforms, or exported to other countries where there is a demand for used clothing. 
  5. Recycling, where the textiles not suitable for reuse are processed for recycling. 
  6. Manufacturing, where the recycled fibers or materials are transformed into new textile products, such as clothing, home furnishings, insulation, automotive textiles, or industrial materials. 

There are three main methods of recycling: 

  • Mechanical recycling, common for cotton, wool, and synthetic fibers, where textiles are shredded or torn into fibers and then spun into new yarns or fabrics. 
  • Chemical recycling, where chemical processes are used to break down textiles into their basic components, such as fibers or polymers, which can then be used to produce new textiles, plastics, or other materials. 
  • Fiber regeneration, a special technology that can regenerate fibers from old textiles. 

Companies are beginning to invest in textile recycling.  

As sustainability efforts become more important for the planet, and for brand reputation, more and more companies across the textiles industry are investing in recycling programs.  

Most recently, athleisure wear brand Lululemon invested in Australian recycling company Samsara Eco. According to PYMNTS, Lululemon and Samsara Eco “will collaborate to make recycled nylon and polyester from the apparel waste generated while producing Lululemon’s athletic apparel and use it to create brand-new apparel.” 

Other examples include: 

  • Swiss sportswear brand On has a subscription program where customers get an endless supply of running shoes, provided they return worn-out pairs to be recycled. 
  • H&M offers a program called ‘Close the Loop’ which allows customers to bring clothing to any in-store recycling bin and receive a coupon to use toward their next purchase. 
  • Zara-owner, Inditex, has a sustainability initiative called ‘Zara Preowned’ which lets customers prolong the life of their clothing by either having it repaired, reselling it, or donating it. 

With more big names adopting these kinds of incentives, it seems reasonable to assume that textile recycling is going to continue to be at the forefront of the apparel industry.  

Textile waste is on the rise.  

The push for more textile recycling options is incredibly timely, as textile waste rates are only rising.  

In the United States alone, textile waste has increased by 80% over the past 20 years and is the country’s fastest-growing waste stream. That amounts to over 30 billion pounds of textile waste being burned and dumped every year. 

In conclusion… 

Textile waste is a growing problem, and consumers don’t always have easy access to recycling solutions. Some apparel brands are leading the charge to offer textile solutions to their customers, as a part of a rising cultural shift towards sustainability. As green initiatives become more and more present in shoppers’ minds, these recycling incentives may become a standard expectation.  

Cal Wilson / May 23, 2023

The importance of self-investment

“One of the best pieces of advice I ever received from a business advisor was to always invest in myself,” Candice Georgiadis, founder of Digital Day, once told Forbes. “This meant continuing my education and learning new things in order to stay ahead of the competition. Not only did this advice help me professionally, but it also helped me grow as a person.” 

Often, we are instilled with the belief that we have to give everything we can to outside forces; organizations, jobs, causes, people. However, it is just as important, if not more, that we invest time and effort into ourselves. 

In this issue of the Pulse, we examine what that looks like, and why it’s important.  

What does investing in yourself look like? 

While this is going to depend on each individual person and their goals, investing in yourself generally means putting time, money, and energy into your present and future. This could mean advancing your skills, taking the time for therapy, participating in a hobby, or working towards fitness goals. It could also mean taking steps towards career advancement, whether or not that is at your current place of employment.  

It’s easy to rationalize yourself out of truly committing to self-investment. With so much going on in our professional and personal lives – and with evolving tech increasing productivity, less time away from our work – investing in ourselves often gets deprioritized compared to things that feel more urgent.  

Like a financial investment, the yields gain over time.  

While making the decision to alter your routine in order to practice self-investment may seem difficult, or like adding more to your plate, it can have some pretty significant returns. They include: 

  • Building self-confidence and self-esteem. 
  • Improving old skills or acquiring new ones. 
  • Developing a refreshed sense of purpose or motivation. 
  • Building connections with likeminded individuals. 
  • Strengthening your adaptability/resiliency to change. 

In turn, all these gains lead to new or better career opportunities, promotions, increased satisfaction, and financial success.  

How do you start? 

If you’re looking to invest more in yourself, here are some concrete ways to begin: 

  • Set goals, write them down, and stick to them.  
  • Dedicate specific time each week to learning new things – this could be via books, podcasts, online tutorials, or in person classes.  
  • Make small, meaningful changes to your routine that you can hold yourself accountable for.  

In conclusion… 

It’s easy to forget to prioritize yourself. However, in the long run, self-investment has better returns than giving all of your effort to external causes.  

For financial, personal, and professional success, begin investing in yourself as soon as possible.  

Cal Wilson / May 15, 2023

The food and beverage industry and compressed gases

Compressed gases are an expense you might not think about very often. However, for the food and beverage industry, compressed gases like liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide ensure health standards are met and operations run smoothly.  

In this article, we look at how compressed gases help power the food and beverage industry.  

Carbon Dioxide (CO2). 

CO2 is the most common compressed gas used in the food and beverage industry. It has a multitude of different applications, including, but not limited to: 

  • Drink production – most obviously, carbonated drinks need CO2 for that fizzy quality many of us enjoy. Carbonation also prevents drinks from spoiling during storage.  
  • Preservation of grains, fruits, and vegetables – when these foodstuffs are harvested and stored, they are often susceptible to pests. Adding CO2 to the facility helps protect them by killing insects or pests without leaving any harmful toxins on the foodstuffs that could impact consumers.  
  • Atmosphere control – adding CO2 to a storage environment through Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) or Controlled Atmosphere Packaging (CAS) also helps keep perishables like fruits and vegetables fresh for a longer period by preventing ripening, toughening, and mold growth.  
  • Livestock slaughter – CO2 is used to immobilize animals before slaughtering. Using CO2 increases the blood pressure of the animals, resulting in better quality meat. 
  • Cryogenic freezing – this method of refrigeration uses CO2 because it’s faster, ensuring that the meat is better preserved without losing taste or texture. Products like meat, fruits, baked goods, dairy products, and more can all be stored with CO2 freezing.  
  • pH level control – CO2 can be used to control the pH level of certain products, such as fruit juices and wines. When CO2 is dissolved in water, it creates carbonic acid, which can be used to adjust the pH level of a product. 

Nitrogen (N2). 

Nitrogen gas is an inexpensive, widely available option for various processes in the food manufacturing and packaging industries. These include:  

  • Atmosphere control – like with CO2, N2 can be added to packaging and manufacturing environments to preserve freshness, protect nutrients, and prevent aerobic microbial growth.  
  • Aeration – nitrogen gas is used in the aeration process, which gives certain foods, like chocolate bars, a special texture and consistency.  
  • Beverage processing – for alcoholic beverages, N2 is often used to regulate the fermentation process, which helps preserve the flavor and aroma of the final product. 
  • Pressurization – a food processing method that inactivates spoilage microorganisms and foodborne pathogens. 

Oxygen (O2). 

Oxygen is an increasingly popular choice in the food and beverage industry due to environmental concerns and evolving regulatory standards. Oxygen is an alternative for several of the previously mentioned applications, including aeration and fermentation.  

Other gases commonly used.  

C02, N2, and O2 may be the most commonly used compressed gases in the food and beverage industry, but they are by no means the only ones used. Others include: 

  • Nitrous oxide as a pressure dispensing agent. 
  • Propane for aeration or propellant. 
  • Iso-butane as a propellant. 
  • Ethylene as a fumigant. 

In conclusion… 

Across all sectors of the food and beverage industry, compressed gases are integral in maintaining quality and safety.