WORCESTER, MA - The Massachusetts Pirates, Champions of the Indoor Football League will kick off its season on Saturday night at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center vs. the Frisco Fighters at 7:05. The curtain will go up on the IFL season as it will be the first game to be played in the league in 2022. The Pirates will also raise their first ever championship banner in a pre-game ceremony.
Massachusetts will take the field riding an 11 game winning streak that dates back to last year. This will also be the head coaching debut of Rayshaun Kizer. Kizer was Massachusetts' Defensive Coordinator last season and was promoted as former Head Coach Patrick Pass has moved to a front office position as Director of Football Personnel Development.
This is a rematch of an IFL semifinal from a season ago, which was the last game to be played on Phoenix Field in 2021 that was won by the Pirates.
Instant Rivalry
The Pirates and the Fighters met three times last season and established a rivalry that has kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The first meeting took place on June 12 at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center. Fighters’ quarterback Jerrod Heard ran the ball 13 times for 58 yards and two touchdowns to lead Frisco to a 40-33 victory. Pirates QB Alejandro Bennifield threw for three scores and ran for another in the defeat. Frisco remained undefeated at 4-0 while the Pirates slipped to 3 and 3. It would be the last loss that Massachusetts would suffer as it went on to win its next 11 games to claim the IFL Championship.
On July 3, the Comerica Center in Frisco, TX was the stage for the rematch. The Fighters entered the game undefeated at 5-0, but a 27-yard field goal by Josh Gable as time expired gave the Pirates a 38-37 upset win.
The third meeting was in the semifinals of the IFL playoffs on September 4. The Pirates defense dominated, holding the Fighters to just 23 yards rushing in a 43-22 victory at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center to advance to the United Bowl. Bennifield threw three touchdown passes and running back Justin Stockton carried 14 times for 75 yards and two touchdowns.
Saturday marks the first time Rayshaun Kizer will be on the sidelines as a Head Coach. As Defensive Coordinator and Secondary Coach last season with the Pirates, the former five-time All-Arena League defensive back built a defense that led the league in nine defensive categories. The most impressive stat was that over 17 games, Massachusetts allowed an IFL best 31.6 points per game.
This will also be the first game for the Frisco Fighters with Billy Back as Head Coach. Back joins Frisco after coaching the Spokane Shock into the playoffs last season. Back is 6-2 lifetime against the Pirates having coached against Massachusetts with Spokane and with the Carolina Cobras of the National Arena League. He has an overall record of 112-45 in 10 seasons and is a five-time indoor football champion as a head coach.
Pirates to Watch
For the Pirates, one of the IFL’s most prolific passing combinations returns this season in Alejandro Bennifled to Thomas Owens. Bennifield was the Most Valuable Player in the United Bowl against the Arizona Rattlers in Phoenix in the 37-34 overtime victory that gave the Pirates their first ever championship. In 16 games Bennifield was third in the IFL completing 169 passes. His 309 attempts were second most in the league. He ranked fourth completing 55 percent of his throws, finished second with 43 touchdowns, 1,972 yards, ten interceptions and ranked third with an efficiency rating of 147.8.
Owens led the Indoor Football League in receptions and receiving yards with 77 catches last season and was the only IFL receiver to surpass 1,000 receiving yards as he amassed 1,014.
The 6’1” 207 lb. Owens was a unanimous selection to the All-IFL First Team Offense as he pulled in the longest TD reception of the season (45 yards), ranked second with 27 touchdown receptions and averaged 59.6 receiving yards per game.
Defensively the Pirates return three All-IFL performers in defensive backs Harlan Miller and Chucky Williams and defensive lineman Toby Johnson
PARRIS, GONZALES RETURN TO SUGAR SKULLS BROADCAST FOR 2022
TUCSON – The Tucson Sugar Skulls are proud to announce their broadcast team for the 2022 Indoor Football League season. The Sugar Skulls' broadcast team will feature Tucson native and KGUN 9 News anchor, Pat Parris, who returns as the Play-by-play Broadcaster, and Fox Sports 1450 AM's Jay Gonzales as the Color Commentator.
Pat Parris of KGUN 9 News will return to the Sugar Skulls for his third season as the team's play-by-play broadcaster. A native of Tucson, Parris is a Sabino High School alum, who went to the University of Arizona, before transferring to Drake University, which he graduated from with a Broadcast News degree. Parris is a four-time Regional Emmy Award winner and 30-year veteran to the broadcast industry.
Jay Gonzales of Fox Sports 1450 AM will join the Sugar Skulls for his second straight season as the team's color commentator. Gonzales previously worked in the Tucson Sugar Skulls front office during the team's inaugural 2019 season. Having been involved in the Tucson sports scene for 40 years through reporting and media operations of major sporting events, Gonzales currently co-hosts "Eye on the Ball," a sports talk radio show, on the Sugar Skulls' radio flagship station, Fox Sports 1450 AM. Gonzales, also a Tucson native, graduated from Sahuaro High School and earned a journalism degree from the University of Arizona.
Gonzales will also be co-hosting the Sugar Skulls' Coaches Show on StreamYard every Wednesday, with head coach Dixie Wooten and a bevy of exciting guests rotating throughout the season.
The returning dynamic duo of Parris and Gonzales will call Tucson Sugar Skulls 2022 home games, which will be televised locally on Cox Yurview, channel 7 as well as simulcast to the Sugar Skulls' radio flagship, Fox Sports 1450 AM, foxsports1450.iheart.com and the iHeartRadio app.
All Sugar Skulls 2022 regular-season games will be available to stream on the IFL's YouTube channel for fans outside of the Tucson market. The Sugar Skulls' 2022 season will kick off on Sunday, March 27 at Las Vegas, with their first home game set to take place on Saturday, April 9 against the San Diego Strike Force.
PRESEASON COACHES POLL
SIOUX FALLS, SD - The debut Coaches Poll for the 2022 IFL football season is upon us. The coaches poll is conducted weekly throughout the regular season and voted on by the Head Coaches in the Indoor Football League.
Champion Massachusetts starts the 2022 season just as it ended the 2021 season -- atop the polls. Followed by Arizona and Frisco to round out the top three.
Late Friday, the Washington State Legislature dealt another blow to gun owners in the Pacific Northwest. With a vote of 55-42, the Washington Senate passed SB5078. Everyone knows the law does nothing to enhance public safety. It only gives desperate Democrat lawmakers a pound of flesh that they can throw to their gun-hating base.
SB5078 does nothing for public safety —
The magazine ban applies to both center-fire and rim-fired magazines that hold 10 rounds or more. SB507 bans the manufacture, possession, distribution, importation, selling, offering for sale, purchasing, or transfer of these so-called high capacity magazines.
Friday’s 11:00 PM vote timing ensured weekend activities, and skyrocketing gas prices would likely obscure its reporting.
One of the bill’s sponsors called, Senator Marko Liias said this after the passing vote:
For too long, we have accepted gun violence as an inevitable part of life. My own community was impacted by gun violence in 2016 when three young lives were lost due to a mass shooting. Today, the Legislature took long-overdue action to protect families across Washington from that harm by restricting the sale of high-capacity magazines. This is a commonsense policy that will save lives, and I am grateful for all of the years of advocacy that led to its passage.
There is still time to purchase your 10 round magazines —
Washingtonians can still possess magazines with over 10 rounds; but there is wording in the final bill that limits where and for what purposes you can possess them legally. Here is that wording:
… allowing continued possession of large capacity magazines limited to possession prior to, and inheritance on or after, the effective date of this act, subject to certain restrictions on the ability to sell or transfer such large capacity magazines and permitting their possession only on the owner’s property or while engaged in lawful outdoor recreational activities or use at a licensed shooting range, or when transporting the large capacity magazine to or from these locations,
Apparently, you can use the magazines for everything except if you want to use the magazine for an everyday carry (EDC) gun.
Ammoland reported that orders placed on Palmetto State Armory for “high capacity” magazines from Washington state would ship out immediately and prioritize other orders. So you folks in Washington State have until July 1st to legally purchase magazines over 10 rounds.
When fighting the Russians, 30-rounders come in handy.
More anti-gun legislation is sure to follow —
I don’t live in Washington, but if you do, I suggest looking into organizations like Washington Civil Rights Association. The Washington Legislature is hostile toward freedom and gun rights, and they won’t stop attacking your rights. Hold your elected officials accountable and vote out the ones who trample on liberty.
Here is a post from the Washinton Civil Rights Association’s Facebook page that includes an explanatory graphic on SB 5078.
The best gun-law resource for gun-owners who travel —
Consider checking out the Legal Boundaries by State book. This resource includes way more than a reciprocity map. The book provides all the laws you need to know when you travel to another state. Things like if you have a duty to notify law enforcement, if there are magazine capacity limitations and if ignoring those “no gun” signs could get you arrested. The book is regularly updated, with new editions released periodically. The e-version is updated any time a law goes into effect, and you have lifetime access to the e-version. You can learn more about the book, by clicking here.
People know that testosterone is a sex hormone, but it also
has a significant impact on one's health, let’s take a look at “What
Lowers Testosterone”.
It's critical to keep this hormone’s levels in
check if you want to develop muscle mass, improve sexual function, or
increase strength. (Continued below.....)
(...Continued.....)What Lowers Testosterone Levels: What are the Causes, and How Can You Prevent It?
It is true that testosterone levels are dropping all around the
world. As a wave of low testosterone diagnoses sweeps the nation, many
men are anxious about their testosterone levels. Furthermore, the
typical man's testosterone level is roughly 25% lower than it was 30
years ago.
While numerous factors play a role in testosterone management, a good
diet is essential for maintaining testosterone levels and preventing
them from falling too low.
What is Low Testosterone Levels?
When testosterone levels are less than 300 ng/dL, it is known as low
testosterone. Experts have stated that a normal range is 300 to 1,000
ng/dL. If you want to check the amount of circulating testosterone, you
should go for a blood test called a serum testosterone test.
What Decreases Testosterone?
Testosterone management is dictated by multiple factors, but
maintaining a balanced diet is essential for keeping testosterone levels
in check and preventing them from falling too low.
Hundreds of hours of research have shown that some diets have
negative impacts on testosterone levels. Soy, almonds, salmon, spearmint
tea, red reishi mushrooms, flaxseed, processed carbs, and meat hormones
are just a few examples. It's critical to eat these meals in moderation
to effectively fight these side effects.
There are beverages to avoid as well as meals that alter testosterone
levels. Beer and water with high estrogen levels are two of the most
well-known beverages. It has been discovered that even modest alcohol
use can lower testosterone levels by up to 6.8%.
In today's world, sleep deprivation is a relatively frequent
condition. Lack of sleep leads to lower morning testosterone levels in
middle-aged and older men (and even younger males).
Regular exercise naturally raises testosterone levels, but too much
of it might have negative consequences. High-intensity activities have
been associated with reduced sex drive and testosterone levels,
according to some studies.
Cortisol levels are directly related to chronic stress, making it
difficult for hormones to flow through brain pathways. This inhibits the
production of reproductive hormones, including testosterone.
What Foods Decrease Testosterone?
Here are the foods that decrease testosterone levels:
Soy and soy containing foods
Soy is high in phytoestrogen isoflavones, which are estrogen-like
chemicals found in plants. These phytoestrogens can activate estrogen
receptors in your body, but they can also inhibit androgen receptor
activity, which is where testosterone attaches. If it can't attach to
those receptors, your testosterone won't be able to do its job — and you
won't be able to either.
Despite multiple research, the verdict on soy is still out, with
inconsistent outcomes. It's definitely better to think of soy as a
possible testosterone killer and limit your intake until further study
is done.
Products derived from milk
Before you go for that cheese plate or a tall glass of whole milk,
think twice. Dairy products have been shown in several studies to lower
testosterone levels. Pregnant female cows provide the majority of
commercially produced and marketed milk, and their milk is high in
estrogen and progesterone. These hormones decrease
gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which males require for the
production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone
(LH) (LH). Your testes can't create testosterone if they aren't
released.
Alcohol
A few drinks here and there won't give your hormones a hangover.
However, if you drink a lot of beer, spirits, or wine, your testosterone
levels may drop.
Alcohol use impairs the function of the hypothalamus, pituitary
gland, and testes, according to considerable study. The hypothalamus,
like cheese, is unable to release GnRH, the pituitary gland is unable to
release FSH and LH, and your testes are unable to make testosterone. In
other words, if you're overserved all of the time, your hormones will
become underserved. Worse, they're the ones who foot the bill. Alcohol
abuse may harm your body in a variety of ways, including your liver,
kidneys, and heart, in addition to destroying testosterone. Please drink
responsibly and in moderation.
Products from bakeries
Who doesn't like a delicious cookie or loaf of bread, especially one
that has just come out of the oven? Unfortunately, many baked products
are heavy in trans-unsaturated fatty acids, often known as trans-fat,
which have been linked to a drop in T levels. According to a 2017 study,
people who ate meals high in trans-fat had testosterone levels that
were 15% lower than those who ate the least. Baked products like
pastries, danish, pies, and other sweet delights can raise your insulin
levels, and it can result in low testosterone levels and poor taste.
Keep this in mind the next time you're tempted to have a second
doughnut.
Mint
You may have heard that spearmint and peppermint are natural stress
relievers, digestive aids and provide sinus relief. They can also aid in
the freshening of your breath. Mint may, unfortunately, stink when it
comes to male hormones, according to some studies. More study is needed,
particularly with human male participants, before a conclusive link
between mint and low testosterone can be established.
Nuts
Certain nuts have a negative impact on your hormones. Nuts have a
good reputation for being abundant in healthful fats and minerals, but
studies reveal that nuts strong in polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as
walnuts, pistachios, peanuts, pecans, and almonds, might promote
oxidative stress in storage tissues, lowering testosterone levels.
Flaxseed
There's no denying that flaxseed has health advantages, such as
lowering blood pressure and enhancing cholesterol levels and intestinal
health. However, too much of it can turn into a testosterone killer.
Other foods that can lower testosterone levels are processed foods, vegetable oil, and Licorice root.
Risks Associated with Low Testosterone Levels
This hormone is largely responsible for men's sexual urges. A drop in
testosterone might result in a drop in libido. One of the most
significant concerns for men with low testosterone levels is the
possibility that their sexual drive and performance will be harmed.
Men may have a variety of symptoms linked to sexual function as they
age, which might be caused by reduced levels of this hormone.
Low testosterone production is not a prevalent cause of erectile
dysfunction. Hormone replacement treatment may assist your erectile
dysfunction if you have erectile dysfunction and poor testosterone
production. These adverse effects aren't usually noticeable right away.
If they do, it's possible that low testosterone levels aren't the main
factor.
Low levels of this hormone can cause a variety of physical changes in
your body. The “masculine” hormone, testosterone, is occasionally
referred to as such. It helps in muscular mass development, promotes the
growth of body hair, and adds to a more manly appearance.
Low testosterone levels can lead to fatigue, sleeplessness, and other
sleep disturbances. Sleep apnea can be caused or exacerbated by
testosterone replacement treatment. Sleep apnea is a significant medical
disorder in which your breathing continuously stops and starts while
you are sleeping. In the process, it can interrupt your sleep pattern
and put you at risk for severe concerns, such as a stroke.
It is a hormone that has an impact on emotional control. Low
testosterone has been related to depression in males. The reasons can be
low testosterone-related irritation, diminished sex drive, and
weariness.
Foods That Raise Testosterone
Some medical therapies, particularly in younger men, can help to
boost low testosterone levels, but a person can also stimulate the body
to create more testosterone by making dietary and lifestyle changes. The
foods that raise testosterone are listed below.
Bananas
Bromelain, an enzyme found in bananas, is known to help raise
testosterone levels. Bananas are also great for keeping energy levels up
and lowering antioxidants, making them the ideal on-the-go snack!
Beef
Red meat over consumption has become a severe health hazard. On the
other hand, the right parts of meat are said to be helpful for men in
improving their testosterone levels. More importantly, zinc is abundant
in meats like ground beef. In addition, vitamin D is abundant in beef
liver.
However, like with other things, you should consume beef without
overeating. It is also possible to replace beef with a different
protein. You can also go for a vegetable instead of eating it every day.
Shellfish
It is true that fish and oysters are helpful for low testosterone
levels. However, a great approach to get zinc into your diet is to eat
shellfish to improve testosterone levels.
Tuna and Salmon
Tuna is rich in protein, and it is also low in calories. You can also
get a sufficient amount of vitamin D, which has been linked to higher
testosterone levels. The typical person's daily vitamin D need is met by
one dish of tuna. If tuna isn't your thing, other wonderful sources of
vitamin D include salmon, cod, tilapia, and a variety of other seafood.
When it comes to seafood, though, remember that moderation is key. To
reduce your mercury consumption, limit yourself to two or three portions
of seafood each week.
Tuna is high in Vitamin D, and it can be helpful in increasing
testosterone levels by up to 90%! Vitamin D is important for sperm count
maintenance, and tuna is a fantastic source of this vitamin, especially
if you don't get much time outside!
Lemons
Lemons (like other citrus fruits) are excellent testosterone
boosters! They, like garlic, assist in reducing cortisol levels,
allowing the testosterone to be created faster. In addition, they also
contain vitamin A, which is necessary for testosterone synthesis and can
help suppress estrogen levels, making testosterone more effective.
Oats for Porridge
Porridge oats are high in B vitamins, which are essential for
testosterone synthesis. B vitamins are available in the market in many
forms, and many of them may be found in testosterone-boosting meals.
Vitamin B6 has a direct function in testosterone synthesis by
suppressing estrogen production and therefore allowing testosterone
levels to grow!
Beans
Beans contain sufficient quantities of both zinc and vitamin D.
They're also a plant-based protein that helps with heart health. Baked
beans are another fantastic source of vitamin D and zinc, but you'll
still need to complement your diet with other sources.
Spinach
This vegetable has long been regarded as one of the finest meals for
increasing testosterone levels. It's one of the most popular superfoods!
Spinach is a natural supply of magnesium, which has been linked to a
higher amount of testosterone hormone. In addition, vitamin B6 and iron
are also good for testosterone, and they are also found in spinach.
Egg Yolks
Another great source of vitamin D to include in your diet is egg
yolks. In recent years, eggs have gained a negative image for being high
in cholesterol, prompting many individuals to abandon egg yolks.
However, it has been proven that egg yolks contain more nutrients than
egg whites and. Moreover, they can aid men with low testosterone levels.
You may comfortably eat one to three eggs for breakfast each day unless
you have excessive cholesterol.
Use of Supplements to Raise Testosterone
Along with the proper diet, another effective way to boost
testosterone naturally is with the use of supplements. Many people take
testosterone boosters because they are considered to be a great way to
increase muscle growth. Most of the testosterone boosters advertised on
the internet claim to improve testosterone levels while, in fact, many
of these products have no effect on testosterone levels at all. But some
testosterone supplements do in fact enhance your testosterone levels,
but this generally only lasts a few months.
When paired with a balanced diet, testosterone boosters can help
enhance testosterone levels and provide additional advantages. Some
testosterone boosters can enhance your testosterone levels by 20 to 50
percent, depending on the components and your lifestyle. Fenugreek is a
well-studied plant that boosts testosterone levels and improves
performance. So, it is recommended to use a testosterone booster
containing Fenugreek.
Conclusion
An easy first step to deal with low testosterone levels is to create
and keep to a balanced diet comprising the above-mentioned
testosterone-boosting foods and supplements. However, to counteract low
testosterone, we recommend you to see your primary care physician and
plan your meals and supplements after consultation.
I'm a nutritionist and weight loss expert from Chicago
Illinois. I've worked in the fitness industry for 10yrs. To find many
nutritious meal ideas, workout routines and products to help you
maintain a healthy and well fit body visit https://ketodietplan.org
Forgiveness and reconciliation will give you a sense of true
freedom. With that freedom, you can leave your past behind and move
into all God has planned for your life.
Ephesians 2:10 is one of my favorite verses and it reads, "For we are
His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God
prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Recently, I was
writing in my prayer journal and prayed about this scripture. I asked
God to remove all from my life that prohibits me from walking in His
will and completing the good works he has prepared for me. I wrote down
several things I want to accomplish in life and asked God to show me if
my desires are in line with His will. (Continued below...)
On this week's installment of The Rock Almighty Voices, we feature one of the icons of Christ-centered Rock with a fun, and goofy, interview from '88 with the band.
Support our efforts to Make Music Godly Again by getting the music and swag you dig'
(...Continued.....)As I pondered over my long list, I suddenly felt a sense of true
freedom. It occurred to me that because I had put so many other
burdensome things behind me, I could now clearly and freely focus on
what God wants to do in and through me. I know one of the things that
burdened me in the past and held me back was my unforgiving heart.
Holding back on granting forgiveness can be a stumbling block to
progress and most of the time we can’t see that reality. So much time
is spent in bondage, being held captive by past mistakes, anger and
regrets.
In order to get through that period of "bondage," I spent a lot of
time in prayer, asking God to mend my broken relationships with my
siblings. However, in addition to praying, I took action. I reached
out to my siblings and wrote each one a letter of reconciliation,
forgiving them for any grievance against me and asking them to forgive
me as well. It was at that point I was able to experience true freedom
in Christ. Once I stopped festering about the injustices against me and
owned up to the role I played in my broken relationships, I was able to
let God change my heart and heal me from the inside out. Once I let go
of my hardened heart, I was able to take hold of God’s grace.
I have seen progress in my life because I took this journey to
reconciliation and forgiveness. I know that what God wants for my life
is always better than what I choose, so I chose forgiveness. Do you
have a broken relationship that is weighing on your heart, mind or
spirit? Is this burdensome situation holding you back from experiencing
freedom in Christ? If so, there are a few things you can do.
First, pray that God will soften your heart toward your offender and
the situation. Second, decide that forgiveness is not an option, but a
necessity. Third, take action. Will you join me on the journey to
forgiveness and healing by writing a letter of reconciliation? If so,
visit my project website at http://www.thehealinglettersproject.com.
The site walks you through the step-by-step process of how to write a
letter of reconciliation to make amends.
God wants to do big things in your life today. Will you forgive
someone today, or ask for his/her forgiveness, so you may be set free
and be used for God’s glory?
Natacha Cann is a certified Life Coach, mentor and founder
of The Healing Letters Project. The project encourages women to write
letters of reconciliation to their family, friends and loved ones to
make amends, seek forgiveness and repair broken relationships.
Even before the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many people used
their free time to engage in their passions. Whether knitting scarves
and selling them on Etsy or doing home repair work for neighbors, side
gigs are becoming more common for people with standard, 9-to-5 day jobs. (Continued below.....)
Live Streams and Breaking Sports News!
Side hustles are great options for many people for a few reasons —
they serve as an extra source of income, help you make ends meet, or
build savings for retirement. The money you bring in from a side gig can
be used for various purposes, depending on your financial situation and
future goals.
Aside from financial gains, side hustles allow you to do what you
enjoy and are passionate about, something your day job might lack. It’s
common for professionals in the corporate world to switch paths and take
on a new business endeavor that’s more tailored to their passions.
Why Are Side Hustles Booming Right Now?
The pandemic has prompted many professionals to reflect on their
careers. Some decided to leave their jobs entirely and fully invest time
and money into their side hustle.
This contributes to what’s being coined as “The Great Resignation.”
It’s a period where an unprecedented amount of the American workforce is
resigning for many reasons.
According to U.S. Census data, U.S. Business formations rose by 47%
in 2020. This highlights the slew of professionals taking advantage of
the opportunity to create companies. However, it can be challenging to
know if your side hustle is capable of scaling. You’re likely flooded
with questions: Will this work? When do I quit my day job? Is this
realistic for my financial situation?
Signs Your Side Hustle Could Be a Viable Business
Here are some telltale signs that your side hustle is ready to be taken to the next level:
• You’ve identified a need in the marketplace, and you can meet customer demands
• Your side hustle has taken on a life of its own
• You are already profiting from your side hustle
• You need a change from your day-to-day routine
• You’re an authoritative force in your industry
• You’ve built a reputation among your competitors
Of course, you could spend hours contemplating every small detail
when deciding if your side hustle could be transformed into a real
business. It’s also worth noting that how you speak about your gig can
impact your perception of if it will be successful or not.
For example, if you continue to call it a side gig, that’s what it
will be. If you truly believe in the products or services you offer, you
should consider calling it what it is: a business. Dreams only work if
you do.
Here are some signs that your side project may not be viable as a business:
• It cuts time into your day job without being profitable
• You create emotional reasons to justify why you have this side hustle
• You lack consistency when working on your side gig
• You’re not ready to put yourself out there
• You’re not meeting an existing customer demand
The decision ultimately comes down to you and your financial
situation. It’s best to have six to 12 months of saved income before you
decide to take your side hustle to the next level.
It may take that amount of time to earn profits from your business,
and the last thing you want is to drain your savings. Financial security
should always be a top priority for anyone entering the entrepreneurial
landscape. Entrepreneurs need to be wise in their saving strategies to
stay afloat if they experience any emergencies.
How to Transform a Side Gig Into a Business
If you’ve decided to elevate your side hustle, you must take steps to
ensure you set your business up for success. This way, your company is
more likely to survive and thrive in a competitive market.
Draft a Business Plan
Without putting your business ideas onto paper, it’ll be challenging
to know if this is something worth fighting for. If you do not already
have a drafted business plan, make sure you write down all the details
you’ll need to know in advance. For example, you should start with your
mission statement and the overall goal you want to achieve. It should be
followed by an executive summary, company description, organizational
structure, and a breakdown of finances.
Planning is crucial when launching your business, so taking extra
time out of your day to draft a thorough business plan will give you the
best start.
Perform Thorough Market Research
Market research will play a significant role in determining your
target market and help you operate your business as it scales. It also
enables you to determine how viable your business plan is.
Suppose your side hustle is selling handmade jewelry to local friends
or family members. While this is certainly a good side gig, you may not
be tuned into customer needs. Your ultimate goal in market research is
to see what your customers do or do not like about your products or
services. This will minimize the risks associated with launching a new
business.
Establish a Legal Business
It’s critical to take the right steps to separate your business and
personal finances. Your side hustle may have given you some disposable
income, maybe through a payment app like Venmo, CashApp or Zelle. This
won’t be sustainable if you’re ready to take your side gig to the next
level.
Choose how you want to incorporate your business and whether you want
to establish a sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), or
partnership. Incorporation may seem daunting, but it’s quite easy as
long as you have a couple of hundred dollars to cover fees. You’ll also
need to register your business with the state and receive an employer
identification number (EIN).
Consider Purchasing Business Insurance
Business insurance is a necessity. It would offer protection if your
company were to experience an emergency, such as fires, floods, or
property damage.
While the state you’re in will determine what type of coverage you
need, it’s worth investigating and investing in. There are many benefits
to having small business insurance:
• It attracts new clients to your business
• It enables you to find and keep new employees
• It protects your business from lawsuits and claims
• It keeps your company profitable year-over-year
• It helps you conform to legal requirements5. Invest in Marketing and Advertising
Every business needs to have a hand in the marketing and advertising
landscape. Without these crucial components, how would you attract
potential customers? You need to have a viable strategy and choose an
appropriate advertising approach when launching your business.
Consider placing ads in your local newspaper or online news source.
As your business scales, you may want to think about hiring dedicated
advertising or marketing professionals to help you with this part of
your business. There are plenty of ways you can use marketing to your
advantage, so be sure to prioritize this as you get ready to launch.
Decide When to Quit Your Day Job
Now that you’ve taken some crucial steps in forming your business,
it’s time to think about when your day job is no longer needed. It may
be a couple of months before you can quit, and much of it will come down
to how profitable your new operation is.
Remember that earning enough profit to quit may take longer than you
expect. Some say to ballpark how much you’ll need to make before you
leave and then triple that number because it’s better to be safe and
financially stable before you resign.
This decision will boil down to your specific circumstances, and if
you need to consult a financial adviser, then be sure to do so. Your
future self will thank you for taking into account your long-term
financial stability.
As you prepare to bring your side gig to the forefront, you’ll need
to remember these steps. Launching a business should be a fun, enjoyable
experience, but it will come with obstacles you’ll need to overcome.
Many entrepreneurs will use new technologies to streamline their
operations, so be willing to adopt new tech to make starting your new
company a breeze.
Own Your Side Hustle and Call It What It Is: A Business
business plan Dubai, feasibility study Dubai
Side hustles are becoming more common in today’s economy. They come
with pros and cons, and it’s critical to remember that not everyone will
work as an established business. However, many new companies can be
viable if you follow the right steps before launching.
Becoming an entrepreneur is not for everyone, but if you have enough
drive, determination, and passion for the products or services you
provide, you can make it happen. Start calling your side gig a business
and take the required steps to set yourself up for success. If you
follow your heart and keep a cool head, you’ll be ready to start earning
a profit doing something you love.
The post When Do You Need to Start Treating Your Side Gig Like a Real Business?
www.olmec-consulting.com
A consulting expert for small businesses. Based in Dubai the hub of Middle east
Every day that we’re still alive and breathing is a gift. Too many people seem to forget this and take the small blessings they encounter for granted. Sometimes we’re tempted to wallow in a bad, but temporary, situation or make ourselves miserable by comparing ourselves to others, but life is too short for that. God wants our lives to be a joyful exclamation of His love, with an expectation of the good things waiting to happen.
God has always had good things in mind for us. We receive His best when we agree with His Word. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT). It’s His will that we live joyfully. Meditating on this and turning it over and over in our minds prevents us from simply going through the motions, and keeps us in anticipation of experiencing the blessings He wants for us.
It doesn’t matter whether we’re married or single; we can be joyful regardless of what season we’re in. Listening to what the world tells us robs us of hope and leaves us discouraged; listening to what God tells us brings us encouragement and joy. “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). Reflecting on the times when He did good things for us and interceded on our behalf helps us to maintain our joy. The knowledge that if He did it once He’ll do it again increases that joy.
A thankful attitude keeps us in the right frame of mind. There will always be some situation not to our liking that can try our patience—if we let it. That’s part of life. The key is to avoid a “sour grapes” mentality and realize that negative circumstances give us an opportunity to be content with what we have. “Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations” (James 1:2, AMPC).
Negativity is the enemy’s way of trying to steal our joy. The devil knows that if we slip into a bad attitude, the door is open for him to come in and bring dissatisfaction, discontentment, and frustration. However, refusing to be moved out of our joy gives us the upper hand. “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places...” (Habakkuk 3:17-19). Aggressively maintaining this mindset closes the door on Satan and opens the door to receive the kind of life God wants us to experience.
God is well able to turn bad into good. Acknowledging this has the power to transform life from painful drudgery into an exciting adventure. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28, NLT). God’s involvement in every aspect of our lives is how He demonstrates His love for us. Agreeing with this promise gives us the ability to rise above any adversity.
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