Jackie Van Zyl, Author at Leads 2 Business Blog

2 Nov 2022

Fact vs Fiction in Construction & Building

by Jackie Van Zyl | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

Fact vs Fiction BIM

BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a common topic in the construction industry. If you have been in the construction industry for more than 10 years, then you would most likely have experienced the conflicting points of view under the BIM Topic. However, with the hype and everyone’s conflicting input, its difficult to separate facts from half-truths, exaggerations and just plain fiction.

BIM in a nutshell involves the creation of intelligent 3D digital models to plan and manage construction projects. Compared to traditional drawings, BIM allows a much higher level of accurate and accessible information which is shared with stakeholders to make better and more efficient decisions. It goes well beyond fancy-looking digital pictures, seeing as it’s a process that impacts the construction project workflow as a whole, from initial estimating and bidding stages to completion and ongoing facility maintenance. This way of working transforms project delivery, construction, and design in several ways.

It is a collaborative process that allows architects, engineers, real estate developers, contractors, manufacturers, and other construction professionals to plan, design, and construct a structure or building within one 3D model.

Fiction

Common Fictional Points raised by sceptics and ill-informed naysayers (sourced from the Construction Timble and LIDAR News) :

BIM is not affordable due to the amount of money spent on software
BIM is time consuming as it consumes a lot more time to draw up plans in 3D
BIM is not suitable for smaller companies because its more suited for large projects which is handled by ‘Big’ companies
BIM affects job opportunities by phasing humans out of the construction industry roles
BIM doesn’t have a good return on Investment (ROI); its used for just the design and construction process and its too difficult to learn and not worth the effort or cost

At the other extreme, there are the so-called “experts” with their own exaggerated fictional points to oversell BIM :

BIM erases human error fully, therefore errors and inefficiencies disappear when adopting BIM
BIM increase profits, and it will INSTANTLY skyrocket profit margins
BIM will resolve every problem that’s ever plagued a project

Fact

BIM is beneficial to architects, designers, engineers, contractors, owners and/or the client – as published in the 14/02/2017 BIM article on LiDAR News web page.

It contains most of the data needed for building performance analysis.

BIM has a good return on investments (ROI). Some firms are concerned about the cost of incorporating BIM, however many report an incredible ROI; most BIM software manufacturers do not require purchase of annual subscriptions, and often provide low-cost monthly rental fees, so the cost involved in adopting BIM is reasonable. However, like with everything else in life, it helps to plan ahead – and approach it smartly by taking small steps when implementing BIM, choose steps appropriate for your company and take them one at a time, or run a BIM test on a pilot project to see how your firm does, which can then be used to prepare for BIM implementation

BIM is suitable for small, medium and large companies : classifying BIM as valuable for large firms/companies is a common misconception. Small firms/companies can benefit from collaboration and efficiencies of BIM even more that larger companies. BIM allows small firms to sell ideas more easily to clients with 3D visualization, it increases design accuracy and coordinates designs efficiently with other disciplines.

BIM is NOT just for the design and construction process : Owners can implement it in the project standards to benefit from post-construction features like asset management, facilities maintenance and overall building operations. BIM is future proof as the inevitability of software changes will not affect BIM data because it never expires

BIM can easily be mastered with the help of several free resources and tutorials available online; the software companies also provide both short and extensive tutorials, along with monthly training updates, and there are many short tutorial videos available to help overcome obstacles.

BIM improves design with the visualization of the finished product which produces more effective and elegant designs.

BIM allows clients to truly understand their buildings with dimensional accuracy to provide a sense of scale for clients to experience prior to building / renovation. This feature provides a true sense of what the space will feel and look like before hand, reducing misunderstandings, and it helps increasing energy efficiency by predicting power consumption and light use along with other similar factors.

BIM provides efficient data exchange to aid ongoing building management, tracking and predicting maintenance cost, reduce duplicate work, improve design accuracy, resolve issues instantaneously, save time by automating lower-value tasks, and ultimately allowing more time for design and client service.

I thought I had a pretty good grip on what BIM involves – how and for whom its beneficial – before I started this blog, when in reality I had it completely upside down and all my facts crossed.

It’s interesting how hearsay and individuals own personal opinions voiced as facts (their facts), distorts itself as true facts, essentially having your brain file away someone else’s personal opinion as truth, under the gullible notion of ‘they said its fact – so it must be so’.

Everyone has their own opinions and their own versions of truth from their point of view and position – which is great. Individuality is a gift – and it keeps us evolving. Just be careful that you don’t file away someone else’s truth as your truth

On that note, i am happy to report that at the end of my research through the half truths and actual truths surrounding BIM I feel confidently educated – and may I dare to say impressed.

Its a nifty tool that can be as great, beneficial and as profitable as the person wielding it chooses for it to be. At the end of the day, irrespective of how hi-tech or revolutionary something is, it depends just as much on how well its used for your benefit. Put half efforts in and get scraps back – that’s the way of the universe.

Fun BIM Facts:

Did you know? The concept of BIM has been in development since the 1970s, but it only became an agreed term in the early 2000s.
BIM is a relatively new technology in an industry typically slow to adopt change.
BIM software is used by individuals, businesses and government agencies who plan, design, construct, operate and maintain buildings and diverse physical infrastructures, such as water, refuse, electricity, gas, communication utilities, roads, railways, bridges, ports and tunnels.
MLIT announced ” BIM will be mandated for all of its public works from the fiscal year of 2023, except those having particular reasons”. – FactSnippet No. 995,864 – en.wikipedia.org

Fact or Fiction: Building and Construction

1. Concrete and mixed rubble make up nearly 50% of all building-related construction and demolition debris.
Fact: While concrete and mixed rubble make up nearly 50% of all demolition debris, wood constitutes 20 to 30% of the construction waste stream.

2. Plastics make up 5% of construction waste.
Almost Fact: Plastics actually make up a fraction of all construction waste. The total ranges from 1 to 5%.

3. About 14 tons of concrete are used in constructing a typical 2,085-square-foot home.
Fact: A home of that size requires about 14 tons of concrete during construction — most of it for its foundation.

4. It’s possible to recycle dirt.
Fact: Soil can be recycled as a landfill cover or as soil for farming.

5. Spent foundry sand can be used as an aggregate in concrete.
Fact: The sand from iron, steel or aluminium foundries is not hazardous and can be recycled as an ingredient in cement.

6. Some homes are made out of recycled bottles.
Almost Fact: Plastic lumber made from recycled bottles can be used in building benches and other outdoor structures.

7. According to the EPA, construction materials that are most frequently recycled include shingles, plastic piping and glass.
Fiction: Concrete, asphalt, metals and wood are the materials most frequently recovered and recycled from construction sites.

8. Concrete is a mixture of sand and steel.
Fiction: Concrete is a manufactured mixture of cement and water, with pieces of sand and stones mixed in. It hardens to a solid form that is fire-resistant, and it can be poured into moulds to create many different shapes.

9. Plywood is made of multiple layers of wood.
Fact: Layers of thinly sliced wood glued together to form the versatile building material called plywood. Each layer, or ply, is placed with its grain at right angles to neighbouring layers.

Sources:
Constructible
Lidar News
Fact Snippet
How Stuff Works

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About Jackie Van Zyl

My epic journey at Leads 2 Business started September 2008, as a Researcher / Data Capturer in the Tenders Africa Department. I joined Customer Relations in 2011, where I have had the great pleasure of being part of the Dynamic L2B Admin Department [From 2011 to present]. I deal with the Registration and Administration details of New Account Activations, and Existing Account Upgrades, etc. I also assist with client & staff queries. I’m a ‘think-out-of-the-box’ individual and an excellent problem solver. I am hardworking, meticulous, efficient, friendly and always happy to help! I look forward in assisting you with any queries you might have

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27 Oct 2021

L2B Subscription Form FAQs

by Jackie Van Zyl | posted in: How To | 0

The purpose of the L2B Subscription Forms is to collect relevant and required information to

A: Load company details onto our database
B: Set up the users profile to ensure that clients receive leads of interest ergo derive maximum value from the L2B Subscription
C: Ensure correct billing info (Tax Invoices) preferred and agreed to bill terms (frequency and method) are followed
D: To record the client’s acceptance of L2B T’s and C’s with regards to the use of information, account arrears, and cancellation procedures

“One of the internet’s strengths is its ability to help consumers find the right needle in a digital haystack of data” – Jared Sandberg

It is imperative to provide L2B with accurate company information when completing subscription forms.

This information is vital in building a unique profile for receipt of relevant leads and ensures an accurate and true listing of your Company on L2B. This, in turn, represents your company to the public and private sector in the construction and related industries across SA and Africa, therein awarding clients the added benefit of accurate exposure which results in additional opportunities.

FAQs surrounding L2B Forms for Debit Order and Direct Deposit Billing

1. Do we have to complete all fields?

Yes: all fields should be completed in full.
All fields on the L2B Forms are there for a reason – by design, to obtain the most important and relevant information for Account, Profile, and Directory.
Depending on the Subscription Choice and Billing option Forms consist of 2 to 4 pages on average, which can be completed in under 15 minutes.

2. Our scanner/fax machine is not working/no access to scanning/fax machine facilities (A) can we take photos of the Forms and email them? (B) Do you accept forms in any format?

(A) Yes: in specific circumstances, we will accept photo’s of each page, provided that the image is clear, and in good condition with all the text readable, and the form signed
(B) Yes: we accept various formats to accommodate clients. The only condition is that Forms are completed clearly and legibly.

*Unclear/incomplete Forms cause incomplete/incorrect capturing of information, resulting in misrepresentation, missed opportunities/leads, and errors on Tax Invoices

3. What additional/supporting documents should be submitted?

No additional/supporting documents are required: unless it is proof of payment for Direct Deposit to ensure immediate activation.

4. What/who qualifies as an Authorised Signatory?

Direct Deposit: The Company Representative responsible for payments/signs off and approves payments on the company’s behalf
Debit Order: The Company Representative with signing power on the Company Bank Account (if deductions are on a Personal Bank Account then only the Account Holder can sign off as Authorised Signatory)

5. Do you accept the Signatory Name and Surname details completed as initials and surname?

No: Initials with Surname Format will not be accepted (‘J.J. Soap’ is invalid)
Signatory details have to be completed with the First Name/s and Surname written out in full (‘John Joe Soap’ is valid)

6. (A) Do you accept Digital Signatures? (B) Can we digitally complete subscription forms?

(A) No: All Forms have to be signed by hand and initialed in the relevant fields by hand (no typed/digital Initials/Signatures)
(B) Yes: You may complete forms digitally, BUT you will still be required to then print the forms to sign and initial as per above.

7. Is a ‘PP’ signature accepted in place of the Authorised Signatory’s signature?

No: Signatures in PP capacity isn’t permitted. The Signature/Initials has to match details listed as Authorised Signatory on the forms (no exceptions).

8. Can we run our Debit Order on any day of the month?

No: Debit Order Deduction runs twice a month only (Mid-Month (15th) and Month-End (last working day).

9. Where do we add the info for Invoicing?

The section below ‘Details Completed by Accounts Department’ heading on Pg 1 of all Subscription forms is the information that will reflect on Tax Invoices.

10. Billing Frequency: Monthly vs Month-to-Month notes

Direct Deposit Forms indicate Annual Rates only. To sign up on Monthly Billing (or Quarterly/Bi-Annual), stipulate ‘Monthly Payments’ in the notes.

All subscriptions remain ongoing with 14 days written notice for cancellation even though the billing frequency is on a monthly basis. There is no ‘Month-to Month’ payment terms whereby a subscription runs on a “no payment equals no access” basis.
If payment is not received, with no written notice to cancel/suspend in advance, the monthly subscription will remain active, and the account will be billed in arrears which then has to be settled in full with a 1-month payment in advance before re-activation.
“Month-to-Month’ notes on subscription forms will not be accepted as it can be interpreted as something other than billing on a monthly frequency and on an ongoing basis, thus it is required to add “monthly billing/EFT” in the notes for sign-up on Monthly Billing Terms.

11. Can we subscribe for a set period only?

Yes: This option is available and can be indicated in the notes, for example: ‘6 Months Subscription Period’ and/or ‘Annual Subscription: 12 Months Subscription Period only’. You may define further by stating your subscription period, at per month billing or once off payment: ‘6 Months Subscription Period at 6 x Monthly Payments’ or ‘6 months Subscription Period at once off bi-annual payment’.
Should you wish to continue after the set/limited subscription period expires, a new agreement will need to be signed, reverting account billing to the standard ongoing subscription terms for which 14 days written notice will be required/applicable for cancellation.

12. Can we remove Terms and Conditions that we feel are not applicable to our company?

No: Regretfully not. No alternations to Terms and Conditions will be accepted
Should you have any reservations with regards to the Terms and Conditions, and wish to discuss and obtain more information before signing, please contact L2B Accounts or Registrations Department.

13. If we are subscribing for a set/limited period, the 14 days written notice would not apply. Can we remove this from the Terms & Conditions?

No: Terms and Conditions cannot be altered under any circumstances. If you have instructed a set/limited subscription period in the notes of your signed subscription forms, stating “cancel after 6 months subscription period” – then this will substitute as your written notice to cancel. For ease of mind, clients can email L2B Accounts after activation, requesting written confirmation that the request on the agreement to cancel the subscription after the set subscription period has been received and accepted as written notice to cancel, ensuring no additional charges will incur after the limited subscription period.

14. My subscription choice and/or preferred billing option are not indicated on the subscription forms. How do I proceed?

Stipulate custom packages and/or specific billing requirements in the notes section next to the subscription choices. Add detailed notes which reflects the Service, Billing Option and Frequency plus the Rates defined as EX VAT or INCL VAT (Please check with your L2B Representative, or Contact L2B Accounts or Registrations for direction in adding accurate notes)

15. What is the importance of the Company CK/CC Registration Number and the Authorised Signatory ID Number?

*Completion of both Company CK/CC Reg Number and the Authorised Signatory ID Number is preferred if applicable, however by MINIMUM requirement it is compulsory to complete at least 1 of the 2 fields.

(A) In the event you have no Company CK/CC Reg Number, it is compulsory to add the Signatory ID Number in the field provided below the signatory details
(B) If the Authorised Signatory does not have an ID Number or does not want to disclose their ID Number it is then compulsory to complete the Company CK/CC Registration number in the field provided.
(C) In the event you have no Company CK/CC Reg Nr and no Signatory ID Number available to add (non-SA Subscribers) the Signatory can then add their Passport Number in the ID Number field as a substitute.

L2B Sub Forms are a legal document, therefore, it is compulsory for the Authorised Signatory to initial next to any/all alterations and/or corrections made to the document
For a Scheduled Start Date – complete the ‘Subscription Start Date’ field with the preferred date for activation (If left blank activation will default to immediate)
Complete all contact and company details fields. If a field is not applicable to your company specify ‘n/a’ (Forms with blank fields will be resent as incomplete)
The contact signing as Authorised Signatory is responsible to initial in all ‘Initial Here’ fields, and next to any alterations/corrections (Signatory details has to be completed in full listing the First Name written out with the Surname, Email, Designation, and ID Number)

Cancellations must be submitted to Accounts@L2B.co.za, in writing with 14 days notice and a reason for canceling
L2B Accounts will respond to confirm receipt of cancellation with a final deactivation date (If not received within 7 days, a follow-up confirmation is recommended)
If a credit on the account exceeds the value of fourteen (14) days subscription period, then the account will be deactivated at the end of the paid-for period
To unsubscribe a Debit Order Account we require fourteen (14) days notice prior to the next debit run
Cancellations made directly with the Bank (debit instructions) won’t suffice as a cancellation of your L2B Agreement. The L2B Account will remain active and possibly run into arrears which then has to be settled.

Please visit Leads 2 Business for more information | View Services & Rates | Explore Leads | Download Subscription Forms

We respect your privacy and will not disclose your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes if you have requested us not to do so (which you are able to do at any time). The manner in which we use your information is regulated in more detail as described in our Privacy Policy.

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19 May 2021

Staff Spotlight: Jacqueline Van Zyl

by Jackie Van Zyl | posted in: Staff Spotlight | 0

JvZ STAFF SPOTLIGHT

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8 Jul 2020

Oldest Structure in Africa

by Jackie Van Zyl | posted in: General | 0

Where and What is the Oldest Structure in Africa?

The Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt

The vast majority of the oldest structures constructed are the ancient Egyptian Tombs, so it comes as no surprise to learn that the oldest structure in Africa was none other than the Saqqara Step Pyramid of Djoser – the first of its kind, and the largest building of its time.

The original Egyptian pyramid, the Pyramid of Djoser – is also known as the Saqqara Step Pyramid, as it is located in the Saqqara Necropolis, Egypt, and has a ‘step’ like the design.

The step pyramid was built as a Tomb for the pharaoh, Djoser between 2670 BC and 2650 BC [during the 3rd dynasty] in Saqqara, Egypt and stands 62,5 metres high, with 121 x 109 metres base and 330,400 cubic metres volume, making this superstructure not only the oldest structure in Africa but also the oldest “intact large-scale” stone monument in the world – a fact often overshadowed by Egypt’s group of most famous pyramids.

When completed, the Step Pyramid rose 204 feet (62 meters) high and was the tallest structure of its time.
The actual chambers of the tomb, where the king’s body was laid to rest, were dug beneath the base of the pyramid as a maze of tunnels with rooms off the corridors to discourage robbers and protect the body and grave goods of the king. Djoser’s burial chamber was carved of granite and, to reach it, one had to navigate the corridors which were filled with thousands of stone vessels inscribed with the names of earlier kings. The other chambers in the subterranean complex were for ceremonial purposes.

You cannot help but marvel at these ancient structures and recognise the strides in engineering and architecture made by the ancient Egyptians – and all without access to the tools and technology we have available today. It is astonishing!

Fun Facts and Food for Thought:
– The Djoser Pyramid was reopened for visitors earlier this year, in March 2020, after a 14-year restoration
– The 6-Tier, the 4-sided structure took about 20 years to build, with about 100,000 free skilled workers
– It is considered the earliest large-scale cut stone construction
– It is the only pyramid from the old kingdom that had 11 of the King’s daughters buried inside
– There are tunnels beneath the pyramid stretching across a labyrinth of 5,5 km in length
– The pyramid was initially a Mastaba tomb, which then [after expansions] evolved into 6 layers built upon each other
– This magnificent tomb was, in its entirety, built from limestone
– The Architect of this everlasting masterpiece, Imhotep – was a commoner, and among other titles and talents, he was an Engineer, Physician, a Priest, and a Sculptor

Sources:
Afrika Lovers
Wikipedia

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18 Jul 2019

Best Security Tips Ever

by Jackie Van Zyl | posted in: Business Risk, General | 0

Security, Safety and Protection are things that we will always struggle with, no matter who you are, regardless of the kind of house you live in, or where you live – security will always be a concern.

Security Threats can find you anywhere, at any time and everyone is vulnerable. We blindly look to technology, believing its efficient and all we need to protect us, but as much as that is true, the equivalent [if not more] works in favour of the same threats we need protection from.
Crime evolves with technology. It equips criminals with better, more efficient tools and creative ways to carry out their crimes. No surprise there!

We no longer have the luxury of concerning ourselves with just home and body safety – there is a big dark cyber world out there, and their attacks are more severe and lasting than any home burglary. And with today’s social media obsession, who’s really to blame? We put ourselves out there, documenting every detail of our lives for anyone and everyone to see, risking personal information/details that you think is safe, but easily accessible to those who know where and what to look for!

Fact: South Africans spend an average of 8 hours online per day, a third of which is on social media.

Point: Protecting yourself online is important, more than you might think.

One of the many threats out there is Identity Theft.

It is real and serious and it’s an ever growing and terrifying danger that you have to protect yourself from.

It is easy to laugh off and think, this will never happen to me, but just one wrong click on the internet, or 1 fake telesales call where you are distracted and divulge some personal info you should not have and WHAM – that comfortable ‘I would never be so stupid’ rug is swept from under your feet and before you even comprehend what just happened, it’s gone… its all gone – your life, your money, your credit, your Identity!

Ever lose your wallet, or had it stolen? I have.
It’s a massive pain and so inconvenient and time-consuming, having to run around and cancel cards, get new cards, replace your ID or Drivers license [which means hours at home affairs] and of course, let’s not forget – buying a new wallet!.

Now, think what its like when your whole life is stolen, your identity – which is all you have that is actually yours, something that no one is supposed to ever be able to take from you – but they do, they have, and they will continue to do so – and anyone can be next.

Losing a wallet or having it stolen is unpleasant, disruptive and inconvenient.
Having your personal info/identity stolen/hacked is, without measure, WAY worse

So today I am sharing 5 Basic security tips [thats not as basic as it sounds because so many don’t think of it] to protect you from Identity theft:

1. Keep your Tax Info, Bank Statements, and financial docs in a secure place.

2. NEVER EVER give anyone your ID number or any other personal information unless you initiated the contact or you are sure that you know who you are dealing with

3. Your cellphone is not safe! NEVER EVER save sensitive information such as ID Numbers, Bank Login Details or PINS etc on your mobile.
Fingerprint and password-protected phones are never full proof – there’s always a way around it to unlock the phone.
If your phone is stolen with sensitive information stored on it, you have literally handed your identity to criminals all wrapped up with a pretty bow on top – to do with as they see [pro]fit!

4. Tighten up on your social networking security settings. It is known that Criminals can make use of the information obtained on social media platforms,
And do not ever respond to emails that provide you with a website link which requires you to either log in with a password, or update personal information

5. Protect your computer/phone/laptop from hackers by keeping your software up to date, install security apps and keep them up to date to help keep your devices more resilient against automated hacking tools.
Create complex Passwords on everything, and change them regularly. And do not save said passwords anywhere on any of your devices either!

It can never be emphasized enough: Always Protect your Personal and Financial Information.

Sources:
Businesstech
SARS
Kaspersky
CreativeBloq
Locklatch
TomsGuide

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4 Jun 2018

Starting a Business a.k.a Start-ups

by Jackie Van Zyl | posted in: General | 0

Starting a Business a.k.a Start-ups

What do I know of Start Ups? Sorry to disappoint… But nothing really, other than what I’ve seen in the hit TV series ‘The Start-up’ – and with all I’ve seen in this show – the 1st 2 things I figured out is:

A – Good Idea!! Before even going through the life changing experience, and deep dark evil world of starting a Start-up, is first needing a Good – no, scrap that, an EXCELLENT idea!
Something everyone WANTS to NEED – they don’t necessarily need it – they just have to want to need it. Once they’ve had it – they can’t be without it!

B – TRUST NO ONE! And I mean NO ONE! The business world can be cruel and conniving! Everyone wants to make a buck and as good business men know, ruthlessness is the most rewarding trait!

People see a million dollar idea, and all they see is dollar signs – and too bad for you if you’re not smart, stubborn and conniving enough to make sure that you don’t get locked out of your own million dollar idea (like in the The Startup!! Crazy stuff!) Sad right? Oh well – that’s life my dear fellow humans.
Stealth Performance Communications chairman had 1 crucial tip to share: “Build in silence; they can’t stop what they can’t see,” he cited as his advice, during an interview Peter Daisyme had with him at a conference.” – From Peter Daisyme Blog. True words that!
That’s the end of my advice – as an unqualified individual that knows nothing of starting your own business.

So my thoughts are to complete my blog on a lighter note – with a few fun business facts you just got to know!

As surprising as it might be, the business world is indeed a fascinating place!

The reason blue is Facebook’s main colour : Mark Zuckerberg suffers from red-green colour blindness – mind blowing right!
Google was originally called BackRub
Apple became the first ever $700 billion company in 2015
Ever wondered how many brands Coca-Cola has? As many as, if you decide to drink a different brand of Coca-Cola every day – it will take you 9 years to try them all! Say what???
The average mobile user checks their phone 150 times a day!
Legendary McDonald’s first item on their menu was a hotdog!
Domino’s pizza was founded by 2 brothers, one of which decided to trade his half of the business to his brother for a used Volkswagen Beetle! Can you say MAJOR REGRET!!
Think – ‘yummy Vaseline’ eeuw right – well, the inventor of Vaseline used to eat a spoonful every day! – None other than, Mr Robert Chesebrough
The famous Starbucks is named after a character in Moby Dick
Money and poverty – estimated in 2012: If the 100 richest people in the world put all their yearly earnings together, they could have had enough to end world poverty 4 times over!
The designer of the famous Nike swoosh tick was paid $35 – really?
Marvel owned the rights to the word ‘Zombie’ up to 1996 – yay for the end of that! Just think of all the awesome scary Zombie movies we would have missed out on if that hadn’t changed?

Blown away yet? Well I saved the best for last:

Walmart averages $1.8 million of profit… daily? Oh no, wait for this… HOURLY! $1.8 million profit every hour! Wrap your mind around that!!!

To end off, another delightful and inspiring quote from the co-founder and CEO of Dropbox:

“Don’t worry about failure; you only have to be right once.”

Sources:

http://www.123print.co.uk/blog/
https://www.entrepreneur.com/author/peter-daisyme

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13 Jul 2017

L2B Blog: Why airconditioning can increase productivity

by Jackie Van Zyl | posted in: Uncategorized | 10

Productivity depends on several factors. The office temperature being one of many

The air quality and room temperature of an office can profoundly affect the health, comfort and productivity of the occupants

When I started off writing this blog, in the early ‘Research & Data Gathering’ phase, I viewed the argument on aircon productivity as hot vs cool – translated as ‘no aircon/hot’ vs ‘with aircon/cool’.

But then, that wonderful ‘ka-ching’ light bulb clicked on, sparking a braincell into an intelligent thought – and the obvious dawned on me. Both sides, hot temp and cool temp equals productivity. It is not the one vs the other, but rather the 2 temps working together, balancing one another, to reach any Boss-Man’s desired fate, in creating a productive environment – a function that only an air-conditioning system can provide.

The obvious: Don’t forget, an aircon swings both ways – temperature wise of course. ‘Ka-ching’ light bulb

And here we have it [further down]. Studies supporting both temperatures. Highlighting how and why air-conditioning increases productivity.

We cannot control and manipulate the weather into our favour to increase productivity. This is why we have aircons, right?
# The Top Secret purpose of air-conditioning in the work environment.

The reality of the large impact aircons have on productivity is crystal clear, with no air to spare for denial 😉 wink wink

With the control and balancing of office temp, we create a happy and healthy environment, allowing productivity to boom and to ensure that productivity remains at optimal levels

Definition:

Air-conditioning is a process that alters the properties of air to more favourable conditions.

That in itself says it all. Altering the properties of air to more favourable conditions. Favourable being the key word, a positive word, and positive sounds productive, does it not?

‘Interpretation: “Air-conditioning is a process that alters the properties of air to more Productive conditions”

With that said, it’s all about context, and context coupled with common sense will steer you in the right temperature!

My Air-con Philosophy: No sweat equals LESS Stress ladies and gents

SUMMURY: Part 1 – In Summer:

Yes please, Mr Aircon Buddy – do grace us with your Fresh Breath of Cool Air.

Make a hot office, bearable, cool the irritable into productive moods

But BEWARE of Igloo Temperatures!

Let’s not fall prey to illness, which then leads to grumpy moods and absenteeism, decreasing productivity, faster than the rand falls!

SUMMARY: Part 2 – In Winter:
I’m sure, more so than none, will happily invite the cozy aura of an aircon, rather than chattering teeth in an office sized fridge!
The air-con will warm our cheeks to a rosy pink, and switch our body temperature to ninja working mode! HELLO PRODUCTIVITY

PS. Be sure to take note of the flip side! Too hot will cause laziness as well as sleepiness! It’s a science, you know

Closing Statement: Air-conditioning helps us to control and balance the office temperatures – creating a happy and healthy environment, allowing productivity to boom, and to ensure that productivity remains at an optimal level.

Conclusion: Air-Conditioning is an Investment, not an expense!

Survey & Study results:

Velux.com states that an office with good indoor air quality improves productivity by 10%. A number of scientific studies indicate that elevated temperatures and poor air quality can negatively affect work performance. [Pawel Wargocki and David P. Wyon : Indoor Climate Scientist – Technical University of Denmark]

In a 2004 study, Corner University psychological scientist – Alan Hedge, determined that workers are more efficient when they’re warm.
As per APS.org, cold offices link to lower productivity. While blasting the aircon, running up those energy bills, you are also running up the cost of lost worker productivity [colds and absenteeism from work]

A NASA Study concluded that an office temp that is too high (too hot) decreases productivity, with 18% loss in work done, and 40% loss in accuracy

In a Study conducted by Cornell University, it was found that an office that is too cold, increases work errors by 44%, which in turn increases the labour cost by 10%