Portland, ME

Since 2020 was a year of big changes in the workplace, we decided to make a continuation of our popular <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/blog/productivity-tips-while-working-from-home">productivity tips blog</a> for our readers. According to a study done at Stanford University, 42 percent of America’s workforce is full-time remote, and there are no indications this will change anytime soon. Before the pandemic, remote work and occasional work-from-home days were more of a job perk than a necessity. Full-time remote work was the milieu of small businesses, consultants, and freelancers – and while these sectors continue to thrive in unconventional environments, many of us have been forced to adapt. And it hasn’t always been easy. Those with children and families learned how to better manage their time, set boundaries, and organize their workspaces for maximum efficiency. We necessarily embraced communications and productivity apps and tools, like Zoom, Asana, Slack, and more. We had to redefine work-life balance and find new ways to ensure our teams remained engaged and aligned, despite the enforced distance constraints. Most important of all, and I think we can all agree on this – we’re always looking for new ways to improve productivity and make our working life more manageable. In the absence of direct contact, it’s easy to feel like you’re alone in the universe, and that’s not the best way to get things done.So let’s look at some more of the top productivity tips that have come out of these times. As cliché as it sounds, necessity is the mother of invention!<h2>More Productivity Tips For Working Remotely</h2><h3>First Things First: Upgrade Your Internet</h3>When you think about all the new processes and workflows you’ve had to adapt to make working from home possible, they all have one thing in common: you need a good, stable, fast, secure, and reliable internet. And unfortunately, what worked for you and your family before might not be viable now. Consider this: if you have kids, spouses working from home, or roommates who share your connection, you’ll be competing for bandwidth – so you’ll either have to lay out a few new ground rules or upgrade your connection to support your needs. Our vote is always for the upgrade. After all, you’ve probably got better things to do with your time than troubleshooting or arguing with your living partners. Video calls lack stability without enough capacity. Plus, with virtualized company systems, you need to ensure easy access to the documents and apps you need, and also that your network is secure. If you can access business-grade internet in your area, that’s the ideal approach. However, you might need to shop around for the fastest connection, the most bandwidth possible, and a new firewall, VPN, or malware protection app. If you need to upgrade, you can probably expense it – and it will be worth the effort when you don’t have to deal with dropped calls, missed communications, and cyber threats. <h3>Compartmentalize</h3>When you had a workplace to go to, it was a simple task to separate home life from work life. However, working from home means you can’t just walk away. Of course, everybody’s home environment is different. While working from the couch was okay for the first few days, you quickly discovered how easy it is to get distracted, let deadlines slip by—or maybe the opposite, where you’re working inordinately longer hours simply because you can’t walk away from what’s on your desk. All of this adds up to increased stress, anxiety, and often depression. Once the lines begin to blur, it’s easy to let the gloom take over, and suddenly, there’s no joy left for anything. You might also be dealing with other issues at home – like home-schooling or caring for a loved one who’s sick, making it doubly critical to gain some separation just to maintain sanity. Here are a few quick tips to help you compartmentalize for maximum productivity:<ul><li>Set working hours and stick to them. Start and end your workday at the same time each day. </li><li>Make sure others in your household know when you’re not to be disturbed. You might use a sign on the door, a light, or whatever works to set clear boundaries. </li></ul><h3>Overcommunicate</h3>If there is one thing we can all learn from successful remote workers, it’s that communication is a tried-and-true recipe for smooth sailing. Since you can’t just saunter over to your teammate’s office, the next best way to stay connected is to check in regularly. Don’t rely on people reaching out to you; whether it’s clients, managers, or co-workers, take the initiative to connect. Sure, you likely have meetings, scrums, and check-ins scheduled periodically, but don’t limit your outreach to just that. If you have a question, ask. If you need help, go get it. If you want to call a Zoom huddle to brainstorm or have an impromptu coffee break, do it. If you’ve finished a project, make an announcement. If your stapler finally bit the dust, say a few words in memoriam. The point is, the more you reach out, the more you’ll get back, and that’s good for everyone. Check out our Managing a Team Remotely blog for more communication tips and tricks <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/blog/managing-a-team-remotely-at-earth-class-mail">here</a>. <h3>Accept The Perks (And Concern) You’re Offered</h3>The best companies are always mindful of their employees’ mental health. Of course, they want you to stay on track and be productive, but they genuinely care about your well-being too. Companies like ThankView are offering their employees monthly boxes from SnackNation, reimbursing for new work-from-home equipment, and scheduling regular social events in addition to their standard benefits. Other organizations offer a paid day off every couple of weeks, and most have implemented one-on-ones to stay in touch with each individual on a personal level. At Searchspring, during their daily Slack standup, the first question is always “how are you feeling?” to which most reply with an emoji or GIF, which helps others understand where they’re at without an awkward conversation. It’s a way to be heard and get validation without all the stigma attached to it, and it’s incredibly empowering. In a time when we’re all dealing with various issues, knowing that you don’t have to hide it—and that others are in the same boat—helps to keep you on track. <h3>Earth Class Mail’s Virtual Mailbox</h3><a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/pricing">Virtual mailboxes</a> are just one of the many tools that have helped companies stay agile as they pivot to remote work. Take Basecamp, for example. When they decided to go 100 percent remote, they needed a solution for their postal mail. One of their biggest challenges was finding a virtual solution to handle confidential documents, deposit checks, and scan and forward mail to different people – and Earth Class Mail delivered. Our HIPAA certified mail technicians and customizable options sealed the deal, enabling Basecamp to go totally remote. The time they would normally spend sorting and distributing mail can now be used for higher-value tasks. Plus, they no longer have to deal with unwanted mail as it’s sorted out immediately. Fast, efficient, and value-driven, our <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/virtual-mailbox">virtual mailbox</a> services are a big part of their success. <h3>Final Thoughts</h3>Our new collective reality may have forced us out of the office, but it’s also spawned many new observations, approaches, and strategies that support productivity and engagement. Perhaps most poignantly, we’ve learned to value ourselves, our time, and our innovation in ways that might not have been completely evident before. To learn more about Earth Class Mail’s virtual mailbox and how it supports your work-from-home initiative, reach out today. We’d love to show you how we can help.

Since 2020 was a year of big changes in the workplace, we decided to make a continuation of our popular productivity tips blog for our readers. 

Since 2020 was a year of big changes in the workplace, we decided to make a continuation of our popular productivity tips blog for our readers. According to a study done at Stanford University, 42 percent of America’s workforce is full-time remote, and there are no indications this will change anytime soon. 

More Productivity Tips While Working from Home | Earth Class Mail Blog

More Productivity Tips While Working from Home

Once an occasional employee perk or a way for employers to source top talent from the global pool, remote work is fast becoming the new standard of work culture. Of course, even without the pandemic restrictions, we’re under, experts have predicted the movement for many years. They just didn’t expect the future to arrive so quickly! We’ve all had to pivot in some way. For companies who were already promoting a remote work culture, it wasn’t much of a shift, but most had at least an expectation of things returning to normal at some point. Now, a year into the global health crisis, it looks like remote work is here to stay. <h3>Is Remote Work Working?</h3>Results thus far state the benefits of going 100 percent remote overwhelmingly favor operational improvement. And while we’re still working out the long-term impacts, there are indeed many things to love about it. Let’s take a deeper dive to find out why.<h3>The Benefits of Remote Working for Employers</h3>In light of current stay-at-home recommendations, many employers are moving to remote work culture. Here are some of the benefits they’ve discovered as a result:<h3>Reduced Real Estate Burden</h3>While a reduced need for office real estate might not be great news for landlords and building owners, it shifts many overhead costs back to the bottom line. The in-house office workforce has <a href="https://news.stanford.edu/2020/06/29/snapshot-new-working-home-economy/">dwindled considerably</a> in recent years, forcing companies to reduce dedicated office space in favor of shared workspaces and co-working arrangements. As a result, the move to 100 percent remote is just another step in that direction. Without the expense of a traditional office lease, companies are free to channel those funds into business growth and technology to support remote work. Reducing office space demand could have many other positive outcomes, including reimagining office buildings into affordable housing. <h3>Per-Employee Cost Reduction</h3>Onboarding new employees is costly and time-consuming. Assigning desks, office equipment, workstations, allocating space, adding phone lines, and allocating parking spaces are just a few of the expenses involved. Moving to a 100 percent remote work environment eliminates many of these costs. By some estimates, employers save <a href="https://globalworkplaceanalytics.com/telecommuting-statistics">about $11,000</a> a year for every remote employee – and that adds up pretty quickly!<h3>Attract Talent Wherever It Lives</h3>If your company is remote work-ready, you’re able to draw from a larger pool of global talent. These days, highly skilled technical talent is in high demand, and local shortages are the norm. Having to compete for these individuals is time-consuming, costly, and often ineffective. A remote work environment supports bringing on new talent no matter where they live in the world. In many cases, this reduces costs even further, as salary expectations are often much lower in countries outside the United States. From an employee’s standpoint, the ability to work remotely is quite attractive. According to a study <a href="https://www.owllabs.com/state-of-remote-work/2019">released in 2019</a>, more than seven out of ten workers stated they would favor an employment offer that allowed them to work remotely. <h3>Improved Productivity</h3>There are a host of reasons why remote workers are <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/blog/productivity-tips-while-working-from-home">more productive</a>. There’s no commute, no distractions from coworkers, and once they settle in, remote employees are much more motivated to complete tasks. According to Gallup’s <a href="https://www.gallup.com/workplace/238085/state-american-workplace-report-2017.aspx">State of The American Workplace Report</a>, remote workers understand their roles better and often feel greater responsibility for their overall performance. Plus, employers worry less about lost productivity due to tardiness and sick days. In one study, the findings indicate that many remote employees feel compelled to go above and beyond, possibly because they think that the situation might change or out of gratitude for the opportunity. The <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140918150940.htm">same study suggested</a> that work performance improved for employees who didn’t initially have a good relationship with their boss, possibly for the same reason. In either case, the employee didn’t want to lose this special privilege, so they worked extra hard to ensure they continued to have this job perk. <h3>The Benefits of Remote Work For Employees</h3>So, what does remote work do for employees? As it turns out, quite a lot! Before work-from-home (WFH) became mainstream, it was a highly sought-after benefit of working for some of the world’s top companies. Here’s why:<h3>Flexibility</h3>Employees working from home can choose when, where, and how they work. They can take breaks, get up and walk around, choose different work environments to change things up a bit, and cut a lot of time out of their workday by not having to commute, sit in useless meetings, or get distracted by their coworkers. <h3>Work-Life Balance</h3>We’re all experiencing a shift in how we go about our day. A flexible WFH schedule gives you a lot more leeway for things like childcare, wellness, fitness, and recreation. Whereas you might have had to get up extra early to attend a fitness class and still get to work on time, now you can do your session online and on-demand during a break. A little oxygen to the brain and blood does wonders to get the productive juices flowing again, and working from home gives you the bandwidth to do that. <h4>Your Commute Is Killing You – And The Planet</h4>Besides being a colossal waste of time, studies show that commutes longer than 30 minutes daily are associated with higher anxiety, stress, depression, increased HDL cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar. Yikes! Eliminating stress helps you lower cortisol levels, improves your overall health, and could actually help you lose weight as well – all excellent reasons to prioritize stress reduction, and ditching the commute is a great start. Plus, if you’re at all concerned with your carbon footprint, cutting out the commute is a great way to do your part. By working remotely, each worker saves us from <a href="https://environmentjournal.online/articles/working-from-home-can-dramatically-cut-co2-emissions/">379.2kg of CO2 emissions</a> each year.<h3>Remote Working Tools For Success</h3>Making a move to 100 percent remote work isn’t the easiest thing to do for some companies. There are still many manual processes to maintain, such as answering the phone, banking, and dealing with postal mail. How will you deal with these tasks when you have no physical office? Most companies use a VoIP telephone system, so it’s easy to redirect and manage calls without being tied to a location. As for postal mail, a virtual mailbox is an excellent solution. Earth Class Mail’s <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/virtual-mailbox">virtual mailbox</a> and <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/mailroom">mailroom</a> plans have helped many leading companies go <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/blog/how-a-virtual-mailbox-helped-basecamp-become-fully-remote">fully remote</a>. Simply choose your preferred address from our extensive list, and you’re up and running in minutes.Here’s how it works: Mail arrives at our facility and is opened and scanned by our HIPAA-certified technicians. Scans are uploaded to your account in searchable PDF format, after which you can download them to your connected cloud account, forward them to the appropriate recipient, or archive them into your system. You direct us as to what you want to be done with your physical mail. Every virtual mailbox plan includes secure shredding, ensuring your data never falls into the wrong hands. We’ll even help you with your banking too! Our add-on features include <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/pricing/detail">check deposit</a> through your preferred accounting software, helping you maintain cash flow without a second thought. <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/addresses">Choose your address</a> today, or <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/contact">reach out to us</a> directly to find out how we can help your company go remote.

Once an occasional employee perk or a way for employers to source top talent from the global pool, remote work is fast becoming the new standard of work culture.

The Benefits of Going 100% Remote | Earth Class Mail Blog

The Benefits of Going 100% Remote

As a small business owner, there will come a time when you’ll have to think about growth. Inevitably, you’ll have reached a ceiling that you need to break through, either through expansion, innovation, adding new products, or doing things a little differently.Growth is one thing – but if you’re looking to scale, there are a few critical concepts you’ll need to grasp to make that happen. Scaling your business doesn’t happen overnight, and success is just as much about your mindset as it is the product or service you offer. Here are a few ideas to get you into the growth mindset.<h3>Invest In Technology To Gain Competitive Advantage</h3>Innovation comes in many guises. It can be as cutting-edge as a management platform or next-generation technology tools, or it can be done through process optimization – but it all starts with digitization. Once you’ve completed your digital transformation, you have a launching pad that could take you just about anywhere. Today’s most exciting business innovations leverage <a href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/data-driven-2021-predictions-for-a-new-year-in-data-analytics-and-ai/">artificial intelligence</a> (AI) and machine learning (ML), two vital components in process automation. And while you might think that AI and ML are more in the realm of science fiction, you’d probably be surprised to know that you use them every day. Most online services and apps rely on AI for personalized, agile services, and now, the technology is built into many of the third-party apps you rely on to run your business. But what can AI do for you? If you typically spend most of your time on mundane, repetitive tasks, you’re already behind the eight-ball. Process automation and workflow optimization not only give you back those hours to focus on higher-value tasks; they do it very efficiently and accurately. Plus, machines don’t sleep, so you’ll get a massive boost in productivity almost right away. While innovation doesn’t always mean technology, you’ll want to have it on your radar if you’re on track to scale. There will come a time when you’ll have to jump in the sandbox with the “big guys” in your industry, so you’ll want to be on a level playing field. Do your homework. Find out what your competitors did to get where there are today, and if that’s what you aspire to be, use that data as a yardstick to measure your progress. When you’re one step ahead, you won’t have as far to go.<h3>Engage Your Staff in The Innovation Process</h3>No matter how passionate or excited you are about your new direction, be sure you’re looping your employees in throughout the process. Your teams are the front line, and you need them to be on board whatever you decide. After all, if they aren’t comfortable with the tools and processes you layout for them, you stand to lose a lot. Good employees are hard to come by, and when your company begins to scale rapidly, you want people you trust on your side. Everybody wants to feel like they’re a part of something bigger than themselves. When your people feel valued, they’ll work harder for you and bring their best work to the table. Here are a few ways you can engage your staff to inspire innovation:<ul><li>Actively solicit ideas from your teams</li><li>Make problem-solving a part of every staff meeting</li><li>Put all new tech through a beta phase, and engage your best employees to give you honest feedback before you buy</li><li>Make sure every employee feels like they are valued, and their voice has merit</li><li>Make time for weekly check-ins and monthly one-on-ones with each person</li><li>Be present, be transparent</li><li>Encourage them to share ideas without fear of retribution</li><li>Support opposing opinions</li><li>Celebrate wins</li><li>Create opportunities</li><li>Offer training </li></ul>Change is very exciting, but keep in mind; it is highly stressful too. When employees notice big shifts in their environment, they will usually think the worst – that they will be replaced or left behind. When you invite them to share the journey, you’re building relationships, encouraging loyalty, and empowering them to step up into their roles. You have a much better shot at success when you take these steps together. <h3>Ask Your Customers What They Want</h3>You might have a few incredible ideas about how you want to advance your company, but do you know what your customers think? If you don’t, here are a couple of ways you can find out.<ul><li>Understand your ideal buyer. Almost every business has a few “ideal buyer personas” to guide their marketing. But when was the last time you looked at those profiles? With all the shifts in customer preferences, technology, and business processes, chances are their priorities are vastly different than they were just a few years ago. Especially if you intend to grow, it’s critical to get inside their heads now so you can give them what they really want. </li></ul><ul><li>Solicit feedback. There are many ways to find out what your customers want, but the most direct method is to ask them outright. A “strike while the iron’s hot” mentality is everything here, meaning the best time to ask if you’ve satisfied the customer’s needs is <a href="https://medium.com/swlh/why-you-should-care-about-what-your-customers-want-c787d07ca5a0">immediately following the sale</a>. Be ready to accept and digest the good, the bad, and the ugly – because these are the insights that inform the road ahead. </li></ul><ul><li>Leverage Your Data. If you’re already collecting vast amounts of data from customer transactions or loyalty programs, this is another excellent way to gain insight into their preferences and behaviors. It shouldn’t be the only way you get information from your customers, but it’s a viable method of validating insights you glean from other sources. When you look at your data’s totality, you’ll get a clearer picture of how your customers currently engage with you, and it will be easier to identify the gaps. </li></ul><h3>Invest In A Virtual Mailbox</h3>We’ve talked about many critical scaling-up concepts today, but let’s go back to process improvement and workflow optimization. With all the changes you have planned, you’ll need to rethink how you’re doing things as much as what you’re doing. Ultimately, you need to gain as much time as possible, and that means eliminating low-value inefficiencies to pave the way for what’s ahead. A <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/virtual-mailbox">virtual mailbox</a> is an excellent way to reallocate talent to higher-value tasks. Just think about the time it takes to manage your company mail. From receiving the mail to sorting, delivering it to the right personnel, forwarding, scanning, filing, and taking action, that’s a lot of time and effort. Often, it’s an <a href="https://www.papersave.com/blog/the-true-cost-of-a-paper-based-document-management-process/">inefficient and costly</a> process too. How many times has postal mail landed on the wrong desk, got buried in an overflowing inbox, or been misfiled? Plus, when it’s all said and done, what happens to all that paper? Earth Class Mail’s <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/pricing">virtual mailbox plans</a> take all the hassle out of postal mail. When mail arrives at our processing center, it’s opened and scanned by our HIPAA certified technicians. Scans are sent to you as fully searchable PDFs, ready for distribution. We integrate your account with your preferred cloud services and can even <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/check-deposit">deposit checks</a> for you. No matter what your new business model looks like, the wave of the future is all about efficiency. Our virtual mailbox services support a <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/blog/5-simple-steps-to-help-achieve-a-paperless-company">paperless workflow</a>, and it even helped one of our client companies go <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/blog/how-a-virtual-mailbox-helped-basecamp-become-fully-remote">100 percent remote</a>. <h3>Final Thoughts</h3>When you’re ready to take your company to new heights, there’s a lot to think about. The road ahead might be paved with inspiration, but some of the most incredible value you’ll find is already at your fingertips. <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/addresses">Choose your address today</a>, and free yourself to grow into the future.

As a small business owner, there will come a time when you’ll have to think about growth.

As a small business owner, there will come a time when you’ll have to think about growth. Inevitably, you’ll have reached a ceiling that you need to break through, either through expansion, innovation, adding new products, or doing things a little differently.

How Can I Innovate To Scale My Business? | Earth Class Mail Blog

How Can I Innovate To Scale My Business?

These days it’s easier than ever before to start a new life in another country. Countries like Belize have long welcomed expats. Over the past year, several other Caribbean countries followed suit, making it easy to get an extended visa, work, and stay in countries like Aruba, Barbados, and Bermuda. Whether you’re a <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/blog/seven-tools-every-digital-nomad-needs">digital nomad</a> or a retiree looking for a change of scenery, here’s what you need to know about becoming an expat. <h2>What Is An Expat?</h2>Simply put, an expert is someone who lives in a country outside of their nationality. Expats don’t have a set demographic, nor are they all retirees, as is the common misconception. Short for “expatriate,” an expat might be in another country for work, either temporarily or permanently. They may have gained official residency status in their new locale, though that’s not always the case. And while it might seem like a romantic notion—or a bold one, depending on your mindset—expatriating isn’t for everyone. You’re living in a country <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/blog/checklist-for-traveling-full-time">far from home</a>, and there are certain skills and aptitudes you’ll need to cultivate. Agility, adaptability, and curiosity are essential!Plus, there’s the not-so-small matters of visas, cost of living, and culture. You must consider the legal, financial, and social aspects of your decision well before you make a move. After all, your happiness and peace of mind are closely tied to your environment. You certainly don’t want any surprises.<h2>Preparing For Your Move</h2>There are plenty of countries that accept expats. Your choices will likely come down to personal preferences, what non-negotiables you have, and what you can afford to pay. Personal preferences might include climate, scenery, rural, or urban lifestyles. As for non-negotiables, let’s say you’re a digital nomad; you’ll want to be sure wherever you’re going has reliable internet and cellular.You’d do well to have a budget in mind before you begin, too. Some countries, like Viet Nam and Thailand, welcome expats and offer a high standard of living for a very low cost. Other countries, like Germany, The Netherlands, and the UK, are more cost-restrictive. In these locales, perhaps you’ll enjoy a more cosmopolitan way of life, but rental housing is expensive for non-citizens, and the cost of living is much higher in general. So job one is to do your research. Make a wish list and search your options to find out what it takes to settle in there. One website to check out is <a href="https://wherecani.live/">WhereCanI.Live</a>, where you’ll find details on what type of visa you’ll need and pretty much everything else there is to know. <h2>Finding a Job</h2>It’s often easier to settle in another country if you’re not looking to work in that country. However, if you’re not a <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/blog/successfully-navigating-remote-work">freelancer</a> and need to work, you’ll have to get creative. Younger folks can look into working holiday visas or student work visas, but there are other avenues to consider. Countries looking to fill skills gaps in their economy may issue <a href="https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/long-term-skill-shortage-list-work-visa">skills shortage visas</a>, so if you have a desirable specialization, it’s worth checking into. Alternately, some countries issue <a href="https://pickvisa.com/blog/The-world-best-15-startup-visas">startup visas</a> to entrepreneurs and founders. Either choice is an excellent inroad to permanent residency, and in the latter case, you may also gain access to incubators, government funding, and loads of local talent.<h2>Taking Care Of The Spaceship</h2>No matter where you go in the world, there are a few things everybody needs to consider. Staying healthy and strong is number one. You don’t want to be stuck anywhere without the right support. Healthcare, for example, is a bit iffy in some countries. So, for example, if you’re middle-aged or older, you’d want to ensure access to quality care, a critical detail that might help you eliminate a few destinations on your list. Take Belize – a beautiful, temperate country with a stable economy, and (bonus) it’s outside of the hurricane zone. But if you have complex health issues, you’d probably have to go to Mexico or Florida if you need specialized care. Health insurance is a concern also. If you don’t have resident-standing in some countries, emergency care can be quite expensive. Be sure you’re adequately covered for every scenario. Even if you think your current policy covers your time abroad, it might fall short. Read the fine print so you understand the gaps and ask your insurance provider whether they offer international insurance. Most do. <h2>Understanding The Culture Of Your Destination</h2>It doesn’t matter where you go in the world; you’re bound to be in for a little culture shock, at least until you get in the swing of things. Little things we do without even thinking about are unheard of in some places, so you’d do well to bone up on local customs and faux-pas before you go. For example, tipping at restaurants isn’t often done in Europe, certainly not at the level we’re used to shelling out. In countries like Japan or China, leaving a tip is considered an insult. Chewing gum could land you in jail if you do it in Singapore, and you don’t ever want to run out of gas on the Autobahn. When in Italy, don’t feed the pigeons in Venice’s San Marcos Square or wear shorts to the Vatican. Sure, <a href="https://www.farandwide.com/s/weird-laws-world-4961c1ede8d749bf">some laws and customs</a> might seem a little ridiculous, but in the interest of fitting in, best to fall in. There are undoubtedly other ways to assert your individuality that won’t get you arrested or tossed out on your ear.<h2>Taking Care of Business: The Virtues of a Virtual Mailbox</h2>Whether you intend to stay at your new location indefinitely or continue to explore the known universe, every expat needs a <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/virtual-mailbox">virtual mailbox</a>. That way, no matter where you go, you maintain some consistency and will continue to receive postal mail. Earth Class Mail virtual mailbox services were made with expats in mind, providing you with cloud-based access to your postal mail, check deposit services, secure shredding, and more. Your mail is always accessible through our cloud-based system, meaning you can pick up your mail from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. We integrate with most cloud storage systems, so whether you prefer Dropbox, Box.com, or G-Suite, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how it works:<ul><li>Choose a street address or PO box from more than 80 locations across the United States.</li><li>Postal mail arrives at our secure processing facility. </li><li>Our HIPAA-certified mail technicians open and scan your mail.</li><li>Scans are converted to PDFs.</li><li>Log into your account, view, forward, or save mail to your preferred cloud service.</li><li>Let us know what you want us to do with your mail – trash and recycle, shred, forward, it’s your call. </li></ul>A virtual mailbox from Earth Class Mail is an excellent way to ensure you continue to receive your bills, tax documents, and other postal mail communications. If you receive packages, we’ll forward them wherever you choose. Your virtual mailbox is a real address you can use to register your business and maintain continuity even when you’re traveling. Ultimately, even expats need some stability. Earth class mail is here to support you, whether it’s short or long-term. <h2>Final Thoughts</h2>Becoming an expat is a big step – but you’ve got this. And we’ve got your back! No matter where the tradewinds take you, a virtual mailbox from Earth Class Mail will make it that much easier to make it all work. <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/addresses">Choose your virtual address today</a>, and start packing!

These days it’s easier than ever before to start a new life in another country. Countries like Belize have long welcomed expats. 

How to Become An Expat | Earth Class Mail Blog

How to Become an Expat

Many of us are working from home these days and have been for quite some time. As the outlook for remote work looks like it will last for a while, we wanted to examine best-practices for staying productive under these conditions. Note that staying productive in the office can have plenty of challenges too, but working from one’s home office presents its own set of unique challenges, be it homeschooling children, or even the distracting video game console sitting in the corner. We reached out to colleagues in our network to see what they were doing to stay productive and put together some ideas to help stay on track while not in the office. Get in the habit of setting routines.<h3>Set a schedule</h3>Set a start and end time to your day that includes a lunch break, just as you would in the office. Plan your calendar for the day to make note of meetings and block off periods for deep work and keep your home working hours as if you are in an office setting. Sticking to a schedule to help maintain routine and consistency which can help you track progress and make sure you are spending your time wisely. There are some great ideas from <a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/work-from-home-productivity-schedule">Themuse.com</a> that include having consistent times for getting out of bed in the morning and changing into a work outfit, even if it’s not quite the same as what you’d wear to an actual office,<h3>Create a “commute”</h3>You can get creative with this one and start and end your day as you would if you were making the drive to the office. One idea for creating a &quot;commute&quot; is to take a walk around the block before hitting your desk - and &quot;commute&quot; home by doing the same. Getting fresh air and setting up a similar routine of going to and from the office is a great way to mentally mark the start and end of the workday.<h3>Setting up your workspace</h3>Your workspace at home should feel comfortable and familiar. One way to do that is to set up your home office like your real office. For example, 2 monitors, a real desk and chair in a dedicated space. Keep in mind ergonomics and be especially careful to avoid repetitive strain injuries that a bad setup can cause. <a href="https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/ss/slideshow-ergonomic-tips-for-a-home-office">Tips for an ergonomic set up</a> from WebMD include 1) choosing a work surface that offers plenty of space for your knees, thighs, and feet 2) an office chair with lower back support, 3) keeping your feet flat on the floor with a footrest.<h3>Dedicating a space</h3>Maintaining an area of your house solely for work can increase productivity according to numerous sources such as <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/207306">Enterprenuer.com</a>, and <a href="http://www.generationy.com/home-office-space/">Generationy.com</a>. Working from your bed or the dining room table might sometimes be a necessity - but having a spot in your home carved out specifically for work can allow you to get more done. If you can’t get a dedicated space you can separate from the rest of your life, try to find a niche space you can use that is out of the rest of the household’s way — and they out of yours — as much as possible. <h3>Staying active and healthy</h3>Having snacks and staying hydrated.Back to back zoom calls can sometimes leave little room for eating a healthy meal. Having snacks such as hard-boiled eggs and nuts around that are easy to eat helps with an empty stomach. A focus on protein, fiber, healthy fats, fruits, and veggies is the best way to go according to <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/10-tips-for-eating-healthy-when-youre-working-from-home/">Clevelandclinic.org</a>. Other suggested grab and go items include lean jerky, apples, bananas, and string cheese. <h3>
Exercise</h3>Exercise is a great way to keep up your activity level and take a quick break in order to come back to work feeling refreshed.One suggestion is to use your Apple Watch or other smartwatches or timers to remember to stand, stretch, and get the blood flowing.You can also set aside time for a walk. With winter weather coming this can be harder but there are also lots of online options for classes to take from home such as those hosted by <a href="https://obefitness.com/">Obe Fitness</a>. Classes can range from yoga to cardio.<h3>Brain breaks</h3>Play a quick game.Brain games can be a good stress reliever. Spending time away from the computer and focusing on something like a puzzle or sudoku can get your mind re-energized.<h3>Power naps</h3>A quick power nap can reset the brain and give you the time you need to take a mental break and wake-up rejuvenated for the rest of the day. Media mogul and Founder of <a href="https://thriveglobal.com/">Thrive Global</a>, Arianna Huffington is a strong advocate for taking naps at work. She even has a <a href="https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/thrive-nap-room-coco-mat-arianna-huffington">dedicated napping and meditation room</a> for employees in her company headquarters.<h3>Adding to your environment</h3>Good playlists can help you concentrate and focus. Find the style of music that works for you and play it in the background while working to maintain your pace. Podcasts and audiobooks are also great to listen to as they can spark ideas and maintain a level of learning. Here is a<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/240202"> top 25 list</a> of business podcasts that include <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=143769X1608443&isjs=1&jv=14.4.0-stackpath&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.entrepreneur.com%2Farticle%2F240202&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fentrepreneurs-on-fire%2Fid564001633%3Fmt%3D2&xguid=989d23f24609e48c9802c2f8a625462c&xs=1&xtz=360&xuuid=bc02d3a223ea0329a4cdc52e1869dbd5&xjsf=other_click__contextmenu%20%5B2%5D">Entrepreneurs on Fire </a>and <a href="http://tayorockson.com/podcast/">As Told by Nomads</a>. Ambient noise is another suggestion that helps lessen distraction and aid with focus. This can also help cover up noises from homeschoolers or familial co-workers. Ones to try include <a href="https://asoftmurmur.com/">A Soft Murmur</a> or <a href="https://mynoise.net/">myNoise</a>.

Many of us are working from home these days and have been for quite some time. As the outlook for remote work looks like it will last for a while, we wanted to examine best-practices for staying productive under these conditions.

Productivity Tips While Working From Home | Earth Class Mail Blog

Productivity Tips While Working From Home

Considering the ubiquitous nature of digital communication, it’s surprising the post office even has a presence at all in this day and age. However, we live in a world ruled by bureaucracy, so chances are there will be forests-worth of paper flowing through the system for the foreseeable future. Bottom line – unless you’re living off the grid completely, you probably still get postal mail. And while that’s not always a problem, it can become one in certain circumstances. If you’re a freelancer, <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/blog/successfully-navigating-remote-work">remote worker</a>, an ex-pat, or a digital nomad constantly on the roam, you might find yourself looking into virtual mail or <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/blog/virtual-address-privacy-and-security">virtual address service</a>. And while these products are related, they’re not exactly the same, so depending on your specific situation, either one or the other might make more sense. So let’s dive deeper into the finer points of virtual addresses and virtual mailboxes to help you decide which one is right for you. <h3>What Is A Virtual Address?</h3>First things first – technically, and despite being called “virtual,” a virtual address actually does exist. Usually used for business purposes, it’s a real address that accepts physical mail, but the difference is that your business does not operate from there. Virtual addresses are most often used by people who work from home or companies that do not maintain a physical location. If you operate a business in the United States, you need a business address, and there are myriad reasons you wouldn’t want to use your home address or a P.O. box. You can’t legally <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/blog/how-to-get-a-po-box-without-a-street-address">use a P.O. box</a> as a business address in some states, so a virtual address is a good option. A virtual address might be right for you if:<ul><li>You need to register a business</li><li>You don’t expect to receive a lot of (or any) mail</li><li>You need a professional business address</li><li>Your business is entering new markets, and you need a local address</li></ul>Small business owners use virtual addresses because it helps them maintain privacy in their personal life. Additionally, some communities and municipalities have laws against operating a business from home. Keeping your professional interests separate is always a good idea, as it reduces risk and liability and keeps those parts of your life neat and tidy. If you expect to receive mail regularly, a virtual address might not be the best or most economical option. Before choosing this option, be sure the service lines up with your ongoing needs and budget. Earth Class Mail’s virtual business address will scan or forward your incoming mail as needed. You can be confident of receiving your mail promptly no matter where you are in the world. Check out our <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/virtual-business-address">virtual address plans</a> today to get started. <h3>What Is A Virtual Mailbox?</h3>Virtual mailboxes include virtual addresses – but they also offer a few more options and added flexibility. For anybody who expects to receive mail more frequently, a virtual mailbox is an excellent choice over a virtual address alone. <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/virtual-mailbox">A virtual mailbox</a> would be a good fit for you if:<ul><li>You travel a lot. If you’re on the road all the time, whether for work or leisure, getting mail is often a challenge. Imposing on friends or colleagues to pick up and forward your mail isn’t always ideal, and the lag time in mail forwarding services might be a big inconvenience.</li><li>You live in an RV. When you’re roaming free in the world, getting mail is a complicated undertaking. A virtual mailbox receives your mail, opens and scans the contents, and emails the files as PDFs. In most cases, you’ll receive your mail within 24-48 hours of it arriving at the facility. An Earth Class Mail virtual mailbox also offers various add-on services, including <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/check-deposit">check deposits</a>, helping you maintain cash flow no matter where you are in the world. </li><li>You need an address in a specific location. Some virtual address services don’t give you the option of choosing your locale when you sign up. In other words – you get what you get within the range of what they offer. You might have some choices, but if they don’t align with your needs, you might be better off with a virtual mailbox instead. </li></ul>Virtual mailboxes are also excellent for helping you stay on top of important documents. Since your mail is scanned into PDF format, each piece of mail is sortable, searchable, and conveniently paperless. Earth Class Mail keeps your original documents for 30 days, after which they are securely shredded. Packages are forwarded to a location of your choice or held for pickup at your discretion. If you need greater flexibility, you can design a virtual mailbox plan to suit your needs. Some of the options you can consider include:<ul><li>Sync with Dropbox, Box.com, Google Drive, or your cloud of choice</li><li>Occasional or recurring check deposit with your preferred accounting software</li><li>Add additional addresses and users when needed</li><li>A business address that complies with federal and state incorporation standards</li><li>Choose a street address or P.O. box</li><li>Domestic and international shipping and forwarding</li><li>Expedited scanning </li><li>Oversized or heavy packages handling and storage</li></ul>Some of these options are associated with additional fees, but you can design a plan around your needs for maximum efficiency and value. Why Choose A Virtual Mailbox Over A Virtual Address?In a nutshell, a virtual address is more geared towards commercial entities. However, that’s not to say that a virtual mailbox is not suitable for businesses – just the opposite, in fact! A virtual mailbox from Earth Class Mail comes with a virtual address and gives you all the advantages it brings; plus, you’ll have access to so many more options and customizations to suit your needs. So let’s look at some of the pros and cons, using Earth Class Mail virtual mailbox and virtual address options as a baseline. <ul><li>Economy. If your business receives a lot of paper mail, a virtual address might not be the most economical choice. A virtual address does not include incoming mail handling, so if you do receive a lot of mail, the extra costs can add up. For example, an Earth Class Mail virtual address account charges $1 per piece of incoming mail and another $4 for content scanning. </li></ul><ul><li>Volume. On the other hand, a virtual mailbox includes 50 pieces of mail in the basic plan, and there is no charge for scanning the first ten items. If you only expect to receive official documents and statements, you probably won’t pay any overage fees at all. </li></ul><ul><li>Scalability. A virtual mailbox plan is also scalable. Let’s say you are using your account for your business; you can expand your capacity or add users instantly, as needed. </li></ul><ul><li>Choices. With a virtual address alone, you might not be able to get an address in your preferred city. While this might not matter to some, impressions do count for a lot in business, so having more options might be advantageous. </li></ul>Ultimately, the main difference is whether or not you need to receive mail regularly. If you do, a virtual mailbox is probably the best choice. If postal mail is a non-issue or is not a significant concern, then a virtual address might be sufficient. No matter what you decide or where you roam, the bottom line is, you can be confident of a secure and reliable experience with Earth Class Mail. <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/pricing">Check out our pricing today</a> and choose a virtual plan that makes your life easier.  See also: <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/blog/how-many-stamps-do-i-need-and-where-to-buy">How many stamps do I need?</a>

Considering the ubiquitous nature of digital communication, it’s surprising the post office even has a presence at all in this day and age. 

Considering the ubiquitous nature of digital communication, it’s surprising the post office even has a presence at all in this day and age. However, we live in a world ruled by bureaucracy, so chances are there will be forests-worth of paper flowing through the system for the foreseeable future. 

Do You Need A Virtual Address Or A Virtual Mailbox? | Earth Class Mail

Do You Need A Virtual Address Or A Virtual Mailbox?

Launching a new business is exciting, but there are many details to review before you start transacting. No matter what industry sector you operate in, whether you’re a sole proprietor working from home, a brick-and-mortar shop, a consultancy, or a tech startup, your company needs to be licensed and legal to do business in your state. But what type of business structure should you choose? There are many different choices, and each option has its own set of pros and cons. Much like when you’re developing your business plan, it pays to do some research first, so you can be sure you’re <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/blog/knowing-the-costs-of-starting-a-business">making the right decision</a> for your needs. <h3>Different Types of Business Structures</h3>Each type of business structure comes with its own regulatory framework. Your decision will impact how much you pay in taxes. It will also dictate what compliance paperwork you’re required to file and how much business and personal liability insurance you need. If you’re planning to seek funding, your legal business structure will also affect how you go about this. Ultimately, your choice comes down to three distinct factors: record-keeping, liability, and taxation. Because no two situations are the same, there is no clear-cut right or wrong answer. It all depends on the business needs, your individual needs, and those of your partners (if you have them). You should also consider where you see taking the business in the future, for example, if you plan to sell the company at some point or bring in more shareholders when it’s time to grow. <h3>Sole Proprietorship or Partnership</h3>A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure. It’s fast, easy, and inexpensive to set up. As the owner, you have complete control over all aspects of the business, but you are also personally responsible for paying taxes and any other elements of financial liability. A sole proprietorship is a good choice for independent contractors or small businesses that do not have any major liability concerns. If you have significant personal assets and feel they might be at risk, it would probably be better to look at incorporating. However, if you expect your annual income to be higher than $100,000, and don’t have enough deductions to lower your taxable income, there are <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/77730">advantages to incorporating</a>. <h3>Partnership</h3>A partnership is when two or more people agree to share the business’s profits and/or losses. This structure is similar to a sole proprietorship in that each partner is personally liable. If the company is sued, each partner bears the onus equally (or according to their share of the business). A partnership can also reduce the tax you pay as the amounts are passed through to be paid on each partner’s individual return. You might choose a partnership if you and one or more others are engaged in providing a product or service and wish to share aspects of business operations and administration. <h3>Corporation</h3>A corporation is a business entity that is created with the sole purpose of conducting business. It is separate from the people who created it and is responsible for meeting its obligations under the law. The corporation is taxed and can be held liable for damages incurred as a result of its activities. Perhaps the most significant advantage of incorporation is the absence of personal liability. As a corporation, you are taxed at a lower rate, and there are many more options available to you, so if you are a high-earning sole proprietor, it’s something to consider. However, incorporation comes with its drawbacks as well. The cost of incorporation is relatively high, and tax preparation is much more complicated and costly. You will also be required to maintain and file specific paperwork, and you may be taxed twice—once through the corporation and again on your personal income tax. An S-corporation helps you avoid double taxation by allowing losses to be passed on through your tax return, much like a partnership. A corporation is also advantageous when it comes to estate planning. If you plan to pass your stake in the company along to your children, for example, this is a way to avoid inheritance taxes and probate. When you die, your shares pass on to your beneficiaries automatically without going through a lengthy legal process. <h3>Limited Liability Corporation (LLC)</h3>An LLC is a hybrid of a partnership and a corporation. Some business owners prefer this structure because it offers the best of both worlds. Partners are protected from personal liability, and profits and losses can be passed through without incurring additional taxation. Of course, <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/blog/what-address-should-i-use-for-my-llc">an LLC</a> has its downsides too. If you’re hoping to attract investors, it’s not impossible, but certainly less likely. Investors generally prefer the protections of a corporation. Plus, you cannot pay yourself a salary as an owner. There is less paperwork to file than with a corporation, but renewal fees can be pretty high. Most types of companies can be LLCs, with the exception of professional services, like medical offices or legal firms. Choosing an LLC structure over a sole partnership, partnership, or corporation will largely depend on what protections, tax advantages, and other features matter most to you. <h3>Every Business Needs A Physical Address</h3>Whether you’re a digital nomad, a clothing designer, a financial advisor, or a construction firm, every business needs a physical address. In fact, you can’t register your business at all unless you have an official address. For some companies, this is an easy task – if you have a location, you have an address. However, these days it isn’t always that cut-and-dried. Many businesses today <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/blog/how-a-virtual-mailbox-helped-basecamp-become-fully-remote">operate remotely</a>, meaning they don’t have an office people can visit. Plus, many states do not allow you to list a P.O. box as your business address, so that that option might be off the table. And while some sole proprietors might feel like it’s okay to use their home address, there are pros and cons to that as well. Nobody likes the idea of salespeople, vendors, process servers, or even potential customers just showing up on their doorstep unannounced. If you are setting up your company and need to get started quickly, a virtual address is the answer you’ve been looking for. Some of the benefits of a virtual address include:<ul><li>Satisfy state and federal requirements</li><li>Not a P.O. box – an actual street address</li><li>Choose the city and state you do business in</li><li>Receive mail and official documents</li><li>Affordable, predictable monthly fee</li><li>Professional address to use on your website, business cards, and marketing collateral</li></ul>Plus, it immediately lends legitimacy to your company. In the eyes of your peers, customers, and the government, you are a thriving and active concern. Plus, if you’re the type that’s always on the go, you can still receive your mail. Incoming mail is scanned and sent to your email or synced with your preferred cloud service, minimizing delays and ensuring you stay on top of critical business correspondence. When you’re starting a new company, it pays to take a systematic approach. Before you choose your business structure, <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/virtual-business-address">sign up for a virtual business address today</a>. Choose your <a href="https://www.earthclassmail.com/addresses">virtual address</a> from our extensive list of locations, pick a plan that works for you, and you’re ready to conquer!

Launching a new business is exciting, but there are many details to review before you start transacting.

Launching a new business is exciting, but there are many details to review before you start transacting. No matter what industry sector you operate in, whether you’re a sole proprietor working from home, a brick-and-mortar shop, a consultancy, or a tech startup, your company needs to be licensed and legal to do business in your state.   But what type of business structure should you choose? There are many different choices, and each option has its own set of pros and cons. 

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Portland

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