Douglass & Runger - December 2022

HAVE YOU HEARD OF PLOGGING? BOOST YOUR HEALTH WHILE HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT

HEAD OUT IN GROUPS. Everything is more fun with others! Round up a group of friends, family, or coworkers and join the initiative together. If you’re up for it, you can even make it a contest! ADD IN DIFFERENT EXERCISES. Plogging doesn’t only have to incorporate jogging — while gathering trash; you can do squats, burpees, lunges, or even pushups. SWITCH UP ARMS. While plogging, holding the garbage bag in the same hand can become uncomfortable, especially as that bag gets heavier! Be sure to change which arm holds it from time to time! INCORPORATE SPRINTS. If jogging becomes too simple for you, try sprinting between trash to intensify the activity.

According to Our World in Data, the world manufactures more than 270 million tons of plastic annually. About 8 million tons of this plastic winds up in the ocean — that’s 3%! Plogging, a fad that originated in Sweden to help minimize pollution, is taking the world by storm. Essentially, you jog and pick up litter at the same time! Some cardio and a giant clean-up effort? It’s a great way to enjoy the cool winter temperatures while doing something good for the environment! Plogging can be done with others, at any time, and pretty much anywhere litter or trash exists. It’s a win-win! The origin of the word “plogging,” according to the Farmer’s Almanac, comes from a combination of jogging and the Swedish word for “pick up,” which is “plocka upp.” All you need is a pair of running shoes, a trash bag, stamina, some free time, and water to stay hydrated! If you’re interested in taking up the hobby or plogging every now and then to make a difference in our environment, here are some tips to keep the activity fun and interesting!

Plogging is a great way to reduce pollution while getting in your workout! Local parks, neighborhoods, and common areas are a great place to start!

Let Your Small Business Shine!

OUTWORK THOSE BIG COMPETITORS

Being a small business owner in today’s environment can be intimidating. Larger companies have bigger

Most customers need to see a brand’s name multiple times before even considering doing business with them. So, the more you can get your small business’s name out there, the better chance you have at standing out against the competition. DELIVER EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE. It’s a well-known fact that individuals do business with people they know, like, and trust. You can develop more personal and deeper relationships with your customers as a small-business owner than many large businesses can. Customers value services just as much as products. If they feel genuinely appreciated, they are more likely to come to you versus a big-name brand. Some larger companies have lost the personal touch that many people need and appreciate. Where they lack, your small business can shine! Having that personal connection with your customers encourages them to continue doing business with you. BE INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY. One of the best advantages that small businesses have is they are local. There are plenty of small businesses out there that have a big name in their community! It’s beneficial to get to know your neighbors in the surrounding area or even donate products or services to those who need them most. You may be surprised at how much support you can receive in return. There are plenty of different ways to be successful in a competitive market. Either way, as a small-business owner, you have to believe in what you’re doing and be willing to outwork your competitors.

marketing budgets, brand recognition, and general dominating power in the industry. These larger companies have built empires and can easily overshadow small businesses. Still, while it may seem like an uphill battle, smaller businesses can use strategies to their advantage to be just as successful! ESTABLISH A DIGITAL PRESENCE. Digital marketing is an effective way to reach a global audience in a way that’s cost-effective, scalable, and measurable — the opportunities are endless! While word of mouth and referrals can help your business grow, customers may struggle to find your business if your online marketing strategy is lacking. With an online presence, you can: • Interact with your customers and learn what they’re looking for. • Target the right audience at the right time. • Communicate with your customers at every stage of the buying process. • Drive engagement to create brand loyalty.

2 • DouglassRunger.com

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