The Best Gifts for a Senior Citizen

It can be difficult shopping for senior citizens. Plain and simple, they either have everything or are not amenable to trying new items. That is of course, unless you can find things that they truly will want to use and many of these items revolve around making things easier for them. Senior citizens want to maintain their independence and may need to adjust their homes and alter their habits, such as gardening or decorating less because it is becoming too difficult. Adapting products for safety and ease of use can greatly help people retain their independence longer. There is pride and a wish for independence that is natural and understandable.

When looking at gifts for a senior citizen ask yourself, “What can I give this person that will help their daily life?”. “What are they struggling with the most?”

We have compiled a list of some gift ideas that may help to answer this question.

1. The Gift of Mobility: Save Their Back, One Step at a Time with UpCart

This is not your typical “Granny Cart” that is cheaply made and dated. This is a brand new kind of cart that was designed to save their back. It eases the resistance by up to 64% versus standard two-wheel carts when going up and down stairs and over rough terrain. The UpCart will make life easier for transporting items and easing the burden that can come from going up and down the stairs. It has three wheels on each side that are large (6” in diameter each). The UpCart wheels will move with them on the stairs rotating with each step for a more fluid and less back breaking movement both up and down the stairs.

It also has an ease of use for any senior citizen. The UpCart Original only weighs 9.7 lbs, but can handle up to 100 lbs of weight. A person can pull the UpCart up the stairs behind them and still keep their hand on the railing for needed stability. Better still, the cart is easily foldable and compacts down to just over 4” in width when not in use so it is perfectly suited whether they live in a house or a small apartment.

For a senior who is struggling with everyday tasks and wishes to maintain their independence this is truly the best cart on the market. The UpCart can help with any task whether it is to bring in groceries, move potted plants or help transport the laundry. It is the type of item that can give the gift of independence to someone who may be struggling with mobility. Additional accessories such as a custom fitted bag or securing bungees and straps are also a great add on.

Available now starting at $89.95 at www.UpCart.com or by calling 800-539-3653.

2. The Gift of Dexterity – 5 in 1 Automatic Can Opener

Having the strength to open and close items such as pickle jars and any closed container can be a frustration for a senior. Again, going back to the question “What can you give someone that will help them in their daily life?”. This automatic can opener is a great fit.

This 5 in 1 Opener will help you pry off jar lids, screw tops, pull tabs and just about any other container top. This versatile kitchen gadget exists to help you save time and energy, so you can focus on what’s important.

The inner ring lined with a silicone grip helps twist off bottle tops. The hook on the top helps pry open cans with a pull tab. That same hook can be applied to a jar lid to crack the seal. The standard bottle opener takes off bottle caps, and the compartment on the bottom easily slips over soda pop tabs for easy opening. There's almost nothing in your kitchen this thing can't get open!

Get yours today at Amazon.com

3. The Gift of Memories - My Life Story – So Far

This one is more sentimental than functional, but this will be a journey rather than a gift. Our heritage is important, this is an inspirational gift to create a lasting family keepsake that will be treasured for generations. It is important to pass on traditions and family stories. Beginning with "The Early Years," this uniquely designed journal is organized in nine sections, each containing thought-provoking prompts to spark a colorful personal memoir that captures the memories of first dates, lifelong friendships, meaningful stories, and pearls of wisdom gathered along the way. There's even a section dedicated to list the things you hope to accomplish next!

Fill in the sewn, clothbound journal on your own schedule, as little or as much as you would like, and gradually it becomes a treasure trove of experiences that will be cherished by you, your children, grandchildren and generations to come with the “My Life Story – So Far” book.

Available now for only $30.00 on UncommonGoods.coms

4. The Gift of Light – Lutron Motion Sensor Light Switch

As we get older, seeing in the dark can present real safety issues. Lutron’s sensors effectively detect any motion, so they automatically turn lights on when entering a space and turn them off when leaving. Not only does this make them a convenient way to save energy, but they also add simple automation to the home. These would be a terrific gift for a senior to help them navigate dark rooms and hallways as their eyesight and footing diminish.

Also, consider adding stick on LED lights to their switch plates that also shine down on the floor. Extra light is great, no matter your age, and this illuminating little gift could prevent a dangerous fall. Indoor/outdoor motion sensor LED lights are also great to place around front porch steps and indoor stairways. Another great way to illuminate an older person’s living space is to replace outlet covers with SnapPower Guidelights. The SnapPower Guidelight is a plug-and-play replacement for standard plug-in night lights and hardwired lights. SnapPower is designed to look like a standard outlet cover by day, with beautiful LEDs that provide ambient lighting at night. It installs within seconds and requires no wires or batteries.

Purchases yours today on Amazon.com for only $18.00

5. The Gift of Independence – Accessible Showers

Bathing can be an arduous task for seniors. It is difficult to get into and out of any bathtub for countless reasons. It is also a potential place for a fall. Accessible showers have no curb and are easier to get in and out of than conventional showers or bathtubs. People with mobility challenges can walk in directly or transfer into a barrier free shower or alternatively a wheelchair user can roll into a handicapped accessible shower stall.

An accessible shower stall with the shower floor at the same level with the bathroom floor allows both individuals with a physical disability as well as people of all abilities to enjoy safe and comfortable bathrooms without sacrificing style.

A residential Accessible Shower is Safe and Comfortable for People of All Abilities.
Showers have a slip resistant textured floor adding to user safety. Most models also have a pre-levelled and reinforced shower base, saving installation time and eliminating future problems.

For more information, please visit https://accessible-shower-design.com/

The post The Best Gifts for a Senior Citizen appeared first on UpCart Blog.

source https://www.upcart.com/blog/2018/05/27/best-gifts-senior-citizen/

The Gift of Mobility for Senior Citizens – Introducing the Hand Cart Senior Citizens Can’t Live Without

It can be difficult shopping for senior citizens. Plain and simple, they either have everything or are not amenable to trying new items. That is of course, unless you can find things that they truly will want to use and many of these items revolve around making things easier for them. Senior citizens want to maintain their independence and may need to adjust their homes and alter their habits, such as gardening or decorating less because it is becoming too difficult. Adapting products for safety and ease of use can greatly help people retain their independence longer. When looking at gifts for someone like this, there is a new item on the marketplace that has become a must have. It is called the UpCart.

This is not your typical “Granny Cart” that is cheaply made and dated. This is a brand-new kind of cart that was designed to save your back. It eases the resistance by 64% of going up and down stairs and over rough terrain. The UpCart will make life easier for transporting items and easing the burden that can come from going up and down the stairs. It has three wheels on each side that are large (6” in diameter each). The UpCart wheels will move with you on the stairs rotating with each step for a more fluid and less back breaking movement both up and down the stairs.

It also has an ease of use for any senior citizen. The UpCart Original only weighs 9.7 lbs, but can handle up to 100 lbs of weight. A person can pull the UpCart up the stairs behind them and still keep their hand on the railing for needed stability. Better still, the cart is easily foldable and compacts down to 4” in width when not in use so it is perfectly suited whether they live in a house or a small apartment.

For a senior who is struggling with everyday tasks and wishes to maintain their independence this is truly the best cart on the market. The UpCart can help with any task whether it is to bring in groceries, move potted plants or help transport the laundry. It is the type of item that can give the gift of independence to someone who may be struggling with mobility.

The post The Gift of Mobility for Senior Citizens – Introducing the Hand Cart Senior Citizens Can’t Live Without appeared first on UpCart Blog.

source https://www.upcart.com/blog/2018/05/27/gift-mobility-senior-citizens-introducing-hand-cart-senior-citizens-cant-live-without/

UpCart® City Wins 2018 Retailer’s Choice Award and Funds on Kickstarter in the Same Week

UpCart City was one of about 30 products (out of 3,000 exhibitors) awarded the Retailer’s Choice Award at the 2018 National Hardware Show. Products selected are considered the most innovative products out on the market today.

Columbus, Ohio (May 14, 2018) – TriFold LLC, the award-winning maker of the innovative and successful UpCart® line of products, wins a Retailer’s Choice Award for their newest product, the UpCart® City. UpCart City was one of about 30 products (out of 3,000 exhibitors) awarded the Retailer’s Choice Award at the 2018 National Hardware Show that took place in the Las Vegas Convention Center from May 7-9. Products selected are considered the most innovative products out on the market today. Unlike other awards, the products honored at the Retailers’ Choice ceremony are not selected by editors. Instead, these products are chosen from the thousands of items on the show floor by a panel of home improvement retailers and small business owners who volunteer their time to serve as judges.

UpCart City launched on Kickstarter the week before the 2018 National Hardware Show and successfully hit its funding goal on Mother’s Day. To learn more about the UpCart City, visit the Kickstarter campaign page: https://kck.st/2IANlls

The release of this new hand cart is significant because it is the most lightweight and compact cart in their product line, folding completely flat for easy storage and capable of going up and down stairs or traversing rough terrain.

The patented technology has the UpCart® City folding to 4.5 inches flat. Weighing in at less than 8 pounds, this climbing cart is lightweight making it easy to put away and retrieve from closets and cars. Even with its ability to be compactly stored, the UpCart® City still handles up to 77 pounds of weight capacity. It also come with a custom-fitted bag to help transport anything from groceries to laundry.

“This hand cart is a game changer to our business and we are very excited to debut this at the 2018 National Hardware Show. We listened to our customers when they said they wanted something lighter and more compact. The UpCart City is a perfect example of the company’s continued innovation based on consumer needs for better functionality,” said Co-Founder and CEO Michael Reznik. “The focus on simplifying the transportation of bulky or heavy items for those living in the city, upper-floor apartments or any place with stairs has always been part of our core mission. We are excited to make the UpCart City a part of our legacy.”

The UpCart® City addresses the need for a stair-climbing dolly that is more compact and easy for everyday use. UpCart® products have been independently tested by testing agency Bureau Veritas and proven to reduce effort by up to 64% up and down stairs when compared to two-wheeled hand trucks.

“Based on the response from thousands of satisfied customers, we knew we had a solid and successful design with our UpCart Original. It was a natural progression of our company to bring this new hand cart to consumers,” noted Leonid Khodor, Co-Founder and President of TriFold LLC. “Through our product line, we are able to provide value and reduce efforts for every demographic. Whether it is a senior citizen looking for help with groceries with the UpCart City, a student moving into a dorm with our UpCart Deluxe or a delivery person hauling boxes with our UpCart Lift, there is no demographic that would not have a need or value from our product line.”

TriFold LLC has been producing UpCart® products since 2015 when it launched the UpCart® Original at the 2015 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas. The design and functionality of the folding six-wheeled cart
caught much attention at the show and they were awarded the “Most Innovative Concept” award for the UpCart Original. In 2016, TriFold was awarded its first “Retailer’s Choice Award” when it was selected by a panel of independent home improvement retailers from thousands of products on display at the show.

To learn more about the UpCart® City or any of the product lines visit www.UpCart.com, or to book an interview, contact them at support@upcart.com or via telephone at: 1-800-539-3653

******
About the UpCart® Product Line
UpCart® is a product line of innovative all-terrain stair climbing carts targeted at all consumers. They currently have the UpCart® Original, Deluxe, Pro-Shopper, Lift and now the UpCart® City. For additional information regarding all product lines, please refer to or contact Jessica Reznik at 614-441-7199 or email at jessica.reznik@trifoldllc.com.

******
About TriFold LLC
TriFold is a manufacturer of folding mobility products for everyday use. TriFold’s vision is to revolutionize mobility. The team at TriFold strongly believes that producing products that improve mobility affords people freedom to do more and be more productive. TriFold's product line (see them at http://www.UpCart.com) are a way for people to overcome everyday mobility challenges and make their lives easier.

Contact Information

Michael Reznik
TriFold LLC
http://www.upcart.com
(614) 207-7199

Jessica Reznik
TriFold LLC
https://kck.st/2IANlls
6144417199

The post UpCart® City Wins 2018 Retailer’s Choice Award and Funds on Kickstarter in the Same Week appeared first on UpCart Blog.

source https://www.upcart.com/blog/2018/05/27/upcart-city-wins-2018-retailers-choice-award-funds-kickstarter-week/

Testimonial - Upcart Deluxe

I must start out by saying that this one of the BEST companies that I have had the pleasure of doing business with! I especially want to acknowledge the owners, The Rezniks! I LOVE them! They are so wonderful and truly care about their customers!

I was moving to St Louis 2 years ago and knew that I needed some type of hand cart to carry my stuff up to the second-floor apartment since I have always lived on a first floor. My sister said I needed to find some type of 'old lady cart'...Ughhhh! I then came across the UpCart and thought what a fantastic idea! I ordered the cart and was beyond happy! It maneuvered up and down stairs with such ease! I showed it to my sister and she was very excited for me, especially since it was so cool and not the 'old lady cart' that mom would have used! I moved in the apt and was able to put the moving boxes on the cart (a few at a time) and take them to the dumpster without dropping one! After that, I was able to bring up multiple items at once, such as a case of water and some groceries.

I found a trick as well! By lowering the carts handle a bit as I was rolling it up the steps, it was not that heavy...and just rolled with ease! I contacted the owner, Jessica Reznik to personally tell her how much I LOVED this cart and what a difference it made with carrying things up and down the stairs or just over curbs! I told her that if the cart was human - I'd named it Hector & marry it! I keep the UpCart in the trunk of the car at all times as it folds up and fits perfectly, no matter how much shopping I have to unload and carry up to the second floor, it will never be an issue.

Just recently I noticed that one of the bolts came loose so I contacted Jessica. Without hesitation, she sent me a replacement bolt (in an envelope with a HEART for Hector!) and then introduced me to the UpCart Deluxe! I fixed Hector but oh my goodness, the UpCart Deluxe is amazing and even better than the Original model...if that's even possible!! I LOVE UPCART DELUXE! It's heavier and holds even more things and seems to glide with such ease while going up and down the steps! Of course, my new cart is called Oscar and he's happily found his way in the trunk of the car when it’s not in use. We said a fond good bye to Hector and he is safely tucked away in the closet...as I still cannot part with him!

I encourage anyone who has steps to climb, or just even transport heavy things such as cases of water to purchase any one of these carts! However, the Deluxe model is so amazing! I further would recommend buying only from UpCart! There may other carts out there...but not with this quality or wonderful customer service!!

The post Testimonial - Upcart Deluxe appeared first on UpCart Blog.

source https://www.upcart.com/blog/2018/04/10/testimonial-upcart-deluxe/

Kegs, Cases, & Crates Oh My! The Party Hacks You Need To Know!

Spring is coming and it’s time for us to get our party on! Before you start tapping the keg and firing up the grill, make sure to check out these fool proof party hacks to make the most of you and your guests having a great time!

1. Label Glasses
Provide a little station for guests to get their glasses and label them however they want. This way, you cut down on half drunk cups that someone forgot was theirs and hey you’ll instantly know who didn’t clean up their cup at the end of the party!

2. Keep wine chilled with frozen grapes
Some grape on grape actions for keeping those white wine’s nice and cool. Simply add frozen grapes which won’t change the taste or water the wine down. Doesn’t hurt that they are a fresh cold fruit to pick at in between sips.

3. Get some portable trash bag holders.
This is especially great for any outdoor party to keep the trash contained. These inexpensive holders will make for easy clean up for both your guests and you. (check amazon website)

4. Use a cupcake liner with straws to keep the bugs away.
This is one of those “why didn’t we think of this sooner” ideas. The cupcake liner keeps the bugs out and it adds some decorative flair to some of the summer drink concoctions you will be making.

5. Make cheap vodka taste great! Filter it through a water filter!
Most vodkas are filtered through charcoal multiple times to remove bad tasting elements. A Brita filter acts in the same way. Run your terrible vodka through a couple times and wow your guests with its improved taste.

6. Make transporting EVERYTHING easier with an UpCart Lift!
From the start to finish of every party, the UpCart Lift stair climbing folding hand truck will take up to 200 lbs and is the best party investment you can make. It can get your keg, ice and any coolers where you need them to be and take the trash out when everyone leaves. Better yet, it will move anything up and down stairs or on uneven pavement or rough terrain. The UpCart Lift is a no brainer when doing your party planning! Visit www.UpCart.com to get your UpCart Lift today!

The post Kegs, Cases, & Crates Oh My! The Party Hacks You Need To Know! appeared first on UpCart Blog.

source https://www.upcart.com/blog/2018/04/10/kegs-cases-crates-oh-party-hacks-need-know/

A New Hand Truck is Lifting the Industry One Step at a Time

Throughout the years, hand trucks have remained a stagnant, yet important part of doing business for your customers. Everyone has one, everyone uses one and there’s not been much more to say on this, until now when a small family company completely changed the functionality with their stair climbing folding hand truck, the UpCart® Lift. There was nothing out there that addressed the difficulties that come with having to transport items up and down stairs and over rough terrain. Not to mention, the strain on your back moving and lifting large items up and down to complete a job. Companies such as Magna Cart and Cosco have long used hand trucks as a big part of their business for contractors, but this new contender is literally stepping up the industry by changing the entire concept of how hand trucks could be used on the job.

“We started with our line of hand carts which were perfect for consumers, but we knew there was a need for a hand truck that helps reduce the back strain on people who are professionals. Everyday coming in and out of homes up and down the stairs with heavy equipment is a hard job, our goal is to make this easier. We have definitely accomplished this with the UpCart Lift.” -Michael Reznik | UpCart® CEO.

The UpCart® Lift launched mid 2017 with its revolutionary six-wheel design and patented folding technology. They literally “Lifted” the hand truck industry by providing contractors with an affordable hand truck that can literally go up and down stairs and over rough terrain. The Lift can carry up to 18x its own weight and is built for maximum productivity that hold up to the rigors of modern life and tough jobs. Yet, this hand truck is light weight at 11.35 lbs and easy to maneuver. Better yet, it folds down to under 5” flat for easy storage. This has innumerably changed the way contractors are able to use the hand truck. By giving the cart the non-marking wheels that ease the resistance up and down stairs, now professional contractors can more easily transport items such as air conditioners, evaporators, condensers, furnace components, tools and such without the constant strain on their backs.

“This hand truck has changed the entire way I am able to deliver packages. I never have to worry about lugging boxes up stairs to someone’s apartment. Just put it on the UpCart® Lift and walk on up.” - Dustin | FedEx Delivery Driver.

This new concept of folding hand truck has antiquated the standard folding hand truck in numerous ways. First the ability to have a stair climbing all terrain truck versus the standard two wheeled hand truck speaks for itself. The UpCart® Lift will ease resistance up and down stairs by up to 64%. This makes the jobs that were cumbersome for two people now able to be done by one. Another impressive distinction from the standard folding hand truck is the handle. The telescopic handle of the Lift is much longer than standard folding hand trucks. Fully extended, it is up to 50” in height. It also has four handle height options depending on the job with large easy to hold grips. This makes the UpCart® Lift the new standard for folding hand trucks.
“Our company’s mission is to save our customers backs one stair at a time. Our UpCart® line of products and accessories are all focused on functionality, ease of use and reducing effort. We saw the need in the marketplace for this and our customers call us all the time to thank us for helping make their lives easier. That’s something to be very proud of.” - Michael Reznik | UpCart CEO.

To check out our entire line of UpCarts, please visit us at www.UpCart.com

The post A New Hand Truck is Lifting the Industry One Step at a Time appeared first on UpCart Blog.

source https://www.upcart.com/blog/2018/02/28/new-hand-truck-lifting-industry-one-step-time/

Apartment Living Hacks

Apartment living is a right of passage in almost anyone’s life. Whether it be in a pebble-sized pad in New York or a third floor more spacious option in Minneapolis, there are tricks to apartment living that can help to make things more efficient and better in the long run.

1. Sliding Pantry

Make the most of your space and organization with a sliding pantry. It’s brilliant, you can fit all your spices, soups and even peanut butter in this efficient use of space. When you need anything, just roll it out and back in it goes. Great way to save on valuable cabinet space.

2. Ditch the Ironing Board

Take a quilt and attach magnets to the back of it. Then whenever you need to iron, just slap this on the top of the dryer and it will take away any need for owning the board. If you don’t have a dryer, just take do this at the laundromat and all your pressed clothes will be looking good!

3. Vertical Wine Rack

This way you can store your wine and have it up on the wall instead of taking room up anywhere else. This also looks very nice on the wall while maintaining its function.

4. An UpCart Stair Climbing Cart

This is the number one must have for apartment living! The UpCart (upcart.com) is a stair climbing hand cart that can get your groceries, laundry and everything you need up the stairs without straining your back! It also will save so many extra trips by using their accessory bag to unload your trunk. Even better, the UpCart folds completely flat so you can store it anywhere.

5. Storage in Plain Sight

Use the opportunity to have a nice-looking place to store your items. A side table with storage bins underneath make a perfect place to put away items and keep them organized.

The post Apartment Living Hacks appeared first on UpCart Blog.

source https://www.upcart.com/blog/2018/02/28/apartment-living-hacks/

Life Hacks For Taking Care Of Your Dog

We all love our furry little friends, but let’s face it. Life is hard and we all have so many commitments whether it be work, taking care of children or our regularly crazy schedules. It’s fair to say sometimes one of the last things we are thinking about is how much dog food is left and if there are shots due at the vet. This is not to say our pets are not immeasurably important, but while they live for us, we sometimes just can’t be as in tune to their needs as we would like to be with life continually moving at such a fast pace. There are ways to make this easier. Here are our top 5 tips for working smarter not harder for taking care of your best friend:

1. Find A Vet That Fits Your Schedule

It can be difficult to make a 10:30AM appointment on a Tuesday to get your dog her annual shots and checkup. Getting in on a Saturday can take weeks and the wait to get in can be substantial because let’s face it, you weren’t the only one who needed to get in on a weekend. Find a vet who can take your pet before work and you can pick up on your way home. This way, you aren’t on their schedule and your pet can get all the care they need without the waiting. Also, make sure you choose a vet who helps with your scheduling letting you know when it’s time to have your dog come in.

2. Go Ahead and Buy the Biggest Bag of Food

One of the biggest hassles in a day can be when you are home, groceries are bought, chores are done and you are just settling down for some well-deserved chill out time and the dog has no food prompting a rush trip to the pet store. Consider this the next time you go to get the food. Buy the biggest bag available. Heck, buy two. While it may be difficult to lift the bag, know that the pet stores employees will load any pet food in your car for you. Be smart, use an UpCart to get the large bags into the house and save your back. UpCart reduces strain and effort by up to 64% and folds flat for easy storage. No strain and your pet has food for a longer period of time.

3. Keep Them Happy with a “Toy” Drawer

Most pets, especially dogs can really need a lot of special attention when their owner is focused on other things. If you have ever worked from home and found that when you are on a conference call, you dog thinks this is the best time to play ball, you understand this dilemma. Or if you have someone coming to the door and the dog is an over greeter, the “Toy Drawer” may be for you. Have a drawer with new toys and chews that contain special treats for your pet. When you are busy or expecting someone, give this to your pet and let them be distracted for a bit while you do what you need to do. Find the dog chews they like best and still take time to get through. It’ll save you the hassle of explaining why there is barking on your conference call or apologizing for your dog jumping all over your guest.

4. Don’t Discount Day Care Days

Maybe you are hosting a party, maybe the kids have back to back basketball games. Sometimes it is hard to remember through all our chaos that your faithful pup is living for the moment you come home and needs play time. Make it easier on both you and your pet when you know the schedule is going to be tough and book a doggie day care day. This will give your pet a chance to play all day and when you need them to be alone for the evening or calmer when having guests, their full day will make them ready for rest. It’s a win win for busy dog owners.

5. Ditch Washing the Dog in the Shower

Every pet owner knows that wash day for your pet can be a hassle and takes significant time. Stop washing your dog in the shower. It’s messy, clogs the drains and the pet hair goes everywhere. You end up having to scrub your entire bathroom when it is over. Many pet stores now have dog washes available ranging from $10 - $15 per wash. While this is an expense, this is a worthwhile investment to cleaning your pooch. All you will need for a bath is set up and ready to go, including drying your dog. No mess, no clean up, no hassle and will save you time. You can just come home with a clean dog and leave the mess behind.

Having a dog can bring the happiest moments even through all of our busy lifestyles. Take some time to think about how both you and your dog can make some of the chaos better for both of you. You may find saving some of this time will lead to more quality time with your best friend.

The post Life Hacks For Taking Care Of Your Dog appeared first on UpCart Blog.

source https://www.upcart.com/blog/2018/02/28/life-hacks-taking-care-dog-2/

Best Ways to Impress in Presentations

It is said that public speaking is feared more than actual life-threatening situations. So how do you overcome this when you have to take center stage whether it be giving a presentation at a conference or a smaller presentation in the boardroom? These are some of the best ways to be ready to do your best and be most effective when you need to own the room.

1. If you can’t make it, fake it

Walking into a room with your head held high, your shoulders back and with a smile on your face can give everyone the impression that you know exactly what you are doing. Even if you are secretly terrified and completely faking your confidence, this works. In fact, if you fake your confidence enough, it becomes genuine.

This is similar to having a fear of heights. At one of my jobs, there was a huge wall of windows that looked down on the lobby of the building. These windows looking down went up ten stories. Working on the tenth floor and having to walk the hallway where the windows were the only thing between me and what I perceived as an imminent fall made me constantly take other avenues to get to where I needed to go. One day I decided to look down. I only did it for a moment, but the next day I did it for a little longer and the next and the next. I got to the point that I got used to looking down and eventually it didn’t phase me. Other colleagues never got to that point and avoided the view. Faking confidence can follow the same pattern if you think about it.

When you take the time to acknowledge you are nervous internally, but make yourself outwardly confident, it becomes easier in time and then dare I say it, natural and normal. People are more apt to listen to and agree with someone who acts like they know what they are doing and are confident in their presentations. That confidence tells people:

• You are capable.
• You are trustworthy.
• You can solve their problem.
• You are a leader

2. Be Likeable

It doesn’t matter if this is a one on one meeting with your boss or if it is a presentation in front of 500 people. While confidence is key, likeability is a close second. So how can you be likeable in these situations. There are a lot of things you can do, but the most important thing you can do is the simplest. Smile. Walk in the room with a smile and energy and people will have a first impression that you are kind, approachable and yes this aides in confidence as well. Practice this on anyone. People are very receptive when someone is smiling. I have been in presentations with 500 people and the first thing I do is make sure when I go on that stage I am smiling and greet them genuinely to start the presentation. It sets the stage for a more involved audience because they liked me. I was approachable and there was less to fear when they wanted to ask question.

I have done presentations for many years, I learned quickly what works and what doesn’t.  What doesn’t work 100% of the time is when someone comes up with a dry power point to present on a dry subject and reads each slide walking off the stage with a muffled applause that is mandatory, but not genuine. Not only is this extremely boring for your audience, nothing is accomplished by this.  The message is lost the retention for the audience is nullified.

3. Be Different in Presentations

I have done presentations for many years, I learned quickly what works and what doesn’t. What doesn’t work 100% of the time is when someone comes up with a dry power point to present on a dry subject and reads each slide walking off the stage with a muffled applause that is mandatory, but not genuine. Not only is this extremely boring for your audience, nothing is accomplished by this. The message is lost the retention for the audience is nullified.

I cannot stress this enough. Be Different. I would present the driest material about financial investment compliance. Getting on stage, I could hear the grumbles from the audience. They had never had a speaker that did more than the minimum and they expected to be bored. Do more. Walk out there confidently, smile and come up with how to best present while making the message important to your audience. One way to do this is to have real world examples of what your are talking about and don’t put them on your power point. Step away from your presentation and say “True Story” or “Let’s Put this in Perspective”. When you physically step away from your presentation, the audience will notice something is happening and it will peak their interest.

Add humor where appropriate as well. Break up your presentation with some relevant humor to your topic whether it be a well placed comic in your presentation or a well timed joke that can tie into the topic. Don’t be afraid to do this and if they don’t laugh, shake it off and tell them something like, “well this is why I’m presenting this topic and not at the comedy club.”

Being different will get you noticed. People will better remember your message and remember you. Doing a good presentation is a perfect opportunity to stand out at your company.

4. Be Prepared

You knew this was coming.  You know this is the best way to impress.  Research your topic and know your content backwards and forwards. Also, this helps with that whole confidence part.  Practice your presentation.  Practice with someone you trust will give you honest feedback.  Putting something together and never going through it will lead to a lackluster presentation.

In addition to that, let’s talk about the preparedness that is necessary before any presentation.  Every presentation I have ever given, I have gotten to early.  If you are presenting at noon, be there at 11:00 and make sure everything is perfect for you.  Test all electronics you will be using.  If you can’t get the projector to work, have presentation copies for your audience and remember you should be able to give this presentation without the big screen behind you because you know your stuff.  Remember the actual presenter is you, not your slides.

Use things to make your life easier.  The best thing I ever used to be prepared was a hand cart called the UpCart.  It was the best item I have ever purchased as an executive.  The UpCart is a cart with three wheels on each side and it literally helps to go up and down stairs and the uneven terrain… such as all those wires everywhere on the floor when setting up.  The UpCart held everything I needed from the projector to the handouts (and kept my hand free to shake).  Silly as it is, when I walked into a presentation with this cart and walked up the steps on stage or even just into a big room, it helped my first impression.  Picture yourself walking into a presentation loaded down with papers, projector, computer and all the other things you need.  Make a powerful first impression by walking head up with the UpCart having everything you need organized behind you. I will say I loved when I had to go up steps on stage with my materials, people always asked me where they could get an UpCart.  Not to mention, it saved my back many a time.  Another nice part of using the UpCart was that as soon as I emptied it, it would fold flat and fit easily away so there was no distraction.  Definitely a great item for making a professional impression.

Remember having the opportunity to present at your company is an opportunity for you to be a leader and become better know at your company. The more you present, the better you will become.  Take the time to be ready and be open to coaching from your peers or trusted friends

The post Best Ways to Impress in Presentations appeared first on UpCart Blog.

source https://www.upcart.com/blog/2018/02/27/best-ways-impress-presentations/

The History and Evolution of the Hand Cart

Hand carts have been used throughout our history almost as far back as the invention of the wheel. In literature, they were mentioned in the second millennium B.C. In Ancient Rome, hand carts were used for judicial punishments. It was a disgrace to be transported by hand cart. In England the condemned were tied to the “cart-tail” and administered public whippings (later replaced by Elizabeth I by the “whipping pole”).

The hand cart had evolved to much less sinister uses, in the mid 1930’s when Sylvan N. Goldman created a shopping cart version. Goldman owned a grocery store chain called “Humpty Dumpty”. He observed his customers struggling to transport their groceries and created yet another evolution of the standard cart.

Throughout the years, hand carts continued their progression towards numerous uses. The heavy duty carts helping movers and tradesmen, the moderate weight bearing cart for people’s homes and even what has been referred to as the “Granny Cart” for transporting small items. Large companies such as Magnacart and Cosco were born focused on mass producing these different carts and styles. The main hand carts produced today are a few feet tall and have either a shallow or deep platform that sits on the floor. With two wheels at the back, they can handle loads of various heights, weights and widths. The basic hand carts have minimally advanced since being mass produced. The main change has been better materials used to create them primarily with both aluminum and stainless steel. They also have different looks based on their primary function. The market was strong (STATISTIC), yet the cart development was stagnant, however there was yet another evolution to come that would change everything.

In 2015, a company was started by Michael Reznik and Leonid Khodor called TriFold LLC. This company changed the hand cart industry by advancing the capabilities of any standard hand cart. They created a better solution for transporting items up and down stairs and over rough terrain with the UpCart Original. The cart boasts six wheels, three on each side and will reduce the effort and strain for using a cart up and down the stairs or over rough terrain. It also has patented technology where the wheels will fold in completely flat. This was a complete game changer because it changed the functionality and usability of standard hand carts. Now people could easily transport items up and down stairs without straining their backs. The cart was tested and proven to reduce the strain by up to 64% when compared to a standard hand cart. Since the invention of the UpCart Original, there have been several different models added to the UpCart brand including a hand truck for up to 200 lbs, a Deluxe model for up to 125 lbs, a cart designed specifically for laundry (Handy Hamper) and one for shopping (ProShopper).

The hand cart has come a long way from its early origins and it is from forward thinking people like Goldman, Reznik and Khodor that it continued to evolve. TriFold LLC now has taken the reigns in designing for the modern age and continues in its efforts to keep pushing the development of the hand cart industry to the next level.

The post The History and Evolution of the Hand Cart appeared first on UpCart Blog.

source https://www.upcart.com/blog/2018/01/30/history-evolution-hand-cart/