Tag: Covid19

Meet Kyle – Founder & CEO of HypertroFit LLC

We’re off to Cincinnati this week to chat with Kyle, Founder & CEO of HypertroFit LLC. HypertroFit LLC is a fully online personal training and nutrition coaching company servicing clients across the United States – quite literally from Alaska to Hawaii! 

Tell us about your company

I’ve been involved in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and specialist in fitness nutrition since 2015 and started HypertroFit in 2017.

HypertroFit is a fully online training and nutrition coaching company servicing clients anywhere across the United States.  

We specialize in body composition transformations, so weight loss, muscle growth, etc. as well as strength and performance.

What were you doing before you launched HypertroFit? 

I was working as a personal trainer in a commercial gym, moved up to a management role and immediately knew that climbing higher up the corporate ladder wasn’t for me. 

Not only that, I was already reaching a point where my entire day was full of in-person training clients and the only path I had for further growth was to charge more or completely revamp my business.

What made you want to start your own business? 

I started HypertroFit to allow me to expand the reach of people I could help. Not only that, transitioning to online-based training and nutrition programs allowed me to take greater control of the aspects of my clients lives that lead to lasting progress, namely the habits they follow when they aren’t in the gym with me. 

While nothing quite beats a 1:1 training session in person, the truth is you need to be much more focused on the 23 hours outside of the gym to really accomplish a fitness goal. And don’t get me wrong, my clients train HARD, but nutrition and recovery are paramount to creating physical adaptations, and being able to develop a program that details every aspect of the journey was exactly what I knew I needed to be doing to deliver at the highest level.

Why did you choose to join Bark? 

I joined Bark in 2020 to explore another avenue for lead generation. As a business owner, I’m constantly looking for new ways to grow and reach more people. Things started to slow down a bit during the beginning of the pandemic, which allowed me to experiment with different platforms like Bark.

How have you found Bark? 

Overall my experience has been great with Bark. It took a little bit of trial and error to find the right messaging and cadence to begin bringing in leads and converting them to new clients, but the platform has been great and the software is top-notch.

What’s the best thing about Bark? 

The sheer volume of leads. I couldn’t possibly reply to all the potential people looking for help, even if I wanted to!

What are your top tips for success on Bark? 

  • Know your target market. As I said earlier, I couldn’t possibly reach out to all of the people that come through looking for help with personal training or nutrition, nor would my message and approach work for every individual. Knowing the space you occupy and why you’re the best at what you do will help you find the right people to connect with and grow your business consistently.
  • Build up reviews as quickly as you can. This is one of the fastest ways to stand out.
  • Respond to direct messages and requests for quotes immediately. These are your hottest leads. If they have made the effort to reach out to you specifically, beyond just looking at your profile, you have a much higher chance of landing the job.

How helpful have you found our Customer Success Team? 

Customer service has been great. I’ve honestly hardly had to interact with them because the process of using Bark has been so straightforward, but the few times we have crossed paths any issues I presented were resolved instantly.

Has Bark been useful for your business during the coronavirus pandemic? 

Bark has been a great addition to my business through the pandemic. I’ve set multiple records in monthly revenue and already surpassed my annual revenue from 2019 with a month and a half to go, and a big part of that is due to Bark.

Anything else you’d like us to include!

This is a great platform for any new or seasoned entrepreneur. New features roll out frequently and the team behind the scenes are top-notch.

Kyle, you’re making us blush! It’s pretty amazing to hear about the rise of Kyle’s online business – we’re tempted to dial PT session ourselves… now where did we leave those DIY dumbbells?

Looking to get in shape but unwilling to move from your living room? Find HypertroFit LLC on Bark – guaranteed to get you moving wherever you are in the world.

You can find HypertroFit LLC on social media too! Check them out on Instagram at @hypertrofitceo and Youtube at HypertroFit.

And if you fancy some lunchtime inspiration on all things fitness, nutrition and business, check out their podcast on Spotify: Yesterday’s Coffee. You can get it on Apple too.

Inspired by Kyle’s story? Join as a professional on Bark to see a step-change in your business. Whether it’s improving your online presence or connecting with more customers remotely, we’ll get you there.

Meet Adrian – Owner of Ristin Construction

Today we’re off to Bedfordshire to chat with Adrian, proud owner of Ristin Construction. 

Let’s hear Adrian’s story about his company and how he’s grown it through Bark. 

Tell us a bit about you and your background! 

I’ve been in the construction industry for about 9 years. Before Ristin Construction, I started my journey in a labourer position and worked my way up to a site supervisor. It was in this role that I learnt the importance of health and safety, leadership, and teamwork. After years of learning and working hard, I decided to open up my own company and try to work on my own because I have a passion for what I do. 

When did you join Bark, and why did you join? 

I joined Bark in October 2018. I saw an advertisement for Bark and thought I’d give it a go – it looked like the right platform for what I was looking for. 

What has your experience on Bark been like so far? 

I’ve had the best experience since joining Bark. It’s really helped me get closer and closer to my goal, from the regular product updates to the staff that answer our calls and offer us insight and guidance. 

What do you like most about Bark? 

The best thing about Bark has to be how straightforward the whole process is, from making the account to the point where you start getting jobs – you feel supported by the team from the very beginning. 

Do you have any tips for success for professionals new to Bark? Or for new business owners in general? 

  • Visualise your goal, work hard, and never give up.
  • Don’t forget to ask for help and guidance from Bark’s Customer Success Team.
  • Insist on getting jobs, and work hard.
  • Finally, be polite, be friendly, and be yourself. Speak on the phone with a smile on your face (the clients can feel that). 

What do you think of the Customer Success team at Bark? 

The customer success team is amazing, very hard working, always there when you need them. 

How has Bark helped you through the Coronavirus pandemic? 

During the pandemic Bark was with me every step of the way, from phone calls to very useful updates, making it even easier to get in contact with the client to secure the job. They also offered information and guidance to take a professional and the clients through every day of the pandemic safely. 

Anything else you’d like to include?

Maybe this will inspire you. 

Before Ristin Construction I went through a bankruptcy, it was a very tough time, I suffered from depression and Bark helped me fight it and leave it behind. The feeling of being useful and to see that it might just be possible to reach my goal. I cannot stress how much Bark has helped me, I am very grateful. Thank you for not stopping, waking up early, and working hard. 

It was an absolute pleasure to chat with someone as motivated and hard-working as Adrian – we could all benefit from adopting some of his work ethic! If you’re looking for handyman jobs, decoration, driveway works, and much more in Bedfordshire check out Ristin Construction’s Bark Profile. Read their incredible 5-star reviews, view before and after photos, and request contact!

Want to meet more professionals? Head over to the professional spotlight section of our blog where you’ll find tonnes of inspiration from people who have grown their careers on Bark during Covid-19.

Could the next success story be yours? Join as a professional on Bark today.

UK home improvement trends in Lockdown 1 vs. Lockdown 2

After the first UK lockdown in March 2020, we teamed up with https://homeownercosts.co.uk/ to see what kept Brits busy during the lockdown, by looking at the most in-demand home improvement trades on Bark during that period.

We learnt that most people made the most out of their time at home by getting well and truly stuck into home DIY projects, with demand skyrocketing for outdoor-themed services and home decorating projects.

UK Lockdown 1.0 

After the second UK lockdown in November 2020, we decided to team up with https://homeownercosts.co.uk/ again to compare the increase in enquiries for the first 30 days starting from the first day of lockdown 1.0 vs. 2.0 (23rd March 2020 vs 5th November 2020). Here’s what we found:

UK Lockdown 1.0 vs. 2.0 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, demand for draught-proofing soared in lockdown 2.0 compared to 1.0. Looks like the cold got the better of us!

Strangely, requests for bed bug extermination soared in lockdown 2.0 compared to lockdown 1.0 – your guess is as good as ours as to why!

And some good news, requests for solar panel installation increased massively in lockdown 2.0 compared to the first lockdown. Perhaps suggesting that we’re becoming more environmentally conscious as a nation – that was one good thing to come out of 2020 at least!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 things to do during lockdown

Life is on hold, but you don’t have to be 

 

Stuck indoors and looking to relieve the lockdown boredom? If you’re struggling to find a series on Netflix you haven’t watched, it’s time to think outside the box. Staying in doesn’t have to be a waste of time – why not discover a new skill or hobby? Not only will lockdown fly by, but you’ll come out of it as a new and improved version of yourself – win, win! 

Train your pooch! 

Give your pup some love this lockdown by giving them some behaviour training. Whether it’s combatting aggressive behaviour or teaching them basic obedience commands, dog training can lead to your pup living a longer and happier life. If you’re not sure, hire an online dog trainer and learn the most effective tips and tricks.

Learn a new language

Being stuck indoors is the perfect opportunity to brush up on your language skills. Long gone are the days of dusty old language books – there are now endless ways to learn a language online. Whether it’s watching foreign language shows on Netflix (with subtitles, of course!) or listening to podcasts, language learning doesn’t have to be boring anymore. 

If you’re serious about improving your language skills, hiring an online tutor is a perfect way to add some structure to your learning. They’ll also hold you accountable on the days where vegging out on the sofa is much more tempting! 

Set goals

If you enjoy living life in the fast-lane, lockdown might feel like it’s been put on pause. But having the time to slow down and reflect can be really helpful when it comes to understanding where you are in life and where you want to be. 

Whether it’s working towards financial independence or trying to live a healthier lifestyle, setting goals and breaking them into small daily tasks will help you to feel focused and productive. If your goals seem unattainable or you don’t know where to begin, why not hire an online life coach? As long as you’ve got a strong internet connection you can have consultations via video call, or over the telephone. 

Try a healthy new diet

One of the upsides of lockdown is that you can spend more time in the kitchen, try out new recipes, and kick-start healthy eating habits. If you have difficult dietary requirements or need help controlling your calorie intake, start your journey the right way by getting a nutritionist or dietitian.

Balance the books 

Okay, so not very exciting – but hear us out! Lockdown is the perfect time to get on top of those boring financial tasks. If your business has been affected by Covid-19, it might be time to reassess your financial situation. If you need some help getting your affairs in order, an online financial advisor will be able to help you manage a number of tasks, including cash-flows and reassessing your budget. 

Get the boring stuff out of the way so you can free up time for what’s important when lockdown ends! 

Kick bad habits 

Did you know it takes 21 days to break a bad habit? Lockdown is an ideal time to say goodbye to bad habits and form some healthy ones! The first step is identifying what you want to change and what your triggers are. 

Once you’ve figured that out, there are lots of exercises to help you combat a bad habit. A tried and tested one is replacing a bad behaviour with a good one – if you find yourself regularly reaching for the cookie jar, why not replace it with some dried fruit? Alternatively, you could hire an online hypnotherapist to help you with the legwork. 

Learn to code 

Coding is an incredibly sought after skill in our digital world, so why not give yourself a head start and give it a go? There are tonnes of online coding courses out there, or if you’re looking for more personal support, you can find an online coding tutor. 

Learn a new instrument 

Ever committed to taking up piano or the guitar only to find that you simply don’t have the time to practice every day? With so much time on your hands, lockdown is the ideal opportunity to get your daily practice in. Struggling to find your inner Beethoven? Find an online music tutor. 

Revamp your living space 

If you’re sick and tired of being stuck at home, maybe all you need is to give it a new look! Interior designers are now providing their services online – designing a ‘virtual’ room and filling it with real-life items available to purchase – pretty cool right?

Learn to draw 

Okay, so you may not be the next Picasso, but drawing is a great way to pass the time, and has been proven to help with anxiety and stress. If you’re serious about improving your sketching skills, it’s worth hiring an online drawing tutor to help you hone your craft. 

Give your website a face lift 

If your business has had to come up with new ways to connect with customers remotely this year, then having a great website should be at the top of your priorities. Whether it’s improving user experience (UX) or refreshing your content, investing time into your website will help to attract and retain new customers. But it can be a tricky task – especially if you don’t know the basics of web design. Hire a web designer to ensure your website gets the high-quality finish it deserves. 

Get fit 

With an abundance of online fitness classes to choose from, there’s no reason you can’t get fit from the comfort of your own home! Grab some household objects as weights and get moving! Getting an online personal trainer is a great way to add structure to your workouts and help you to achieve your fitness goals. 

Get party planning! 

Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or anniversary, lockdown is a perfect time to start planning your next event. Yes, the world seems uncertain, but there’s no harm in giving yourself a headstart for when normality resumes. If you need a helping hand, why not hire an online event and party planner? From scoping out the best venue to finding decorations, it’s easy for them to tick off their to-do list from home. 

Update your CV 

Smash the job market as soon as you get out of lockdown by updating and refreshing your CV. Not sure how to make the most of your CV? Online CV writers are on hand to ensure your CV is perfected and polished – highlighting your best bits!

Write a novel (or a blog) 

There’s no better time than during lockdown to get those creative juices flowing. Pick up a piece of paper and a pen (or your laptop) and start working on that novel you’ve been meaning to write for the last five years. Or if you don’t fancy yourself as the next William Shakespeare just yet, maybe ease yourself in with a blog post. 500 words are very different from 500 pages, after all! If you need a polished blog for your business, you can find online blog writers to do the hard work for you. 

Try out yoga 

Lockdown is the ideal opportunity to find your inner zen. Whether you’re an experienced yoga-lover or a complete beginner, there will be something online for your age and capability. All it takes is a quick two minute Google search. Alternatively, you could hire an online yoga instructor – they’ll be able to ensure your form and techniques are spot on, saving you nasty injuries later down the line. 

How to protect your business during Covid-19

With a global pandemic sweeping the world, national lockdowns, and businesses big and small having to close their doors for extended periods, it’s been a turbulent year, to say the least. But despite the extreme uncertainty and challenges the coronavirus pandemic has caused, small businesses have shown incredible resilience and strength in the face of adversity. 

As we continue to adapt to the reality of living with Covid-19, we’ve put some tips together to help you protect your business during these uncertain times. 

Government funding 

It’s important to know what financial support you’re entitled to as this could make a real difference to the stability of your business during a rocky period. 

Here’s where you can find out more information about the government funding schemes for individuals and small businesses affected by the pandemic: 

Make the move online 

Having an online presence is crucial for connecting with customers remotely. After all, the internet is the number one tool for people searching for what they need, especially when they’re confined to their homes. 

Providing your services online is key to retaining existing customers and attracting new ones. From dog training to personal training and everything in between, you’d be surprised at how many services can be provided remotely. 

 

Refresh your website 

Following on from the above, if you want to build a successful online presence, then you need to have a great website – it will help you to connect with customers far and wide but it won’t attract and retain new clients if it isn’t attractive, user-friendly, or relevant to their requirements. 

If your website is in need of a revamp, now’s the perfect time to do it – and if you don’t know the first thing about web design, why not hire a web designer to take the pain out of the process? Many web designers provide this service remotely too! 

Communication

With changes happening daily, it’s critical to maintain strong communication with your clients, to keep them up to date with any last-minute changes in your business operations as a result of new government restrictions. A great way to do this is via social media, regular email communications, or updates on your Bark profile and/or company website. 

Manage your cash flow  

During such uncertain and volatile times, it’s vital to monitor your cash flow closely, as this could be impacted significantly by the changes in work circumstances as a result of the pandemic. 

If you haven’t already done so, create a short term cash-flow forecast for the next few months, taking into account various scenarios that could affect it, such as late payments from customers. 

Employing an accountant is an efficient way to get to grips with the figures so that you can effectively prepare your business for the uncertainty of the next few months. Many accountants also provide their services online. 

Expand your social media presence 

Social media is an effective (and free!) tool that all businesses can harness to expand their customer base during a pandemic.

By expanding your social media presence, you can engage with more customers, remind them that you’re there, and come up with creative solutions to serving them remotely. 

We’ve put together a handy beginners guide for creating a social media strategy for small businesses, which you can read here.

Address your budget 

It’s a fact of coronavirus life that many small businesses will have to rethink and adapt their budget as a result of the pandemic. 

If like many businesses, you’re experiencing a decrease in cash-flow, it’s vital that you adapt your budget accordingly. Here are a few considerations: 

  • Monitor your cash-flow – It’s likely your cash-flow has changed a lot throughout the last few months, and it will probably continue to do so. Make sure you monitor this closely to be aware of any changes that need to be made in your budget i.e. in terms of cutting unnecessary expenses. 
  • Be proactive with payments – Managing your payments during a pandemic is a balancing act between ensuring you receive your payments on time and being mindful of issues your client may be facing in managing their own finances. It’s always a good idea to touch base with your client before the payment is due so that you can identify any issues early on and come to an agreement. 
  • Manage your personal finance – Many personal finance providers are offering flexibility to their clients during times of crisis, so it’s worth having a discussion with your mortgage lender, energy supplier, etc. to see whether they can provide you with any financial support. Having more personal income means that you could invest this into your business at a time when it needs it most. 

Promote workplace safety  

It’s vital that your workplace practices and environments are Covid-19 secure so that you can continue to serve your customers safely. To put your customers’ minds at ease, make sure you clearly state which measures you’ve taken to protect your staff and customers from Covid-19 infection.

Small steps such as displaying health and safety checklists on your office, website, etc. (which are often free to download) and sharing the steps you’ve taken on your social media channels is a great way to reassure customers. 

Summary

We hope this guide has been useful. If there’s anything else we can help you with or anything that we didn’t cover in this article that you think is important to share within the professional community, please do get in touch via telephone or email – find our telephone numbers on our website or email team@bark.com. 

We’re always looking for ways to support you during these difficult times.

5 interior design ideas to help you feel calm at home

Mental health isn’t just about what is going on in our heads. Our physical environment has a significant impact on our mood – all it takes is an untidy bedroom or a disorderly office for our stress levels to rise. Although lockdown has lifted for many of us and we are (slowly) getting back to our usual routines, lots of us are still spending most of our time at home. So it’s never been more important to feel calm and relaxed in our living environment. Want to create an oasis of tranquillity in your home but don’t know where to begin? Read our top interior design tips for how to achieve a stress-free living space.

Keep it clean 

Having a clean and tidy home is one of the first steps to achieving your inner zen. Believe it or not, there’s a close link between clutter and stress. We might not realise it, but when we are surrounded by mess, we instantly feel more irritable and on edge. Keeping a tidy home really does help to have a tidy mind. Did you know that cleaning itself can actually alleviate stress? So if you’re feeling on edge, why not pick up a rag and get to work? If you don’t have time to clean your home yourself, why not hire a cleaner to give you a helping hand? 

Say hello to house plants 

Plants have endless benefits. They can increase our mood, reduce our anxiety levels, and even help us to sleep. What’s more, their visual appeal makes them a great addition to any home. Popping a plant in your house will create an instant sense of calm. If you’re worried about keeping your plant alive, aloe vera is a great option as it is calming and requires very little upkeep. 

 

Pick peaceful colours

Different colours evoke different moods. If you’ve ever entered a room with soft, neutral shades and instantly felt serene, that’s because lighter, pastel hues such as ivory and grey are proven to help lower blood pressure. If you want to give your room a fresh and bright feel, soft, pastel tones of yellow, green, and blue can add a touch of vibrancy. Did you know that some colours bring out different moods? Looking for a room that exudes positive energy? Go for yellow! Want to feel connected to nature? Green is the way forward.

Zone your space 

Covid-19 has caused lots of offices to close for the foreseeable future, leaving many of us to get creative with our own DIY home office attempts. If you are working from home, make sure that you separate your workspace and living space. Mixing the two can confuse our brains, making it hard for us to unwind after a day of work. Try and add a couple of physical markers to help separate your space. Simple things like putting up a notice board, table, and chair in your workspace will help you to feel like you’re in an office. Likewise, make sure there’s a designated space to unwind and relax – keep it cosy with cushions and rugs. 

Keep it flexible with moveable furniture 

Having a healthy mind isn’t just down to the space you inhabit, it’s about what you do to keep yourself busy. A serene living space is perfectly complemented with relaxing exercises like Pilates, Yoga, or Meditation. Flexible furniture means you can easily create space to practice these exercises at home. With online exercise classes on the rise, you should have no problem finding one suited to your fitness levels and interests. 

You won’t know which interior design style works for your home and personality until you give it a go. But a few touches here and there can help you create a home that will alleviate stress and bring calm. That’s worth its weight in gold.

From aromatherapy to alternative healing, click here to connect with a Health and Wellness expert on Bark. If you fancy giving your home a face lift too, click here to be put in touch with a House and Home Professional. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered – let us do the leg work.

 

6 Cleaning Tips To Keep Your Home Covid-19 Free

Most of us are comfortable with knowing how to protect ourselves from Covid-19 in public – practicing social distancing, regularly applying hand sanitiser, and the golden rule – washing our hands. But now that lockdown is easing, and more of us are venturing outdoors, how can we protect ourselves from Covid-19 sneaking into our homes? After all, we are still spending more time at home than ever, whether for work or leisure, so keeping our houses free from infection should be something we all know how to do. If you’re not sure how to avoid the spread of coronavirus in your house, you’re in the right place. Read our top cleaning tips for how to keep Covid-19 at bay in your home.

1) Tackle high-touch surfaces 

High-touch surfaces are everyday items and surfaces that run a greater risk of germ transmission as they are touched frequently during the day. Think of door handles, light switches, and smartphones. Wiping these surfaces down in your home at least two times a day is an effective way to reduce the spread of coronavirus. You don’t need fancy disinfectant that will break the bank – household cleaners will do the trick! If you don’t have time to clean your home yourself, why not hire a local cleaner to get the job done for you? They will be experts in germ prevention and disinfecting your home. 

2) Shop smartly 

Love it or hate it, shopping is one of those essential tasks that we just can’t avoid. While supermarkets are implementing several measures to keep customers safe, including limiting the number of people in-store and one-way flow systems, there is still a risk of Covid-19 transmission. Luckily, there are lots of ways to prevent coronavirus from entering your home. Make sure you wipe down food packages before putting them away, wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds after unpacking your groceries, and regularly clean your kitchen counters with disinfectant. 

3) Wash your hands as soon as you get home 

Many of us are spending more time out and about now that lockdown is easing, whether that’s going back to work or seeing family or friends. Remember to wash your hands for at least twenty seconds as soon as you get home to prevent any unwanted germs creeping in. Covid-19 is like the unwelcome guest at the party – don’t let it worm its way inside. 

4) Turn up the heat a notch 

Germs can cling onto all sorts of surfaces, including clothes and towels. Washing these at a higher temperature can minimise the risk of germs spreading. Always check the label to find out the warmest washing temperature for each garment. Make sure you wash cleaning products like mop heads and dishcloths regularly, too. 

5) Get your kitchen sparkling clean

Kitchens are hot-beds for spreading germs. From coffee machines to chopping boards, they can hide in the most unexpected of places. If you want to keep your home Covid-19 free, keep your kitchen spick and span. As well as cleaning more obvious areas such as counters and tabletops, remember to tackle additional items such as small appliances and cutlery. 

 

6) Get rid of pet fur 

There is no better addition to a home than a beloved pet, but its fur can carry unwanted germs, including traces of coronavirus. To reduce germ transmission, regularly remove pet fur from your home and wash your hands after you touch your pet, especially after taking it for a walk. 

Can house cleaning really stop the spread of coronavirus? 

As much as it can be a pain, keeping on top of house cleaning is crucial for reducing the spread of infection in our homes, including Covid-19. Having a clean and tidy house also creates a serene environment for us to live in and keeps us healthier, both physically and mentally. So it’s a win-win. 

Time to get your home in shape? Click here to browse trusted, local cleaning experts on Bark today. Our professionals provide commercial and office cleaning services, too!

 

 

 

 

 

Top Ten Home Improvement Jobs During Covid19 UK Lockdown 1.0

With so much time suddenly on our hands, the first UK lockdown during March 2020 was a time for many of us to spruce up our homes with creative DIY projects or to finally get around to those long-neglected household tasks.  

If you’re wondering which DIY projects kept Brits busy during lockdown, we’ve teamed up with tradesmencosts.co.uk to rank the top 10 home improvement trades on Bark for the first month of lockdown in the UK. Click the image below to view the top home improvement trends! 

What kept us busy during life in lockdown? 

It looks like most of us discovered our inner gardener, with the demand for outdoor-themed projects soaring. We also got creative with DIY home decorating projects, with requests for things like picture framing and curtain design rising all over the UK. And we finally got our hands dirty with those big projects we’ve been putting off for a while, with lots of requests for big home improvement jobs like bathroom design and roof repair. 

Looking for someone to help you get those home improvement tasks done and dusted? Search Bark.com for trusted professionals to help you with all of your home improvement needs, from tree surgery and removal to residential and interior design.

Place a job on Bark today and get free quotes in minutes!