7 home upgrade projects worth the money in 2019

With homes selling for top dollar in many markets lately, some sellers may question the decision to spiff up their abodes above and beyond “as is” condition. Truth is, however, that homes boasting the in-demand features and frills that buyers crave will likely sell sooner and net a bigger profit. And that’s why it pays to add popular upgrades to a home before listing it for sale, insist the experts.

In my newest article for CTW Features, I explore 7 home improvements that are worth the investment to prospective sellers, which you can read here.

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Take the red pill and enter The Matrix, 20 years later

In episode #9 of my Cineversary podcast, I down the rabbit hole with philosophy professor and author William Irwin to explore "The Matrix," which celebrates a 20th birthday this month. We examine why the film is worth celebrating all these years later, its cultural impact and legacy, what we can learn from the picture today, how it has stood the test of time, and more.

To listen to this episode, click the "play button" on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download or subscribe to the Cineversary podcast using Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Anchor, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Google Play Music, Overcast, Pocket Casts, PodBean, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at tinyurl.com/cineversarypodcast, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/cineversarypodcast, and email show comments or suggestions to cineversegroup@gmail.com.

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Bottom dollar battles

Grocery, discount, drug, club, and convenience stores each have plenty of rivals. But among their most formidable foes in recent years has been the dollar store, which has made inroads into tobacco, immediate consumption, foodservice and lottery—sacrosanct categories for many of the aforementioned retailers.

Leading this charge is Dollar General (DG), which has the most locations, the strongest sales in the most recent quarter, and the most ambitious plans among major dollar chains. That should be a cause for pause among retailers, who need to take the DG threat seriously and consider effective strategies to nullify its infiltration into convenience turf, say the experts. Consider these facts:

• DG plans to open 975 new stores, remodel 1,000 mature locations, and relocate 100 other stores in 2019.
• It opened 750 stores, remodeled 925, and relocated 92 in the 39 weeks ending its Q3 2018.
• Among the 925 remodeled sites, 359 were converted to Dollar General “traditional-plus” (DGTP) stores that each provide extra cooler doors to hold an expanded set of perishables. The chain now has 750 DGTP locations, including 450 stores that stock fresh produce. Each DGTP remodel delivers up to a 15 percent comp lift, versus a 4 to 5 percent comp lift for a conventional store remodel, on average.
• DG has installed more than 20,000 cooler doors across its mature store base through Q3 2018.
• The chain plans to open 10 more DGX convenience-focused stores in 2019, bringing the total nationwide to 13. DGX locations are roughly half the size of a typical DG store and feature a product selection geared toward “vertical living customers,” according to company CEO Todd Vasos in his Q3 earnings conference call in December.
• The company launched a “Better-For-You” initiative in 2018, which calls for participating stores (2,700 to date) to carry healthier food options, including several products under the chain’s Good & Smart private label brand.
• DG has enhanced its queue line, offering more impulse purchase products, in approximately 7,500 stores across the chain.
• It recently broadened its nonconsumable offerings by dabbling in different new classes for the chain, including home, domestics, housewares, party, and occasions products, most priced at $5 or less.
• DG also continues to operate approximately 100 Dollar General Market stores, roughly twice the size of a typical 7,300-square foot store to include extra offerings like meat and produce.

To learn more about why Dollar General dominates, read my latest article for CSP News, found here.

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Being the boss of belonging

It’s no secret that businesses that value diversity, listen to their staff, and stress a fair and equitable work environment are in high demand among talent for hire today.  Problem is, many companies lack these essential qualities as well as leaders who practice them effectively. And that can significantly hamper an organization’s growth, innovation and performance.

The challenge, in a word, is inclusivity—or, more specifically, lack thereof. The Society for Human Resource Management defines inclusion as “the achievement of a work environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources, and can contribute fully to the organization’s success.”

Learning to be a more inclusive leader can help drive your organization's success. Find out why and how by reading my first article (found here) for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, published on its brand-new information portal for small businesses, called CO. I'm now a regular contributor to CO, writing articles of relevance to small companies and entrepreneurs--particularly human resources-related stories. You can view several of my other CO pieces here.

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Do-it-yourself security

Per the National Council for Home Safety and Security, a burglary occurs once every 13 seconds, yet 87 percent of homes don’t have a security system—making them 300 percent more likely to be burglarized. Many residences lack security systems for a big reason: Traditionally, this hardware has been costly and difficult to self-install; plus, systems that offer professional monitoring often charge $30 or more per month.

But recently, several brands have rolled out do-it-yourself WiFi security products designed to protect you and your family, without the exorbitant expense and installation headaches. Examples include the Arlo Pro 2 WiFi HD Wire-Free Camera Security System Bundle, Ring Alarm Security Kit, and Nest Secure Alarm System.

I explore this topic in greater detail in my latest story for The Costco Connection, available here.

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If you can't stand the heat, don't listen to this podcast

For episode #8 of his Cineversary podcast, host Erik Martin wishes a happy 60th birthday to "Some Like It Hot" and is joined by New York University arts professor Laurence Maslon, author of the book "Some Like It Hot: The Official 50th Anniversary Companion." They explore why the film is worth celebrating all these years later, its cultural impact and legacy, what we can learn from the picture today, how it has stood the test of time, and more.

To hear this episode, click the "play button" on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download or subscribe to the Cineversary podcast using Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Anchor, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Google Play Music, Overcast, Pocket Casts, PodBean, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at tinyurl.com/cineversarypodcast, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/cineversarypodcast, and email show comments or suggestions to cineversegroup@gmail.com.

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