We all know how it goes by now. Two mates start a business. They click perfectly, balancing out each other’s strengths and weaknesses, overcoming the odds to build something they can be proud of.

Alternatively, two mates start a business. They start off optimistically, before the trials and tribulations of starting a business from scratch starts to take its toll. They squabble, they argue, it culminates in a huge falling out, a Packer/Gyngell style punch on and a lengthy legal battle that eventually gets picked up by the media.

So, which one is most likely to happen? Ultimately, there aren’t really any stats on how likely a business started by mates is to fail or succeed. Everyone has different friendships and different ways of working with each other.

But say you do want to go into business with a mate, how do you set yourself up for success? Read on.

Know How Your Partner Works From The Outset

There’s a certain foible of humanity in that when some people get introduced to a workplace environment, it’s like a douche-ray has been turned up to 11 and fired on them.

Not many friendships survive this on any level, let alone if you’ve both invested money in a project. If you and your friend want to go into business together, take the time to learn how they do business and how they conduct themselves in the workplace.

If you’ve previously worked together before, even better. Just because you’ve come up with a good idea together, doesn’t mean you’re going to make it work together.

Ensure Your Values Line Up

It becomes pretty clear very soon into any business partnership whether or not your motivations are aligned. For all the wank you may talk about being revolutionary or offering something new to your market, if one of you is only in it for the cash it’s not going to ultimately make for a successful partnership.

If you’re good enough mates to start a business together, your goals should line up closely enough to see you through the everyday disagreements that come with starting a business.

Use Your Expertise, But Know Each Other’s Limits

This applies to pretty much any founder of any business, but the fact remains that if your mate has spent a few years working in a certain field, it doesn’t necessarily qualify them to take the reins of a major part of a growing organisation.

Sure, it may be that way at the start, but a habit of any successful businessman is knowing when to call in a seasoned veteran for any prominent position once your skillset has been exhausted.

You wouldn’t bring in a line cook to become head chef at a new restaurant if they weren’t your friend, so don’t do it with someone just because they’re your friend.

Avoid The Temptation To Bring In More Friends

Nothing kills the culture of a workplace like a clique-y environment, and if you’ve spent a good amount of time naturally growing a team, bringing in members of your extended friend group can very easily turn a loyal set of workers bitter.

Sure, your friend may have a skillset that vaguely matches a position you have open, but if you force them in and they turn out to be complete shite at their job, it’s going to be awkward to let them go and even more awkward when the rest of your employees come to realise the mistake you’ve made.

Always Be Ready To Transition Out

By nature, going into business with a friend is going to irreversibly intertwine your personal and professional lives. This isn’t something you can avoid or pretend isn’t an issue, and nothing is going to test a friendship like the failure of a business you’ve both put time, money and effort into.

Ultimately though, no business is worth killing a friendship over, so should things turn sour, make sure that there’s nothing that could legally turn one of you leaving the organisation into a mess.

Ready To Get Rich?

Too bad. Find out exactly why you’ll never be rich based on these common habits and traits. After that, learn how to splurge strategically to make your dollar bills go further.

The post Going Into Business With Friends Doesn't Have To End In Armageddon appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The world’s best dressed men were out in force this week as the world’s most stylish tennis tournament drew to a close.

Being the U.K, the choice in suit colour was also a no-brainer – navy in all of the slickest tones and combinations one can think of. Leading the pack was of course Mr. David Beckham who brought a bit of masculine flair to his navy ensemble with killer detailing.

Not to be left behind was Eddie Redmayne donning the Oxford grey, Jude Law waxing lyrical in a double breasted midnight blue suit alongside ex-Formula One champion Nico Rosberg who went the more conservative route with a navy and green pairing. Roger Federer also showed up to his media duties in a classic black suit which is as textbook winning as it gets.

The post Best Dressed Men Of The Week Feat. David Beckham, Eddie Redmayne & Chris Hemsworth appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The wonderful world of adult entertainment inches us ever-closer to an age in which we have no more need for human contact.

We have sex dolls and sex doll brothels, and it was announced recently that a $15,000 sex robot will be on the market within a year (despite the dire consequences humanity may face as a result). Now, the mad scientists at Pornhub are jumping on the high-tech, humanless sex bandwagon with a new category of interactive videos that sync with sex toys.

Corey Price, Pornhub’s Vice President, said in a statement, “Over the course of the past year alone immersive technologies, particularly teledildonics, have quickly taken the industry by storm and garnered critical acclaim for their ability to provide users with something that teeters on reality.”

The new interactive videos are encoded with a series of pulses that are matched up with what’s happening in any given scene. The pulses are transmitted wirelessly using the Feel Connect app to your toy of choice, which then simulates what you’re seeing on screen.

Price explained it thusly to CNET: “If the video content is depicting a fast action scene, the rhythm/speed will intensify. For slower scenes, that draw out the excitement and build it up through the duration of the scene, the rhythm and speeds slow down and work in tandem with the content being broadcasted.”

For now, the interactive videos can only be used with two devices, the Kiiroo Onyx and the Fleshlight Launch, but there are plans to add more – including connected toys for women – in the future. Pornhub’s real goal, however, is to incorporate the same technology into its VR videos, creating the ultimate futuristic, immersive smut-viewing experience.

“We expect this to be extremely popular amongst our fans,” Price told TechCrunch. “Considering the popularity of our VR category, which we launched to immense success last year and currently receives one million plus views each day, it’s quite apparent that fans are constantly looking to immerse themselves in the content they are watching. They want to feel as though they are actually there, engaging with the actors as though it were real-life. Our interactive category goes a long way towards providing them with a complete virtual experience.”

The post Pornhub Launches Interactive Videos That Sync With Sex Toys appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Men, it’s time we talked about the state of your balcony furniture. Because it’s likely you have none or simply ‘cbf’ doing it properly. Somewhere along the line it became okay to throw a couple of plastic chairs, some stolen milk crates and a table taped to a tattered market umbrella together before calling it an outdoor oasis. 

Well no more. As the line between indoor and outdoor living continues to blur, balcony-appropriate furniture design has exploded and all the big name designers have turned their attention to the outdoor realm.

From super-strong synthetic weaves to timeless timber, the right outdoor furniture can transform a dank and dusty balcony into a serene retreat where you can sit back in style all year round. With a plethora of products flooding the market, it can also be tricky deciding which pieces you’ll want to invest in for your balcony.

Remember the three key elements for a great piece of balcony furniture: Comfort, durability and functionality.

Don’t Forget About Protection

Since balcony furniture will spend the majority of its life outside catching rays, it’s important to buy UV stabilised or treated products like wicker. Either way, stay away from the polyester. 

Dried acrylic is a popular choice because of its high resistance to ultra-violet deterioration. Meanwhile, welded aluminium furniture will ward off rust and suits guys who live close to the beach. If you’re lucky enough to have a large, wrap-around type balcony, think about buying an outdoor modular lounge suit.

If you want something a little more up market, consider teak as your material of choice. Even reclaimed teak has seen a massive surge in popularity, and it helps create a rustic and masculine vibe.

To really make a statement with your balcony, mix and match colours and textures. For example, a dark, bronzy, wicker on sandstone pavers will instantly create interest in a boring balcony.

Befriend Outdoor Rugs

A good outdoor rug will make your balcony feel more cosy and inviting. Stripes are always on trend and work in masculine settings. Go for a darker colour to hide dirt and grime. Polypropylene is one material kicking goals in the world of balcony furniture thanks to its mould-resistant qualities.

Bring Out The Cushions

Cushions are one aspect of balcony design men often overlook, but a lack of them will make your setting look unfinished. Weatherproof ottomans and beanbags are ideal for smaller balconies and have the added advantage of being light and easy to store away.

Wicked Wicker

Wicker is perhaps the most popular and commonly used material in outdoor furniture. Synthetic wicker is light, comfortable, easy to clean and stylish. Plus, wicker chairs are quite comfortable and don’t require extra throw pillows. Combine with a glass-topped table and some planter boxes, and you’re well on your way to a functional balcony. Hot Tip: Fine weaves will last longer than thicker ones.

Embrace The Good Wood

Create a warm and casual balcony with wood furniture. Cedar, oak, pine, eucalyptus and teak are all on the cards. The natural appearance of wood is ideal for outdoor settings, and they are extremely low maintenance. In fact, some types of wood – like teak – enjoy natural oils that protect it against rot and decay.

Add Aluminium For Robustness

Aluminium furniture will turn your balcony into a contemporary and sleek spot. It’s lightweight, resists corrosion, and can survive life outside without so much as a wipe down. For eclectic blocks who refuse to settle for the ordinary, mix and match different materials for a more personalised, interesting vibe. Chairs made with a combination of wood and metal are one particular fave.

Consider Its Fit For Use

When buying new balcony furniture it’s important to consider what you need from your new pieces. Factors such as what will you need the furniture for (dining, lounging), how many people will need to be accommodated, will the furniture be undercover or exposed to the elements, will determine the type of outdoor furniture that is best for you and ensure its longevity.

Choose wisely and you will have a beautifully furnished outdoor room that will take you from day to night and right through summer to winter, and back again.

Scale For Space

Scale is another important consideration. Bulky, cumbersome furniture on a small balcony will make the area cramped and unusable, while small pieces on a large balcony will make the space look incomplete.

To ensure your outdoor furniture is the right fit for your space, measure and choose pieces that fill the space correctly, while leaving enough room to move around comfortably.

Select Your Style

Style is another consideration in furnishing your balcony. For a cohesive look, ensure the style of your balcony furniture is compatible with your outdoor space. A popular trend is to bring the indoors out – this design seamlessly blends the style of your interior with the balcony and creates the perception of an integrated indoor-outdoor area.

Need A Bit More Help…

Cool Balcony Garden Ideas That Will Transform Your Man Cave

The post Here's The Easiest Way To Create The Ultimate Balcony appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

A fumbling Rowan Atkinson, a potty-mouthed Gordon Ramsay, a skittish Gillian Anderson and an unimpressed Ian McKellan and Chiwetel Ejiofor. These are just some of the big names to grace British Airways‘ latest air safety video which brings the fun back into a serious travel requisite.

Whilst most of us tend to clip on a pair of headphones and zone out the moment we’ve boarded, British Airways wants passengers to actually pay attention to the pre-flight warnings. Their answer? Mock up a casting call with British celebrities doing all of the educating alongside a bumbling and overly enthusiastic “director”.

RELATED: If You’re Going To Sleep At Airport, This Is How You Do It

The post This Is One Air Safety Video You'll Definitely Watch appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

At the beginning of a relationship, you’re on boy scout behaviour. You shower and shave before every date, you pick up the tab, you clean before she comes over and delete your search history just in case she borrows your computer.

As months pass and you’re still tolerating each other’s existence, you begin to get fuzzy on your boundaries, and by the time the honeymoon phase is over, all bets are off. Comfort outweighs sexiness or the need to impress, so out go the niceties and in come the morning breath makeouts and pube-clogged shower drains.

You Only Fit In Your Fat Jeans

You thought fat jeans were just a trope in women’s magazines? You’ll think differently when your formerly svelte self suddenly pulls a Lenny Kravitz while trying to squeeze into your favourite 501s. While a little weight gain is normal in a relationship – and some would even say it’s a good sign – happy couplehood is no excuse to turn into a lazy bastard. Take care of your health and make sure the only muffin tops in your house belong to actual breakfast pastries.

Bodily Functions Are Fair Game

First you go out of your way to make sure each other never sees, hears, or smells anything that reveals you’re humans and not genitalia-less Barbie and Ken dolls. When you do start farting and belching openly, each infraction is followed by profuse apologies. But then before you know it, all manners have gone up in a cloud of flatulence and every unappealing bodily function you can think of is now for public couple consumption. Talking about your mutual constipation is the height of intimacy.

Your Hobbies Include Popping Pimples And Peeling Sunburns

Grooming each other like apes is appropriate under very few conditions (namely: when you’re an ape). Back in the day, your idea of a fun time together involved romantic dinners and sneaky hookups in public places. Now it’s helping each other peel crusty sunburns and pop hard-to-reach pimples. Who says romance is dead?

You Have Conversations In The Bathroom

This offense occurs in many forms: phone calls from the toilet, texting from the toilet, peeing with the door open, peeing while someone is in the shower, peeing in the shower while you’re showering together, and, well, we won’t talk about anything beyond urination – you get the point. Some couples wear their social bathroom habits as a badge of pride, but unless you’re Trump in a Russian hotel room, some things are better off not being shared.

Your Idea Of Date Night Is Eating Cold Leftovers On The Couch

It’s hard to stay passionate when the most romantic thing you’ve done for each other recently was passing the soy sauce packet from your day-old sushi. It’s not that we don’t appreciate a good night in, but if all your nights are in, it’s time to shake things up in the name of keeping the spark alive. At least go out to a movie instead of torrenting Fifty Shades Of Grey (again).

Your Netflix No Longer Comes With Chill

Remember sex? That thing you used to do back when you could both be bothered to shower every day and groom your pubes? These days the closest you get to doing the deed is watching raunchy Game Of Thrones scenes on YouTube. Or, if you are lucky enough to still be getting lucky, the sex has become so predictable it could practically be choreographed. Any day now, you expect a director to burst through the door yelling “Cut!”

You Never Try To Impress Each Other

A long-term relationship is not an excuse to let everything go. One of the major perks of couplehood is not needing to be red carpet ready at all times, but that doesn’t give you carte blanche to look homeless. Don’t forego basic hygiene and schlump around in hole-riddled tighty-whiteys just because you’ve found someone who doesn’t recoil at the sight of you naked. You both deserve better. Get things under control before you reach the point of no return.

You Only Own One Shared Toothbrush

No, you’re not “saving money.” It’s weird and we’re judging you.

The post Signs You're Getting Way Too Comfortable In Your Relationship appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

A new wave of fitness trend is taking over in 2017 and it involves some of the world’s most well-presented boxing gyms.

Just as Australia has F45 for short and high intensity workouts, the Poms are turning the traditional sport of boxing into a neatly packaged workout program for the time poor. The latest to join London’s slick BXR gym, which rivals just about any bachelor pad, is the 12×3 boxing gym.

The idea behind 12×3 is rather simple: a boutique training ground dedicated to providing a dozen three-minute-long rounds for participants in order to hone their stamina, speed and footwork. The classes are designed to be compact with both one-on-one and one-on-four training with professional boxing coaches.

More importantly though 12×3 exudes a masculine aesthetic that would put your apartment and cactus collection to shame. Think exposed concrete, white tiles and wooden flooring throughout to evoke that all important industrial chic appeal.

Not much of the fighter? Try the gym solely dedicated to nerds and geeks instead.

The post London's 12×3 Boxing Gym Looks Cooler Than Your Apartment appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Harry Styles, the former One Direction heartthrob and all-around good-looking rooster is currently on the media tour for the upcoming film Dunkirk. Call us picky but what is Harry trying to tell us with his current choice of suits?

Harry’s a man who’s always on the edge of rock, but now appears to be continually sporting ill fitting suits. How can this be?! Maybe this is his f*** you to people like us? Maybe he’s been borrowing off the press rack again. Someone needs to make him some custom shirts with a respectable arm length.

Regardless his relaxed vibe has no effect on whether or not we’re going to see Dunkirk. It’s Christopher Nolan, so of course we are.

The post WTF Is Going On With Harry Styles' Suits appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

After months of teasing, the covers have finally been pulled off the Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute (pick-up for those outside of Australia).

The bold vehicle marks the first time the German automaker has taken on the dual-cab platform with the promise of the brand’s signature luxury appointments merged with a highly capable workhorse.

The X-Class ute will come in three different trims starting with the Pure model before stepping up to the Progressive and top-end Power model. The entry and mid-range models will receive Nissan’s 2.3-litre turbo diesels which deliver 120kW and 403Nm of torque for the Pure and 140kW and 450Nm for the Progressive.

Those figures will be delivered via a choice of rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive through Nissan’s six speed manual or seven speed automatic. At the pointy end the Power model will come as a four-wheel-drive paired to a Mercedes 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 to deliver 190kW and 550Nm of torque.

Those looking at this car will of course be paying close attention to the interior and it doesn’t seem to disappoint. The cabin borrows heavily from existing Mercedes-Benz interiors with a host of modern tech and safety features including auto emergency braking, forward collision warning and lane assist.

There will also be leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and metallic trim throughout along with seven airbags. 

The post Mercedes-Benz's Luxury Ute Has Officially Arrived appeared first on DMARGE Australia.