CRM Technology and Effective Project Management: What You Should Know

Managing projects effectively is important for organizations of all sizes, and this is especially true for small businesses because the efficiency gains can be all the more significant to overall performance.

With the right CRM tech at your disposal, you should be equipped to helm exciting new initiatives while avoiding common stumbling blocks.

Here is a look at why managing customer relationships and effective project management go hand in hand, as well as what tools are best suited to this task.

Swift Overview & Industry Examples

CRM revolves around wrangling the often complex yet valuable relationships you establish between your business and your base of customers and clients.

Perhaps most importantly of all, CRM comes into play not just during the marketing and sales stage, but also further down the line when providing after-sales support.

For example, in the case of a small real estate brokerage, using industry leading transaction management software to steward invariably tricky processes involved with buying and selling homes is a must. This type of CRM can automate many of the more complex elements, provide alerts and reminders when deadlines loom, track commission payments and bring together many of the other threads that need to be interwoven for a project to succeed.

Similar benefits, albeit on a different scale, are achievable in lots of other contexts. Whether you are running an up and coming e-commerce site or selling bespoke components to larger industrial clients, CRM technology will empower you with the ability to manage projects of every conceivable kind, without all the legwork.

The Importance of Optimization

In terms of raw effectiveness, it is the potential to optimize interactions with customers and clients that gives CRM solutions so much appeal.

Rather than having to keep several plates spinning at the same time when it comes to points of contact, you can instead rely on modern platforms to streamline your communications and also provide you with an instant overview of the history of your interaction with a given customer. This can not only improve relationships over time, but also avoid embarrassment.

The Value of Data

The project management advantages of a good CRM service, especially in smaller firms, should also be considered alongside the analytical edge that such a setup can bring to the table.

Data is the lifeblood of effective project and relationship management, and you can gain significant insights into the ways that customers behave by assessing the information generated through a high quality CRM.

Furthermore you can often share and collaborate with other businesses in order to make use of the data that they have harvested, bringing mutually beneficial partnerships to fruition and allowing you to be more agile in a competitive marketplace.

In short there are a multitude of reasons to adopt CRM technology even if your team is incredibly compact. The longer you put it off, the more opportunities you could be missing to boost your organization’s effectiveness and exceed customer expectations.

Expand Your Vocabulary With These Effective Tips

Vocabulary is the basic foundation of languages and vocabulary range and word usage can often be perceived as indicators of a person’s education level, social status, and profession. Whilst this is often inaccurate, it is still useful to expand your vocabulary in order to express yourself fluently and effectively. As you expand your vocabulary, you will become more precise with word usage both in writing and speaking. There are many different ways to expand your vocabulary and different methods work for different people.

Whether you are learning a new language or are looking for ways to improve your vocabulary in your native tongue, you can easily expand your range of vocabulary with these effective tips. 

Play to Learn

Word games are not only fun to play but also incredibly helpful when it comes to building vocabulary. One really effective game is to create different words from letters on online unscramble games. These help you to expand your vocabulary under the pressure of limited letters and time. Playing word games allows you to discover new words and their meanings whilst also offering you the opportunity to practice them. Word games offer players great chances for vocabulary development and as well as online unscramblers, some suggested games include Scrabble, Boggle, and Words With Friends. 

Read for an Hour Every Day

From novels to newspapers, the more time you spend reading, the more words you are exposed to. As you come across new words during your reading sessions, you should look up their definition based on the context of the sentence or paragraph. It is important that you read a variety of reading materials to be exposed to different topics and different types of vocabulary.

For example, reading daily newspapers is different from reading a magazine or a textbook. Studies have found that regular readers are highly expressive and interesting people as they have a wide range of vocabulary and broad knowledge. 

Learn At Least Ten New Words Everyday

In language learning, students usually build their vocabulary with lists of frequently used words. Mastering a thousand basic words can enable learners to comprehend roughly ninety percent of the spoken language. Therefore, if you make it your goal to learn ten new words daily, you will know around a thousand words after merely three months. Nowadays, there are various applications and websites available on the Internet to help language learners to develop their own word lists without too much trouble.. These should consist of words that have a high usage frequency in daily life. 

Acquire and Practice New Vocabulary in Context

Studies have shown that words are best learned in context rather than from lists of random words. Learning new words in context offers major benefits for language learners in a number of aspects including more effective word acquisition, better word recall, and a higher rate of word retention. One of the most effective ways to introduce and link new vocabulary in context is by using them in your own sentences. As well as using new vocabulary in your own sentences, you can also learn new words by listening to stories or acting out role plays using new vocabulary. This is a very common way that language learners practice. For example, the students learn restaurant vocabulary and then create a waiter and customer roleplay. 

Use Flashcards

Using flashcards to learn new words is one of the most popular tactics among language learners. This is a time-efficient way to build up vocabulary as you can write down new words on flashcards, and then in an organized way, learn and revise your flashcards from time to time.

With the rise of technology and smart devices, there is a range of different software programs and applications that you can use to generate flashcards and organize them at your convenience. Depending on your goals, you can aim to learn ten new words per day or add more if you are making good progress. 

Using Newly Acquired Words in Conversations

Many language learners make the mistake of learning new words without practical applications and frequent practices. Therefore, it is best that you avoid learning without using your new vocabulary. By using different words in daily situations, you can recall learned words and make sure you can effectively use them in common situations. Moreover, simply engaging in conversations with others can help you discover new words and their usages as well.

Language learners acquire new vocabulary through various methods of study including creating word lists and flashcards, reading books, and watching shows and movies. Depending on your goals and study styles, try out some of these tips and you will see some major improvements in your vocabulary.

Quick Guide: How To Choose Webinar Software

Getting a prospect to sit in on a webinar is a big win. Earning a concrete block of uninterrupted attention while you busily set about establishing authority and trust is about as good as it gets from a marketing perspective. But it’s also a hard win to secure. The consensus is that your average consumer will commit to attending a total of one webinar session in a given week. To claim the prize of “chosen one,” you’ll need a perfect storm of laser-targeted promotional messaging, polished presentation, and perfectly pitched content. That takes real work, and you’re unlikely to reach that point without the right tools. Here are four critical questions you should ask before choosing your webinar platform.

What does your audience want?

The best webinar platforms for your business aren’t just going to be rich in features; they’ll also feel comfortable to use, and they’ll complement your unique style as a presenter. Knowing what your audience wants has always been useful when building a winning message, but an insight into your audience is critical for webinars. 

The obvious priority is the content itself. You’re asking for a sizable time-commitment, and as the data tells us, you have one shot per week for that coveted slice of a customer’s attention-pie … if that’s a thing. Knowing what topics to cover is only the beginning of that challenge. You’ll need a sense of what makes your customer tick. What problem are they desperate to solve? 

This high-level stuff may feed into your software choice obliquely, but you also have some practical technical considerations to weigh up. 

How tech-savvy is your audience? How likely are they to balk at installing an add-on or browser plug-in? If you’re dealing with a tech-phobic, older, or more time-constrained audience, the imposition of having to spend a few minutes configuring their tech to work with your webinar platform may be enough to lose the sale. 

But what if your audience values more elaborate and carefully branded presentations? Here, you’re likely to lean toward a platform that relies on dedicated software with highly customizable features. 

You can also run pre-recorded webinars as if they are live events using stealthseminar.com’s automated webinar tool. This allows you to leverage your time and generate automated income.

Think carefully about where your customer sits on this continuum of control to accessibility, and choose your software accordingly. And remember, if you can’t answer these questions, ask your customers directly! 

Where do you want to be in 6 months?

Then there’s the issue of scale. If you have an average of 10 webinar attendees now, it’d be screwy to invest in an enterprise webinar solution built for 500 or more customers. You’re throwing your money where you least need it.

On the other hand, opting for software that can’t grow with your short to medium-term goals may be setting yourself up for significant additional outlay later on. Moreover, you may find yourself lumbered with learning a new system right when agility and speed are of the essence.

Before deciding on webinar platforms, crunch your numbers. Where is your business plan taking you in terms of audience size? 

Ideally, set a realistic upper and lower range, and shortlist your software choices to products that will choke neither your profitability nor your growth potential. 

How do you build messaging right now?

If you’re already making webinars, this question will be easier to answer. But even if you’re working toward webinars, you’ll likely already be building some kinds of content. You might have some social media presence. You may be developing long-form content. You may have formed your operation around face-to-face interaction. 

All these approaches to starting conversations are likely to feed directly into your ideal webinar workflow.

Your webinar platform should make intuitive technical sense to you. Features are great. Lots of features are even greater. But you’re going to be in for a bumpy ride if you find yourself gazing at your brand-new webinar software’s user interface and feeling as though you’re trying to decipher an alien language. 

Take the time to look at screenshots. Even better, find an independent product demo on YouTube or one offered directly by the software company. You’ll also want to do your research to be sure the software will “play nice” with your current CRM and content development tools. 

The bottom line here is that you should think about how you think and take a critical look at your workflows. Find a tool that will — figuratively speaking — fit neatly into the palm of your hand. 

What best complements your style?

Forget about software for a moment. Picture yourself standing in front of a classroom, trying to convince your audience of something important. 

What are you doing? Are you walking around? Are you waving your hands about? Are you opening the session up for questions? Are you standing behind a lectern drawing from a script, or are you rifting in the moment? Are you throwing candy bars into your audience in a desperate bid for their love and admiration? 

Maybe avoid that last one. But whatever your particular jam, your webinar software should be designed to make that happen.

If you plan your presentations to be interactive, be sure your webinar platform allows conversation and interactive chat. If you’re data-driven, confirm that you can add polls and surveys to our audience’s experience. 

Branding is part of this, as well. If your brand has specific aesthetic or functional flourishes, actively look for that functionality in your webinar platform.

Take your time

Webinars are high-investment, high-reward, so it’s good to take your time with the decision! The right webinar platform won’t necessarily be the one with the most bells and whistles. It’ll be the software that fits your audience, your style as a communicator, and your content.

How Can Young People Get Internship at an IT Company

It is unfortunate that in this current century, in order for one to effectively secure employment, having gone through internship programs is almost a requirement. This is because no company wishes to take the risk of employing a young graduate who has no hands-on experience in the specific field. Therefore, the need to attend an internship program is almost becoming mandatory for young people who wish to start looking for real employment in the near future. So, whether one is a student, recent graduate, or seeking to change career, an internship is highly recommendable.

Why would IT companies need one to have at least undergone internship programs for them to get hired? Well, this is simply because:

  • The internship offers practical experience in the field of Information and Technology.
  • Internships increase one’s networking opportunities.

It gives potential employers the confidence that the person they are about to employ has acquired the necessary skills. This reduces the company’s risk of hiring the wrong person. Knowing that it is important to look for an internship, it is needed to discuss how a young person can find an internship in an IT company.

1. Starting the Early Search

Most young people seeking internships are usually high school or college students. So, when schools/colleges are almost closing, start carrying out research on the various IT companies that are available and will be offering internship opportunities at that time. Find out their application requirements and perks offered and be prepared to meet them.

2. Identification of Career Interests

It is of great importance that one decides on what they wish to pursue as a lifetime career. Therefore, one should not limit themselves to specific career interests, but rather be open to the diversities available in IT companies. This is for full exposure so that one can identify what excites them most in the different IT departments.

3. Through Connections

Connecting with families, friends career advisers and alumni is usually of great help. It is advisable that one shares with them so that they can share the information with their networks too. In fact, this is usually one of the most efficient ways to find an internship faster. Seeking IT alumni could also help one find the best IT companies based on their experiences.

4. Online Resources Checking

Google has made work easier nowadays. This is even much more efficient for young people who are always on the Internet. Search through google the various IT companies. There will be endless options for one to choose from. There are websites like internship.com that make listings for internship opportunities. Use them to find out companies that are offering internships at that time and send applications. There are also sites like pro-papers.com that provide cheap academic writing help and providing you with the opportunity to purchase essays online.

Social media platforms like LinkedIn has also become a platform where employers post internship opportunities.

5. Attending a Career Fair

Here, one gets to know more about the different IT companies and what is offered in each one of them. This could be such a great exposure that will help one to meet many companies at a go, learn about them, and make an informed decision on where to send their applications.

Most top employers attend these fairs in order to identify the best recruits and talented interns. One should ensure that they have a sixty-second introduction about themselves when attending such forums, just in case they bump into a potential employer.

6. Contacting Employers

Most IT companies may not post-internship vacancies on their websites. The best way to get a vacancy through such companies is to write them an email of inquiry, or simply walk into them and make personal inquiries. One-on-one Inquiries have proven to be one of the best ways to secure an internship since one has the opportunity to market themselves right there. However, before walking in there, one must ensure they have all the answers to the probable interview questions.

7. Preparation for handling application questions

Always be ready with answers to interview or application questions. Have ready answers to questions like, “Why should we hire you as our Intern? Why our company and not the others? What skills do you bring on board to benefit our company? Etc.” Remember that an internship is just one step to employment, so the clearer and wiser one answers these questions, the higher the chances of getting an application approved, and even future recommendation for a job opportunity at the company.

8. Through a Smart Curriculum Vitae (CV)

There are usually many people out there seeking internship opportunities in IT companies. It is therefore important for one to note that there are many applications out there but companies are fewer. Companies will simply choose their interns based on CVs that stand out for them. So, write a captivating curriculum vitae and make it stand out amongst the rest.

It is an internship. One may probably be lacking any related IT experience. The best thing to do is to demonstrate one’s strengths through their responsibilities and abilities. For example, one can state their skills in the domain of law and start looking for job opportunities at online divorce services to gain more experience and useful connections.

Bottom Line

It is increasingly becoming difficult for information and Technology companies to hire recent graduates or people who are changing careers into IT without prior internship records. Therefore, whether paid or unpaid, one should consider enrolling for an internship program for the purpose of acquiring practical experience in Information and Technology, rather than just depending on grades alone. At times securing an internship could be the toughest ordeal. Of all the ways discussed above, connections stand out as the fastest and most convenient way to get internships in IT companies. This refers to connection through families, friends, relatives, and alumni.

Buying TikTok Likes From Agencies Like Hypetik

For small business marketing; Content is King, and it will remain so as long as the internet is there. And if content is King, social media is its new empire. Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are household names now and have grown and developed by leaps and bounds in a short period to become the social media giants they are today. 

Now, there’s a new and exciting social media platform that appeared on the scene not too long ago but has already amassed an active userbase of 800 million worldwide and counting. The network, called TikTok, has already been downloaded over 2 billion times on the Google Play and Apple App stores, so there’s no sign of its meteoric rise stopping any time soon. 

Reasons Why Content Creators Should Choose TikTok

Most influencers and content creators are already availing the outreach provided by TikTok. Thanks to the video-sharing app and its algorithms, your content is now more likely to go viral if you use the right marketing tricks. By building an audience on the app, you can establish and consolidate your influence. On top of that, you can monetize your TikTok influence by collaborating with and endorsing brands and making sponsored posts. 

TikTok is incredibly popular among young people, especially teens. Tens of thousands of content creators on the platform have already risen to stardom, and many of them have secured millions of dollars in collaborations/sponsorship deals while others have even entered into the showbiz industry owing to their TikTok fame.

Companies that sell to younger audiences, such as Gen Z or even millennials, are always on the lookout for means to capitalize on the opportunities created by TikTok. If you’ve tens of thousands of followers on TikTok, these companies are more likely to approach you with lucrative deals because they know you can promote their products to their target audiences. 

It’s not hard to see how the new app has taken the world by storm, so content creators should capitalize on the opportunities while they are still fresh. 

Buying Likes From TikTok Marketing Services Like Hypetik

‘Likes’ matter on TikTok as much as any other social media platform, but maybe even more. It is one of the most crucial metrics that you’ll have to consider when starting your career on TikTok because it will ultimately translate to how well you do on the app. The platform is currently exploding with new content daily, and likes will be the only differential to encourage views on your content. 

Thousands of creators are joining TikTok each day and churning out massive content. The competition is fierce. The network is cluttered with content. And it is getting challenging to garner a huge following right off the bat, regardless of how good your content may be. Without getting help from the expert TikTok promotors, it will get you months if not years to get a few thousand followers and likes. 

This is where agencies like HypeTik come to your rescue. More TikTok likes translate to more views, and more views bring in more real followers. It is a good idea to get help from 

TikTok marketing services if you’re just starting out or have not been successful in obtaining substantial likes on the platform. By doing so, you’re sure to get a head start. 

Remember that social media networks, including TikTok, operate on the idea of social proof, which means people will follow content creators who already have an impressive amount of likes and followers. By buying likes, you’re taking the unconventional route that is sure to get you social proof and the much-needed initial kick. It will start a chain reaction of likes and followers on your account. 

For the reasons explained above, you should give a shot to the services offered by experienced TikTok marketing agencies, such as Hypetik, so that you can get the additional boost needed to launch your TikTok career into orbit. 

Companies like Hypetik.com know the TikTok algorithms, competition, and marketing strategies like the back of their hand. You have multiple rates and packages to choose from, all guaranteed to give optimal results, which can be seen from the overwhelmingly positive feedback provided by thousands of HypeTik clients. 

Final Thoughts

Buying likes from TikTok promotional agencies is the key to cracking the game of social media fame. There’s no better fast-track way to stardom than to get that initial spark to launch your TikTok career. It’s reliable and efficient, and all of the likes come from real accounts. 

Getting famous on the new app is hard, but you can buy your troubles away from agencies like HypeTik that cater to many different budgets. You’ll even get access to essential analytics about your campaign, so you’ll know how to strategize for the exciting road ahead. 

Why Having A Code Scanner Is Essential For Every Car Owner

Gone are the days when you wait for the signal to pop up on the dashboard, then you are left wondering how to resolve the mechanical problem. With the current technology, cars are built with code scanners that notify you where there is a problem in your car.

Therefore, every car owner should install a car code scanner that makes diagnosing mechanical problems way easier. Let’s look at why every car owner should prioritize having a code scanner fitted in their cars.

It’s Economical

Vehicle diagnostics can be expensive, and if you have to visit the mechanic when the car breaks down, you know how handling managing a car can be costly. With a code scanner, you can perform your diagnostics and determine all the problems.

Some mechanics will extort money from you by creating added problems that were not there, and a code scanner will help avoid such situations. Find the OBD2 connector under the dashboard, plug it in, and follow the instruction manual to determine the problems. Code scanners come with different features, and car experts from www.obdstation.com often advise car owners to go through a buying guide and review the best in the market, then settle for an economical one.

To get behind the brain of the computer on wheels, you can use an OBD2 car scan tool to read and analyze the data that your car gathers every day. Besides, the scanner comes with several benefits such as having a lower average monthly car insurance cost.

It Improves the Drivers Safety

Monitoring behavioral patterns, the driver’s performance, and the vehicle safety status, a code scanner helps avoid over speeding, rapid acceleration, and aggressive braking. Most code scanners have fleet management software that creates a safety profile for the driver, and it also monitors the driver’s performance. Besides, with a code scanner, you stand a better chance of getting an insurance discount, since they know that you have lower chances of being involved in an accident.  

Code Scanners are Portable

As a driver, you often check the engine lights on the dashboard to ensure that everything’s okay. It’s always heartbreaking when the car breaks down when traveling, but with a portable code scanner, you can easily identify the source of the problem. You can try routine maintenance then inspect whether the engine lights have come on. Besides, if you can’t handle the problem, the scanner will help you locate a reputable mechanical shop that will resolve it. Considering that they are portable, you will travel with peace of mind, knowing that all mechanical problems will be resolved.

It Enables Early Diagnosis

As earlier stated, unprecedented mechanical problems can take a toll on your finances. By delaying to fix a mechanical issue, you might spend more, and a code scanner will help prevent such scenarios. OBD2 scanners will inform you of the mechanical issues that need fixing, well in advance; therefore, you have all the time to tend to the wound. Early repairs often help prevent secondary malfunctioning, and it will also help you make the right decision on faulty components that have a warranty and need replacement.

Helps Inspect Car Troubles

The dashboard always notifies the driver when the hell breaks loose. The engine lights will give you warnings, but on some occasions, the sensor could be defective. With a code scanner, you can detect the mechanical problems well in advance, evaluate the severity, and take necessary action. It’s a better means of handling car problems instead of waiting for the car to break down; then, you are left worried.

They Can Help Change Car Settings

Besides monitoring car information, OBD2 scanners will control basic functions in the car. For instance, the scanner can turn off the engine light that pops up on the dashboard. Other scanners can control temperature sensors, tire pressure gauges, among other aspects.

Helps Minimize Pollution

Code scanners will notify you when you have oil leakage or faulty parts that cause noise pollution. If some car components have deteriorated due to aging or emissions, and the car needs repair, the OBD2 scanner informs you well in advance. A leaking car costs you a lot since you spend more on fuel, and the scanner will help mitigate this.

Promotes DIY Fixes

In the past, drivers had to visit mechanics that would help resolve the smallest of mechanical problems. Besides, car repairs were expensive in the past, and the mechanic could tamper with the car’s operation and reduce its efficiency.

Code scanners will offer you an opportunity to self-diagnose the car, and it provides details of the malfunctioning components. With an OBD2 system, you will avoid unnecessary repairs and save on maintenance costs.

It Can Be Used on Several Vehicles.

The current code scanners are multipurpose; hence, you can use it on several vehicles. You had to use a standard means to diagnose your vehicle, but with the latest scanning technology, you only purchase one scanner that you can use on several cars. Besides, if you get a new car, you don’t have to worry about purchasing a new scanner.

They are Flexible and Easy to Install

Installing a code scanner is easy, and you can immediately begin monitoring your car remotely. Besides, the scanning system’s flexible nature will allow you to manage a fleet of vehicles remotely. Transferring a code scanner to a different vehicle takes little time; hence you can manage a fleet of vehicles.

It has Access to Extra Information

An OBD2 scanner keeps track of tons of specifications and statistics about your car. Most of the recorded information relates to interior features, drivetrain, and powertrain. With such records, you can be aware of any changes happening to your car. This information can be used in your future repairs.

 Whether you are using the car for personal purposes or rental purposes, it’s evident that code scanners will help save tons of cash that you have used on car repairs. OBD2 scanners have numerous benefits; hence, all drivers should have them installed in their cars. The scanner will detect tiny issues and notify you well in advance. It’s best to solve a problem at the inception to prevent it from erupting.

4 Ways You Make Yourself Vulnerable to Cyberattacks

As technology becomes even more sophisticated, cybercriminals are also developing new strategies to bypass security protocols and steal information they need from unsuspecting tech users. In this case, the best weapon individuals and enterprises need against cyberattacks is information.

Keeping yourself protected from phishing, hacking, and other methods of cybercrime involves using the right tools and knowing the right techniques. But the most essential part of securing valuable data is to avoid habits, practices, and errors that would lead to costly and reputation-damaging breaches.

So, what are examples of the ways that you make yourself vulnerable to cybercriminals?

1. Not Having a Secure Password

While an easy-to-remember password might be convenient, simpler passwords are very easy to crack. Hackers use an assortment of tools that enable them to retrieve passwords and gain access to bank accounts and even cloud storages. If you want to increase your chances of not being hacked, it means using stronger passwords with varying symbols, numbers, and letters.

Even better, using devices with an embedded Trusted Execution Environment will provide greater levels of security and protection.

2. Sharing Login Credentials with Others

Perhaps you have a co-worker who got locked out of their account and needs yours in order to retrieve it, or you have siblings who need to use your PayPal account to purchase a subscription. Either way, you are putting yourself at greater risk when multiple people gain access to your account. There’s nothing wrong with helping others out, of course, but you should change your username and password immediately after someone else uses your account. Still, it’s better not to share your login credentials at all if it can be helped.

3. Not Having a VPN

On top of antivirus software and firewalls, a virtual private network (VPN) adds another layer of protection to your internal network. It does this by encrypting and directing outgoing traffic to a secure server. This makes it hard for hackers to intercept information like account numbers, messages, and other sensitive data. Not having a VPN increases the risk of data breaches, especially if you run a small business with several physical branches. Check out inVPN for a list of VPN providers that cater to business PCs running Windows.

4. Lacking Multi-factor Authentication    

With many apps being accessible across different devices, it gets easier and easier for cybercriminals to access entire accounts just by gaining access to a single device. To solve this problem, organizations are using multi-factor authentication that restricts app activities across all devices. If someone hacks your laptop and tries to make an unauthorized withdrawal using your account, they would need a one-time password (OTP) in order to complete the transaction. The OTP is sent directly to your phone, so unless you keep all your devices in the same place, your account should be safe. What’s more, receiving an OTP should prompt you to deactivate your account and locate where the attempted transaction is coming from.

There several ways you can make yourself an easy target for cybercrime. Focus on being cautious, avoid buying items on impulse, and get the right tools to ensure a safer online experience.

The Latest Electrical Inventions You Need to Know About

People are always coming up with innovative ideas that make life more convenient. However, with all the gadgets and devices which are already considered as a norm in this modern-day and age, it is easy to take new electrical inventions for granted. In this case, perhaps it is noteworthy to take a look at some of the latest electrical inventions that you need to know about.

Smart Electrical Grids

Energy sources are now more diverse, which is why smart grids are now becoming more and more important. Smart grids encompass a system that is composed of smart meters and appliances, as well as renewable energy resources. This is a decentralized grid wherein there is a two-way power flow between the transmission distribution system and the households. Smart grids can be a great help when it comes to energy conservation, cost reduction, as well as reliability improvement.

Green Energy Electrical Power Converter

Alongside the smart electrical grid is the green energy electrical power converter, which allows the former to accept power from renewable energy sources seamlessly. Some of these renewable energy sources include solar energy, wind, eligible biomass, and geothermal energy. The current conversion systems that cater to these renewable sources are quite bulky and inefficient. Contemporary ones prove to be more efficient in accepting multiple inputs because of its simplified but automated control system. In addition to this, the new ones have a more compact design.

High-Efficiency Photovoltaic Cells

Photovoltaic cells convert the energy from the sun into electricity that you can use in your household. Solar panels are composed of numerous photovoltaic cells that allow photons or particles of light to free up electrons from the atoms to generate a flow of electricity. The emergence of high-efficiency photovoltaic cells paved the way for households to enjoy electricity using only a single solar panel with an area of 4.8 square meters, rather than using multiple solar panels that prove to be more expensive.

Electric Cars

Another electrical invention that has been quite popular in the past couple of years is electric cars. Sometimes referred to as all-electric vehicles (EVs), they are powered by motors instead of an internal combustion engine that you would typically find in gas-powered cars. Just keep in mind that an EV’s motor should not be confused with the electric motors used in industrial applications such as agriculture, marine technology, and mining industries. Even the industries that relied on fossil fuels now use electrical alternatives.

Nevertheless, the basic electrical concept still holds wherein a battery pack or energy source powers the motor. Finding cheap car batteries can help reduce the cost of maintaining your electric vehicle. For EVs, instead of being fueled up, they need to be plugged into a charging station. Because it uses electricity, it generates no exhaust from a tailpipe that significantly reduces air pollution. Other vital components of EVs include a DC/DC converter, onboard charger, power electronics controller, thermal cooling system, as well as an electric transmission.

Electric Scooters

Much like an EV, an electric scooter works using electricity that is generated through its batteries. These rechargeable batteries are usually made from lead or lithium, with a capacity that will allow you to travel within a distance range of 10 to 40 miles. More often than not, the motor of the scooter is mounted on the frame.

The electricity generated from the battery is transmitted to the motor through several wires. Depending on the model of the electric scooter, the motor may control either the front or the rear wheel to make the scooter move forward.

Smart Trash Bin

With more and more people becoming aware of how their actions affect the environment, you will find that they exert the extra effort to segregate their wastes properly. This can prove to be easy in a certain household but may prove to be challenging in a public setting. This is the reason why a smart trash bin that can assist the general public to sort their waste materials is truly beneficial. 

In this case, this smart trash bin will automatically segregate the waste items into the proper trash bin by having sensors and big cameras that figure out the kind of waste that is thrown. The sensors are powered by a battery pack, but the smart bin can also be plugged in to be powered up by electricity. This is one of the best electrical inventions that can surely help the planet.

Smart electrical grids, green energy electrical power converters, as well as high-efficiency photovoltaic cells are only some of the most innovative electrical inventions that are not widely published in mainstream media. The ones that are quite renowned include electric cars and scooters, as well as the smart trash bin. Regardless of whether these inventions are popular or not, it is worthy of taking a closer look at them and thinking about how you will be able to apply them in your life.

Managing Your Migraine at Work

A Migraine is a neurological condition that can bring about several symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of a migraine is intense headaches with a pulsing sensation. Some people who suffer from migraine attacks also experience dizziness, vomiting, nausea, numbness or tingling, difficulty speaking, as well as sensitivity to sound or light.

Having a migraine is already difficult to manage, but imagine dealing with migraine attacks while at work! It may take hours to alleviate a migraine, so productivity in the workplace will be sacrificed. This is a big deal when it comes to the overall economic output. As per the National Headache Foundation, U.S. industries lose up to $50 billion every year whenever employees take the day off because of migraines.

Migraines can attack anytime, even while you’re working. Pushing yourself to make it through the day, while experiencing one can be torturous to pull off. So how can you cope with migraines without losing sight of your career objectives?

Stay Away From Migraine Triggers

In this context, a trigger is any kind of an event or physical act that occurs before you experience a migraine attack. This can happen 6 to 8 hours prior to the episode. Indeed, it is important to be aware of your migraine triggers so that you can stop migraines from happening.

Identifying migraine triggers can be a bit of a challenge. One helpful tip is to keep a migraine diary. In it, you can jot down the activities you performed or what foods you ate before and when your headache came on. Don’t skip any details! Everything you document will contribute to your holistic understanding of what triggers your migraine attacks.

Some of the most common migraine triggers are the following:

  • Bright, flickering lights
  • Certain foods and drinks
  • Certain smells
  • Changes in your normal sleep pattern
  • Changes in the weather
  • Exercise
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Menstrual periods
  • Skipping meals or fasting
  • Smoking
  • Stress
  • Too much caffeine or withdrawal from it

Inform Your Superiors About Your Condition

Managing health and career, when combined, can sometimes be complicated. Some workers opt not to disclose their medical conditions due to fear of losing their jobs. Migraines, for example, can be stigmatized, because some believe that they are akin to a glorified headache. It is understandable to have some hesitations in telling your employer about your condition. But, coming clean about it is the right thing to do. 

Being honest about your condition is a chance for your employer to give you the right kind of support. In case your employer doesn’t understand how a migraine can interfere with your work, you may ask your doctor for a medical certificate and a note explaining the condition. At the end of the day, employers will appreciate your honesty when you inform them about your medical difficulties.

Create a Treatment Plan

Migraines are not necessarily predictable. That is why you have to be prepared on how to manage the pain wherever you are. Here’s a treatment plan you can follow if you suddenly get a migraine at work:

  • Always bring your doctor-prescribed or over-the-counter medications with you.
  • Drink water or an electrolyte-infused beverage, preferably coconut water.
  • Apply a hot compress or ice pack (depending on what works better for you) on your forehead and the nape of your neck.
  • Take a break and look for a dark, quiet place to rest.
  • If all else fails, talk to your supervisor and take the day off.

Ask Your Doctor About Pain Management

Who else is the best person to help with your condition aside from your doctor? A specialist carries extensive knowledge about the condition and may have access to the latest treatments on how to stop a migraine effectively. S/he will also be able to check your symptoms, identify causes, and create a detailed treatment plan to improve your daily life.

To further assist you, your doctor will most likely ask you a lot of questions and require you to undergo a series of tests. This is done in order to determine the seriousness of your condition and recommend a pain management plan that is appropriate for you. Here are some of the possible questions you may encounter during your visit: 

  • When is the first time you had a migraine?
  • How many times did you have migraines when they first started?
  • How many times do you have migraines now?
  • How long does your migraine attack last?
  • Do you know what your triggers are? What are they?
  • What are the symptoms you experience?
  • Is there another family member who has migraines?
  • What makes your migraine better and worse?
  • What medicines do you take?
  • Have you undergone a brain CT scan or MRI?

Lifestyle changes, like trying to quit smoking, may provide long term relief from Migraine attacks.

Conclusion

Migraine attacks occur so suddenly, that they can show up even while you’re in the middle of a busy workday. To cope with a migraine at work, you should learn what your triggers are and avoid them. Prepare a practical action plan you can follow to stop migraines whenever you feel them coming on. Don’t forget to ask your doctor for recommendations about pain management that will work best for you. Furthermore, inform your employer about your health condition, so that s/he can support and understand you better.

Some people have various misconceptions about migraines. For them, it’s just a recurring headache. If you’re one of those individuals who has no idea what a migraine is and you want to have a better grasp of the condition, visit Miosuperhealth for more information. We offer lots of interesting health and fitness articles to help you navigate daily life. Aside from learning everything about migraines, you can also get details about arthritis, spinal decompression, or frozen shoulder treatments. Start taking charge of your health now!

Top 8 Strategies to Hire the Right Employee

Hiring an employee is an integral part of any small or large business. If you are an owner of small business, CEO of a company, a manager or an HR, you will have to recruit at some point in your career. Here are a few useful tips that will help you recruit the right candidate for any job opening.

1. Create a Brand Name:

Your employee brand is what defines the quality of candidates who will apply for the job. Setting the right brand image will surely attract qualified and talented employees who might be perfect to fill the position. Ask yourself why would employees want to join the company and what perks the currents employees are gaining. Setting the right atmosphere for employees to work may impact on finding the right candidate.

2. Define the Right Job for the Advertisement:

If you wish for the right employees to apply for the job, post an advertisement that describes the ideal employee for the post to the T. Collect information about the duty, responsibility, and skills needed to get the job done. Talk to the manager and team members where you are looking to hire the new employee as you will need to understand the dynamics of the current team and find the right fit.

Where you place your ad is also crucial because it determines the visibility and reach of your job posting. With the right career site content management system in place, you can easily manage and update postings to keep your opportunities accessible and appealing to potential candidates. This approach not only enhances the recruitment process but also allows you to maintain a professional and consistent brand image across all job listings.

3. Review the Applications Thoroughly:

You may get hundreds of applications; hence it is difficult to evaluate each one of them from top to bottom. Figure out specific criteria from the beginning and any application that does not meet the criteria needs to be rejected in order to make the process faster.

4. Prescreen the Candidates:

Inviting each and every shortlisted candidate for a face-to-face interview is a waste of time.  Most companies prefer a short interview over the phone to pre-screen the candidate. In fact, you will find that big organizations like Korn Ferry implement special tests to screen candidates. This is a selection process again, which the candidate needs to pass in order to move to the next round of the interview process.

5. Use Right Interviewers:

You can find the right candidate for the company only if you choose a panel of the right interviewers. It’s not just about the people who have applied for the job, but the people who make the decision of choosing amongst the shortlisted employees. make sure that the person interviewing is well knowledgeable about the subject as well as the job expectations to be able to choose the right employee.

6. Ask the Right Interview Questions:

How would you know that the candidate is fit for the job if you do not ask the apt questions? Do not take an interview unprepared, but decide upon asking a set of questions relevant to the job so you can compare the answers given by different candidates and choose the one who performs the best.

7. Invest in Recruiting Software:

Applicant tracking and recruiting software is essential to streamlining your workflow. Save your time and money by investing in the best recruiting software that streamlines the hiring process with automation and organizational tools and broadens the scope of a company’s talent search by reaching out to more people.

8. Do Background Checks:

It is extremely essential to find out how the employee did in his or her previous organization to know more about their attitude and work ethics. 

The Bottom Line:

An employee who may seem right initially can be completely wrong for the job and vice versa. Be open-minded when you seek for employees as you never know till the last moment which candidate clicks for the job.

What Can Gaming Apps Teach Us About Mobile Security?

When building a new smartphone app, the most important consideration should always be security. Hackers and cybercriminals managed to steal an estimated $600 billion last year, with a significant number of successful attacks being aimed at mobile devices.

While the security software and hardware installed on modern smartphone devices have come a long way in just the past couple of years, insecure apps remain a major weak point that hackers can and do exploit in order to steal sensitive information and cash.

If you are trying to launch a successful gaming app, especially if it is a real-money gaming app that requires users to enter financial details, then following app security best practices is key. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how leading gaming apps protect the security and privacy of their users in 2020. 

Encryption

If you’re playing a game such as online mobile slots that require you to provide bank details to make a deposit, you want to make sure that nobody else can see that information. That’s why many real-money gaming apps deploy end-to-end encryption throughout their platforms, establishing a secure link between the user and the application. Popular forms of encryption such as SSL prevent outside actors from viewing any data that they are not authorized to, keeping users safe.

Two-Factor Authentication

An additional step that some leading real-money gaming apps are taking to protect mobile users is two-factor authentication. Take for example the global gaming website Betfair, which provides gaming services to mobile users all around the world. If anyone wanted to make a deposit in order to play Betfair’s games, they would not only have to provide their password and profile information, but also a one-time code that is sent to them via SMS. This extra layer of protection prevents malicious actors from hacking someone’s Betfair account and accessing their financial information.

Secure Servers 

Another step that major game platforms such as Betfair deploy to keep users safe is physical server protection. All data centers used by this gaming company and many other gaming companies like it are equipped with round-the-clock security guards, surveillance cameras, and alarm systems. This is to prevent organized hacking groups from infiltrating a data center and stealing information directly from servers. Also, traffic analysis is often deployed throughout physical servers to ensure that every byte of data is from an authorized source. This keeps mobile users safe.

Certification

Finally, making gaming app companies that deal with real-money gaming have taken the precaution of seeking respected, internationally-known certifications that indicate trustworthiness. To take the example of Betfair again, that company specifies on its website that it is ISO27001 certified. This means that the digital security of Betfair has been independently audited and an international body has determined that security standards are high enough to warrant this prestigious certification. Gaming apps that are certified in this way can give their users peace of mind by letting them know that security is a chief concern. Gaming apps of all stripes are taking online security seriously. If you wish to enter the app market, these are the kinds of steps you should be

6 Vital Things Every Business Should Automate

In this day and age, it is essential for businesses big or small to invest in technology, particularly automating business operations. To thrive in any industry, entrepreneurs should invest in technology that will reduce operational costs and increase their company’s profit at the same time. Automating operational tasks can also improve your company’s overall performance, productivity, and reliability.

Are you planning to delve into automating processes for your business but don’t know where to start? Discover some of the key operational tasks you can automate by reading our post below.

1. Marketing Campaign Automation

Automating marketing tasks, including lead generation, can do wonders for your business. In fact, research has shown that 67% of top-tier companies automate their marketing processes. As marketing is a broad field, there are several tasks under this department that you can automate. 

Marketing automation may involve email marketing or blasting newsletters to your existing and potential clients. Another would be managing your social media content. It takes time to develop relevant content, but if you don’t want to lose your momentum, content curation tools can definitely be a big help.

Lastly, you can also save your time by using automation tools that manage the scheduling of your content.

2. Documentation and Reporting

Data is essential in keeping track of your company’s and employee’s overall performance. Reporting manually takes time and is prone to data errors. If you want to reduce the delivery time and improve the level of accuracy of the reports you are getting, reporting automation is highly recommended. 

Another advantage of automating marketing reports is that it keeps your business organized. Report automation offers a standard in terms of the quality of structure and comprehensiveness of the reports you are getting. In turn, you reduce risks and streamline all your data-driven processes.

3. Payroll

Managing your employees’ payroll can be a tedious and time-consuming process. This is particularly tough if you have a growing number of employees. Whatever the size of your business or which industry you are in, getting your employees paid on time is an essential process. Automating your payroll can yield multiple benefits, including an assurance that your business is compliant with state rules and regulations. 

Apart from that, automation also ensures that your payroll records are accurate and well-maintained. Needles to say, the chance for human errors is almost eliminated. When you take care of your employees’ payroll better, you also boost their morale, making it easier to retain your company’s valuable talents.

4. Administrative Support

Making sure that you are able to address your customer’s or employee’s queries and concerns on time is important for any business. After all, excellent communication is a very critical component in the success of any company. Administrative support automation can range from the use of chatbots to automatic email responses. 

When you automate customer service, for instance, you will be able to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty as automation offers quick problem resolution. This, in turn, also provides an improved customer experience for your customers. It will also allow your team to focus more on other tasks rather than carry on tedious and time-consuming processes. 

5. Task Management

Another factor in administrative roles would be scheduling. Missed appointments can hurt your company, so managing schedules is very important. Every missed meeting is a missed opportunity either for sales or partnership. As your company continues to grow, it might be hard to keep up with your clients, partners, and team’s schedule. To make sure you are in the loop on what is happening to your company, meeting schedules can easily be managed by an automation tool. This type of tool will allow you to send appointment reminders and be aware of anyone’s availability.

6. Hiring

Another task that you can automate is recruitment. Recruiting the right talent for your company takes time and a lot of focus. If you want to This is a time-consuming process as it will require you to carry on the scouting process, reviewing applications, and scheduling interviews. If you do not have a big human resources team, this can be a problem. However, you can easily optimize the process by using automation tools like a recruiting CRM to handle the recruitment process better. When you pass through the hiring stage, automated tools can also help you with the on-boarding process as well.

Automating tasks has been proven beneficial to any company’s growth and success. In order to ensure the efficiency of your business processes, review your overall operations so you can determine what can be and what can be not automated. Knowing your business needs is important as it will help you identify the right business automation tools and services. 

5 of the Best Features to Look for in Your SME’s Email Marketing Software

An effective email marketing campaign has the potential to represent one of your business’s most valuable assets. They represent a significant opportunity for ROI, clicks, ensuring new and existing customers remain engaged with your brand, and, of course, driving traffic to your site.

Why Your Campaign Needs Email Marketing Software

Email marketing can quickly become an indispensable string to your proverbial bow, but without the right platform from which to launch your campaign, it risks remaining painfully underutilised.

The role any reliable email marketing service provider seeks to fulfil is incredibly multifaceted. There are plenty on the market – many of which offer a comprehensive toolset with which to simplify, streamline, and automate many of the most time-consuming aspects of email marketing.

Email is frequently touted by marketing experts as one of the most lucrative mediums with which to access your growing customer base, both in terms of cost and time. Without the right software to take on the majority of the work on your behalf, however, the efficiency and strong payoff of email marketing is liable to be lost – and the campaign, underutilised.

With that in mind, here are five of the most important features to look for, learn, and use in your email marketing software.

Automation

Not only will automating many of the existing steps in your email marketing campaign enable you to free up hours each week, the ability to do so will also help you to grow your efforts, without needing to invest much more time into its execution.

From social media and CRM integrations to ensuring that emails are issued according to time zone, automation ensures that you spend as little time as possible on the more tedious aspects of your campaign.

Responsive Designs

The vast majority of us open emails on both our smartphones, and our computers. Unless your software is capable of managing device adaptability, email templates that are suited only to one platform risk being virtually unreadable on others.

Let’s say you send out an email formatted only for PC browsers; considering the fact that so many of us regularly open our emails on our cell phones, your efforts will prove largely futile.

Software that features templates with responsive designs will ensure that your emails are capable of arriving on any device, without any issues arising in the translation from PC to mobile to tablet.

Issue Surveys and Questionnaires, and Segment Data

Your customer base is considerably diverse, both in terms of their interests and preferences, and, in a much broader sense, their age, gender, and location. Of course, the more you know about them, the better, and choosing a software provider with the ability to issue effective surveys – and, more importantly, organize and put the results to use – will enable you to create a more targeted campaign.

Detailed Reporting

Rather than allowing your emails to slip off into the void, utilizing a provider capable of issuing regular engagement reports will much it much easier – and quicker – to understand how your customers are responding to your outreach.

Look for a software that offers a real-time breakdown of your readership’s activities, such as opens, clicks, flagging, and those who have unsubscribed.

Support

If you have been managing your campaign manually until now, or using a more limited software, then getting to grips with the new features may well come as a challenge at first. To avoid setbacks or frustration, choose a provider that actively caters to first-time users; up to date guides and responsive customer service will prove invaluable if you encounter any stumbling blocks.

Final Thoughts

There are many more features a good email marketing software provider should bring to the table. Affordability, security, and spam testing, for instance, are all integral to your ability to optimize your campaign and ensure that you are getting the highest ROI possible.

When it comes to marketing, streamlining every element that goes into your email campaign is one of the best ways of improving small business productivity, and facilitating further growth, development, and customer retention as you move forward.

How to Keep Your Internet Connection Stable When Traveling to a Harsh Environment

Today, many of us cannot imagine our lives without the internet. It has become the most reliable source of communication between individuals. It is available everywhere and well-secured, which helps people transfer sensitive information without the fear of being intercepted. However, in some places, the connection can become unstable, which makes it harder to send and receive data. Nowadays, engineers are developing new ways and tips to stabilize and speed up the process.

Use a VPN

It was once believed that using a virtual private network would slow down your internet. On the contrary, the speed gets boosted when you switch to a closed system. It encrypts the traffic, so the internet service provider won’t be able to determine the heaviness of the data being transferred. You will also have a safer platform to share content without it being traced back to you.

Use Multiple Connections

If all connections are unbearably slow and frequently get disconnected, connecting to all of them at once may help a little bit. When you do that, every network will compensate for the one that stops working so you will barely sense any disturbance. Some applications allow you to combine any kind of connection, whether it’s 4G, wireless, or wired. You just have to download them before traveling. 

Back to Ethernet

Old is gold. No matter how wireless connections get more accessible, ethernet still surpasses them in reliability. Wi-Fi signals are interfered with by radio waves, microwaves, and remote controls. In some businesses, consistency is what differentiates between one company and another. So, while going abroad for work, if there is any chance to connect your device to a wire, you will get fewer breaches and interference. 

Data sequencing

Engineers have been trying to enhance communication between people in need. For instance, military troops always require a connection to stay in touch with their base. Some upgraded platforms have started to use algorithms as data sequencing and frequency hopping to increase security by decreasing the electromagnetic field around the source. Open architecture is being implemented in advanced Data Link systems, which allows for a duplex wideband that covers more extensive areas. Moreover, they automatically correct errors that are responsible for the unsteady connection. 

The Internet of Things

Technology is advancing at an exciting rate. The internet of things is one of the latest evolutions that has been introduced to the market. It is used in various aspects of our lives. Recently, internet gurus are implementing it in sensors and spreading them across countries to speed up the transfer of data. IoT also helps in stabilizing the signals. It is still under development because there are some privacy downsides. Probably, in the next couple of years, we will witness more of its benefits. 

Switch to Mobile Versions

Sometimes, you need to compromise an aspect to be able to achieve efficiency. While surfing the internet or sending an e-mail, use the mobile versions instead of the desktop ones. They are usually lighter and more accessible. Moreover, compress the photos and files before attempting to send them to use up less space. 

Cell Phone Signal Amplifier

Sometimes, the problem lies in the availability of signals. To fix that, you can get a cell phone signal amplifier that is made of an external and internal antenna and amplifier. The outside antenna is used to receive a signal from the nearest tower. Then it gets amplified and sent back to the interior one. By strengthening the cell phone’s reception, the internet becomes more robust and stable. 

Portable Travel Router

If you are going to a place with a connection, but you’re unsure of its strength, getting a portable travel router may be an excellent option. It is nothing fancy, but it boosts the signals of any available network. You just need to leave it close to the source and enjoy the speed.

Go Offline

If the internet is not getting any steadier, your last resort would be working offline. You can adjust the settings of your browser and e-mails before going on a plan. You may write your notes and prepare data so they would get automatically sent when your device receives any connection. 

You should be well-prepared before deciding to travel to a foreign environment, especially if you will need the internet. You can never know the extent of the harsh conditions over there. So, it is better to do thorough research on all the methods that will help you stabilize and strengthen any connection. We gave you a couple of options and tricks that you can use in the time of need. 

How Modern Technology Helps Us Avoid Procrastination

Too tired and lazy to get up? Have tons of research papers, essays, assignments, a difficult article, and various tasks to submit yet can’t get the energy to start working? As college students, we have all been here. With such a huge amount of work and so many pending assignments, part-time jobs, family and friends, it can get hard to manage everything so we end up procrastinating.

Procrastination is like a disease that is treatable if you stay on top of it. With the help of proper measures, you can easily stay on the top of your game and say goodbye to procrastination! We can see that technology has touched all the aspects of our lives and has made it better in one way or another.

From better communications systems to better educational facilities, technology has helped us everywhere. Similarly, when it comes to procrastination, technology plays the role of a knight in shining armor there as well!

With the help of various applications, reminders, etc. so can easily kick procrastination to the curb! The good news is: you can do it right from your phone or laptop.

There are several applications that have been designed specifically to keep your slacking off. Let’s see how you can use technological gadgets to help you avoid procrastination.

Track Your Activities

As the adage goes, “if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it”. When it comes to managing time, nothing is truer than this. The first thing that you need to do is to track you activities, and yes, you need to track all of them.

Getting late every single morning? You need to track how long it takes for you to shower, have breakfast, get ready and out of the home. Due to the act of delaying tasks , even if it is a simple one, we fall behind in our daily activities. With this application, you will be able to see where it is that you are spending more time and what you can do to utilize your time in a better way.

Zero Willpower

Toggling over to your social media apps every 30 seconds? No technological advancement is going to help you if you don’t put a stop to that. With the help of this website blocking app, you can cut your interaction with apps like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and a lot more.

It is very hard for anyone to stay focused and give attention to a single task at hand. You can set timers and limit the social media freeze to a few minutes, few hours, as per your liking. No more wasting your hours scrolling through Facebook, people! Here are a few different methods of remaining motivated and productive.

Focus At Will

You know what puts the human brain in a full productivity mode? Yes, you guessed it right: Music. Music helps you improve your focus and you get your assignments done very quickly. In case you work in an open-plan office with lots of noise, it is very likely that you are going to be disturbed.  With the help of this application, you can listen to calming, soothing music that will help you focus and will stop you from getting distracted.

1-3-5 List

You start working, see the huge list of pending assignments, and you instantly get overwhelmed and stop working. What you need to do in such a situation, is to prioritize things. Start from easy assignments, then move on to slightly difficult ones, and then move on to the really difficult ones.

A lot of stress can be bad for your health, and we all know that if we are not organized and a lot of assignments are pending, as students we tend to go into a depressive phase. With the help of this application, you can choose things that you need to accomplish in one day and then check them one by one as you complete them!

Evernote

We think that a group project would make you want to work harder and motivate you. However, it turns out that we tend to procrastinate things even more when we are working with others. Don’t worry; we have your back with Evernote. With the help of this app, you can set reminders for all the members of your teams, save notes that are available across all the devices, create a to-do list, keep an eye on the progress of people, etc.

Final Word

With the right use of technological gadgets, you can save yourself a ton of pain and worry and move from being a procrastinator to a well-organized person. Use the various applications in the form of timers, calendars, etc. that technological gadgets offer you, set everything in your life right, and say goodbye to procrastination!

Here’s to a well-organized, punctual you!

Transforming Your Business’ Productivity Through Employee Well-being And Workflow Management

According to Gallup, employee engagement has been at an all time high of 33% in recent years. This is likely the result of the well-being revolution occurring in businesses across the nation. As a small business owner or manager, understanding the importance of employee well-being and how it relates to productivity is crucial to long term success.

Work Smart

As a small business owner, if you’re leading or managing a team, then get to know them. Understanding what your employees excel at and delegating tasks based on this knowledge will greatly improve your business’ productivity. Many employees lack a clear picture of all the tasks they need to accomplish. Rather than prioritizing tasks based on importance, they spend time switching between them as they come to mind. Focus on employee engagement, having your workforce attend productivity training and giving them the tools to improve their workflow will significantly increase your business’ productivity.

Understand that while multitasking sounds like a good idea, in reality it is entirely counterproductive. Research by John Medina revealed that multitasking can increase the completion time of a task by as much as 50% and even worse, quadruples the likelihood of mistakes. Instead, focus your energy on one task at a time, and work through a list of priorities for the day. Time tracking experts Journyx highlight the importance of cloud-based tools for project management. Enabling employees to access schedules and tools anywhere can simplify your company’s workflow immensely, boosting productivity as a result.

Unlimited Time Off

Over the last few years, large businesses have begun to understand the importance of employee well-being and satisfaction. Research has overwhelmingly demonstrated the benefits of flexible work hour policies and a focus on mental health. Happier, healthier employees produce better quality work. Unlimited vacation time policies are a result of this new approach to employment. While on its face, the concept may sound ridiculous, in practice it makes total sense. Why work harder or faster when it changes nothing? If you can’t leave until 5pm, why expend the extra effort? The traditional nine-to-five removes an employee’s sense of ownership over their time, and puts the focus on running out the clock. As a result, employees might sit at their desk for hours doing the bare minimum until they can leave for home. In contrast, unlimited vacation time produces a results-driven workplace culture where employees understand that as long as they produce satisfactory results, they can leave as late or early as they want. Giving employees power over their time like this is a powerful motivator, increasing morale and the quality of the work done. 

Productivity is as much about psychology as it is business management. Understanding the strengths, needs and wants of your employees is the key to boosting the productivity of your organization. This is especially important for small businesses, where profit margins are often tight and any boost to output will have significant results. Luckily the research is quite clear, providing a multitude of methods and approaches that can transform your business overnight.