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technology

Four Critical Benefits Of Technology

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Amidst the myriad of unique software programs and other forms of technology, how do you know where to start in terms of utilizing technology to best suit your business?

Sure, it’s important to keep your mind sharp and focused on the cutting edge of your industry, but it’s also essential to know how to exploit the innovation of others. This, of course, includes technology.

Technology, by nature, is constantly growing and evolving. Knowing how to tap into it effectively can result in significant growth for your small business. Not only that, you’ll find yourself saving time, money, and a great deal of effort as well.

As a small business owner, we know that you’re accustomed to “wearing multiple hats”. However, multi-tasking won’t pay off as much as you think it might. Understanding new technologies and using them to your advantage is your best bet.

Let’s take a closer look at the following four ways that technology can help your business.

Optimal Marketing Software

Using effective marketing software will allow you to develop, grow, and connect with your customer base. Outside of online advertisements, email marketing software provides critical tools such as follow up, shopping cart recovery, and relevant digital advertising programs.

Digital POS Systems

You bet. The ability to accept credit cards online as a form of payment has allowed many businesses to sustain growth. In the past, many businesses only accepted payment in the form of cash or check. Now, with systems like Square and Shopify, companies are flourishing.

The other really great benefit: Square, for example, provides you with customer shopping/spending analytics so you can modify your sales strategy appropriately. 

Effective Invoicing Software

It’s important to integrate modern invoicing software into your business so you can effectively request and manage your invoices.

Not only will you save a great deal of time, but you will also be able to see your cash flow.

Project Management Software

From BaseCamp to Outlook, there is no doubt that your small business can and will benefit from better organization and a central location for all important matters and projects.

With the right project management software, you will be able to track who is assigned to which projects in addition to the degree of progress that has been made. Furthermore, you will also be able to manage calendars, appointments, and critical documents in the same system.

Sure, there are many different software programs and new forms of technology that can enhance your business, but these four are great starting points. Utilizing these key technologies to your advantage will improve sales and, ultimately, grow your business.

Check out Global Resources LLC Reviews to learn more.

Enjoy Your Favorite Sports On The CBS Sports App

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If you’re a sports aficionado and you love to watch your favorite sports even while you’re on the go or working in your office, then the CBS Sports app is just your one stop solution. This sports app provides you access to MLB, NCAAA, MLS, NBA, NHL, NFL, NBA and more videos, scores, live updates and news. So, you are not away from your favorite sport for even a single moment.

Get to know about the fastest scores and who did it, stats and live feed of every match, news and tweets, push notification of the major sports events. Select your favorite team and get personalize details all the year long. Check out the live sporting event, tours and sessions. No matter you are an Android user or iOS user, you can download the app on any phone. It is one of the best iOS sports app and will give you all the updates of your favorite sports.

It is fun to access the sport on the app much before your friend knows the latest scores. Be it the high score, the stats of the game, fastest news of any sports or your favorite player. You will never feel left over about your favorite game and watch recorded matches. You can also get custom feed live details from dedicated insiders. You no longer have to stop by the television store and get a glimpse of the scores. You can watch the sports directly on your gadget.

You can also enjoy live streaming radio along with Tiki and Tierney, Bill Reiter, Jim Rome and others for all your sports news. Get updates for your every must know story. Pick your favorite story and get time to time update on it.

The CBS sports app renders extra coverage to NBA Draft, the Masters, NFL Draft, March Madness and more. You can also watch real-time original studio events like College Football Rundown, Pro Football, SEC Today, Fantasy Football Today and much more. It is one of the best baseball apps you’ll come across. You can watch the matches with most up to date sports news and scores.

And, this is not it. You can chromecast your match on your any TV and watch your sports live on the big screen for an extravagant experience. This is not it. You can custom navigate the app and rank the sports which matter the most to you. So, stay on the top of every sports feed. The best thing is that the app is available for free on all operating systems. All you need to do is download it and access your favorite sports in seconds.

Even if you aren’t there you can get notifications about the updates of the sports from time to time. So, why not give your sports love a boost by downloading it to your latest tech devices. It will serve your purpose very well and prove to be your best sports companion regardless of where you are. Download it now and check it out on your own!

Technology Helps Improve Customer Experience

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Some of the key marketing approaches have always been advertising, personal selling, and sales promotion. However, even these tested and proved methods tend to carry limitations, especially in the digital era we live in. With the global boundaries dissolving and the competition level rising to new heights, business and firms realize the importance of staying connected with their customers at all times.

It is indeed challenging for companies to achieve their business goals and expand their business. The key lies in how to reach the current customers and the potential ones. There is nothing better for a company than a happy customer who can help get more leads. Improving customer service holds the key here and keeping them happy and satisfied is essential for business growth. Thankfully, the marketers can pick from a wider array of communications tools that can help make efficient and effective communication with customers. The best part is that the newer tools of communication are faster and cheaper than the traditional methods used for feedback on customer experience.

In the era of cut-throat competition, one needs to sell more than just good quality products. The business owners need to focus on excellent customer services too in this highly-competitive business world. Maintaining good relationships and creating a delightful experience with the customers holds the key to boosting business growth. By doing so would create word-of-mouth advertising that remains one of the best marketing strategies till date. Thus, it is important to exceed the expectations of your clients and delight them. It is early essential to give personal attention and provide excellent customer service to the costumers. Once they feel they are valued at your company, they would love to come back. Have a constant interaction with them to know their mind and requirements. They are sure to respond by purchasing your products and services regularly and becoming a loyal customer. Get their feedback about the product, and their experiences as clients’ feedback are important. Understand and know your target audience before selling and marketing your products or services towards them.

Every business needs customers and in order to do so, needs to promote itself by talking about its products and services. The Internet has become a powerful medium to do so and reach out to your customers. Today, the means of promotion and communicating with your customers are only increasing by the day. The best approach is to make use of both the newer and the older communications tool to develop a balanced marketing program for a business. Social Media platforms are being used to increase target market and find new customers. One can reach out to the customers efficiently and create positive experiences. Customer referrals are an inexpensive way and yet the most effective to get more customers. It is essential for a firm and company to place useful information and valuable contest for their customers online. When the customers get valuable information that can be used for their benefit, it helps to build trust and develop new connections. Using the right words and content helps to establish your authority.

and grow into a profitable company, every business needs customers. In order to get customers, every business needs to promote itself. Before the advent of the internet, promotion was easy because there weren’t too many options. It was a matter of deciding between a flyer, a post card, or an ad in the local newspaper. Today, however, the methods for promoting your business are overwhelming and only increasing by the day. There’s social media marketing, search engine marketing, guerrilla marketing, and more. If you are a small business owner struggling to figure out which one to use, or to even get up to speed on which options are out there, you are not alone. To help you navigate the sea of ideas out there for getting the word out about your product or service, we have put together a list of 18 ways that you can promote your business whether you have a budget or not.

What Is GDPR And Why Does It Affect Businesses Worldwide?

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“Secure Data – Cyber Security –” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by perspec_photo88

From this coming May, the European Union (EU) will implement a new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), designed to bring data protection legislation in line with the ways in which data is used in the 21st century. GDPR aims to give EU citizens and residents control over their own sensitive data, empowering them to be able to demand that organisations dispose of unneeded private information and do not share it with other third parties without the individual’s explicit permission.

At present, the UK’s data protection regulations are dictated by the Data Protection Act 1998, enacted after the EU Data Protection Directive 1995. The implementation of GDPR will supersede the existing legislation, unifying data protection rules throughout all EU member states. The Data Protection Act 1998 was formulated prior to the expansion of the internet and cloud technology, and this new legislation is designed to provide greater trust and transparency in the digital age. The EU estimates that the unification of data protection law across its member states will save European businesses around £2bn a year.

The GDPR will be active from 25th May 2018 and it’s important for businesses throughout the EU to be prepared. Severe fines for GDPR non-compliance are set to be dished out to organisations that fail to demonstrate their GDPR enforcement strategy on request. These fines, however punitive they may seem, are deemed necessary to ensure businesses take the protection of personal data seriously.


“Commission” (CC BY-ND 2.0) by Andrew Gustar

Who does GDPR apply to?

The EU’s GDPR is applicable to those deemed to be ‘controllers’ and ‘processors’ of individuals’ sensitive data. A controller is someone in charge of why and how personal data is used – for instance an e-commerce website gathering users’ addresses and full names for marketing material distribution, while a processor is the organisation or individual that’s physically processing the data e.g. an IT service provider.

There’s one important thing to note for businesses based outside the EU. Controllers and processors of personal data of EU residents will still be bound by the rules of GDPR even if they are based in the United States, Australia or South-East Asia. More importantly, it is the controller’s responsibility to oversee their processor’s actions and ensure they abide by the GDPR legislation.

When can personal data be used under GDPR?

Put simply, controllers of individuals’ sensitive data must be able to demonstrate that the information they process is done so lawfully, transparently and for a specific, legitimate reason. Moreover, from the moment that reason/goal has been met, the personal data is deemed as no longer needed and must be disposed of accordingly.

In order to obtain individual consent to use sensitive data under GDPR, collectors must make it clear to their subjects what is going on, rather than utilise passive acceptance techniques that are currently commonplace, such as default opt-in subscriptions to newsletters. Controllers are also required to keep a diary of how and when individuals provided their consent. It is within the rights of said individuals to withdraw that consent whenever they see fit.

If your organisation’s current model for receiving user consent for personal data is not up to scratch with the new GDPR legislation, now is the time to overhaul your model and avoid unnecessary financial penalties when it is applied this summer – regardless of where you’re based.

The Rise of Bitcoin and it’s Use in Online Casinos!

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In recent years Bitcoin has taken the world by storm, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Bitcoin is now being accepted as a form of payment by a wide array of popular online casinos. You can use your Bitcoin wallet to play with live dealers and purchase other products online too. To discover how Bitcoin is being used in online casinos, simply continue reading to find out everything you need to know about Bitcoin’s use in casinos!

The Rise of Bitcoin and it’s Use in Online Casinos:

Bitcoin is the world’s first decentralized digital currency and was released in early 2009. Unlike other forms of currency which are regulated by financial institutions such as banks and governments, Bitcoin is anonymous currency which in stored in anonymous digital wallets.

In recent months online casinos, have begun to accept Bitcoin as an official form of payment. One reason why some gamblers may prefer to use Bitcoin to credit their accounts, is in the hopes of winning a jackpot of Bitcoin.

Why do players want to win Bitcoin at online casinos?

When a player receives their Bitcoin earnings, as the Bitcoins contained in a Bitcoin wallet are unmarked and can’t be easily tracked by governments and tax departments, players may be able to keep, save and spend their Bitcoin, without having to declare any of their winnings to their government. However beware that choosing not to disclose your winnings as income to your government, could still get you into trouble as different countries have different regulations when it comes to the declaration of Bitcoin.

Another reason, to try to win as much Bitcoin as you possibly can is that the earnings which you collect, willmost likely double in value over the coming years. As an example, if you purchased $100 of Bitcoin in 2010, your investment would now be worth $75 million dollars. While you may not be able to turn $100 which you collect in a Bitcoin casino today into $75 million dollars, if you were to win $100 dollars worth of Bitcoin, the same amount of Bitcoin could double or triple, in the next few years.

As an added bonus if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of giving an online casino access to personal information, which is linked to your credit card such as your full name, your address and your credit card number itself, it’s far safer using a Bitcoin to credit your account.

Where can you spend Bitcoin?

You may be curious as to where you can spend your Bitcoin earnings. The great news is that you can use Bitcoin to book overseas vacations on sites such as Expedia and use Bitcoin to purchase electronics, clothing and gifts from a wide array of well known stores. You can even use Bitcoin to purchase online gift vouchers for popular shops like Sephora and Wholefoods. Alternatively, you can use Bitcoin to purchase goods in physical stores as well as online stores.

If you are excited by the idea of being able to win Bitcoin, by playing online casino style games, it’s well worth searching for a reputable online casino which accepts Bitcoin as payment!

How Technology has Changed the Way We Play Online Casinos

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Today’s online casinos have evolved and developed as a result in a variety of technological advances. In order to discover how technology has changed the way which we use online casinos, simply continue reading to find out.

How Technology has Changed the Way we Play Online Casinos:

1. You can credit your accounts with online currencies such as Bitcoin 

In the past online players would have to use their credit cards, to top up their online accounts to play online casinos for money. However with the recent popularity of digital currencies, which are stored anonymously in online wallets, players around the world are now able to use cryptocurrencies to credit their accounts.

Not only can you use Bitcoin to play blackjack or other games and you can also use it to purchase tangible items in the real world such as a cup of coffee or an ice cream.

2. You’re able to win digital currency instead of traditional cash

With the rise of digital currency, such as Bitcoin which is not stored in a bank and can’t be tracked by banks or governments, online casino players can now win cyrptocurrencies, for playing their favorite online casino games.

If you’re looking to acquire Bitcoin, which is set to rise in price for the next two years, it’s well worth playing casino games as a way of acquiring Bitcoin. Which can be incredibly expensive to purchase.

Once you win your first share of Bitcoins, you’ll be able to store your winnings in an anonymous Bitcoin wallet. Which means that it’s up to you if you want to declare your earnings as income or not!

3. You can trust online casinos to follow international regulations

When online casinos first emerged, there were a lot of illegal online casinos, which weren’t properly regulated which would take customers money, without actually paying out any jackpots or winnings. However, online casinos are now automatically regulated to make sure that each game does pay out winnings and that each player has a real, legitimate chance of winning a prize. This makes it helpful if you’re location independent or traveling as well.

4. Most individuals now favor using smart phone applications to play online casino games

In the past the majority of players would access casino websites via a laptop. However, as smart phones have become more and more popular, most online casinos now offer downloadable applications, which make playing your favorite casino games on your smart phone as simple and as enjoyable a process as possible.

So you won’t have to scroll around a giant website, in order to play your favorite games. Examples of which may include poker, slot machines and roulette. As an added advantage, all of the games which you play on your smart phone or almost any digital gadget with wifi, will boast rich, high-resolution graphics.

5. You’ll find yourself playing head to head against players from across the world

As internet access has become prevalent in most parts of the world, you’re just as likely to find yourself competing in an online poker tournament with players in Russia, the Netherlands and Australia, as you are to find yourself playing against American competitors.

One of the distinct benefits of online casinos becoming so popular world wide is that the prizes offered have skyrocketed as a result!

Does Photocopier Leasing Make Sense for Your Company?

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The need of many companies to reduce costs has generated a broad market regarding new solutions for this problem. In this sense, the purchase of printers and photocopiers of the latest generation is simply something difficult to afford for many; however, the market also offers excellent alternatives in the form of renting or leasing this type of equipment.

Nowadays it is possible to get very good prices in relation to the rental of photocopiers, an option that has been growing considerably in popularity among SMEs in recent times. In part, because it allows small and medium-sized businesses to access equipment and brands of the highest quality, which, otherwise, would have been very difficult to buy.

Why is it necessary?

Experts in photocopier leasing in Newbury explain that a company might not require large amounts of copying or printing during many months of the year. Accountants make an interesting case study: for many months they use their photocopiers and printers at a fairly regular pace, but in the months prior to the filing of tax and tax returns, they may need support in terms of additional equipment.

Faced with this, the company or business can opt for the purchase of new equipment, or to simply lease it. This presents a clear advantage because the cost is much lower, and also adjusts exactly to a precise period of time, thus avoiding unnecessary expenses in terms of supplies, maintenance, etc.

As for the brands of equipment, the best brands are available from established suppliers, and can be leased and incorporated into the work dynamics to maintain a highly efficient team and at a considerably lower price than if it had to be purchased outright.

Hassle-free operation

Another advantage that is worth noting is that companies that are dedicated to the rental of photocopiers and printers have very good guarantees against different risks, and also are responsible for carrying out the corresponding maintenance tasks, so that this cost is also reduced and helps the business save money when taking advantage of leasing such equipment.

In this context, the rental of printing equipment perhaps constitutes a really specific solution for many small and medium-sized companies that, in principle, cannot afford to invest in new photocopiers or printers, but that can also serve as support during seasonal demand where the use of such equipment increases considerably.

Flexibility: exactly what your business needs, when you need it

In any case, the companies providing this service are highly reliable and respond promptly to any requirements by clients, whether in terms of equipment, brands or models. However, it is always advisable to act with a certain degree of foresight and be informed in order to negotiate the best possible leasing deal.

Companies that are dedicated to the rental or leasing of photocopiers and printers can offer personalized advice regarding the specific needs of any business, and only then present the optimal leasing solutions to cover them.

Crowdsourcing Software Made for Businesses and How it Can Help with Job Hunting

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If you have ever tried to find a new job in the corporate sector, you will know how difficult it can be to find one. Yet, did you know that crowdsourcing software made for businesses has made finding such a job a lot easier? Examples of this include job websites such as Monster, but also huge social media platforms such as LinkedIn. Indeed, thanks to the internet, the crowd – the general public – has access to thousands of jobs each and every day. And crowdsourcing software for job hunters have made it possible for businesses to quickly and easily sift through the average of 250 resumes they receive for each posting.

Crowdsourcing Software Made for Businesses Makes the Innovators Stand Out

Working in HR is a thankless task. However, crowdsourcing software has made things a lot easier for these managers. No longer do they personally have to read the hundreds of cover letters and hundreds of resumes. It is a known fact that around 75% of applicants aren’t even qualified, which shows just how much time can be wasted. Indeed, out of all the applications, only 2% will ever be asked for interview. Thanks to crowdsourcing software, however, managers can get to those 2% in a much quicker manner. And one of the things they make their software look for is innovation and creativity.

Knowledge Is Power

Crowdsourcing software is fitted with a number of parameters that applicants must meet. If used properly, the organization’s innovation team will have set those parameters, so that everybody agrees on the type of person that would be suitable for the role. Standard parameters include education and experience, although none of this demonstrates whether or not someone fits in with the company’s culture. Hence, what these systems now look for is evidence of creative thinking and ideas.

Innovators Are in Demand

It helps, of course, that most roles available today are those that specifically look for innovators. Indeed, some of the most in demand positions include computer programmer, healthcare professional, and network architect, all highly creative roles. These are sectors where the workforce is dwindling, and insufficient new talent is generated.

What these talent gaps also tell us is where stagnation is. True innovators stay on top of trends, and they try to come up with ways to resolve areas where there is stagnation. An innovator never stands still. They find opportunities and they take action. They think big and they are there to stop an organization from becoming stale.

A final thing that crowdsourcing software for HR managers looks for is people who take control of their own life. They want to see someone who is applying for a job they actually want. They stand out from the crowd by approaching the company directly and by coming up with more ideas than what is asked for on the application form. They don’t wait until an opening exists, they show where the opening should be, in other words.

Top Tricks to Find the Best SEO Firm

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Even if you know a lot about SEO (Search Engine Optimization), you may still want to call in an SEO firm to help grow your own business. Unfortunately, knowing about SEO is simply not enough, not in the least because this knowledge must be kept up to date. But how do you find an SEO firm that is actually any good, when everybody seems to call themselves experts nowadays? Below are 10 top tips to look for.

Top Tips to Find a Great SEO Firm

  1. They should complete a site evaluation. This means they tell you how you currently rank and whether or not your design is any good. They should also provide you with a custom work proposal based on this information.
  2. They should use advanced keyword identification tools. They need to explain how they find keywords, using things like Google AdWords and more, and why they choose the ones they feel matter most.
  3. They must explain where they will find backlinks, which are vital to full optimization. These links should be of high quality, because quality is more important than quantity in the eyes of Google.
  4. They should be able to explain what they will charge for what and why. The quote should be very detailed and there shouldn’t be any misleading fine print.
  5. They should be able to tell you how long they expect to take to see some results, and what kind of results you can expect. However, they should not be able to provide you with any guarantees, as they have no control over what other people do. A good SEO campaign usually takes between six and 18 months to show any real results.
  6. They must be able to explain the techniques and strategies that they intend to use. Be wary of black hat tactics such as spam advertising or deceiving the algorithms of the search engines.
  7. They should be able to provide you with targeted traffic and explain how this differs from plain traffic. Plain traffic actually gets your site ranking down. Targeted traffic is obtained through press releases, social media, and other relevant channels.
  8. Their deliverables should be transparent. This means they should be happy to provide you with regular reports and updates on how they are performing and on whether or not they are meeting the targets that they had expected. These reports should be highly detailed, showing exactly where which traffic is coming from, and which strategies are proving to be the most successful.
  9. They should offer monthly or quarterly reports to showcase whether you are seeing a return on investment.
  10. They should guarantee their performance. This is not the same as guaranteeing results, however.

With these 10 considerations, you should be able to find an SEO agency that works properly and delivers what you need. Do your research, find reviews of the company, and ask for a portfolio. In so doing, you will make sure their work is most likely to become successful for you.

How Logistics Companies Are Benefiting From GPS For Car Devices

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To say that GPS for car devices have transformed the manner in which we drive would be completely underestimating the situation. Whilst today’s post is based on logistics companies and the benefits they are receiving from the devices, let’s also not forget that the Average Joe driving a car is also reaping the rewards. Maps have been thrown out of the window (sometimes literally) and in their place has come a GPS device which has made travel a whole lot easier.

While the ones for the standard car tend to be quite simple and focus on directions, when it comes to using GPS devices commercially a whole host of other features enter the picture. Today we will take a look at some of these features, to highlight the true benefits what logistics firms around the country are now receiving.

The speed factor

In an ideal world, every company would love their drivers to travel at the maximum speed as possible, whilst obviously not putting anyone in danger. As we all know, we are bound by speed limits on all roads though, and if drivers do fall foul of these, fines, bans and other penalties are often dished out.

Of course, there are occasions where speeding drivers aren’t been picked up by speed detection cameras. The beauty of GPS devices is that they regularly report back on speed, and make companies aware if drivers are breaking limits. This is something that really can encourage drivers to navigate in a safe manner, and avoid any financial penalties which might be dished out to the company in the future.

Staying efficient

As we all know, speed is directly linked to efficiency.

The fact that speed is reported to companies has another benefit; it can mean that drivers can be asked to drive more efficiently. Particularly in the larger vehicles, there are “optimum” speeds to drive at, and over the course of a year the fuel savings to companies can border on the unbelievable.

Once upon a time a company may have been able to “ask” their drivers to obey their speed requirements in a bid to earn efficiency. Now, such requests will tend to be followed, particularly as all data is relayed back so quickly.

The “tracking” element of these products

It isn’t called a GPS tracker for nothing, is it? In other words, companies really are taking advantage of the fact that the devices can quickly relay location information back to a company.

This is something that means planning is a breeze, but it’s also something which can boost customer satisfaction immensely as well. Some companies are taking the location information and providing it directly to their customers, just so they can have an estimated time on when their goods are going to be delivered. Compared to years ago, where both companies and individuals may have had to make special plans to wait for a delivery, this is a huge transformation and one that’s boosting umpteen industries.