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How To Simplify Many Distance Learning Processes With Qr Codes?

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How To Simplify Many Distance Learning Processes With Qr Codes?

With the presence of the internet today, distance learning is likely to alter the present educational paradigm as it bridges the gap between the learners and the institutions. Distance learning is a popular and enticing choice since it allows students to study at their paces and fit their studies around their lives.

Self-learning materials are crucial to the success and efficacy of the distance learning approach. An educator needs to ensure that the contents of these materials are similar in a classroom setup by providing examples and references. 

Common challenges our educators are dealing with are the task of creating learning materials and connecting to students. Incorporating various files, links, and other contents in learning materials is difficult. Connecting to students online can be effortful as well. Now that we have easy access to modern technological tools like a QR code generator with logo software online, the challenges that most educators face are resolved and simplified.

Learn how to use QR codes to ease a variety of distance learning activities.

Distance Learning Concept

Everyone may already be aware of the notion of distance learning. As the name implies, it’s all about studying from a distance. The term often refers to online learning or e-learning. Students and instructors do not need to be physically present in school while using this method of learning. Students will be given self-learning materials or enrolled in online courses.

Students’ capacity to pick courses that match their schedules and resources exemplifies the enhanced flexibility of open and distance learning.

Simplifying distance learning processes with QR codes

The distance learning method of education may require a significant amount of work for both learners and educators to complete the tasks. Here are some innovative ideas to simplify processes in distance learning.

  • Seamlessly connect with students using Social Media QR codes.

We have modern ways of communicating online using various messaging apps today. Usually, we search for someone’s name to communicate or connect with them online. Sometimes, we get more suggested accounts because there are instances that someone has a similar name. There are cases that we can’t seem to find the correct social media account as the person uses a different name. 

Manually searching for social media accounts can be confusing and time-consuming. Simplify the process with the help of QR codes. Using an online QR code generator with social media features, you can embed all your accounts in one QR code. When scanned, the QR code automatically redirects students to a page with clickable buttons intended for your Facebook, Email, Skype, and other messaging apps. 

  • Provide students with QR codes for Virtual meetings.

Aside from online courses, educators need to schedule virtual meetings for discussions and follow-up purposes. Copying or typing the link for virtual meetings is risky as these may lead to errors. When embedding the URL into a QR code, you can now let your students join meetings directly by just pointing their smartphone cameras on the QR code. 

  • Let students access helpful content through File QR codes.

It is imperative to look for a QR code generator that allows you to incorporate various items. Using an efficient QR code generator that offers multiple solutions, you can provide students easy access to several contents which can aid in their self-learning as videos, audio, and images. You can embed digital print contents like a document or PDF file and turn them into a PDF QR code where you can easily store and access them with just a scan from your smartphone camera. 

  • Conveniently conduct real-time quizzes and exams with QR codes.

Conducting real-time quizzes and examinations online is a difficult task for an educator with numerous students. Overcome this challenge with QR codes. The good thing about QR codes is they can incorporate different files. You may use Google Form to create an interactive quiz, then embed this into a QR code. Google forms allow you to make a time-limited questionnaire and obtain the results in real-time. With the use of QR codes, students can conveniently access quizzes and exam questionnaires. QR codes also simplify the task of an educator.

Conclusion:

In distance learning, educators remain a significant factor in the students’ education while technology bridges the gap between them and simplifies processes for both. Incorporating QR codes gives new and innovative experiences in this form of learning. 

By starting to generate QR codes using an advanced QR code generator available online, you can enhance your distance learning processes and make them better for the future generation of learners. 

How To Start A Small Business From Scratch

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How To Start A Small Business From Scratch

Over the last few decades, there has been a decline in new business formation. Federal and state governments have used a variety of incentives to encourage entrepreneurs to build new businesses. Yet, that trend continued. It took the global health crisis to trigger a surge in businesses. The pandemic was a doubling in the number of new businesses compared to the previous year. It’s no surprise then that you are thinking of starting a new business from scratch. Like many pandemic-era entrepreneurs, you see the immense opportunities ahead as the world transitions into a new order, the likes of which we have never seen.

Develop a Business Plan

You cannot go where you want to go, without mapping your route there. The business plan is not just a collection of essential facts for you, your backers and the bank. It’s a guide to how you will fight to get to the target that you are aiming at. In it, you explain the challenges ahead: the regulations you have to comply with; the competitors you will have to beat; the products and services you will have to surpass; the product life cycles that will keep you innovating to stay ahead. In it, you explain just what the market opportunity you see is, showing the vital evidence for this opportunity, the value proposition you feel gives you an edge, and why you believe you have or will have product-market fit. The business plan is a map that you and your backers will use to guide you toward your vision. Not only that, it is the most important document you need when it comes to raising fresh capital, either through equity financing, or through loans from banks, federal and state agencies and other organizations.

Choose a Business Structure

You need to turn your business idea into a legal business entity. There are a number of business structures, or business entity types, the most popular being the sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation and S corporation. The limited liability company (LLC), is a business entity type permitted under state statute. The choice of business structure has legal and tax implications, so the decision must be taken carefully. You can incorporate your business in states that provide you with certain legal and tax advantages, even if your business is not based there. For instance, Wyoming is a great place to incorporate an LLC. This makes Wyoming very attractive to many entrepreneurs. 

Get an Employer Identification Number

More often than not, you will be obliged by federal or state law to have an employer identification number (EIN). An EIN allows the federal government and state authorities to identify your business for tax purposes. Think of it as a social security number for businesses. Even when you are not legally obliged to have an EIN, it is useful to have one. Typically, sole proprietorships or zero-employee LLCs are not required to have an EIN. Many banks require an EIN in order for them to open a bank account for your business. 

An EIN is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 

If you do not plan on having any employees, you can instead apply for a Tax Identification Number, which is also issued by the IRS. The Social Security Administration also issues out TINs. 

Secure Permits and Business Licenses

In some instances, you may be required to have a business license or permits in order for you to legally operate your business. Whether or not you will need to secure permits and licenses, depends on federal, state, municipal and local regulations and these depend upon the industry your business is in.For instance, a dentist needs a business license in order to practice. You will have to find out from a business-formation law firm or the federal, state, municipal and local regulators, whether your business requires any business licenses or permits.

Develop Your Company Brand

Branding goes beyond having a nice logo with a standard suite of colors that you apply across your promotional material. Although that is an important element of branding, in many senses, it is the cherry on top and not the cake. There are many elements that make up a good brand, so finding the right design agency in Hertfordshire to work with will give your business the best chance. The words a company uses, the tone it sets, are just as much part of a company’s brand as the visual elements of the company. The emotional tenor of the company is something that is often neglected in the branding process. Think of your company as a person. Unless a person is crazy, there is a great deal of stability about how a person behaves. At the heart of a brand are the company’s values, it’s vision and its strategy. All these must be transmitted through the branding. When customers experience the company brand, they must instinctively understand it as your company’s, even when there is nothing explicitly telling them that your company is involved. For example, nobody needs to tell you that a product is an Apple product, when you’re holding it in your hands. Even if there was no logo, you’d know. Apple has a personality that’s consistent in everything they do. That’s branding.

Build Your Company Website

A website is more than just a box you have to tick. In a world increasingly shifting to digital, a website has taken the place of a brick-and-mortar office. This is where your customers and potential customers will likely first interact with your business. They will form their impressions about your business’ quality and standards, and about whether or not they want to do business with you, from your website. In the digital era, it’s virtually impossible to build a l;arge customer base without having a website. In as much as in the past, no respectable business person would operate without an office, today, no respectable business operates without a website.

Open a Business Bank Account

You have to segregate your personal accounts from your business accounts. This is just a point of professionalism. The other reason that you need a business account is that in order to accurately respond to your tax forms, you need records that clearly show the financial transactions and position of your business. If your business finances are entwined with your personal accounts, it makes it hard to say what is what and can complicate your ability to pay taxes. There are plenty of options for business owners. Try and get a checking account, many of which have no fees or very low fees. You want an account from a financial institution with easily-accessible ATMS. You want your deposits to earn interest. You want to be able to access your accounts online and from your mobile phone. In short, you want banking solutions that make your life easier.

Why Virtual Trade Shows Shows are Here to Stay

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Why Virtual Trade Shows Shows are Here to Stay

The coronavirus pandemic forced businesses across the world to adapt from holding everything from trade shows to small group meetings in person to an online format. Many companies have rolled out plans to bring back in-person events over the past several months, albeit in a different fashion than people have experienced in the past. Salesforce is just one example.

How Salesforces is Handling its 2021 Trade Show

Salesforce is one of the largest and most well-known sales-oriented organizations in the United States. They hosted a conference known as Dreamforce every fall for the past several years in San Francisco. After holding a virtual-only event in 2020 due to the coronavirus, leadership at Salesforce has decided to combine the best of both worlds for its 2021 trade show. For the first time ever, the event will take place in London, New York City, and Paris as well as online.

Dreamforce attendees in the United States must show proof of vaccination upon entry. The in-person events will also be smaller than years past to make social distancing possible. Organizations across the world have adopted the same hybrid approach to large-scale events. There is a silver lining to limited in-person opportunities and more virtual opportunities to attend large events. The result is that many more people can directly benefit from the knowledge presented.

Delta Variant Causes Some Event Planners to Institute a Mask Mandate

The leadership of several military and defense organizations in the United States have commented in recent weeks that they intend to go ahead with planned large-scale events. They issued these statements after inquiries from news organizations in response to an increase of coronavirus cases, particularly related to the Delta variant.

However, most military organizations putting on trade shows and other large events now require attendees to wear face coverings even if vaccinated. Most organizations have not indicated that they intend to limit attendance. However, all have agreed to enforce social distancing as much as possible.

Organizers Must Be Open to Virtual Trade Shows

Nearly all trade shows in 2020 suffered cancellations. This resulted in the leadership of many organizations re-considering their budget for similar events in the future. Recently, 500 decision-makers at companies in the United States and the United Kingdom responded to an FTI Consulting Group survey on the future of trade shows. Approximately 58 percent of respondents indicated that they would decrease their trade show budget. Conversely, 46 percent stated they would increase it.

The decision-makers in this survey acknowledged that trade shows are vital for lead generation, branding, networking, and learning new information. Because of this, all respondents indicated they were anxious to resume their company’s trade shows. As they learned from pivoting to an online model last year, virtual trade shows are more popular than they expected. Most companies will continue to offer reduced in-person options and unlimited virtual options to keep up with demand.

Just how popular are virtual trade shows compared to their in-person counterparts? Of decision-makers who responded to the survey, 70 percent stated they participated in a virtual event within the last year. Another 62 percent of them said they preferred it.

Reaping the benefits of trade shows in these challenging times calls for maximum flexibility. Organizers must consider all options and change plans on a whim if necessary.

Top 7 Ways How New Technology Reshaping Various Industries

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Top 7 Ways How New Technology Reshaping Various Industries

If you’ve been keeping tabs on the exciting trends in the tech sector, such as artificial intelligence, then you might know the emerging new technologies reshaping various industries. These technological advances are transforming the way we work and interact with people. Technology is revolutionizing the way we conduct businesses and make high-tech approaches a vital part of our lives. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the top seven ways how new technology is reshaping various industries. 

  1. How thermal extraction is reshaping the CBD industry

Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels

Marijuana contains a chemical compound known as cannabidiol (CBD). In contrast to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD can produce health benefits to its users, while THC ‘handles’ the ‘high’ experienced by smokers. To better understand CBD oil’s benefits, you need to know the extraction process.

With the help of modern extraction methods, manufacturers can make CBD oil for different uses, such as CBD oil for sleep. Both humans and pets can now consume quality CBD oil created by producers. They extract the oil from marijuana plants using patented water vapor extraction machines by thermal extraction.

To vaporize THC, manufacturers use devices that heat and condense air. The machines then carefully extract CBD from THC. Because of the lack of psychoactive compounds, the resulting CBD oil may be the best CBD oil ever made.

  1. How Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the fashion industry

Photo by Mikael Blomkvist from Pexels

The fashion industry is one of the world’s biggest industries, generating an estimated $1.5 trillion a year. One of the top tech advancements in the fashion industry is Artificial Intelligence (AI). Over the last few years, brands have used AI to enhance the shopping experience, analyze data, boost sales, forecast trends, and offer inventory-related advice. To improve customer service and personalized product suggestions, agents in stores are using chatbots and touchscreens.

Using AI chat technology is almost ubiquitous on the fashion brands site to enhance the customers’ experience. With the help of AI technology, businesses can match products to customers through algorithms that track their journeys.

  1. How Cloud Computing is reshaping the business world 

Embracing digital technology leads to greater agility, collaboration, and customer focus. It enables companies to optimize internal resources and deliver value to customers. By utilizing cloud computing, businesses can move some of their operations to internet-connected servers owned or operated by third parties. They can tailor data packages to meet specific needs and can snowball without the fear of permanent data loss or downtime. 

Cloud-based companies can innovate more quickly, scale more efficiently, and develop more new market capabilities. It has created fair competition when competing against corporations with much more financial resources because small to medium-sized businesses now have access to resources previously out of reach.

  1. How smart guest experience is reshaping the hotel industry

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Talk of the guest experience, marketing to operations, smart technology offers multiple cost-saving and revenue opportunities. It also enables hotel owners to reach higher levels of profitability. An example of how technology is transforming the hotel industry is through smart guest experience.

With occupancy sensors, the industry can use guest data not only to accommodate guests’ needs better but also to automate guest interactions throughout their stay, thus reducing both labor costs and friction points. With the help of smart technology, hotels can predict and personalize several guest services because of previous trips and aggregating data from previous guests.

  1. How E-Commerce-friendly POS systems are reshaping the future of the retail industry

Because of restrictions and concerns surrounding in-person shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic, e-commerce has experienced massive growth in activities. To boost online sales, business owners have optimized their e-commerce platforms. Lockdowns and health risks resulting from the pandemic have led to record closures of retail outlets in 2020.

POS (Point of Sale) systems and e-commerce solutions for retailers are increasingly in demand. Customers need to have the same quality of service, order processing efficiency, and system integration as they can in physical stores when shopping online.

  1. How mobile and tablet devices are reshaping learning and development

Mobile devices have enabled us to browse social media and chat on the go, the ability to play games on the go, or the ability to research the symptoms of any illness we’ve ever experienced. However, mobile and tablet devices make it possible for us to consume interactive content, apart from offering a sense of convenience in our recreational lives.

The availability of materials on various devices now allows learners to be more autonomous, flexible, and in control. Not only can they decide when and where to study, but they also set their own pace.

  1. How augmented reality is reshaping the service industry

There’s no denying it: service is a people business! Technology often enhances or even replaces specific tasks. 

The technologies that enable digital transformations must affect the quality and delivery of services. Despite its potential, the service sector rarely uses Augmented Reality (AR) or Extended Reality (XR). Remote experts, for instance, can see what a field engineer sees in the field through AR-enabled glasses. And field engineers can receive instructions projected onto their glasses by a remote expert.

Conclusion

Rapid technological advancements are not likely to slow soon. If industries cannot adapt, they will be out of competition, while those who keep up will benefit. To maximize technology’s impact on your business, you need to adapt to how it affects it and use it to your advantage.

What The Data Tells Us About New Businesses

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What The Data Tells Us About New Businesses

Over the decade prior to the pandemic, the United States had experienced growth while the rate of new business creation declined. This was part of a pattern that has been there for decades. The pandemic did what countless economic programs could not, and spurred a surge in new business formation. One category of business that has taken prominence is what the Census Bureau refers to as nonemployer firms. There has been a rise of zero-employer businesses attaining million dollar valuations. 

How Important are Nonemployer Firms?

Nonemployer businesses are the main source of income for 40% of their owners, and an additional source of income for the remaining 60%. About half of nonemployer business owners work on their businesses for fewer than 20 hours a week, whereas 30% work on them for at least 40 hours per week, with 20% spending 20 to 40 hours a week on these businesses. 

Although they are less talked about than venture capital-backed startups, and big corporations, nonemployer businesses are a big part of the American economy. Four in five American businesses are nonemployer firms. Since 1997, the number of nonemployer firms has risen by 58%, from 15.4 million in 1997 to 24.3 million in 2015. Employer firms, on the other hand, have grown by 6% in that period. These nonemployer firms earn 3% of revenue generated by American businesses. The average nonemployer firm earns $47,000 per year, compared to employer firms who earn almost $6 million a year. 

How Do They Operate?

Many nonemployer firms use automation, contractors and outsourcing to compensate for their lack of employers. Many nonemployer firms are owned by a single individual, but in many cases, they are run by a team of founders or as partnerships. For instance, Vital Pet Life, an ecommerce pet store that specializes in Alaskan salmon oil supplements , is led by Donnie and Kyle Yamamoto. Other examples of successful nonemployer firms are Nomad Lane, the travel gear and handbags maker, and Rich Girl Collective, a business that trains women to be entrepreneurs. 

What Does the Data Tell Us About their Demographics?

Changes to how the Census Bureau collects data enable us to see the demographics behind the creation of nonemployer firms. Looking at the changes, it becomes clear that this sector of the economy is much more inclusive than sectors such as venture capital backed startups. Whereas only a fraction of venture capital backed startups fund women-led or minority-owned firms, nonemployer businesses are much more equitable. 

According to the latest data, 40,000 nonemployer firms earned $1 million in revenue in 2017. Of course, considering that there are 23.5 million nonemployer firms, this is a relatively small number. Yet, this does tell us that nonemployer businesses can have a level of success that is often thought to be beyond them. Not only that, they are engines of equitable growth. 6,900 of those 40,000 firms were owned by minorities and 5,100 were owned by women. You won’t get that level of equitability in the venture capital world. 

In terms of ethnic groups, the data breaks down like this:

American indian/Native Alaskan60
Asian8,500
African American or Black1,100
Hispanic3,000
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders40
Veterans (overlapping with other demographic groups1,800

As we said, the data is not the biggest in the world, but it does show that the potential of nonemployer firms is underappreciated. Like sports records, which tend to look ordinary once the first person has broken them, it may be possible to get a larger proportion of nonemployer businesses to become $1 million revenue earners, if the right support structures are created for them. 

What is unclear as yet is why these million dollar earners become so. The secret ingredients that go into making them are as yet unknown to us. We don;t know if they have greater access to much-needed capital than their less-successful peers, or what other factors differentiate them. 

At a time when diversity is a big part of the conversation around how we can make businesses work for communities, nonemployer firms are an often neglected solution. 

In 2017, the country’s 8.2 million minority-owned nonemployer firms earned $279.3 billion in revenue. Between 2014 and 2017, the number of nonminority-owned nonemployer businesses grew by 16.7%, to 8.17 million. Of these 8.17 million firms, 3.6 million (44.5%) were Hispanic-owned; 2.95 million (36.1%) were black of African-American owned; 1.96 million (24%) were Asian-owned; and 38,500 (0.5%) were Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander-owned. You look at those numbers and the diversity is unbelievable. Clearly nonemployer firms are a sector where minorities are thriving in ways that they do not in the world of venture capital. 

There were 3.779 million (46.3% of minority nonemployer firms) minority women-owned nonemployer firms in 2017, earning $83.7 billion as a group. 

Minority veteran-owned nonemployer firms totalled 312,000 (3.8% of minority nonemployer firms), earning $9.3 billion as a group. 

Where Do They Get Capital From?

Women and minorities often face challenges accessing capital. What is unique about nonemployer firms is that a third of their owners say they did not need capital to seed their businesses. Of the owners who do need capital, 79% are able to make do with the personal or family savings. They also use a combination of credit cards, home equity loans, business loans and even venture capital, but they use these alternative sources of income at a lower rate than employer firms. 

What Do They Do? 

Nonemployer firms tend to be involved in passenger transportation and the performing arts, but they exist in practically every industry in the country and make up 80% of industry subsectors. They operate hobby shops and museums; provide dating services and pet care; manufacture electrical equipment, clothing and machinery; process data; sell real estate; and much more. 

So, if you want to start America;s next great nonemployer firm, click here and learn more about how you can get started. 

Legal Issues You Can Encounter And How To Deal With Them

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Legal Issues You Can Encounter And How To Deal With Them

Legal issues arise for people regardless of how they live their lives. You could be sued due to a car accident that you were involved in or by a lender due to failure to pay back a loan. Regardless of what your situation is you are going to need to be represented by a legal professional. You do not want complicated processes to trip you up if you do attempt to represent yourself. The following are legal issues you could encounter in your life and how to deal with them. 

Arrested For DUI/DWI

Being arrested for a DUI/DWI can happen even if you do not submit to testing. Finding a Raleigh criminal defense attorney or one in your area should be the first step after being bailed out. These attorneys can help immensely as you could have had your license suspended or face other fines. Your attorney will be able to take a look at your videotape from your arrest which is used as a piece of evidence. If you refused testing and refused to speak to the officer, the case that you were impaired becomes far more difficult to prove. Attorneys can also allow you to enter into some sort of a diversion program that can help the arrest completely wiped from your record. 

Divorce Is Inevitable 

Divorce is a reality for a number of couples and it can happen at any point in the relationship. There are people that have been married for decades that have simply grown apart over time. Infidelity is another reason for divorce as temptation can be too much with all of the dating apps available. Divorce can be relatively easy if neither side is opposed and the division of property go smoothly. Children make divorce so much more difficult as you will not get a clean break from your ex. Co-parenting can be a nightmare if both parents are not on the same page. 

Filing For Bankruptcy 

Filing for bankruptcy can keep bill collectors and creditors from hounding you. You can even be helped by having your overall debt reduced with the right legal team. Find a bankruptcy attorney to go through your situation as they likely have encountered something similar in the past. There are a number of forms of bankruptcy that an attorney will be able to explain to you thoroughly. 

Sued By A Neighbor

Neighbors sue each other far more frequently than you would have thought. This could be for a dog getting out of its enclosure and attacking someone. A tree that has damaged the home or property of another during a storm is another example. Most of the time neighbors can figure this out without going to court but other times people become far too stubborn. 

As you can see, there are a number of legal issues that can arise in your lifetime. You need to make sure that you are represented by the right attorney in any of these situations. An attorney can provide peace of mind as they understand the process you will be going through.

A Beginner’s Guide to Get a Business Consultant: Know What To Do

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A Beginner’s Guide to Get a Business Consultant: Know What To Do

Your business may be facing various challenges that hinder you from success. You may miss out on some internal factors hindering your growth and holding you back from the main objectives. Lack of enough expertise and advice on critical matters may impede you from accomplishing your goals.

Know Your Needs


Hiring a business logistics IT consultant allows your business to benefit from professional services to boost the efficiency of your operations. In times of crisis, it is imperative to bring in an expert who can provide short-term and long-term solutions to your challenges. Thus, it is imperative to find a professional in a particular field whose services are vital to your business continuity, growth, and success.

A consultant brings in new ideas and establishes a means to guide your business to prosperity. With that, here are some tips to help you acquire business consultancy services.

It is imperative to establish what you expect from the business consultant. Hence, evaluate what your business needs to ensure if a business consultant is an answer to your problem. Determine if you need the services of a consultant and whether you can obtain the same results from your staff.

Before deciding to hire consultation services, assess your current situation with your in-house team. Consider whether your staff has the skillset and experience to tackle your current predicament.

Establish the type of services you need help with and discuss potential solutions with your team first. This way, you can identify the areas that require external expertise to bring in a qualified professional.

Define Your Goals

Formulate your objectives and what you intend to achieve through the consultant. Thus, define your desired outcome and be clear on what you want from the consultant. Business consultants have expertise in different fields, so it is important to establish your needs.

This way, you can define the scope of your business relationship with the consultant. You can decide on the timeframe to determine how long you will require the consultant’s services. Therefore, you can ensure clarity on the consultant’s duties to coordinate with your team and work towards the same objective.

Experiences

It is vital to bring in a professional who is tried, tested, and has the results to show for it. Thus, consider the consultant’s track record and go for one that has earned relevant experience through the provision of services.

Experience is the best teacher, and that’s why you should consider a consultant that has worked with similar businesses before. Work with a consultant that has worked with other businesses and provided solutions to their challenges. This way, you can learn more about the consultant’s level of expertise and what to expect from them.

Business-centric

Find someone who has your business’s interests at heart and is more focused on your business. Hire a professional who provides answers to your problems and not fixing predetermined solutions to your business challenges. Consider a consultant that takes time to learn more about your business to identify the setbacks and provide resolutions.

Conclusion

The consultant should take time to know about your business goals and your expectations in their services. Hence, you can find someone to provide an external outlook and ensure you remain focused on your business goals.

Custom Software Development: Advantages to Stay Ahead of Competitors

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Custom Software Development: Advantages to Stay Ahead of Competitors

Custom software development is what companies use to design, create, and deploy custom software for their employees’ specific needs or the needs of their customers. But does custom software development really offer a competitive advantage? Find out what custom software is, its advantages and disadvantages, and how it can contribute to your competitive strategy.

What Is Custom Software?

Custom software is a software solution tailored to your company’s exact needs and requirements. This is an alternative to purchasing an “off-the-shelf” software solution, which are good options for addressing common requirements but not ideal for companies with unique needs.

What Are the Advantages of Customized Software?

There are many reasons why companies need to adopt custom software, but what are the main advantages it offers? Here are five advantages your business can experience with a custom software solution.

  1. Personalized Solutions

The most obvious advantage of custom software is that it means investing in a product that addresses your exact needs. You won’t have to change your business approach to fit the product; the software will change to fit your strategies. 

  1. Improved Scalability

Just because your business software meets your current needs does not mean this will always be the case. In five years, you may adopt new departments and business offerings that aren’t supported by your current solution.

Custom software can actually grow with your business. As new needs arise, you can easily add applicable functionality to your custom business software and continue to support your employees and customers.

  1. Tightened Security

Popular off-the-shelf products are widely distributed, which means cybercriminals know where all the kinks and holes are in the programming. As such, using these software solutions can leave your company vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. Custom software development removes these threats, as cybercriminals will not be privy to the intricacies of your product.

  1. Increased Reliability

Your custom software is around for as long as you stay in business. This can’t be said for off-the-shelf software.

While it’s rare, your software provider may go out of business. If this does happen, you would have to scramble to find a new solution that meets your needs. But with custom software, that will never be an issue.

  1. Reduced Overall Cost

A lot of software solutions on the market today also require you to purchase hardware in order to operate efficiently. Additionally, purchasing off-the-shelf software often means paying for services you won’t even use.

Thanks to custom software development, you no longer have to purchase an expensive off-the-shelf solution and feel like you’re wasting money when you don’t use every feature. Current hardware is also taken into consideration when developing new software; you won’t have to purchase all-new gear to get your software to run properly.

What Are the Disadvantages of Customized Software?

Customized software may seem like the perfect fit for any business. However, there are three downsides you should consider before committing to customized software.

  1. More Upfront Costs

At first glance, custom software can be more expensive than off-the-shelf products because of how much time and effort it takes to get up and running. If you don’t currently have the capital to make that kind of investment, then you’re probably better off just buying software.

  1. Slow Startup

Software created from scratch takes a long time to complete. You’ll likely have to wait months, or even a year before you can start using the software.

  1. Difficult to Find Support

When you buy ready-made software, it usually comes with a team of support staff ready to assist you when something goes wrong. With custom software, having a large support system is not so common. Because of the depth of customization involved, there’s either only one software engineer or a small team that can help. And if the original designer of the program leaves your company, you may have a lot of questions left unanswered.

Amplify Your Competitive Strategy with Custom Software

To stay competitive in your industry, your business must remain versatile and flexible as new trends emerge and new services are needed. The best way to prepare yourself for any changes in your industry is by investing in custom software development.

World Tech News: UAE Leads Innovation in World’s “Smart Cities” Market

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World Tech News: UAE Leads Innovation in World’s “Smart Cities” Market

The global urban population is increasing, but cities are experiencing challenges trying to cope with an expanding population. Technology has been transforming and developing our world for centuries, and now, as urbanization grows, it is being used to build smarter cities and better handle the increasing demand.

Approximately 4 billion people live in urban areas worldwide today, increasing six times since the 1950s – nearly half of all humans. More than 2.5 billion people are expected to live in cities in the next 30 years. Urban planning and public services are under immense strain in the face of the constant migration of rural people to cities. 

Urban areas are eliminating the problem by taking advantage of the benefits of data-driven, technology-based solutions. The United Arab Emirates is exemplary in this regard.

The UAE is the world’s leader in innovation in smart cities, with Dubai leading the way. The emirate aims to become a top global destination for investors and entrepreneurs, focusing on tech innovations.

In fact, the UAE is one of only a handful of nations that has a comprehensive roadmap for integrating technology into their development goals. UAE has consolidated its position as one of the most serious and robust jurisdictions for global technological advances and innovation since the launch of its Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the creation of its Ministry for Artificial Intelligence.

According to industry experts at GITEX Technology Week in 2020, the UAE sets the world standard for innovation in Smart Cities, a market that is expected to reach $546 billion by 2027. 

Globally, Smart Cities will reach $546 billion by 2027 at a 23% CAGR, according to meticulous research. Due to the government’s Digital Transformation and Smart Dubai initiatives, Abu Dhabi and Dubai rank in the top 50 most smart cities globally. Expo 2020 Dubai is regarded as one of the most connected events globally.

However, they are not the only area of the Emirates making a great effort to become a smart city – such is reflective of the ambition around the UAE. The end of 2021 will see Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) achieve 100% digital and 90% smart government services. According to Ahmad Saeed Al Sayah, the Director-General of the RAK eGovernment, 755 services went digital in 2020. 

The leader of RAK has continued with his relentless but impressive pursuit to ensure RAK will soon become on the same standing as the most prominent cities in the middle eastern nation. 

His continuous support of innovation, technology, and the use of services that enhance the quality of life for people in RAK has alerted the Emirates and some other parts of the world to the prospect that RAK will soon be considered one of the leading cities in the UAE. 

According to Al Syaah, 108 smart services were digitized in collaboration with 11 government entities and made available as smart applications (mRAK).

As part of the RAK government’s digitization drive, he explained, the public prosecution, courts, municipalities, customs, economic development, police, environmental protection, and the Sheikh’s Government Excellence program were all involved.

Technology in smart cities promotes the well-being of citizens and empowers economic growth. Smartworld technologies are guiding private and government organizations to establish infrastructures in the UAE.

Condo Protego COO Savitha Bhaskar said that the UAE’s global Smart Cities rankings reflect the government’s focus on digital transformation.

Condo Protego, a consultancy and solutions provider specializing in IT infrastructure and information management in the UAE, advises and supports both public and private sector clients on digital transformation to support Smart Cities.

According to Savitha Bhaskar, with the expansion of the economy and society, GITEX establishes the framework for five Smart Cities megatrends in 2021: cloud computing, artificial intelligence, 5G, cybersecurity, and digital economy. Channel partners with the right expertise and experience can assist Smart Cities with meeting business objectives by providing solutions and KPIs for Smart Cities. 

Let’s discuss the mega-trend for Smart Cities according to GITEX:

Resilience and Cybersecurity 

As the UAE moves towards a smart, connected society, there is also a risk of cyber-threats increasing due to increased connectivity.

Cyber threats can affect cloud, endpoints, and networks, from the traditional business email compromise (BEC) attacks and URL threats to malware and ransomware, which can compromise customer trust. Advanced threat intelligence helps secure cloud, endpoints, and networks against these threats.

Digital Economies

The banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), retail, and education sector are undergoing rapid digital transformation amid the pandemic. Businesses in the financial industry can work remotely, offer secure digital services to clients, and lower risk and comply with regulations. 

Online learning, collaboration, and personalized coursework are among the methods schools and universities use to support e-learning. Delivery routes are being re-oriented by retailers and restaurants, and marketing strategies are tailored to specific customers.

Artificial Intelligence and Analytics

Artificial intelligence is used to detect disease outbreaks in hospitals and airports, predict utility spikes, and detect facial recognition in airports. With AI and machine learning algorithms, businesses can optimize insights through real-time analytics.

5G and Future Mobility

The 4th Industrial Revolution is a result of ultra-fast 5G mobile broadband networks. Smart factories, autonomous vehicles, and mega-events can be created with 5G.

Cloud and Edge Computing

Cloud and Edge Computing can help businesses achieve the most outstanding value from their digital transformation by combining data storage, analytics, and hybrid clouds.

As the cost of data storage decreases and the efficiency of high-performance storage infrastructure increases, businesses can take advantage of affordable, flexible, and scalable infrastructure. Remote/hybrid learning and work can be enabled by data storage plus virtualization.

The UAE is indeed a technological leader in the region and abroad, thanks to the government’s support and a global pool of human resources. In addition to its ambition of attracting more foreign direct investment, the strong marketing and branding of the country intensify efforts to promote its potential as a leader in the world’s Smart Cities Market.

Why You Don’t Need To Pivot During A Crisis

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Why You Don’t Need To Pivot During A Crisis

The COVID-19 crisis has affected companies in several distinct ways. However, the businesses that pivoted early into markets with more resilience in a global lockdown climate reaped the rewards. Forbes notes that the pandemic forced firms to shift focus, pivoting into new areas to survive. Many businesses are profitable today because they pivoted early and drove into their new sectors with relentless passion and determination. Advising enterprises to shift focus as their only survival strategy might have been a bit premature. Here, we examine alternative ways to deal with the crisis and how other businesses managed to deal with the changing landscape without pivoting into new sectors.

Marginal Changes Can Help The Business

As Inc. informs us, pivoting means capitalizing on areas the business may perform well but haven’t previously explored. Many companies see it as a last-ditch effort to change the direction of the company on short notice. However, drastic changes usually bring many challenges with them. Marginal changes are the polar opposite of drastically changing how a company does business. Some of these marginal changes served as vital methods of reconsidering the business’s abilities and current situation. Relying on them allowed the enterprise to think its way out of the corner that the pandemic put them into instead of using the knee-jerk reaction to pivot.

Slowing Down The Business Immediately

Most small businesses saw companies moving at rapid speed. With the growth rate of many of these industries, it’s expected that they would continue to expand over time. The pandemic put a stop to growth almost overnight as many areas went into lockdown. Many businesses saw their customer base dry up, and that prompted them to pivot into a market that was more conducive to sales. However, other companies simply slowed their business growth down and paid close attention to customer feedback.

One of the most critical comparisons we can make is to the cheetah. The journal Nature informs us that the cheetah only pursues its prey at half the speed it’s capable of. Most times, it never tops out to its maximum land speed because committing that far into the hunt would force it to lose out on other options for an easy kill. Similarly, companies that put the pedal to the metal in their business growth found themselves far too committed down the path to consider slowing down and instead pivoted to retain their momentum. Other companies who were smarter in their expansion slowed down to allow them to examine other options, picking those that appealed to the company’s core values and preserved its business model.

Richard Yuan, CEO, ABC World Pty. Ltd., offered businesses in New Zealand and Australia a chance to slow down while still getting access to a profitable market. The company provides a service that allowed businesses within these developed economies to access the mainland Chinese market through brick-and-mortar establishments or via an online presence behind The Great Firewall. Companies that were moving at a slow enough pace to take advantage of the opportunity didn’t have to adjust their business models but instead could rely on the emerging Chinese market to subsidize the profits lost through lockdowns in both places.

Reaffirming the Business’s Mission and Vision

Slowing down offered businesses a chance to take stock of what they wanted from the market and whether their niche was still applicable in a post-pandemic world. TravelPerk demonstrates an excellent example of this mentality. The Barcelona-based corporate travel agency realized that many of their competitors were cutting their sales and marketing staff. The result was that those businesses started hemorrhaging users, which invariably ended up at TravelPerk because they could handle the needs of those clients more effectively. As more money came in from these corporate clients, they could hire more staff, some of which came from the same companies that the corporate clients came from.

Be Selective About Trimming

Slowing down does require a business to do some trimming. The most vital part of this process is determining what needs to be trimmed and what doesn’t. Many companies operate with the conventional wisdom that crises require deep cuts into the business’s core to conserve payroll and functionality. On the contrary, a problem of this proportion might necessitate a look at more information and alternative ways to cut your expenses. Renegotiation of leases can lower costs since landlords are usually happy to have someone renting their building. Businesses that opt for this strategy keep their operational staff intact while finding other ways to cut their expenses. There is always “fat” to cut that’s not part of the business’s core functionality.

Examine New Data as It Comes In

Data-based decisions are how businesses survive a pandemic. Customer data will change during the lockdowns as consumers start looking at different ways to spend their time. Consumers changed their habits from traveling and visiting other places but used their savings to start working on things like home improvement. Data like the spread of the pandemic in different areas of the world could lead to insights that could help the company alongside the study of verticals. In an unprecedented situation like this, where data is the only way you can make sense of the complete picture, every little bit helps.

Consider the Business’s Weak Points

We never like to admit it, but each business has exploitable weak points. During a global outbreak like this, these weak points can prove to be more than just petty inconveniences. Lockdowns, for example, can highlight some of the glaring inefficiencies the business has with work-from-home infrastructure. Sales may be slower, but it still needs personnel adequately equipped to meet its promises to consumers. Other internal weaknesses may also be pertinent, such as weaknesses in the supply-chain or the manufacturing floor. These need to be addressed to deal with the current situation.

If You Need to Pivot, Do So Aggressively

Pivoting might end up as your fallback position, but it’s not the only option you have. However, if you do decide to pivot, you should lean into it and go full speed into the new market you’re entering. Brick-and-mortar stores feel the pinch of the slowed economy, but many of them have pivoted successfully into an online retail model. To add to their new direction, they’ve also invested in marketing and social media campaigns, going all-in on the idea of an online store, with the brick-and-mortar locations being fallback positions.

Choosing to pivot comes down to how the business sees itself and the market it’s currently in. Is it resilient enough to withstand the buffeting of the pandemic? Is there any way the company can slow down, cut back, and figure a way out of this situation? Is the business ready to change its direction completely? These changes don’t just rely on the company itself, but the consumers and the business’s employees. Strategically choosing not to pivot may open up opportunities to the industry, although it may not lead to massive growth.

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