As a business owner, if you're not syncing your operations with new technologies for efficiency, security, and productivity, you're falling way behind. It already took a long time for businesses to get up and running from typewriters to computers, and from physical files to digital. But as technologies keep coming out, keeping your finger on the pulse is essential. Here are 8 technologies that will take your business to the next level.
1. HD Video Conferencing
Conference calls are so passé. We all struggle to take our turns, get clear reception, and follow the conversation as more and more people are added to the line. Not being able to see our collaborators is a detriment to productivity. That's why modern businesses are using video conferencing as a way to get that much-needed face time. If you're going to go all out for video conferencing, you might as well get it in HD.
2. Team Messaging
In the old days, if we had a question for one of our coworkers, we had to get up from our seats, walk over, interrupt them on whatever they were doing, and ask our question. Now, businesses are integrating methods of easy online communication a la the AIM of our youth, but all grown up. Slack is one of the leaders in the team messaging field, for its accessible layout and the ability to send and share documents with ease.
3. BYOD and Mobile Solutions
Gone are the days of landline phones! To enable the "work from home" movement, some employers are gung ho about the "bring your own device" policy. It saves money and space. Being mobile-friendly encourages your employees to use their phones. But careful, this could make goofing off look a lot like working. It does however, encourage working before and after business hours.
4. GTD® Software Utilities
For those of you that don't like acronyms, you should start to like them if you're going to have a modern business. GTD® stands for "get things done," and these special software utilities are designed to do just that. These include digital list managers, productivity add-ons, organizers, and note-taking and brainstorming tools to help increase efficiency at the office. Check out more, here.
5. The Cloud
Servers are an unnecessary space-killer in an office. Working on the cloud gives you the ease and convenience of sharing documents on a network (the Internet). Google Drive and Dropbox are two of some of the more popular cloud-based file storing services. Google Drive allows you to comment on documents and share folders so everyone can always be on the same page.
6. Digital Signature
Snail mail is a thing of the past. Now, contracts are being sent as PDFs. Instead of printing, signing, scanning and sending, businesses are using digital signatures to get the job done faster, and with a lot less paper. Here's how to employ the digital signature function on Adobe Reader.
7. CRM
Another acronym, folks. CRM stands for "customer relationship management" and is a valuable tool to track, manage and analyze customer behavior data to inform you on future strategy. This technology can be a useful way to improve a customer's perception of your business. But there are tons of CRM systems out there. Here is a guide from CRM Magazine on how to know what's right for your business.
8. Smart Payment Processing
If you're still mailing out invoices and receiving checks, you're missing out. All-encompassing payment processing solutions like PayPal for small business are out to help your business run smoother. This service allows you to accept diverse payment options, be eligible for credit, and get paid faster and more securely.
Technology is booming at an unprecedented rate. Is your business prepared to keep up?
Airbnb is a great option while traveling, but you should protect yourself from damage charges from unscrupulous hosts.
Airbnb offers an affordable option for people looking to be more comfortable as they travel.
However, there are downsides to staying in a host's home rather than a hotel. Whereas hotels are designed for constant streams of visitors and often have furniture built to last, at an Airbnb, you may be staying on old or cheap furniture that a host is using in order to maximize their profits.
And while most reputable hotels will have regular room inspections from staff to check for any wear and tear, Airbnb damage disputes are oftentimes he said, she said situations. If you are in an Airbnb and something breaks, there are a few steps you should take in order to ensure that you are not on the hook for damages out of your control.
If you're keeping tabs on the art and tech worlds, you've probably been hearing whispers about "NFTs" for the past month. Just over the past week they've entered the mainstream lexicon.
Twitter founder Jack Dorsey made the news for selling his first ever tweet. The app has been teasing paid subscription models and newsletter-like features, but tweets for sale is "the next frontier."
just setting up my twttr— jack (@jack)1142974214.0
The 2006 tweet went up for auction as an NFT, and the current bid is $2.5 Million. But what does it mean to own that? Why would anyone want to? And what even is an NFT?
Long gone are the days when the majority of Americans dreamed about owning a home with a white picket fence.
The traditional American Dream may be on its deathbed, but that doesn't mean a core component of the vision can't survive. It simply takes a diverse perspective. People can still believe they can attain their own vision of success in society with hard work, knowledge, and risk-taking. Investing in today's American Dream may literally mean investing money in our modern economy, starting with our infrastructure.
Real estate investing in particular is a lucrative method that can boost income and secure a better financial future for many. There's always risk involved, but the payoffs can far outweigh the uncertainty. Selecting solid financial investments is about confidence and competence. If you're looking for some advice on this kind of investment, here are a few savvy tips for new real estate investors.
Stick To a Specific Strategy or Niche
Real estate is a challenging sphere of the business world, one that requires several key skills: groundwork knowledge, networking, perseverance, and organization. True knowledge of the real estate market will come with time and experience, but it's a smart idea to select one area of the market and stick to it. This is the best way to attain in-depth familiarity with your specific niche.
First, choose a geographical area close by and then a niche strategy within it, such as house flips, rental rehabs, or residential or commercial properties. By doing so, you can become aware of current inner working conditions in the market and you'll have a better idea of how these trends may change in the future.
Be Vigilant About Viable Financing Options
While it takes money to make money, you don't have to use all your own money. A common misconception about real estate investing is that you must be wealthy to start off. This isn't straight fact, however. A majority of people can test the waters of real estate investing without a lot of initial cash in their pocket.
Aside from traditional financing options from banks and institutions, private lending options can be worthy solutions. Hard money lenders are popular, reasonable choices, and they tend to have fewer qualification requirements upfront. However, be sure to strategically choose a hard money lender to find the best possible fit.
Master the Art of Finding Good Deals
There may be hundreds of thousands of available properties for sale on the current market, but the bulk of them will never amount to the final money-making result you desire. Another great tip for new real estate investors is to use good math to estimate profit. Taking risks is part of the process, but you have the ability to analyze properties and use networking sources to find the greatest deal. You can't win every deal, but you can steadily work towards a thriving financial future.
