Month: March 2020

Mastering Covid Digital Signage and other Marketing Skills for a Pandemic

Published by Will Chatham on 3/28/2020

As most of the world is in lockdown, we wonder what the post-Corona work Industry will look like. Our working spaces and business models are likely to change and along with that the skills that companies need. The use of covid digital signage will become a necessity in digital world. Here are other 7 job skills which are likely to be in high demand.

Leadership

Use of internet, automation, social distancing and work from home might continue for a foreseeable future. Work Hierarchy will be restructured and many more people in different levels of organizations will be in position to lead small teams on different projects. Leadership will become a necessity in coming years. Having good leadership is not only about supervising or managing others. It is also about able to communicate your ideas and strategies to your colleagues and embrace the feedback.

People will be working in much more fluid teams from all around the world, rather than your conventional office with same employees. You may be with a team from one country on one project while working on another project with a team in another county. Professionals with strong leadership skills, who know how to get the best out of the team, will be in high demand.

Adaptability And Flexibility

As businesses worldwide see a severe rise in number of employees able to work effectively from home, it is possible that this new era of home work ethics is here to stay for a long term. Google and many other firms opted work from strategies way before 2020. The world was changing rapidly but the Corona virus Pandemic has accelerated it. Now, more than before, work from home has become a necessity.

There will be few permanent jobs in future. People need to become more flexible in terms of work timings and adapt to pick on skills and evolve with the ever changing world. It is now about having an open mindset, prioritizing your tasks and changes your work schedules on daily basis to meet unexpected deadlines. Flexibility and adaptability will be crucial skills that employers will eye for.

Data Literacy

With right kind of data, companies are able to predict the sales demands and consumer needs. It helps them to prepare better for future and gives them an edge over their competitors. Data is the fuel for modern economy and companies that are able to use it efficiently perform better as well. Data helps them in understanding business trends, disruptive innovations and shifting trends in consumer habits, and are better able to respond in right way and plan effectively for future.

However, the data is completely useless if the companies don’t have an expert to align and read the patterns and numbers. People with data literacy will be in high demand to prospective employer than ever before.

Critical Thinking

Another important skill that will be in high demand post Covid is Critical thinking. A research found out that 40% of the employers consider problem-solving and critical thinking as one of the top sought after soft skill. In the era of social medial, fake news, unnecessary data and contrasting numbers is a daily issue. It is important for your company to think critically and judiciously as you evaluate all the information and filter out the garbage.

Good critical thinker ask question that help them to make sound decisions and dig deeper. For example you can ask yourself why this data is clashing. What is the source of the data? Is it reliable? What are the effects if you overlook the data? Such questions will help you critically filter out the unwanted information and use what is needed for your project or the company.

Creativity and Innovation

While machines, automation and digital technologies have taken over analytics and business operations, human being are still unique in coming up with new ideas and thinking outside the box. We have already seen the importance of creativity during the pandemic. Business came up with unique ideas to keep them running. Some of them came up with new products such as sanitizers and face masks to feed into the high demand of safety products, while others figured out ways to deliver products online.

In post corona virus era, every business will look for employees who can come up with innovative ideas to improve the business, add new dimension to it and make it more meaningful in New Normal.

Tech Savvy

Even before the dreaded Corona virus, there was a huge demand for people with some sort of digital skills. No matter what kind of industry you apply for, digital skills are considered to be one of the most important factors. In fact 80% of job vacancies across all the industries now require basic digital skills. The Pandemic has accelerated the needs of special digital skill sets for various industries to help business become more aligned and relevant with latest technologies and platforms.

Although it is highly unlikely that you will know each platform in detail, having detailed knowledge about various digital platforms and their functionality related to your industry will make you stand out. Data literacy, big data, computer programming, artificial intelligence, block chain and many other platforms will make your profile unique and separate you from the rest.

Communication and Emotional Intelligence

Communication and Emotional Intelligence goes hand –in-hand and are closely linked to leadership qualities. To have good emotional intelligence is to show empathy towards others when they feel uneasy or intimidated. To achieve that you need to have good communication skills as well.

As so many of us start to work from home, clarity in emails and Video conferencing is of the utmost importance to speed up the work and maintain the quality. Emotional Intelligence along with Good communication skills helps a good leader to cement trust among its virtual team members and create a healthy working environment. People with High Emotional Intelligence will be desirable by organizations of all scales.

With so much uncertainty, it is hard to predict what the future holds. The least we can do is utilize this time and arm our self with new skills that will help us in the future.

How To Set Yourself Up For Working From Home

Published by Will Chatham on 3/17/2020

Working from home can have its advantages, but yes, it can also be challenging, especially if you weren’t expecting to have to do it anytime soon. Sometimes staying focused can be difficult, especially if there are going to be people who are also working at home too.

Let’s have a look at some of the ways you can set yourself up for working from home:

Find Individual Space For Anyone That Needs It

You may not be the only person in the household at the moment that needs to work from home, so making sure you have individual space to complete your work is essential. The last thing you want is to be stepping on each other’s toes, getting your work mixed up or feeling as though you are talking over each other if you are having meetings via Skype. If you can’t dedicate more than one area as a working space, think about creating a timetable where you are able to share the space available for large tasks and then work on laptops in another room for smaller tasks.

Make Sure You Have The Right Equipment

If it has been a sudden request that you now need to work from home, you may find that you haven’t got suitable equipment to be used. If you have a home PC you may be asked to use this and if this is the case to need to ensure that it is up to date, has decent software and is protected from things like Malwares, if you need to get this sorted have a look for some deals such as a Malwarebytes Coupon. If you know you need better equipment, try talking to your employer and see if they can help you set up to working successfully.

Stay With The Business Dress Code

This sounds so simple, but working at home can bring out the casual you. Just like when companies offer uniforms to their employees, it helps to bring unity and heighten focus. Just like changing scenery gives a fresh perspective, getting yourself ready for work even while at home, gets you in the right mind-zone too.

Stay Connected and Updated

Ensuring collaboration with colleagues and clients can be relatively easy. What is relative about this is, the foundations or procedures that are set in place; usually by a manager or from human resources, that allows everyone to know who their port of call is and are trained in the change of workload-temperament, that comes with the changes to working from home. And let’s not forget, the added benefit of keeping connected at home, either by installing a new TV, internet and phone package or upgrading your internet connection means you have a hub of entertainment at your disposal. If you have a job that requires staying up to date you need the quickest connection, but spending a bit more on this just for work may seem like a shame, so give yourself a sports package or new streaming service so you can make the most of your downtime too.

These four areas should help you to get ready and set up working from home, do you have any other advice with coping with this sort of change? Please share them in the comments below.

Music Promotion Services – Finding the Best Company

Published by Will Chatham on 3/15/2020

As an artist, especially an upcoming one, promoting your music is a demanding task. Doing it by yourself is exhausting and, at times, fruitless. Music promotion companies come in handy as they know what the music industry is looking for and know how to navigate the charts.

Various companies do offer music promotion services. Some have been around for some time; others deal with specific genres, while others have limitations on what music content to promote. So how do you get to settle on the right one for your needs? Here are some factors to consider.

Genre They Promote

You could be an artist singing various styles. As such, you need a platform that can promote any of them. You can benefit from SoundCloud music promotion services since there is no limitation on what type of music you wish to promote. It offers free promotion services, and as a beginner artist, you can benefit from them.

You can later upgrade to the paid plans that offer your music unlimited followers and plays. You get to see your followers’ comments, and it helps you know how to improve on your next song release. You get to enjoy high-quality services and 24/7 customer support.

Professionalism

The music promotion company you go to should have the right licenses to run and experts familiar with their job. Online research could help you determine the right company to go to. A credible company will know how to treat its customers right and offer them the knowledge to help them gain popularity.

Experience in the Industry

How long a company has been practicing determines how much experience they have in the industry. As such, they have a clear understanding of what works and what does not. You can consult them before signing up with them to know how long they have been in the industry.

A new company may be struggling to set foot in the industry and may not be the best to go to. It can waste your time, energy, and money if it collapses. An established company knows the tricks of staying afloat in the entertainment industry.

Know What the Company Deals With

Before you sign up with a company, you need to know what it specializes in. Some deal with promoting your music by getting your plays and followers. Others offer event coordination, ticket selling, distribution, and marketing.

When you know what you want, you can choose a firm that offers the services you need. Getting more than one service is beneficial as it cuts costs and saves time.

Competition

The music industry is vast, and as such, competition is rife. You need to go to a company that is top of the game. If it is among the best, it shows it knows how to handle business effectively.

Your music is in safe hands when an expert is dealing with it. You spend your valuable resources on seeing your music business break even. As such, you do not have to compromise with the quality of service you get from a promotion service.

Product Review: Deelat Solar Street Light

Published by Will Chatham on 3/14/2020

I was in need of outdoor lighting for the area outside my house where we park our cars. I didn’t really want to pay an electrician to come install the typical motion-activated flood lights, but with a stroke of luck, I got a hold of a great solution: a solar powered light from Deelat.

I have never heard of them either, but Deelat makes several types of environmentally friendly solar street lights. Some of them are relatively high-powered and suitable for neighborhoods. What I needed was something on the lesser end of the power spectrum, and the 1000 Lumens LED model seemed about right for my driveway.

What’s In The Box

Everything looked pretty simple when I opened the box, and the included instruction manual was actually a little too simple. There were acronyms in there I didn’t understand, and it didn’t really explain them anywhere. Maybe people who are used to these sorts of things know what they mean, but I do not.

There was a packet of mounting bolts included, though no screws if you were wanting to mount it to a flat surface.

I also noticed that the instruction manual mentioned a remote control, which would be really handy to have, but it doesn’t come standard.

The light can be mounted to a flat surface or to a pole. It looked like the pole would give me the best options for pointing it where I wanted it to go, as there is no way to adjust the direction or angle of the light itself.

Installation and Testing

I kinda improvised the mounting solution with a $5 PVC pipe I grabbed from the hardware store. I didn’t know if this light was going to be a good solution, so I didn’t want to commit to mounting it in a more permanent fashion. You can see what I did here:

I checked it out last night after mounting it, and it provided a great amount of light for the area of concern, even after it didn’t really spend much time out in the sun. I hope that will continue.

The one thing I wish I could do is tilt it or even pivot it around. Not only would this help me angle the light where I want it to go, it would help me angle it so the sun charges it up best.

I do like that it has a couple of different brightness modes that kick on when motion is detected. I’m still not sure what the difference between them is, as the instructions are a little unclear about that.

This might be a good option for you if you want something that doesn’t involve running wires, calling and electrician, or require much in the way of tweaking the direction the light points. I will probably end up mounting this in a more permanent way very soon.

3PL and How It Can Improve Your Business Strategy

Published by Will Chatham on 3/14/2020

Third-party logistics are referred to as 3PLs. They help improve the company’s global capabilities by providing services in shipping, transportation, and warehousing. They reduce costs in these areas and help businesses achieve their objectives without straining. 3PL providers offer logistics that support business aspects such as shipping operations, warehousing, and transportation. These are services that enable businesses to plan and execute logistics in processes and supply chains.

Key functions

1. Transportation

It entails engaging carriers, keeping track of freight, and taking care of insurance. 3PLs lowers transportation costs, improves efficiency and solves supply chain challenges. Engaging 3PL providers offer details to the inventory in motion and help to improve efficiency.

2. Global shipping

Shipping consignments can be stressful for businesses. It is sometimes complicated and time-consuming. However, 3PL will take control of the logistics including performing functions such as freight forwarding, dealing with custom concerns, and consolidation. It saves on time money and relieves the business from unnecessary stress. 3PLs will ensure that compliance needs are met and resultant costs are prudently managed. It ensures that everything goes on as planned.

3. IT

The IT infrastructure is vital in 3PL. It helps the business to manage eCommerce, warehouse and transport operations. Besides it enhances customer relations. Cloud-based systems, API (application programming), EDI (electronic data interchange) are some of the tools that are trusted by 3PLs. The tools provide enhanced visibility to the shipment and supply chain processes.

How 3PL can improve the business

1. It scales up operations

Using 3 PLs allows a business to scale space, transport as well as its labor. It also plays a role in easing the transition between industry fluctuations and seasonal periods. By scaling and customizing services, 3PL helps in meeting the business objectives. It provides service extending to several aspects to the supply chain. It creates value and helps enhance the customer experience. Besides, it improves aspects of supply chain and features tools and technologies needed. Management software is vital in helping to eliminate efficiencies and scale up business operations.

2. Expertise knowledge

Supply chain logistics come with a wide range of challenges. But 3PL providers have the experience and expertise to help them to sort out the challenges. It also helps to streamline business processes. 3PL will highlight issues that are likely to crop up when shipping consignments. It will help sort out issues with customs, documentation and shipping regulations. It also relieves stress associated with adhering to the shipping protocols.

3. It saves time

Time is an important resource in any business. It determines whether the business takes advantage of new opportunities or not. Using 3PL can help your business eliminate the need of investing more resources in transportation, technology, warehouse space, and even employees. It frees resources so that the business can take on any emerging opportunities. Besides, it plays a vital role in helping employees focus on their competencies. It allows them to carry out their duties without hindrance. 3PLs helps organizations to be aware of the supply chain mistakes that waste time. Forecasting on inventory saves on the cost of holding inventory. Lastly, it enables organizations to receive the expertise they need to be efficient.

4. Improves capabilities

3 PLs providers have in-depth knowledge of the regulations in their local markets. They are also aware of how regulations work and how the local market works. Besides, they are aware of how government agencies operate and understand market constraints. It enables them to offer business efficient services.

5. Reduces costs

Goods returned, lost sales and excess carrying costs are eliminated by hiring 3PL’s providers. They can also assist manufacturers to move materials and assets which reduce costs. In some cases, manufacturers can reduce costs by using shared facilities.

6. Optimize environmental objectives

Consolidating routes and training drivers to incorporate fuel-efficient behaviors can help leverage technologies. It reduces emissions and streamlines inventory. Besides, it enhances the performance of vehicles and optimizes environmental objectives.

7. Enhance security

3PLs providers have expertise in security matters and procedures. They provide counsel on the issues and procedures. Providers can monitor and manage supply chain programs easily. It increases safety and makes operations efficient. Of course, there are many other ways 3PLs can help improve the business strategy. However, the most notable ones are efficiencies in transportation, shipping, and warehousing. 3PLs help businesses to become efficient and scale up their operations. For more details, get in touch with Distribution Technology – A Charlotte 3PL company.

5 Uses of Digital Signage

Published by Will Chatham on 3/9/2020

There is no question about this; Digital signage is a sure-fire way and a must-have in every organization sector. It is the best tool to ensure intelligent marketing and competitive business.

But that as it may, not many people are taking full advantage of its role in an organization. Whether that is because they are still playing catch up with the ever-changing technological world or don’t believe that it is possible is anyone’s guess. As a matter of fact, this new invention is doing much more than anyone can put in writing.

Its role depends on the type of organization and the target audiences. With that being said, to give business owners a fair share of the uses of digital signage, let’s discuss it under the following major sectors. From these, you are sure to have a clue about how it may impact your business.

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Health Care Facilities

Ways in which digital signage can facilitate effective healthcare services can compose a novel of epic length. But just, in summary, the screens can be installed in some strategic locations to help such as the reception room, hospital cafeteria or restaurant, corridors to aid in health care education.

The screen can be programmed to display information about diseases: their risk factors, treatment procedures, and preventive measures.

The technology can be used in the following areas:

Enhance faster communication between the patients and the medics as well as between the manager and the staff.
Pass information in hospital conference meetings.
Enlighten the public on hospital visiting hours.
Give schedules on public health teachings or any other information on charity work to the public.
Entertainments in pediatric wards and children oncology wards.
Welcome the patients to the reception room and reduce waiting time.
Educating mothers at the MCH.
Wayfinding.

Education Sector

Digital signage technology is used in learning institutions to engage teachers and students alike. You can create, design, and display information that reaches them simultaneously.

Besides, it helps get the parent and the community information in a much faster way. today’s generation is very responsive to digital media because it is part of our culture. No one will pass close to a screen without slowing down to read the information displayed.

In the education sector, the technology can be used in the following areas:

Enhance the learning experience: students or children are familiar with technological interaction. The introduction of digital signage to your facility will serve them much better. Visual stimulation appeals much more than confined books, a lesson, or even a lecture.

Boost student enrollment: both the parent or entire community and the students can be informed about the enrollment date all at once. This works well for schools located on busy roads.

Encourage attendance at the event: Digital design is critical in informing the audience and raising community awareness about an event like sports, theatre show, among others.

Inform the public about the parents’ day schedules: gone are the days when students had to be released to take such information to the parents or assembling leaflets distributors. You can use the screen display to pass such information much better by displaying multiple messages to targeted audiences.

Promote school spirit: by displaying logos, school name, and mascot.

Enlighten the public on school performance: You may display performance from every exam you administer.

Establishing a Retail Shop

Digital signage helps display the content of your shop to the customers. You may have digital signage installed in all your retail shops all over the city or even in the streets. That will enlighten the public about your services and help them make an informed decision.

Besides, it builds brand trust. Advertising your retail shop on public screens may make it known.

Another vital role is promoting product service and special events, particularly at the point of purchase. Consumers become aware of offers and other promotional events by just viewing the promotional information displayed on the screen.

It displays other communication channels, such as social media contacts. Consumers don’t have to reach you to ask for your contacts, including your website logins.

Corporate Sector

The role of digital signage in a corporate organization is undisputed. Among many other uses, you can install digital signage in your corporate business to:

Help reach the employees all at once. You don’t have to access employees’ emails or engage in long boring calls. You can create, design, and display all the information you want to pass within no time. Besides, you can pass information to exclusive staff members in case they require different information.

Build your business brand name and trust. Having the name and the role of your business organization displayed on a public screen can help take your business to a different level.

Promote the achievement of your staff members. This also builds more trust by the consumers.

Transport Sector

Digital signage has an immense contribution to the development of the transport sector. Transport hubs across the world can now communicate with travelers differently.

In the transport sectors, this technology has ensured the delivery of information to travelers in real-time. Any change in the traveling timetable will be communicated immediately.

Besides, it informs travelers about the scheduled train movements. If you have been to a train station with the screen installed, you have probably seen options like the next train to leave; trains heading to whichever city, etc. You can select an option to get the information you want by just a touch on the screen.

Conclusion

Digital signage can be applied in every business you can think of in the world as long as communication is involved. In the near feature, nearly every business organization will have installed. If you are lucky to have read this article to the end, I am sure you now need it more than before. The time is now; don’t be left behind.