Locking yourself out of an online account due to forgetting a password can be a real annoyance. Whether you have totally forgotten the password or your account is at risk due to too many incorrect attempts, you will need to recover it to guarantee its safety. This is especially the case if it is your email and you need access as soon as possible.
If you are stuck and locked out of your online account, here are five things to do.
Don’t Panic
If you find yourself locked out of your account, never panic. You will get too worked up and could make the situation worse. Take a breath. The big platforms all have steps in place to deal with this very situation. They have the best online safety tips in place, so don’t worry yourself too much. While their relentless data-gathering is worrying, it does mean they know the devices and locations you usually log in from, which can help your case.
Double-check and triple-check you are entering your credentials properly. It sounds obvious but typos happen to the best of us. Most password fields have a toggle switch to make the text you’re entering visible, rather than hiding it behind asterisks, so switch this on to check that your password is the right one.
Hire A Hacker
A hacker in this sense means someone who can help you get into your account. Let’s say you cannot log in to your Facebook account. You can hire a Facebook hacker to help you recover a locked account. These experts will help you recover your password and access a locked Facebook account. You will need to give them some personal details and suggestions for how the account could have been locked. Then, it will take them up to 24 hours to gain access and unlock the account.
After unlocking the account, you must make sure to set a new password and put security measures in place to prevent it from happening again.
Try A Password Reset
If you want to try it yourself, the safest option is a password reset. With password reset options, you can change your password by handing over your email. Then through your email, you can set a new password to access your account. Unless someone has gained access to your account and changed the registered email address, you should be back inside your app in minutes. If the email address has changed or you still cannot access your account, you will need expert help.
If an email reset isn’t an option, then you’ll typically have to contact the platform support team directly and use a different method to get back in, such as answering questions about the account or identifying the devices you usually log in from. This is why it’s always a good idea to set up several account recovery options ahead of time.
Check For Updates
Sometimes apps and accounts can be locked if they need updating or a new and safer password. Check for these updates as this may be the reason you are having trouble getting into your account.
Once you have got back into the account and confirmed there are no unwanted email forwarding rules in place, change the passwords on all accounts which have the same password as the hacked account. Then change the passwords for all the other accounts that send password reminders/resets to the hacked account.
Call The Fraud Line
If you believe your account has been hacked, you should alert the platform and action fraud. Here, you can detail the issue and make them aware that your account has been compromised. They will lock your account and ensure no more information can be taken or compromised. From there, they will help you recover your account and help you set up a securer account.
The next time you find yourself locked out on an online account, whether it’s an email or social media account, have patience and take the correct action. If you attempt to log in yourself and tamper with the system, you may compromise your safety. Instead, ask for expert help and ensure you report it if you believe you have been hacked. It may be as simple as a password reset or the need to update an app. Have patience and don’t panic, because panic will not solve anything. Always ensure to set up extra security methods such as two-factor authentication to prevent hackers and future issues.
Your business is going to need a few things if it is going to survive. The simple fact is that we know it is a long process to try and figure out what your business does and doesn’t need, so we’re here to give you a shortened version. Of course, within each category you are going to have to try it all out and decide for yourself whether or not they are working for the business. If you would like to find out more about what we’re talking about, then keep reading down below.
Excellent Staff
The first thing that you are going to need is excellent staff members. You need people who look forward to showing up in the morning, someone who has a real passion for whatever industry you are in, and who has the knowledge that is required to fill the position. Based on the application you get people to fill in, you should have a lot of the information that you need already so you don’t have to ask again during the interview stages.
Ensure that you are running a background check on anyone that you hire to work for you. Some people might think that this is paranoid, but it’s important to know that you are not hiring a murderer or someone who is going to kidnap people.
The Right Equipment
The next thing that you are going to need to do is make sure that you have whatever you need in terms of equipment for the company. Of course, there are going to be plenty of manufacturers so you might want to give them a try, see if they have some of the things you need. This could be anything from Fast Turn PCB’s from MIS Electronics, to the computer that you use on a daily basis.
You can work out what equipment you need and what you don’t within about five minutes, so it doesn’t take long to make the list. Then you need to go through and tick it off for what we need. Not everything is going to be essential, and not everything you’re going to use all the time, but that’s completely fine.
Funding
Finally, your business needs the correct funding if it is going to succeed. You are not going to get very far on such a competitive market if you don’t have any money. Money gets you places, and you really just need your foot in the door to get someone to listen. There are always investors that you can consider if friends or family can’t help, and if that fails then you might want to look at crowdfunding options as well.
We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that your business definitely needs if it wants to survive. It’s always going to be a process of trial and error to get the right thing, and as long as it doesn’t take you too long, then it’s going to be absolutely fine. We wish you the best of luck, and hope for nothing but success for your business.
Many successful artists have one thing in common, a YouTube channel. You might wonder why they would need to have a YouTube channel when they are undoubtedly very successful. It is because, unlike in the past, fame does not guarantee stability in the music industry.
You must have noticed that most musicians in the 21st century hardly studied their craft in school. You are inclined to see this reality as ludicrous. After all, you assume art depends on prowess, not popularity.
Sadly, that is not the case in this age of technology and the internet. The cliché ‘anybody can become anything’ is practical in the world people live in today. Here are a few tips you can use to break into the music industry:
Learn Technological Trends
For your music videos to get suggested on YouTube, understand the strategies for optimization, keywords, and algorithmic trading software. These skills guarantee an increase in the traffic to your music video and the opportunities for awards nomination.
As you may know, there is controversy around some Oscar and Emmys nominees. Some of your favorite artists have been criticized and accused of lacking talent. However, social media platforms gave them a platform to create masses of supporters- you included.
Create a Reputable Brand
Being an excellent musician is not enough for you to attain success. Work on your personality through publicists and personal trainers. A flawless reputation will open doors for you in other industries, and you will become a brand ambassador for reputable firms.
You must know excellent artists that have lost their credibility because of negative publicity. For instance, the display of violent tendencies will lead you to failure. Your music agencies will detach themselves from your negative image, leaving you at a disadvantage.
Engage With Your Audience
In the modern era, your supporters will demand a deeper understanding of your personal life. The extent to which you give them access is entirely up to you; being closed off is ill-advised.
You may perceive this step as selling your soul. Regardless, transparency is the price of the celebrity status of modern times.
However, there is no pressure to publicize your lifestyle. The ideal situation is being relatively open to your supporters’ questions and curiosities. It is only natural for your fans to wonder about the source of your immense talent.
Embrace Gigging
As you may know, the gig economy is a concept that emerged in the post-2008 economic crisis. The uncertainty of modern times requires you to take up any opportunities that may present themselves. Furthermore, the more gigs you do, the more likely you are to gain support and recognition.
Your performances should be strategic. For example, do curtain raises for distinguished artists to warrant an exceptional reputation by association.
Maintain Consistency
You must be aware of artists who made one wonderful song and people forgot them. Regularly releasing songs will keep you relevant and exert your influence on your supporters. Nevertheless, do not release half-baked songs to sustain your fans’ interest.
It is challenging to have a breakthrough in the modern music industry. On top of talent, you should be a brand too. In the end, your whole life should be a reflection of your craft, at least in its preliminary stages.
In some ways, getting your music out there is simpler than ever. In fact, the whole process of music has, to an extent, been simplified. After all, it is so simple to record music, therefore, it should be simple to promote it. But for any musicians starting out, the overriding component is about promoting yourself. The fact of the matter is that it’s not just about the hard graft anymore. You’ve got to be on the ball when it comes to marketing. And now, the art of music as a business and promotion has never been more intertwined. You only have to look at the multitude of musicians in reputable bands offering their services to mainstream pop artists. We’ll touch upon this later, but when it comes to the right strategies to get your music out there, but also, to make sure that you are earning some sort of satisfactory living from it, what do you need to do?
The Importance of Branding Yourself
This is where art and commerce collide. It’s not an easy thing to get your head around, especially when you want to be taken seriously as a musician. But it is so important to get yourself a branding, and an approach to promoting yourself that gives you an advantage over anybody traipsing around the open mic circuit. We’ve all encountered those serious musicians that are waiting to be discovered, and live and breathe creativity. But the fact of the matter is that the modern world requires us to be multifarious in our skills. Those bands going around the toilet circuit are not able to maintain a living purely by being a musician alone. And this is why you’ve got to be savvy with regards to your marketing. So what does it take to promote yourself properly?
The Importance of Regular Content
Ideally, you need to set up your own website, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and so on. But you must remember that with each platform comes its own specific audiences. Regular content is crucial, and it can be overwhelming to try and create regular music. But don’t think about content as purely being a song, look at how other artists engage with their fan base. Something like a tutorial, or telling a story behind the song can be just as engaging.
Upskilling Your Technical Knowledge
If Twitter API integrations and terms relating to the Click-Through-Rate, Call-To-Action, and keywords mean nothing to you, it’s no time to get a crash course in marketing. Technical knowledge is vital now. It’s also important to get your head around Search Engine Optimization. When you start to optimize your website, this can be a very simple way to get higher up the search engine rankings. It is a lot to get your head around, but there are fantastic courses available. It’s so important to make sure you have a website, but also knowing what you can do to optimize it to your advantage. For the creatives, this may seem like cheating, but it’s about making sure you have an advantage.
Having an Understanding of the Business Side of Things
In addition to some marketing knowledge, and being able to promote regular content on your website or pages, you should learn the ropes when it comes to business. This can be a conflict for the creative type, but when you start to realize that the creative well only goes so far to earn you a regular income, this is when you have to become savvier with your business practices. This can be frustrating, and you may find that people around you think that it’s unfair, especially if they are struggling musicians themselves. But it’s about making sure that you balance your creative time with your abilities to promote yourself.
The Importance of Gigging
Everybody is taking opportunities where they can to play music. The great thing now is that you can easily do a live stream every single day. But digging is not just a way to build a strong relationship with your audience, but it’s the one true way you will learn from your mistakes. There’s a lot of pressure in being a musician, you have to come flying out of the gates fully formed. Many seasons musicians that have been around for decades were given the opportunities to fail, and now it seems that this is not an option anymore. And because everything we create is out there on the internet forever, we have to be match fit.
Gigging is perfect for promotions, and it will help you to get your content out to audiences. Increasing your craft as a musician in front of an audience is daunting. But it is the one true way to discover your audience, but also discover your craft. When you start to play in front of an audience, you can gauge reactions, but you’ve also got to remember the importance of finding your voice. You will inevitably lean towards certain genres and styles and it’s vital that you don’t run away from these instincts. The temptation for so many of us is to go towards something that is profitable. But this is anathema to the creative process. When you are getting a solid feeling from a specific type of music, even though it is a niche genre, you’ve got to go towards it.
This is why you’ve got to take the opportunities where you can to play live and keep doing it. Love or loathe Ed Sheeran, he learned his craft by playing hundreds of gigs a year. Gigging is where the money is. And while gigging is not as profitable as it once was, as far as engaging the right audience, but also fine-tuning your craft, there is no process better.
Living and Breathing Music
There is no such thing as doing one role in a career anymore. While, once upon a time, musicians were able to specialize in one field, this is not the case anymore. You will find that even the most seasoned of session musicians become tutors, and diversify their craft. And it’s something that you need to come to terms with as soon as you can. The great thing about being involved in music is that it’s a craft that you can use to inspire others. And when you start to leave and breathe music, the opportunities are endless.
The fact of the matter is that now, what they used to call “selling out” is part of the music industry. Even indie bands are writing for popstars. And it is an essential part of how musicians evolve. In one respect, you are applying your craft to a different genre or approach, but if you are writing for other people, you can find another way to earn a living. And it is so important, again, that the idea of art and commerce come together. By working with other musicians, it gives you a lifeline to other genres and artists, but more importantly, it is the way to earn a living in such a competitive industry. And this is something we should feel no shame in doing. Those musicians who are able to diversify their efforts, and work as session musicians, or work with other bands, are doing what they can to earn a living by solely being a musician. The very nature of being a musician is feast or famine, and if you can start to fund your creative endeavors by being a tutor, or working as a session musician, it can lead to a fantastic life.
What Is the Answer to Making a True Living in Music?
The art of promoting yourself in the music industry is not just about blasting yourself out there on the internet, but it’s about turning yourself into a product. And this can feel like you’re selling your soul to the devil. But when you start to incorporate the fact that you can promote yourself online, combined with your abilities to work with different positions, while also developing a side hustle as a tutor, it is the definitive way to live a life that is full of music. It’s not possible to earn a living doing one thing unless you are at the top of the pile.
And the great thing about being a musician is that you can diversify your efforts, and it becomes a part of your life in ways you hand imagined. When you start to look at people who have gone into business ventures, but also now still do what they can to give back by tutoring at music colleges, it is the way forward for the musician. It’s not about the rock and roll lifestyle anymore. Many big-name acts cannot afford to live off their name alone anymore. And this is the reality that we face in a changing world. And this is why you’ve got to be multi-skilled. Partly, you have got to understand the importance of promoting yourself correctly, but also making sure that you diversify your efforts. By gigging, branding yourself, but also living and breathing music in ways you haven’t considered gives you the best opportunity to make a living. And if you’ve made a living doing it, this will be the very definition of success.
If you’re a tech nerd, then you probably love the changes that the latest technology has brought to the world. On the other hand, if you’re a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to new tech on the market, you could be worried about the constant changes. It’s difficult to say what the full impact tech is having on society. However, it’s certainly clear that the latest tech is changing the game completely in lots of exciting ways. Are all of these changes positive? Let’s find out.
Social Interactions
It’s true to say that the way we interact socially has changed completely and this is definitely due to the new tech that we use in our professional and personal life. It’s far more common these days to interact with someone on a video call for the first time rather than in person. Now, this might be a blessing in disguise. After all, it meant that we were able to still keep in touch with people during the coronavirus pandemic. This was certainly a lifeline for people who lived by themselves, particularly when social distancing measures were introduced that everyone was expected to abide by.
However, it’s also possible that this change to social interactions has brought some negative changes too. For instance, many psychologists are questioning whether reliance on technology will impact an individual’s ability to learn crucial skills and connect with people around them. There is even some debate as to whether the shift in focus on technology has played a part in the increased number of social conditions that are diagnosed annually. While this is a controversial topic, it’s worth keeping in mind, that the majority of communication is not vocal but rather body language. This is far more difficult to pick up on, even when using a video call.
Even online interactions have changed over the past few years. Originally, multiplayer gaming occurred with a split-screen, sitting on the sofa with friends. These days, you’re more likely to connect with your friends online or even work together with strangers.
Automation
Automation is not a new concept, but it’s quickly reaching the forefront of plans for the future of various industries. The first step towards automation was the industrial revolution but a lot has changed since then and technology has only become more advanced. Indeed, it’s possible these days for automated systems to fulfill the roles that used to be completed by individuals. For instance, invoices can be completed using the software in businesses rather than with the support of a professional accountant. Physical tasks can be completed using tech as well. These days, it’s very rare for a worker to have much physical input into the creation of a vehicle aside from pressing some buttons and pressing the right controls.
Indeed, the potential of automated processes is increasing rapidly and this is largely thanks to the development of machine learning. Put simply, machine learning is the process of software creating new pieces of software to fulfill roles and complete tasks. It’s a fascinating concept and one that is going to be a big part of the future of various industries. Indeed, researchers have claimed that machine learning is so advanced that there are algorithms at play that are impossible for the human mind to explore. Machine learning could provide numerous advancements in the future including the development of new vaccinations for diseases and cures for viruses that have been plaguing mankind for years. However, it could also bring countless challenges.
For instance, advanced forms of automation will eventually result in various jobs that currently exist on the market becoming obsolete. That’s why many people are now claiming that we do need a universal living wage sooner rather than later. This does already exist in certain parts of the world but it’s now time to start thinking about introducing it on a far wider basis.
Does Tech Damage Your Health?
If you read the latest reports in the media it’s easy to understand why many people would assume that technology is damaging to your physical health. However, there’s limited evidence to suggest that this is, in fact, the case. When mobile phones were first introduced in the ’90s there was paranoia that they would cause brain tumors. Yet, there have been few research studies that have supported this theory.
This is quite similar to the fears surrounding 5G technology. For the most part, these are conspiracy theories with no scientific proof. However, that doesn’t mean that our health isn’t impacted by the tech at all. This is far from the truth. Indeed, if you have technology in your room at night, then it can impact your sleeping patterns and dramatically change your energy levels. This is believed to be due to electromagnetic energy that is released from tech devices connected to the internet. These days, that includes virtually every tech device.
Keeping Connected
Finally, through tech, we can stay connected to everyone on a personal and professional level. This is true whether you are working remotely or in the office. However, that also leads to problems and the level of connectivity through technology has left us all vulnerable to dangers online. If you want to make sure you stay secure online you need to know how to use your mobile device safely. This should include downloading a VPN. With A VPN, you can keep the data that you transfer through different devices secure and protected regardless of whether this includes your personal or professional information.
You should also make sure that you are securing your devices the right way. Passwords are a key element here. It’s easy to fall into the trap of setting a password that is too easy to guess. It’s vital that you take the security of your data seriously. If people can access the right data on you, then they can have a scary amount of power over your life.
As you can see, technology is bringing both positive and negative changes to the world and society. It will be fascinating to see where tech takes us next and what the world will look like a few years further down the line.
If you have been working from home for a while now, then you will have a good idea of the things that you will need in order to make working from home work effectively. You know you need to have a laptop with the software that is needed to help you to work well. You might need to have a printer for some documents, as well as fast and reliable broadband. There is a range of other gadgets that you can use in the home, though, to help you to be able to work effectively and make working from home much simpler. You never know, you might wonder how you’ve been managing without it and your working from home could be much simpler and make your life easier.
So read on and see what technology or gadgets can make a difference to help you to get the job done from home. No matter what space you have to work with, a few simple changes could make your day-to-day working life much easier.
Second computer screen monitor
Having a second computer screen monitor can be so helpful when working from home, if you don’t make use of one already. If you have a job that involves a lot of information and data, and where referring back and forth to different information is useful, then this will be a life-saver. One screen could just have emails up so you can see if there are any emails that arrive that you need to deal with, and one screen could have your documents up that you are working on. They don’t have to cost a lot, and could even be expensed by an employer (or used as a tax-deductible expense if you are self-employed).
If you don’t want to go out and buy a second screen, then you could look to use a TV as a second screen. If your laptop or PC has a HDMI port, then it can be a good idea to connect it to your TV, and then you can use that screen as a visual screen to work off. It is just a case of extending or duplicating your laptop or computer screen.
Headphones
Using headphones is a great idea when you’re working from home. Even if you live alone, there can be distractions from neighbors, the road outside, and even the washing machine running that can put you off work. So headphones can work well to block out sound. Not only that, but when you have meetings, it can be helpful to have headphones to hear conversations better.
As well as that, if you choose headphones that have a built-in microphone, then it can make video calls much easier for you too. Making yourself heard can be hard when there is a range of meetings going on, and with large groups of people, but headphones with a built-in microphone work so well. The sound and volume quality when just using your computer device isn’t always great, so it can be a simple purchase that can improve your experience, and make sure that you hear (and give out) all of the vital information that is needed.
Cell phone signal booster
If you live in an area where the cell-phone service isn’t that great, then you will be stuck when it comes to making some calls for work. If you can’t make your calls effectively, then you will miss a lot of what is being said, as well as miss a lot of incoming calls. You might have thought you were just having a quiet day, but in fact, it could just mean that you have an endless list of voicemails to work through and then deal with. Getting a cell-phone signal booster is a simple purchase for the home, as well as for the car, can make working from home really simple and websites like weBoost offers cell phone signal boosters that you can purchase. If you live in a dead spot and use your phone a lot for work, then getting a booster will really help to make your working life much easier.
Smart speaker
While this isn’t something that would be classed as an essential, it can definitely help to make your life much easier. It is in the category of ‘nice to have’ things, and the chances are that you may already have one in the home. With a smart speaker, like an Amazon Alexa or a Google Home, you can set timers, reminders, and use voice commands from where you’re sitting working, rather than having to do anything else. You can even do a web search using the speaker, ask it questions, check the weather, and get updates on parcel deliveries (if it is an Alexa speaker).
If you work with Google services when you do your work, such as Google Mail and Google Calendar, then a Google smart speaker could fit in well with your work life and help it to all integrate. So just think about what you think will work best for you, before you make a purchase. They are all very versatile and can cope with a range of demands and requests. If you have a larger budget for something like this, then a smart screen could work instead, which can cope with all of the voice commands, but will also be compatible with video calling.
External hard drive
If you don’t have an external hard drive then it is a must for everyone. Whether you use it for work or just for your personal computer, it helps to save space and means that you can back up all of the important data, files, videos, and photos that you need. All you do with an external hard drive is plug it into your computer via a USB port, and then drag the files or videos that you need into the external hard drive to be saved. If you want to keep information secure and keep your computer from being cluttered up, then it can be really helpful.
External hard drives do come in a range of sizes. The smallest option that you can usually get is 200GB or less. This is a lot of space, and will be more than enough space for you if you just use your computer for storing photos, videos, and word documents. The next size that you can usually get goes up to 500GB, and is a good option to consider if you have a larger number of files, and lots of videos and images. If you need more than 500 GB, then you can get an even larger external hard drive, that can store terabytes of data. If you are someone who works as a graphic designer, for example, then this can be very helpful as the files that you will have will be very large.
Another option that you should consider using cloud storage. Using this, through a program like Google Drive or Dropbox, you will be able to store things off your computer, and they will be kept secure. All without having to have a physical external hard drive. For businesses with customer data, this could be a more secure option.
Wi-fi extenders
As with cell-phone signal problems, having patchy or unreliable home wi-fi can cause problems. Plus, if there are a number of you working from home, or working from home with children who are learning remotely, then the power of the home wi-fi could be weakened to certain areas of the house. You don’t want to freeze when leading a virtual meeting or stop working when you need to upload a large file to email.
If the room where you work is far from the router, then naturally, it can be lower than if you were sitting right next to it. So that is where something like a wi-fi extender comes in, so that you can extend your internet around the home but still have a good signal, no matter which home you are in. It is a simple device that is easy to install, but can take a lot of stress out of your working day.
Coffee machine
When working from home taking regular breaks is essential, right? So you need to make sure that if you are a coffee drinker, that you have a machine that is going to do just the job that you need it to. Getting away for ten minutes to have an espresso or a creamy cappuccino can mean that you’re ready and refreshed to get back to your desk and get back into work mode.
When it comes to coffee machines you do have a number of options to choose from. There are certain models that will do a lot of the work for you, but there are some others that will need a little more input from you, especially if you like to release your inner barista. You could choose from:
Capsule coffee machines or pod coffee machines: These are simple to use, as well as being quick and easy. All you need to do with these is to put in the ready-to-buy coffee pods or capsules and then the machine will do it all for you.
Ground coffee machines: these are what you will find in most coffee shops, so can be what you might like if you’re a little more serious about your coffee.
Bean-to-cup machines: these are a great choice if you like making fresh coffee, as it will grind up the beans for each drink that you have, making you a drink that you want each and every time you want one. This can take a little longer and be something that will involve more cleaning, but can be a good consideration if you are very particular about your coffee.
