A Mobile Security Checklist for Small Businesses

The cybersecurity industry is bigger than it has ever been. In fact, the growth of the field of cybersecurity is completely necessary, as the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks generally tend to increase by the year. More and more businesses are seeing that they need to invest in the proper services and tools to protect their networks.

Mobile security is becoming a particular focus. There was a time when cybersecurity was easier, because we didn’t have laptops or other portable devices – there were just desktop computers in the office that needed protecting. We spoke to TechQuarters, a provider of IT support services in London, about mobile security. They said that, because employees are now accessing company resources via mobile, usually using multiple Wi-Fi networks in the process, that securing mobiles is especially important. Below is a list of what their mobile security checklist for small businesses includes:

  • Access Control

Controlling access to a mobile device is a good way of eliminating the risk of unwanted users accessing data on the device. The most basic form of access control is setting up a password or pin on the mobile device – facial and fingerprint recognition is also popular nowadays. Access control can be made even more specific. For instance, location and time-of-day can be used as criteria for whether a mobile device can be accesses – thus is a device is stolen, it’s harder to unlock.

  • Mobile Data & Comms Encryption

There is such a thing as man-in-the-middle attacks that commonly occur on public Wi-Fi and mobile (4G or 5G) networks. It means that users can steal data in transit – such as while it is being sent from a mobile data to an app server, or to a public network. Therefore, all data and communications on a mobile device for work should be properly encrypted. It is recommended to use SSL connections to ensure that communications over all networks are encrypted.

  • Data Leak Prevention

Some businesses might have a BYOD (bring your own device) policy that means users have business apps on a personal device – or the inverse, they install social media apps or other personal apps on a business device. This can sometimes lead to data leaks occurring. However there are ways to ensure these leaks don’t happen. For instance, you can disable copy and paste functions for all business apps. Likewise, you can disable screen captures. You can even prevent sensitive data from being downloaded onto a mobile device whatsoever.

  • Device Theft Protocol

If an employee’s device is stolen, there should be a procedure in place to secure the company’s data. The most reliable solution is either mobile device management or unified endpoint management. Both solutions enable an organisation to remotely all corporate data from a device, or wipe the entire device entirely, or lock a device. Another solution is ensuring that all corporate data is stored in the cloud only.

  • Antivirus and Malware Scanning

Particularly with BYOD policies, it is important for devices used for work to be scanned regularly for viruses and malware. A business may provision users with a license for an antivirus software. It is also important that a business’ IT department ensures that mobiles have the latest patches and updates for business apps installed on them. These updates are often to close loopholes that were discovered, so out of date apps could be vulnerable.

  • Employee Education

Finally, it is of utmost importance that employees in a business are properly educated on best practices for mobile security. For instance, employees should be aware of all the common mobile security threats – including phishing attacks, downloaded apps and software from unauthorized vendors, vulnerabilities presented by rooting or jailbreaking phones, etc.

5 Hacks For Entrepreneurs In The Auto Industry

The auto industry is a vast and ever-changing market. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to get a piece of the action, it can be tough to know where to start. There are different things to consider when manufacturing and selling cars, and it can be challenging to stay ahead of the competition. Here are five sure hacks that will help you succeed in the auto industry.

1. Know Your Numbers

It is imperative in the auto industry because of the large sums of money involved. You need to know how much each car costs you to make, how much you can sell it for, and your margins. This helps you make decisions about what to deal with.

Tips for knowing your numbers:

  • Your car’s price is more than the sum of its parts
  • You have to research your competition
  • Find out what consumers want and are willing to pay for
  • Consider your production costs
  • Understand your target market

By knowing your numbers, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about what models to produce and how to price them. An excel spreadsheet is useful in tracking your numbers and margins for different car models.

Car buyers are looking for value, so it’s crucial to find the right balance between quality and price. Offer them vehicle transport services if they are buying from you. Giving your buyers the option to have their new car delivered is a great way to show that you value their time and provide them value in the form of convenience.

2. Stay Up to Date On Technology

Cars are becoming increasingly complex, and new technologies are emerging. To stay ahead of the competition, be aware of these new technologies and be prepared to adopt them into your business model.

Subscribe to industry publications and attend trade shows to stay up to date on new technologies.

Tips on how to stay updated on technology:

  • Subscribe to industry publications
  • Attend trade shows
  • Talk to suppliers
  • Invest in research and development
  • Follow thought leaders on social media
  • Have a dedicated team member responsible for keeping up with technology

3. Build a Strong Team

In any business, your team is your most important asset. In the auto industry, this is especially true. A team of experts that help handle different aspects of the business, from manufacturing to marketing to sales, is beneficial.

Hire experts in their field and give them the resources to succeed. Don’t be afraid to invest in your team.

Tips on building a solid team:

  • Hire experts in their field
  • Give them the resources they need to succeed
  • Invest in your team
  • Train your team members
  • Reward your team members
  • Listen to your team members
  • Be open to new ideas

4. Be Patient

The auto industry is a long-term game. It takes years to develop new models and bring them to market. Don’t expect overnight success. Focus on the long term and build a sustainable business. This will help you weather the ups and downs of the auto industry and come out ahead in the end.

Tips on staying put and not giving up. Staying the course can be hard when you feel like you’re not making headway.

  • Set realistic expectations. Don’t expect to become an overnight success.
  • Stay flexible. Be prepared to change your plans as the market evolves.
  • Focus on your customers. Build a business that meets their needs, and they will stick with you through the ups and downs.
  • Persevere. Never give up when things get tough. The auto industry is cyclical, and there will be good times and bad times. If you stick with it, you will be successful in the end.

5. Have a Niche

The auto industry is enormous, and it can be tough to compete with the big players. One way to stand out is to focus on a specific niche. These could be electric cars, self-driving cars, or luxury cars. Find an area that you can excel in and build your business around it.

Tips on selecting a niche:

  • Research the market to see what is popular and where there is room for growth.
  • Consider your team’s strengths and weaknesses and choose a niche that plays to your strengths.
  • Find an underserved market or a market with high barriers to entry. This allows you to build a loyal customer base.
  • Be prepared to change your niche as the market evolves.

This is just the start. It would help if you did countless other things to succeed in the auto industry, but these five hacks will give you a good foundation. Stay focused, stay up to date, build a strong team, be patient, and choose a marketable niche. These are the keys to success in the auto industry.

A 5-Item Planning Checklist For Your Company’s Next Virtual Event

Thanks to advancements in technology and the rise of new streaming and meeting software, planning and attending events have changed drastically. These days, you can attend as many events as possible online without having to leave your home or office. 

As you plan your company’s next virtual event, here are some things you need to consider. How will you retain your guest’s attention and ensure that they are fulfilled and entertained? How do you achieve your event’s goals on an online platform? This article will assist you by discussing a checklist you need to have during the planning stage. Read on for this insight.

Ensure your planning checklist has the following:

  • Relevant Topic

During your company’s virtual event, the topic at hand should resonate with your target group. The aim is to keep the attendees interested and engaged as long as possible. 

Whatever topic you choose should be of interest to your audience. If it’s an in-house virtual event, ensure the topic’s bottom line aligns with the company’s mission and vision. With such a plan, you’ll spike interest for the audience to stay long enough to learn about these topics. To make things interesting, invite different speakers, especially those your target audience fancy or view as role models. The excitement alone will keep them glued to the virtual event.

Also, ensure the discussion you have will leave your audience better than they came; they need to get value from your virtual event.  

  • Technical Supplier

There are various platforms available that you can utilize based on the size of your event and the virtual corporate experiences you want to have. Some platforms handle large events better than others. It’s wise to check out your options before committing to any virtual platform.

For one, it should be easy to utilize with minimal technicalities. Don’t hesitate to seek referrals from other companies in your industry who’ve hosted virtual events before. They’re much better placed to advise you on which platform to use. 

Besides the platform, it’s essential to have a technical team on standby. This is because issues might arise, and you need to solve them promptly to ensure the continuity of your event. Once again, it’s advisable to seek referrals on the suppliers to hire for your company’s virtual event. In addition, ask to see a portfolio of the clients they’ve worked with before. If possible, ask to speak to these clients to get one-on-one feedback from them.

  • Feedback From Previous Event

With the occurrence of any event as a company, it’s always good to seek feedback from the attendees. This information will give you insight into how the event was, the good things, and what you should improve on. In addition, since you were also part of the event, you must have noticed an issue or two. 

Therefore, before hosting your next company’s virtual event, make sure you list all the things that failed or didn’t work efficiently in the previous event. With the list, you can mitigate the issues in your forthcoming event to prevent repeating the same mistakes. This increases the chances of you hosting a successful virtual event in the future.

  • Guideline

Before starting any virtual event, it’s essential to provide guidelines on the event. The instructions should include a step-by-step guide on how to join the meeting and the tools available during the event that they can utilize, such as chat tools. Also, the instructions should include the dos and don’ts of the event. For instance, everyone should turn off their mics to prevent disturbance during the event and allow for clarity in the discussions. 

There’s a need to fill out a registration form in most cases, where the attendees give out their information. Ensure you provide the form early in advance before the event happens; the same happens to the other guidelines. This avoids a last-minute rush to register when your systems are packed, which might lead to website crashes, leaving most potential attendees out of the virtual event.

  • Easy To Use Tools

A virtual event means that everything happens online, and technology is used, from basic to complex systems. With you adopting all these tools, it’s good to acknowledge that your target audience has varying technical capabilities. Some are technology savvy, while others only have basic knowledge. Either way, the technology you utilize for the virtual event should be easy to understand and enhance the user experience for all.

It’s also important that the event is accessible on various gadgets, such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets. The aim is to accommodate everyone and have a wide audience.

Conclusion

With this article’s information, you can now plan for your company’s next virtual event without any worries. Be sure to incorporate these tips, and you won’t leave out any of the crucial aspects of your virtual event. The major take-home is to use your target audience as the guiding principle. Your target group will help you choose the right topic and best tools to use for the event; these are the cornerstone of your event, even as others follow.

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Eight Surefire Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses in 2022

The most relevant question every small business owner has is, “How to effectively do marketing for my small business and scale sales on a tight budget?”. It can be daunting when you have to decide where to invest your time and limited resources in marketing.

A well-thought-out marketing plan has a large share to contribute to the success of your small business. Using various strategies, you can attract customers and scale your business. Companies usually have a sales goal and formulate marketing strategies to achieve that goal

Your efforts in marketing reflect increased brand awareness and a peak in sales volume. As a small business owner with a small source of resources, spreading the word can be difficult. It can be challenging to grasp the prevailing marketing trends. You might not be sure about where to get started. You will have to figure out what works best for your small business and invest in it.

In this read, you will learn the concept of marketing strategy and various popularly working strategies for you to choose for your small business.

Marketing Strategy – the Basics

You have a particular sales goal when you run a small business or an e-commerce store. But, how are you planning to get it? That is when marketing comes into play. With concrete marketing strategies, you can push your sales by attracting customers.

A marketing strategy is a detailed plan on how you will reach your sales goal. It includes all the efforts you will put forth to overcome the risks and pain points in attaining your success. It also analyses the present and past performance of your business. It predicts your business’ performance in the future with some implementations on the marketing side. Also, it spells out what you have been missing in line with your set objectives and suggests plans to accomplish them.

Marketing strategy is more than a tactic.

A strategy is not merely guessing what is about to happen and taking efforts accordingly. It is a clear-cut step-by-step plan focused on helping you attain your sales goal. You must also be able to figure out what will be your proactive steps if plan A does not turn out well as a part of formulating your marketing strategy.

Marketing strategy usually involves three things.

Set a specific achievable sales goal

A sales goal is the destination to which a marketing strategy is a road map. Without a specific purpose, you have no direction to move forward. There is no point in deriving a marketing strategy without a sales goal. So, primarily, have a sales goal to run towards it.

Understand the challenge

It is a realistic understanding of the current state of the business and the market. Look out for what is happening in your market and where your business stands in the market. You will be able to find out the hurdle that is keeping you far from your sales goal. 

Design an overall approach to subdue the challenges

Here, you have to formulate a strategy that directs action towards overcoming the challenge. Also, this step rules out the other methods. Analyze the platform and its highs and lows, and stick to a system.

Write a step by the step action plan.

You need to be more descriptive and elaborative in this part. Think of every inch you will take forward to achieve your goal and arrive at a set of coherent actions you need to take to get there.

Eight Small Business Marketing Strategies for Sales Growth

Some tried and tested techniques are practical and affordable for small businesses to understand various marketing strategies better

1. Paid Media Marketing

When a popular and credible media vouches for you, it is a surefire succeeding marketing. It is not just a matter of reliability earned from them, but it also puts your brand in front of a broader range of the public. You can take advantage of the media’s existing customer base.

Not only press and public relations, but you can also reach influencers and bloggers. These people can share your brand with their followers and endorse it. Choosing a credible influencer from your domain can give you an exponential reach and a potentially significant sales boost.

Though primitive, publicity stunts can also help you gain media attention and target the market. 

2. Content Marketing

Content marketing is an online marketing strategy that works for any business these days. Content marketing not only touts your brand but also intends to stimulate interest in your products and services.

Creating content for your target audience adds a lot to your marketing efforts by generating new leads. Make sure that your content is relevant and exciting to the people. Your target audience is your potential customers. So, capture their interest and build trust by offering an appealing range of tips, tricks, how-tos, discounts, and offers.

Try to answer your customers’ questions online. This improves your brand awareness. Always push in your prospects and reasons why they should choose your product.

When we say ‘content’ marketing, it is not just about texts, blogs, and articles. Instead, you can offer heterogeneous content incorporating infographics, videos, and podcasts and can be of any presentable form

Content marketing can be as simple as a Twitter post, Quora answer, a YouTube video, or as garnish as a tutorial or events on your social media. Moreover, great content can earn you backlinks that help your website’s domain authority. 

3. Partner Marketing

Collaboration with another company with a typical target audience can increase your reach. You can pool your marketing resources and widen your marketing abilities. You can partner with products that compliment your product or service. You can bundle offers, co-branding programs and run ads and campaigns together. Partner marketing, when done right, is a win-win for both parties involved and can achieve exponential sales growth

4. Social Media Marketing

Social networks are a great way to build a community around your brand and product. You can create a relationship with your customers through your social media channels and posts and encourage conversations and engagement. This is where you directly connect with your target audience and manipulate them towards your product. These channels cost you nothing to set up and engage

Most customers check out the social media pages for reviews, feedback, and even customer service concerns. As a result, social media presence improves your conversion rate to a greater extent.

5. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 

Studies have shown that more than 90% of searches happen through Google. The same applies to customers who want to buy a product or know about a brand. This is where optimizing your website for SEO becomes extremely important.

You can rank your website up on the ladder and introduce your brand and products to leads with high purchase intent with efficient SEO practices. Then, when a potential customer surfs through the web for a particular answer or solution, and your website pops in and renders what they are looking for, you earn credibility and brand recognition.

6. Email campaigns 

Email campaigns help you build a personal connection with your customers and greatly benefit customer retention. This scheme works great when you have garnered an email list of people interested in your products. Right and persuasive promotional content at the right time to potential customers can boost your sales. With an efficient email campaign, you can build relationships with your present and future customers and influence their purchase decisions without hurting your marketing budget.

7. Affiliate Marketing 

Affiliates are an efficient way of marketing. You can cut out the cost of heavy advertising and can pay only for the sales that happened. As an affiliate, they get paid for every sale they push forward, and you need to pay only for a successful sale. These affiliates can again be influencers, review sites, or even leading professionals in your industry. Depending on your business nature, you can structure the program to pay per click or lead or sale. 

8. Loyalty Programs and Referrals

Your happy customers can earn leads to your subsequent sales. For example, draw up a loyalty program and offer coupons, discounts, and freebies to recurring customers to encourage long-term customer retention. Or set up point-based loyalty programs where they get offers on reaching a certain point.

Also, you can reward your customers when they refer your products to someone else and make a purchase. Or you can offer discounts to both your existing customers and the ones they refer for the first time to cultivate loyalty from both of them. But make sure the freebies and deals do not hurt your profit score.

Key Takeaways 

There are tons of marketing capabilities through which you can scale your sales on a tight budget. Use different approaches to build a solid customer base and sales growth. Think creatively and strategically about your marketing efforts and make the strike. You can surely achieve and even exceed your sales target.

Suppose you are a small business owner using QuickBooks- in that case, you must manually enter numbers into QuickBooks to get your accounting done. If that’s the case, you shall try using PayTraQer and automatically sync all your e-commerce sales and transactions into QuickBooks. PayTraQer comes with a 30-day free trial to explore and get comfortable before you purchase a plan. 

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Prop Up: The 4 Key Benefits Of Using Acrow Props

Acrow props – aka “scaffolding poles” – are one of the most important pieces of propping equipment you can find on a construction project. These props are designed to provide additional support for the multiple levels whilst construction moves upwards.

Acrow props have long been a popular piece of propping equipment, as they are able to easily hold up heavy weights whilst being designed for optimal mobility.

For this reason, and the others we will go into, acrow props are popular on both multi-level construction sites as well as home DIY jobs, ensuring that the job can be completed in a highly safe, highly mobile working environment.

And, whilst acrow props may look like another piece of random construction equipment, they are incredibly valuable for ensuring that a multi-level building can be complete.

And, not only are acrow props one of the best pieces of equipment for construction, acrow prop hire cost isn’t too bad considering their importance and value towards a completed project.

Here are four key benefits of using acrow props on a construction site:

 

  • Acrow props support materials throughout construction

 

Acrow props are essentially the most basic propping equipment on a construction project. Acrow props are designed to support each level whilst construction is undertaken, ensuring that the infrastructure is of a high and incredibly safe quality.

And, whilst acrow props are imperative for large construction projects, they can also be used for home DIY jobs to make the work that much easier.

 

  • They are lightweight yet hold heavy loads

 

Acrow props are incredibly lightweight, meaning they can be moved around construction sites and DIY jobs with ease. This is a great advantage as not only are they lightweight and easy to carry, but they actually hold quite heavyweights when put in place. This way the time needed to move them around whilst ensuring heavy loads are held up is minimised which allows for maximum efficiency.

 

  • They help provide a safe workzone

 

Acrow props are renowned for being easy to use and for this reason they are incredibly popular for replacing old overhead materials or renovating small spaces.

Ceiling materials that require improvement or need replacement benefit from acrow props as they can support the structure and produce a safe workzone. Furthermore, acrow props allow the worker to have a safe work zone in which the risk of falling materials is minimized due to the acrow props holding up the structure.

 

  • Acrow props can be easily installed

 

Acrow props, apart from their easy installation, can work with different loading platforms, which allows them to provide the safety and security required in construction. Props are typically used to secure platforms in place regardless of the building’s level.

Loading decks and acrow props go hand-in-hand, as the materials used in construction are minimized and are all used for their optimal purpose.

They are great for construction sites as well as DIY jobs

As you can see, acrow props are as imperative for construction sites as they are home DIY jobs. There are so many outstanding benefits to including them in a project, especially when you consider that they are so portable and create such a safe work zone.

Not only this, but they help construction workers and DIY staff to complete the job with optimal efficiency, as well as complete multi-level constructions without too much of a challenge.

How Do You Make Steady Returns With Forex Trading?

Forex trading is a global investment market that lets you interchange your currency against other countries’ currencies, thereby earning a profit. It doesn’t restrict a trader’s activity to acquiring currencies but also allows them to speculate the price movements and bet on them. If their predictions turn out to be precise, they make a profit. 

With a diverse and dynamic global market that renders endless opportunities, forex traders have plenty of golden eggs to hatch. Besides, the market shift to online forex trading has made currencies accessible digitally worldwide. 

However, the stats speak otherwise. Although the forex market has an untamable potential, not every trader makes a steady profit. Let’s take an overview of the recent study based on forex traders and their profit-making patterns;

Within a duration of 3 months  Only 33% of Forex traders earned profits
Traders making steady profits throughout the year Approximately 7% of forex traders
Traders failing to achieve steady profits  Over 92% of forex traders 

The table positioned above is enough evidence that making steady returns for traders isn’t a piece of cake. In fact, a majority of the traders struggle when it comes to interpreting the market. In contrast, the others fail in their approach. Trading isn’t as effortless as it seems to be. And it certainly isn’t an area where one could exercise trial and error methods. But, contradictorily, most traders do learn from their mistakes. 

Although there are no secrets that’ll unlock a door to significant profits, there are a few means that you can consider for a steady-going income routed through foreign exchange dealings. You can even start by creating a demo account with the best forex trading platform. This method will help build your confidence and understanding of how forex works. The first fundamental step is determining your trading preferences and style. It’s a process of evaluating whether you’re in it for the long or short run, the risks you’re willing to take, the size of your capital, and more. While a trader is at this discovery phase, assessing and establishing a risk to reward ratio is crucial. One must only invest what one can afford to lose. Trading advisors and experts worldwide suggest that traders shouldn’t over-leverage their traders or venture beyond 5% of their total capital. 

Setting realistic forex trading targets is essential. Some traders maintain a journal to jot down and monitor their performance over a duration, which assists them in identifying their mistakes and other painful areas. Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s run through some life-changing tips and tricks that you’ve been missing out on;

Appoint & Test Forex Trading Strategies For Consistency  

If you want to take away consistent profits, you need to start handpicking the style and strategy to get you the desired returns. Beginners can start by researching and testing all the charts, trading methodology, tools, and techniques through a demo account. However, you can be relieved if you’ve signed up for a renowned platform since few of the best forex trading platforms have advisors, analysts, and experts onboard assisting traders with suitable strategies. 

Before picking a trading method, take a moment to decipher how distinct trading styles work and run a comparative analysis between them. The only factors that differ between each trading type are the size of the positions opened and the time frame. Listed below are a few popular and extensively adopted trading styles;

  1. Day Trading enables traders to open and close positions within a single day. 
  2. Scalping follows a shorter time frame as compared to day trading. It opens and closes trades in 1 to 15 mins.
  3. With Swing Trading, traders go on to open and hold the same positions from days to weeks on end.
  4. Long-term Trading: As the name goes, it allows traders the freedom to hold a position for months. 

Once you’ve designated the preferential trading method, the next step is to handpick strategies that can boost your trade. While some administer a straightforward approach by keeping up with economic news, political changes, and studying past records of successful forex traders. The others pick advanced strategies such as moving averages, Bollinger bands, or take on technical indicators. Traders must test their preferred strategy before giving in to it. Learning how the adopted strategy reacts based on different circumstances will make a huge difference. Although the strategy might be the same, its outcome would shift depending on many external factors. Finally, once traders track the causes of their losses or failure, they can initiate by eliminating such moves in the future. 

Conduct Fundamental Research Daily 

Accomplishing your investment goals isn’t a one-time thing; it’s a constant process. Start building habits that keep you updated about the recent market and economic trends. It’s not easy to keep an eye on a bunch of currencies at a time, but with online forex trading, you can find all the top currencies listed together on a single page. Keep a tab on the price fluctuation in currencies, GDP (Gross Domestic Product), unemployment rate, CPI (Consumer Price Index), interest rates, and other significant updates. If a trader monitors factors that influence market trends daily, he/she will be able to speculate on market movement and plan their trade accordingly. For example, an abrupt spike in oil pricing can make an economy fall, resulting in a dip in the currency’s valuation. 

While we discuss the core of forex trading, some aspects that have a long-term impact include the PPP, i.e., Purchasing Power Parity, which plays a fundamental part in the exchange rate fluctuations. Past analysis shows that currencies incline towards the PPP level within the long term, which indicates the exchange rate where the average pricing for goods and services will equalize among the two economies. 

To conclude, any trader who is acquainted with the know-how of the forex industry as a whole is keenly prepared with a plan, and governs their trades closely is well suited to triumph through their trading journey with considerable profits. It also helps traders foresee any undervalued currency movements in the future and be equipped for them. 

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A Literary Feast: 3 Of The Best Japanese Novels Ever

Japan is a nation that holds a rich literary tradition dating all the way back to the Buddhist Diamond Sutra which was written in AD 565. In the near-1500 years since, Japanese authors have taken the region and world by storm, with legendary names like Mishima and Murakami to contemporary superstars like Murata and Yoshimoto, Japanese literature has never faltered when it comes to being some of the most engrossing in the world!

So, what are the best Japanese story books Australia has on its shelves? Let’s take a look at some of the classic tales that have never ceased to inspire the imagines of readers from across the globe:

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

Perhaps one of the most hauntingly beautiful novels of the 20th Century, Norwegian Wood is a tragic testament to the lost love and youth that many of us carry into middle age.

The stunning novel concerns a young student named Watanabe as he moves to Tokyo to study after the death of his best friend. He continues a relationship with Naoko, his best friend’s girlfriend, but her fragility is troubling.

He soon meets Midori, fun and outgoing girl who is the exact opposite of the withdrawn Naoko, and this creates a tough situation for Watanabe.

The perfect place to start a Japanese literary odyssey, Norwegian Wood is as much about the excitement of youth as it is about a time of cultural upheaval in the country.

The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea by Yukio Mishima

Mishima is not only one of Japan’s most polarising figures, but perhaps one of the 20th Century’s most iconoclastic artists, and The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea is the perfect testament, perfect novel to the controversial author’s outlook on morality.

Raw, unflinching, and utterly terrifying, The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea tells the story of a group of amoral teens who turn on a sailor they had once respected immensely.

A startling metaphorical tale, The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea gives a troubling insight into one of Japan’s most respected-yet-controversial figures, a man who would later become known as much for his death from seppuku after a failed fascist coup as he would for incredible works such as this one.

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

Okay, time to take it away from the torrid and try reading that is The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea, and to something more comforting, modern and quirky.

Convenience Store Woman is an absolute gem of a novel, one that perfectly analyses modern-yet-obsolete societal expectations for Japanese women.

Keiko Furukura maybe 36 and working in a convenience store, but she is happiest this way and has no intention of changing. She loves the structure and interactions such a job provides, and she has no desire to settle down and have kids.

Her friends and family think she is strange, as they can’t understand why on Earth someone of her age would want to continue working in such an establishment in lieu of something “better”, but she doesn’t care for their opinions and is happy to continue her life as it is.

A biting look into Japanese class systems and expectations of women in modern Japan, Convenience Store Women is a seriously enjoyable book read and one that should be catapulted to the top of your list!

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The Best Social Media Tools to Improve Your Business

Myspace launched back in 2003. Modern social media is nearly 20 years old. Even though it’s aging, it’s still king when it comes to digital marketing. 

The best way to start building your brand, establishing a dedicated customer community, and ultimately growing your business is through social media.

Social media helps you engage and connect directly with your customers on a daily basis. All the best brands know it’s true.

Are you tired of missing out on the action? With the right social media tools, you can learn to post and engage like a media maverick.

So what are the tools that make social media marketing easier? Keep reading to find out. 

Buffer

One of the most important social media tips is to post consistently. That means posting daily.

The easiest way to do that is with a scheduling tool like Buffer. Buffer makes it easy to schedule posts on multiple social media platforms. Just plan a week’s worth of content ahead of time, set it, and forget it.

Klear

If you run a B2C business, then one of the most effective marketing opportunities is through partnerships with influencers. They’ve already built up an audience of your ideal customers.

By hiring them, you gain direct access to those users through the voice of a trusted figure.

Klear is a platform that lets you find and connect with the perfect influencers for your company. 

Iconosquare

Do you use Facebook or Instagram for your business? If yes, you should also use Iconosquare. It’s the analytics tool you need to help you make sense of the data from your social media posts.

It will also help you understand which metrics are the most important to pay attention to. Yes, there is a difference between analytics and metrics. Check out this post to understand the difference now

Physical Social Media Tools

There are some physical tools and gadgets that make it easier to create high-quality content. 

Having the latest smartphone gives you access to insane camera technology, ensuring the social media content you create on the fly looks and sounds good.

You can also kick your media creation up a notch by investing in a proper digital camera for creating photos and videos that stand out from the crowd.

If you create content from your desk, where you talk in your videos, be sure to get a microphone, webcam, and light ring. It’s imperative that you light up your face and prevent shadows when filing this type of content. 

Mastering Social Media

The brands that learn to master the art of social media will win every time. That’s because they establish a direct line of engagement between them and their customers.

The right social media tools can help you navigate the complex world of social media with greater clarity and efficacy.

Looking for more tips like this? Visit our blog today to keep reading. 

Money-Saving Tips From Real Locksmiths

When it comes to saving money on locksmith services, a few tips can help you get the most bang for your buck. 

Who is a locksmith? 

We recently spoke to a top area locksmith Atlanta residents trust  and found out that a locksmith is a person who makes or repairs keys, locks, and other security devices. Find below more details about their roles and responsibilities:

a) They make keys to fit locks, and they repair and open locks that have been damaged or jammed. 

b) Locksmiths also install electronic lock systems in homes and businesses. These systems use keypads instead of traditional keys, and they can include biometric devices, such as fingerprint scanners. 

c) Locksmiths also make keys for safes and vaults. 

d) Some locksmiths specialize in car locks and ignition systems. 

Here are some money-saving tips from real locksmiths that can help you keep more cash in your pocket:

Do your research

Before hiring a locksmith, be sure to do your research and compare the prices of a locksmith nearby. Not all locksmiths charge the same rates, so it’s important to find one that fits within your budget.

Ask for a discount

If you’re in a pinch and need a locksmith right away, ask for a discount. Many locksmiths will offer a military or senior citizen discount, so be sure to ask.

Do it yourself

If you’re a handy person, there are some simple locksmith tasks that you can do yourself. For example, if you need to change the locks on your home, many hardware stores sell do-it-yourself kits.

Check for deals

Before scheduling a locksmith service, check for any deals or coupons available. Many companies offer discounts if you schedule multiple services at once.

Compare quotes

When you’re ready to hire a locksmith, get quotes from several companies. It will help you ensure that you’re getting the best price possible.

Use a locksmith service

If you’re not comfortable doing DIY locksmith tasks or need a task beyond your capabilities, use a locksmith service. It will ensure that the work is done correctly and that you’re getting the best possible price.

Use a locksmith referral service

Consider using a locksmith referral service if you’re unsure which locksmith to hire. It will connect you with a qualified and reputable locksmith in your area.

Get a warranty

When hiring a locksmith, ask for a warranty on the work done. It will protect you in case of any problems or if the work is not up to your standards.

Ask for references

Before hiring a locksmith, be sure to ask for references. It will help you to hire a reputable and trustworthy company.

Shop around

When you’re ready to hire a locksmith, shop around and compare prices. Not all locksmiths charge the same rates, so it’s important to find one that fits within your budget.

Bottom line

When it comes to saving money on locksmith services, a few tips can help you get the most bang for your buck. By doing your research, asking for discounts, and comparison shopping, you can be sure to find a locksmith that fits within your budget.

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Accounting Tools for Healthcare Businesses: What You Need to Succeed

Healthcare businesses have a lot of things to keep track of. From patient information to billing and insurance paperwork, the responsibilities of a healthcare business can seem daunting. That’s why it’s important to have the right accounting tools in place. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most important accounting tools for healthcare businesses. We’ll also provide tips on how to use them effectively to streamline your operations and improve your bottom line!

Hospice Billing Company

One of the most important things to look for when choosing a hospice billing company is reputation. You want to make sure that the company you are working with is reputable and has a good track record. There are a few ways to research this. First, you can ask other hospice organizations who they use for billing and why they like them. Second, you can read online reviews of different companies. Finally, you can contact the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed against the company you are considering.

When looking for the right hospice billing company there are many options available, and it can be hard knowing where to turn. By following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily find the best company for your needs so that you can get back to providing care for your patients.

The first step is to understand what services you need from a billing company. A good hospice billing company will offer:

  • Billing and coding services
  • Patient accounting services
  • Hospice consulting services
  • Reimbursement analysis 

Once you know the types of services required, research companies that offer these things. Checking with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is always a good idea to get an understanding of how reputable the company is before working with them. Furthermore, speaking with other hospice providers in your area or reading online reviews can give you some great insights into different companies.

After doing your research and finding one or two companies that look promising, it is time to start negotiating rates. When getting quotes from each company, don’t be afraid to negotiate for lower prices. Also, inquire about discounts that may be available such as prepaying or signing a contract for a longer period.

Choosing the best hospice billing company doesn’t have to be complicated if you know what services you need and do your research ahead of time. By taking these steps, you can find a great company that will save you both time and money in the long run.

If you are looking for a hospice billing company, keep these tips in mind. Doing your research and asking the right questions can help you find the best company for your needs.

Accounting Tools

Equally important is an accounting tool for your healthcare businesses. This is a software solution that can help you manage your finances. This type of software can help you stay on top of your budget, invoicing, and payments. It can also provide valuable insights into where your money is going and where you can save. Financial management software is a must-have for any healthcare business, and there are many great options available to choose from.

Patient Information Tracking

Another important aspect to keep track of in the healthcare business is patient information. This includes medical records, insurance paperwork, and billing information. Having a system in place to track this information can make it much easier to manage your finances and keep your business organized. One tool that can help track patient information is hospice billing software. This software can help you keep track of all of your patient’s information in one place, making it easy to access when you need it.

Final Thoughts

Having the right hospice billing company, accounting tools, and patient information tracking systems in place can make a big difference in the success of your healthcare business. These tools can help you stay organized, manage your finances, and provide valuable insights into your operations. If you’re not sure where to start, hospice billing software and financial management software are two great options to consider. With these tools, you’ll be on your way to success! 

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