Category: Business

ContentRally is a leading source of reliable news and trending topics on Business. Get hard-to-find insights and advice on Business from industry-specific leaders.

Master Data Management

How Can Master Data Management Help Your Business?

We have already stepped into the digital era. And when we are talking about the digital era, we are talking about all the digital information audiences consume every day, and all the data companies collect daily. All these data fall under an umbrella term, Master Data. Over the last couple of years, companies had a hard time managing all the data effectively. As most companies are taking the digital approach to engaging with their audiences, data has become the only source of information to understand their audiences better. Master data is the most powerful asset of the company that helps the company make business decisions. All the collected data are categorized and pruned according to the need. Then the data are filtered out department wise. Given how effective data has become in the modern era, Master Data Management has become an important aspect of business irrespective of any size. The whole process deals with the need to end data monitoring. The process starts with collecting the data from the relevant sources, and then the data are categorized according to the needs—these data are then used in the business strategies. How Can Master Data Management Help Businesses? Master data management helps the business to come with effective strategies that can perform well in the market. Here are the benefits that you can reap after integrating Master data management in your business. Improved Data Quality As the MDM streamlines all the data and forces it to go through a single pipeline, it eliminates all the unnecessary data. As a result, the user can work with the current data that is of high quality. MDM acts like a database or a single source of information. This helped the business solve all the confusion that had been a part of the spreadsheet. Reduces Cost And Time It can be challenging for companies to manage all the data collected every day without master data management. The complexity of data management is very challenging, and it also takes up a lot of time. However, with the gartner MDM, you can leave all the work to the data management software. Avoid Data Duplication While you are working with the decentralized application, redundancy can be one of the major problems. This can lead to lots of confusion and can create a crisis for your business. As data-driven businesses are directly dependent on the data, it becomes necessary that you take extra care of the master data. Increased In Data Accuracy Data is of no use if it is not relevant to your business. MDM helps to prune out all the unnecessary data. As the discrepancies can create a ripple that can damage the business's efficiency, it is crucial to get it right at the master data level. Once you can do this, the data accuracy will get a significant boost. Easy Data Edits Without the master data management tool, there is a chance that the users will record data in multiple locations. This can really affect the business in the worst ways. If that happens, then the data will remain isolated from the users and will create inconsistency issues. However, if you have MDM, any changes you make will directly reflect the respective data locations. You will not only be able to do a custom edit. But you will also be able to filter out the relevant data. Master Data Management: A single Source Of Truth Effective data management needs lots of hours before you can actually use the data. However, with master data management, you can easily overcome challenges like managing data manually, redundant data, and data discrepancies are solved in one go. You can break free from the cumbersome sheet, and complex data structures used to eat up lost time. What are your thoughts on master data management? Have you ever used this method for your business? What was your experience with master data management? Read Also: A Brief Introduction to Data Quality Management Systems Why it is important to study Masters’ Degree in Data Analytics?

READ MOREDetails
Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy Means Test: Why It Matters?

Bankruptcy means a test is done to determine who can file for chapter 7 bankruptcy. The means test considers everything while determining your current position to pay your debt to the creditors. It goes through your income, expenditure, assets, and family members. The means test was designed to reduce the number of debtors willing to get their debts erased. It has been seen that most of the debtors who have applied for the means test have passed. Those people who cannot qualify for chapter 7 or want to keep their assets to themselves can apply for chapter 13 bankruptcy. How Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Works? Applying for chapter 7 can be an expensive and lengthy process. The means test helps the government clarify who is eligible for chapter 7. The Means Test has two parts. Both parts are designed to see through your income and assets and determine the current financial standing. You have to apply for the Means Test only for the primary consumer debts like medical debt or credit card debts. You do not have to apply for this test if your debt is related to business loans. First Part The part of the Means Test determines whether your house income is below the state's median income. The means test starts gathering information about your income, expenses, and assets. These data are mostly collected from the past six months. However, there have been cases where this six months time duration can be changed. After all the reports, if it is being found out that your income is below the median income, you will qualify the Means Test. In a report made by the US government in 2013, more than 12% of the debtors were able to qualify the Means test in the first stage. Second Part The second part consists of going through all your expenses. These expenses consist of everything you pay for, starting from paying your utility bills, grocery bills to the travel expenses and education expenses. Out of all the expenses, only the allowable expenses are considered to be used by you. Other expenses that are not necessary are used to pay off your debts. While you document the list of expenses, be thorough about the things you add to the list. Remember, those expenses will decide whether your petition will be accepted or not. Allowable expenses are based on the local and national standards used by the IRS. The national list covers items like food and clothing, and local items cover housing expenses and car payments. You need to work carefully to ensure that all your expenses are thoroughly documented. What's Next After You Qualify for the Means Test? Passing the means test means you have the green light to apply a petition for chapter 7 bankruptcy. Once your petition is accepted, most of the unsecured debts will be forgiven. That does not mean that this will be the best route for you. There are also chapter 13 bankruptcy that might give more advantage over chapter 7 in many cases. Chapter 13 will help you put a hold on all your debts, mortgages, overdue loans, and bank taxes. What Will Happen After You Fail The Test? Once you fail the Means Test, there are no more appeals for a certain period. You can apply for the chapter, or you can wait for the cooldown time to apply again for the means test. We have already mentioned that the Means Test goes through all your financial income and expenditure in the last six months. That means, after a failed attempt at the Means Test, you can apply again after six months. However, if you do not intend to apply for the Means Test again in the future, you will be restricted to chapter 13 and will have to pay off your debt based on the chapter 13 provision. The Bottom Line Is it really hard to apply for a loan after bankruptcy? Well, you can say more than hard; it is more complex. You first need to qualify the Means Test, and then only you can apply for chapter 7. It is better to have an attorney while you are managing legal documentation. Read Also: 8 Simple Tips To Pay Off Your Loans Faster 5 Must-Have Long-Term Goals for A Secure Future What are the types of debt that can be discharged in bankruptcy? Using Short-Term Loans to Help Rebuild Your Credit Score

READ MOREDetails
Cashless Car Insurance Policy

A Detailed Guide to Cashless Car Insurance Policy

As a responsible car owner, you must take the utmost care to ensure that you follow all traffic and safety rules. Wearing a seat belt, obeying the traffic laws, maintaining adequate distance between two vehicles, and driving within the speed limit are some of the safety measures. However, even if you follow all rules, there is always a fear of accidents because of numerous vehicles, reckless drivers, and other third-party issues. An accident can cause significant damage to your vehicle, which may result in huge financial expenses. Hence, in such contingencies, an insurance policy for cars can provide much-needed financial aid.  Moreover, it is mandatory to have car insurance in India.  If you drive your car without an active car insurance policy, you will be charged a penalty or even imprisoned in certain cases. Car insurance covers medical expenses, property damage, and even third parties. Compulsory third-party insurance covers the owner or driver of the vehicle against claims for personal injuries caused to other people in a road accident. Car owners can obtain a CTP green slip quote from a reputable insurance provider nearby or online in areas where this insurance is mandatory. There are different kinds of insurance products available in the market. One of the most popular insurance policies is a cashless car insurance plan. A cashless policy can save you from spending hard cash while extending the requisite financial coverage. Below is a detailed guide to cashless car insurance: What is a cashless car insurance policy?  A cashless policy allows you to get your car repaired without making any cash payment. The expense of repairs is borne by the cashless car insurance policy, unlike a general insurance plan where you are liable to pay for expenses and then file for reimbursement. A cashless car insurance plan will include a network of garages where you can get your car fixed without paying any money. This is also inclusive of online 3rd party car insurance. What does the cashless car insurance policy cover?  A cashless insurance cover allows you to get your car refurbished without paying any money. The payment is directly settled by the insurer and is included as a part of your insurance contract. However, the policy excludes deductibles and depreciation, which are explained below. Deductibles: It is the amount that you have to pay while raising a claim. For instance, if you are filing a claim of 20,000 and the deductible is Rs. 2,000. Then, the insurer shall make the payment of Rs. 8,000 subject to other terms and conditions. There are two types of deductibles, compulsory and voluntary. Both are decided at the time of buying the policy. A compulsory deductible is mandatory, and you are required to pay your component of the final amount at the time of claim. Whereas, a voluntary deductible is what you agree to pay, in addition to the compulsory deductible. Depreciation: The value of an asset decreases over time due to the use, wear, and tear or obsolesce. Depreciation is the reduction in the value of the car or any of its parts. The insurer deducts the value of depreciation before releasing the payment. Depreciation is calculated according to the life of the asset at the rates listed by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). What is an authorized garage? An authorized garage forms a part of a network of workshops that have entered into an agreement with the insurance company. Workshops meeting predetermined selection criteria get added to the list of the authorized workshops. They offer cashless repair services for insurance policyholders. The repairs are undertaken by trained mechanics who maintain transparency in the pricing. Moreover, the workshop issues the initial estimate of repair expenses, which is reasonably accurate. What are the benefits of a cashless policy?  The key advantage of a cashless policy is that the insurance company settles the cost of damages directly with the authorized garage. You need not incur expenses before raising the claim. Hence, there is no financial stress to arrange funds for repair. A good insurance company will have a large network of authorized garages across the country, which further makes the cashless claim process smoother. How to buy a cashless car insurance policy? You can purchase a cashless plan by visiting the nearest branch office of your chosen insurance company. The documentation process is simple and quick, but you would need to go to the branch in-person. Alternatively, you can buy insurance online. Online car insurance India brings in more transparency and convenience in the entire process. Moreover, in the current pandemic situation, the IRDA has abolished the need for submitting the documents or application form in hard copies. The insurer can share the policy document on your registered e-mail ID or mobile number, which shall be treated as a valid physical document. Overall, given the number of rising accidents today, a comprehensive car insurance policy has become more of a necessity than a choice. If you fear the cumbersome claim process and want an easy way out, buy cashless car insurance online at the convenience of your home. The policy protects your vehicle and also assures your hassle-free settlement at all times. Read Also: 10 Reasons to Purchase a Used Car Get Fast Access to Car Title Loan during Bad Times Why You Need Classic Car Insurance? Get Cheap Car Insurance For Young Drivers

READ MOREDetails
Online Store Sales

Getting Help from an E-Commerce Expert to Boost Your Online Store Sales

Every new online store comes with subpar sales, at least in the beginning. While this may make you want to give up, remember that there's still a chance for you to generate more sales and earn more money. All you need to do is seek the help of an e-commerce expert like Matthew Lepre. With his years of industry experience as seen in tons of Matthew Lepre reviews, he can help you perform the following tips that can help boost your sales: Be Visual A picture paints a thousand words. This is especially true when it comes to online selling. Since the client cannot see or touch the product for himself, he needs to have a good visual reference. You can provide this through captivating photos. While you may not be a photography expert, you can still come up with pro-grade images. First, use a good backdrop – a plain white one would do. Next, mind the lighting when you take a picture. For this, you can use softbox lighting. There are several more things to consider, so make sure to refer to these photography tips for beginners. Enhance Communication E-commerce experts believe in good communication, something you can promote with a live chat feature. This can be a chat screen that automatically pops up on your site. You also have the option for a more subtle clickable button. So, what makes live chat good for the business? For one, it addresses the issue of urgency. Some of your clients may have concerns regarding specific products. With live chat, you can answer them right away, and this swiftness might be the push they need for the purchase. With 77% of customers refusing to buy from a store with no live chat features, it's essential to have this feature installed right away. Ease the Checkout Process Clients go online shopping because of the fuss-free experience. As such, you stand to lose several customers when you complicate the buying process. A lot depends on the UI, UX, and hosting when it comes to easing and accelerating the speed of checking out. Using a Magento Hosting helps in improving the speed of the experience and allows the final payments to be made in a fraction of seconds. This helps in improving the overall user experience. Because of this, e-commerce experts recommend easing the checkout process. This can be done by offering a guest checkout option. That way, eager buyers don't have to fill out several forms to complete their purchase. Simplifying the process should not be limited to guests, though, as you need to deliver the same service to your existing subscribers. One way to hasten the checkout process is to reduce unnecessary form fields. You can do this by having a tick box that allows the program to use the shipping address for the billing address. Adding a progress bar is a worthwhile consideration as well. With this, the clients are informed of all the steps they have to take to finish the purchase. Improve Client Trust Trust is the foundation of relationships – whether personal or business. This is why gaining your clients' trust is vital if you want to continue transacting with them. Fortunately for you, an e-commerce expert can help you promote trust through every part of the funnel. The best way to do so is through social proof, that is, adding customer reviews to your product pages. Apart from the product description, the review is another aspect where clients base their decisions. If the product comes with many rave reviews, the buyer will be more convinced to click the checkout button. It's also important to show your badge of honor for payment security. Remember, identity theft is not an issue to be taken lightly. It affects approximately 14 million individuals or 1 out of 15 people. With the many payment badges available, it's best to use those that generate the most trust. So far, the most popular seals include: PayPal Verisign McAfee Truste Better Business Bureau Apart from showing these badges, putting in client testimonials will help boost sales, too. Like reviews, this can help assure your clients that they're making a safe purchase decision. If many others have bought from you securely, why shouldn't they? Utilize Email Marketing Many people believe that email marketing is dead, but e-commerce experts are quick to point out how mistaken they are. You get to earn as much as $42 in ROI for every $1 you spend on email marketing. You can capitalize on email marketing in several ways. If you don't have a list yet, you need to do a promotional bit to collect email addresses. For example, you can give discounts or a free shipping coupon in exchange for newsletter signup. Now that you have a couple of emails under your belt, you can use them to boost your sales. One technique that e-commerce experts recommend is cross-selling. This is where you promote products that are related to or complementary to the client's purchased items. Another way to boost sales is to send promotional deals during hot dates, like Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Make sure to appeal to the client's fear of missing out by offering limited-time offers such as one-day sales or flash sales. Launch Paid Ads The term 'paid' may make you queasy, mostly if you have already spent a great deal establishing your online store. That said, this should make you consider paid ads even more. Despite its name, paid ads are cost-effective ways of generating sales. And you don't have to necessarily spend a lot to get started. You can test the waters for as low as $50. An e-commerce expert can also help you gain a clear understanding of your target audience. This will help you hone in on the group that's more likely to buy your products. That way, you gain the best value for your money. An e-commerce expert can also help you run multiple campaigns with different ad variations. According to Matthew Lepre reviews, this is important because social media channels help generate the most leads. More importantly, an expert can also help you monitor and interpret the metrics that come with the ads. That way, you get to focus on the campaigns that bring the most revenue. Optimize Your Website To grow your sales, it’s essential to optimize your website’s loading speed and uptime. If your website doesn’t load quickly there’s a high chance that the visitors may bounce away without even checking your products or services.  Your expert may recommend using reliable Magento hosting solutions that can help boost the loading speed of your e-commerce website. Additionally, the web hosting provider also determines the uptime of your website. The expert will help you find a host who has minimal downtime to ensure that your website remains online all the time. E-commerce experts can help you boost your sales. With the many benefits they can bring to your business, it's high time that you contacted one today. Read Also: CRM and ERP Combination for Business Solutions 5 affordable e-commerce shopping carts for small business The Right B2B E-Commerce Platforms to Sell Your Used Machinery

READ MOREDetails
Reputation Management

The Online Reputation Management Mystery Revealed

Reputation management refers to the controlling and influencing or "managing" of a person's or group's online reputation. There are several different types of reputation management but one in particular that you need to be aware of is called "Bait and Switch." Online reputation management is basically a system that can help control the amount of information that can be found out about an individual or company. A good example of this would be if you were shopping on a website for some new shoes, and you were told that the shoes that you have chosen do not fit you. By the time you return to that site, you might have already had to deal with some of the negative reviews that they were trying to hide by hiding those bad reviews on other sites where more people are looking for them. In reputation management, you would find that these negative reviews were posted on many websites that have some sort of reputation management system on them. The reason that you would find negative reviews on a website is that the site that you are on is trying to manipulate you into buying their product. The problem is, the more often that you are manipulated into buying from that site, the more you are being controlled by them. What do we mean by Reputation Management? According to RepGuardian, a leading reputation management software, online reputation is one of the foundations for a successful digital presence. It involves a brand’s mentions, comments, and presence in different parts of the web, from social media to common blogs. First of all, reputation management is a very simple concept that you will need to be able to understand. When you go on a website and try to buy something from them, the first thing that you are going to be asked to do is to fill out a survey about yourself. After that, you will be asked to fill out another survey that tells them what type of website you want to advertise your business on, as well as the products that you are selling. Then they will place your information on their own website where anyone can see it. After that, they are going to tell you that you have page rank and you should place an ad on one of their other sites that says that contains another link to their site. They will then ask you to place an ad on their site as well, and if you get a great response, then you will get paid a commission for your advertising work. Why Reputation Management is Important for your Brand? Reputation Management is very important for any company to keep its brand image afloat online. The reputation of a company is very important not just for its immediate profit but also for long-term survival. It helps in establishing credibility by ensuring that prospective customers find your products and services even when they are looking for them online and on the web. One of the main reasons why companies have an online presence is because it allows them to reach out to potential customers who might not necessarily know about their products and services but can help in spreading awareness and trust among them. A company's reputation depends on how people perceive it and this goes a long way in driving sales. The main benefit of online reputation management is its ability to reduce costs and generate more traffic on the site. This is due to the fact that there is no need to spend money on advertising as people searching for the product will be able to find it. What are the Three Key Benefits to Reputation Management? First is the cost advantage since there is no need for print media and there are no ads to pay for. In addition, the use of social media and internet marketing allows one to make a bigger impact online as opposed to other traditional methods. Second, the benefits of online reputation management include the fact that it allows you to create a positive image for your products and services that could help you in generating sales and revenue. Finally, the benefits of reputation management include the fact that it allows you to improve your own brand and it is one of the best ways to gain more exposure on the internet. By being well known to your potential clients and visitors online, you are making yourself more accessible and thereby increasing your credibility. The best part is that it is easy and affordable. How to Deal with Dark Competitor Sabotage  In the realm of online feedback in your reputation management, not all reviews are honest reviews.  Yes unfortunately!  Some competitors are known to throw mud at you through fake bad reviews or fake news to damage your brand’s credibility.   But fear not; there is a way to overcome these obstacles.   Here’s how you can identify and deal with competitor sabotage through your online reputation management strategy.  How to Tell if a competitor is Sabotaging Your Business?  The first step is to know you have a fake review. A review that is too negative, sounds like others or repetitive are the most common form of fake reviews.   If multiple reviews point out the same issue almost word for word, it’s likely a campaign against you or your product. You should also watch for spikes in feedback as well.   If all your reviews are positive until recently and then suddenly turn dramatically bad, it could also be a competitor. A sign of a bitter competitor who is trying to push you away!  To determine if a review is fake, do the following  Monitor Review Patterns: If you notice an unusual pattern, such as multiple negative reviews around the same time, there may be a fake reviewer in your mix.  Check Reviewer Profiles: Fake reviewers will either have no history of reviewing or will only review other competitors in your industry.  Use Reputation Management Tools: There are tools out there, such as Google Alerts or RepGuardian. This can help you spot harmful reviews when they’re published so that you can respond to them in a timely manner.  How to Respond to Fake Reviews  If you spot a potential attack, stay calm and respond professionally. Don’t fly off the handle, even if it’s a ridiculous review.   Trust me, someone with a brain will know it is a fake review! In fact, your professional response will only strengthen your stance.   Reply to the review with a factual and polite response. Explain that this isn't representative of your company and ask the reviewer to get in touch with you so that you can discuss it further.  However, sometimes, you cannot be all peace-loving through your approach!  Flag the Review: On platforms like Google and Yelp, you can flag reviews for reputation violations. Although there's no guarantee of getting it removed, it definitely helps in my experience.  Contact the Review Platform: If a review is clearly fake or malicious, you can contact the support team of whatever platform the review is on. Ensure to send them evidence and ask for removal.  Finally - Recovering from a Sabotage Attack  When you face fake reviews, it’s important to get things back on track. Ask happy customers if they will leave some positive feedback.  This will lessen the impact of any negative reviews and help demonstrate to potential customers that you are a legitimate business.  Ask for Reviews: If you want to combat that, ask for reviews that are from loyal customers. Don’t be afraid to ask your satisfied customers to share their experiences online.  Boost Your Content: Another way to combat this is to create useful and engaging content that will help push negative reviews down in search results.  By being aware and strategic in your response, you can safeguard your brand against any harmful attempts by competitors. Always remember that people can try all their malicious methods; your reputation is totally within your control.  Read Also: 7 Growth Hacking Ideas that will Boost your Startup A Brief Introduction to Data Quality Management Systems What is The Procurement Management Process? 5 Most Common Digital PR Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

READ MOREDetails
Essential Reasons for Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online

Essential Reasons for Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online

Are you searching for the best car insurance for your vehicle? Do you wish to save money on your car insurance premium? It would be in your best interest to look forward to comparing different car insurance quotes offered by different companies in the region. However, it would be pertinent to look for the best platform to compare different car insurance quotes online. Rest assured that searching for the best car insurance quotes could be a daunting task for most people. It implies that you have to research a lot and request quotes from insurers to find a suitable car insurance coverage meeting your specific needs and budget. The online car insurance rate comparison sites would be a boon for you. They would offer you the best price for all kinds of car insurance quotes offered by different insurers in your region. A good option to get the best quote would be by exploring www.illinoisautoinsurance.com. They would cater to your specific needs at an affordable price. Let us delve into a few essential reasons for using car insurance comparison websites. Reason #1: Comparing several insurers You would be able to compare several insurers simultaneously. It would be something deemed highly time-consuming when you inquire quotes from different insurers separately. Therefore, it would be ideal to compare different companies and their quotes simultaneously on a single platform. Reason #2: Saving time You would be required to save plenty of time using a comparison website. You would need to fill a short online form and the site would compare the different quotes online. They would offer you the best results suitable for your need in minutes. Reason #3: Saving money A comparison of different insurers on a single platform would save your money. You would get the lowest price for your car insurance needs. However, it may be difficult with a few insurers you come across online. However, with the comparison website at your behest, you would be able to compare various quotes from nearly all insurers in your region. Reason #4: Free to use Online comparison websites are free to use. You do not have to pay them anything for comparing different quotes on car insurance. You would not be charged for making a comparison. Reason #5: No obligation to purchase insurance You would not be under any obligation to take out any insurance from the insurer from the comparison site. However, a majority of people would take out insurance, if they get a quote they agree to, due to its low cost. Therefore, if you find a quote that you like, you could purchase the insurance. With the aforementioned reasons to use car insurance comparison websites, you would be keen to try one. It would be important for you to go online, provide the required details, and compare the different quotes offered by different insurance companies online. If you were looking for low-cost insurance for your car, comparing different quotes online would help you save time and money in the best possible way. Read Also: Why You Need Classic Car Insurance? Tips For Reducing Car Insurance Costs Car Insurance For Electric Vehicles Explained Get Cheap Car Insurance For Young Drivers

READ MOREDetails
Business Visa

How to Get a Business Visa to Singapore: Insights for Foreigners

Singapore is a business-oriented country with a lot to offer to both local and foreign entrepreneurs. Young entrepreneurs and experienced investors who are looking for an avenue to expand their businesses can start a venture here. The main reasons that make businesses thrive here include a stable political environment, friendly taxation policy, supportive investors, and availability of a ready market among others. If you are a foreigner who is looking for an opportunity to obtain a business visa that is valid in Singapore, there are many avenues to get one. Here, we will advise you on how to go about it in the best way. One important thing to note is that each has its requirements, and you must fulfill them to successfully get a visa. Apply for an EntrePass Any foreign entrepreneur with an interest in starting a business in Singapore should apply for this visa category. The main qualifications include a viable business idea (even without capital) and proven business skills. The Singapore government nurtures young entrepreneurs who are likely to contribute a lot to the progress of the country. Therefore, they can introduce such entrepreneurs to various investor programs and government funding and grants. If you have the right qualifications, applying for an entrepass will be straightforward and easy especially if you have an immigration agent to walk you through the process. In this case, you can check the Visa Express website for more information on how to go about this. Applying for an Employment Pass Also known as an EP, this is a visa that allows foreigners to come and work in Singapore in different positions depending on their skills. The visa is renewable after two years. According to studies, many foreigners who have been employed in the Lion City find it easy to switch lanes and start a business of their choice. The good thing is that applying for another visa during the renewal of a previous one is easy. But it still requires the help of an agent to ensure that you meet all the qualifications before you start. Obtaining a Permanent Residency Visa If you want to get a PR in Singapore, you must invest in the country either directly or indirectly. However, holders of an EntrePass or EP who have stayed in the island state for long enough might qualify for PR. The good thing about a PR is that you can start any business that suits you and move in and out of the country without any restrictions. Actually, you get to enjoy numerous benefits just like the citizens. When you invest directly in the country, you are given the PR visa instantly. This could be a big business with significant capital. Alternatively, you can inject your money into any business in the country and earn indirectly. Final Word As you can see, there are many ways of getting a Singaporean business visa and becoming a big success within no time. No wonder, many foreigners are choosing this destination to either start a new business or expand one through a branch company. Read Also: Five Tips for a Successful Business Road Trip Doing business in the UAE: pros and cons Follow These 5 Tips To Avoid Mistakes In Immigration Application

READ MOREDetails
AC Vs DC

Solar Battery System Types – AC Vs DC-coupled

Before you choose the right solar battery, you first need to learn what AC and DC coupling means. Your solar battery storage system determines how effective your solar air conditioning will be. There are two main ways to connect your power sources when you add battery storage to your solar energy system. AC and DC are the two main types of voltages used to conduct electricity. Let’s find out what differentiates these two battery systems. What is the Difference Between AC and DC Power? AC stands for Alternating Current, and it means electric power first flows in one direction and then the other. This is the type of electric current on the main grid, and it’s suitable for your solar air-con. DC power, on the other hand, stands for Direct current, and it means electricity flows in one direction only. This is the electric power that your solar panels generate from sunlight. The energy stored in your home’s solar battery is usually DC power. Since your solar panels generate DC power and your solar air conditioning and other home appliances need AC power, you need a solar inverter to convert this energy to AC electricity. There are three main types of solar inverters in the market; Traditional Inverters This first type of inverter is also known as the central inverter because it draws power from your solar panels. If you have a solar air conditioner at home, you’ll need this kind of converter to keep it running. It is usually a box that’s installed next to your home’s breaker box. It functions by combining all DC energy from your solar panels and converting it to DC power so that you can use your solar air conditioner Malaysia. Micro-Inverters The second type of inverter is an in-built component on individual solar panels. They are small inverters found on the backside of your panels. They allow your panels to individually and independently convert the harnessed DC power to AC energy. DC-Optimizers Lastly, we have the DC-optimizers that are devices that also go at the back of individual solar panels. Unlike Micro-inverters, they don’t convert DC to AC. Instead, they optimize conditions to ensure your home’s central inverter has an easy time converting DC to AC power. These converters work in a hybrid solar energy system that includes a traditional central inverter and in-built solar panel inverters. Is a Battery DC or AC? Batteries, like solar panels, store and produce DC power. Since your home’s electricity is AC, it means batteries in devices have converters that turn the AC power to DC energy. DC batteries use the same solar inverters that your home uses to convert the stored DC energy to AC power. AC batteries, on the other hand, have an in-built inverter that directly does the conversion. AC Vs DC -Storage Architecture Comparing the strengths and weaknesses of these two battery storage systems helps you choose what is best for your home. DC-Coupled Systems The DC-coupled system is designed to connect directly to the main grid the same way as your solar panels. In which case, a hybrid inverter is required to create a synergy between the solar battery and the solar panels. Strengths There is less energy loss because it’s a one-way conversion. Your system makes you eligible for Net Energy Metering if your solar panels can generate excess energy. It is a simple system which translates to lower costs. It is a smart option for people who’re just beginning their solar energy journey. Weaknesses If you already have a PV system, incorporating it is complex and costly. AC-Coupled Systems The AC-coupled system operates with two solar inverters; a conventional inverter and an additional storage inverter that charges your solar battery. It might seem like a complicated system, but it is very easy to setup. However, as compared to the DC-coupled system, it’s less efficient because it has to be charged. Strengths It is way more flexible than the DC-coupled system. The inclusion of two inverters allows you to adjust the location of the battery at will. It is compatible with all kinds of solar inverters. It is a cost-effective solution for people that already have a PV system. Weaknesses The system is slightly less efficient as compared to the DC-coupled system because of the AC-DC-AC conversion. The system will have more points of failure because you’ll have one inverter in a different location. Which Is Better for your Solar and Storage Needs? If you already have a solar energy system at home, you should go with the AC-coupled system because it’s flexible and easy to set up. However, if you’re just starting your solar journey, you should go with the DC-coupled system; if you generate excess energy, you get to sell it to the main grid. Final Thoughts Understanding the difference between these two solar battery systems helps you make the right purchase. Ensure that you work with a professional who understands what is best for your home. Solar energy systems are here to stay, and you might as well jump on the bandwagon because it’s a system that pays for itself. Read Also: What You Should Know about Solar Energy for Schools Benefits The Benefits of Solar Lighting in a Nutshell Everything You Need to Know About Portable Solar Power What To Do When Your AC Unit Stops Working Ready Rooftops – How to Install Solar Panels

READ MOREDetails
Customer Experience Podcasts

Top 5 Customer Experience Podcasts

We’re seeing increased digital penetration, rising competition for the same target audiences, and consumers with extremely high expectations. Right from the first time a consumer interacts with branded content on social media to the time they become a return customer, everything depends on customer experience. Every vertical of your organization needs to build on the customer experience. From upskilling your customer to encouraging your team to listen to customer experience podcasts, businesses should be looking to learn and improve the ecosystem at every opportunity. In this article, we are looking at the top five customer experience podcasts and how they can help brands. However, before we begin, let us look at how podcasts are redefining customer experience. Customer Experience Podcasts: What are they? In the past few years, many businesses have started to realize that for customers it’s all about the experience. Numerous other competitors are offering the same product or service at the same price points. Why then should consumers choose one over the other? This is where brands need to evolve a highly productive customer experience process. A customer experience podcast (CX Podcast) is a great way to help brand personnel understand the ins and outs of creating a successful strategy. These podcasts are hosted by brands that work on customer analytics software products. You can also find a lot of CX thought leaders and experts offer podcasts to help brands and aspiring professionals. Most of the content of these podcasts revolves around insights and inspirations to chart the perfect customer journeys. In the following section, we spoke to industry leaders and multiple brands and created a list of the top 5 customer experience podcasts in the industry. List of 5 Best Customer Experience Podcasts 1. SentiSum's Podcast SentiSum’s Podcast finds leaders in e-commerce, customer experience, and customer service and gets them to tell their stories. With an aim to unearth radically different ideas and to drive forward the customer experience space, the SentiSum podcast is a must-listen for CX leaders. SentiSum has been able to get together some of the brightest minds in the industry including Augie Ray from Gartner and Sean Mckee from Schuh. Their insights into how businesses need to be informed and take the appropriate decisions and steps are inspiring to say the least. 2. The Active Campaign Podcast As you might know, Active Campaign is a leader in email marketing and sales automation among other things. Active Campaign’s podcasts offer real-time customer stories of their successful campaigns. While some insights are great, others look to push the brand name forcibly into the discourse. This tends to take away all the attention from learning and knowing about customer experience, to simply be just another promotion tool. 3. C-Space Podcast C-Space CEO, Charles Trevail is one of the leading names in the CX podcast world. The success of the podcast is primarily due to the fact that it concentrates squarely on the consumer. The podcast talks about how consumers think about brands. This kind of reverse engineering of sorts helps brands understand consumers better. Routine interactions with business leaders, intelligentsia, and marketing studies create decent episodes. 4. (A) Podcast Series One of the best things about (A) podcasts is its emphasis on new technology. The episodes on the podcast are routinely intertwined with new tech like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, etc. The podcasts also show the influence of these in business areas like Chatbots, Content Marketing strategies, CRM, etc. While all this information is great to have, it can sometimes drift away from offering solutions to CX issues and problems. 5. Roger Dooley’s Brainfluence Podcast Roger Dooley is a persuasion expert, who deals in complex neuroscience, brain-behavior, and psychology. This helps brands to understand CX from a biological and psychological standpoint. Roger Dooley frequently invites industry thought leaders and intertwines great discussions blending software, innovation, automation with human behavioral analysis. The podcasts are insightful, inspiring, and can help you understand human behavior. The Final Word There is a reason why brands like Coca-Cola, Nike, Apple, and others focus and invest billions of dollars in enriching customer experiences. They understand that giving the right experience to a customer can help in creating lifelong repeat ones. This does not only help in contributing to repeat purchases (sales) but also puts out a great word about the brand. If you are a business looking to engage with CX on a greater level, you can start asking your team members to listen to the above-mentioned five podcasts. Read Also: 5 Most Common Digital PR Mistakes And How To Avoid Them The 7 Steps to Create a Storybrand to Ensure Marketing that Works How Customer Success Can Help Grow Your Business Tips on How to Create Repeat Customers 7 Ways To Communicate With Customers In A Better Way!

READ MOREDetails
Data Center Relocation

Questions to Ask Before a Data Center Relocation

Since many businesses are adopting developments in technology, we’ve seen a spike in the number of companies and organizations that need IT relocation services. Embracing technological innovations and streamlining IT infrastructure go hand-in-hand because you cannot facilitate a proper IT upgrade without the appropriate hardware. Even if you’re not incorporating major technological changes at the moment; your IT environment’s operational lifespan is one that keeps evolving. You’re bound to need a data center migration at some point. How do you get your data from point A to point B without losing, or interfering with anything? This is the question that it all boils down to. You need an IT organization that has the technical know-how to not only secure your data but also help you increase operational efficiency. Embracing new technologies is supposed to make your business more competitive and highly available. What are the Challenges you’re Likely to Face? Since this is a huge undertaking, you should be aware of all the challenges you will encounter. These hurdles will pose a difficulty if you don’t carefully plan for this transition. Moving Workloads Different workloads require different deployment procedures. Some workloads will be best handled with a hybrid IT approach, some work best in the cloud, while others should only be on-premise moves. Migrating Applications You need to have a clear understanding of the applications you’re moving to. This will help you know which applications depend on others and how to ensure this is not interfered with. You need a catalog of all applications and the risks involved in relocating them. Migrating Data and Machines Don’t forget to monitor, support, and manage all your data during the relocation. You will need reliable IT Relocation Services to ensure everything is in order before, during, and after the move. What are the Best Practices for Data Center Relocation? The next question to ask yourself is the best practices you should use for successful data center relocation. This is an overwhelming project, so it’s best to use a tried and tested procedure. Regardless of the reason behind your data move, the right strategy and proper implementation will ensure you reduce your downtime as much as possible. IT teams come in handy because they know what they’re dealing with and how each application should be handled. For a smooth migration, each step should be geared towards avoiding possible hurdles and proceeding with caution. Here is a four-point checklist to help you ensure nothing goes a miss; Identify migration scope What will you be moving to? This is a crucial starting point because it identifies what is in your current IT environment. Before you begin the move, ensure you have an updated checklist of everything that needs to be moved. This will give you an easy time tracking items throughout the relocation process. Assess platform stability How old is your equipment? Is it likely to malfunction in transport? The health and stability of your platform determine the best way to transport the equipment. Define criticality of data Make sure you’re aware of all the data assets in your possession. The last thing you want to happen is to misplace pieces of data during the move. Know your network An in-depth understanding of your network will save you from confusion on the D-day. Even if you want to seek IT relocation services, you must first map out your network. How can you speed up the entire process? Understand that there will be downtime to be caused by migration Before you start the relocation process, understand that your business will suffer significant downtime. Have an accurate estimation of downtime and find ways to minimize it as much as possible. The method you choose for the migration should allow you to set up the new data center in the shortest time possible, without interfering with anything. Establish how best to Accomplish your Move Once you know how much downtime to expect, the next step is to formulate a relocation methodology. Will you adopt a forklift process where one item will be moved at a time, or do you prefer swing migration that requires utmost uptime? The volumes of data you have and the platforms they’re on will be huge determining factors here. Consider a partner Lastly, consider hiring an IT relocation partner to help you with the move. If your company doesn’t have an adequate internal resource for the relocation, this is the best option. Executing a successful data center relocation needs professional expertise you can get when you hire IT relocation services. Choosing a third-party relocation partner takes the pressure off you and your team. The process will be much easier when you’re getting help from experts. Conclusion As an enterprise that needs IT asset relocation, you need to hire specialists with the right strategy to mitigate all risks involved. The consolidation of data centers is a sensitive undertaking that can easily go wrong. A professional will know how to prevent any disruptions before they even happen. Before you start the migration, ensure you understand your network and every application therein to avoid confusion during the relocation.  Read Also: Six Steps to a Successful Office Move Important Things to Transport during a Relocation Factors To Consider While Preparing For A Move 7 Helpful Tips During an Emergency Moving Process

READ MOREDetails
Company registration

Why Registering a Company Online Now Becomes Easier

Are you looking for business opportunities in Singapore? This is an excellent choice because Singapore ranks 2nd in the world, in the ease of doing business. Singapore is also one of the most advanced financial centers in the world, acting as a headquarters for thousands of global brands. The ease of doing business starts right at the beginning stage of registration.  Foreigners can easily register a company in Singapore, as well as get an employment pass. Singapore has outdone other competitors in Asia with entirely paperless business registration. Company registration is done in 1.5 days if the documentation for registration is right. Benefits of Online Registration Register from anywhere in the world You don’t have to come to Singapore to register a company. You can submit all the documentation online. Better yet, you can use a company incorporation Singapore service to register your company.  This service is offered by a team of professionals who are conversant with the documentation and procedures required to register a company. Affordable Paperless registration translates into lower costs for registration. Paid-up capital is only SGD 1.00 which is very friendly for small businesses. Fast Online processing has allowed cutting short the duration needed for company registration to 1.5 days.  You can start your business operations within a week after landing in Singapore. Who Can Register a Company in Singapore? Both Singaporean nationals and foreigners are allowed to register private limited companies in Singapore.  Shareholders can be individuals or companies. Singapore is one of the few countries that allow 100% foreign shareholding.  However, bankrupt people and those with criminal backgrounds are not allowed to operate businesses in Singapore. A foreigner who wants to register a company in Singapore should; Have at least one director who is a Singapore resident. This could be a Singapore citizen, or a person holding a permanent resident visa, or someone holding an employment pass. Hire a filing service for company registration. This is a team of professionals, usually lawyers, accountants, or company secretaries. They are familiar with the documentation and procedures needed to register a company correctly and in a short time. What Are the Procedures in Company Registration? Step 1 – Name Approval Companies in Singapore are registered by the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). You should submit at least 3 names for approval.  Guidelines for company names include; No vulgar or offensive wording The name should not already be in use by another entity or be part of another company’s trademark. If the name includes words like bank, media, finance, or educational it shall require further approvals by the bodies regulating these sectors. ACRA reserves the approved name for 60 days, with a further 60 days extension. Step 2 – Document Preparation The required documentation for a private limited company registration includes; The name approved by ACRA Description of a maximum of 2 intended business activities in Singapore The registered office address Singapore or the physical address of the company offices. Consultants can operate from a residential address but must show landlord consent. Particulars of shareholders. Foreign shareholders are required to supply a copy of their passport and proof of residence in their country. Company shareholders must submit a copy of their Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association. Particulars of the Ultimate Beneficial Owners. These are shareholders with more than 25% ownership in any level of shareholding Particulars of directors Particulars of a data protection officer to comply with the requirements of the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA) Particulars of the company secretary. This role should be appointed within 6 months of registration. The company secretary can be a filing agent. This is often offered as part of the package in business registration services. Paid-up capital. The initial paid-up capital is SGD 1. This can be increased after registration KYC documentation Singapore has strict anti-money laundering laws, which require Know-Your-Customer guidelines to be followed when registering a company.  Individuals must show proof of nationality, proof of residence, and describe their professional or entrepreneurial background.  Corporate shareholders must show a Certificate of Incumbency if they are offshore companies registered in places like the Caymans. Step-3 Submitting the Documents ACRA maintains an online portal on which the documentation is submitted for registration. The Certificate of Incorporation is generated electronically within 1.5 days.  But company registration can take as long as 2 months if further approvals are needed from industry regulators. Why Use a Business Registration Service? Get a full corporate kit – You get a package that helps you start operating as soon as possible. This includes the Certificate of Incorporation, Company stamp, Memorandum and articles of Association, and the minutes of the first board meeting. Help in the processing of an employment visa if you want to relocate to Singapore Help in opening a corporate bank account Singapore is one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world. You get world-class financial services, good infrastructure, and a stable business environment. If you are looking for investment opportunities, work with a business registration service for quick company registration. Read Also: How to Register Your Company in China Fast

READ MOREDetails
Digital Marketing Agency

5 Questions To Ask Your Digital Marketing Agency Before You Start Working

In the past few years, brands, regardless of their shape and size have started understanding digital marketing. This means that convincing a majority of them about the advantages of digital marketing has ceased to exist in most situations. You need to do thorough research when choosing a digital marketing agency that you need to partner with. If you are starting from scratch, you need to go via Digitech Web Design, a leading agency that can help you with everything from designing your business website to taking care of your SEO strategies and plans. In 2020, brands are faced with a new challenge- which agency to partner with! Digital Marketing agencies are propping up left, right, and center. While everyone claims to be the best at what they do, it is for brands to be sure of their abilities. In this article, we are going to help brands get on board the best digital marketing agencies as partners. However, before we get to the questions, brands should ask agencies, let us first look at some of the challenges of the same. Challenges to Hiring the Best Digital Marketing Agency for your Brand Every business is unique. It has its own sets of challenges. In terms of priority, some businesses want to concentrate on one aspect, while others look to do something else. It is important that your internet marketing agency understands your needs and requirements as a business. Many brands feel that every digital or internet marketing agency offers the same. However, that is not the case. If you want to work with a complete 360-degree agency, you will have to shell out a premium. Therefore, it is essential to work with a skill set, which you feel would be most helpful for you at a specific time. A creative agency will tell you that it is all about branding, logo, design, and language. An agency geared towards social media would want to focus on just that one aspect. You need to team, which amplifies your complete digital performance at all levels. List of 5 Questions to ask your Digital Marketing Agency before you start 1. What is their area of Expertise? It is essential that you honestly ask them about what their area of specialization at the very start is. Like we already mentioned, while some have a great social team, others might boast of a brilliant SEO team. Depending on what you want to proceed with for the next year, you need to ask them about their different verticals in the organization. 2. What are Budget and Fees? At the end of the day, money matters. If you are looking for a highly-skilled, specialized agency, you need to shell out a good amount as retainer every month. However, if your agency helps you increase your sales and revenues multiple times, you will not feel the pinch. Try starting with a smaller agency to understand those basics and then proceed with the bigger ones. 3. What are their Credentials and Past Work Records? Many brands feel secure when they see that an agency has handled clients in the past from their niche. While this is a great starting point, you should not let your options be limited by just this fact. If they have worked with a business of a similar nature in the past, then they are aware of all the challenges, strategies, and processes, which will be required in the case of your business. 4. What are their Marketing Inputs about your Brand? Most agencies will ask you about your pressure or pain points and then proceed to offer solutions accordingly. You can use this to ask them about larger marketing and sales goals. This will help show you how much they are aligned with your brand. It will also demonstrate whether they understand your issues and are willing to address the same with their skills. 5. What is the Timeframe for seeing Results? You are only working with an internet marketing agency because you want to start seeing results. There is always an expectation involved. Do not fear or feel embarrassed in communicating the same with the prospective agency. This will allow them to assess their performances and see whether they have the capability to fulfill your expectations. The Final Word It is essential that you proceed with these five questions before signing on an internet marketing agency. This will allow you to structure your expectations accordingly. A good digital agency can be a great asset to a brand. However, on the flip side, if you do not get the best agency, you will end up losing money. Read Also: 5 Most Common Digital PR Mistakes And How To Avoid Them How to Empower Your Small Business through Digital Marketing? Why Should You Hire a B2B Digital Marketing Consultant?

READ MOREDetails