Virtually every computer user has been frustrated by trying to edit a PDF, only to discover that it is a non-editable file. While any number of solutions exist to extract the information from a PDF and convert it to an editable format, Microsoft highlights the issues with that approach.

While some mechanisms exists for converting some non-editable documents to editable documents (e.g., converting PDFs to Word documents), the current mechanisms do not take into account and accurately convert elements such as fonts, color schemes, and layouts. As such, there are no existing mechanisms that are able to automatically replicate text style, color scheme, objects and the like from a non-editable document to an editable document. Thus, there exists a technical problem of lack of mechanisms for automatically detecting features of a non-editable document to enable automatic conversion of a non-editable document to an editable document.

Microsoft plans to use AI and machine learning (ML) to analyze a document and convert it to an editable one, all while preserving the original layout, fonts, and colors.

A system and method and for generating an editable document from a non-editable document includes automatically identifying a layout for a plurality of objects in the non-editable document, where the layout includes bounding boxes of one or more of the objects, and automatically identifying a font for a text object of the plurality of objects. The method and system also includes selecting a color scheme for one or more of the plurality of objects, the color scheme corresponding to one or more color values associated with the plurality of objects the non-editable document, before automatically generating the editable document in accordance with at least one of the identified layout, identified font and selected color scheme.

The full paper, describing the process in detail, can be found here.

If Microsoft is able to successfully leverage ML to accomplish the goals outlined in the paper, it could solve one of the biggest challenges with document sharing and editing that individuals and businesses alike face.

Truecaller is a popular caller ID and anti-spam service for standard calls, texts, and WhatsApp. The company’s AI assistant already leverages AI to “automatically answer phone calls for you, screen calls, take messages, respond on your behalf, or record the call for your later viewing.”

The company is expanding that capability, thanks to Microsoft Azure AI Speech’s Personal Voice. This gives Truecaller Assistant the ability to create a digital version of a person’s voice that they can use to answer phone calls, rather than relying on the pre-made digital voices that Truecaller makes available.

“By integrating Microsoft Azure AI Speech’s personal voice capability into Truecaller, we’ve taken a significant step towards delivering a truly personalized and engaging communication experience.The personal voice feature allows our users to use their own voice, enabling the digital assistant to sound just like them when handling incoming calls. This groundbreaking capability not only adds a touch of familiarity and comfort for the users but also showcases the power of AI in transforming the way we interact with our digital assistants.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Microsoft on this exciting project and leverage their expertise in text-to-speech and AI technologies. The seamless integration process and the exceptional support provided by the Microsoft team have been instrumental in bringing this feature to life” said Raphael Mimoun, Product Director & General Manager, Truecaller Israel.

The new feature will give users a way to better personalize the experience when receiving calls. This feature could be a boon for creatives and small businesses.

Quantum computing is a revolutionary leap in computing power, with ramifications across industries. One of the biggest concerns is that quantum computing will make much of the existing security and encryption protocols obsolete, making it possible to crack modern encryption in a fraction of the time as traditional computers.

Zoom is already taking steps to prepare for that future, rolling out post-quantum E2EE. The company announced the news in a post on its site.

“Since we launched end-to-end encryption for Zoom Meetings in 2020 and Zoom Phone in 2022, we have seen customers increasingly use the feature, which demonstrates how important it is for us to offer our customers a secure platform that meets their unique needs,” said Michael Adams, chief information security officer at Zoom. “With the launch of post-quantum E2EE, we are doubling down on security and providing leading-edge features for users to help protect their data. At Zoom, we continuously adapt as the security threat landscape evolves, with the goal of keeping our users protected.”

As Zoom points out, while quantum computing is not a threat yet, there is concern regarding the “harvest now, decrypt later” approach, in which traditional E2EE communications are collected and saved until quantum computing allows for their decryption.

The company outlines how its post-quantum E2EE works:

When users enable E2EE for their meetings, Zoom’s system is designed to provide only the participants with access to the encryption keys that are used to encrypt the meeting; this is the behavior for both post-quantum E2EE and standard E2EE. Because Zoom’s servers do not have the necessary decryption key, encrypted data relayed through Zoom’s servers is indecipherable. In addition, to defend against “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, Zoom’s post-quantum E2E encryption uses Kyber 768, an algorithm being standardized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as the Module Lattice-based Key Encapsulation Mechanism, or ML-KEM, in FIPS 203.

The feature must be enabled in the Zoom web portal, and requires users to join via the desktop app, mobile app, or Zoom Rooms.

Users began reporting an issue shortly before 6:00 PM ET, with Downdetector.com showing a massive spike in reports. The issue lasted for roughly 45 minutes, with Apple resolving it just have 6:30 PM.

According to the company’s System Status page, the issue has been resolved, along with issues with Apple Messages for Business, FaceTime, and HomeKit.

Apple did not provide details regarding the cause of the outage.

According to Axios, Meta has been informing customers that Workplace will largely shut down at the end of September 2025. After that date, customers will only be able to download the app and use it to access existing data, but will not be able to use its other features. The app will shut down and stop working entirely in 2026.

“We are discontinuing Workplace from Meta so we can focus on building AI and metaverse technologies that we believe will fundamentally reshape the way we work,” Meta said in an emailed statement to the outlet.

Interestingly, Zoom appears to be the biggest potential beneficiary of Meta’s decision, with the social media giant saying it will transition users to Zoom’s Workvivo.

“Over the next two years, we will provide our Workplace customers the option to transition to Zoom’s Workvivo product, Meta’s only preferred migration partner,” the statement added.

As Axios points out, Meta’s decision comes as the company is investing billions in AI, as well as the metaverse. The company is clearly trying to streamline its operations and reduce its cost to better focus on its core products.

Through GPS technology and gadgets that use it, it is now a matter of course to track an individual either by an address or by coordinates. The policymakers need to define the existing models observing challenges, issues and awareness relating to these challenges when devising the best technologies to improve human safety. Google maps gives the real-time location to other users. Viewing location history is one of the features.

Understanding How Location Sharing Works on Google Maps

It is like a button that transfers your present-time position to the selected people, so to meet up, let’s say, family members you can enable them to track you and confirm that you’re safe, or to update progress through the trip. Here’s a step-by-step guide to understanding and using this feature:

Initiating Location Sharing

To get started users need to activate location sharing within the Google Maps application. This can be accomplished by selecting the “Menu” icon and then choosing “Location sharing.” From there users can decide who they want to share their location with and, for how long.

Privacy Settings

Google Maps has features that let the user decide who can view his or her location because the user can select who should be able to access it and for how long. They can set the permission to either share their location with others, or make a location sharing time limit.

Checking Someone’s Location

Here’s how to check out someone location through Google Maps,

Using Google Maps App

Once permission is granted, checking someone’s location is a process. Just open the Google Maps app, tap on the “Menu” icon, Location sharing ” and pick the contact whose location you want to see.

Via Web Browser

Alternatively users can access location details through a web browser. By logging into their Google account and visiting Google Maps they can see where contacts who have enabled sharing are in time.

Utilizing Third Party Applications

Apart from its capabilities various third party apps offer tracking features for locating someone. However caution should be exercised when using these apps due to privacy risks they may present.

Safety and Privacy Considerations

While sharing your location can be convenient it’s crucial to think about safety and privacy concerns. Users should only share their whereabouts with trusted individuals. Regularly review their privacy settings to safeguard their information.

You should check your location sharing preferences, for privacy restrict sharing, to people you trust and refrain from disclosing details publicly.

Conclusion

Sharing location on Google Maps may serve as a convenient means of maintaining communication with someone you love and care out, ranging from plans for a collocation to assurance of your safety. Leveraging a feature which lets them know the other person’s location on Google Maps can always encourage communication on different levels, helping to reduce anxiety. To be socially responsible with this feature, it is necessary to take the steps indicated and respect the privacy boundaries of others. You must be conscious and existing frequently assessing your location access level. Location sharing is able to ensure safety and guarantee connectivity as long as appropriate safeguards are put in place.

FAQs

Q1. Is it legal to track someone’s location without their consent?

A1. Jurisdiction and context matter. Obtaining consent before tracking someone’s whereabouts usually avoids legal issues.

Q2. Can I track someone’s location if they have disabled location sharing?

A2. Google Maps cannot trace someone’s location if they have deactivated location sharing or are offline. Only users who have shared their location are traceable.

Q3. Are there any risks associated with sharing my location on Google Maps?

A3. No, Google Maps offers strong security.

Q4. Can I track someone’s location in real-time on Google Maps?

A4. Yes, you can track. Google Maps allows real-time location tracking with authorization and location sharing.

Q5. How can I ensure my location remains private on Google Maps?

A5. Review your location sharing options, limit sharing to trusted contacts, and avoid publishing important information publicly to protect privacy.

Shelly Kramer, managing director and principal analyst at theCUBE Research, recently covered Zoom’s many announcements in a video report.

Revolutionizing Communication with AI

Zoom’s announcement highlighted the central role of its AI companion in the newly dubbed Zoom Workplace, which amalgamates all Zoom tools into a unified platform. This AI companion, introduced in September 2023, is now a standard feature across Zoom services at no additional cost, reinforcing Zoom’s commitment to accessible technology.

The AI companion boasts new capabilities, such as automatic language detection and enhanced summarization tools, designed to significantly enrich the user experience. Notably, these features aim to provide concise, actionable summaries from meetings, chats, and phone calls, potentially transforming corporate and individual users’ preparation and follow-up workflows.

Interoperability and User Privacy

A key aspect of Zoom’s latest upgrade is its interoperability with external platforms. The AI companion can now integrate information from third-party services such as Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace, pulling relevant documents and data into Zoom’s interface to aid in meeting preparation and project coordination.

Zoom has also addressed potential privacy concerns by asserting that their AI models are trained without using customer data or third-party data, a move likely to appease users wary of invasive data practices.

Enhanced Features and User Adoption

The AI companion’s capabilities have been expanded to include Zoom Phone, which assists by prioritizing voicemails and extracting tasks, thereby streamlining administrative duties. Zoom reported that AI companion adoption has surged since its inception, with usage doubling from December to January following its release.

In terms of functionality, ‘Ask AI Companion’ has been introduced to automatically help users gather and organize meeting materials from various communication threads. This feature is part of Zoom’s broader strategy to reduce users’ time searching for information, thereby increasing productivity.

Strategic Acquisitions and Future Plans

The integration of acquired technologies was also on display. Zoom discussed how its purchase of Workvivo, a specialist in employee engagement software, is being leveraged to enhance the AI features within Zoom Workplace. This strategic acquisition is expected to bolster Zoom’s position as a tool for virtual meetings and a comprehensive platform that enhances all facets of workplace collaboration.

Market Reaction and Strategic Implications

Zoom’s ambitious expansion into AI-driven services comes when the demand for intelligent workflow solutions escalates. By making these advanced tools part of their standard offerings, Zoom sets a competitive benchmark in the industry.

The company’s move to enhance its AI capabilities reflects a strategic foresight to meld AI with daily business operations, making advanced technology an integral part of the user experience without additional financial burden on the customer.

Looking Ahead

As Zoom continues to innovate, integrating AI into its platform not only enhances its product offerings but also potentially sets a new standard for the industry. Zoom’s expansion into AI-driven analytics and task management tools exemplifies its commitment to maintaining its leadership in a market that is increasingly prioritizing smart, efficient communication tools.

In summary, Zoom’s announcements at Enterprise Connect 2024 underline its focus on harnessing artificial intelligence to drive the future of corporate communication and collaboration. As these tools evolve, they are set to redefine productivity standards across industries, making AI a cornerstone of business operations.

Beeper recently engaged in a very public attempt to bring iMessage to Android. Unlike other companies’ attempts, Beeper’s solution did not rely on using a Mac as a go-between. As a result, Beeper was the first solution to maintain end-to-end encryption and provide iMessage on Android in a secure and private manner. Apple immediately retaliated, repeatedly blocking Beeper until the smaller company finally gave up.

Despite the setbacks, Automattic clearly sees the messaging app’s potential to fix the mess that is current smartphone messaging, as the company makes clear in its announcement.

Messaging today is a mess. We have endless chat apps on our phones, each with different contacts and notification settings, making it all too easy to accidentally ghost family and friends.

That’s why we’re excited to announce today that Automattic has acquired Beeper, a universal messaging app that combines 14 different chat networks in one inbox. We began investing in messaging last year when we acquired Texts.com. Now, two of the most exciting teams in tech will work together to push the boundaries of messaging, giving us one app that will improve our focus and the way we communicate.

Automattic says it will be merging its own Texts with Beeper, using the Beeper brand moving forward.

Beeper has been a leader in simplifying chat apps with a focus on streamlined user experiences. As the teams go through organizational changes, Texts and Beeper will merge under the Beeper brand. But the good stuff you already loved isn’t changing! End-to-end encryption helps keep your conversations secure, and you’ll have access to well over a dozen app integrations, with even more to come.

We’ll share another update when a phased plan is in place to fully merge the Texts app with Beeper. For now, keep enjoying both apps—and know that the future of open messaging just got even brighter.

Read More: Apple’s Paranoia, Hubris, & Hypocrisy to Blame For DOJ’s Lawsuit

While Automattic’s announcement makes no mention of Apple, it’s hard to imagine that this move isn’t influenced by the DOJ’s recent antitrust lawsuit against Apple, especially since the DOJ made specific mention of Apple’s efforts to undermine cross-platform messaging.

Excluding Cross-Platform Messaging Apps. Apple has made the quality of cross-platform messaging worse, less innovative, and less secure for users so that its customers have to keep buying iPhones.

Lawmakers were quick to notice Apple’s efforts to kill Beeper, a move that hurt its own customers as much as Android users by removing a method of secure communication between the platforms, something Apple itself does not currently provide.

Automattic appears to be hedging its bets that lawmakers will force Apple to embrace cross-platform messaging. If its bets are right, the WordPress maker will be ideally positioned to become a major player in the messaging space.

Grant reporting is a crucial aspect of any organization’s operations, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with funding requirements. However, many organizations struggle with effectively communicating their impact and outcomes to stakeholders. In this guide, we present three essential steps for mastering grant reporting, enabling you to convey your achievements clearly and compellingly. If you need a grants management software, Ignyte group can prepare you the best one, click here for more information.

Step 1: Understand Reporting Requirements

Before diving into the intricacies of grant reporting, it’s essential to thoroughly understand the specific requirements outlined by the funding organization. Take the time to carefully review the grant agreement, paying close attention to reporting deadlines, formats, and metrics.

Key Considerations:

• Deadline Management: Establish a robust timeline for gathering data, drafting reports, and obtaining necessary approvals to ensure timely submission.
• Data Collection: Implement systems for collecting relevant data and evidence to support your report’s claims. This may include program statistics, financial statements, testimonials, and impact assessments.
• Metric Alignment: Align your reporting metrics with the goals and objectives outlined in the grant proposal. Clearly demonstrate how your activities have contributed to achieving desired outcomes.

Step 2: Craft Compelling Narrative

While numbers and statistics provide valuable insights, storytelling is equally important in grant reporting. Use narrative elements to contextualize your data, providing a compelling narrative that highlights your organization’s impact and the lives touched by your work.

Strategies for Effective Storytelling:

• Humanize Impact: Share stories of individuals or communities positively affected by your programs. Personal anecdotes and testimonials can add depth and authenticity to your report.
• Visual Representation: Incorporate visual elements such as photos, videos, and infographics to enhance engagement and convey complex information more effectively.
• Transparency and Authenticity: Be transparent about both successes and challenges faced during the grant period. Acknowledge any setbacks or lessons learned, demonstrating your commitment to continuous improvement.

Step 3: Foster Stakeholder Engagement

Effective grant reporting goes beyond fulfilling compliance requirements; it serves as an opportunity to engage and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, donors, board members, and the broader community.

Strategies for Stakeholder Engagement:

• Customized Communication: Tailor your reports to the specific interests and preferences of each stakeholder group. For example, funders may require detailed financial breakdowns, while donors may be more interested in stories of impact.
• Interactive Presentations: Consider hosting virtual or in-person presentations to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and interact directly with your team.
• Continuous Communication: Maintain regular communication with stakeholders beyond formal reporting periods, keeping them informed of ongoing progress, challenges, and successes.

Conclusion

Mastering grant reporting requires careful attention to detail, strategic storytelling, and proactive stakeholder engagement. By following these three steps, you can elevate your organization’s reporting practices, effectively communicate your impact, and build stronger relationships with your stakeholders.

You wouldn’t be alone. Some of history’s most prominent leaders follow their own unique formulas for success. 

If you’re looking for inspiration as you work toward your next big goal, you’ve come to the right place. Here are five tried-and-true bits of advice from entrepreneurs who know a thing or two about success.

1. Put Yourself In the Right Place at the Right Time

Recounting the memorable experience of being told his success was simply a matter of happenstance, serial entrepreneur Sky Dayton adopts a compromise position that everyone should be able to get behind. 

As he puts it, many entrepreneurs find themselves in the right place at the right time, but that’s often because they find a way to put themselves there in the first place. Another way to say this: When successful people get lucky — and they often do — it tends to be because they’ve made their own luck.

2. Be Greedy When Others Are Fearful (And the Reverse)

Famed investor Warren Buffett is famous in part for living by a simple rule: “be greedy when others are fearful and fearful when others are greedy.”

Both sides of this saying are equally true, and you can’t really have one without the other. Unfortunately, many ambitious people remember the first part and forget the second, which leads to all sorts of problems down the road. As Sky Dayton might say, luck eventually runs out unless you make more of it.

3. You’re the First to Hear What You Believe

Oprah Winfrey has enough motivational sayings to her credit to fill a high school gymnasium. To paraphrase one of her most inspiring: “Say what you believe, because you’re the first to hear it.”

Think of this as an affirmation to believe in yourself when no one else does. A dream is just a dream until you make it a reality, and that won’t happen until you convince yourself it’s possible.

4. Failure Is the Key to Success (Sort of)

Thomas Edison famously said that he never failed. He just found 10,000 ways that didn’t work.

That’s one way to put it. Edison clearly saw his glass as half-full at all times. A more realistic person would say he failed a whole bunch but never admitted defeat. But that’s basically the same thing — and certainly wise words to live by if you’re driven to do hard things.

5. Find the Solution to a Problem in Your Own Life

Here’s a final bit of practical advice: Don’t try to solve someone else’s problem. Find something that needs fixing in your own life and work to make it better, because chances are many others have the same issue.

That’s how Airbnb cofounder Brian Chesky approached his early career, and look where it got him: a place in the history books as the guy who disrupted the hotel industry.

What’s Your Secret to Success?

These five bits of wisdom aren’t the sum total of accumulated human wisdom. They’re merely maxims that have served many people well. And even those to whom they’ve shown their value don’t rely on them alone for guidance. 

One mark of success, after all, is the ability to hold two contradictory thoughts in one’s mind at the same time. (That’s another popular saying. Mark it down.)

All that’s to say that this advice is helpful, but you’d do well to look elsewhere as you continue your personal journey. Wisdom is often found in unexpected places.

With the help of services that convert audio to transcripts, gone are the days when transcripts and subtitles were just an afterthought. They are now front and center in breaking down linguistic and accessibility barriers, enabling creators and audiences to connect more deeply than ever before.

Boosting Global Understanding with Language Services

Imagine sitting in a conference where speakers are presenting in languages you barely understand. Here, transcriptions and translations become your knights in shining armor. Transcription services not only provide a textual representation of the spoken word but, in many cases, offer translations to bridge the gap between languages. 

Such services have been instrumental for businesses seeking to expand globally, facilitating clear communication and understanding despite linguistic differences. Through the use of AI, these services are now more accurate and faster, allowing for almost real-time translations that can thrust a local business onto the global stage overnight.

Transcription and subtitle services also extend a helping hand to international diplomacy and global broadcasting networks, where accuracy in communication can build bridges or inflame tensions. These tools offer a layer of precision and clarity that is essential in fostering cross-cultural relationships and promoting international cooperation. In this vein, they are not just tools for understanding but instruments for peacekeeping in the international arena.

Elevating Content Creation with Seamless Transcription Tools

For content creators, whether they are journalists, podcasters, or video producers, converting audio to transcript can unlock new audiences. Text versions of audio content not only make the material accessible to those who are deaf or hard of hearing but also enhance the content’s discoverability online through improved SEO. 

What’s more, transcripts and subtitles allow viewers to engage with content in sound-sensitive environments, ensuring that no viewer is left behind. Software and tools designed for this purpose are becoming increasingly sophisticated, offering creators the ability to produce high-quality transcriptions that honor the original tone and context of their work.

Transcriptions can also provide a basis for additional content creation, such as derivative written articles, blog posts, or even books. This repurposing of audio and video content extends its life and value, offering creators extra avenues for monetization and audience engagement. It also serves educational purposes, making content more versatile for teaching and learning scenarios.

Breaking Barriers: The Role of Subtitles in Global Communication

Subtitles carry the enormous responsibility of conveying not just the spoken word but the nuances of cultural expressions across languages. This has opened up international markets to filmmakers and content creators who can now connect with audiences far beyond their geographical and linguistic boundaries. 

In education, where e-learning platforms and online courses have seen exponential growth, multilingual subtitles ensure that knowledge is accessible to a global audience. The advent of live subtitling technologies further democratizes events and presentations, making them accessible and inclusive in real-time.

In addition to breaking down language barriers, subtitles also enhance the understanding of content for language learners. They serve as practical tools for individuals seeking to improve their proficiency in a foreign language, providing a way to connect learning with entertainment. By reading along while listening, language learners can improve their comprehension and pronunciation, turning leisure time into an educational opportunity.

From Audio to Text: Transforming Information Accessibility

Accessibility is at the heart of transcription services. They play a critical role in making information available to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, thus promoting inclusivity. In sectors where precision and clarity are paramount, such as in legal and medical fields, transcriptions provide a verifiable, textual record of verbal exchanges and findings. 

Transcription services contribute significantly to the archiving of historical and media content, ensuring that future generations have access to a wealth of knowledge and entertainment.

The Unsung Heroes behind your Binge-Watching Subtitles

Ever wondered about the process of creating the subtitles for your favorite foreign film or series? Behind every subtitled movie or show is a team of diligent subtitlers and translators who painstakingly ensure that the essence of dialogues and cultural expressions is preserved across languages. The challenge intensifies with dialects and colloquialisms, requiring not just linguistic skills but a deep understanding of cultures. Yet, these professionals navigate these challenges daily, enabling us to enjoy a wealth of content from around the world, all from the comfort of our couches.

Summing Up

The advent of transcription and subtitle services marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a more connected and accessible world. These services are reshaping the landscape of content creation, consumption, and global communication, ensuring that no voice is left unheard, and no story untold. 

As technology continues to advance, we can only expect these services to become more ingrained in our daily lives, further blurring the lines between languages and bringing us closer to a truly global community.

Sales Challenges to Look Out For

Enterprises encounter many sales challenges in their pursuit of success. Here are several key obstacles in today’s market:

• Buyers expect personalized content: A TELUS survey found 43% of customers prefer personalized interactions in the buyer journey. This is a challenge for businesses, especially those who use a one-size-fits-all approach to lead generation and nurturing. People clamor for a personalized touch in a follow-up email and deal offers. The more they connect with the product or service, the better the chances they will hit that “buy” button.
• Longer sales cycles: Long sales cycles are part of the sales process. It is a challenge every brand faces, especially those that require high initial investments. Long sales cycles require more resources, and significant time and effort from sales and marketing teams. Buyers now have more power over the sales process than ever. Many prefer to research product features, benefits and reviews on their own until they are ready to purchase.
• AI concerns: Early adoption of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and automation can be costly for many businesses. They require significant investment in tools, staff training, progress tracking and more. Enterprises that refuse to ride the wave will be left out by those who do. Of course, using AI in business has many caveats firms should also consider.
• Social selling: Social selling is making waves in the industry. LinkedIn data shows 78% of salespeople outsell their peers who do not use social media in their sales processes. Consumers are everywhere, especially on social networking sites. Sales teams can generate and nurture leads by engaging consumers directly through their mobile devices.
• Sales and marketing disconnect: Marketing and sales go hand in hand. Both departments should align to make effective campaigns, pass high-quality leads and close deals. A disconnect between the two can create many challenges for everyone in the organization. Improving sales and marketing alignment can drive growth and generate revenue for any company.

Tips on How to Overcome Business Obstacles and Close the Deal

Organizations should look at sales challenges and see opportunities for growth instead of just obstacles. Here are some tips to overcome them.

Leverage Tools

Improving sales and marketing alignment can help overcome sales challenges in one fell swoop. Companies should invest in tools to help their teams work better together. Customer relationship management (CRM) systems offer intuitive features that help boost sales and marketing collaboration and consumer engagement.

Equipping workers with the right software and information can improve their performance and ability to close deals. A good CRM can show sales and marketing teams relevant data about existing campaigns, and help them derive actionable insights. Since CRMs have communication functions and scheduling systems, they can build rapport with prospects and send personalized follow-up emails to hot leads right on time.

Prioritize Personalization

Customer preferences change quickly, especially now that they have more resources at their disposal to research relevant information about a product or service they are interested in. Personalized marketing will play a massive role in nurturing leads and closing deals, so brands should tailor their sales approach depending on the type of lead they are pursuing.

Use surveys to study behaviors and create relevant buyer personas to make personalized reminders via multiple channels. Staying close to prospective consumers while being unintrusive can help sales teams react quickly when buying signals reveal themselves. The process is largely emotional — connecting with consumers is an excellent way to make them feel seen and understood, leading to more verified sales and revenue.

Build Trust and Shorten the Sales Cycle

Consumers can be indecisive, even the interested ones. Companies that use the traditional sales funnel may need to adjust their strategies to make the buying process as frictionless as possible. Marketing teams must work harder to build authority and consumer trust by providing more valuable information through content marketing and other engaging channels. Adopting a user-centered approach to sales also makes users feel more important in their buying journey.

Long sales cycles are detrimental to any firm, so it is essential to see which interactions work and which do not. Tracking key performance indicators, user engagement, lead scores and other metrics can help businesses devise stronger strategies and shorten the sales cycle. Enterprises should also consider making more enticing deals and offering multiple price tiers for products and services that fit different consumer budgets. Highlighting these high-value offers can help get people to take action faster.

Supercharge Different Functions With AI

Early AI adoption can help brands overcome sales challenges by maximizing their augmenting capabilities. Instead of fighting against AI and other technologies, sales and marketing teams should use them to make quick work of labor-intensive tasks.

AI tools can help organizations stay on top of their lead generation and nurturing processes by identifying prospects in a sea of visitors and interested users. Marketing teams can also derive valuable insights from user analytics and behavioral patterns to create personalized recommendations and reminders. Emerging technologies are here to stay — the quicker firms realize their potential in overcoming sales challenges, the faster they can react to changing conditions.

Implement Social Selling

While selling an excellent product is a sales tactic itself, supplementing it with good social interaction and engagement can help secure leads and close deals. Consumers yearn for a human touch whenever they need to decide whether to make a purchase. Integrating social selling into sales can help catch consumers’ attention and influence positive purchase decisions.

Sales and marketing teams should leverage social networks — whether B2B or B2C — to improve brand visibility and recognition. An excellent product will sell itself, but it also helps if brilliant salespeople attract attention and pique people’s interest. Treating social media as a valuable resource can be the deciding factor between a successful product launch and lackluster sales.

Conquering Sales Challenges Drives Business Growth

Organizations must constantly adapt to the evolving business environment. Part of that means catering to people’s ever-changing needs and preferences. Any company that wants to secure its future must pour time, effort, and resources into its sales and marketing strategies to conquer obstacles and turn them into business opportunities.

What is an Academic Transcription?

Academic transcription refers to the process of converting spoken words from academic activities, such as lectures, interviews, research discussions, or any other educational content, into written text. This service is particularly valuable in the academic realm where precise documentation of spoken content is essential for research, analysis, and dissemination of knowledge.

Academic transcriptions capture the spoken words verbatim or in an intelligent verbatim manner, preserving the exact words spoken, including hesitations, pauses, and non-verbal cues. The transcriptionist ensures that the content is faithfully represented in written form, providing a textual record that can be easily referred to, analyzed, and shared within the academic community.

How Does Academic Transcription Benefit Educators?

Academic transcription benefits educators by providing written records of lectures and discussions, aiding in curriculum development, facilitating research analysis, supporting professional development, and ensuring legal compliance.

Accessibility and Review:

Educators often engage in various forms of spoken communication, including lectures, seminars, and discussions. Gotranscript Academic makes these verbal interactions accessible in written form. This benefits educators by providing a tool for reviewing and reflecting on their teaching methods, ensuring clarity of communication, and identifying areas for improvement.

Research and Analysis:

For educators involved in research activities or conducting interviews for academic studies, transcriptions are invaluable. The process of converting spoken words into written text allows for detailed analysis, identification of key themes, and extraction of meaningful insights. It supports evidence-based teaching methodologies and contributes to the development of pedagogical strategies grounded in research.

Resource for Curriculum Development:

Academic transcriptions serve as a valuable resource for educators involved in curriculum development. Transcribed content can be used to create accurate and detailed teaching materials, ensuring that course content aligns with educational objectives. This aids in the creation of comprehensive and well-structured learning materials for students.

Inclusive Learning Environments:

Transcriptions contribute to creating inclusive learning environments. They benefit students with diverse learning preferences, providing an additional resource for those who may benefit from reading and reviewing lecture content in written form. This inclusivity supports a more diverse student body with varying learning styles.

Professional Development:

Educators can use transcriptions as part of their professional development. Reviewing transcriptions of their lectures or participating in discussions can offer insights into communication styles, effectiveness in conveying information, and areas for refinement. This reflective practice is instrumental in continuous professional development.

Legal and Compliance Purposes:

In certain educational settings, such as higher education institutions, accurate documentation is crucial for legal and compliance purposes. Academic transcriptions provide a verifiable record of spoken content, which can be essential in situations where there is a need to demonstrate adherence to academic standards, ethical guidelines, or legal requirements.

The Role of Transcriptions in Research

Transcriptions serve as a bridge between spoken interaction and written analysis, enabling researchers to delve deeper into the nuances of qualitative data. Whether it’s interviews, discussions, or recorded observations, transcriptions offer a textual representation that can be easily analyzed, coded, and interpreted. This process is particularly essential in qualitative research, where the richness of language and contextual details are paramount.

Features of Academic TranscribeHub

Here we talk about the Features of Academic TranscribeHub: 

Accuracy and Precision:

Academic TranscribeHub prides itself on delivering transcriptions with unparalleled accuracy. In academia, precision is paramount, and the service ensures that every spoken word is meticulously transcribed. This commitment to accuracy is instrumental in maintaining the integrity of research findings.

Specialization Across Disciplines:

Recognizing the diverse nature of academic research, Academic TranscribeHub caters to various disciplines. Whether it’s social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, or interdisciplinary studies, the service has a team of expert transcribers with subject-specific knowledge. This ensures that the nuances and terminology of each field are accurately captured.

Confidentiality and Data Security:

Confidentiality is often a concern in the academic realm, especially when dealing with sensitive or private information. Academic TranscribeHub places a high premium on data security, implementing robust measures to safeguard the confidentiality of research data. Researchers can trust that their information is handled with the utmost care and compliance with ethical standards.

Quick Turnaround Time:

Time is of the essence in academic research, and Academic TranscribeHub understands the urgency that researchers often face. The service offers a quick turnaround time without compromising on the quality of transcriptions. This allows researchers to move forward with their analysis and publication timelines efficiently.

Customization Options:

Different research projects have different requirements, and Academic TranscribeHub recognizes this diversity. The service provides customization options, allowing researchers to tailor the transcription process to their specific needs. Whether it’s verbatim transcriptions, intelligent verbatim, or thematic coding, the service adapts to the unique demands of each research endeavor.

End Note

Academic TranscribeHub stands as a cornerstone in the realm of academic research, offering a transformative solution to researchers seeking accurate and reliable transcriptions. In an era where data is king, the service not only meets but exceeds the expectations of researchers across disciplines. From the precision of transcriptions to the customization options and quick turnaround time, Academic TranscribeHub empowers researchers to elevate the quality and impact of their studies. 

Before you book your trip and store your suitcase in Cologne or any other destination, you need a plan to network like a pro! Here are 10 ways to transform your business trip into a springboard for professional growth and networking.

1. Pre-Trip Research and Connection Building

Before your trip, research the business environment of your destination. Familiarize yourself with local customs, business etiquette, and potential cultural differences.

LinkedIn and other professional networks are great tools to identify and connect with professionals in the area. Reaching out with a brief, personalized message can set the stage for a face-to-face meeting.

2. Attend Local Events and Conferences

If you have room in your schedule, attend local industry events, workshops, or conferences. These gatherings are hubs for professionals sharing similar interests. Participating in discussions and attending keynote speeches can provide new perspectives and innovative ideas. 

Also, these venues are perfect for informal networking, where connections are often more personal and lasting.

3. Use Co-Working Spaces

Co-working spaces have become global networking hotspots. These collaborative environments are frequented by entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business travelers. 

Working from a co-working space even briefly can introduce you to local business communities and potential collaborators. Many co-working spaces also host networking events, talks, and social gatherings, which can be invaluable for expanding your network.

4. Schedule Meetings With Local Businesses

Take the initiative to schedule meetings with local businesses or industry leaders. This shows your interest in the local market and opens doors to potential partnerships. 

When scheduling these meetings, be clear about your intentions and respectful of their time. A well-prepared and concise meeting can lead to fruitful discussions and mutual benefits.

5. Foster Relationships, Not Just Contacts

Networking is not just about exchanging business cards; it’s about building relationships. Focus on quality interactions rather than quantity. Listen actively, show genuine interest, and seek common ground. 

Follow up after your trip with a personalized message or a summary of key takeaways from your conversation. This nurtures the relationship and keeps the communication channel open for future collaborations.

6. Reflect and Share Insights Post-Trip

Once you’ve returned from your trip, reflect on your experiences and the connections you’ve made. Share these insights with your team or organization. 

This could be through a formal presentation, a casual team meeting, or an internal memo. Sharing cements what you learned in your mind and demonstrates your commitment to your organization’s growth.

7. Engage With Social Media

In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool for networking. Before, during, and after your trip, actively engage on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and industry-specific forums. 

Share your travel plans, post insights from your meetings, and contribute to discussions related to your business trip. This not only increases your visibility but also attracts potential connections who are interested in your area of expertise.

8. Explore Partnerships With Educational and Research Institutions

Business trips can be an excellent opportunity to connect with local universities, research institutions, and think tanks. These places are often at the forefront of innovation in various fields. 

Organizing meetings or attending lectures allows you to access cutting-edge research, potential collaborators, and opportunities to contribute your industry knowledge in an academic setting.

9. Cultivate Cultural Intelligence

Immersing yourself in the local culture is more than just a leisure activity; it’s a strategic business move. Demonstrating cultural awareness and sensitivity can significantly enhance business relationships. 

Take time to learn about the local customs, participate in cultural activities, and try local cuisine. This approach will enrich your personal experience and show respect for your hosts, which is invaluable in building trust and rapport.

10. Leverage Alumni Networks

If you’re a college or university graduate, tapping into your alumni network can be a great strategy. Many institutions have global alumni chapters, and reaching out to these groups can provide immediate common ground. 

Alumni often have a built-in sense of camaraderie and can be valuable resources for local business insights, introductions, or even mentorship opportunities.

The Endless Possibilities of Business Travel

In conclusion, the modern business traveler has an unprecedented opportunity to be a global ambassador for their organization. With these strategies in mind, every business trip can evolve into a journey of professional enrichment and networking growth. 

Beyond the immediate objectives, you’ll be prepared to open doors to diverse business opportunities you never thought possible! So, as you embark on your next business venture, seek the vast network of knowledge, connections, and potential partnerships waiting to be explored.

Leading a team can be daunting but can bear great fruit if done correctly. Many business owners see themselves as owners rather than leaders of their businesses. Business owners and leaders are significantly different. 

A business owner can be seen as the individual that started the company. These individuals or groups had the idea, invested time and money, and grew it into a business. This does under no circumstances mean that the owner is a leader. 

Leaders have a vision, are people-oriented, and want the company to grow positively. A leader seeks to influence and assist every part of their team. Listening, supporting, and guiding every member to grow in their job. 

The mere fact that you are an owner does not mean you lead the company. In the same breath, leaders can be in high possession but are not business owners. However, business owners can learn the necessary skills to become business leaders; in most cases, this will be advised. 

The Definition of Leadership 

According to Mckinsey & Company, leadership is a key aspect of business growth. It is a set of behaviors used to assist a team in aligning their goals and direction, enabling them to execute a set strategy. 

A leader is an individual that aims to assist team members to work together for a more significant cause or vision. The leader generally decides on the vision by identifying key areas where the company can impact and assist the community around them.  

The leader will have a set of responsibilities and obligations towards the team members and the company. Small business owners can adapt by building the skills and responsibilities of a leader, which will ensure that they work with their team to grow the business. 

Incorporating Leadership Into the Business 

The following skills are critical for business owners to master. These skills will take time and energy. The key, however, is to work on them daily. Set clear goals and find time in your busy schedule to lead the team. 

Open Communication 

Many corporate leaders have adopted the open-door policy. A leader should be open to communication with their employees at all times. Open communication means team members can share their victories, struggles, shortcomings, and personal problems with a leader. 

The leader will be responsible for listening with empathy, aiming to understand what the team member is going through. The leader can take the information and create a strategy for the individual or team that will assist them in overcoming the problems. 

There are many benefits that the leader can access by incorporating the skill of open communication into their repertoire. Open communication will improve employee loyalty and productivity. Team members will feel more valuable when sharing their feedback, thoughts, and struggles. 

TIP: As a leader, you should listen to understand. This means that employees must speak first. Ask questions to ensure you follow the thought process and share ideas and strategies to assist the employee. Use non-verbal cues and communicate directly with the employees.  

Mistakes and Solutions 

In business, mistakes will happen. Employees might miss deadlines or need to be reminded to complete some tasks. Business leaders can forget to share a document or task with a team, leading to business problems. 

Multiple businesses aim to solve problems for their customers but work past issues within their own companies. This is a problem that occurs often. On the other hand, leaders are responsible for tackling mistakes head-on. 

The two main focus areas of mistakes are identifying and solving the problem. The responsibility of a leader is not to shout and scream at their employees or team but rather to identify the aspects that led to the mistake or problem. Work with the team to identify the main reason why an error occurred. 

Every action has its consequences. If a mistake occurs, it will be the team’s responsibility to find sound solutions. The leader must use the mistake as a learning opportunity for the entire team to ensure that every member can avoid the problem in the future. 

TIP: Leaders should not prevent mistakes but allow the team to take the initiative and make multiple mistakes. The leaders should, however, be present and assist if the team members are spiraling down. Provide a safe and secure backup without jumping in as the problems occur. 

New Ideas Obtained Through Scrums

A business owner has a team that must complete multiple tasks and responsibilities according to his set structure. The team must fulfill every delegated task as quickly as possible. Meetings and conferences are held solely to give the team members more work and arrangements. 

On the other hand, leaders use the team’s strength to build a structure, system, and team that can function independently. A business leader will use the employees to generate new ideas or create creative solutions to recurring problems. The leader has access to multiple solutions through his team members, and allowing them to provide ideas will add more value to the company and team. 

Allow the team members to share new ideas, solutions, or thoughts on multiple aspects of the business. The leader will have more options that could benefit the company by simply listening to the potential ideas that the team might bring to the table. 

TIP: Leaders can speak last within the scrum. This is an idea that Simon Sinek popularised. Allow the team to share new inventive ideas and solutions. The leader should listen actively and only speak once every team member shares their ideas. 

Feedback and Praise as a Supportive Role 

A company leader does not sit at the top, waiting for praise. The company leader aims to support every team member within his company. To ensure that they reach their top level of performance and feel satisfied with their occupation. 

Small business leaders should use feedback as a tool to enforce growth on the employees. Feedback can occur when an employee completes a task or project and the leader provides a wide range of insights on the completed project. 

The leader should clearly state the problems and unsatisfying areas of the project. With that, the leader must add solutions or tips on how the employee can improve the problem areas. Leaders must use praise within the feedback to ensure their employees correctly identify what they did. 

TIP: Direct and truthful feedback will go a long way. Leaders should praise or provide feedback directly to the team. Do not share feedback with any other members. Solely aim to share directly with the employee or team. 

One Team

A business owner will identify the business as his own. Fighting against employees and competition to ensure that the company stays afloat. The business leader, on the other hand, aims to create a boat that will support the entire team, ensuring the safety of every member. 

The boat will be seen as the company. And every team member adds value and direction to the business. The entire company, with all its parts, is seen as one that the leader might direct. 

As a business leader, you must be able to rally the employees, sharing their goals, vision, and the entire reason behind the business. Team building for small business leaders is critical. These building sessions will allow the team leader to showcase the importance of every team member, showcasing that the entire group is one. 

TIP: The company is a boat made for the entire team. Every part is needed to ensure that the company stays afloat. Makes sure that the team members understand this. 

To Wrap up

There are multiple methods that small business owners can use to ensure that they are a leader of their teams. Leaders will build a strong team with high motivation, productivity, and direction to ensure that every team member knows their worth and their part within the small company. 

Not only will leaders grow the company at a rapid pace. However, these companies tend to live longer and have a larger impact on the community and the industry. The aim should be to lead the team without being a boss. 

The problem that arises though isn’t in creating a survey, but creating a usable, useful one. This consists of four key steps, each of which deserve their own attention and consideration. The first and possibly most important step is to plan the survey. One of the biggest differences between a successful and failed survey is how well this step was done. There will always be errors and mishaps in any survey, but the more planning the less common those are.

A Look at the 5 W’s

An easy way to conceive of planning is with the five W’s. Why is the research being done? What questions should be asked to achieve the why? Who’s taking the survey? Where is it happening? And when will it be conducted? Answering all these questions keeps the process clear and direct. 

The next step is a continuation of the first, it is question synthesis. Now that the survey has a backbone, what will be the actual content? Here the way questions are worded and posed becomes essential. It’s easier than one would think to lead participants to specific answers or to make assumptions. If the survey is about a specific product, the question should not ask how much the consumer enjoys it. Rather the question should be how the consumer would more generally rate it.

Setting up the Data

Small differences in questions like this make big differences in the validity and reliability of the data. Although before the data is analyzed it must be collected. This is the third step. Assuming all has gone well, this is the most simple step. For bigger surveys testing may be helpful, but generally with good planning this will be a smooth step.

Finally, arguably the most important step is analysis and reporting. Now that all the work is done and the data is collected, it must be made useful. If this step is done improperly even the best surveys won’t amount to anything practical. Although a lot of time the data will be imperfect in one way or another. It’s within this step that revisiting data collection or even planning can be appropriate. 

Fortunately, that usually won’t be necessary. So assuming everything has gone relatively smoothly, it’s time to analyze. This is the most technical step, requiring experience with tech, analysis, statistics, and formatting. Some companies opt to outsource this type of work, especially for smaller and less formal teams. Now with the data organized it must be displayed. Data displays are going to vary greatly depending on what it’s being used for. Although generally knowing how to create visible and easy to understand graphs will be essential here. 

Conclusion

Now with all that done, the survey can be called a success. At the end of the day the data collected can’t be helped. Sometimes it’s not what is wanted, and sometimes there are no real results at all. Although following these steps will ensure that the survey is conducted honestly, smoothly, and fairly.

Tending to climate change isn’t just an ethical goal but an essential strategic opportunity. This guide delves into some comprehensive ways organizations can respond to environmental change. Read and learn more about how your business can respond to climate change.

Effect of Climate Change on Businesses

Climate change has far-reaching impacts on businesses across industries, presenting both risks and opportunities. They are highlighted below.

Operational disruption

More frequent and severe weather events can disrupt supply chains, production, and distribution. This leads to increased operational costs and reduced productivity.

Resource scarcity

Climate change can lead to resource scarcity. This affects the availability and affordability of raw materials, water, and energy, impacting production and profitability.

Market shifts

Changes in the preferences of consumers are driving demand for environmentally friendly items and sustainable practices. Organizations that neglect to adjust may lose market share.

Financial risks

Climate-related risks, such as stranded assets and insurance claims from extreme weather events, can impact a company’s bottom line and shareholder value.

Businesses that proactively address these challenges by adopting sustainable practices, setting emissions reduction targets, and preparing for climate risks are better positioned to thrive in a changing world. More on these below.

Best Ways Companies Can Tackle Climate Change 

Here are some effective ways businesses can respond to climate change.

Measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Begin by evaluating your organization’s carbon footprint. Distinguish the sources of emissions, including transportation, energy use, and supply chains.

Lay out science-based emission decrease targets in accordance with climate science and the Paris Agreement. These targets should be measurable, verifiable, and time-bound.

Also, invest in energy-proficient techs and practices. Retrofitting buildings, embracing environmentally friendly energy sources, and streamlining manufacturing processes can greatly lessen emissions.

Transition to renewable energy

For your tasks, shift to sustainable power sources like solar, hydropower, and wind. Consider power purchase agreements (PPAs) and on-site solar installations. You can also implement energy storage solutions to manage energy supply during fluctuations in renewable generation.

Sustainable supply chain management

Work with suppliers to reduce emissions along the supply chain. Encourage sustainable practices, responsible sourcing, and efficient logistics. Furthermore, it should adopt circular economy standards to limit waste and expand item lifecycles. Reuse, remanufacture, and recycle materials.

Sustainable transportation

Optimize your vehicle fleet for fuel efficiency, use telematics for route optimization, and consider electrification options for transportation. Also, explore alternatives such as biofuels, hydrogen, and electric vehicles.

Carbon offsetting and pricing

Invest in carbon offset projects that eliminate or decrease greenhouse substances from the atmosphere, like reforestation, methane capture initiatives, and sustainable energy.

You should also practice internal carbon pricing systems to boost outflow reductions. Assign a cost to carbon emissions within your organization.

Sustainable product design and innovation

Use Eco-friendly products. Develop and promote products that have a lower carbon footprint, are energy-efficient, and incorporate sustainable materials. Innovation is also paramount! Invest in research and development to establish creative solutions that tackle climate challenges.

Water conservation and management

Water efficiency is essential. Implement water-efficient practices and technologies to reduce water consumption and wastewater generation. Also, assess risk. Assess and mitigate water-related risks associated with changing climate patterns, such as droughts and floods.

Climate-resilient infrastructure

Develop climate adaptation strategies to protect critical infrastructure and assets from climate-related risks. Moreover, it incorporates climate-resilient design principles into new construction and renovation projects.

Corporate sustainability reporting

Value transparency. Publish annual sustainability reports that disclose your emissions, climate strategies, and progress toward targets. 

Use globally recognized reporting frameworks such as GRI or TCFD.

Stakeholder commitment is likewise key. Engage with partners, including clients, staff, and investors, to communicate your climate goals and initiatives.

Collaborative initiatives

Engage in industry partnerships. Collaborate with industry associations and peer companies to drive sector-wide climate action. Global initiatives are also useful. Support global climate initiatives such as the Science-Based Targets (SBTi) and RE100 for renewable energy sourcing.

Employee engagement and training

Prioritize education. Raise awareness among employees about climate change and its impacts. Offer training on sustainability and encourage sustainable behaviors in the workplace. Furthermore, innovation goes a long way. Encourage employees to contribute innovative ideas and solutions for climate action.

Lobbying and advocacy

Advocate for policies that promote renewable energy, carbon pricing, and sustainable practices at local, national, and international levels. Climate policy compliance is also vital. Ensure compliance with climate-related regulations and reporting requirements.

Financial Considerations

Try green financing. Explore options for green finance – for example, sustainability-related loans or green bonds, to finance climate projects. Also, assess monetary risks related to environmental change, including physical dangers and transition risks connected to policy changes and market shifts.

Climate-positive marketing and branding

Communicate your climate efforts to customers and stakeholders. Showcase your commitment to sustainability and climate action in marketing and branding. Green certifications are also valuable. Pursue eco-labels and certifications that validate your products’ environmental credentials.

Ceaseless improvement and reporting

Keep observing and monitoring. Constantly screen and review your environment initiatives and progress toward objectives. Change techniques depending on the situation. Also, practice transparency by reporting your climate performance and impact routinely. Share accomplishments and lessons learned.

Conclusion 

All in all, organizations play a key role in tending to environmental change. By lessening emissions, changing to sustainable practices, and cultivating a culture of ecological responsibility, organizations can add to a more economical future. This also helps them enjoy a competitive edge and fortify their resilience to any risk relating to the climate. Finally, contact Greenly to help finetune how to incorporate climate friendly policies into your business. 

One of the biggest advantages of remote work is the drastic increase in the pool of qualified candidates. Without worrying about gas prices or immigration laws, remote work allows employers to hire candidates based on their skill set, regardless of location. However, the virtual workspace can be more vulnerable to disturbances as workers are not directly supervised. This could pose a risk to both the operations and culture of the organization. 

To keep the workflow smooth, you need to communicate with all employees. Make them feel welcome, but lay down rules in a polite — yet professional — way. Here are five ways to keep off-site employees in harmony with your company’s core values.

1. Find the Right People

The employer’s job begins even before the employee joins the company. The qualifications and specifications of the required employee should be defined before recruitment. If you are willing to hire international employees, you need to ensure all payroll and compliance requirements are streamlined beforehand. Details like time-zone differences, internet availability, and language barriers should be discussed before anyone is onboarded.

During a candidate’s interview, ask questions about their interests and ideal work environment. Go beyond their resume to assess if their personality is compatible with your team. Share information about the company’s core values and gauge the candidate’s willingness to adhere. If a candidate disagrees with a quality that’s vital to your organization, they’re likely not the best fit..

2. Communicate Clearly

You need to set the precedent for your employees by keeping an open channel of communication. Establishing clear expectations and sharing company policies from the beginning can lead to a smooth onboarding process. Pay attention to their questions and concerns and answer honestly and clearly. This transparency can foster a sense of belonging, which can go a long way.

Remote workers often feel isolated, so make it a point to include them in all office events. Try various communication tools like instant messaging platforms, video conferencing, and project management software to stay connected. Have regular one-on-one talks, so that employees get a chance to speak to you on a personal level. Also, keep in mind that not everything should be about work. Create genuine bonds by having conversations to learn more about their daily life, interests, and plans for the future.

3. Work on Growth and Wellbeing 

Every employee faces different challenges and making them all sit through a general talk on productivity is not the answer. Training goals must be customized according to an employee’s individual needs. Provide access to online webinars or workshops to enhance their skills and knowledge. This can be especially important for overseas employees who may not have had these opportunities before.

While helping employees strengthen their hard skills is important, you might also consider focusing on their health and wellness. It’s wise to look out for your worker’s general health and wellbeing to positively impact your organization’s culture. Promote a healthy work-life balance by supporting your remote team members’ well-being. Encourage regular breaks, offer flexible working hours, and discourage working overtime. Providing resources for mental health and wellness ensures your employees feel cared for, which positively impacts their performance.

4. Acknowledge and Show Appreciation

Celebrating employee accomplishments is essential for maintaining motivation and fostering a positive culture. Encourage them through shout-outs during team meetings, send personalized appreciation emails, or even offer small rewards like gift cards. Celebrating successes brings your team closer together, even when they’re miles apart.

And don’t wait for New Years to have a party! Take up any excuse to gather your employees for some fun. Have a small birthday celebration for all employees. Your remote workers may not get to taste the cake, but they can still join. Organize virtual team-building activities like online games, virtual happy hours, or remote workshops. These activities strengthen the sense of community and build trust among the team.

5. Create a Culture of Diversity

Company culture is created by the top management. You must act as an example and show your commitment to the company mission. Understand your employees’ needs and try to cater to them as best as possible. This could include providing a small prayer space or using inclusive language based on gender preferences. Offer a diversity-focused workshop for all employees to better understand the impact of their behavior on others.

Create safe spaces through platforms where employees can share their stories and provide feedback. Be prepared to face employee conflicts and be ready to have courageous conversations to resolve them. Trust is the backbone of successful teams, and it’s your job to empower your people to stand up for themselves.

Adapt to Changing Times

Review and revise company policies to ensure they are fair to all employees. Flexible medical benefits and parental leave policies are often an indicator of an employee-centric company. When you care for employees, the commitment will be reciprocated, and they’ll be willing to stay for the long run.

Employers need to understand that their work depends on their workers, and not the other way around. Recruiting qualified and competent workforce is one thing but retaining workers is another. Give your employees a healthy work environment and your business flourish.

Rather than fret about this impending inevitability, prepare for it. Because you and your team can handle negative reviews poorly, or you can handle them with grace. When you manage the latter, you’ll be surprised at how much it can actually help grow your business. Read on to learn three tips for handling feedback to start improving your customer relations today. 

1. Enlist Tech Assistance 

There’s a lot to learn about the etiquette of handling negative reviews. First and foremost, however, you need a robust system in place so you can address them at all. Because how can you respond to a review if you don’t even know it’s there?

Reviews can show up on all sorts of different sites. You may get one on Google, Yelp, Etsy, Amazon, Shopify — the list goes on. Obviously, it can be hard to keep track of all these reviews by checking and rechecking websites over and over. You need to get a handle on where reviews are being left so you can address them as quickly as possible. That’s why you need to enlist some tech assistance.

Implementing a CRM for small business with reputation management capabilities is a great way to monitor your online reputation. Such CRMs can comb through popular review sites and alert you every time a new review pops up. That way, when a negative review does appear, you’ll know right away. 

If you already have a CRM without this feature, you may be able to integrate it with a reputation management solution to gain this capability. Time is of the essence when handling negative feedback, and operating without the necessary tech puts you at a significant disadvantage. Using a CRM with reputation management features means you can surface negative reviews and start handling them immediately.

2. Leave Genuine Responses

When it comes to actually responding to bad reviews, you need to be authentic. Giving unhelpful responses to someone’s poor experience will just drive them further away. People aren’t stupid — they know when they’re getting generic or insincere answers to their complaints. A major part of growing a good business is treating your customers with respect. So avoid inauthentic responses at all costs.

Instead, aim to sympathize with your customers. Approach your responses from a place of curiosity, respect, and integrity. Whenever possible, personalize your response by addressing your customers by name and briefly summarizing their comments. This gives them an opportunity to feel heard and not like they’ve gotten cheated by your business. 

Always include an apology when responding to a negative review, even if you don’t agree with what it’s saying. Sure, the situation may not be your fault, or this person may be blowing things out of proportion. But “the customer is always right” is true when it comes to how a customer feels. Validate their feelings and do your best to remedy the situation. Even if there’s nothing you can do, acknowledge your customer’s experience and take responsibility for it. 

3. Don’t Delete Negative Reviews

As you start to receive negative reviews, it can be tempting to simply delete them, especially at first. Who can blame you for wanting to keep your public record squeaky clean? But bear in mind that no person or company is without flaw. So it’s natural that a customer will receive a less-than-stellar experience eventually. It’s just as natural that your business will eventually receive less-than-stellar feedback.

This is why it’s so crucial to improve your ability to respond to negative reviews. Rather than hoping you can avoid them entirely, it’s better to focus your efforts on improving your responses. You may be surprised at how good a negative review can actually be for your business. A bad experience is actually an opportunity for your business to provide above-and-beyond customer service. 

Say a customer leaves a negative review of your product because the item they received was damaged during manufacturing. Now you have the chance to send them a quality replacement, expedited, at no further cost to them. Other customers and prospects will witness this narrative play out through your response to this customer’s feedback. They’ll see that, even when something goes wrong, your business maintains its integrity and puts the customer first. Such responses can increase trust in your brand, which is essential to developing your business. 

Keep Learning

Responding to a negative review isn’t something you need to do once then never think of again. While you can take steps to minimize negative feedback, it will be an ongoing part of your business you’ll need to attend to. This is especially true as your reach grows and you start to interact with more customers. 

As nice as it would be, running a flawless business just isn’t possible. And more customers mean more chances to make a mistake. Fortunately, mistakes present chances for redemption. So do your best to treat your mistakes as the opportunities they are. Use them to show the world your business’s integrity, principles, and reliability.

CEO Jessica Sibley made the announcement in a note to staff:

Today, I am thrilled to announce that Kristin Matzen has been promoted to Chief Communications Officer, effective immediately. Kristin will lead all strategic communications for TIME, including corporate communications, media relations, editorial and event publicity, crisis communications, and more.

Sibley touted Matzen’s years of experience working for TIME, as well as her decade of experience in the communications industry:

Kristin has led communications for TIME for the last five years and brings more than a decade of communications and media relations experience to this role. She has spearheaded communications for all of TIME’s content, brand announcements, major partnerships, and company milestones, as well as the launch of TIME’s new, high-growth business divisions, including TIME Studios and our sustainability platform TIME CO2. Kristin has also increased awareness and global media coverage of TIME’s journalism and programming across all platforms, including our new and existing franchises and events around the world—from Person of the Year and Women of the Year to the global expansion of the TIME100 and many others. Together, these efforts generate billions of earned media impressions annually. Kristin will continue to support team leaders from every area of the organization and our journalists across the newsroom to promote their work.