Top essential tools you need to grow your business

Top essential tools you need to grow your business

Running a business is indeed a hectic one but some top essential tools can help lighten the load.

You might have a better idea as you are currently doing so. In order to ensure the growth of your business, you must ensure that your business is not getting stuck in terms of proper communication, productivity, project tracking, client handling, or anything.

You always must ensure that you are adopting whatever process or technology you can in order to make the process smoother, simpler, faster, and obviously more efficient. 

There are some tools designed for conducting particular tasks. You can get them and implement them in your business software to ensure the growth of your business. The most interesting part is that you can get them for free from here.  

Top Essential Tools to grow a small business africa india usa

Top Essential Tools You Need To Grow Your Business

Now, we will talk about the tools that you need for the proper growth of your business. 

Time Tracking Software

When you are running a business, you might notice that everything revolves around time management. 

From evaluating time being spent on creating products, running projects, or completing everyday tasks, everything reflects the efficiency and productivity levels of our company. 

Here a time tracking tool will assist you in analyzing your employees’ efficiency, removing redundancies, and improving the company’s process. 

Here are some of the best time tracking software. 

  • Time Doctor.
  • Toggle Track.
  • Clockify.
  • Tick.
  • QuickBooks Time. 

CRM Solution

Business is all about maintaining a healthy and fruitful relationship with clients. And often, handling all those customer details gets overwhelming. Here, a customer relationship management or CRM tool can really help you with organizing customer profiles more thoroughly. 

After collecting customer data, with the help of CRM software, you will be able to easily update them. All your team will have access to that data with a single platform. 

Here are some of the top CRM tools you can use in 2022. 

  • Monday.com
  • Oracle Netsuite.
  • Freshworks CRM.
  • Zoho CRM.
  • HubSpot. 

Blogging And Social Media

When you are thinking about covering those extra miles and also want to give your customers more information, blogging is a great way of doing so. 

This way, you will be able to tell your target audience that you want to put more effort into developing communication through information sharing. Also, when you are running a blog, social media platforms can work really well. 

With the help of social media platforms and blogging solutions, you will be able to reach different levels of marketing. 

Planning And Scheduling Software

Planning and scheduling software is another essential tool for your business growth. This will help you to stay organized and efficient. The best part is that these types of tools work simply great with CRM tools. 

When you are getting tools, it will be best to decide the features beforehand, as per your business requirements. Also, you should always have an option for upgrading your license. 

Here are some top names of planning and scheduling tools for your business. 

Employee Communication Tool

When you have a proper streamlined process for your employee communication, your business will automatically grow more. For daily communications, all those messaging platforms, such as

These can work really well. The efficiency and capability of all these tools are not only limited to communication but also extended up to sharing files, scheduling voice and audio calls, employee groups, and a lot more things.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

We believe after going through this article; you will now be able to figure out what tools you need to grow your business. Still, in case you have any doubts, you can reach us anytime. We will try to come up with a solution as soon as possible. 

Till then, here are some questions with answers which might help you. 

Q1: What Is The Most Useful Business Tool? 

Here is a list of essential tools that you require for your business. 

  • Email marketing tools. 
  • Communication tools. 
  • Human resource tools. 
  • Accounting tools. 
  • Project and task management tools. 

Q2: What Can I Use To Make My Business Grow?

Growing a business always needs time and energy; still, here are some things that will make your work a little easier. 

  • Do your research on the market. 
  • Create a sales funnel. 
  • Increase customer retention. 
  • Participate in networking events. 
  • Practice corporate social responsibility. 
  •  From strategic partnership. 

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What specifications should you care about in a gaming laptop?

What specifications should you care about in a gaming laptop?

With the popularity of streaming reaching an all-time high, the demand for gaming laptops has gone off the roof. Owning one is coming to be seen as a necessity, but getting yourself one might be a lot harder than you’d have anticipated. There are a lot of parts that go into the making of one and a single component out of order could impact the overall performance of the laptop. So, what are some of the core specifications that you should be concerned about?

gaming laptop

1) Graphics processing unit (GPU)

This is one of the most important components of a gaming laptop. A lot of the popular games are pretty graphics intensive, so you’ll need a strong enough GPU to handle that stress on your device. You might end up spending a fortune later on it if you decide to upgrade your GPU, so it makes financial sense to invest in a quality GPU right when you’re assembling one.

From the latest Nvidia RTX-30 series to the Radeon RX series, there are plenty of options to choose from. But, base this decision on what kinds of games you intend to play and more importantly on what kind of game settings you prefer. The cost can range anywhere from $800 to $3,000 depending on their make and their power.

2) Central processing unit (CPU)

The next crucial component that you need to pay attention to while buying is a central processing unit. With newer variants entering the market with every passing day, the definition of what makes a good CPU isn’t limited only to speed. It simply isn’t that straightforward these days, too many factors need to be taken into consideration here.

But, in a broad sense, all that you need to be aware of is that there are two major players, Intel and AMD who’re both vying for a slice of the pie. While Intel was at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, its competitors have caught up and upped their game. So, get to research to better understand which CPU meets your requirements and if it’s within budget.

3) Random-access memory (RAM)

RAM more or less determines how efficiently your device works and whether it’s able to run the latest games without any difficulties. 8 GB should be more or less enough to suit most of your needs, but you can always go for the 12 GB ones, in case money isn’t an issue.

Another decision that you need to be taking is whether you want to use HDD or SSD method of storage. While HDDs are the standard option, SSD is significantly faster and are better at handling intensive activities. But, the caveat is that the SSD is pricier and may end up eating into the budget that you might have reserved for something else. A nice trade-off in today’s world is hybrid laptops that use a mixture of both HDD and SSD modes of storage. While HDD serves as the major portal, SSD is only used as a boot drive.

4) Display

If you’re not planning on getting a separate monitor, then you most likely will need a good display unit to go along with the powerful hardware. Some of the factors that you should account for while buying one are:

A) Size

The size of the display unit will impact your overall gaming experience. While the standard fixture is about 16 to 17 inches, you can always get ones that are either 14 or 18 inches. It’s simply a matter of what works best for you.

B) Resolution

The gold standard is the 4K screens, but they are fairly expensive and are not compatible with all the devices on the market. So, instead, you can always go for the 1920 x 1080 display.

C) Refresh rate

While you can choose from a wide range of refresh rates, right from 60 Hz to 360 Hz, 60 Hz should be more than good for all practical applications. Faster refresh rates would necessitate a better GPU, meaning you’ll have to spend more money than you’d have originally accounted for.

5) Laptop insurance

You’d have noticed that a lot of these components do cost a significant amount of money. What’s the point of making all these expensive purchases if you don’t get to enjoy its privileges, thanks to an ill-timed burglary? Getting insurance for laptops might seem like a far-fetched idea considering that your brand-new laptop does come with a manufacturer warranty, but this does not cover the eventuality that your device is stolen following a break-in.

The great thing about laptop insurance is that it is an intrinsic part of a renter’s insurance or homeowner’s insurance since it’s listed under perils. So, in this case, you’re at least assured that you’ll be suitably compensated in case your precious gaming laptop gets stolen.

6) Gaming accessories

Some of the other accessories that you can consider buying are an extra set of monitors, decent headphones with noise reduction, a gaming keyboard, and mice. They are not exactly bare necessities as such, but your gaming setup will feel complete which should make for an unparalleled experience.

Conclusion

So, that was a list of some of the core specifications that you need to pay attention to while getting a new gaming laptop. Do remember that all of them can be modified according to your needs and there’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to buying one.

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Resume writing tips and advice to make you

Resume writing tips and advice to make you

Interested in getting a job at Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Facebook or any other company? Recruiters or applicant tracking systems get thousands of applications for a role and will have just a few seconds or minutes with your submission. There are things to apply in your resume or CV that will make you stand out, get an interview and land a job. Learn resume writing tips and get advice from DJ Cabeen, a senior recruiter at Amazon that will help your resume get noticed.

Resume writing tips and advice tech FAANG

How long should your resume be? DJ Cabeen says not more than two pages as it can get wordy and this can turn the reader off. However, tenured applicants with a lot of experience can go a little over two pages. Read on and learn to tailor your resume to what hiring managers and recruiters are seeking.

Resume writing tips and advice

Optimize your resumes for applicant tracking systems. The resume layout should be simple and don’t add too many pictures and colours. Keep your resume as a Microsoft Word document or PDF. Use bullet points. Use a font that is easy to read like Calibre or Times New Roman and 11 or 12 sizes.

Recruiters look out for all that you have been able to accomplish so use examples and results not just detail your day-to-day work. List your accomplishments including the processes and efficiencies you’ve created in your role. What kind of money have you saved for your team or company?

Marketing yourself can be difficult, think about the things you’ll like to say to someone. Be your authentic self, put yourself into your resume. Market yourself in a humble and confident way, be a humblebrag.

Recruiters will stop reading your resume and move on to the next one if they see errors. So proofread your work. Also, have someone proofread them for you to avoid typos and misspellings.

Incorporate your skills into the body of each of your jobs. Doing this lets you lose the skills section columns and get more resume real estate.

Summary sections when done well can be really impactful. Keep it short, sweet and concise so the reader can see what they want to see but will be drawn into the rest of your experience so they learn more about you.

Add lots of links. A link to your LinkedIn page, the company you worked or work for. Recruiters want to be able to access information easily and quickly make a determination.

Watch the video below for more resume writing tips and advice from DJ Cabeen and apply them to land your next gig.

Watch more tips and advice

Got other tips or advice that helped you land your role or job? Share them in the comment section below.

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Here is how to send disappearing photos and videos on WhatsApp

Here is how to send disappearing photos and videos on WhatsApp

Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp recently introduced a privacy feature that allows you to send disappearing messages. You are able to send photos and videos that disappear from the WhatsApp chat after the recipient opens it once. This feature is an improvement to the previous one that only allows the chat to disappear after seven days.

disappearing whatsapp photos video

Here are a few things to know about the view once disappearing WhatsApp feature. Firstly, you must select view once media each time you want to send a view once photo or video. The media message will disappear after the recipient opens and exits the media viewer. The information will no longer be visible in the chat and the recipient can’t view it again. The photo or video is also not saved to the recipient’s photo or media gallery. The recipient is also not able to forward the photo or video to another person, nor star it.

You however need to understand that even though this is a way to send private messages, It is not altogether a secure way of sending sensitive information. WhatsApp encourages you to send view once media to individuals you trust and here is why. It is possible for someone to take a screenshot or screen recording since they know they can view it only once. People can also take a video or photo of the media with another device before it disappears.

How to send view once disappearing media on WhatsApp

Send view once media on Android

  1. Open an individual or group chat.
  2. Tap Attach, then tap:
    • Camera to take a new photo or video with your camera. WhatsApp limits recording videos to 16MB.
    • Gallery to select an existing photo or video from your phone.
  3. Tap 1.
  4. Tap Send.

Send view once media on iPhone

  1. Open an individual or group chat.
  2. Tap Camera to take a photo or video, or select one from your Albums. Alternatively, tap Attach, then tap:
    • Camera to take a new photo or video with your camera. WhatsApp limits recording videos to 16MB.
    • Photo & Video Library to select an existing photo or video from your iPhone’s Photos or Albums.
  3. Tap 1.
  4. Tap Send.

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Microsoft 365 and Office 2021, what is the difference?

Microsoft 365 and Office 2021, what is the difference?

office 2021 microsoft 365

What is Microsoft Office 2021, Microsoft 365 and Office for the web. Are they are the same or different? Which of these should you get or use and will it work for your needs? I’ll try and explain what the differences are, what is new and how to maximize them.

Office 2021 explained

Office 2021 is a one time purchase software that allows you to install and run Office apps for only one PC or Mac. It does not have upgrade options till the next major Office release becomes available usually after 2-3 years. You will also have to pay the full amount to get this new version when it becomes available, that’s if you want the new features. But you will get security updates as and when they become available.

Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based version of Office that makes sure you are always up-to-date with the latest Office feature updates. So after Office 2021 is released you will start getting all the new feature updates and not have to wait till after two years to use them. Microsoft 365 includes plans for personal, home, small and midsized businesses, large enterprises, schools, and non-profits. The Microsoft 365 Family plan allows you to share your subscription with your family for up to six people, and use your apps on up to 30 devices. You can choose from monthly and yearly purchases.

Office for the Web

Microsoft Office for the web is a free version of Office that you can use in a web browser. All you need is to sign up for a Microsoft account with a new or existing email address. You can use Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote to create, edit and save files to your PC or save to the cloud. But you can only use it in the web browser that is all, it wouldn’t work if you aren’t connected to the internet. You can click to try Office for the web if this works for you. Note that Microsoft 365 subscribers have access to this and get more features when they use office for the web.

Office 2021 vs Microsoft 365, what’s the difference & what’s new?

Kevin Stratvert says over the first two years, Microsoft 365 users end up paying less compared to Office 2021 users. $70 for an individual plan & $100/year for the family plan, which is good for up to 6 people. Microsoft 365 users get everything in Office 2021 and more. Including Grammarly type offering with Microsoft Editor, presenter coach in PowerPoint, plus Access and Publisher. Watch the video below to find out the major differences and downsides of Office 2021.

Should You Upgrade to Office 2021? What is new for Excel users

Leila Gharani says Office 2021 is a huge jump for Excel 2016 and 20019 users. Noting it has at least 9 new functions that will change the way you use Excel. This includes XLOOKUP, FILTER, UNIQUE, and SEQUENCE. Watch the video below to find additional features you can look forward to in PowerPoint, Word and Outlook.

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How to watch today’s Google for Africa event live stream

How to watch today’s Google for Africa event live stream

Here is how to watch the first-ever virtual Google for Africa event on October 6. Google is hosting its annual Africa event online this year. This is different from the previous country-specific events held in only Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. It will for the first time have participants from across the continent join the event. The live stream will start at the following times 9 AM GMT, 10 AM WAT, 11 AM CAT, 12 PM EAT and 11 AM SAT.

Although Google is hosting the event online the format hasn’t changed. There will be a keynote session where the company will introduce new ecosystem products and share more on its investments in Africa. Then there will be masterclasses that take registered participants through introductory and hands-on product sessions. Nigerian musician Tiwa Savage will give a special closing performance to cap the event. Click the link to get more details, register and participate in the virtual event.

Google will stream the event on the Google Africa YouTube page. We are embedding the live stream here so you can bookmark this page and visit it when the event goes live. You can also use the remind me feature on the scheduled YouTube event to set a reminder and get a notification when it starts.

Watch Google for Africa 2021 event live

https://youtu.be/GJw_gOAnAtE

Google will be announcing new collaborations and what it is working on with partners to increase connectivity in the region. It will also showcase new Africa centric updates in products like maps and search at the event. We might get to hear more about what Google plans to do with YouTube creators in Africa.

Join us to watch and tell us what you are looking forward to. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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