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Optimizing Your Business with Technology

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Optimizing your business is important if you want to ensure that you can run an efficient and modern company that is ready to meet the demands of your industry, all while avoiding wasting extensive amounts of your capital. Technology can help you to get the most out of your business and to maximize its potential, and here are some of the key ways that you can optimize your business using technology.

Invest in a Consultant

If your business is struggling with the many different challenges that the modern world presents to it, then you should consider hiring a consultant who will enable you to make changes that can enable your business to become more successful and productive. At Shipware, their shipping consulting service can allow you to utilize the latest technology that is available, including advanced data modeling and insights, to understand how your company is operating in terms of shipping and ensuring that you can get the contracts that work in your favor and negotiate the rates that you are looking for.

Hire an IT Team

You can also optimize your business using technology by investing in an IT team that can work round the clock to make sure that your business can overcome the barriers and issues that the modern tech-centric world presents. Having your own IT team at your beck and call can allow you to develop an excellent website, ensure that your technology remains efficient at all times, and can ensure that you are using the latest models and technology to allow your company to thrive.

Automate Your Processes

For your business to be fully optimized and efficient, you should consider automating the majority of your processes, especially those that you do not need humans to oversee. This can help to speed up your operations, minimize human error, and ensure that your human resources can be more effectively put to use. Some of the best processes that you can automate with artificial intelligence and robotics include those surrounding customer service, administration, manufacturing, and marketing. These tasks can be as simple as scheduling your marketing content on blogs, to more complex procedures within manufacturing companies.

Use Personalized Solutions

The best way for you to optimize your business with technology, though, is to use personalized solutions and software applications every step of the way. Rather than simply draining your business bank account on software that may be of no advantage to your business, investing in personalized and custom solutions will ensure that the applications that you are using have been developed with your business in mind. This can ensure that they can make more of an impact on your company, and can be upscaled to suit your business’s new needs as it begins to grow. However, when you decide to invest in personalized solutions, you will need to find a reliable company to make this software for your business otherwise this could affect the efficiency and success of your company in the long run.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Technology category

Javier Burillo – Basics of a Taco In Mexico City

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Whenever I come to visit my friend Javier Burillo in Mexico City the first thing we do, regardless of what time of night, is to go for tacos. Admittedly this is a challenge at 5am, but believe me, it is doable. What I get frustrated by having tried the most insanely delicious tacos which you can find in Mexico City is the attitudes which most Americans have to tacos north of the border. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy the tacos you get back home, but they are not really tacos as I know and love them.

Down in Mexico City there is an insane range of taco fillings which you can get, depending on your tastes. Regardless of what kind of tacos you do happen to get, there are some particular basics which you have to get right.

The Tortilla

The tortilla is a common bone of contention for many and up north we do of course prefer the floor tortilla. For me however the best taco tortilla is made from corn, and they are small and doubled up. This is the only way in which you can enjoy multiple flavors and those tortillas had better be dipped in the meat juice from the vendor who you buy from, it is the only way.

The Vegetables

All tacos should have raw diced onion and coriander, there is simply no other topping which can be substituted for either of them. Additionally however you do have some extra options here. For example you may wish to add some pineapple if you have al Pastor equally you can add cucumber and radishes if you are going for mixiotes. At the very heart of all tacos however, is some delicious cilantro and some freshly cut onions.

The Salsa

Whilst I do appreciate that not everyone enjoys a little bit of heat on their tacos, I have always felt that it should be added anyway, because it just adds something so special to the flavors. This is why you should at the very least add a dab of salsa to the tacos, because the flavor is delicious.

Limes

The way in which you make that chili salsa palatable is with a great amount of lime juice squirted all over the top of your tacos. It doesn’t matter which taco you are eating, you are going to need that healthy dripping of lime juice to give it freshness, to compliment to the flavor and to give a tasty finish in the mouth after you have swallowed. This is the only way in which you can truly enjoy the very best of the taco.

Ignore anything that you think you know from up north regarding tacos, these are the basic which everyone has to get right when you re south of the border. The next time you get down to Mexico, grab a street taco and then tell me that I am wrong!

To read more on topics like this, check out the Traveling category

Robert Testagrossa – Why Crypto Bear Market Won’t Repeat 2017

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Back in 2017 we saw what was widely considered to be the first bull run in the history of cryptocurrency. Bitcoin and Ethereum very much lead the charge with regards to this, and a lot of smart investors like financial expert Robert Testagrossa certainly saw the fruits of it. Unfortunately however there were many late to the game who saw coins such as Bitcoin plummet from $20,000 down to around $3,000. The bear run that followed in 2017 was pretty savage and many lost a great deal of money from their investments.

Currently cryptocurrency is very much inside a bull run, but even if there is a bear run to follow, it will not be anywhere near as savage as what happened back in 2017, and here is why.

Massive Investments

The main criticism of those coins which had big market cap back in 2017 was that the whales controlled the price. Whales are investors or groups of investors who have huge holdings of crypto, who can alter the price with a quick sale or dump, or indeed big buys which lead to a pump. Regarding those coins with big market caps now, the whales have very much been diluted and that means that they can affect the price less.

Acceptance in the Community

The bear run back in 2017 served as a reminder to many of the volatility of crypt, and those traditional thinkers were almost proved right about their opinions on crypto. During this bull run however we are seeing some of the world’s biggest companies get on board. Tesla has bought up huge figures of crypto, MasterCard and PayPal now allow for crypto purchases and even the likes of Bear Sterns are getting involved. The oldest bank in New York, BNY Mellon, is even allowing its clients to hold crypto with them. This shows the acceptance of crypto and why the crash won’t get close to what we saw in 2017.

Palpable

One of the biggest criticisms of cryptocurrency through the years was that it had no real value because you couldn’t buy anything with it. This of course was a valid concern which many had. These days however this just isn’t the same and there is much that you can purchase with the likes of Bitcoin. In Miami there is a trial where you can pay taxes and earn salary in Bitcoin, Tesla allow you to buy a vehicle with the cryptocurrency and there are even towns in Japan which are operating using the currency. Tis will continue to grow and making the coin a palpable asset is exactly why we won’t see a monster plunge in price.

Higher Security

What many people didn’t know about that tough bull run in 2017 was that it was mainly caused because of a massive hack which saw huge volumes of crypto stolen from wallets. These days however there is much tighter security which can prevent this from happening. This isn’t to say that a hack is impossible, but it is far less likely than ever before.

The market is volatile of course, but when the bull run comes, it is worth ensuring that you don’t panic.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Technology category

Apria Healthcare Reviews – Aids Which Can Help In The House With Mobility

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If you have issues with mobility then it is absolutely essential that you utilize gadgets and aids which can seriously support you with this in and around the house. There are so many to choose from and these aids really do change lives. If you check out the Apria healthcare reviews, you will see for yourself just how beneficial these items are for those who have difficulties. There is absolutely no shame in seeking some kind of support for these issues and in actual fact you will have made a smart choice which helps you to get back some level of freedom.

Here are some simple gadgets which will make a big difference.

Hand Rails

Doing something as simple as adding hand rails around the home can be perfect for those who struggle to walk or who don’t feel strong on their feet. These rails are able to just offer that little bit of extra support when you need it most, and give you something to lean on when you need a little rest.

Stairlift

Getting up and down the stairs when you have mobility issues is not just tough, but it can in fact be dangerous. There is always a risk of falling when you are walking up and down stairs and putting too much pressure on your body could lead to further issues. This is why a stairlift is the perfect investment. This particular aid will ensure that there is no dangers when you are moving up and down the stairs and it will certainly help you to look after your body.

Walk In Bath

For anyone with mobility issues, getting in and out of the bath poses a real challenge and given the presence of water there is always a risk of slipping over. For this reason a walk in bathtub is the perfect idea and it will certainly help you to wash yourself in the bath without any risk or danger. The way in which these tubs work is that you open the door and sit in the tub, and then begin to add the water. Once you have finished in the tub simply drain the water and then open the door back up and get out. Easy and simple to use, and a great option which will help you with the simple daily task of getting washed.

Raised Toilet Seat

Another real risk when it comes to going about simple daily tasks is using the toilet and the pressure it puts on the body to get on and off the toilet. A simple and low cost gadget which you can use here is a raised seat which will mean that you don’t have to get down as far when the time comes to go to the toilet. This is a fantastic option which is going to help you so many times throughout the day and help you to avoid any undue stress and potential injury.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Life Tips category

Stephen Varanko III – Why All Vets Should Use Helpful Services

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Those who have worked in the military are a very proud bunch, and that is why they are so good at what they do. Unfortunately however this pride can often set them back once they come home and try to integrate into civilian life. This however is through no fault of their own. The reality is that despite the incredible work which they have done for the country, military vets don’t get treated as they should by everyone once they do come home. This is true no matter whether they are looking for jobs or looking for opportunities. Some vets can create their own path of course, but many struggle.

Thankfully however there are people like Stephen Varanko III and many organizations which have been set up to support this group of people and to ensure that they have every possible chance of leading the life when they get home, and here is why more vets should use these services.

Tailor Made

Ultimately these services have been specifically made for military veterans who have had troubles integrating back into civilian life. After all none of us can imagine what it must be like to one day be living in a war zone and the next to be living in the suburbs. Thankfully however there have been so many who have gone before, who have created organizations which look to give vets the hand up that they need to seek a better life for themselves. It is critical that vets take note of this and use the help that is around them.

Finding Help

Military vets need all kinds of help and support and the reality is that the government have not always delivered on this for the men and women who are relieved from active duty. Some need help finding a job, others need help learning new skills and some are looking for help with issues like PTSD and other mental health issues. What all vets need to know is that there is so much help and support out there for them, and reaching out is the first step that they should be taking on their road to the future.

Meeting Others

No matter what the camaraderie is like inside the military, when it is over not all vets stay close to one another, usually because they are from other sides of the country. Reaching out to these organizations however gives the vets a great chance at meeting others with whom they can share their experiences and strike up a bond which will last for life. A huge issue which so many vets have is that they feel as though people around them don’t understand what they have been through, and this is because nobody really can. The only people who can understand their experiences are people who have lived through them, and that is why these groups and organizations are so helpful.

There is always help out there if you are happy to look for it.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Life Tips category

Scott Tominaga – Why Compliance Is So Important In Finance

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Over the last 2 decades the theme of compliance in finance has become more important than ever before. This has always existed to some degree but there is no doubt that there is more processes which financial services have to go through now, in the name of ensuring that they have solid levels of compliance. We caught up with financial expert Scott Tominaga to find out exactly why this is so important in the world of finance and what exactly compliance is all about. For those of you who are curious, this is why compliance is so important.

Reigning in Operations

One of the most important reasons why compliance exists is that it ensures that all banks, traders and financial services have a strict process to follow which keeps them in check. In the case of trading for example, too much time went by without them needing to really follow compliance that would restrict their actions. The result of this over time was a number of trading branches of companies having free reign over how much they traded and what on. The tighter compliance now ensures that there are better rules which protect everyone.

No Repeats

The financial crisis which happened in 2008 occurred for a number of reasons. Primarily however it was the repackaging and the resale of poor quality mortgages that eventually caused the collapse of the world economy. This of course could never be allowed to happen again and that is exactly why we have seen such an increase in the level of compliance. Banks and financial institutions now have tighter rules to follow in order to make sure that nothing like this ever takes place again.

Protecting the Customer

In the main compliance is about making sure that the customer is always protected. No matter what the product is that is being sold, there are high levels of compliance which must be adhered to. Looking at situations like PPI is perfect in helping us understand why customers need protection. For many years customers were sol payment protection without knowing about it, and this forced many lenders to give money back to their customers. The compliance which we have in place now helps those customers to stay protected and avoid anything like that from happening.

Protecting the Financial Company

As painful as some of the compliance can be, it is important to remember that a lot of it is in place to actually offer protection to banks and to financial services companies. Compliance is what will ensure that they have maximum protection should any lawsuits come their way from clients or businesses. As much as compliance is there to protect customers and the wider world, it is also a very good tool to ensure that all banks and financial institutions are fully protected.

Compliance will continue to change as the world does, and it is quite clear that this is thanks to the many benefits which this aspect of finance has.

David Cates – Why We Should All Write

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Many great writers such as David Cates often discuss the importance of writing in all of our lives and how we should endeavor to all write something, even if it is just a diary. These men and women do not say this in order to try and encourage us all to be famous writers, they are discussing the actual creative aspect of writing and what it can actually mean to our lives. If you don’t think that you are able to write or if you have never really considered writing, here is why you should try and start this creative endeavor, even if it is just jotting down some ideas or writing a diary.

Exploring Thoughts

You may think that you really know your mind but it is not until you start writing things down that you can truly begin to understand ideas and explore thoughts. This is actually a truly fascinating thing which happens when you begin to write things down. When you are writing, there is just you, the pen and the paper. This is not like talking because when you speak with someone there is always a level of expectation. When you write you are free to use go ahead and explore the ideas which occur in your mind.

More Creative

Whenever you start something creative like writing or drawing, it opens up different pathways in your brain and that can result in a much greater desire to be creative in other ways. This is something which so many people talk about, that idea of opening up the mind and allowing creative juices to flow in other areas in their life. Those who think that they are not creative are in fact those people who are just not ready to explore those ideas which make such a difference.

Nice Hobby

So many of us are stuck in a rut of just watching TV shows in our downtime and whist they are certainly entertaining, the reality is that they don’t give us much by way of value. When you sit and write however this is such a great way for you to spend and invest your time. Writing enables you to truly get your teeth stuck into something exciting and that really does help you fill time in a positive way.

Leading On

The reason why people say that you should get started first with a diary or a small journal is that this often gives way to additional writing pursuits which are even more fulfilling. For example you may find that you start with a diary but then realize you enjoy it, and so instead begin to write some short stories. It is amazing just how quickly your ambition for writing will continue, and just how quickly you will realize that you have far more to give with regards to the written content which you are able to produce.

Why not give it a try and see how you get on?

To read more on topics like this, check out the Life Tips category

Gorgeous Flower Bouquets for Weddings

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Flowers are always loved by everyone. What might a wedding be without fresh flowers? Wedding flowers are quite possibly the most stand apart components to the unique day, giving style, scent, or even a pleasant fly of shading. Fortunately, there are numerous varieties and kinds of flowers to browse for weddings.

Roses

What is more exemplary than a rose? Old-fashioned Romans believed that roses represented magnificence and were emphatically connected to adoration and love, and surprisingly nowadays, the rose is normally referenced in verse, writing, music, style, etc. You can never turn out badly with the exemplary red rose for your wedding, an image of adoration and purity. Not only for your own wedding, if your BFF’s wedding is coming and you are not able to attend the wedding due to Covid-19, then you can easily send flowers using flower delivery in Chennai. Even though roses might be conventional, there are numerous approaches to collect a bouquet that is excellent to you! There are over 100 unique kinds of roses, with different tones and sizes available online.

Tulip Flower Bouquets

Although they are viewed as the public flower of Holland, tulips are really native to Iran. Tulips are grown in a wide assortment of shadings and are accessible throughout the entire year. Tulips are likewise generally reasonable, however, rare assortments can be incredibly costly. Tulip can upgrade any wedding stylistic theme, from exquisite settings to casual gatherings and everything in the middle. They can be added to your wedding bouquet, boutonnieres, and table decorations.

Carnations

Carnations have an excellent allure that fit directly into most wedding stylistic layouts. Their blooms and strong stems make them a fine contender for open-air wedding festivities, specifically. They come in many colors, however, can be colored to coordinate with your bridesmaids’ dresses. The interesting petal shape of carnations is an extraordinary addition to any wedding bouquet.

Orchids

Another fascinating and famous choice, orchids are a beautiful wedding flower that can add a bright, tropical touch to any bouquet or decorative design. This blossom is related to top-of-the-line extravagance and its consideration in your wedding decorations says something of plushness and style. You can utilize orchids with their curving stems without anyone else for table adornments or potentially draped over on special cakes for bachelorette for an elegant and enchanting style. Also, Ladies often select an orchid over another blossom decision for a hair adornment either with their wedding outfit or in the flight for their special night.

Hydrangea

Due to the hydrangea’s voluminous, full flowers you can use one or two sparingly as a part of your bouquet, or transform only a couple into a centerpiece. Their shape resembles a pulsating heart, so they represent perseverance and feeling. The hydrangea exudes gentility and class in pale pink or white.

Sunflowers

When we talk about cheap wedding flowers, sunflowers never become unpopular. Their brilliant petals and enormous blooms naturally radiate a sensation of bliss. Regardless of how you use them, sunflowers are an invaluable choice that is very reasonable.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Life Tips category

Stage Makeup: The Basics

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Whether you’re an amateur performer who loves community theatre in their spare time, or you’re hoping to get your big break on Broadway, it’s always good to know how to do your own makeup.

Makeup for the stage is a little different from everyday makeup. With all the lights shining down on you, and the audience sat a fair distance away, it’s important to create more definition than normal.

To help get you started, we’re sharing the basics so that you can get your theatre makeup perfect every time.

Let’s get started!

Prioritize primer

On an average day, you’ll likely have time to re-apply or touch up your makeup. But in the fast-paced world of theatre, there’s no time between scenes to check how you look. That’s why primer is vital.

Performing can be hot and sweaty, too, under bright lights, meaning it’s best to look for a mattifying, oil-free primer to help fight the shine.

Matte finish foundation

Just like the primer, you’ll need a matte finish foundation to help hide how hot and bothered you feel inside. It’ll also help prevent the show lights reflecting off you. As mentioned, you’ll likely have a variety of different stage lights beaming down on you, which can quickly wash out your natural skin tone. As such, most performers opt for a foundation at least a shade darker to their everyday product. That way, when the light hits, you don’t look ghost-like!

Define the cheekbones

To help with the total washout, it’s a good idea to emphasize the cheekbones with a bronzer and a little blush. After all, you’ve just covered your normal rosy cheeks with a dark foundation, so it’s time to bring back your natural complexion. Brush blusher into the apples of your cheeks and gently blend with your foundation for a natural look.

Emphasize the eyes

If you’re not expected to wear a specific eyeshadow color, it’s best to just create a slightly-bolder-than-natural look. Add a lighter shadow to below the brow and a dark brown hue to the actual lid. This will help create definition that the audience will be able to see.

Then it’s time for the liner. Keep the liner close to the lash line to create a simple line around the eye. This will not only create definition, but also help enhance the look of your lashes.

Which brings us onto mascara. If you aren’t keen on false lashes, a volumizing mascara will do just the trick. Apply a few coats to really make your eyes sparkle while on stage.

Finally, for the eyes, you can fill in your brows for a bolder look. This is particularly helpful if you’re not blessed in the eyebrow department …

Pop a pout

Lastly, to complete the look, a rosy red pout is required. Choose your favorite red lipstick and pucker up!

To make sure your look stays put for the whole show, don’t forget a good setting spray. Otherwise, you might not quite look the part in the second half …

Now, you’ve got the basics down, you’re free to experiment with different eye shadows, highlighter and hey, why not some glitter?

To read more on topics like this, check out the Life Tips category

Most Common Challenges with Raiser’s Edge NXT & How To Solve Them

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Raiser’s Edge NXT is the latest release of Blackbaud’s legacy constituent relationship management and fundraising software. A new web interface distinguishes Raiser’s Edge NXT from previous releases. The database view of Raiser’s Edge 7 is still integral to this software, which also still lacks built-in support for integrating external applications. Find out how an integrated constituent portal supports Raiser’s Edge integration with external CRM or fundraising applications or tools for driving engagement.

Raiser’s Edge NXT Database View Problems and Solutions

Raiser’s Edge NXT features a visibly streamlined web view to increase ease of use during fundraising campaigns. Users must use a database view to input information and access field controls. Many users report that the query creation tool in database view is difficult to use, but there is no other way to run searches or segment records in Raiser’s Edge NXT.

A Blackbaud integration is the best solution for challenges posed by this platform. Integration software can also make data stored in Raiser’s Edge NXT available to external applications and support imports into this database. Omatic Cloud is designed to work with Raiser’s Edge NXT and other Blackbaud software as well as the Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack and third-party applications for tasks such as email marketing or fundraising.

Omatic’s Cloud Based Integration Solution For Raiser’s Edge NXT

A cloud-based integration suite has the benefit of being accessible from anywhere. The ability to access data stored in Raiser’s Edge NXT outside of the database and web interfaces built into this platform is beneficial for a number of reasons. A centralized database makes it easier to do cross-platform data exports and imports as needed and also supports the formulation of queries, which can be more challenging in the Raiser’s Edge NXT database view.

While Raiser’s Edge NXT is marketed as the first cloud-based version of this legacy CRM and fundraising software, a client is still necessary to gain remote access to an installation. Omatic is a true cloud-based platform that is easy to access anywhere, which can simplify analytics and fundraising workflows for nonprofit staff.

Using Third-Party Software Alongside Raiser’s Edge NXT

Blackbaud software is notorious for being a closed system. This platform lacks the support for third-party application integrations available for Salesforce NPSP. Omatic integration software empowers nonprofits to overcome this obstacle by supporting secure exports of Raiser’s Edge NXT data to other platforms and imports of external donation or engagement records.

Not-for-profit organizations that want to use Raiser’s Edge NXT alongside specialized marketing tools for engagement or web-based fundraising platforms should plan ahead to integrate this software. Omatic Cloud is made with the needs of nonprofits in mind and supports the most popular software used in this sector.

Users who are not familiar with past Raiser’s Edge releases may experience challenges performing essential functions in the database view that undergirds Raiser’s Edge NXT. The ability to rely on a centralized database may resolve some challenges presented when creating or updating records or running queries. The best integration software also makes it easier to combine external software with Raiser’s Edge NXT.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Business Tech category