Blog Posted In Education, Lifestyle

How To Learn Something New Everyday In 15 Minutes (Or Less)


By | source: Apr 29th, 2019
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As children we were encouraged to learn something new every day.  We did experiments at school, took part in extra-curricular activities, and joined cultural and activist groups during our college years.

Then something happened:

Adulthood.  (Or really, adulting.)

We went from being curious children to adults dedicated to a 9-5 job (which the majority of us find unrewarding), adopting routines that rarely ever change.

Benedict Carey, author of the book How We Learn, says that routine limits our brain’s ability to learn new skills and knowledge.  This is worrisome because learning new things is important for our happiness.

 

Why Learning New Things Is Crucial for Happiness

Image of Embroidered brain art as an example of how learning makes us happier

You may have heard that the “brain is like a muscle.”  Just like other muscles, you have to exercise the brain by learning new things.  Yes, there is ample research which shows that learning helps build neuron connections and can stave off diseases like Parkinson’s. But there is a lot more to learning new things than just making the brain stronger.  The act of learning actually makes us happier.

As Belle Beth Cooper writes about in her post on “Why New Things Make Us Feel So Good”, there is a section in the brain known as the SN/VTA.

The SN/VTA part of the brain is linked to the learning and memory parts, but it is best known as the “novelty center” because it lights up when exposed to new stimuli.  You experience a rush of dopamine, which is one of the chemicals that motivates us towards rewards.

Here is what happens:

  • You experience something new.
  • The “novelty center” of your brain is activated.
  • You get a rush of dopamine.
  • Dopamine motivates you to follow through with the new thing.
  • You get another rush of dopamine when you finish the activity.

It is no surprise then that research has found dopamine is closely linked to the learning process. In short, learning new things stimulates happiness chemicals brain.

Learning is fundamentally positive for your mental health.

 

Other Benefits of Learning Something New

relief sculpture of people floating on brain balloons

  • Learning Makes You More Interesting to Others: You’ll always have something to talk about at parties.
  • Can Relate to More People: The more you know, the more likely you are to find something in common with others.  Empathy also helps bridge gaps in communication.
  • Builds Self-Esteem: Practice makes perfect, and when we see ourselves mastering new knowledge and skills, we build self-efficacy.   Self efficacy is our own faith that we can succeed at a given task, which closely overlaps with self-esteem and confidence.
  • You’ll Make More Friends: Because of the benefits of learning listed above, you’ll find it easier to meet people and make friends. Social interactions are essential for our happiness, so learning really does pay off in the long run!
  • Sets a Good Example: If you want your kids and loved ones to reap the same benefits of learning, lead by example! Show them the importance of education by dedicating time to activities like reading books, exploring scientific concepts, and even working on a research paper that cultivates analytical thinking, enhances problem-solving abilities, and advances knowledge in various fields. Education is paramount as it equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary for personal growth and societal progress.
  • Earn More Money: Depending on what you learn, you might build both technical or soft skills to advance your career.

lady jumping between mountains to reach job

  • Find a More Rewarding Career: It isn’t money which motivates us –having a sense of purpose motivates. Learning new skills makes you better-rounded so you can more easily find what you love to do.
  • Empowering: Learning gives you the information you need to make better informed decisions in life.
  • You’ll Learn Easier and Faster: The more you practice learning, the denser the myelin white matter of your brain becomes and the stronger your neural pathways become.
  • Learning Fuels Creativity: As Positive Psychology champion Vanessa King says, ideas come from seemingly unrelated things. Learning new things can trigger ideas in other areas.

How to Learn Something New Right Now

Learning can be broken down into short-term and long-term learning.  If you don’t necessarily want to embark on a big endeavor (such as learning to play an instrument), your brain can still benefit from learning smaller bits of information on a daily basis.  Here are some ways to do that.

1. Watch Ted ED

Ted Talks are famous for bringing a huge amount of topics by innovative thinkers.  Ted Ed takes learning a step further with engaging video lessons.  Topics range from “the scientific way to cut a cake” to “how money laundering works.”

2. Play GeoGuessr

Americans are notoriously bad at geography, but the rest of the world probably isn’t too much better.  The game GeoGuessr takes a unique approach to learning geography.   You are shown a Google Maps photo and have to guess where it is.  You might just find yourself saying things like, “Huh, I didn’t know that Afghanistan has such green forests!”  It’s free to play.

3. Train Your Brain at Lumosity

Brought to you by scientists and game developers, Lumosity has a great collection of cognitive games you can play. You might not learn a concrete fact, but your brain will be challenged and grow!

Learning game screenshot from Lumosity website

4. Follow Curiosity

Curiosity is a website which inspires people to get smarter.  They do it by finding the most interesting news on a variety of topics.  Just click what topic you are interested in learning about and you’ll find fascinating articles and videos.

5. Build Your Vocabulary

A large vocabulary is not only impressive, but it allows you to express yourself better.  Remember the book 1984 and how they started cutting words from the language as a form of mind control?  Well, that’s the power of vocab!  The website Vocabulary.com has come up with an adaptive learning game to help you learn more words easily.

Image of lightbulb - how to learn something new every day

 

6. Follow Daily Infographic

No brainer right? Humans process visuals quickly: It takes less than 1/10 of a second for your brain to get a sense of a visual.  Absorbing new information using infographics is a quick and easy way to learn.  Visual learning not only decreases comprehension time, but sticks around longer in our memories.   On Daily Infographic you can spend 15 minutes per day perusing an infographic on a topic of your choice.

Screenshot of Daily Infographic where you can learn something new

7. Encourage Yourself With Good Job, Brain! Trivia Podcast

Start your day off with an intelligent jolt of positively fascinating facts, offbeat trivia, and creative challenges designed to stimulate the mind. From identifying songs in reverse to the world’s weirdest history, Good Job, Brain! is the perfect podcast to enliven and inspire stimulated individuals.

8. Listen to 7 Good Minutes to Learn Yourself Better

Get yourself inspired and closer to your goals by listening to Clyde Lee Dennis’s self-improvement podcast. Each day of the week, he delivers practical life-skills discussions, wellness talks, and mindset shaping discourses into everything from stopping ruminating thoughts to goal-setting, the ego, and more.

9. Get Smart, Instantly With Instanerd

Subscribe to Instanerd or visit the site for an endless supply of useful facts and information. Start the feed and flick left or right through short how-tos and factoids on everything from taking advantage of travel opportunities to origin stories for society and social icons, fascinating general knowledge and even more obscure topics. Ever wondered what it’s called when you turn yellow from eating too many carrots? Instanerd has your answer.

10. Stay Informed With 60 Second Science

Scientific American’s 60 Second Science is the fastest way to stay informed regarding science, activism, and global interest issues. The refreshing, short format grips big topics, dissecting them during each podcast into condensed, relevant facts that fit great into any day regardless of how busy you may be. 

11. Flex Your Mind For 5 Minutes Using Brain Training Podcast

Two games of three rounds each takes care of brain exercise for the day in under five minutes, thanks to the Brain Training Podcast. The show is described as an audio workout for your head that teaches you how to memorize things effectively while having fun. 

12. Discover Unknown History By Listening To The Way I Heard It

Get the low-down on some of the most significant pop culture topics, the world’s greatest inventions, influential politics, prominent people, exciting places, and other icons of modern society. Mike Rowe’s podcast is short, to the point, and perfect for anyone with an enquiring mind. 

13. Take A Tip From The Functioning Minimalist And Live Happier

The practical tips provided by the Functioning Minimalist will have you listening to each podcast over and over again. Integrate sustainability tips while training yourself to grow more content in the moment each day. It’s the exact bite-sized inspiration that every busy professional needs. 

14. Let Highbrow Teach You Via Email In 5-Minutes A Day

Select from hundreds of topics and then let Highbrow deliver a five-minute lesson to your email inbox every day. From the arts and philosophy to entrepreneurship, marketing, personal growth, productivity, and even life hacks for travel and productivity – you’re ensured a fascinating selection of courses subdivided into ten daily episodes each.

15. Grow Your Current Knowledge With Big Think

Shine a light on complex, scientific topics with a global impact. Big Think teaches you topics like forced empathy and how to negotiate better. There’s discussions, presentations, and lessons on subjects that matter across all fields, making this resource indispensable to lifelong learners. 

16. Get Hooked On Trivia Crack App

Ever discovered just how addictive a good session of trivia is? Trivia Crack will leave you hooked on questions from across six categories as you compete against other human players from around the world. A winner is found in 25 rounds or less, cramming a surprising amount of interesting info into a brief period. Now, that’s fun learning. 

17. Learn How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords

When solved regularly, cognitive word games like cryptic crosswords improve lexical memory. Improve your ability to remember words and languages by using the Learn How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords app until you’re adept at working through one of the world’s favorite puzzles effectively. 

18. Learn A Dance Move From Steezy Studio

Step out of the boundaries of conventional learning experiences and pick up a new dance move every day with Steezy Studio. A selection of the world’s best dance tools makes sure that everyone from complete beginners with just a few minutes a day to seasoned, high-energy dance professionals have something new and fun to learn every day. 

19. Break Down And Read A Book In 15 Minutes With Blinkist

Discover thought-provoking new fiction with Blinkist. Each book is condensed into a 15-minute summary that is ideal for finding new authors and subjects. Free users are provided a random summary every day with Blinkist’s Random Pick, and you are free to read summaries offline. There’s no faster way to explore the literary world and find things you’d like to read.

 

20. Enhance Your Learning Journey with KeepNotes

KeepNotes is a platform that revolutionizes the way students learn by providing an opportunity to share and sell their notes. With KeepNotes, students can easily upload their comprehensive study materials, connecting with a wider audience. This innovative platform fosters a community of knowledge-sharing while empowering students to transform their expertise into a rewarding venture.

Ways to Learn Long Term Skills

Ready to take on a bigger challenge? Learning new skills that require a longer-term commitment can be even more rewarding and stimulating for the brain.  Every day, you build on what you learned the day before until you reach a level of mastery.  Here are just some ideas of things you can start learning and where to start.

Online courses have the benefit of being comprehensive, guided learning experiences set at your own pace.  One of the biggest hurdles of signing up for online courses is completion.  Instead of finding larger blocks of time to power through courses, try to set aside a minimum of 15 minutes a day to work through courses.  Steady wins the race!

20. Hone Creativity with Creative Live

Art, photography, creativity get a boost with classes on Creative Live.  Whether you’re a beginner or an established artist looking to refine your skills and even build a business with them, this platform provides courses in a simulated live format.

The approach focuses on learning via interaction, which means that the online classroom also features a studio audience that appears on camera. The in-studio students, usually ranging from three to 15 people, interact with the instructor the way a live classroom would, creating a rich virtual experience.

Browse Daily Free On-Air Classes!

21. Pick Up Career Skills With Skillshare

A January 2018 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that on average a person changes jobs 10-15 times, and that number is only increasing with increasing job mobility.  Better job mobility also comes from more opportunities to learn new skills.

Skillshare features personalized, on demand classes in categories like animation, graphic design, web development, business analytics, entrepreneurship, and marketing, to name a few.  Productivity and lifestyle classes help you to make those skills go even further.

Personal Development Category (English)234x60

22. Master New Skills at Udemy

On Udemy, you can find over 55,000 online courses on topics ranging from web development to music training.  Many basic level classes are free but there are paid courses as well.

23.  Learn Coding at Udacity

Udacity is one of the most popular places to learn coding for free.  They have videos, quizzes, and instructions so you can earn a “Nanodegree.”  The courses are made by expert programmers and big companies like Google so they are definitely relevant to today’s job market and tech trends.

24. Take Interactive Online Courses At BitDegree  

BitDegree differentiates itself through offering interactive & gamified courses, especially in the blockchain space.  Universities are already embracing blockchain courses on campuses, based on growing interest from students.  The cryptocurrency phenomenon is a global one, powered by bitcoin’s meteoric rise.   Courses offered cover skills ranging from programming, marketing, machine learning to blockchain and cryptocurrencies.  

25. Learn Digital Marketing with Primer

All small business owners and entrepreneurs need to know digital marketing techniques if they are going to stay relevant.  Created by Google, Primer teaches marketing skills and delivers them in digestible 5-minute segments.

26. Take Online Courses at Coursera

Coursera is one of the best places to find free online courses in higher education on just about any topic.  The courses are offered by top universities in the US, helping you to extend your education from the comforts of your own home.  Certificates are available for a fee.  As an alternative, Iversity.org provides development courses from experts all over Europe. usually on very specific topics.

27. Learn Leadership Skills at MindTools

Today’s top companies aren’t just looking for skills like coding.  They want people with soft skills like leadership, team management, creativity, and decision-making.  MindTools has a great collection of mini courses which teach you these skills.

Screenshot of Mind Tools website where you can learn something new

28. View Instructables

Not sure what you want to learn today? Just visit Instructables and view any one of the great DIY tutorials to learn a new skill.

29. Learn First Aid from the Red Cross App

First aid is something that everyone should know and refresh regularly.  The American Red Cross has come up with a great app to help.  It isn’t a substitute for an in-person course, but it does have bite-size courses on basics accompanied by videos and instructions.

30. Learn a New Language with Duolingo

Duolingo is an app which makes it easy to learn a new language thanks to its interactive method and how it breaks down lessons into small chunks. There are dozens of languages to choose from and the app is free to use!

Screenshot from Duolingo app where you can learn a new language

 

31. Become a Better Writer with 750 Words

Writing is fundamental cornerstone of communication and remains one of the most in-demand skills that employers look for. The app 750 Words helps you become a better writer by having you write a minimum of 750 words of stream of conscious writing per day – a practice which is said to improve writing fluency and also help you learn about yourself in the process.

If you’re looking for a shortcut you can find someone to write my annotated bibliography with professionals from Bestcustomwriting.

32. Further Career Goals With LinkedIn Learning

Formerly Lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning focuses on career oriented subjects with like business, design, and technology.  These expert taught classes are meant to add skills to help you in your job.

33.  Learn Gratitude with Mojo

Gratitude is key for happiness in life.  What a lot of people don’t realize is that gratitude actually has to be learned and worked on.  The app Mojo helps you rewire your brain to be more grateful by encouraging you to write at least five good things per day, rate the day, and add photos.

34. Pick A Mental Workout From Brain Metrix

The next time you find your mind wandering and are in need of a diversion, head to Brain Metrix. Pick from a range of extensive cognitive tests designed to boost mental flexibility and fitness. Improve concentration, reflection speed, memory and mental reflexes through strangely addictive mental exercises.

 

35. Steer Your Mood and Mind With Moodfit App

Make the changes that you need to your mood, mind, lifestyle and habits to improve your mental health and improve every area of your life. Moodfit may not be free, but it offers 30 days to try the world’s top-rated mental health app’s full functionality. You’ll have everything from tools to help you manage immediate stress to tracking for sleep, therapy, gratitude and goals. There’s no better way to take control and understand your emotions.

 

36. Let Peak Brain Training Make Cognitive Exercise Fun

Peak Braining Training is an app that’ll push your cognition, training you through a series of stimulating, challenging mental workouts. Fun, fast and personalized for you – the Peak app can help you improve your focus, memory and overall mental agility. Developed in tandem with scientists from Cambridge, Yale, UCL and King’s College London, it keeps you motivated while offering training programmes reaching advanced levels of memory and attention.

 

37. Speak A New Language Conversationally With Babbel

Introduce yourself to a new language and learn just how simple becoming fluent can be with Babbel. Both a web and mobile app are available. Exercises are to the point, teaching you phrases that you’ll use in practical day-to-day situations. Babbel isn’t free, but it’s highly affordable and has some of the best lessons, prompts, and podcasts around.

 

38. Learn Any Language With Rosetta Stone

The world’s most famous language learning tool is an award-winning language learning solution. From giving you a focused interface to learn practical words and phrases to fine-tuning pronunciation with the help of Rosetta Stone’s TruAccent Speech recognition, few apps can compare. Try it out for three days for free and see how Rosetta Stone will help you pick up a new language more intuitively than ever.

 

39. Use Drops To Try A New Language In Only 5 Minutes A Day

Drops is a learning app brought to us by Kahoot! that lets you learn practical aspects of a range of different languages in just five minutes a day. Pick from one of 41 various languages, and visual character learning immerses you in vocabulary that you’d commonly use when traveling. Lessons are spread across 11 topics, and each session builds to a lasting understanding of a new language.

 

40. Communicate Better With The Help Of Elevate App

The once-winner of Apple’s App of the Year presents an impressive range of fun exercises to train your brain and work on social skills. Elevate helps you speak better while honing focus and cognition. The whole experience is customized according to the way you interact with Elevate, with the 35+ games learning how to help you better each time you play. 

 

41. Learn Faster With Kahoot! Interactive Quizzes

Kahoot! Has over 50 million interactive quizzes and games on-demand that make learning fascinating at any age. Whether you’re discovering a new topic, exploring a complex concept, or putting skill into practice, Kahoot! makes sure your full attention is on training while having more fun than you ever thought possible. 

 

42. Use BrainScape’s Smart Flashcards to Condense Learning

BrainScape may be designed for students, but the smart flashcards sure do make it easy to compress a vast amount of knowledge into an exciting learning experience for adults. The science of spaced repetition keeps your mind alert, processing and retaining knowledge effectively. It’s an app that offers a great way to be introduced to new subjects.

 

43. Set a Score In Curious And Grow Your Knowledge

Curious video lessons and a personal Curious Quotient (CQ) score ensure that you’re learning something new every day in 5, 15, or 30-minutes. Pick the subject that you want to learn from a growing collection of over 25,000 lessons. New CQ workouts are suggested daily to sharpen your creative, practical, and academic skills. 

Curious learning app

44. Learn More About Your Tendencies With Queendom Tests

Queendom is a platform filled with scientifically developed and validated quizzes that help you learn more about yourself and your hidden tendencies. From testing your affinity for childcare to determining coachability, and even more fun tests like determining devotion, kinkiness or your level of personal hygiene – Queendom offers a fascinating way to spend 15 minutes a day learning something new.

 

Tools to Further Your Career

Staying competitive in today’s ever-evolving world calls for self-growth and constantly learning new skills. With these tools, you’re sure to be armed with everything that you need to get your job done better than ever while opening yourself to a far broader range of business options. Keep working hard at yourself as a professional in your field, and you’re sure to further your career quickly. 

 

45. Prepare To Pass Your PMP Using Brain Sensei

Pass your Project Management Exam (PMP) with flying colors, with a little help from Brain Sensei. Serving up an innovative selection of test prep courses using animated stories, this online video PMP training course makes preparation fun and easy. Storytelling puts across bite-sized components of information that condenses the PMBOK into something that anyone can grasp given devoted attention.

 

46. Raise Your Student Score With Some Help From Kranse Institute 

If you’re looking for a surefire way to up your SAT, ACT, or GMAT score, the Kranse Institute should be a prime consideration. Bite-sized video lectures take you through digital test preparation using a syllabus proven to increase your average test scores. The Kranse Institute’s program was developed and is taught by perfect score student, Shaan Patel who won Shark Tank and joined forces with billionaire investor, Mark Cuban.

 

47. Enroll In Video Coding Courses Treehouse

Treehouse video courses on in-demand topics make learning advanced subjects like coding, design, technical and soft skills easy. The unmistakable Treehouse learning system condenses education into interactive videos, workspaces and quizzes that are as informative as they are intuitive and addictive. Instead of relying on standardized tests and exams, code and projects are peer-reviewed, making sure that you know how to apply the things you learn. 

 

48. Use 360training To Cruise Through Workforce Exams

If you’re looking for an app to help you prepare for any workforce training exam, look no further 360training. Giving access to over 6000 courses with new, relevant certifications added by the day, 360training is comprehensive and easy to use. It acts as a single resource for multiple-tests, ensuring that driven employees are empowered with current regulations and 24/7 access to learning material across all devices.

 

49. Learn IT Skills From QuickStart

QuickStart should be your go-to learning resource for all online IT certification courses and programs. Being partnered with institutions like Microsoft Gold, Cisco and Citrix makes QuickStart one of the world’s only IT training and work readiness vendors supported by all the latest emerging technologies. There are courses to help teams reach their goals better, professional aptitude assessments, personnel insight courses, and all types of personalized learning modalities available.

Learning IT quickstart app

50. Do Better Business And Listen To The 15-Minute Strategy Podcast

Ever wished you had a thought leader at your side to help you decipher the next, best course of action for your career or business? Tune in to the 15-Minute Strategy Podcast brought to you by Hubspot’s Sprocket Talk, and look forward to actionable advice and practical next steps from top professionals across all fields. 

 

51. Trade Virtual Stocks With Wall Street Survivor

Visit Wall Street Survivor to enjoy what’s considered by many to be the world’s best stock trading simulator. Join the practice league and spend as much or as little time as you can on playing a virtual stock market. Wall Street Survivor teaches you how to invest in stocks through a selection of easy-to-understand prompts and pointers. 

 

52. Teach Yourself Coding For Free With SoloLearn

From around the clock peer support from a dedicated, busy community to a selection spanning thirteen languages – SoloLearn has everything you need to make learning coding easier. There’s no faster way to cement all those core concepts into memory than through this intuitive app’s multiple-choice learning prompts. 

Solo learn coding app

53. Learn to Code Anywhere With Mimo

Mimo is an app designed to make on-the-go coding accessible to anyone learning a language. Bite-sized exercises make grasping advanced concepts easy, while goals and streaks keep you on track and growing your programming know-how steadily.

 

54. Play an educational game of FreeCell Solitaire on Solitaired

FreeCell is a popular solitaire game where almost every game is winnable, but each game comes with varying difficulties. If you like the game, try the FreeCell Solitaire version on Solitaired. You can customize the deck of cards with educational decks that cover famous aviators to inventors, so when you play, you learn something new!

 

Why 15 Minutes a Day?

Drawing of a person reading underneath of a brain tree

It doesn’t have to be 15 minutes a day that you dedicate to learning something new.  It could be 30 minutes, one hour, or even as little as 5 minutes per day.  What matters is that you:

  1. Dedicate a specific amount of time daily for learning new things.
  2. Hold yourself accountable.

The reason the time-frame unit is so important is because people are more likely to stay motivated and succeed if they break goals into smaller units.

Use Effective Learning Strategies

To reinforce skills, utilizing specific techniques can help you learn faster.  These include testing yourself regularly, finding ways to gain practical experience, rewarding yourself, and teaching others.  Here are a few other common strategies:

  • Dual Coding – This method most often represents using images next to text.  Or learning sign language as you’re learning a verbal language.  Having 2 different codes for the message further reinforces learning.
  • Association – Grouping concepts together helps the memory keep related information together.  Sorting and categorization are the building blocks of cognition.
  • Spacing – Cramming is the mortal enemy of this technique.  If you plan ahead, chunking material into pieces and learning something over time offers more consistent results.  Then you have the chance to forget some information and actually relearn it.
  • Retrieval – After learning something new, whether it’s from a textbook or online, put the material away and try to recall it.  Interacting with the material without actually having it in front of you is a form of testing yourself.

Learning is most effective when it enters long term memory.  The path to get there is best with a few twists and turns.  Trial and error often works well – just find what works best for you!

Implement What You’ve Learned!

jigsaw pieces - putting what you've learned to use in everyday life

Using these tools to learn something new every day is a great start.  But the reality is that we are already bombarded with information on a daily basis.

How much?

According to Niklas Goeke, we consume 74.92 gigabytes of data every day. That’s enough to fill 9 DVDs with data – or 74 pickup trucks filled with paper!

All of the information we consume isn’t helping us achieve happiness or wellbeing in life.  Instead, excessive info consumption drains us and fries our brains.

Of course, most of this info consumption is done during our (brain-killing) routines.  Simply by breaking routine and making a point to learn new things is going to help you retain and utilize the info better.

But, to really reap the life-changing benefits of learning new things, follow this one important tip:

Share what you’ve learned with others.

Using what you've learned to grow

It can be on a daily learning blog.  Or on social media. Or just make a point to tell your spouse what you’ve learned that day while you eat dinner together.

It may be difficult to find all that time.  But the simple act of sharing your new knowledge and insight will help it stick and make the benefits of learning even more life changing.

 

Image credits:
Grow” (CC BY 2.0) by crdotx
Blue Denim and Pink Brain Anatomy Mini H” (CC BY 2.0) by Hey Paul Studios

Blog Posted In Business, Social Media

How To Manage Social Media: A Comprehensive Guide


By | source: Nov 29th, 2023

Social media platforms are among the most effective marketing tools in business. Hence, understanding how to manage social media efficiently emerges as one of the top business objectives for businesses of all sizes.

Social media marketing strategy contains different elements to achieve its targets. Therefore, a well-constructed social media management strategy is necessary for every marketing strategy that aims for success.

Social Media Management as a Marketing Strategy

Managing social media effectively is an important mark for every social media managers. Social media management could be hailed as a marketing strategy to be more present online. The reason behind that statement is simple: social media management requires everything a marketing strategy also needs;

  • Detailed research on the market and audience
  • A well-constructed plan
  • A social media team and a social media manager as a separate unit

The chief marketing officer needs to build a whole separate unit for social media management. That is a prime example of why social media management needs to be hailed as an important branch of marketing and needs a whole different strategy. Social media management needs the usage of different tools and has its metrics and analytics.

Alas, the importance of social media management is not a topic that can be taken lightly for those aiming for success. How to manage social media efficiently so that your brand’s voice can reach its destination requires a solid social media strategy.

Wondering how to build it? Let’s have a look at how to manage social media effectively.

Views4You: Example of a Great Partner

One such panel provider is Views4you. As an SMM panel provider, Views4You provides likes, follows views, and any other metric that impacts the brand’s goals in the selected social platform.

For example, if your brand operates on Instagram like many others, buying likes, views, and followers to boost your numbers instantly could greatly impact your social media efforts.

A trusted and well-established panel provider like Views4You could be a lifelong partner in your journey, especially for those who aim to operate on multiple platforms simultaneously.

Choose the Right Social Media Platforms to Operate

One of the most common mistakes made by many social media marketers is putting social media marketing efforts through so many different social media channels and trying to manage several social media accounts simultaneously. Choosing the right platforms for your targets is the first step in managing social media effectively.

There are numerous benefits to determining which channels your brand will operate before building your strategy to get interaction. Each social media platform requires a different approach and has its unique metrics and rules to follow. By determining beforehand, a brand could have a much better understanding of the selected platform’s unique needs, manage time and efforts more efficiently, and have a clear understanding of how to operate.

How do you choose which channels to operate? It depends on where your target audience likes to spend its time. Determine your target audience’s social media usage through which social channels, and narrow it down to the two most used platforms.

After choosing which platforms your marketing efforts will best suit your brand’s ambitions, it is time to research these platforms’ rules and metrics to build a solid strategy. Using social media management tools could be very beneficial for achieving a quick head start.

Use Social Media Management Tools

Social media management tools have a wide range of usage areas and, of course, benefits. You could use these tools for social media monitoring, social media analytics, or instantly upgraded social media performance. There are many different options to choose and use for your social media strategy.

CMS(Content Management Systems) is one of the first options that come to mind as one of the great scheduling tools. Social media content creation is a job in itself. Social media content strategy has many aspects to consider;

  • Create social media posts
  • Social media ads
  • Content and design
  • Scheduling content and content calendar

Managing all these at the same time is tough work that requires time and effort. A social media management tool, perhaps a social media scheduling tool, could save time and help your channel secure more engagement.

Social media marketing (SMM) panels are another great option for a management tool that could instantly boost a brand’s social media metrics.

Check How Well Your Strategy Performs

Social media planning, by selecting which platforms to operate, putting efforts to create a content strategy, and partnering with professionals like Views4You for social media tools is a solid path to manage your social media. Hence, it is only the beginning of how to manage social media effectively. It requires much more to do so, such as constantly checking on how well your current strategy performs.

Why check even if the current strategy performs well? Social media audience, like any other human factor, can quickly shift their interests, especially on social media.

Furthermore, constantly checking on how well the strategy performs and making the necessary adjustments will increase your chances of both keeping your existing customers happy and reaching potential customers more quickly.

Construct Your Strategy

Constructing a marketing strategy at the beginning is important. Checking social media trends, different social media profiles, relevant content, and social messages will gain insights into the brand’s target audience and target market.

Constructing your strategy according to these insights will only quicken the rapid growth of your brand.

Based on how well it performs, you can identify what is performing well and what is not and makes necessary adjustment to your strategy.

Adjust Your Strategy

Why adjusting is important? The brand’s audience and brand’s message should be on the same page always. By constantly adjusting your strategy, based on your target audiences interests, raising brand awareness will be much more easy. Not to mention it will generate leads.

Adjusting needs consistency, and a good marketing strategy is based on constant improvement based on what social media followers want. Checking what social media influencers do with publishing content could give a good idea of what is trending and allow you to identify gaps your brand can fill.

Be Consistent

By being consistent, it means that stay true to your plan. Of course, adjusting constantly is important, as mentioned above. Hence, analyzing how well the current strategy performs requires time. Be patient before making any changes to the strategy.

Focus on posting regularly. Stay true to your social media calendar and publish posts according to your schedule.

Engage regularly with your audience. Social listening is crucial to determining how many posts you should be posting to engage with your audience efficiently. Social media users give a high value when a brand mentions and engages with them.

Improve regularly. Use marketing channels efficiently, check other social media posts and user-generated content, and everything social network offers to improve your strategy.

To conclude the steps of how to manage social media effectively to increase your brand’s online presence, it is obvious that social media management requires time, effort, strategic planning, and constant improvement.

By focusing on choosing the right platforms to operate, using tools to increase overall performance, being consistent, and adjusting its strategy, a brand can effectively manage its marketing and increase its online presence much more quickly compared to competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Running Multiple Social Media Accounts at the Same Time Risky?

Well, as mentioned above, focusing on too many channels at once is a risky strategy due to several reasons.

First of all, it requires much more effort than focusing on a selected few platforms. Each platform has its metrics to learn and develop a strategy. You will need a much bigger team and a budget to operate on several platforms at the same time.

Is Customer Relationship Management (CRM) important?

CRM is a must for every level of business that wants a successful marketing campaign on the selected platform.

CRM as a branch or as a system will allow you to gather data, measure customer happiness, and solve their problem more quickly. Learning and applying CRM to your social media management provides invaluable data for your brand.

Therefore, consider applying a CRM system or building a customer relations team specifically for social media will be worth the investment.

Is Establishing an Editorial Calendar Necessary?

Well, establishing a calendar for your content is not a necessary step, but it will be a very valuable and time saver.

Why?

A calendar that is constructed according to the targeted audience’s preferences and most active times will provide constant exposure of your content to them, and therefore generate more leads and sales overall.

 

Blog Posted In Business

Why So Many Players Lose at Blackjack


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Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in both online and on-the-ground casinos. It’s a game of skill and has a low edge in favor of the house. Players can use their experience and strategy to improve their chances of winning, even if they can’t control how the cards are dealt.

Still, many players still lose at blackjack quite a lot. In this article, we’ll explain why this happens and how players can get better at blackjack, by choosing the right Bitcoin blackjack casino and by implementing the proper strategies.

Making Sure the Casino is Fair

 The first thing to do is to carefully study Crypto & Bitcoin Blackjack casinos before starting to use their services. There are countless crypto casinos out there and not all of them provide the same odds and equally fair gameplay. A good casino should be open and honest about the odds of winning for each game as well as the return-to-player rate.

Depending on the casino you’re using, it’s not unheard of that you’re losing because the odds are stacked against you and you simply can’t win. In a fair casino – blackjack and poker should have the lowest edge in favor of the house.

Not Being Clear on the Rules

 Many players don’t pay close attention to the rules of the Bitcoin blackjack table they are playing at. The tables differ when it comes to some rules and those can affect the gameplay and your chances of winning. Casinos are usually very clear and upfront about the rules and it’s up to the player to familiarize themselves with it.

In some casinos the dealer stands on soft 17, a player can double down after pair splitting and in others, a blackjack player pays 6-5, and doubling is restricted to 10 or 11 only. The latter options are much less favorable to the players and they may cause you to end up losing more.

Not Sticking to the Basic Strategy

 

Blackjack isn’t a game of luck and it’s not based on guessing. Instead, there’s almost always a mathematically superior way to play a hand. The players should create a strategy and stick to it no matter what. It should cover when to split, when to stand, and when to double down, based on verifiable odds.

It’s a matter of character and sound judgment to not get sidetracked after a few big wins or losses. In most Bitcoin gambling sites, players can automate this process and set up stop loss as well as automated bets so they don’t have to make a choice with each hand.

 Trying out a Betting Progression

 Betting progression is a common tactic used by many players, mostly in games of luck. Some players also use it in games of skill such as blackjack. The point of this strategy is to keep increasing your bets when you lose so that one big win recovers the previous losses. It’s often a reason why players burn through their bankroll in a few quick hands.

The main problem with using a progressive betting strategy is that no players have an unlimited bankroll so that they can keep increasing their bets indefinitely. Crypto blackjack casinos don’t have a limit as to how much you can increase the bet, so it’s a quick way to lose a lot of money.

Thinking you’re due for a Win

 A lot of the time, players think they are due for a win after a series of losses. This may sound appealing, but it’s not how the game works. Blackjack can be controlled by a dealer if the game is played live or by a random numbers generator if you’re playing an online version. This means that the outcome of each hand will be random and depends only on which cards have already been dealt.

Players often resort to magical thinking after a few bad turns. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules and the odds of the Bitcoin gambling site you’re using and keep them in mind when things go bad.

Using a Continuous Shuffling Machine

 A continuous shuffling machine is a gadget many casinos use to prevent the players from counting cards. It shuffles the cards and dispenses them to the dealer at the same time. The machine usually uses four of five decks in order to keep the cards shuffling at all times and thus prevent counting and keeping track of cards, which the casinos forbid.

This leads to a sped-up gameplay and exposes the players to worse odds. It’s best to avoid such casinos. Some Bitcoin blackjack casinos have live games that stream a dealer running the game and others use a random number generator to come up with the hand. In both cases, players have a choice of not using a blackjack table with unfavorable odds.

Playing 6:5 Games

 The game should pay out 3:2 for a blackjack. That’s the standard amount and one the players have come to expect. In recent years, casinos have started paying out much less than this and it’s not uncommon for casinos to have a payout rate of 6:5. Some Bitcoin blackjack casinos have a payout rate of even money.

It’s best not to accept this poor deal and stick to the blackjack casinos with a payout of 3:2 that you’re used to. In casinos with a lower rate, the players don’t win big enough even when they are doing well.

Always Making an Insurance Bet

 Some players choose to always make an insurance bet. Casinos usually make it seem as if this is a good deal to make as you get a chance to win back some of your investment if the dealer ends up with a blackjack. However, the odds show that it’s a mistake to make the insurance bet every time.

An insurance bet is nothing more than a side bet a player makes against the dealer getting a blackjack and the odds are against. But, since the Bitcoin casinos don’t call it a side bet, players falsely believe that it somehow insures them against a bad outcome.

Overdoing It

 Blackjack can be an exciting and addicting game, with each hand being a new chance to win more or get back what you’ve lost. That’s why players often spend hours playing it. When this happens, the player’s judgment usually isn’t as good as it was at the start.

It’s best not to play blackjack when you’re tired and not at the top of your game. That’s why many if not all Bitcoin blackjack casinos have a stop-loss feature that allows the player to be signed out of their account once they go over a certain limit.

To Sum Up

 Blackjack is a fun and exciting game that depends on the player’s skill and strategy. It’s one of the games with the lowest edges in favor of the house. However, players sometimes still find themselves losing a lot. This is mostly because of how the casino is set up or because the players are using a poorly designed strategy.

It’s important to carefully study the Bitcoin blackjack casinos before using them and to stick with the strategy you’ve designed beforehand. There are also some deals that the casinos offer that players should pass on.

Blog Posted In Business

Breaking Down the Benefits of Continuous Security Training in Businesses


By | source: Nov 27th, 2023

In today’s digital era, businesses sometimes neglect having a physical security presence in favour of focusing on cybersecurity. However, both are equally important. While cybersecurity is necessary for protecting computers, passwords, and information, any business which operates with a physical presence requires physical security to protect its customers, employees, the property itself, and any valuables on site. 

This is why having security guards and security officers is so important. Having a highly trained and skilled security team is essential to keeping any business which operates from a physical location safe. Equally as important is ensuring that said skills are maintained and updated through continuous security training.

What Kinds of Businesses Need a Physical Security Presence?

Any business with a physical presence, a real world location, and an address should have some kind of physical security presence. However, that’s not always going to be practical. Not every corner store can afford a security guard, and even if they could they wouldn’t be likely to see very much action.

Businesses which see a lot of customers, which often deal with large crowds, or those which have particularly valuable objects they need to look after, are those where hiring security is most practical and effective. Following are some specific examples of businesses most in need of security officers with skills maintained through continuous training:

  • Banks
  • Hotels
  • Major events such as concerts
  • Museums
  • Large offices such as corporate headquarters
  • Stadiums
  • Bars, nightclubs, and other licensed venues which serve alcohol

The Need for Physical Security

Businesses require both physical and digital security presences to ensure they remain completely, thoroughly safe from any and all potential threats. Cybersecurity protocols and measures protect businesses’ information from digital attackers, but physical security personnel keep people safe. Here are some of the things security guards do as part of their job, and how they can help keep a business safe:

  • Keep clients calm during moments of high emotional tension
  • Perform evacuations procedures when large groups of people need to quickly and safely exit a location
  • Patrol properties to identify and report potential threats
  • Screen people and their personal belongings as part of admitting them entry into a property.
  • Scanning large crowds to identify and respond to dangerous or criminal behaviours
  • Delivering first aid to those in need during moments of crisis

In short, a security officer’s job is to keep a location, and the people present there, safe and secure. 

The Benefits Continuous Training

The nature of security is constantly changing. New threats are appearing everyday. Cybersecurity is more important than ever, and physical security needs to work twice as hard to keep up with emerging challenges. 

Even the longest-serving, most experienced security guards need to ensure their security skills and knowledge are up to date. An old dog can and should be learning new tricks, and updating their skillset by undertaking continuous security training.

The benefits of continuous security training aren’t just for security guards themselves, they also affect the businesses those security officers work for. Here is a breakdown of these benefits:

Keeping Those Lesser Used Skills Warm

A security guard won’t use every skill they learn during their security training every day. Perhaps, depending on the scope of their duties, they won’t even get to use them every year. 

Consider a security guard who works for a large, corporate headquarters permitting people entry; how often do they use their skills in surveilling a crowd? One day that building might hold a conference, and said security guard will wish they weren’t so rusty at managing crowds. 

There are some built-in methods of keeping security guards from forgetting their skills; fire drills can help them retain their evacuation skills for example. But to truly ensure security skills remain innate, the best thing is to keep one’s training continuous by taking regular refresher courses.

Show Commitment

Taking initiative is important to getting ahead in any career, and security is no exception. By taking continuous security training you can show your employer your commitment to keeping their business safe and keeping your security knowledge ahead of the curve, you demonstrate your value as a security guard. More training equals more experience. In the end, this means it’ll be easier for you to get promoted or find more senior security roles, allowing you to move forward in your career.

Maximum Safety

Security is always changing. Taking continuous training is the only way to keep up with these changes. Whether it’s new threats or new techniques, staging abreast of emergent security industry develops maximumes your security knowledge, and maximises the safety of any business you protect.

Keep Yourself Refreshed

First aid training is a part of most security courses in Australia, and first aid training should be refreshed at least every three years. An Australian security licence usually lasts around three years, depending on the state it was acquired in, and though refresher training isn’t mandatory, it’s as good a time as any to retake a course and keep your skills up to date.

Continuous Security Training is Available

Skills Training College is one of Australia’s best registered training organisations for security courses. Accepting both domestic and international students, their security training courses are perfect for newcomers to the industry and those seeking security refresher training alike. 

So whether you’re considering a brand new career in the security industry, or you want to make sure your skills are just as honed as the day you learned them, then the best way to do so is by signing up for one of their security guard courses today. It’s never too late to start a new career.

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How To Identify A Trusted Vendor While Buying A THC Vape?


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Are you a newbie looking for the best possible option to purchase your THC vape? We understand it can be daunting with all the vendors and product options available on the market – that’s why we are here to help you identify a trusted vendor while buying your vape. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know when choosing a reliable vendor, ranging from essential features offered by reputed vendors to tips on evaluating Delta 10 Vape.

6 Ways To Identify A Trusted Vendor While Buying A THC Vape

Finding a trusted vendor ensures you get a safe and legitimate product when purchasing these vapes. With the increasing popularity of these products, there are, unfortunately, many unscrupulous vendors looking to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. Here are six ways to identify a trusted vendor while buying a THC vape:

  • Look for Proper Licensing and Certification

When purchasing vape products, looking for proper licensing and certification from reputable vendors is essential. Too many counterfeit products on the market may need to follow the safety regulations and guidelines. You don’t want to risk your health by inhaling an unregulated and potentially harmful substance. Therefore, checking whether the vendor has the necessary licenses and certifications is crucial. So, don’t hesitate to research and confirm that the vendor follows the regulations and guidelines to protect your health.

  • Check for Third-Party Lab Testing

When it comes to buying THC vape products, safety is essential. Unfortunately, not all vendors are created equal. Checking for third-party lab testing can go a long way in identifying a trustworthy and safe vendor. This additional step can provide peace of mind, knowing that harmful chemicals and additives are absent. Don’t risk your health by taking shortcuts. Always check for third-party lab testing before making a purchase.

  • Look for Quality Ingredients

When it comes to vape products, quality ingredients are essential. It is necessary to trust the vendor and ensure they only use the best ingredients possible. Transparency is also crucial – a reputable vendor will list all the ingredients on their product label or website. You want to know exactly what you’re putting into your body. Take your time with subpar ingredients – look for a vendor committed to providing the highest quality products.

  • Research the Brand Reputation

Consumer research is crucial when purchasing from a vape vendor. More is needed to go by product descriptions and prices alone. Your health and safety should come first, so researching a vendor’s brand reputation is necessary. You want to understand the vendor’s record of high-quality products and exceptional customer service. By reading online reviews from previous customers, you’ll better understand what to expect and can make an informed decision before giving them your business. Take your time with your health, and make sure to research brand reputation before making a purchase.

  • Check for Clear Communication

In a world where the market for THC vape products can be hazy, it’s crucial to have open and transparent communication with vendors. The last thing anyone wants is to spend their hard-earned money on a product that needs to meet their expectations. 

 

A trustworthy vendor should be prompt in their communication and willing to answer all inquiries you may have. After all, a vendor who takes the time to communicate clearly with their customers is a vendor who takes pride in their business and cares about their customers’ satisfaction.

  • Check the Return Policy

When purchasing any product, knowing the return policy is essential. This is no different when you’re buying THC vape products. It helps to know that a vendor has a transparent and fair return policy so you’re not left feeling disappointed or stuck with a product you don’t want. A trustworthy vape vendor should provide detailed information on their policy, stating the conditions under which customers can return products and receive a refund. Knowing this beforehand can give you the peace of mind to purchase confidently.

 

Should You Buy THC Vape From Online Or Offline Vendor? 

When it comes to buying THC vape products, there are numerous options available to the consumer. However, deciding between purchasing from an online or offline vendor can be daunting. Both options have merits and drawbacks, so it is important to weigh them carefully to make an informed decision.

 

Online vendors are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and wide variety of options. With just a few clicks, consumers can browse through many products from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, online vendors typically offer lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores, as they do not have the exact overhead costs. These price savings can be especially appealing for those on a tight budget.

 

On the other hand, purchasing from an offline vendor can offer a more personalized experience. Consumers can speak with a salesperson and receive advice on which products would be best for them. Offline vendors may also have a more comprehensive selection of products than online vendors, as they have physical space to display and store items.

 

Regarding safety and quality, it is essential to thoroughly research any vendor before making a purchase. Online vendors can be prone to scams and fraudulent activity, so it is crucial to only buy from reputable sources. Offline vendors may be easier to vet, as consumers can physically examine the products and check their certifications.

Final Thoughts 

So, whether you choose to purchase THC vape products from an online or offline vendor, it is crucial to prioritize safety and quality. Before purchasing, remember to check the points mentioned above. Additionally, researching the brand reputation and understanding the return policy can help ensure a satisfactory experience.

 

Blog Posted In Business

Options Available When Upgrading to Modern Business Phone Systems


By | source: Nov 15th, 2023

When it comes to modern business phone systems, there are many options available. Rather than relying on rotary dial key telephone systems, companies should consider the benefits of a unified communications system. These platforms can include features like auto attendants, conferencing, voicemail to email, and more. They can also allow scalability, a custom toll plan and integration with other business tools.

Call Recording

When businesses invest in an advanced telephone system, they get more than just a phone. It’s an advanced communication tool that can improve customer experience, improve employee work quality, and support business growth. Traditionally, people could only use phones to make and receive calls. It wasn’t ideal because eavesdroppers often invaded privacy, and callers had to wait for a phone operator to connect them. In the future, we are expected to have flexible phones that bend and fold and phone systems that can project holographic. Businesses need to consider how their phone system can evolve and grow with their plans, for example, if they plan on introducing mobile. Then, they can invest in the Ooma business phone system that will be the right fit.

Automated Attendant

Typically, when a caller calls an organization, they will hear a recorded greeting and phone menu options that will allow them to select the department or person they want to speak with. Based on the selection, the auto-attendant will either put the caller in a queue or connect them to a live employee. The most basic auto-attendants only allow the caller to choose from a few pre-recorded options (such as “Dial 1 for Sales”). However, more advanced systems use voice recognition and can take more verbal commands rather than relying on DTMF tone inputs. This feature helps businesses field more calls with fewer employees and frees up time for workers to help customers. It also provides information about the company’s business hours and other relevant details.

Interactive Voice Response (IVR)

During high call volume times, an IVR can help reduce the number of calls your agents have to take. It will save your agents time and effort and increase their first-contact resolution rates. An IVR can also provide self-service to customers with simple questions or requests, such as store hours or payment methods. It will keep them from waiting for a live agent and save your company money.

An IVR can also help with customer data capture, allowing your representatives to have all the information they need at their fingertips. It will improve the overall experience of your callers and will lead to them returning to your business. Think “press 1 for technical support” or “press 2 for holiday closures”. Your IVR should be easy to navigate with clear categories that can be drilled into more detailed options.

Automated Call Distribution (ACD)

An ACD automatically routes calls to the most appropriate agent. It improves customer interactions and reduces wait time and callbacks. ACD routing can be based on various criteria, including department, skillset and availability of employees. It can also leverage customer data and previous call history. IDT offers a variety of ACD options, including skills-based routing that matches incoming calls with the agent best qualified to assist them. It ensures that your customers get the help they need without waiting for a human agent to become available.

Moreover, ACD can route calls based on the time of day. It can help businesses with multiple locations balance call volume by routing calls to the nearest office. It can save on costs by reducing the need to pay for additional agents at night.

Virtual Receptionist

Virtual receptionist services ensure calls don’t go unanswered and that callers always speak to someone. These intelligent virtual assistants answer calls and transfer them to staff members or client management systems (CMS). With many business owners and employees working remotely, this is crucial to keeping customers happy and businesses running smoothly. Some virtual receptionist agencies also provide caller prioritization services. This feature lets you specify that anyone calling you or your team by name receives a call back first. The service can even help manage your calendar, making scheduling appointments for clients or customers easier.