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Why Memorizing Phone Numbers Is Still Relevant in the Digital Age

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StrategyDriven Business Communications Article | Why Memorizing Phone Numbers Is Still Relevant in the Digital Age

Important numbers should be memorized to contact the people who matter most. That includes your spouse, significant other, children, and mercy contacts.

Memorizing long, complicated numbers takes time and practice. But there are tricks you can use to make the process easier.

They’re Easy to Recall

There are a lot of numbers to remember these days: phone numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, PINs, and more. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the number of things we need to keep track of, which can cause us to forget essential numbers occasionally. The good thing is there are effective ways how to remember phone numbers.

Telephone numbers are easier to remember when they are broken down into chunks of digits or “chunking.” They’re also easier to recall when they have some meaning associated with them, such as the word 1-800-CUPCAKE or the name of a popular flower, 1-800-FLOWERS. Mnemonics, which are memory aids that associate a visual or conceptual image with the digits, are useful in this process. When used regularly, these techniques can significantly boost your ability to recall phone numbers without reference.

They’re Easy to Type

Knowing your family, friends, and emergency contacts’ phone numbers is important if you lose your mobile device. This is especially true for business owners who may need to call a repairman, a delivery driver, or a customer service representative.

When attempting to memorize a phone number, repetition is key. Repeating it out loud or writing it down multiple times helps you establish neural pathways in your brain, making it easier to recall the number when needed.

Another effective strategy is to use mnemonics. Mnemonics are memory aids that help you associate digits with visual images. This method is easy to learn and helps you remember phone numbers more easily. For example, if you want to recall the phone number 732-SWAN, think of a creative story that connects the individual digits. For instance, you could visualize a basketball-playing swan with a pencil in its beak. This technique takes time and effort to master, but it’s an effective way to memorize phone numbers.

They’re Easy to Store

A phone number contains multiple components — an area code, the prefix, the actual number itself, or even an exit code for international calls. While all these pieces have their purpose, they work together to magically connect you with the person on the other end of the line.

Memorizing a phone number requires repetition and mnemonics, such as creating a story or associating digits with a memorable visual image. Repeating a phone number and reviewing it frequently helps to solidify its association in the brain, making it easier to recall on demand. A vanity phone number is a good way to help people easily recall your business’s contact information. Vanity numbers can also be more effective for marketing as they are instantly recognizable and aligned with your brand messaging and personality. In addition, your company’s vanity number will be visible across all of your physical and digital marketing assets, giving your business a consistent point of contact.

They’re Easy to Access

In our busy lives, relying on your smartphone to store significant numbers can be easy. But, as we all know, life happens. Maybe your phone slipped into the laundry basket and got scummy, or you fell asleep and forgot to charge it before an important call. Whatever the case, having a way to recall a phone number can save you in a pinch.

Aside from serving as a means of contact, phone numbers are also an important digital identifier that can be used to verify your identity on many online platforms and services. Having a memorable toll-free or vanity number can boost brand recognition and make your business easier for customers to recall and reach.

The different parts of a phone number (such as the exit code, country code, area code, and telephone prefix) function much like an address and help to uniquely identify your device among millions of other devices connected to a telecommunication network. By using mnemonics, breaking the digits into smaller chunks, creating associations, practicing repetition, and utilizing various other strategies, you can improve your ability to memorize phone numbers.

How Secure Is VoIP Compared to Landline Phone?

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StrategyDriven Risk Management Article | How Secure Is VoIP Compared to Landline Phone?When it comes to communication over long distances, there is no such thing as a system that is hacker-proof. Almost every form is at some risk of being hacked into or compromised. However, because more and more people are turning to VoIP systems, it has become much easier to install specific security features that can improve the experience. So is a VoIP actually more secure than a landline phone?

Are Landlines More Secure Than VoIPs?

Landlines alone are considered to be the most secure form of communication, although no one really uses them anymore. There is the ability to wiretap a landline, but the same thing can be performed on a VoIP line too. Hackers are also less likely to eavesdrop on a landline because there’s not as much information to acquire.

With a VoIP system or sip trunk, however, there is a lot more security features that are being developed and installed to combat hackers. The main reason is that once a VoIP line is hacked, there is a lot more information that a hacker could obtain.

Why Are VoIPs Easier To Hack?

Landline phones connect to each other through circuit switching. The sound from one phone is transmitted to the other once a circuit is created. Then, once the call has ended, there is no longer the transmission of any data.

With a VoIP, information is being transmitted over broadband Internet. The information is broken down into packets and bundles, transmitted to the other side, and then reassembled like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. The moment that any of these packets are intercepted by hackers, then the information is lost.

Are Any VoIPs Secure?

There are some systems that are closed in nature that only connect one party to another with end-to-end encryption. However some of these systems can still be hacked in order to intercept the data before it has been encrypted. Even with this knowledge, however, it is not impossible to make secure calls with VoIP.


Encrypt Everything

It isn’t difficult to have a system that uses as much encryption as possible to keep information safe, especially if sensitive information is being shared between end-to-end users. Passwords should be strong and not shared with other people, and shouldn’t be a common word that would make it easy for people to guess.

Testing The Network

The network should be tested on a regular basis to ensure that there are no holes in the security and, if there are, that they are repaired as quickly as possible. Penetration testing serves the purpose of seeing how vulnerable the network really is.

Enabling Network Address Translation

Also called NAT, it is a feature on routers that provides a private IP address to phones, computers, and other Internet devices. By having a private IP, the network cannot be identified by a hacker and it cannot then be manipulated.

Despite the fact that there’s no such thing as an absolutely perfect VoIP system, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t security measures in place to make it as difficult as possible for hackers to get in. If you’re interested in having a VoIP system working for you, then contact your nearest provider immediately.

Ways to Improve Communication Between a Manager and an Employee

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StrategyDriven Managing Your People Article | Ways to Improve Communication Between a Manager and an Employee

Communication between employees and managers in the workplace is of paramount importance to any successful business. To ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding expectations, direction, and objectives, there has to be a clear and open communication. This post looks at four effective ways your company can open up clear communication and start working as a team.

Weekly Meetings

Organizing weekly meetings for the whole team is a way to create an environment in which members feel able to communicate with one another. These weekly meetings help to break down barriers in communication between employees and managers. Each member of the team is given a chance to talk freely and openly about:

  • Projects they are currently working on
  • The challenges they are facing while working on the projects
  • Questions they have regarding those particular projects

One of the ways to help team members communicate freely in these meetings is by keeping them informed. The managers should ensure that the conversation goes on and everyone is given adequate time to speak without judgment.

Regular One-On-Ones

Communicating in a group may be challenging to some individuals, so you should come up with more avenues of communication for employees. One-on-one meetings can be used for direct communication between employees and managers. This is also another way to ask about each other’s preferred style of communication.

These one-on-ones may be in the form of an informal chat regarding projects and ideas, or may be structured and formal. No matter the situation, take that opportunity to collaborate and connect with your employee.

Keeping Employees in the Loop

A good manager always keeps employees apprised of matters in the company. Many employees often feel that they are not involved in decisions that are made by the management team. Informing employees about the company’s plans improves communication, and also builds trust among all team members.


Use Tools That Improve Communication

There are many tools that are meant to enhance communication in the workplace. For example, one of these tools may include a random anonymous chat app. Using the right tools can improve how a manager and an employee can communicate in an organization.

Open Door Policy

An additional way for managers to improve communication between them and employees is by having an open door policy. This means that the employee can approach the manager in the office with comments, complaints, concerns, and questions at any time.

This type of management approach will let employees know that the manager is always available to listen to their concerns and act accordingly. This style of management will have a positive impact on employee morale and performance. When employees are heard, they feel valued and that is the essence of good communication.

Lead By Example

As a manager, your credibility depends on how well you deliver on your promises. It also depends on your capability to communicate with others positively and if you acknowledge the success of member staff and their ideas. Employees will have confidence in you if they know that you speak the truth and follow through on your word.

Endnote

Communication is a crucial step a company can take to create a collaborative and more cohesive work environment. You can start by implementing the above steps to break down barriers in the workplace and start to communicate openly.

Business Use of Virtual Number

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article | Business Use of Virtual NumberIf you are running your business for some time, you have probably heard about virtual numbers and IP telephony. However, you still do not understand what these concepts are and why they are necessary. Our article will help you to figure out what virtual numbers are and point out the benefits of virtual telephony for business purposes. For more information, visit telnum.net/services/toll-free-numbers/.

What Is a Virtual Number, and How Does It Work?

A virtual number, or online phone, is a service provided by various telephone providers. To put it simply, it is an ordinary phone that uses many channels for voice communication.

How Does It Operate?

In IP telephony, data transmission goes exclusively through the Internet, but there are also cases when you can use virtual numbers without the Internet if you set up forwarding from online to fixed and mobile devices.

Basic principles of virtual phone numbers:

  1. An incoming or outgoing call goes to the provider, which carries IP telephony services.
  2. Then, the call is processed, and in seconds, it is redirected to the main server of the virtual station.
  3. After processing, the call goes to a virtual number in the case of an incoming call. If it is an outgoing call, you just get to the recipient for voice communication.

Advantages of a Virtual Phone Number

A virtual phone number has many advantages, but we want to highlight the main ones:

  • When your business moves, you don’t have to worry about transferring all communications.
  • IP telephony combines all your company’s existing numbers into one and distributes the load to your employees, depending on the scenarios you set.
  • It guarantees convenient, fast, and reliable communication between employees within the organization.
  • Such numbers are fully customizable. You can set voice greetings and menus.
  • You can record and listen to conversations, analyze call statistics, and much more.

Since virtual numbers are fully customizable, depending on your preferences, the phone call can be routed to any desired device. The priority may depend on various factors: the call may go to the first available manager or the one who received fewer calls.

A Management Guide To Better Written Communication In Business

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StrategyDriven Business Communications Article | A Management Guide To Better Written Communication In BusinessThere is an old saying which goes, “The pen is mightier than the sword,” and therein lies a very powerful message for modern business management.

Written in 1839 by an English author, the sentiment expressed that the written word was a far more effective communication tool than a weapon.

Written over two hundred years ago, it is a lesson that still holds good today, and it would benefit the canny business manager to spend a few moments to ponder its significance.

A low literacy crisis

A study by the US Department of Education in 2020 found that 54% of the adult population of the USA – that is, 130 million people between ages 16 and 74 – lacked proficiency in writing and were graded as reading below a sixth-grade level. When viewed in this light, the question is just how this low literacy level impacts business and the overall economy.

This rightly raises several questions and can be viewed from both the perspective of the employer and employee alike.

Do workers with lower literacy levels in positions involving a high degree of written work output and/or a requirement for high levels of reading and comprehension cope adequately, or do they become unduly overwhelmed or dissatisfied?

Email and written communication

Email is likely to be the second most widely used communication tool after the telephone system for most business concerns. For many organizations, email is likely to be the first contact a potential new client will have with the company.

Based on the quality of outgoing emails, how exactly is the business being perceived by clients and potential new customers? A poor first impression can make or break a business relationship.

Consider providing staff with a deeper understanding of the importance of good communication skills. Ensure personnel makes avail of support applications like ‘Spell Check” or a communications editor like Grammarly. An explanation of how to use grammarly can be found here. For employees involved in the preparation of business letters, contracts, or reports, serious consideration should be given to the implementation of such support applications across the organization.

Social media – the new communication mode

In addition to lower literacy levels, professional organizations also face the intrusion of modern communication culture into the workplace. The mass uptake of social media accounts and communications apps has given rise to the popular use of abbreviations and emoticons, which have steadily found their way into more formal business communications.

Whilst their usage can be deemed acceptable in friendly, informal emails or written communications, the manager should maintain a healthy awareness of general business communication standards.

Deeper staff training and awareness

Given the importance of good business communication skills, management can further assist and equip their staff by providing a deeper level of guidance and training.

Consider providing a guideline to applicable staff members outlining best corporate practices with regards to written and email structure and presentation. The use of support applications to assist staff in meeting these guidelines can be recommended within these documents.

Remember that communication is always a two-way street – assisting staff by providing a support structure can not only assist in raising the bar with client perception, but it can also potentially contribute to improved levels of employee satisfaction.