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What Does It Take to Create a Good Design Team?

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A great design team is only as good as the staff within it. The team itself includes the personnel, all of their assigned roles within the team, personal objectives, their methodologies and software (like the new Altium designer 18 package), and the framework they use. When any of the above component parts of a team are missing or misaligned, things tend to go wrong or are placed at opposing sides which leads to difficulties completing tasks on time, if at all.

Multiple Roles or Single Roles

Depending on the person and the size of the team, it may be necessary for team members to perform multiple roles on a project. When mixing too many roles for a single employee, this can create difficulties as it’s both difficult for them to embrace collaborators for each of their distinctive roles, but more so when two or more of their roles conflict with each other with no one to act as a referee.

Some roles also don’t mix well with others. The person funding the project shouldn’t usually also be a designer on the project because their motivations may get muddled. Is it more important to create a better designed circuit board or website, or to keep to the development costs within the budget set by upper management? Where is the line drawn?

Every Team Member Has Professional Advancement

With advancement, we don’t necessarily mean a promotion. It’s important beyond position and money that an employee feels invested in the project and its outcome. It’s also useful when they feel that the project adds something new to their cache in the industry and is something that can go on their resume as a selling point.

When a project lacks that special something that’s different to what they’ve done before, or they’re not being allowed to advance in their knowledge and involvement, they begin to feel stagnant. In some senses, it doesn’t matter if they been given access to the cutting-edge Altium designer 18 software ahead of its release or been responsible for new areas of a design project, there must be something there to spike their interest and sustain it throughout completion of the project.

Successful Teams Are Often an Eclectic Mix

When looking at any design team, you’re unlikely to see a herd that all dress alike, talk alike and look somewhat similar. Diversity across the team is a good thing in many cases as is the previous project experience they bring to the table. New blood brings fresh perspectives and ideas on how to do things differently, more efficiently, or simply better. It’s important that the team leader embraces diversity in the ranks and does not see a culture developing where people who are different get hammered down until they conform. Conformity is usually the death of the type of creativity that’s badly needed in great design execution.

Great design teams are carefully put together and managed. Every team is likely to be quite different to the next one. Embracing those differences rather than citing them as reasons why a previous failure occurred, encourages the best creatives to work in a team environment that they might otherwise find too stifling.

How to Use Social Media to Market Your Interior Design Business

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Social media is a powerful marketing tool for individuals and small businesses.  You can use it to spread the word about your company, release new products, share promotions, and to interact with your customers.  However marketing an interior design business is slightly different to marketing other kinds of industries, as there are certain things you can do to increase conversions.  We’re going to explain some of the best ways to use social media in this article.

1. Use Platforms with Pictures

A picture can tell a thousand words, and this is definitely true in the interior design business.  Interior designers showcase their designs to people online, and you can’t do this on social media without making use of photos or video.  So, focus on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram where photos are more important than text.  Show your customers your personal style, and how well your designs are put together.  Most consumers will want to connect with their interior designers before hiring them, so this is a great first step.

2. Create Visual Advertisements

Text ads may work for software businesses and IT services, but interior designers need to create visual advertisements to stand out.  Most of the top social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, allow you to publish visual ads so now is the time to create something brilliant.  Maybe you’ve just designed a new, luxury bedroom for a client containing luxury bedding, a plush new décor, and a four poster bed.  Why not take a photo of this and include it in your advertisement?  Customers who like the look of your design will contact you for further information, or be encouraged to visit your website to find out more.

3. Hold Contests

Social media users love contests and this can be a great way to drum up new customers.  You could, if you wanted to, hold a contest to win a free design, however most interior design companies will offer a homeware item instead.  Make sure to include hashtags like #giveaway #freebiefriday and #contest to get the word out, and ask people to share or comment on your contest in order to enter.  You’d be surprised how many people will follow you on social media if there’s a chance they could win something.

4. Target Other Businesses

A lot of interior design companies purely focus on targeting consumers.  However, if you want to make some serious money, you might want to consider targeting other businesses as well.  B2B customers tend to have a lot more money to spend, and may also be willing to pay a higher price for your services.  Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Google+ are ideal for this, although Facebook also shouldn’t be discounted as a great place to find new clients.

Social media is a really cost effective marketing tool, but it’s one that often isn’t used to its full potential.  Keep these tips in mind and get your name out there!

Top 10 Wearable Payment Devices

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StrategyDriven Recommended Resources Article
 
Innovators are coming up with all types of new ways to pay for things. The days of keeping your checkbook in your purse are long gone.

From paper checks to plastic credit cards, we always try to find new and convenient ways to pay for items. Cards have had their reign, but it seems like the public wants something even more convenient.

Wearable payment devices are the next big thing. Just ask all the new inventors and entrepreneurs who are pushing their brand of payment devices you can wear.

Ahead of the game are 10 devices we think are the absolute best.

Fitbit

Most people are aware of Fitbit and the fitness tracker craze. The thing is, Fitbit doesn’t just count your daily steps.

Fitbit Pay is your credit or debit card worn on your wrist. No more pulling your card out or counting cash. Fitbit Pay lets you pay right then and there at participating establishments.

They insist on their security, so you won’t have to worry about fraud or identity theft.

Your rewards and miles won’t be affected when you switch over to Fitbit Pay. You will still earn, you’re just changing to an easier device.

Fitbit is top of the line, but there are ways to find discounts and promo codes online if you know where to look!

Apple Watch

Everyone’s favorite cell phone company has made it super easy to pay from your device. If you’re a Apple Watch wearer, you got it made easy.

Apple Pay is growing in popularity and more and more places are accepting that way of payment. Apple is making deals with banks and settling into becoming one of the biggest payment giants.

Setting up Apple Pay is easy. What’s challenging is running into retailers who don’t use it. However, the future is wearable payment devices, so they’ll eventually come around. While also a hefty price tag, there usually aren’t too many Apple promo codes out there. However, there are sometimes deals where you might be able to get a free watch with the purchase of a Macbook Pro.

Amazfit

Another useful wearable payment device is the Amazfit. Alipay is the third-party mobile payment service that Amazfit uses, so you can pay for anything anywhere.

Look stylish and pay easily with this cutting-edge watch. Amazfit watches are sold at a ton of retailers like Amazon, Gearbest, etc. We did some scouting, and the best place to purchase an Amazfit is FastTech, since they often offer a ton of promo codes.

Kerv Ring

With convenience in mind, Kerv Ring was created to replace a purse or wallet when it’s not practical to carry those items around. If you don’t want to lug around a bag or keep your credit cards in your pocket, the Kerv ring is for you.

This ring is considered a “contactless” payment device, so that means it uses RFID technology and the user can simply tap their ring on the sensor.

Kerv is a fantastic choice for those looking for a sleek look. Just look at this awesome interior colors you can choose from!

Infineon

Touted as the first NFC payment ring, Infineon offers a wearable payment ring that works great and looks simple.

Show off this wearable technology as a perfect conversation piece. Infineon has partnered with Visa, so you know it’s supported by a reputable brand.

This band is waterproof, so you can wear it when you’re swimming or showering.

Token

With it’s cute name, Token is another smart ring leading the way of payment innovation. It works the same as other smart rings and supports Visa or Mastercard. You can also use the key as your transit or access card.

A very interesting element of this ring is that it has a home security system offered with it. All you have to do is tap this device below that you set up in your house, and that locks up your home safely.

Not only that, you can use it as your car key.

With all these services in one little ring, it really is “one ring to rule them all.”

Samsung Gear S2

Samsung is throwing a hat in the ring with their Gear S2 Smart Watch. This wearable payment device uses Samsung pay to let the wearer make quick and easy transactions. You can find this watch on Groupon, and you’ll likely be able to find a Groupon promo code as well if you’re browsing the web!

Unlike newer brands, Samsung is a trusted mobile brand that has been around for a long time. Going with Samsung, you’ll know you’re getting quality backed by a major corporation.

If you’re a watch person, you might as well own a watch that lets you pay for things easily instead of carrying all your credits cards, cash, and coins around with you.

Store your credit/debit card information into your watch, and you’re good to go!

bPay

Another contactless payment device is the bPay. You can pay for anything $30 and under if you see the “contactless” symbol at the counter.

The idea is that it’s a prepaid account that you load up and pay with, sort of like a debit card. This is perfect for fun-spending like a quick coffee or cocktails with friends.

It’s easy and you can either wear your bPay or keep it on a keychain. If you’re worried about running out of funds, don’t be! You can add funds to your account anytime, anywhere from your mobile device.

You can’t make big payments, but it’s a fun way to add a little convenient luxury to your life!

Jawbone UP4

Are you an American Express person? The Jawbone UP4 may be the watch for you.

The Jawbone is your standard fitness tracker, but you can actually pay with American Express. It isn’t always easy to find payment options compatible with American Express, so this is exciting for AMEX users!

Luckily, the watch looks cool, so although your choices are limited as an AMEX user, you do have awesome choices!

MyKronoz ZeCircle2

Finally, the MyKronoz ZeCircle2 bracelet is another super stylish way to make contactless payments.

You can also receive calls, calendar reminders, emails, etc. all from a little watch on your wrist. No more worrying about dropping your phone!

The MyKronoz is technically still an activity tracker, so you can still track your sleep and physical activity just like every other wearable payment device on the list.

Pay for Convenience

Cards have had their run, but now it’s time to let new technology step in. The credit card chip situation hasn’t been a smooth ride for cards, so it may be necessary to count their losses and give into the future.

Whether it’s a ring, watch, keychain, or something else, make sure to add innovation to your wardrobe.

Mirror Trading vs Copy Trading – Which Should You Be Doing?

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One of the first things to do when you are just getting started with forex trading is mastering the basics. It is essential for every trader to understand how to read and interpret technical and fundamental signals. Mastering these basics grants you – the trader – access to more advanced strategies that you can develop to suit your trading style.

Naturally, taking that next step and learning about advanced strategies take time. Not all traders have the time and energy to invest in perfecting their trading strategies. Mirror trading and copy trading are the popular solutions to this roadblock. What are they and which one should you be doing?

Mirror Trading: The Automated Approach

Mirror trading, as the name suggests, is when you mirror the trading strategy of other traders. I said, other traders, because companies that offer mirror trading combine the strategies of their top traders to produce reliable and accurate signals for their consumers.

Today, mirror trading is a lot more sophisticated. The strategy may be old, but it has been improved with the help of big data and artificial intelligence. As a result, mirror trading signals are relatively accurate and predictable; they are perfect for investors who want a hands-off forex trading experience.

The only downside to mirror trading is the fact that you have to mirror everything. You can’t pick and choose the signals you want to follow; in fact, the whole process is fully automated. Traders must also install a proprietary software or a MetaTrader plugin to enable automated mirror trading.

Copy Trading: Follow the Best Traders

Copy trading is a refinement of mirror trading. Unlike mirror trading, which obliges you to follow every signal without any human input, copy trading lets you choose the specific trader whose trades you want to copy. When that trader opens a position, your trading account will follow suit.

Copy trading remains fully automated, but you can choose to follow different traders at different times. You also have the option to follow multiple traders (i.e. for different currency pairs) depending on the support of the platform.

Following the best traders also allow you to learn more about their trading strategies. You can observe all open positions in real-time and try to understand the reasoning behind every trading decision.

Social Trading: The Future

The trading approach I actually recommend is social trading. It is the perfect mixture between mirror and copy trading and the social aspect of trading itself. Instead of relying on automated signals and plugins, you can join a trading community such as https://investingoal.com/ and discuss market updates in real-time.

If you are a relatively new forex investor, social trading presents the perfect opportunity to learn. You don’t have to guess the technical and fundamental reasons for the trades you make. Instead, you have a group of experienced traders with whom you can discuss the market and make trading decisions together.

Social trading is also relatively safe for one particular reason: you make every decision yourself. The signals and insights you get from the trading group or forum act only as guidance and trading aids. You will master advanced trading strategies much faster this way.

Why Outsourcing Can Save Your Business

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Outsourcing is the process in which a business will hire a third party to complete tasks that they do not want to complete themselves. Within a business it can be expensive to hire specialists in every single field, and for small businesses in particular it can be helpful to instead hire a third party to complete these tasks for them. They won’t need to pay a full time employee, but they will still be able to have a professional, expert service.

If you are wondering why so many companies choose to outsource, look no further.

Low Cost

The first reason that many companies decide to outsourcing is that the operational and labour costs are much cheaper than hiring an employee into the business. If a company is on a budget it can be the difference between falling out of profit and growing in profit.

Mundane Tasks

There are always parts of running a business which are boring and downright mundane. Things such as administration, finance and statistics can be outsourced by a business if they do not want to complete these tasks themselves. Another thing which could be outsourced is answering services– where all phone calls will go to a third party and they will take messages or pass people through. It saves people in the office being disturbed throughout the day with phone calls.

Global Knowledge

By outsourcing or offshoring certain business aspects, a company will be able to learn about the global market, and in time they may even decide to make the move across the globe and open up an office abroad.

Growth

By freeing up the time which internal employees will spend on certain time consuming tasks, they will be able to spend more time on their own work and be more productive. They can also look into developing the business in new areas and grow the business from there.

Resources

Sometimes outsourcing is the only way a business will gain access to a particular type of service or resource. It might be that internally a company has no one who can complete social media tasks and copywriting, so a lot of the time this will be outsourced to help the business market themselves.

Delegate Complicated Tasks

There are certain elements of a business which can be incredibly confusing and require an expert hand to oversee it. For example you might want to create a company website, but you will need a developer to help you decipher the code and make sure that the website functions correctly, looks good and that the SEO is all in place. Although you can often learn things on google, sometimes it is better to just call an expert and let them handle it all.

What parts of a business can you outsource?

Content Marketing

There are various forms of marketing which you can look to outsource, and a large part of that is content marketing. Whenever you see a social media post, a photograph, an article like this or a tweet- that is known as content. In order to grow your business as much as possible and reach the right people, you need to make sure you are sharing engaging and quality content every single day. This will involve writing up blog posts, writing and scheduling social media posts, creating graphics, taking photographs and a whole lot more. It is a job role in itself and this is why unless you have someone who can dedicate their time to it, you need to outsource it to a professional.

SEO

Search engine optimisation is a must for any company who has a website. The purpose of this is to make sure your website and content are seen on the search engine when relevant keywords and searched for. You want to optimise your website so that your content ranks higher on a search engine and has a bigger chance of being seen by those searching for a particular thing. It can get complicated when you start delving into the audit, which is why getting an SEO professional is a better choice.

Payroll

Payroll is something many people will outsource because it can get complicated with tax codes and overtime, so it is much smarter to let a professional handle it. If you get payroll wrong, you can be facing charges from the employees you underpay or even from the government, so it is better to leave it to an expert.

Bookkeeping

One of the more time consuming and a little boring tasks in the business is bookkeeping. This involves compiling all data on clients, employees, profit margins, expenditure and sales- then putting it all in once place for your business records. This is a job which will take a huge amount of time, which is why getting someone to do it for you is the best option.

Finance

Every company should really have a dedicated financial employee who will deal with all incoming and outgoing cash through the business. However if you don’t, you cannot expect to balance the books and keep an eye on things yourself. The job will involve any expenses and profits being recorded, the ordering of equipment and other items, renewing software licences and lots more. It is a complicated job which needs an expert eye. Make sure you choose an accountant or financial aid who you trust completely with your funds.

Admin Tasks

This can cover everything from scheduling meetings, making sure that there is enough toilet roll in the building, or even answering the phones to clients. These are all tasks which are time consuming and which you don’t want to spend your day completing. Instead, get someone else to do it for a lower price.

Your Weaknesses

There will always be a few elements within a business which you are not confident on or which you do not possess the knowhow and experience. It is a case of identifying these parts of the business and then outsourcing them in order to improve the way your business runs overall.