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7 Reasons Why People Choose Real Estate Careers

7 Reasons Why People Choose Real Estate Careers

Real estate is an ever-growing industry. Sure, there are a few setbacks when the economy struggles. But that is true with most industries, not just real estate careers. Except maybe for things like smart home devices. Which are indifferent to economic ups and downs.

A career in real estate is something you need to be passionate about. Unlike other jobs, one in real estate has no ‘offs’. You’re always on the move, making connections and finding opportunities. Because everyone wants to, at some point, buy a home or property for investments.

But that said, real estate has many different career opportunities for you. It’s not just about selling real estate. Although sales is the most common career, you can select another.

Jobs in the Real Estate Industry Today

The real estate industry is very big. It includes so many different fields that you can specialize in. This is why it is important for someone to be passionate about real estate careers. Because no matter the field you choose, a career in real estate is a demanding one. Like these:

  • Real Estate Managing Broker

A managing broker is not the same as a real estate agent. A broker is certified to manage a real estate office. It is the next level of real estate careers advancement if you are a broker. Of course, you don’t need to be a broker to qualify, but it definitely helps.

  • Appraiser

You can opt for a career in either residential or commercial appraising. A residential appraiser assesses the worth of a property before it is listed on the market. Whereas a commercial appraiser does the same for commercial properties.

  • Property Manager

A property manager is responsible for making sure the property is in good shape. They are also tasked with making sure the owner if making a profit.

  • Leasing Consultant

Leasing consultants are tasked with renting out properties. They are essential agents for rental properties. They will find, convert, and process new tenants for all their listed properties.

  • Foreclosure Specialist

A foreclosure specialist processes all the documentation required for property foreclosure. They have to get the property documentation ready to be re-listed and sold.

7 Reasons You Should Choose a Career in Real Estate

The real estate job market is expected to rise 6 percent until 2026. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees that employment in the industry will rise by almost 25,000. And this is just by 2026. That means there are tremendous growth opportunities for you. And this is the right time to join.

  1. Rewarding Career
  2. High Incentives
  3. Tremendous Networking Opportunities
  4. Flexibility of Work
  5. Career Stability
  6. Growth Opportunities
  7. Encourages Activity

#1. Real Estate is a Rewarding Career

There aren’t many career opportunities that are as rewarding as real estate. How many times does the average person expect to buy a house in their lifetimes? As real estate agents and brokers, you are able to help people get their dream homes.

You can help someone get their retirement house set up. Or you can help a new couple buy their first home. Buying a home is a big personal achievement for most and you are a big part of it.

#2. High Incentives

It’s no secret. There are some really high incentives for real estate professionals. The commission on a single sale can be more than the average yearly salary. That is one of the key attractions for people looking to get into the industry.

But making a career shift simply because of the incentives is a risky decision. Real estate might seem like an easy career path, but it is one of the most demanding jobs.

#3. Tremendous Networking Opportunities

To have a successful career in real estate it is important to have people skills. That could be the deciding factor between a successful career and one that is lacking. Being in real estate you will often be presented with networking opportunities.

You need to be able to make the most of these opportunities. And in most cases, you will need to be talented enough to create these opportunities for yourself.

#4. Flexibility of Work

Another reason why people prefer a career in real estate is freedom. Most people don’t or can’t work in an office position. They aren’t comfortable with the strict office hours or being confined to the office space for the day.

Real estate careers offer flexible working hours and the ability to work from outside the office. Since most of the job is displaying the properties, you can usually make your own timings.

#5. Career Stability

It might not seem like it, but real estate offers stability. Sure, when there is a major economic crisis, real estate suffers. But industry-wide layoffs, even in a crisis aren’t common. There can be a recession going on but people still need a place to live.

The secret is that real estate is not just buying and selling of property. It also includes rentals. And that is what stabilizes the industry. The fact is that everyone will need a place to live in. If the economy is in a slump, people are likelier to rent instead of purchase.

#6. Growth Opportunities

Usually, with an office job, the growth opportunities are significantly slower. Sure, you will grow, but the pace will be slower. Real estate does not follow the same rules. If you have grown your portfolio to a certain level, you can enjoy fast-paced growth.

#7. Encourage Activity

Real estate market encourages you to be actively involved. You are unlikely to sell a property without making it sellable. Generally, real estate professionals are also very quick at arranging events. That is because they are likely to host one a couple of times a week.

Conclusion

To sell real estate you need to be able to use everything in your arsenal. Most marketing professionals today would advise you to do everything online. From SEO to social media management and even online advertising. But real estate agents realize that things like technology modify behavior take you so far. Real estate professionals have learned that relying on interpersonal skills is more important. Above all else, making connections is how you succeed in the real estate industry.

Digital Personal Assistants: Do You Believe In Them

Digital Personal Assistants: Do You Believe In Them

There are pretty good chances you are using Alexa or Google Home already. You love giving them voice commands, don’t you? We all do! Voice-activated smart speakers are being seen in every other household now.

Google research says the top reason people are using voice-activated speakers includes:

  • To multitask
  • To get answers and information fast
  • Make their routine matters easier
  • To get things done fast

Source

The Rise of Digital Personal Assistants

After a manual search, voice search among users is growing. It’s one reason why there is so much rush to create digital personal assistants. This shift is becoming a reality because of the rise of smartphone devices and rising
smart home gadgets.

Since people are interacting with their devices on the go, it is more convenient to say OK Google or Hey Siri than touching to command. Stone Temple Consulting surveyed 900 U.S. smartphone users. Two-thirds of these individuals were comfortable giving voice commands through their phone.

Since a significant percentage of the population is already engaged in voice search, it is one of the biggest drivers why digital personal assistants exist.

Source

What’s The Best Personal Digital Assistant to Date?

Google Assistant on a smartphone is the top-performing digital assistant so far. It makes sense since Google has such a big library of information. It receives billions of queries in a routinely matter. Its digital assistant has attempted to answer 80% of them, even the dumb question. And its accuracy rate has exceeded 90%.

Cortana (by Microsoft) in comparison has attempted to answer 69% of the question, Alex more than 50% and Siri about 40%. Their accuracy rates were grouped together closely. Google performs best on smartphones but when it comes to home appliances, Alexa takes the lead followed by Siri.

Do People Believe In Digital Personal Assistants?

It seems like users have already accepted digital personal assistants. They have them in their devices and they are using them already.

Now all you have to do is imagine scenarios. Your very own personal digital assistant could make a purchase for you, provide you entertainment on demand, control your home, schedule appoints for you and even manage your life. Personal assistants have quickly become the focal point of the online activities of users. Major players such as Google Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple are doing everything in their power to create new opportunities for using digital assistants.

Privacy Concerns

Although so many users have accepted digital personal assistants, some have privacy concerns. A report from Microsoft says that 42% of the voice assistant users are concerned about privacy, trust, and passive listening.

Source

Technology that uses personal data is supposed to be built with privacy at its forefront. That’s what the law in many states says. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Apple have built privacy protection in their digital assistants. Siri, for instance, does not record or act on your commands unless you say the keyword. Apple respects user’s privacy to its core. The company even refused the FBI requests for creating a software that would unlock an iPhone recovered from the shooters in the San Bernardino terrorist attack.

Those users who are skeptic must educate themselves on privacy and security functions of the digital products before using them. For example, when it’s not in use, simply unplug the device.

What’s The Future of Digital Assistants?

Personal digital assistants are here to stay. For the next generation, maybe it will become a staple food just like smartphones themselves. Here are some of the trends we can expect to see in the future:

  • Increased personalization: Digital assistants are capable of learning user behavior. The software can make adjustments to personalize itself. There will come a time when the software will learn about the typical pronunciations of the users and cater to each individual according to their behavior.
  • A personal relationship: You can expect your digital assistant to develop a personal relationship with you. The assistant will learn about his user and make an update accordingly.
  • The decline in traditional websites: Just like app culture is becoming radically powerful as compared to the websites, the future will be about digital assistants. They might close the territory of a traditional website altogether. They will provide immediate answers to users on just one command.
  • Voice notifications: Instead of push notifications, users will start receiving voice notifications as a way to capture and maintain user attention. Amazon already supports this feature. Alexa gives shopping updates to users through its voice notification feature.

Some users have mistrust issues with digital personal assistants, yes, but the satisfaction numbers are high and they are not going away. With
HR technology and other similar services, customers are always connected to the web. They only make it more convenient to use digital assistants on their mobile devices as we go.

Best Tips for a Great Road Trips in USA

Best Tips for a Great Road Trips in USA

Who doesn’t want to treat himself to a fun road trip with the gang? I am sure no one. However, some people do not plan their trips before they head out. There are two schools of thought here too. Some people think that an unplanned trip makes it all the more adventurous. Others are just too lazy to plan a trip. But if you do not plan a trip, it can sometimes add to your disadvantage. Therefore, have everything in place before the trip. This includes looking for tourist attractions in USA too.

Other tips for before you head out include:

Google Maps

Google Maps is everyone’s best friend. One cannot imagine his life without this blessing these days. Even if you have to move within a town or a couple of blocks, Google Maps is your ultimate companion. And you should not forget about this companion on trips too. In fact, that is the time when you most need Google Maps. But for that, you will also have to make sure that you have access to smart home technology at all times as well.  If you have a smartphone or a tab with access to the Internet, there is no chance that you will forget even a single way. Thanks to Google Maps. You can choose to turn off the annoying voice that keeps on giving instructions though.

Music

You cannot ignore the music that will play in your car on your road trip. The choice of music alone has the power of ruining your mood for the rest of the trip. Therefore, do not trust a person with a shitty choice in music to come up with a list for you. You will suffer throughout the trip. However, you do not have to rely on a single person to make a list. If you have access to apps like Spotify, you can play any song that you like on the spot. The prerequisite is that you have access to the Internet as well. And of course, creating an account on Spotify is a must too. If you have access to these two, your trip will surely be fun when in the car. Because the right music can set the right mood.

Eat Local. Stay Local.

If you opt for luxury hotels and decide to eat at the most expensive restaurants, then you will be at a loss. Because you will spend more than half of the budget that you saved for the trip on living and eating expenses. Other than that, the experiences and memories that you will gather when you eat and stay local, they will have no match. Because you will choose to live other than a luxurious life.

You will get to interact with the locals too. That will be an amazing experience in itself. Not only this, but you will also get to taste the local food that the people residing in the area eat. Staying in local areas will teach you a lot about the culture and the people of that place. Same goes with the local food too.

National Park Pass

You should try to get passes to the national parks in that area. It is always a treat to visit these parks and get some time to meditate. Even if you do not plan to meditate in these parks, you should visit them. The idea behind the national parks is to visit the recreation sites to have some fun. Some national parks like the Grand Canyon in America offer you an adventurous experience too. While others give you a lot to watch and witness, making the trip to the park all the more interesting. Therefore, get a pass to the national park, if you are visiting an area that has one.

Pack Light

Because you will be going on a road trip, you will have to pack stuff, obviously. But pack light. Do not get too excited about the idea of packing. You also want to save space to be able to bring souvenirs and other shopping material back home too. Therefore, pay attention to what you are packing and if something is not necessary to keep, eliminate it.

If you take care of the above-mentioned best travel tips, you should be good to go.

Have a safe JOURNEY 🙂

5 Most Common Types of Cyber Attacks

5 Most Common Types of Cyber Attacks

Cyber attacks are a leading cause of distress for many of us. In the tech-friendly environment, we live in today, there are thousands of attacks each day. If you’re lucky, your closest encounter with hacking might have been on smart home gadgets. But hacking, in the real world, is not as glamorous as the movies make it look. You don’t have to be a notorious or eccentric billionaire to find yourself in the crosshairs of a hacker. Cyber attacks are very real. They happen to real people every day.

What are Cyber Attacks & Hacking?

It is classified as any deliberate offensive action or exploitation of a computer system, security, or network. They use malicious code to alter your computer data, files or network properties. Attackers can essentially gain access to everything on your computer including emails, documents, pictures, banking information, and even passwords.

5 of the Most Common Hacks You Need to Watch Out For

There is always a purpose behind a cyber attack. The most common being monetary gain, but there are other reasons a hacker could infiltrate your system. Someone could hack you out of spite, or just to improve their skills. It is always advisable to protect yourself by updating your system’s security. Investing in a good anti-virus and anti-malware package is your best defense.

Here are 5 of the most used forms of cyber attacks:

  1. Denial-Of-Service (DOS) Attack
  2. Phishing Attack
  3. Password Attack
  4. Eavesdropping Attack
  5. Malware Attack

Let’s discuss each in detail…

#1. Denial of Service (DOS) Attack

Denial of Service (DOS) or Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) is a kind of attack that, simply put, freezes your computer. While other attacks allow the hacker to gain access to your system, this does the opposite. While the hacker is unable to access your system, the problem is, neither are you. How it works is, the computer system is constantly bombarded with commands. So many constant commands overwhelm the system and it is unable to respond when you give it any command. To you, it looks like your computer is frozen, when in fact it is working overtime to complete countless commands, which you never gave it.

You might be thinking, why anyone would go through so much trouble if they’re not even going to gain access to your system. The reason hackers use this type of attack is that usually, they have something to gain from denying access to your computer. Or, they could have been hired by someone who stands to gain, by denying you access to your files or system. A competitor, perhaps, would benefit significantly if all your office computers stopped working all of a sudden.

#2. Phishing Attack

Phishing attacks are usually tricky to detect. They, as the name suggests, bait you into downloading malicious files or sharing your personal information. There are a few ways in which phishing attacks take place. The most common is the email phishing. The emails appear to be from trusted sources. They can ask you for your personal information, either on the email itself or through linking to a website page where you’re asked to fill out forms.

Phishing emails can also ask you to download attachments, or link webpages, which can trick you to download malware. Downloading such malware can deeply compromise your system’s security. If you try, it is possible to determine such attacks. The best way to know if the email or website is phishing for information is through critical thinking. Try to focus on the language used in the email, if it is different from the language format the sender usually uses, then be cautious. Another way of determining the legitimacy of an email is by hovering your mouse cursor over the link in the mail. If it shows a webpage address linking to a page that seems dodgy, try to avoid clicking on the link.

#3. Password Attack

Passwords are the most common form of account security. Hackers use brute-force attacks to gain access to your passwords. They can also use personal information to guess your passwords. The best defense against password attacks is to constantly change your passwords and try to never keep something obvious like your pet’s names or family member names or birthdays.

#4. Eavesdropping Attack

Eavesdropping attack is when your computer system’s or network’s data traffic is intercepted by the hacker. The hacker gains access to all your network data traffic and can sort through it to find information like passwords, confidential information or credit card numbers. Essentially, the hacker has access to your every movement.

There are two kinds of eavesdropping attacks, Passive and Active attacks. The best way to defend yourself is by using strong data encryption protocols.

#5. Malware Attack

Malware is the most tricky form of attack. It is a software designed to infiltrate your computer or network. It can attach itself to regular files you download as attachments. There are many forms of malware to look out for. Here are some of the most common types:

  • Ransomware
  • Droppers
  • Worms
  • Logic bombs
  • Trojans
  • Stealth viruses
  • Polymorphic viruses
  • Macro viruses
  • File infectors

Final Words

There are many things you can do to better protect yourself from cyber-attacks. Most service providers also offer a range of services for increased cybersecurity. Try contacting HR technology, or your own service provider for more details on their security options. The best way to protect yourself is by investing in reliable security software. While some security suites may cost a significant amount, the protection they offer can save you a lot more.

Great Smart Home Gadgets for Monitoring Your Home While Traveling

Great Smart Home Gadgets for Monitoring Your Home While Traveling

Smart gadgets are all the rage these days. Because they have the power to turn your house into a luxury home. And you tend to enjoy a convenient and comfortable way of life. While the gadgets that make your home a smart house offer you comfort, they also help to ensure that you can keep a check on your place when traveling. YES. You read that right. However, you will need to resort to good internet service for that. Because you cannot connect to the gadgets without that. So do thorough research. Some have great prices including best kids tablets.

But before that, have a look at the list of the smart home gadgets that can make monitoring easy for you.

The Best Smart Home Gadgets For Your Home

Automated Lights

One of the oldest tricks to keep the suspects away from your home while you travel is to keep the light switched on. However, this has its own downside. And the only major downside that we can think of right now is the electricity bill. You do not want to return after spending loads on a vacation only to learn that a hefty bill awaits you too. Therefore, you should consider installing smart lights. You can install these lights in various rooms of your house. And also choose to set them for different circumstances. Once installed, you can monitor them via your smartphone through an app. Thus, remaining tension-free throughout the holiday.

Smart Security Cameras

Installing smart lights is not enough. What if an intruder enters your home while you are away? The smart lights won’t inform you about that, will they? To address this serious issue, it is crucial for you to install a smart security camera(s) as well. This will help you to keep a check on your place while you are away relishing the trip. You will get a view of the rooms and the outside of your house too depending on the number of cameras installed. Installing the smart cameras will not give you fits of anxiety and worry while you are away from your home.

Smoke Alarm

You may not agree but sometimes tragedies take place and you cannot do much about it. However, if you are well informed, then you can at least take timely action to reduce the damage caused. Same goes for fire-related tragedies as well. You cannot be sure that nothing of this nature will happen while you are away. Therefore, you should install a smart smoke alarm. This will allow you to get updates regarding the safety of your house. All you have to do is connect the detector to a Wi-Fi system and it will keep you posted.

There are smoke alarms that will even warn you when the batteries run out. For example, the Nest Protect. Therefore, invest wisely.

Amazon Key

This is one of the most amazing offerings by Amazon. Amazon key allows you to accept the deliveries while you are not home. Amazing, isn’t it. This is basically a lock and camera system. So what happens is when the courier arrives, the person delivering it can place it inside your front door securely. Your deliveries do not have to wait outside your house for days if you are away. However, this product is designed for Prime members. The kit includes an indoor security camera and a smart lock. It allows access to the people you trust the most. These can include your home cleaners as well as friends and family members.

So, you can have your place cleaned while away and return to a neat place.

Video Doorbell

This is another gadget that you should add to your ‘while I am away monitoring’ kit. The video doorbell is not a useful gadget when you are home but also while you are away. Because it takes a screenshot of all the people who ring your bell. And takes it every time someone rings a bell. Therefore, you do not have to worry about not knowing who visited your place when you were away. Your friends or family members can’t make any false claims either. HEHEHE.

Whatever the gadgets you choose to install, do remember that you will definitely need to connect them to a Wi-Fi system. Because there is no other way that you can connect to these devices while you are away.

10 Summer Tech Gadgets You Didn’t Know You Needed

10 Summer Tech Gadgets You Didn’t Know You Needed

Summer is here! We have all been waiting for summer to come back. It’s time to leave your house and explore tourist attractions in USA. For most of us, summers bring with it life and a completely new wardrobe. But with a new wardrobe should come to a new bunch of gadgets. Especially if you are someone addicted to everything tech!

With all the summer shopping sales and festivals, give your inner child the gift of these essential summer gadgets.

10 Summer Tech Gadgets

  1. Polarized Camera Lenses
  2. Instant-wine-chiller
  3. Phonesoap Smartphone Sanitizer
  4. Selfie Snap
  5. iRig Voice Microphone
  6. Fujifilm Mini 8 Instax Camera
  7. Mighty Purse
  8. Mason Jar Speaker and Amp
  9. Solar Powered Power Banks
  10. Up24 by Jawbone

#1. Polarized Camera Lenses

Summertime usually means that we would be heading outdoors. If you can’t wait to post that sunrise picture then you need this gadget. A polarized lens for your smartphone camera. These are available on most online stores and are usually not expensive. But they work wonders for your camera pictures.

This small gadget can stick onto most smartphones. They increase the zoom of your camera. And more importantly, keep your pictures looking great. The Polaroid lens gets rid of the pesky sun glare. And fixes the color saturation problem. A must-have on your summer shopping list.

#2. Instant Wine Chiller

Summer is the time to enjoy a glass of wine, or three, in the outdoors. But the only problem is keeping the wine chilled. Because let’s face it, if the wine isn’t chilled, is it really wine?

To overcome this one and only drawback of summer, you need to get an instant wine chiller. This device fits onto the open mouth of the bottle. Then all the magic inside makes your wine come out as chilled as ever. Now you are truly prepared for summer.

#3. Phonesoap Smartphone Sanitizer

You know that summer is a little bit of a dirty affair. By the end of it, you are going to want to change your phone. Because of all the sand and dirt that gets collected in those impossible to clean places.

Now you don’t have to worry about your lost phone or a new one at the end of every summer. The Phonesoap phone sanitizer is a godsend for people who want to spend their summer outside. Just place the phone in the device and close it. It will automatically start the sanitation process. And your phone will come out looking like new. And since it doesn’t use any water, you don’t need a waterproof phone to use it.

#4. Selfie Snap

Selfie sticks are old news. They are big and difficult to carry around. Especially since your bag will be full of beach necessities. The latest in selfie technology is Selfie Snap.

It is a button that can pair with your phone with an app. Then you can use the button to easily take your selfies. You can also switch between the front and rear cameras on your phone.

#5. iRig Voice Microphone

There always seems to be a lack of entertainment during summer parties. The iRig Voice Microphone can fix all your party planning worries. Your parties will never be boring again.

The iRig Voice Microphone connects with your phone so you can use it anywhere. It can also pair with smartphone karaoke apps. And you know a party isn’t a party without karaoke. Although this is not a cheap gadget, it is definitely something you can’t afford to skip.

#6. Fujifilm Mini 8 Instax Camera

Instead of a simple clip-on lens for your phone, here is the summer must-have alternative. If you can afford one more camera, that is.

The Fujifilm Mini 8 s perfect for outdoors. It has a very unique design that makes it easier to take pictures. Also, it has a bigger screen to preview the pictures. And the picture quality speaks for itself. If you feel that this is going to be a memorable summer, then you need this.

#7. Mighty Purse

The mighty purse is an addition to your wardrobe that doubles as the perfect summer gadget. This summer you need a purse that is sleek and unique. It doesn’t get any better than the Mighty Purse.

It’s a mini shoulder bag or a purse that doubles as a charger for your phone. So now, you can stay out all day in the sunshine and never have to worry about your battery. It may be a little pricey, but whoever said good handbags came cheap!

#8. Mason Jar Speaker and Amp

This outdoor speaker is as unique as it is good. It can connect with most phones and is the best solution for outdoor music. The speaker is small enough to fit in your bag easily since it’s basically a jar.

#9. Solar Charged Power Banks

Why not use the summer and save up on some bills. Using solar charged power banks you don’t need to use electricity to charge your phone.

#10. Up24 by Jawbone

Another accessory to fit your wardrobe and your budget. This high-tech fitness tracker doubles as a trendy accessory for your summer look.

Conclusion

Summer is upon us! In some ways. You can’t imagine a home without your internet and cable services, just like you can’t imagine living without summertime. The sounds and smells of summer make it one of the best seasons of the year.

5 Ways That Technology Can Modify Your Behavior

5 Ways That Technology Can Modify Your Behavior

If you grow up during the last 3 decades or so, it’s hard not to notice how much technology has progressed. It started with the physical rotary phones and tape cassettes to mini-computers and now smartphones that we take with us everywhere. We even have so many tablets for kids to keep entertained and connected.

Not all of us pause and think about how much our lives and behaviors have changed. But it’s true that we have undergone so much revolution. All thanks to the global data connections, everything is now linked up.

Ways Technology Can Change Our Behavior

Let’s take a break and see how technology is and can change our behavior over the coming years:

1. Smart devices will offer peace and convenience

Starting from smart fridges to trash cans with voice activation, we will see futuristic gadgets that will make smart homes a reality. The connected device market is ready to take off. Companies are trying to compete to stand out with smart products.

Consumers want devices that can offer them peace of mind and at the same time anticipate their needs. Scripps Networks has conducted a study that offers clues on what consumers might be looking for. The results say that safety and energy efficiency are strong motivations behind the purchases of smart home devices. The study also says that millennials are more likely to be the ones to adopt smart home technology as compared to baby boomers or generation Xers.

2. Stay on top of health with wearable fitness trackers

Services like Fitbit, ZEO, and FuelBand by Nike are generating more and more data in our lives. These devices have helped us a lot in tracking the number of steps, calories burnt and how well we are sleeping.

Also Read: How does Technology affect our Emotional Intelligence

Pretty soon, they will become a part of a quantified self-movement. It will empower people with their own data. It will tell us things about us and our biology which weren’t that obvious.

3. Advanced manufacturing with 3D printing

3D printing is making manufacturing accessible to people more than ever. It’s also fueling major breakthroughs in medicine. You must have heard how 3D printer was able to make the tiniest human liver ever.

3D printer is capable of building an object piece by piece in 3 dimensions. This device isn’t just being used in companies but also at homes. All thanks to the brands like Shapeways and MakerBot that have started creating affordable 3D printers. Now, we have an entirely new way of consuming and producing things.

4. Self-driving cars and advanced traveling

We have already witnessed some self-driving cars every now and then on the roads. Tesla is a good example. According to Google, self-driving safe cars can reduce 1.2 million lives lost due to road accidents each year. This is huge!

Time will bring fully autonomous cars into the picture too. That may require a major change in the infrastructure though. Big players such as Audi and Toyota are working on it already.

5. The use of drones for hunting and more

As an average user, you shouldn’t really be afraid of drones. After smartphones, other advanced technologies such as armed processors, gyroscopes, GPS, and accelerometers, manufacturing drones has become easier than expected.

People are using drones in their daily lives already. For instance, skiers are using them in need of securing or they are being used for surveying archeological sites. FedEx is actually counting the days until drones are admitted to the US airspace. You never know what’s more is there to see.

Wait, There’re Some Downsides Too

Technology may have the potential to make us do things we haven’t even fathomed but we cannot forget how it has already impacted our behavior.

  • It’s made us less patient – Now that the world is at our fingertips, we all want answers right away. The ability to find something with a few taps and swipe has made us impatient. Some of us even have unrealistic expectations of success. We are more inclined than ever to take shortcuts.
  • New inventions bring digital addictions – With new technological inventions comes new digital addictions. And we are not just addicted to the internet but social, games and our smartphones on the whole. For some of us, technology is becoming a toy.

Final Words

Technology sure is a powerful tool in influencing and changing consumer behavior. It has both positive and negative aspects. In a world where new technologies are popping, the companies that put customer needs first will win.

3 Mistakes That Hamper Your Productivity

3 Mistakes That Hamper Your Productivity

We are all guilty of slacking off at work every now and then. That is normal if not done too often. We all have our off days when we just can’t seem to find the energy to improve work efficiency. They may be informative debates, but they keep me from being productive at work. I’m sure you have a similar distraction or distractions. But if you find yourself in a rut of non-productivity, that can be dangerous. Unless you fix it.

3 Productivity Hampering Mistakes

Too often, people just learn productivity as they go along. Many times, people perform average at work without even knowing they have the potential to excel. The only thing that limits your productivity is the mistakes you make during the day. When you’re really productive you may feel bored or even scared. But it does not have to be that way. The first step towards a more productive lifestyle is to realize the things constraining you. These could be among the following 3 most common mistakes:

  1. Focusing on Hours, Not Accomplishments
  2. Absorbing Too Many Internet Tips
  3. Looking for Hacks or Shortcuts

Ask yourself this: are you satisfied with your productivity? If not, what could be holding you back? If you could eliminate this constraint, would you be more productive? Below follow more details on the three mistakes listed above that hamper your productivity.

1. Focusing on Hours, Not Accomplishments

This is a mistake all too common with working professionals today. Everybody wants to work harder, faster, and longer to get ahead. But at what cost? People feel much busier and productive when working long hours and workweeks. But in absolute terms, they really accomplish only slightly more than working shorter, regular hours.

The difference lies not in the effort or hours you put in, but in the energy and attention, you spend. You are more productive when you spend your attention and energy in a deliberate, calculated way. This means you should take a few minutes every day to prioritize your tasks. List down what you want to get done and how much time you can spend doing it. At the end of the day, tally what you have accomplished to the prioritized list of tasks. You’ll find you got a lot more done during a week of structured and deliberate effort.

2. Absorbing Too Many Internet Tips

Too much of everything is bad, especially internet self-help tips. The internet is a vast resource of information, but you can’t trust everything you find on it. There’s nothing wrong with seriously wanting to improve life and looking up ways on the internet. But if you have looked at 20 articles so far and are still looking, perhaps a pause is in order. It is very easy to get too involved in trying to make work better than actually getting work done through HR technology. Every second of the workday is an asset. You need to economize on how you invest it. Think of how much time you save by spending a smaller amount of time on something.

Another thing you need to be wary of is that too much information can complicate things for you. The more you look up, the less you retain and even less practice. Productivity is not too difficult to achieve as long as you keep it simple.

3. Looking for Hacks or Shortcuts

Everybody wants an easy fix to their problems these days. But believe it or not, life doesn’t work that way. Using a new app or routine to boost productivity may feel good for a while, but ultimately you realize it is not helping you. There aren’t any quick fixes to productivity like getting up early in the morning every day.

In fact, every person has their own peak time, when they work fluidly and accomplish most of the work for the day. A person could have their peak time early in the morning just as easily as late in the evening. You need to understand yourself before you can find a productivity tip that works for you. Give yourself a fair and objective evaluation.

Let’s say you work in the customer service industry, when do you feel most productive in taking calls during the day? If you were to minimize distractions and maximize attention to work during this period, your productivity will jump. A lot of productivity is about how much you accomplish, not how many hours you put in. Keep that in mind, analyze your constraints, and figure out a way around them. Just be sure to avoid the mistakes we just discussed.

Have a productive work week!

Which Drinks can Help You Fall Asleep Fast at Night

Which Drinks can Help You Fall Asleep Fast at Night

Name a person who does not want to have a good night’s sleep. Or, who hates peace of mind when attempting to sleep at night. While no one would ever want a disturbed sleep, there are reasons why many of us cannot get proper sleep at night. The reasons vary for every individual. However, one can try various remedies or tips to help get better sleep. Drinking one of the following drinks can help you fall asleep fast at night.

Warm Milk

I won’t be surprised if the majority makes a bad face after reading the word milk. Because many of us do not like drinking milk. But you do not have to drink warm milk on its own. You can add a flavor of your own choice to it. Like a chocolate powder, maybe?

What helps people sleep well at night after drinking milk is the fact that milk contains the amino acid tryptophan. This amino acid is also present in meals that are rich in carbohydrates. This is the same reason why people feel sleepy after they have a heavy meal. After you consume tryptophan, it gets converted to the natural hormone melatonin in your body. This hormone helps to regulate your sleep. And helps you to sleep better at night.

Almond Milk

Almond milk is another drink that can help you sleep better at night. In fact, it can be one of the best sleep-inducing drink options for you. According to studies, serotonin present in almonds can help your brain to initiate sleep. The presence of a healthy amount of serotonin in your central nervous system also depends on the levels of tryptophan. The latter is naturally found in both almonds milk and cow milk.

Apart from that, almond milk is also a rich source of magnesium. And magnesium helps individuals to improve their sleep pattern. Therefore, drinking almond milk before you go to sleep can help you sleep well at night.

Valerian Tea

For centuries, people have used the Valerian root as a sedative in medicines. Apart from that, the root also helps individuals to get rid of feelings of anxiety and helps to promote feelings of calmness in individuals. Therefore, it should not surprise you to learn that the root is now used to treat various sleeping disorders as well. In particular, the people who suffer from insomnia.

Usually, you do not use the root alone. You have to combine it with lemon balm and other herbs that induce sleep. However, the bad thing about this root or tea is that it is addictive.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is famous for the soothing effect that it brings. This tea, can, therefore, help you to get a good night’s sleep as well. In fact, for years experts recommended the use of chamomile to treat insomnia. Apart from bringing a soothing effect, chamomile tea is also caffeine free. Which is another factor that allows you to sleep at night after drinking this tea?

However, at times people couple chamomile tea with other remedies like the consumption of magnesium. This enhances the effect of chamomile and helps you to sleep even better.

Pure Coconut Water

This might come as a surprise to you, but yes coconut water helps you sleep at night as well. Because most people relate it to being an energy boosting drink. And rightfully so. However, the truth is that pure coconut water also contains ingredients that can help you sleep better at night. These include magnesium, potassium, and Vitamin B. While magnesium and potassium help to relax your muscles, Vitamin B helps to reduce the stress levels.

Therefore, consuming coconut water can help ensure that you are stress-free. Hence, allowing you to sleep better at night.

Tart Cherry Juice

This might be another surprising addition to the list. According to a study, if you consume 16 ounces of tart cherry juice throughout the day, it can help you fight insomnia. This is because tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin. This is the same hormone that helps the body to regulate the circadian rhythm. Apart from that, tart cherries also help to reduce muscle soreness. That was just an extra piece of information.

However, the point is that you can drink tart cherry juice alone or add it to a smoothie to help get a good and peaceful sleep at night.

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Lost Your Phone? Here Are Ways That Will Help You to Track It

Lost Your Phone? Here Are Ways That Will Help You to Track It

Our phones are a crucial part of life. We use them to manage our bills, our work, and our social life. When you lost your phone, it’s a huge problem. Suddenly, it feels like our world has stopped. Thankfully, with growth in smartphone technology and security, we are able to track them better.

Here are 3 ways that you can easily track your phone.

3 Methods You Can Use to Track Your Phone

There are many apps available for download on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store, just like HR consultant use HR technology to track their employees. This blog will focus on some of the most popular apps available today, that you can use to track your phone. Tracking your phone now is easier than ever. That said, you should also be prepared by regularly backing up your data. Some phones also have special security features you can use, in case your phone is lost or stolen. Protecting your phone data is important. Your personal information, in the wrong hands, can have dire consequences.

Let’s take a look at 3 ways you can track your phone:

  1. Find My iPhone by Apple
  2. Find My Mobile by Samsung
  3. Find My Device by Google

#1. Find My iPhone by Apple

Apple has developed a dedicated built-in app feature for its iPhones. If your iPhone is lost you are able to easily track it through the iCloud website. Here is how it works. In your iPhone settings, go to your iCloud settings. From there, turn on the “Find my iPhone” feature. Once the feature is on, you will be able to locate your device remotely.

Now, whenever you need to track your device, here is what you need to do. Open the iCloud website. Log into the same iCloud account, you are logged in with on the iPhone. From the home screen, launch the “Find my iPhone” feature. This will take you to a page where you will be able to see a list of your connected devices. From the drop-down menu, select the iPhone you want to track. The feature will be able to provide you with the exact location of your device. There are some additional features you can use in case of theft.

#2. Find My Mobile by Samsung

Like Apple, Samsung has developed an app feature built-in to their devices. If your Samsung is lost, here is what you can do. First, make sure your device settings are ready to use this feature. Go into your Samsung smartphone settings. In settings, look under the Accounts Tab and select “Samsung Account”. You will need to log in, or create a new account if you don’t have one already. Now your phone is ready to use this feature.

When you want to track your Samsung device, here is what you need to do. From any computer or device, go to the Find My Mobile website (www.findmymobile.samsung.com). On the home screen, you will be prompted to log in using your Samsung Account credentials. Once you are logged in, select the mobile device you want to track from the dashboard and select the “Locate My Mobile” feature. Now you can view the location of your phone or device in real-time.

#3. Find My Device by Google

Apple and Samsung have developed features for finding their particular brand of devices. Google has made it possible to find your lost phone, irrespective of brand. As long as it uses an Android platform, which it most likely does, you can use this feature. Before you are able to use this feature, you will need to download the app from the Google Play Store. Search for “Find My Device” and you will be able to see the app. If you don’t want to download the app, you can also go into your device security settings and turn on the “Remotely Locate This Device” feature.

Now, whenever you want to find your device, all you have to do is go to the Find My Device website and log in using the same credentials as you are using on your device. After logging in, select the device you want to track and Google’s interface will locate it for you. You will be able to zoom, like in Google maps, and pinpoint the exact location of your phone. In addition to locating your phone, Google gives you some added security features. From the website, you are remotely able to clear the phone memory and data, lock the phone and let it ring.

While these features are great for finding your phone, they will need it to be connected to the internet. Your phone will probably stay connected when it’s close to your home or work networks. When not close by, however, these features will require generous amounts of data. Make sure that your device has a data plan and that your data usage is switched on.