Creative email signature on Mac (12 simple rules for creating a quality information product)

NY Weekly Staff on January 30, 2023

Image commercially licensed from: Unsplash

If your company has Mac users, make sure that Apple Mail (aka Mac Mail) uses high-quality email signatures. You can create several email signatures and use them in business communication by email using the email signature generator for apple mail functionality.

How to create a creative, interesting email signature for Mac for use with Apple Mail?

Read the instructions for creating an email signature on Mac.

Rule 1. Go to the Mac home screen. Select the Mail icon in the header to open Apple Mail.

Rule 2. Click Settings. In the new window that opens, select Signature.

Rule 3. A list of email accounts connected to Apple Mail will appear in the left column. Select the account in which you want to use an email signature. When you selected “All Signatures” when creating a Mac email signature, you’ll need to drag the new email signature into your email account before you can use it. This can be done through apple mail HTML signature generator.

Rule 4. Click the plus sign.

Rule 5. Enter your Mac’s email signature name in the middle column. We recommend that you use an easily identifiable name.

Rule 6. In the right column (in preview mode), start creating a Mac email signature. Here you can create, format, and review the design of the email signature, making it creative and as interesting as possible for your audience of users.

Rule 7. In case you want to add an image similar to your company logo, first, download the file to your Mac. Then drag the image into the preview area and resize it as needed.

Rule 8. To quickly change the font and color of your email signature, highlight the text that needs to be updated. Then click the Format button at the top of the screen. In the “Fonts” view mode, all available fonts are displayed, in the “Colors” view mode, the available colors that you can use for your email signature are highlighted.

Rule 9. To add a hyperlink, click the Edit button next to the title. Use the Add Link feature to link URLs to highlighted words in your email signature.

Rule 10. If you want your email signature to appear after the text of the letters to which you have replied or forwarded, uncheck the Place email signature above the quoted text check box. This is in the settings window.

Rule 11. When the email signature is ready, close the working window. All changes are automatically saved.

Rule 12. When you write a message in Apple Mail, you’ll see an option to choose a new Mac email signature next to the sender information bar.

One of the easiest ways to attract attention when creating a creative email signature is to use color. Readers pay more attention to colored icons. It is important not to overdo it. Too many colors can make your email signature look untidy. Here are some tips for using colors in your email signature:

Pick a color or two that complement each other and stick with them.

Do not overdo it with colors.

Avoid contrasting colors (such as purple and orange) unless they are part of your brand.

If you are creative, use bright colors. Otherwise, stick to muted tones.

Make sure the colors you choose match your other branding materials, such as your website and business cards. A bright email signature will attract attention. Creative people avoid too colorful colors. A unique email signature is not suitable for certain industries and brands. Using a large number of colors can sometimes be against company policy. But they can be included in more formal business communication. Email signatures should be attractive, even if they do not contain many colors. A black-and-white email signature is just as effective as a color one. The key is in design and using the right fonts. Look for bold, crisp fonts and designs with plenty of white space for contrast. Black and white email signatures are considered more conservative and official. This makes them suitable for professions such as finance and law. According to the design, black-and-white email signatures are also in demand in many organizations. Your email signature represents your brand, so it’s good to have different options. For example, if you change jobs or companies, update your email signature to reflect your new position to people. Even if you are busy personalizing or renaming your business, we recommend choosing a flexible template that can be customized to your current specialization. With the flexible email signature template, you can combine different fonts, colors, and designs to create unique email signatures that are creative and modern. If you want to change your email signature, make sure the template you use is flexible enough to accommodate all the important changes you need. The corporate image also plays a big role. When you work in an organization, you may need a more unified business presentation of your email signatures. You can also place your logo in the email signature. Please note that the corporate email sent in your email signature represents your company. It is important to follow company standards regarding email signatures: many companies require that a letter with an email signature be attached to all corporate email addresses. To generalize the appearance of corporate communications, organizations can limit the colors and fonts used in email signatures. Business relations. Your company may require you to log in to your website or social media accounts. Signatures often include the location of the main office.

Automatically add your Mac email signature

To fully automatically add an email signature to emails sent from your Mac, follow these steps:

Step 1. Select Email > Settings > Signatures.

Step 2. Select the appropriate email account in the left column.

Step 3. In the drop-down menu, click Select email signature.

Step 4. Choose the email signature you want to use (in case you have created more than one email signature).

Creating an email signature on a Mac is not that difficult for a single user. When you have multiple Mac users, it can be more difficult to make sure everyone is using a consistent theme. You can use templates to create creative Mac Mail email signatures using the available functionality of various online designers. It allows you to create and customize email signatures without programming skills or knowledge of HTML. You can quickly edit text, change colors, add social links, and your company logo and see your results. Email signature generators offer various online editing options that can show great results. The modern design of email signatures is compatible with many brands. Elegant, clean font and fresh colors combined with interesting information will ensure the rapid development and growth of your brand. A modern email signature is ideal for any company that wants to express its progressive aspirations because creating an attractive, unique, and professional email signature allows you to quickly show high results. Email signatures are a great brand marketing tool. Their active use makes it possible to highlight relevant offers and win the trust of the target group. The statistics of successful work experience confirm that it is worth creating an effective email signature template that will be standardized and flexible. Use this valuable tool. Customers will appreciate it. Invest in the right marketing strategy!

Manage email signatures for Mac Mail

All employees must use the same Mac email signature template. When each employee manually updates their signature, the management process becomes complex. In this case, you may have to rely on your IT department. Visit each user’s desktop or try to implement complex solutions using HTML code. None of these solutions are guaranteed to work properly. Images used in Mac email signatures can also appear as attachments in the recipient’s mailbox because they are built into the structure. This small task will be much more difficult to complete. Effective management requires third-party tools. Email signature management solutions don’t simplify centralized management on your Mac, but management ensures consistent use of HTML signatures across all email clients and Internet-connected devices. It is important to follow the basic rules of writing an email signature. There is no single standard; there are generally accepted standards. When creating your email signature, consider information about your company and the audience you need to communicate with when sending the letter. The design of business letters may differ from informational, solicitation, or advertising letters. Letters of different categories from the same company can have completely different email signatures from different senders. Your email signature may not be the most attractive part of your footer, but it can have a huge impact on your company’s advertising and image, as well as your professional reputation. Therefore, it is important to invest enough effort and time to create it. To do this, use the capabilities of adaptive designers to create creative email signatures if you need to create an original email signature that you will send to your customers or business partners by mail.

Novel Research on Early Lung Cancer Detection Using Deep Learning Methods

NY Weekly Staff on January 30, 2023

Image Commercially Licensed From: Unsplash

A new study published in the Proceedings of Medical Imaging 2019: Image Processing has made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of lung cancer detection. The study, led by researcher Jiachen Wang, has found that by combining detailed clinical demographics with 3D CT images, the accuracy of early detection of lung cancer can be greatly improved.

Among all cancers, lung cancer has the third highest incidence rate in the USA, and it results in more deaths than any other type of cancer. Early detection is crucial in reducing mortality rates, but current methods often yield high false positive rates, leading to unnecessary and potentially harmful procedures. To address this challenge, the research team established a pipeline that co-learns from both detailed clinical demographics and 3D CT images.

The team leveraged data from the Consortium for Molecular and Cellular Characterization of Screen-Detected Lesions (MCL), which focuses on the early detection of lung cancer. They applied a 3D attention-based deep convolutional neural net (DCNN) to identify lung cancer from the chest CT scan without the prior anatomical location of the suspicious nodule. To improve upon the non-invasive discrimination between benign and malignant, a random forest classifier was used on a dataset integrating clinical information with imaging data.

The results were astounding. The AUC obtained from clinical demographics alone was 0.635, while the attention network alone reached an accuracy of 0.687. However, when using the proposed pipeline integrating clinical and imaging variables, the AUC reached an impressive 0.787 on the testing dataset. The proposed network not only efficiently captures anatomical information for classification but also generates attention maps that explain the features that drive its performance.

The study “Lung Cancer Detection using Co-learning from Chest CT Images and Clinical Demographics” led by researcher Jiachen Wang has made a significant breakthrough in the field of lung cancer detection. By combining detailed clinical demographics with 3D CT images, the team was able to greatly improve the accuracy of early detection of lung cancer. This is a crucial step in reducing mortality rates and minimizing unnecessary and potentially harmful procedures. The proposed pipeline and 3D attention-based deep convolutional neural net (DCNN) not only efficiently capture anatomical information for classification but also generates attention maps that explain the features that drive its performance. This groundbreaking research is a significant advancement in the field of computer science connected to medical imaging analysis and is poised to revolutionize the early and accurate diagnosis of lung cancer. The team’s work is a beacon of hope in the fight against lung cancer, and they should be commended for their pioneering work.

This study is a significant advancement in the field of computer science connected to medical imaging analysis and is poised to revolutionize the early and accurate diagnosis of lung cancer. Mr. Wang and his team are to be commended for their pioneering work in this field. With their pioneering research, we are one step closer to saving lives through the early detection of lung cancer.

 

How EDpCloud Data Synchronization Software Keeps Your Medical Information Safe

NY Weekly Staff on January 30, 2023

Copyright: EnduraData

The threats against confidential patient information are rising with the development of more sophisticated cyber techniques used to infiltrate organizations. Unfortunately, the healthcare industry is a prime target for criminals. The sensitive nature of the data means that organizations are nearly always inclined to pay the ransom to ensure their patient’s data confidentiality.

EnduraData’s file replication software protects healthcare data by creating isolated copies of the data and storing the documents in different locations. This helps ensure that the data is available even if one location is lost or becomes unavailable due to a disaster or other issues.

It is essential to choose a file replication solution that is secure and reliable, as healthcare data is sensitive and must be protected from unauthorized access. Additionally, it is vital to ensure that the replicated data is kept in sync with the original data so that the copies are always up-to-date and accurate.

Types of Cybersecurity Threats

Several types of cybersecurity threats could potentially compromise the safety of medical information:

  1. Hacking: Hackers may try to access medical information stored electronically by breaking into computer systems or networks.
  2. Malware: Malware is software designed to harm or exploit computer systems that could be used to access medical information stored on a computer.
  3. Ransomware: This malware encrypts a victim’s files, making them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. If a healthcare organization’s medical records are encrypted by ransomware, it could disrupt patient care and put patient safety at risk.
  4. Phishing: This is a type of cyberattack in which hackers send fake emails or text messages to trick people into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or downloading malware.
  5. Insider threats: Medical information could also be compromised by employees or contractors who have authorized access to it but misuse their access.

Ransomware attacks are the most prevalent in the healthcare sector, and the threats of these attacks apply to patients and shareholders, and physicians who fear litigation should their patients’ confidential information be shared.

The Repercussions of Ransomware Attacks on the Healthcare Industry

According to the American Psychiatric Association, the healthcare sector is one of the most targeted industries for cyberattacks since healthcare networks contain invaluable and exceptionally private patient information. Since this information needs to be protected, there is immense potential for financial gain should threats be made against it. Unfortunately, the sector is also known for relative network vulnerabilities.

The Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights reported 4,419 healthcare data breaches from 2009 – 2021. Consequently, the confidential healthcare records of more than 300 million people were divulged.

Unfortunately, the cost of a ransomware attack has an immense financial impact on healthcare organizations. Reports indicate that healthcare organizations spend an average of $10.1 million to recover from a ransomware attack.

Why It’s Important to Ensure the Secure Exchange of Healthcare Information

The exchange of patient health information (PHI) between healthcare providers and payers must be secured. To do this effectively and prohibit unauthorized access, it’s beneficial to use powerful Health Information Technology (HIT) and Health Information Exchange (HIE) solutions.

The secure exchange of patient information is necessary to ensure that patients receive quality care and lower risks. However, this exchange must occur between numerous stakeholders and is composed of various data types. Unfortunately, several factors influence how this data may be shared, including heterogeneous systems and vendors and multiple laws and mandates. These factors ultimately contribute to the quality of care, the price, and patient outcomes.

EDpCloud helps healthcare organizations safeguard and leverage enrollment data so that employers can access said data quickly and efficiently when payers duplicate data between various clusters.

How EnduraData Uses EDpCloud Linux Bidirectional File Replication to Synchronize Data Between Remote Sites

EnduraData’s EDpCloud software has helped Healthcare Payer and Providers (HPP) synchronize data in real-time and between various servers in numerous cities and integrate EDpCloud Linux bidirectional file replication with many healthcare payers and provider operations.

Communication is encrypted using advanced encryption methods to reduce the risk of compromised data. System administrators also have the option of configuring EDpCloud to leave files encrypted at rest or to be decrypted should the decryption key be obtainable.

How You Can Protect Your Data

To protect against these threats, healthcare organizations must implement robust cybersecurity measures. Apart from using file sync and data replication software, it’s also beneficial to use firewalls, antivirus software, and secure passwords. Educating employees and contractors on recognizing and preventing these threats is also essential.

“In truth, if you want to protect your data, it’s vital to ensure that everyone who works with it is aware of cybersecurity risks. Unfortunately, in too many cases, data is compromised inadvertently and without malice. However, the data has still been compromised. As such, it’s important for people to recognize the threats to their data and the software solutions that could prevent a breach,” says A. El Haddi, CTO and Founder of EnduraData.

Engineering Innovator: The Problem-Solving Story of Kaushal Saraf

NY Weekly Staff on January 27, 2023

Image commercially licensed from : Unsplash

 

Throughout history, many individuals have been considered trailblazers and change-makers in their respective fields, bringing innovation and improvements whenever needed. One such individual is Kaushal Saraf, a Lead Engineer at Atomus. Saraf is known for his exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to use engineering to make a difference in the world. With a master’s degree in computer science and a background in small businesses, Saraf is a unique and accomplished individual in the field of engineering. He understands how to use his skills to simplify and improve business processes for companies of all sizes. His passion for problem-solving and dedication to finding solutions that make life easier and simpler for small business owners sets him apart from his peers. Saraf’s experience and education make him an expert in his field. His ability to provide valuable solutions to real-world problems has earned him recognition and respect from those in the industry.

Saraf’s passion for problem-solving began in junior high when he built a desktop application for a local pharmacy that improved the store’s billing process and disrupted the hours spent by patients waiting in distress. It clicked, technology was the tool. When college hit, he and some friends invented a popular mobile app called EventBuzz that listed hundreds of student club activities in one place, registering and building a student audience of over 5k students across 28 colleges. During that time, he also built and architected a web platform for payment and registration for over 15k participants, a scalable solution leading to removal of the previous manual and error-prone process.

Saraf’s notable career highlights are a testament to his hard work and dedication to problem-solving. He has achieved several significant accomplishments that set him apart in engineering. One of his proudest moments was winning a nation-wide competition out of 225 startups building innovative products and platforms, which further solidified his reputation as a successful entrepreneur. Furthermore, he was selected as one of the Eight engineers of 2020 at the prestigious Viterbi School of Engineering which made him stand out among thousands of engineers. This recognition speaks to the high level of skill and expertise he brings to his work. He was also featured in the 20 in their 20s LA Business Journal, highlighting young professionals making an impact in their respective fields. Lastly, Saraf was awarded a contract by the United States Air Force worth $750K as Key Technical Personnel, demonstrating his ability to provide valuable solutions to real-world problems and his reputation as a leading expert in his field.

Despite his many successes, Saraf has also faced challenges in his career. It was a challenge when an existing legacy infrastructure limitation forced the team at Atomus to rethink the basics and first principles of how digital assets interact securely. This was an opportunity in disguise for Saraf as this was the chance to build something that not only moves the needle on engineering and innovation, but creates immediate direct impact across small businesses by providing them accessible industry-standard cybersecurity and bringing Atomus’ product and platform to life.

Saraf’s wisdom for others is to have the right mindset. For example, he believes that if one is passionate about a problem, one should not give up on finding a solution. He also stresses the importance of being open-minded and willing to learn from others, as well as the importance of perseverance and determination.”I like to think of engineering/computer science/my degrees/my studies as my sharpest arsenal of tools to solve problems I see around me. Being able to make lives easier meaningfully wins hearts, but puts innovation and engineering in a place of use rather than being buzzwords.” Saraf said.

Saraf’s story is one of determination and problem-solving, and his experience and success in the field of engineering can serve as an inspiration to others. He has a unique background in small businesses and a passion for making lives more accessible and straightforward, which sets him apart from others in his field. His wisdom and lessons can be valuable for anyone looking to pursue a career in engineering or to overcome challenges in their own life or career.

Massive ACH Growth Signals Digital Payment Adoption

NY Weekly Staff on January 27, 2023

Image commercially licensed from : Unsplash

 

ACH stands for Automated Clearing House which relates to the payment method of electronic transactions that allow individuals and businesses to transfer money between two bank accounts. This type of payment is becoming increasingly popular as it offers a convenient way to make payments online, as well as being a safer alternative to traditional methods such as checks or cash. It is currently one of the biggest payment methods available in the US today, with around 30 billion transactions valued at $72 trillion going through the network in 2021.

Speed Is Everything

One of the main benefits of ACH payments is the speed at which they can be processed. Unlike checks, which usually take 3-5 days to clear, ACH payments are processed electronically, and depending on the bank, will process in 1-3 days. This represents a huge time saver for businesses, and also speeds up their cashflow cycle which enables them to grow. In order for businesses to utilise this growing network, a payment API is usually required to get the most out of processing payments.

What is an ACH API

An ACH payment API is an interface that allows businesses to utilize the ACH payment method from within their products and services. Generally, all APIs work in the same way, to connect two applications together and give them greater options and flexibility. A payment API works by allowing you to add payment processing methods directly into your software or websites, rather than having to process using an external payment source.

Other ACH Advantages

Another advantage of ACH payments is the fact that they come with lower processing fees compared to other methods. Unlike credit card or wire transfers, which are usually expensive, ACH payments have a low cost of transaction. This makes them an attractive option for small businesses and individuals who need to make frequent payments.

ACH Security

The security of ACH payments is also an advantage. Unlike checks, which can be lost or stolen, ACH payments are all handled digitally and the information is transmitted over secure networks. This reduces the risk of fraud and helps to protect the sensitive financial information of individuals and businesses.

What About The Downsides?

Despite the many upsides of ACH payments, no system is perfect and there are of course some downsides to consider. One of the biggest downsides is that ACH payments are not as widely accepted as mainstream payments like credit cards. This means that businesses may not be able to accept ACH payments from all of their customers, which can limit their revenue potential.

Extended Clearing Times

Another potential issue with ACH payments is that they are not as immediate as other forms of payment. While ACH payments are processed quickly, they can take several days to clear. This can be a problem for businesses that need to receive payments immediately, such as those that operate on a cash-on-delivery basis.

Conclusions

Despite these downsides, ACH payments are becoming an increasingly popular way to make payments. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that more businesses will start to accept ACH payments, making them a more widely accepted form of payment. Additionally, the many benefits of ACH payments, such as their cost-effectiveness, security, and convenience, make them a strong choice for businesses looking for a reliable and efficient way to make payments.

In conclusion, ACH payments are a reliable and efficient way to make payments, whether it’s for a small personal transaction or a large business deal. The speed, security, and cost-effectiveness of these electronic transactions make them a popular choice for many people and businesses today. As technology continues to improve, it’s likely that ACH payments will become even more widely used in the future.

 

 

 

ShareSpace: the Perfect Roommates Matching App

NY Weekly Staff on January 27, 2023

(The ShareSpace App)

It is undoubtedly challenging to locate the ideal homes and roommates when moving to a different city for either work or school. Social animals are not able to survive on their own, which makes friends hunting more necessary. However, most people would like to start with someone that they can share something common with instead of complete strangers, and that’s the original idea Erica Gao had when she designed the ShareSpace App.

“A lot of my friends and I struggled with finding our ideal homes, ideal roommates especially because you can always find apartments on lease online but when you don’t know anyone from the city, it’s almost impossible to find a reliable roommate. Obviously, no one wants to live with complete strangers,” says Erica Gao, the inventor of the Share Space App. 

ShareSpace is an all-in-one search and chat platform that matches users with potential roommates based on common interests and habits. Starting with a preliminary screening during onboarding, the app can record users’ interests and habits and show the matched results. And users can communicate and look at the apartments together within the app. 

Gao did several rounds of interviews and research, the results showed that people prefer to live with someone that they share the same hobbies and habits with, and that they wish to be able to communicate with each other, which might take long in the early stage but they don’t have an appropriate platform to do that. 

ShareSpace

Sourced Photo

(Competitor Analysis)

Even the competitors such as Apartment List, Zumper and Spare Room don’t offer automatic roommate matching. Nor do they provide an online chat function. Gao strategically extracted the features that were proven effective from these apps and incorporated them with the ideas that she sketched herself to articulate possible solutions for user tests, and summarized the ones that actually worked. 

“Firstly, the app allows users to upload their expectations of their future roommates. And then the system would automatically produce a list of some potential options, including their profile pages that contain information like reviews and links to their social media profiles,” Gao explains, “most importantly, users can directly reach out to each other within this app for communication.” 

ShareSpace

Sourced Photo

(Adjustments made by Erica Gao)

However, the process was not always that smooth for Gao. For example, she learned from the user interviews that people don’t feel comfortable directly asking for others’ vaccination status in regards to Covid-19. So Gao then added vaccination proof upload to the onboarding questionnaire and a filter function which can be selected to only show vaccinated results on homepage.

The whole project took about one month for Gao to complete, from early research and testing to optimization based on user feedback. She also partnered with the product team at Wish, the e-commerce startup, to design from a business and product strategy perspective, making the product beneficial for both parties. For Gao, Product strategy and business constraints are what she kept in mind to choose the best one moving forward when building her design.

Super Apps: Naysayers, Contenders & Vezbi

NY Weekly Staff on January 26, 2023

Move over, basic apps. Super Apps are here to steal the spotlight and make your life a whole lot easier. But what exactly are Super Apps? Think of them like a superhero that can do it all – from ordering food delivery to booking a ride, paying bills, and more, all in one convenient app. No more flipping between a million different apps to get things done. It’s like having a personal assistant in your pocket.

Now, you might be thinking, “But wait, isn’t the US already saturated with apps? Do we really need another one?” And to that, we say: “Honey, please.” Just because there are a lot of apps out there, doesn’t mean they’re all good or that they all do what they’re supposed to. Super Apps are like the Avengers of the app world – they’re the best of the best, and they’re here to save the day (or at least make your day a little more manageable).

If Super Apps are so great, how come all I ever hear about is how they won’t make it in the US?

The reasons are numerous and varied about why Super Apps won’t make it – the US isn’t China; the US has too much infrastructure; people won’t accept or use it; people won’t give up their apps; US phones are better than foreign phones, so you don’t need Super Apps; side loading is for babies; and basically any other alphabet soup of words you can put together on your metaphorical digital spoon.

Perhaps one of my favorite responses is comparing Super Apps to the old saying, “Jack of all Trades, master of none .”Ignoring for a moment that the original quote didn’t say ‘master of none’ and was actually talking about Shakespeare (yes, that Shakespeare), all this blustering feels like arguments from an old man on his lawn.

However, these naysayers may not fully understand the shifting desires of the modern American consumer. According to the PYMNTS.com Super App Shift study, a majority of American consumers (57%) are open to using a single app for multiple tasks, instead of having multiple apps for different purposes. This is particularly true among younger generations, with 63% of millennials and 70% of Gen Zers stating they would prefer to use a single app for multiple tasks.

The study also found that convenience and efficiency are the top priorities for American consumers when it comes to using mobile apps. A majority of respondents (67%) stated that they would be more likely to use an app if it made their life more convenient, and 63% said they would be more likely to use an app if it saved them time.

These statistics show that there is a clear demand for Super Apps in the US market, as they provide a convenient and efficient way for users to access a wide range of services and features within a single app. Younger generations, in particular, are more open to using a single app for multiple tasks and prioritize convenience and efficiency when it comes to mobile apps.

But don’t just take math or our word for it. Even big companies like Amazon, Facebook and Google are considering creating their own Super Apps. They know a good thing when they see it.

Interest and talk is great, but I want my Super App now. Is there any out there to try?

As of the writing of this article, there appears to be only one US Super App that meets the standard criteria – the Vezbi Super App. There are several start-ups that keep talking about being first (sorry, kids, but you clearly aren’t) and other apps that have cobbled together some extra features and are marketing themselves as a ‘super app’ but don’t meet the real definition. 

It does appear that the lone candidate is just starting out, but it does seem that they are keyed in to the ideas and concepts that Americans want not only in a Super App but in their apps generally (no algorithm, data privacy, etc.). Will they be able to make it in this new tech landscape? Will Big Tech come up with a better concept? 

Sure, there might be some hurdles to jump over, but that’s what makes the Super App journey all the more exciting. It’s like a real-life game of “Mission Impossible” but with apps. I know I will be rooting for Vezbi and other Super Apps that may come because Super Apps are here to make your life easier, and honestly, who doesn’t want that?

Visionary Realms: Changing The Perception of Crowdfunded Games

NY Weekly Staff on January 26, 2023

Image commercially licensed from : Unsplash

 

Numerous studies have been conducted detailing the relationship between crowdfunding and innovation in gaming – however, despite this, there remains a certain level of investor and community distrust that has been fostered through a lack of transparency between developers and users.

Visionary Realms is challenging that notion through community engagement and complete transparency in their relationships with investors and players. This is representative of the original aim of Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games, or MMORPGs. The interaction between players has always been key to the industry, and in this spirit, Visionary Realms has made a point to have a good relationship with the community – a relationship that is built on trust.

Crowdfunding allows game developers to move away from the funds typically provided by large publishing companies and move towards an alternative. With crowdfunding, the players of video games pay back the efforts put into game development, and this has become a popular way of investing as well.

Instead of gaining large amounts of money from a small number of big companies, game developers are now gaining small amounts of money from a large number of people. People typically become interested in investing in a game if they believe in its greater purpose, if they connect to the rewards it will offer them, and if they resonate with the creative aspect thereof.’

What stigma surrounds crowdfunding, especially in gaming?

According to Christopher Rowan, CEO, “oftentimes, people give time and money to a game which they honestly believe will change their lives, but once the initial funding has been secured, they feel out of the loop. There is no longer any real access to or communication about the game’s development. Seeing as the type of immersive and quality games we’re producing takes years, it’s no wonder that people lose interest and become disheartened if they no longer have any access to its progression.”

All too often, the community comes second to the pledges, but Visionary Realms aims to change this perception regarding crowdfunding in the game developer industry. The company reaches out to those who have pitched in, and continually ensures that they are aware of the game’s progress.

Visionary Realms Gives Complete Transparency to their Community 

Reports indicate that open levels of communication have an immense impact on the likelihood of crowdfunded projects succeeding. Especially in this fairly novel way of procuring sufficient funds to start a business, there are numerous people, or entities, who are wholly invested in the success of the business. In essence, transparency leads to success. Developers and players need to have open communication in order to ensure a successful game, and as such, a happy community.

Seeing as their game, Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen, received $3M in crowdfunding, the game developer recognizes how together we can do great things. They did not need to rely on one or two massive investors who looked at them as only another source of potential income, but rather the everyday gamer who simply wants to be a part of something great, and inspire the creation of a world where they meet others who are like-minded. 

The company, founded in 2013, was only able to succeed due to a community that was excited at the prospect of what these developers would be able to offer – notably, a sense of community and connection.

From this dream of new and meaningful relationships has sprung a large community who are fully aware of the processes and operations which govern the developer. There are numerous facets to this transparency, including screenshots of the game’s progress.

The community gives a lot of its time to the game, and the developers at Visionary Realms dedicate that same time back to them.

Visionary Realms Continually Ensures Community Engagement

Community engagement and appreciation has always been at the core of the business model, and as the company itself grew, so too did its commitment to the people who made it happen.

Visionary Realms currently has two new Community Managers who are charged with ensuring that investors and players are always in the loop. These managers have the sole aim of making sure that everyone who gives their time and their money to the business receives the consideration which they deserve.

“We never would have reached this stage without people – without gamers who looked at us and thought, ‘they will make a new world, and I can be a part of it.’ That is exactly what we are doing – creating a space for people to chat, to foster friendships, and to grow not only as gamers, but as people,” says Rowan.

Final Take

In a world where big businesses tend to forget about the little man, and the people who made them who they are, Visionary Realms has the goal of doing the opposite – of remaining exactly what, and who, people invested in in the first place.

The Importance of Adapting to Different Employee Learning Styles in Remote Teams

NY Weekly Staff on January 26, 2023

The new remote work ecosystem has tremendously benefited many businesses, but it presents a unique set of challenges for interacting with employees. Generally, it can be much more difficult to connect with employees via a remote medium rather than an in-person one, which can be a frustrating obstacle — especially during onboarding. 

However, during an employee’s initial training and continued coaching, adapting to their needs is essential. For Hannah Lloret, VP of Headbackers at Cyberbacker, understanding the needs of a virtual workforce is second nature.

Coach instead of teaching

The goal of coaching is to guide the employee to understand themselves rather than telling them how to do something. “A good coach must help the employee identify the source of their struggle and give them the skills to come up with a solution to improve it,” explains Lloret. “This is the primary difference between ‘management’ and ‘coaching.’ Management is largely about making the decisions for employees, whereas coaching empowers employees to make those decisions themselves.”

When dealing with large workforces — such as the group of over 500 Cyberbackers that Lloret works with — the temptation can be strong to fall back on management rather than coaching strategies. “The more employees you have, the more generalized training tends to become, but it is essential to resist this urge,” she says. “Make sure you take time to adjust any training to employees’ specific needs, as this will lead to better retention and performance.”

Lloret suggests that employers take the time to focus on each employee’s learning, development, and coaching early on in their time at the company. “I give my Cyberbackers extensive coaching before they ever work with a client,” she says. “This ensures they are prepared to handle any circumstances that may arise.”

Still, coaching is not a one-and-done process — a commitment must be made to continuous learning by both the employer and the employee. As the duties and responsibilities of an employee evolve, it is crucial to continue to guide them through their development. “If the goal is for your employees to grow, and the company alongside them, striving for continuous improvement is key,” says Lloret.

How to best build employee engagement

The biggest obstacle that must be overcome is creating employee engagement. Engagement and retention go hand in hand, so finding a strategy that maximizes employee engagement is essential. However, the methods that may work to keep one person engaged may be ineffective for others.

There are several different types of learners; some are kinesthetic learners who learn best by doing, whereas others are auditory or visual learners. While standing and giving a lecture may be an effective way to help auditory learners, a kinesthetic learner could become completely disengaged and retain very little. Adapting coaching strategies to employees’ unique needs is the best way to ensure engagement.

One of the biggest challenges employers face regarding coaching their employees remotely is that it tends to be much more difficult to grasp employee engagement. “Whereas in an in-person training, it’s easy for the trainer to see the reactions of employees to understand how well they are absorbing the information, this can be much more difficult through a virtual meeting or webinar,” says Lloret. “Employers must find different ways to gauge their employees’ engagement in training and coaching.”

Of course, the easiest (and most important) strategy to better understand employees’ engagement and needs in a remote workplace is to listen. “Coaching should be a two-way street,” Lloret asserts. “If you coach employees as if you are just enjoining, they will likely see you as condescending and won’t absorb your advice and information as well. Instead, aim to create a mutualistic mentor-mentee relationship where you learn from each other.”

The best way to create this dynamic is by asking questions. Not only does asking questions serve as a tremendously effective way of aiding recall and ensuring information retention, but it can also serve as a valuable method of collecting feedback to improve the coaching process. 

“Ask open-ended questions like, ‘What did we discuss that you found most valuable today?’ or ‘What else would you like to learn about this topic?’ to help start a conversation,” explains Lloret. “Then, most importantly, listen to and apply this feedback to the best of your ability. Employees want to know that you value their input.”

Summary and repetition can also be effective ways to ensure that employees get the most out of coaching. That being said, there is a delicate line to be struck when using this method. 

“Too much repetition can easily start to feel condescending and counterproductive,” says Lloret. “Make sure you are reinforcing what was taught instead of saying it to remind them of what they already know because that could be misconstrued as patronizing.”

Strong coaching involves creating engagement to promote employee retention. This is a continual process that employers must work on — not only during the onboarding process but throughout the employee’s time with the company. Committing to continuous, adaptable improvement is the only way to ensure maximum efficiency in a remote workforce.

Smart Technology Revolutionizing Home Appliance Repair

NY Weekly Staff on January 26, 2023

Image commercially licensed from : Unsplash

 

In recent years, smart technology has become an integral part of modern life. From phones and laptops to home appliances and systems, we use these devices to make our lives more efficient and convenient. 

However, as technology continues to advance, so does the need for skilled appliance repair professionals. Smart technology is revolutionizing home appliance repair by providing faster diagnosis of problems, easier troubleshooting methods, and even preventative maintenance solutions that can help save homeowners time and money.

Diagnosis

One of the most major advancements in smart tech-enabled appliance repair is the ability to diagnose issues more quickly and accurately. With advanced sensors and diagnostic software embedded in many appliances these days, it’s possible for technicians to detect problems before they become unrepairable. 

This allows them to provide their customers with an accurate estimate for repairs much faster than what was previously possible. In addition, this technology can also make it easier for technicians to diagnose issues remotely – saving both time and money.

Troubleshooting

With advances in artificial intelligence (AI) more sophisticated troubleshooting methods are being developed that can help technicians identify problem areas quickly. AI programs are able to analyze data from multiple sensors that otherwise could not be accessed easily or at all. 

This data can then be used by the technician in order to pinpoint any underlying causes or problems with a particular appliance – potentially saving hours of tedious work trying to manually track down a single issue.

Preventative Maintenance

Smart technology is playing an important role in helping homeowners maintain their appliances as well. With built-in sensors that monitor performance levels, any changes or irregularities in use can be detected quickly. In addition, AI-enabled systems can detect patterns that allow technicians to predict when a particular appliance might need servicing before a minor issue turns into a major repair job. By catching any anomalies early on and responding quickly, this type of preventative maintenance can save both homeowners time and money over the long term.

Conclusion

Smart technology has truly revolutionized the way we approach home appliance repair today and will continue to do so into the future as even more sophisticated technologies become available. You can consider upgrading your kitchen with the smart appliances. 

Not only are these systems able to diagnose issues much faster than ever before, but they have also made it easier for technicians to troubleshoot potential problems without needing extensive human input.

Finally, thanks to innovative preventative maintenance solutions powered by AI programs, homeowners now have access to tools that can help them catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs – ultimately saving them valuable time and money in the process!

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