Five Effective Methods of Using QR-Codes to Engage Your Office Staff
So, what can you do to inject some freshness into your office, you can use QR codes to engage your team. QR codes are two-dimensional images that contain information which you can choose. You can produce URLs, basic text, video links and even maps in these 2-Dimensional image codes.
Reading these codes is not a hard thing to do either. You only need a camera phone with a code reader installed. The readers can be installed on any phone running Java, iOS, Symbian or even Mobile Windows. Therefore, your team can easily have the readers installed on their mobile phones.
You can use various methods to encourage your team using this new technology. Some of the ideas that you can consider are listed below.
1. Conferences or Training
Use these codes during conferences or in-company training to deliver information about each other or to interact with visitors by changing the information of the QR-Code regularly and then asking them to scan the person sitting next to them – a simple but effective way of introducing people to each other!
2. Competitions and Fun Prizes
You can engage your team by emailing them coupons via the QR code at the end of a major assignment. You can either provide them the printed codes or just email them the code image. Alternatively, print the codes in your Company Handbook or similar and point out to employees that the codes will be changed with exiting company competitions, freebies and information. For this to work with static QR-Codes, you need Dynamic QR-Codes. All you need to do is to update the content of the QR-Code with an appropriate service.
3. Interactive IDs
Colleagues can also be engaged by using QR code badges or event IDs that contain their Twitter, LinkedIn or maybe Facebook page so staff can get to know more about their colleagues.
(see Top Tools for QR Codes for details about good tools).
4. A Company Mystery Game
Set up a Company Mystery for new staff. Each code will contain a piece of information or clue such as video footage, audio, text and web links, all of which will help solve the mystery of e.g. Why is Company the leading expert in (Service/Product)? Or why not use a similar mystery game during company outings or events to lighten the mood by e.g. asking them to discover Why the Mr/Mrs. CEO/Manager/Director forgot his train ticket? This is a fun and active way of getting the team working together.
5. Swap Info
You can also issue your team with business cards containing a unique QR-Code image with their vCard details. The information contained in the code would automatically save as a contact on their phones without the pain of having to enter all of it. Otherwise, and perhaps a little more exciting, why not get team to produce their own codes with one piece of information others wouldn’t know about them (keep this clean ladies and gents!).
If you use your imagination, you will find many other intuitive ways of using codes to engage your staff and team. The only limitation is your imagination and drive!
About the Author
Thanks for reading my bio and article, I hope you find both interesting.
People say that my coffee is too strong, what can I say, I love things in life that have taste. I also have a passion for writing about social media, education and tend to Tweet more than I should. I’ve had the fortune of publishing my ideas both online as well as in the traditional book format. When asked I also provide advice on Social Media, Personal Branding and using QR-Codes in business.
I am also the co-founder of 99Squared Limited where we provide unique ways of using QR-Codes for business and the public sector.
How to Criticize Bosses, Colleagues, and Subordinates
Regardless of your position, there will be times when you want to ask someone to change how they act or behave. While many factors might affect what you say and how you say it, one factor is the position of the other person. In other words, you might use a different approach when criticizing your boss than your subordinate.
But in any case, your ability to gain cooperation from the other person can be based on how effectively you clarify what you want and how effectively you explain the importance of doing what you want. The following four approaches offer options to effectively discuss change with anyone in the workplace:
Position(s): Boss-to-Subordinate
Approach: Describe Expectations and Ask for Agreement
“Tanya, I noticed that participants at our conference were not prepared to discuss the items because they did not receive the necessary materials in time (action). Without this information, they could not provide us with the data we need to proceed immediately (importance of action). For future meetings, I would like you to send materials to all participants one week prior to the meeting (action you want). Can I count on you to do that in the future (ask for agreement)?”
Position(s): Boss-to-Subordinate, Colleague-to-Colleague
Approach: Describe Expectations and Ask for Input on how to Improve Performance
“Tanya, I noticed that participants at our conference were not prepared to discuss the items because they did not receive the necessary materials in time (action). Without this information, they couldn’t provide us with the data we need to proceed immediately (importance of action). What do you think you could do to help participants be more prepared in the future (ask for input on how to improve performance)?”
Position(s): Boss-to-Subordinate, Colleague-to-Colleague
Approach: Offer Specific Advice and Ask for Input on that Specific Advice.
“Tanya, I noticed that participants at our conference were not prepared to discuss the items because they did not receive the necessary materials in time (action). Without this information, they couldn’t provide us with the data we need to proceed immediately (importance of action). In the future, you might try sending out the materials one week before our meetings (action you want). That way, the participants would have time to review the items and prepare (importance of action). What do you think (ask for input on advice given to improve performance)?”
Position(s): Subordinate-to-Boss, Colleague-to-Colleague, Boss-to-Subordinate
Approach: Relate Personal Experience and Ask for Opinion.
“Tanya, I noticed that participants at our conference were not prepared to discuss the items because they did not receive the necessary materials in time (action). Without this information, they couldn’t provide us with the data we need to proceed immediately (importance of action). When I have attended other conferences, I have found it helpful to have the materials about one week prior to the meeting (action you want). Do you think that would help participants be more prepared in the future (ask for opinion on personal experience)?”
Your Criticism Approach Can Make a Difference
The approach you use to criticize people can determine whether the reaction is positive, negative, or something in-between. And while you cannot guarantee that people will react positively to criticism, you can minimize the degree of negativity by using different approaches, in different situations, and for different people. Consider the approaches in this article the next time you plan to criticize a boss, a colleague, or a subordinate. You might be pleasantly surprised at the results!
About the Author
Dr. Barbara Brown trains, writes, and consults on strategies to enhance and improve workplace performance.
Get the iPhone and iPad APP Manage Communication Performance: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/manage-communication-performance/id391327199?mt=8
What Is Bulk SMS And How Your Business Can Be Enhanced By It
SMS or Short Message Service is now at the forefront of company communications and correspondence; as well as used in promoting services or products. Bulk SMS is simply sending of important messages to a group of individuals who opted to join the SMS group; where messages are sent from laptops or computers to the cell phones of the recipients. In order to send messages, you must first subscribe to the services of SMS provider that usually require monthly payments in terms of subscription fee to their services.
Once you are already subscribed, you shall then be given access to their software where you can send text messages. In order to make it easy for you to send messages then it would be best to look and observe the interface if it is user-friendly.
Consequently, you must also invite more people to join your SMS group so that you will have more recipients per message that you send. Always keep in mind that each member of the group must join with their approval; aside from that, never add someone without prior consent to avoid problems ahead.
One way of taking advantage of its benefits for the advancement of your business is to use it in keeping your clients well informed regarding new updates and product promotions and deals that your company is planning to offer; thereby making them fully aware about your exciting deals and discounts in order for them to enjoy the benefits that you extend to them.
Take note that you must never use it mainly for extensive advertising of your products because this will only annoy and irritate your clients; thereby compelling them to opt out of your SMS group. However, this is very ideal for informational marketing; providing beneficial information that can greatly help build the needed client relationship.
As you keep on sending them useful information, your credibility among them shall also be improved; thereby giving you more sales and added income as a result of your bulk SMS activities.
About the Author
Get more information about bulk sms and how it can significantly enhance your business and office communications visit http://www.sms-tech.com.au
Group Collaboration Software, assisting law firms like never before
The highly efficient software Groupware is making it easier for lawyers to run their businesses smoothly. This latest addition to technology, allows users to collaborate together online. Group members could be located in different areas (around the world, across the city, within an office building) yet still work on the same document, brainstorming ideas together. Co-workers have the option to share things such as; a work journal. Sharing a work journal allows users to know where and what their co-workers are doing. They can also monitor what everyone is doing, so users know what needs to be done and what has been accomplished already. Scheduling systems, contact lists, bulletin boards and many other things can also be shared. Another luxury groupware contains is that everything is stored online. If computers crash, the data can be restored quickly; since it was not stored on a computer, but online.
Lawyers are always on the move. Consistently travelling amongst different locations to meet clients, gather evidence and appear in court. Groupware allows legal firms to stay in touch with each other constantly. Below are some of the latest developments that Groupware offers, that can help law firms succeed in today’s fast paced society.
Have you ever thought working with your partners would be so much easier, if you had access to each other’s emails? You could instantly access it and review client information and uploads. Well Groupware offers a web-based team email system that allows firm members to access from even remote locations. Staying up-to-date has never been so easy.
Is incompatible work scheduling creating a problem at your firm? Don’t let it anymore. Groupware has many calendar, document and address book sharing options that make clashing schedules a thing of the past.
Groupware software also offers cutting-edge project management software. This software was constructed to assist members in managing their project, all correlating documents and address books without having to attend boring meetings. The information is at their hands with a click of a mouse.
Group members can upload and construct a document allowing others to work on it as well. They just have to select what members they want to help them and grant them permission. Editing documents have never been so easy!
Programs like Groupware that allow team members to connect with each other constantly; are becoming increasingly popular, within law firms. It saves time and allows teams to work more closely and productively.
About the Author
Allan Wigglesworth has written various articles regarding Groupware and online collaboration software. To know more about Groupware Software read the article what is Groupware.
How to select the best business phone service
Effective communication stations are essential in modern companies. Employees should have a reliable way of communicating with other staff members and also clients. On the other hand, this business phone service should be inexpensive and easy to use. It can take a lot of time to uncover the solution that can fit the company’s requirements, however once it is set up, everyone should be able to work better with folks inside and outside the office.
Multiple business phone services offer several alternatives, and it’s also essential that a company spend some time to search for the one which fits its unique needs. For most, it could be worthwhile to have a thoroughly unified communication system, while for some it may be good enough to obtain IP phones for each and every worker. Basically get the system that addresses your requirements while being within your budget.
A PBX phone system is without a doubt a common selection among many companies for its convenience as well as power to connect everybody in the office. This is a reasonably inexpensive option because it hooks up each of the phones in the office to each other and out to the open telephone network. This is a whole lot less costly than working with a dedicated outbound phone line for each and every phone in the company. A large number of big companies rely on this sort of business telephone service.
There are actually different types of PBX phone systems, plus your business phone service must be able to match your needs with the right solution. You will find, for instance, classic PBX systems and also hosted or virtual PBX services. Additionally, there are software-based services named IP-PBX systems, which are becoming a well known solution for many organizations.
Many modern day organizations are searhing for a business phone service which supports VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) to handle the phone calls. These systems (IP-PBX phone systems) include a lot of attributes that make them extremely appealing to both large and small businesses. Most of the features are simply for convenience, while some can lead to sizeable cost savings.
Several of the popular features of an IP-PBX phone system include auto attendants, call forwarding, conference bridging, and additionally remote deployment. Such business phone services allow it to become simple to include communication channels together with various other systems to further boost efficiency as well as productivity. It can be also possible to track just how the system is being used at any moment.
Companies need to understand specifically what exactly they require from a business phone service before they come up with their final purchase. Several businesses, for instance, will need to unify their telephone service with voicemail, email, audio conferencing plus more. Other companies will have to set up remote personnel on a single service to have them linked with the remainder of the company while keeping expenses low.
Clear as well as dependable communication systems shouldn’t be underestimated inside a modern-day business setting. Make time to discover what choices can be found and very soon the connections concerning employees and customers will likely be a great deal more helpful in comparison with how they ever before were previously.
About the Author
Trevor Price writes in regards to the various different types of business phone service suppliers and the advantages they suggest. Additional options for businesses include unified communications to integrate into their procedures.
Benefits of Sending Campaigns and Discounts to Your Clientele Via SMS
Do you have the cell phone number of your consumers on folder? Are you using this information to offer promotions and special discounts via SMS? If not, then you’re missing on a massive revenue stream. Almost each telephone has SMS or text messaging and largely public know about or use it. This is a huge opportunity for small entrepreneurs that want to bring in additional profits with no much investment.
The majority small entrepreneurs will use their customer file to send direct mail or make telephone calls when they have a unique promotion or event. Even as this positively works, direct mail and using mobile phone calls can be both time consuming and pricey. The printing/mailing costs of direct mail have slowly gone up over the days and you want to hire some workforce for a telephone marketing campaign.
Perhaps you’re an Online seller that only focuses on using the Internet to sell to potential consumers. Strategies such as social media, email marketing, blogging, and on-line newsletters are a grand means to interact with your potential customers and contact them for promotions. But you can make much more money by adding SMS to your business model.
What are the ultimate benefits of SMS marketing?
First, SMS marketing is a cost effective way to get in touch with your customers. It is far less costly than direct mail. Direct mail can outlay tens of thousands of dollars as you will require to rent a copywriter to construct your campaign effective, pay for the printing outlay, shell out the printing house to put your package together, and also shell out for the postage expenditure. Several small businesses owners cannot afford direct mail and do not even utilize it.
Second, SMS ensures that your sms message is communicated. While you send out a communication via direct mail or email, you can by no means be certain if your consumers received it or not. People are at all times notified about the most up-to-date text message and have a routine of read-through them as soon as a latest one is accessible.
Third, SMS can make your complete promotion more successful. If you just launched a new product or sale and notified your users about this information, the best technique to get a big response is to use various channels. That way you must post it on your web site, your blog, use social media portals, email, mobile phone, and in SMS marketing.
These days people are using various unique habits to obtain information and do not always pick up on your communication. That’s why it’s a good stake to aim to reach them in as numerous habits as likely so they identify that your new product or sale is obtainable.
As you can see, presenting campaigns and discounts via SMS is a great proposal. Numerous potential consumers realize getting updated whenever their favorite merchant has a promotional present obtainable. SMS is real and is very cool to use. So if you’re a Clientele owner, it’s in your top attention to learn as much as likely about this marketing strategy and obtain concerned as soon as achievable.
About the Author
Raghhav Sammrat is the author of this SMS Article. Sms Gateway can be integrated free of cost on any website. Send Bulk SMS India now.
How to Dress For a Formal Christmas Party -Men
With the Christmas party becoming an important social and networking event for corporations, Christmas parties have got even classier. Some require a formal dress code, where the male staff are asked to wear an elegant and classy tuxedo, whereas others less formal events require a refined and tasteful suit.
When attending a Christmas party, it’s important to look stylish and chic but also individual. Don’t choose anything you feel too uncomfortable in, or clothes that simply don’t look good on you. Keep your style in line with your own unique style but with a classy twist.
Suits may seem very boring at times, yet, they can be made to look chic and fun with a splash of colour or pin stripes. A pin striped suit that is well fitting looks very smart indeed and can be teamed with a dark shirt to exude that suave look. If opting for a plain suit, adding a splash of colour via a shirt or tie will add a formal but fun look. Moreover, adding a tie to your suit creates a smart and well-groomed look, but if you want to go for the more relaxed look, avoid a tie and open the top button of your shirt.
If your Christmas party is a black tie event, then the only option is a Tuxedo. You can either rent tuxedo’s or buy them, depending on how much usage you see yourself getting out of it. Although, there is more leeway with suits, you can still accessorize a tuxedo with different styled jackets, from shorter cuts to smoker jackets. Although, traditionally black and white, you can add a splash of subtle colour to tux’s to get that individual look.
Furthermore, cufflinks are the perfect accessory to any suit or tuxedo. They look aesthetically pleasing and show that you have put that little extra effort in.
Keep in mind, before you buy a suit or tuxedo to get it measured up correctly, so that it fits you perfectly. You will need accurate measurements for your waist, inseam, shoulders, back and arms, in order to make sure your suit or tuxedo fits you.
If interested in attending Christmas parties organised by Christmas party organisers, take a look at www.christmascorporation.co.uk
About the Author
Marie Coles is a professional writer. She writes informative, yet, dynamic articles on christmas party ideas for christmascorporation.co.uk
Retail sector provides tremendous opportunities- Rajesh Rai, Director United Colors of Benetton
Students of FISB had an interactive session with Mr. Rajesh Rai, Director (HR), United Colors of Benetton (UCB). Mr. Rai discussed on multiple aspects including the growth of United Colors of Benetton in India, His experience in the Corporate Sector and Scope and opportunities in the retail sector.
UCB has its own garment retail outlets in most of the high-end markets of India. It has established it’s presence and brand in the market over a period of time. The Company’s Image is built on the quality and range of its garments for the whole family. Those are its differentiators. According to Mr. Rai, the quality, range and the designs are company’s USPs.
Mr. Rai also shared his corporate experience. He started with Consultancy Firms like E&Y and Arthur Andersen and after some years joined United Colors of Benetton.
Mr. Rai said that there is tremendous scope in Retail Sector and it’s a growing sector which is providing lot’s of job opportunities. He also said that it is one of those three sectors where 90% of MBA will be working after completing their MBA- the others being Telecom and Financial/ insurance services. He further added that the best way to start in this industry is to first understand the basics of retail by working at the retail store at the frontline sales where one can interact with the end-users to understand the needs of the market and customer. By doing so, one will be in better position to take right decision at senior levels of management.
Mr. Rai also explained that excellence in both Marketing and Retailing are critical aspects of building a market presence. According to him, Marketing is about branding, creating a mind share and making the customers aware about the product whereas retailing is reaching out to the customers and completing the sale.
This session with Mr. Rajesh Rai was indeed very informational for the budding managers of First India School of Business.
raj@fisb.in
First India School of Business, Gurgaon
About the Author
(Sneha Yadav, MBA 2010-12 -I year, First India School of Business, Gurgaon India)
How to Make Paint Chip Business Card Holder
Your very own, hand crafted, and colorful business card holder is just a few steps away! A small paint chip business card holder would fit in a basic 3.5 inches into 2.5 inches business card. To begin with, get hold of some paint chips. If you do not, already have some at your home, then no worries. You can easily get these from any hardware paint store. Once you have the paint chips ready, your paint chip business card holder is waiting to be made.
You can get a template of the business card holders that you wish to make. Then, put a clear tape that is used for packaging all over the printed template, so that you are able to avoid the transfer of ink to the face of your paint chips. After the template is done, you can make paint chip business card holders of your choice. Such kinds of business card holders give a completely new dimension to your business cards. Nothing goes in waste from your painted house, yet you have a whole new item to flaunt elegantly. Your card holder is bound to be unique, and you can afford to go colorful, yet not very loud, when it comes to flaunting your new card holder.
After you have decided on the template, you need to flip your chosen paint chip upside down on to the template. If you follow this process, then you would be able to make the scribe marks right on the back side of the paint chip. As soon as you have this set, then you need to tape down around three to four sides. While doing this, you would require some simple tools, such as a ruler which has a straight edge, an exact knife, a scribe, or something which is round, yet pointed, so that it will be able to crease the paper, yet not cut it. After having these equipments handy, scribe all the red lines. Ensure that you are avoiding scribing over the whole back portion of the paint chip. This helps you retain a cleaner back surface of the paint chip, and it does not look untidy. After you have done this, cut off the grey portions. The tiny offsets that you would find would serve the purpose of giving enough room for the paper to be folded into each other.
Apart from this, the flap also gets a nice slot, if this process is followed. As soon as this is done, everything else is cut, made, and waiting to be folded. You need to fold everything in such a way, that things remain inwards, at 90 degrees. Take care to see that you do not bend too much of the ends inside, as some of the paint might just flake off. Then, put a piece of long tape on the bottom part of the paint chip. This is in order to give your business cards a proper slide into your card holder. Now, take the long piece of tape, and put it down in such a way, so that it goes all the way right till the top flap. After this tape is done, the remaining of the folding should be done in a jiffy easily. Then, all you need to do is fold in the inside flap, and your paint chip card holder is now ready to be used.
About the Author
John Rowbotham is a leading supplier of business card holder in the UK. He also deals in wide range of Plastic Business card holders with its elegant looks.
Must Read:
# How to Create a Fabric Business Card Holder
5 Benefits of Business Broadband
There are several benefits that Business Broadband brings to the user. The topmost five benefits are:
This type of broadband is suitable for any business size. It caters to small, medium and large businesses and even multinationals. It offers owners, in any kind of business, the best benefits, which are either client based or wholesale.
When the person opts for Business Broadband they get several services that they can put to good use. There are the additional downloads that are allowed, as well as uploads, based on ones needs. Another added benefit is the ability to offer customers 24/7 customer support, which involves round the clock service. It also offers the business owner an added option of a back up, dial-up service, in case of an emergency with the main server being down. This is a major benefit that the user gets, which the home broadband user will not have included in their package. This benefit allows one to be able to run their server and business website. For a home user, every time that they log on they are directed to a different server using a different IP address, but this is not the case with a business service package.
When you run a business, it is imperative that you remain in touch with the outside world, which includes your business partners, customers, and the suppliers. This is really crucial, as this might result in lost business opportunities if people are not able to get in touch with you when required. This will not happen in the case of this package. Also, as more and more business gets done online, no business owner worth their salt can afford to remain away from the Internet. It will be possible for you to always remain connected.
As your business expands so will your Internet options. When you have opted for this package you have the facility to upgrade and include a greater number of users. Also, it will allow you to get more apps, tools and resources that will ultimately help you in conducting your business at a faster rate. The quick turnaround time that you create as a result, will have a positive impact on your business and you will be able to clock up more business and everyone knows that more business means more revenue.
Business Broadband is reliable and competent. This means that you will not be left wasting really precious time dealing with inefficient and outdated technology. Time in the business world is equivalent to money and you will get to save a lot of it.
To conclude, this package allows you to take advantage of really high-speed connectivity and whenever anyone tries to log on to your website, this will immediately be possible. Even with a huge number of visitors it will not crash.
About the Author
Do you own a company that could benefit from http://www.ipsolutions.uk.com/business-data/business-broadband.php“>Business Broadband? If so then why not speak to IP Solutions. This company has offices based in London and Manchester and will be happy to help. For more information visit the website at http://www.ipsolutions.uk.com/