All posts by Dhwani Madan

I am a passionate, adventurous, and insatiate learner who loves to write about the latest technology trends. My experience working in an MNC has motivated me to understand that there are certain niche requirements for writing strategically about brands' messages towards people's interests which I've mastered over time through trial and error of many projects under various clients across diverse industries. It is my honest effort to put my experiences and knowledge of industry towards readers.

Artificial Intelligence in Digital Marketing: What, Why & How to Use It

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a key enabler of digital marketing, with its ability to personalize customer experiences and drive conversions.

As AI technology continues to evolve, it will become increasingly important for marketers to understand how they can use it to their advantage.

Digital marketing is constantly evolving and changing, which means that it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. One of the most exciting trends right now is artificial intelligence (AI), and there are a number of ways in which it will impact digital marketing in 2022. 

In this article, we will dive into what AI looks like in digital marketing, why you should use it, and how to start.

What Is AI Exactly?

In simple terms, AI can be defined as the ability of machines to perform tasks that would traditionally require human intelligence, such as understanding natural language and recognizing patterns.

When it comes to digital marketing, AI is being used in a variety of ways, from chatbots that simulate human conversation to algorithms that identify the best time to send emails or ads.

There are endless possibilities for how AI can be leveraged in digital marketing, and it is already starting to transform the industry, being used by the best IT service companies around.

The Benefits of Using AI in Digital Marketing

We’ve already provided some regular applications of AI in digital marketing. However, below you will find some more examples of what makes it so useful.

1. AI can help you gather data more efficiently.

By analyzing large amounts of data, AI can help you identify patterns and trends that would be difficult to spot manually. This can help you make more informed decisions about your marketing strategy.

2. Smarter targeting

AI-powered marketing platforms can help identify the best time to reach potential customers with ads or emails, as well as which channels are most likely to result in a conversion. This allows marketers to allocate their budget more efficiently and focus their efforts on the channels that are most likely to yield results.

By understanding your audience’s needs and preferences, AI can help you deliver content that is more relevant and engaging. As a result, your audience is more likely to respond positively to your marketing messages.

Furthermore, AI can be used to analyze large data sets to identify patterns and trends that can be used to improve content strategy.

For example, AI can help identify the topics and keywords that are most likely to result in a high ranking on search engines, as well as the content formats that are most popular with specific target audiences.

3. AI can automate tasks, saving you time and money.

 By automating routine tasks such as content generation and social media management, AI can help you save valuable time and resources.

4. Improved ROI

By using AI to improve the efficiency of digital marketing campaigns, marketers can achieve a better return on investment (ROI).

AI is still in its early stages, and the full potential of this technology has yet to be realized. However, it is clear that AI is already starting to transform the digital marketing landscape and will continue to do so in the years to come.

5. AI can improve the quality of your content.

By analyzing data about how people interact with your content, AI can help you make changes that will increase its impact and reach.

6. Personalized customer experiences

AI can be used to create more personalized customer experiences by understanding individual preferences and behaviors. This data can then be used to deliver targeted content, offers, and recommendations that are more likely to result in a conversion.

7. AI can help you measure and analyze results more accurately.

 By tracking the performance of your marketing campaigns over time, AI can help you identify which strategies are most effective and make necessary adjustments accordingly.

Furthermore, AI-powered marketing platforms can provide marketers with automated insights that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to obtain.

For example, some platforms can track how customers interact with content and identify which elements are most effective in driving conversions.

How to Use AI in Digital Marketing

Finally, let’s talk a little bit about practical applications. Every company is different, so specific advice needs to be tailored to your own work. However, the tips below are a great general starting point.

1. Start by identifying the areas of your marketing strategy that could benefit from AI implementation.

Some potential areas where AI could be used in marketing include customer segmentation, targeting, messaging, lead scoring, website optimization, and predictive analytics. It’s important to identify which areas will have the biggest impact on your business and focus on those first.

2. Research and choose the right AI tools for your needs.

There are a variety of AI tools available, so it’s important to do your research and find the tools that will best suit your needs. Some factors to consider include the type of AI tool, the features it offers, the pricing, and the size of the company.

3. Train your team on how to use the new AI tools.

Just as with any new technology, it’s important to train your team on how to use the new AI tools. This will ensure that everyone uses them effectively and gets the most out of them.

4. Set up a data collection system to track the results of your AI-powered marketing efforts.

In order to track the results of your AI-powered marketing efforts, you’ll need to set up a data collection system. This will allow you to see how well the AI is performing and make any necessary adjustments.

5. Adjust your strategy as needed and keep using AI to stay ahead of the competition.

The best way to get the most out of AI in marketing is to constantly adjust your strategy based on the results you’re seeing.

Use the data collected from your data collection system to make informed decisions about where to focus your efforts next.

SEO and AI – Practical Examples

SEO and AI are both incredibly important aspects of online marketing. When done correctly, they can help your business reach new heights, increase traffic to your website, and generate leads that convert into customers. However, if you aren’t using them correctly or don’t have the proper resources in place to get the most from them, they can also damage your reputation and lead to lost revenue. If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, it’s important that you learn as much as possible about SEO and AI and implement the right strategies for your specific industry. In order to show you how AI can be used in digital marketing, we’ve put together a few practical examples. 

1. Automated content generation

There are a number of AI-powered tools that can be used to generate content, such as Articoolo, QuillBot, Autowriterpro, Nichesss, etc. Here are a few examples of AI powered software categories like content writing software, content management software, content delivery network (CDN) software, blog topic ideas generator, writing assistants software, etc. where AI is playing a big role to produce and manage content online. 

2. Social media management

Social media marketing tools like Hootsuite and Sprout Social’s Smart Inbox, and MeetEdgar use AI to help users manage their social media accounts more effectively.

3. Sentiment analysis

Sentiment analysis is a process of using AI to analyze text data in order to determine the emotional tone of a piece of content. This can be used to gauge public opinion about a brand or product.

4. Lead generation

Lead Generation Software likeUBot Studio and Infusionsoft’s Keep can be used to automate the lead generation process by scraping data from sources like websites and social media platforms.

5. Ad targeting

AI-powered ad targeting platforms like ReTargeter and AdRoll use data collected from user behavior to serve ads that are more likely to be relevant and effective.

6. Predictive analytics

Predictive analytics is the process of using AI to analyze data in order to make predictions about future events. This can be used for things like marketing campaign optimization and customer churn prevention.

7. Voice search optimization

As voice-activated assistants become more popular, it’s important to optimize your content for voice search. This can be done with the help of AI-powered tools like Alexa Voice Service and Google Assistant.

8. Chatbots

Chatbots are computer programs that simulate human conversation. They can be used for things like customer service and lead generation.

Examples of Real Companies Using AI

Now that we’ve gone over some of the ways AI can be used in digital marketing, let’s take a look at a few examples of real companies that are already using this technology.

1. IBM

IBM is one of the leading providers of AI software and services. The company’s Watson platform offers a number of tools that can be used for marketing purposes, including a content personalization tool and a customer service chatbot.

2. Adobe

Adobe’s Sensei AI platform powers a number of features in the company’s Creative Cloud suite of products including content suggestion and image recognition.

3. Hootsuite

Hootsuite’s Insights tool uses AI to generate reports about social media activity and engagement.

4. Moz

Moz’s Rank Tracker tool uses AI to help users track and improve their website’s search engine ranking.

5. Marketo

Marketo’s Engagement Engine is an AI-powered platform that provides personalized recommendations for marketing campaigns.

6. HubSpot

HubSpot’s Sales Hub uses AI to help users automate repetitive tasks, such as email and social media monitoring. HubSpot marketing automation and HubSpot CRM are other tools from HubSpot that you need to grow your business.

7. Oracle

Oracle’s CX Cloud suite includes a number of AI-powered features, such as a chatbot builder and a customer journey mapping tool.

8. Salesforce

Salesforce’s Einstein AI platform provides users with a number of features, including predictive analytics and lead scoring.

9. DigitalGenius

DigitalGenius is a customer service platform that uses AI to automate support tasks, such as live chat and email responses.

10. Infusionsoft

Infusionsoft’s Keep platform uses AI to help users automate their sales and marketing processes.

Conclusion

AI is already starting to transform the digital marketing landscape and will continue to do so in the years to come.

By using AI to improve the efficiency of digital marketing campaigns, marketers can achieve a better return on investment (ROI).

Additionally, AI can be used to create more personalized customer experiences by understanding individual preferences and behaviors.

And finally, AI-powered marketing platforms can provide marketers with automated insights that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to obtain.

11 Benefits of Using Human Resources Software

Long-held preconceptions about the human resources division are altering. The team is significantly acknowledged for its vital function in creating critical worth to the business– and so is modern technology like a human resources software application.

For over 20 years, consultancy Sierra-Cedar has deployed an HR Equipment Survey that measures technology fostered by human resources specialists. The 2020 record consists of insights from 1,892 firms with greater than 22 million workers.

One top finding: A 20% increase in the number of respondents that see HR as adding tactical worth, with business executives 25% most likely to see HR as calculated even compared with those within the department itself.

There is a connection between that sight and the wider use of HR software applications, with the survey stating that “elevating the perception of HR and investing in specific methods to HR innovation strategy, combination and modification management correlates to 15% year-over-year boosts in general results.”

Why HR Software program?

The principles of human resources management determine that many people within an organization will communicate with human resources software applications at some point during their careers. 

It is utilized by workers to handle the many important matters that aren’t straight about their work but become part of the employee experience, including pause, benefits, Payroll, and more. 

It is leveraged by human resources professionals and leaders in the department to streamline the process of gathering and keeping accurate employee-related data and ensure the business complies with federal and state wellness, safety, security, and labor laws.

Supervisors use HR software to aid staff members in developing new skills, progress in their careers, track their performance, schedule workers for the job, and make notes of any office problems.

Finance groups appreciate records on tax obligation conformity, Payroll as well as advantages expenditures, and headcount analysis to predict future costs.In leading companies, many

People across business use data from human resources systems to boost the employee experience.

Human resources software consists of:

  • HRMS or HRIS performance aids human resources in taking care of personnel info; Payroll; and advantages management and HR services distribution features, such as HR assistance work desk and worker self-service.
  • Labor force monitoring functions include time clocks, time off, absence monitoring, and scheduling.
  • Skill administration functions, such as recruiting, onboarding, career planning, performance, learning as well as development, payment, and sequence preparation, assist HR teams in remaining on top of what skills the business requires.

Leading software additionally consists of:

Workforce BI and also analytics, IoT applications, and also expert systems.

Benefits of human resources software application

Much like the division itself, the value proposals of personnel applications are altering. Administrative devices to alleviate information collection and enable worker self-service are becoming table stakes, and leading organizations are leveraging human resources software applications to enhance and extra deeply involve the labor force.

The Sierra-Cedar record discovers that human resources applications are essential to an organization’s capacity to manage labor force performance and culture while likewise governing making use of sensitive workforce information.

The advantages consist of:

  • Efficiency and performance: 

Sierra-Cedar research reveals that virtually 80% of organizations are using HR software applications to assist in gathering information or add process efficiencies.

There’s no question that firms with sophisticated HRMS systems reap significant gains in skill retention while liberating the human resources team for value-added projects and minimizing audit findings.

  • Staff member experience/morale: 

Lots of HR pros saw the headings. A much-publicized Gallup survey usually pegged the percentage of engaged workers during 2020 at just 36%. 

The largest decrease in employee interaction was among those in managerial or leadership settings and, among other patterns, was extra obvious for those functioning onsite vs. at home.

The tools discovered in HR software applications contribute to improving the employee experience. Some instances include determining views routinely with pulse surveys, linking people with applications that enable peer acknowledgment, and offering discounts on benefits via gamification.

  • Worker development/retention: 

The biggest HR software application investment for companies checked by Sierra-Cedar is in skill management devices; the leading capabilities are around recruiting, onboarding, and performance monitoring. 

That’s not surprising considering that organizations invest a great deal of time and money obtaining individuals to benefit them: The Culture for Human Resources Management (SHRM) located that, on average, new hires set you back a company $4,219, as well as it takes 42 days usually to fill up an open position.

Obtaining good individuals on board is important, yet maintaining them is much more so– the experience and spirit functionality mentioned above play into retention efforts.

  • Cost savings: 

Taking care of Payroll and advantage costs is a top concern for all companies, considering that salaries, payroll tax obligations, and advantages are usually among the largest line items. 

Human resources are monitoring systems that supply personnel teams with various ways to save without cutting back on the worker experience. Take the climbing expense of health insurance. 

By tracking data around benefits much better, a business has even more leverage to work out rates with providers. What’s more, gamification functionality urges and makes it very easy for employees to establish a healthy way of life practices for accessibility rewards as well as price cuts on premiums– every one of which profit the employer.

  • Decreased errors: 

Automating Payroll is a high-value location for local businesses because manual information entrance results in the most payroll mistakes. Besides the time required to deal with mistakes, errors in tax withholding open up the company as much as IRS penalties.

  • Regulative conformity: 

Ensuring business is following guidelines at the state and government level has long been the responsibility of human resources– and that task is just increasing in extent. 

HR has to make up now HR conformity offenses borne of every little thing from cybersecurity breaches to brand-new job designs and modifications to labor legislations caused by the pandemic. 

Organizations report a high price of success using their HR systems to keep track of compliance requirements, with 69% of human resources companies in the Sierra-Cedar survey saying that they are effectively using their HR systems to check and report on conformity.

  • Participation surveillance: 

Timecard fraud takes place and sets you back organizations’ time and money. Scams can run the gamut from taking long lunch breaks to “buddy punching,” when a close friend clocks in for a staff member running late, to invoicing for hrs that weren’t worked.

Time clock systems need staff members to swipe their worker IDs to type, eliminating a few of those concerns. They add one more layer of safety by requiring manager authorization and also can be set up to send out signals to supervisors if timelines aren’t building up.

  • Simplified benefits administration: 

The procedure of designing and managing employee benefits is intricate, even for small firms. The cost of medical insurance surfaces as the greatest issue for small companies in research after research study, consisting of the very local business surveyed by health care researcher The Commonwealth Fund. 

Amongst 500 small-business owners that offer health protection to their employees, the cost of providing health care coverage to staff members was pointed out as the No. 1 difficulty, ahead of bringing in new consumers and various other problems. 

Keeping up with altering federal government policies and laws and the moment required for management and documentation are also testing. Benefits administration capability in HR software programs automates calculations of benefits qualification, enables self-service by staff members to pick insurance coverage, and integrates with Payroll to ensure the proper amount is subtracted from the employee’s income. This is more precise as well as conserves time.

  • Data safety and security: 

HR, collaborating with the inner interactions group, must guarantee that appropriate security plans are maintained and that workers recognize exactly how to recognize and what to do with, for example, phishing emails that contain malicious attachments or web links. 

HR software processes maintain current plans and ensure workers have signed off. On the HR side, the system supplies role-based access as well as rules in the system that defends against unauthorized accessibility to worker data in the first place; amongst one of the most typical and also expensive causes of violations: Stolen or jeopardized employee accounts and also credentials, according to IBM’s 2020 Price of an Information Violation survey.

  • Metrics: 

Access to metrics for evaluation is important for human resources cost monitoring, compliance danger administration, and improved worker engagement. The top source of that information is the HR system.

An Oracle study shows that human resources might surpass finance as an analytics-driven function. HR teams utilize information to identify future labor force plans and anticipate turnover in vital roles. 

Easy accessibility to data that is both accurate and can be seen in real-time assists the business link metrics to organization objectives. For example, organizations trying to control hiring costs can conveniently track essential metrics, such as time to work with and set you back per hire, along with voluntary and spontaneous turnovers. 

These assists connect costs to the top quality of hire.

  • Boosted decision-making: 

When HR experts aren’t investing lots of time in administrative jobs and also can rely on day-to-day benefits, Payroll, as well as employee administration is accurate, they can focus on improving the total worker experience. 

Suppose the benefits manager isn’t bogged down in attempting to make certain compliance and providing coverage. In that case, she can look for new means to educate and involve the labor force in the advantages available to them– consequently elevating spirits and assisting in retention.

Selecting the Right HR Software

It’s a fascinating time for HR software carriers. Forrester’s Research study discovered that just 41% of international software program decision manufacturers are satisfied with existing HCM products and strategies to keep their systems.

Some 56% look at alternate products from their current vendors or brand-new providers. Sierra-Cedar’s research study says smaller companies are looking to raise investment in advantages management. At the same time, bigger organizations want to take on analytics and progressed technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Competitive HCM systems supply HRMS capabilities such as benefits administration, simplified conformity, relevant reporting, and the capability to examine worker information in such a way that fits the demands of the business. 

It additionally considers fads in worker engagement, such as raising partnerships and making it possible for employees to recognize the contributions of their coworkers with even more social devices.

More than 70% of businesses surveyed in Sierra Cedar’s research study had released a minimum of one cloud-based HR application, as well as the firm located that new customers anticipate a software-as-a-service/ cloud alternative: “As a matter of fact, transferring to a cloud environment is generally not a concern of if, however, when.”

How Much Does It Cost to Build A Super App for Business?

Due to rising competition, people are unable to satisfy their purposes efficiently. Therefore, apps are created to support users in meeting their needs. Initially, only individual services were accessible through applications. The problem of logging into multiple solutions soon became apparent to people.

And that deemed the preference for these applications, but at the same time, a super app’s future began to shine quite brighter. In fact, they are the future of every segment, as an n number of modifications can be made with them. In addition, multi-service solutions enable entrepreneurs to run a business online by offering a variety of services. So if they are willing to get these platforms created, the only question which irritates them is – how much does it cost to build a super app for business?

Furthermore, the consumers also have access to a variety of services under one roof. They can access any of them from a pool offered to them along with unique features. As a result, users are no longer required to open multiple applications to get specific services from each of them.

It might be the reason behind the current ongoing trend of multi-service platforms. At first, western countries neglected the change of adopting super apps. But, after a few years, they were compelled to bring these applications after observing the rapid rise and intense requirements of these solutions.

Here in this blog, you will know about the concerns for creating super apps, its costing in different stages, factors on which overall pricing depends, benefits, and other stuff. So let’s know each of them individually.

When it Comes to Building a Super App, What are its Biggest Concerns and Costing Factors for Reducing them?

Still, the usage of these applications is not yet fully-fledged, particularly in the west. However, there are many reasons behind the super apps being avoided, from scopes of ruling the market and slowing down other sectors to the support of the government.

Also, there is another concern you need to analyze before getting a multi-service platform, which is the security of the solution that would not cost you larger amounts for applying it to your application, as there are many financial resources attached to it. Hence, prior to creating a super app platform, you should keep these points in mind, which, if neglected, can give you harsh results.

Cost of Different Development Phases:

Entrepreneurs need to pay costs based on several phases included in the entire process of creating a multi-service platform. To know about the prices at different stages of building these solutions, refer to the following content.

Ideation

The process consists of conducting market research related to the idea of building a solution in a specific category. Who are your rivals, what features do they serve, issues which people face, and what are their desires regarding the solutions, etc. knowing all those aspects and deciding those suitable for your platform by analyzing them are covered in the ideation process. Some companies do charge for these processes, as they have a separate team for performing a specific task. The overall standard price for this stage is mentioned below: 

  • The pricing plans range from $1600 – $20000.
  • Duration till process completion: 1-4 weeks.

Designing

There is an equal share of design in getting the higher preference for the multi-service solutions. As the users get attracted towards an app that consists of streamlined UI, helping the audience to understand the functionality of particular features with a design of icons, buttons, and such stuff portraying an appropriate intention. As it allows users to know the flow of a platform. The price for designing a platform is described below:

  • The cost of implementing the design typically ranges between $1800 – $50000.
  • Usually, entrepreneurs receive the designs of applications ready within six to thirteen weeks or around that time period.

Development

This phase is the key for a multi-service platform to be created, as all rest of the stages depend on this one. Along with that, it needs tech staff, developers, and project managers to get the process executed smoothly. Furthermore, for building a solution, its modular structure, database, and other aspects are managed simultaneously within this stage. In the same way, a company offering appropriate app development service includes all the elements discussed above for developing a multi-service platform. So, what does it cost to create super apps for entrepreneurs is mentioned below: 

  • The developing costs for super apps may vary from $7000 – $55000 approximately.
  • It requires more time for an application to cross this stage and move forward to another one.

Test and Launch

The process of testing checks whether a developed software is able to satisfy all the requirements and with fulfilling specific criteria. In addition, the application is reviewed at various levels to ensure that the users face no or minimal issues. Therefore, after a launch, a solution providing consumers with the utmost convenience would lead to better outcomes.

  • The cost of testing and launching an app is $2500 – $5000.
  • Because the platform is going into quality assurance, the time for that process cannot be determined.

Other Factors Affecting its Pricing:

Apart from the above-described costs of different development phases, there are also some other points that add to a hidden cost in building a solution. Refer to them mentioned below:

Number of Employees Engaged – The more developers are occupied with creating a platform, the charges will rise higher accordingly.

Number of Features You Want – On the basis of the number of attributes you add to your application, the cost would be decided as per that.

Based on Location of Coders – The regions of development play a crucial role in deciding the price of the solution, it is because of varying fees of developers according to regions. Here are a few costs of creating a multi-service platform as per different countries shown in the table below.

CountryPer Hour Cost
USA$85
Eastern Europe$45
Australia$100
Switzerland$65
Netherlands$40
Canada $125
UAE$95

Despite the above-mentioned building costs, there is also one factor that decides the prices: platform and programming language.

Besides, there are many pros to getting a multi-service platform developed and enabling it into a business.

Benefits of Building Super Apps

The entrepreneurs receive certain benefits from building super apps, one of them is they can center the attention of lots of users as they immensely prefer to use these solutions. Now, which advantages do they receive? They are mentioned below.

Effective Marketing Strategies

Marketing is a crucial factor for every business, so along with getting a multi-service platform, the entrepreneurs can also effectively market their venture through some brilliant strategies. It is because most of the users spend their significant time utilizing them using digitized solutions. It lays a powerful impact on users as business owners can post various advertisements related to their ventures, conduct numerous campaigns, and many other strategies can be performed through these solutions.

Also, social media and email platforms are also powerful channels to market an enterprise as you can pick a suitable tool from many available. As an entrepreneur, if you are not aware of choosing such tools, then there are many guides available to help you select an appropriate one. Hence, by using such tactics, startup owners can determine a long way for their business.

Retains User Traffic

For every entrepreneur, customer retention is more crucial than consumer acquisition as the business can get on a roll because of the users who use a platform in a repetitive manner rather than the new ones. To retain the audience, the admins can offer various schemes on a solution like referrals, coupon codes, attractive deals and offers, and discounts by utilizing the solution. By receiving such advantages, the users remain stuck to your venture.

Manageability

By shifting to an online platform, the lives of entrepreneurs are eased to a great extent. It is because they can perform numerous activities by accessing their dedicated panel. The business owners receive a drone view of their venture as they can handle almost every vertical. In addition, startup owners can accomplish every task of their enterprise as they receive numerous hand-picked features integrated for each task into multi-service platforms like analyzing earnings of employees and ventures, examining and tracking sales, managing users, merchants, and providers, etc.

Thus, by using multi-service solutions, admins can streamline all their tedious work and can run business fluently without any hassles.

Reliability

Alongside receiving all the perks after getting the application created, the entrepreneurs also get advantages in app development service costs as they fall quite at reliable prices compared to individual service platforms. They receive a single application combining different services at bearable costs. Hence, it helps them to establish an online multi-services business by getting them solutions at an affordable building price.

Is it worth Investing In Super Apps?

Hence, one can easily visualize the bright scopes of these applications as the requirements for them are going to increase shortly. So, it is always preferable to get your multi-service application created for your enterprise along with keeping in mind and removing threats attached to it.

Therefore, as a startup owner by receiving the multi-service applications you might have received information about how much it costs to build a super app for business along with knowing its various benefits for enterprise as discussed above. By keeping in mind those factors entrepreneurs can set up their online multi-service venture at a pocket-friendly price and possibly start earning tremendously very soon. Also, consumers nowadays prefer to gain every service at their doorsteps by using the super apps.

The Future of Workflow Automation

The way we live and work is being increasingly shaped by technological innovation. One such invention that’s now at the core of how many companies operate is workflow automation. Even though the idea of workflow has been around for a while, it only began to use its automation potential in the 1980s. In many ways, workflow automation can increase corporate value. It reduces the need for paper-based operations, increases compliance and job quality, and shortens the time it takes to complete a process. Additionally, workflow automation software has already made it to the cloud, making it simpler for users to communicate wherever they are inside various cloud-based applications. Keep reading to find out what the state of workflow automation will be in the future.

What is workflow automation?

Workflow automation can be defined as a strategy for enabling the independent flow of assignments, documents, and information across work-related activities in compliance with established business standards. When done, this form of automation should be an easy process that is executed on a regular basis to boost everyday productivity. Workflow automation transfers the execution of certain tasks from people to a computer program. An organization must first identify the tasks that make up a job before automating the workflow which develops the logic and rules that specify how those tasks should be carried out. The software is then programmed using the predefined business logic and rules that serve as instructions for the program, informing it on what to do and how to go from one task to the next. These guidelines are used by the program to carry out everything from beginning to end, eliminating the need for humans to do the work.

Who uses workflow automation?

Every department in an organization, including finance, human resources (HR), marketing, operations, and sales, can employ a workflow automation system. It’s generally employed to automate processes that are repetitive and don’t demand a lot of mental effort. The best advice for small business owners would be to always stay up to date on the most recent trends, whether they have to do with, for example, the advantages of automation in the healthcare industry or the best marketing automation software to search for this year. Workflows are typically automated by organizations since not only do they boost performance, minimize errors, and increase production but also make the procedures faster. They also use workflow automation to spare workers from monotonous, pointless chores. This method allows employees more time to concentrate on tasks that call for more mental effort.

Uses of workflow automation

Workflow automation can be used for businesses of all types. For instance, to create staff schedules and on-call rotations, medical providers use workflow automation. These tools are also used by providers to transmit patients’ electronic health information and facilitate patient admission and discharge. Workflow automation enables healthcare professionals to concentrate on more crucial tasks, like providing direct patient care, in each of these areas. On the other hand, in the construction industry, companies can use workflow automation to digitally evolve their operations by leveraging data. Moreover, reliable construction workflow automation can be improved with the help of a professional IoT company, which can aid in boosting visibility throughout the entire construction operation and optimizing everything from refueling through to vehicle maintenance downtime. Also, workflow automation can assist with a number of areas of marketing automation by automating tasks related to brand management and campaigns in a prescribed sequence. When it comes to the legal industry and legal departments of an organization, workflow automation is used to make billing automated, input new client data, submit and track agreement reviews, manage deadlines, and more.

Process automation trends to watch out for

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and robot process automation (RPA) have the potential to have a huge impact on all aspects of our lives but especially on the way we work. Our daily workflow and the way we manage work at scale will be two of the most affected areas. A completely new realm of opportunities is made possible by AI, ML, and RPA (often in combination). RPA becomes smarter, more effective, and more productive when AI is added, not to mention improving customer happiness. However, many people worry that machines, whether they are physical robots or a collection of computer code located in some distant data center, will take our employment. But, in fact, machines don’t replace jobs but tasks. Tools for automating business processes are great at carrying out repetitive operations that prevent individuals from producing their best work, and someone will still need to oversee these robots.

Robotic process automation

Robotic process automation, or RPA, is a term you’ve probably heard if you’ve been keeping up with new technological jargon and have heard the phrase “digital transformation” recently. RPA, even though not precisely a new word or technology, continues to be the fastest-growing corporate service area in the IT industry for the third consecutive year, according to a recent study. RPA is all about using unwearying software bots to automate manual, repetitive processes, as previously mentioned. This method promises to streamline productivity as well as dramatically increase customer happiness greatly. It also frees up staff members to work on higher-order, more creative tasks that people find more satisfying. Simply put, RPA isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, especially with the constantly rising efficiency standards and the existing labor shortages.

Artificial intelligence/machine learning

Despite the fact that the phrases AI and ML are mostly used interchangeably when people use the term AI, they typically mean machine learning. The personified internet of things (IoT) and free-thinking robots that usually appear in Hollywood films as examples of artificial intelligence are really referred to as artificial general intelligence. But, AGI is still far from being a reality. However, this doesn’t imply that AI and ML have not had a significant impact on the needs of modern businesses. AI has proven to significantly improve the customer experience when used with oversight from a human and the appropriate data. Customer activity generates enormous amounts of personal data every day. When the appropriate algorithms go over this data, they produce incredibly comprehensive client engagements that are tailored to each individual customer’s demands. Customers are demanding more from their business contacts as the competition for their business grows intense, making individualized, thorough interactions the norm in customer engagement.

Workflow control at scale

If you want to ensure that all these automation tools and software bots are not making you less efficient and costing you clients and money, keep in mind that there are different types of “automation”.  It means that RPA and AI, on the other hand, enable the pre-programming and “automatic” operation of computer and robotic tasks. Complex procedures, complicated workflows, and human involvement aren’t unnecessary. Actually, for advanced digital transformation, it’s never been more crucial to take into account the requirement for various kinds of platforms to be expanded alongside AI and RPA to allow for resiliency, adaptability, complexity, and human decision-making.

Workflow automation will improve intelligence

In addition to the expansion of the function, there’s also an interesting possibility to give the data back to employees dealing with the workflow. The workflow will soon be able to support users almost invisibly, with no additional effort or training needed through the increase of their transparency. Automation that is completely human-focused rather than coding-focused will adjust to needs without requiring end-user updates to the process. By automatically adapting workflows based on learning from human usage patterns, the need for manual intervention will be reduced. For example, by automatically establishing a connection to a workflow analytics platform and identifying “gaps” in your processes or procedures, you will receive recommendations for the improvements that would have the greatest impact on these procedures.

Workflow automation will boost your levels of happiness

There are still many who mistakenly worry that automation will remove certain manual tasks that once gave humans jobs. But it’s crucial to keep in mind that the best automation solutions are those that complement human abilities rather than try to take their place. A competent individual still needs to input the numbers even though a calculator can make complex calculations simpler and faster. In the future, workflow automation will improve in such a way that the tools and intelligence will be developed to make everyone’s job simpler and more effective and give you back the time you need to do more of what you love. It’s believed that people drive the process of automation, and the future of workflow automation will go in the direction of supporting this belief. Nevertheless, time will tell everything. We just have to be patient and open to change.

Hopefully, this article has given you an insight into the future of workflow automation and how it will help you determine your needs and the results you want to achieve in order to be successful in your business.

10 Best Patch Management Software for Small Business

In a small business environment, patch management may seem like an enormous and resource-consuming task due to the several IT systems that need patches to keep them updated.

Manual patch management for every application on every system, irrespective of the organization’s size, isn’t a practical solution. It also carries the additional risk of unintended human errors. 

To manage this task, an automated patch management process is crucial to keep IT systems updated from vulnerabilities systematically. It is an essential part of any vulnerability management process and helps businesses tackle the following challenges:

  • Releasing a patch for a vulnerability becomes public news, making the system more open to attacks from malicious users.
  • New software vulnerabilities are discovered every day which require consistent patching to perform optimally and be protected against cyber attacks.
  • Applying patches on several IT systems is time- and resource-consuming if not performed effectively.

Why Do Businesses Need Patch Management?

According to a study by Ponemon Institute for ServiceNow:

  • 60 percent of data breaches occurred because a patch for a known vulnerability was not applied.
  • 62 percent of the companies were unaware that their business was vulnerable prior to the data breach. 
  • 52 percent of companies are at a disadvantage in responding to vulnerabilities because they use manual processes.

While most patches address security vulnerabilities, they can also be applied to fix bugs or improve the performance of the IT systems. In addition to security, patch management systems ensure:

Compliance. Regular patch management reduces data leakages and adds to the business’ data protection. This is particularly sensitive for a few industries such as healthcare, financial, and government institutions that face huge penalties for non-compliance with regulations.

Better system performance. Vendors often release patches to introduce new features. Patching the operating system and applications also ensures system performance.

User productivity. Employee productivity is impacted if a machine is hacked and rendered inoperable because of an unpatched vulnerability.

Prevent downtime costs. According to a study by IDC, the average cost of downtime for a particular industry in the US is $5,600 per hour. For a company with 100 employees, that would amount to more than half a million dollars per year.

Popular Patch Management Software 

There are several patching software products available for business owners to choose from. But choice overload can sometimes lead to decision paralysis. So, we have created a list of 10 popular tools that business owners should consider for their patch management requirements.

1. Scalefusion MDM

Scalefusion is a popular mobile device management platform. Using Scalefusion Windows Patch Management Software, administrators can remotely apply software patches for devices without end-user intervention. 

The patching can be designed to address security and non-security-related bugs, push software updates, launch new product functionalities, and hotfixes, and update rollups and upgrades. 

Administrators and app developers can leverage the Scalefusion Windows Patch Management solution to automate patching and remediate security vulnerabilities by identifying appropriate operating system patches. 

Scalefusion’s subscription fees are monthly, per device, with businesses charged only for what they need. Prospective customers can directly connect with the company for a customized quote.

 2. Atera 

Atera is a software platform for managed service providers (MSPs) that includes patch management. The platform provides IT automation, custom scripting, network discovery, ticketing, reporting, real-time alerts, and patch management. It automates the patch update process on macOS and Windows servers and workstations. 

Atera can patch operating systems, applications, and hardware drivers. System administrators can create automation profiles to install or update patches at scale while excluding specific patches if necessary. A single profile can also include installing a software bundle, upgrading windows versions, or managing storage disks.

3. Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud

Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud supports Windows-based and Linux networks. The platform uses delivery optimization to reduce bandwidth consumption by sharing the work of downloading large files among multiple devices during a deployment. 

The vulnerability and patch management functions provide small businesses with detailed information about devices and applications running in the network. It distributes patches from cloud servers and uses peer-to-peer patch distribution technology to prevent slowdowns during roll-outs for non-Windows and third-party applications.

4. Solarwinds Patch Manager

Solarwinds Patch Manager focuses on Microsoft products and third-party applications. It works along with Microsoft WSUS and Microsoft Endpoint Manager to patch both physical and virtual workstations.

Administrators can specify the particular servers and workstations to be patched, targeting endpoints based on operating systems or IP ranges. They can also create different patching schedules for various endpoint groups. Additionally, administrators can create packages that define actions to take pre- or post-patch deployment.

Solarwinds provides perpetual licensing and subscription palms for options. Both are based on the number of managed endpoints.

5. NinjaOne Patch Management 

NinjaOne (formerly Ninja RMM) provides patch management solutions as a part of its endpoint management software for small-medium businesses (SMBs) and MSPs. Business owners can automate patching for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, as well as over 135 Windows third-party application patching.

The platform automates patch identification, approval, deployment, and reporting. Administrators can schedule patch deployments as per their needs and have complete control over how endpoints are patched.

Subscription fees are per-device, per-month basis, with subscribers, charged based only on what they need.

6. Kaseya VSA

The IT systems management platform can be leveraged by MSPs for remote monitoring and management. The completely automated patch management tool follows a configurable, policy-driven approach that is location independent and optimized for efficient bandwidth use. 

In addition to automating software and patch deployment across all endpoints, administrators can use the Kaseya VSA to override patches and view patch histories. They can schedule regular network scans and analyses to identify software vulnerabilities. 

Kaseya supports over 100 third-party applications out-of-the-box, including Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, Citrix Receiver, FileZilla Client, Inkscape, LibreOffice, Opera Browser, TeamViewer, Wireshark, and more.

7. Automox

Automox supports Windows, macOS, and Linux systems and provides a single dashboard for managing OS and third-party applications and patching updates. The platform can inventory all hardware and software–based on the vendor–highlighting authorized and unauthorized applications installed on managed devices.

Administrators can use Automox to create custom scripts that provide granular control over the patch management process. They can schedule patching for a certain time of the day or configure it to automatically start the patching every time a device connects to the internet. 

Automox provides reporting and notification features that can be customized as per the company’s requirements. The platform’s Patch & Manage subscription plan provides management tools as well as patching tools.

8. GFI LanGuard

GFI Languard is a network security scanning and monitoring platform for administrators to assess vulnerabilities and patch software on servers, virtual machines, and local and remote desktops. Small businesses can use the platform to support Windows, macOS, and Linux devices and third-party applications offered by over 60 vendors such as Mozilla, Apple, Adobe, Microsoft, and Google.

The platform allows auto-downloads of missing patches as well as patch rollback for a consistently configured environment that is protected from threats and vulnerabilities. GFI LanGuard also provides a web-based reporting interface to export reports in several formats including PDF, RTF, and CSV.

Pricing depends on the number of nodes and whether the product is purchased with other GFI products.

9. Datto RMM

Administrators can set up a patching policy on Datto RMM’s platform to pre-approve patches to be installed on Windows devices. The solution runs Windows updates against predefined policies for allowing (or denying) the necessary patches. 

MSPs can deploy patches for business applications when they become available to close the window of exposure for known and unknown vulnerabilities. The platform generates easy-to-understand reports for bringing more visibility to the sites and devices with the highest risk. 

10. SysAid

SysAid patch management is a feature integrated into Sysaid’s portfolio of IT service management products. The patch management software uses a change management process to approve patch deployment to ensure that the patching process is recorded and the security patches are correctly updated and applied.

The solution can patch common third-party applications including Adobe Flash, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Java, Real Player, Apple iTunes, and many more, alongside the operating systems. SysAid patch management supports both automatic and manual patching, giving administrators more control over critical systems.

The optional Patch Management feature of Help Desk, ITSM, and ITSM+ requires a separate annual subscription license. Only assets with active licenses may be utilized with it.

Wrapping Up

A certain minimum level of security is required for hygiene across all industries. Even though not a sophisticated cyber defense, patch management is an essential part of IT management that is needed for hygiene in small businesses. Owners don’t need to pay a price premium for tools to improve their patching process.

Although small businesses would prefer more staff to enable more timely patching, patch management tools with automation capabilities can offset the need for additional manpower for efficient vulnerability management and patching.

10 Best Payroll Software Providers In India

Payday is every person’s favorite day unless you are an administrator. You spend half of the month checking the attendance and performance data of the staff, and the complex salary calculations are add-ons. In addition, taxes, benefits, and other components must be taken care of. These all tasks can be tedious and consume much time of managers. Fortunately, automated systems help to eliminate different obstacles to the salary generation process and boost accuracy.

Payroll software will not only save you time, but it will also ensure that you are generating accurate salaries and saving valuable costs for the business. Therefore, managers who are still running the old-school manual process should give modern systems for their ease of work.

There are numerous payroll software providers out there, but choosing the best out of them can be confusing. Therefore, we have created a list of top systems to help you get the most out of the payroll process.

UBS

ubs

When it comes to choosing payroll software, UBS is a prominent name to consider. It is efficient and helps you generate accurate salaries to meet the payroll and compliance needs.

It helps you get control of the payroll process and ensures you don’t get late in providing wages. It lets you define salary formula, deduction & earning components, and pay period. Also, the salaries can be scheduled in advance.

It integrates well with its other offerings, and with project management tools also. Therefore, the administrator does not have to perform tedious data management on multiple platforms; they can easily manage it from a single platform.

Key Features:

  • A comprehensive salary structure can be made through UBS, and different types of bonuses/incentives and deductions can be defined.
  • The manager can also handle the entire process from a single dashboard and track the progress. Even he is able to schedule the salaries in advance, so it doesn’t get missed.
  • It allows crafting a custom salary slip in which all the salary and statutory components can be defined.

factoHR

factorhr

factoHR is a cloud-based HR & Payroll software for businesses of all sizes. The system allows managers to easily handle every aspect of the salary generation process and ensures accuracy.

Whether you need to manage employee data, attendance, or performance metrics, the software solutionizes it easily. It then connects attendance and KPI scores with the salary generation process, so your staff gets paid according to the time they provide and work quality.

The system’s integration with prominent software such as SAP, QuickBooks, and Oracle fulfills the accounting needs of the payroll process. Additionally, the PF, ESIC, Professional Tax, and TDS can also be managed.

Key Features:

  • Based on the industry and business type, managers can configure the pay structure according to their needs. They define the calculation formula and add unlimited types of earning and deduction components.
  • If the business allows employees to take loans, then the system helps to manage it. Loans and advancements are entered, and EMI deductions are defined; further, the deduction will be made automatically from salaries.
  • Payslip can be generated in multiple formats, and the distribution can be done in just seconds. In addition, staff members can download the slips right from their devices with valid credentials.

Hourly

hourly.io

Hourly is another efficient software on the list that assists HR professionals in managing the salary generation process. It reduces the time consumed by the process from day to just hours.

The system assists in managing employee time records, generating salaries, and staying law-compliant. In addition, the software allows you to track employees’ time and tasks, and you can choose to track client, project, or location-wise to get specific data.

Software is integrated with workers’ comp insurance, so the billing gets easy and accurate. In addition, managers can browse various insurance plans for their workers from their devices and choose the best ones.

Key Features:

  • Managers can manage numerous payroll cycles with Hourly, and they define multiple types of deductions for different employees.
  • Salaries can be scheduled to be credited to employees’ bank accounts at the desired time. Or reminders can be set to get things done at the right time.
  • All types of taxes are calculated, filled, and paid during the process; therefore, the managers can devote their time to other essential things.

Sumopayroll

SumoPayroll

Sumopayroll is a web-based payroll system that efficiently manages the salary generation process of businesses.

The software allows tracking and calculating employee work hours and syncs up the data so precise calculations can be made. It also offers tax calculations and filings on behalf of the workers and company.

It can be integrated with famous accounting tools to ensure the accuracy of accounts and books.

Key Features:

  • Sumopayroll enables a central database for employees’ information in which their salaries can be defined easily. And their statutory deductions can also be mentioned.
  • Disbursed loans and advances are easily managed with the system, and they can be automatically collected through salary deductions.
  • Managers can generate monthly, quarterly, or annual reports to take a glance at the salary process.

SaralPayPack

saralpaypack

SaralPayPack streamlines the entire pay cycle and ensures valuable time savings for HR managers.

It lets you store employees’ information in a centralized database, configure the salary structure, and record the attendance & leave data. Even there are different tools for statutory requirements to manage returns and reporting.

It allows integrations with Matrix Security Solutions to get enterprise-level mobility management and with Zeta Reimbursement Cards to efficiently manage employee benefits.

Key Features:

  • Structure configuration capabilities equip managers with features that help them to define a salary structure. Statutory, loan and other components can also be integrated with the structure.
  • Attendance and leave management fetches data from biometric and non-biometric devices and connects it with the salary generation process.
  • Moreover, ECR generation, ESIC payments & reports, and TDS/PT deductions are effortlessly organized.

Paybooks

paybooks

Paybooks is a prominent software for managers that are looking for an effective solution to automate the salary generation process. It gives you control of the entire pay cycle and improves accuracy.

Employees’ personal information and attendance & leave data are easily managed as it provides workforce management solutions. Additionally, compliance-related needs are also fulfilled.

It allows integrations with ICICI bank for quick bank transfers, NetSuite for accounting entries, and Oracle Fusion for cloud data syncing. Therefore, the managers do not have to worry about any process or work; they get every solution in a single platform.

Key Features:

  • It automatically syncs with the biometric devices to track attendance and leave data in real-time.
  • Once the calculations are done, managers can preview them before generating, and after they press confirm, payslips get generated automatically. Also, bank statements can be prepared easily.
  • The system takes care of the payroll laws and taxes; it calculates PF, ESIC, and professional tax deductions. Employees can declare their investments, and managers can fill out various forms directly through their desktops.

Wave Payroll

 Wave Financial

Wave is one of the most popular payroll systems out there. It is the perfect software for SMEs looking to automate their salary process.

It is ideal for businesses seeking payroll, tax management, timesheet, and accounting, all in a single platform. Companies hiring seasonal employees often use the software as it offers easy onboarding and offboarding functionalities.

The system allows integration with its accounting suite, so the journal entries and records get updated with every pay. And integration with Sage People helps to fetch and manage the employee information easily.

Key Features:

  • Wave offers timesheets for hourly and salaried employees. The data syncs up with the system database, and accurate salaries are generated based on the employees’ work hours.
  • It easily connects with your bank account and allows the direct deposit to the employee’s accounts.
  • The software allows automated tax calculations and payments, thus saving much time.

Quikchex

Quikchex

Quikchex automates the salary generation process of businesses and equips them with valuable benefits such as time-saving and cost-effectiveness.

It lets you handle payroll and statutory compliance in a secure platform. Arrears, reimbursements, PF contributions, loans, and advances can all be managed easily in the system.

It offers automatic integration with its other modules, such as attendance and performance management, to calculate the salary amount based on the employees’ work hours and achievements.

Key Features:

  • The easy-to-use system helps managers set up a seven-step process where they can define the salary structure and calculation formula. They can determine the salary components and schedules.
  • Loans & advances are managed easily with Quichex, and EMI gets calculated automatically.
  • Once the payroll is done, salary slips get generated automatically, and employees can download them from the ESS portal. Staff can also add their investment declarations and proof submissions right from their devices.

Justworks

Justworks

Justworks assists HR professionals in handling their entire pay cycle, thus saving considerable time. It allows managing the workflow from anywhere with an internet connection.

The system ensures that managers do not face any complications in the core HR, employee benefits, and statutory compliance practices. In addition, its built-in timesheets feature keeps track of employees’ work and increases the pay process’s accuracy.

Famous accounting systems Xero and QuickBooks can be integrated easily with Justworks, so you do not have to go for accounting entries after the salary process is done.

Key Features:

  • It automatically calculates the payroll taxes and assists in form filings. The statutory resources get updated automatically if any changes happen in the regulations.
  • PTOs, sick leaves, and vacations of the month are easily calculated and synced up in the process.
  • The software manages multiple bank accounts of full-time/part-time and hourly employees. Once the salaries are credited, it automatically sends email notifications to employees along with their pay information.

Sag Infotech

SAG Infote

Last but not least, Sag Infotech is one of the best payroll software providers. Its Gen payroll software comes with powerful features that ease the work of HR.

It efficiently manages employees’ data along with their attendance and leaves records. It does not just calculate and generates salaries but also handles the compliance part on behalf of the business.

It seamlessly integrates the employees’ attendance and leaves records with the salary process, thus ensuring that every pay is generated accurately.

Key Features:

  • The software calculates the PF, ESIC, and other statutory deductions as per the latest norms and enables the e-filing options.
  • Arrears and reimbursements are managed effortlessly, and TDS can also be deducted from the salaries.
  • The dashboard gives a quick overview of all the ongoing tasks, and managers can make changes in the salary process from there.

Summary

Using their own software for managerial functions or outsourcing can be costly for a business; therefore, organizations tend to use workforce management systems to manage their employees’ data and save time. A payroll software solutionizes an HR manager’s concerns: managing the employee records and generating the salaries.

It provides enough convenience to an employer in calculating salaries and automating various administrative tasks. It also offers other valuable features such as tax calculations, salary slip generation, and employee benefits. The above-listed systems can help managers in numerous aspects; therefore, companies should try some of these before opting for software.

Linkedin Marketing Tips for Saas Startups

Given that social media is used by more than half of the world’s population, your new SaaS firm should be present there as well.

But how do you get started? Reddit, Facebook, and LinkedIn are often the greatest places to do business-to-business talks. Facebook can be congested. It might be difficult to stand out from the crowd, even if you have a plan in place beforehand.

To be successful with social media marketing for SaaS, you must go where the clients are since that is where they are in charge. That is where LinkedIn comes in.

Here are 7 tips for leveraging LinkedIn to market your Saas startup.

1. Create consistent high-quality content

Create content that addresses your target audience’s pain points if you want to be seen by them on LinkedIn. What are the issues that they are having that your solution can help with? Whatever it takes to grab their attention and demonstrate that you are aware of their demands should be done, such as writing blog articles, making infographics, or filming films.

Naturally, producing excellent content is only half the fight. Additionally, you need to guarantee that the intended audience sees it. LinkedIn Groups can help with that. Join the groups where your target audience hangs out by doing some research. Share the most recent blog article or infographic from your business, but make sure you’re contributing to the conversation rather than just marketing.

2. Use the LinkedIn ad tool to reach a wider audience

The easiest strategy to advertise your SaaS firm on LinkedIn is to develop content and promote it by creating Linkedin ads. Ads may be configured, campaigns can be performed, and progress can be tracked using the Campaign Manager. It is the perfect platform for advertising your content since you can use it to reach a very precise audience. In comparison to other internet advertising platforms, it is a very affordable platform.

The following are some pointers for writing powerful LinkedIn Ads:

  • Make commercials that are aimed at a certain demographic.
  • Make sure your advertisement copy is brief and clear.
  • Add a call to action to your advertisement.

Test many iterations of your advertisement to find which performs the best.

3. Built an account-based marketing strategy

Every company needs a marketing plan to be successful because it makes sure you target the correct customers and provide content that will appeal to them. You will have more possibilities to sell your products the more time you invest in developing a plan. Each target account requires a separate version of your profile and material that is customised for it. Focus on each client’s demands after first determining your ideal clientele.

4. Connect with Saas company executives that meet your audience’s personas

Connecting with executives that match your marketing persona profile on LinkedIn is possible in a variety of ways. Use the search bar to look for businesses in your field or start by looking up phrases related to your industry. Once you’ve identified a few possible partners, check through their profiles to determine whether you have any connections. If so, get in touch with them and request an introduction. If not, you may always send a request for connection along with a note from yourself describing why you’d like to connect.

Even if you are not linked to someone, you may still send them a message straight using LinkedIn’s InMail service. These are excellent methods for connecting with busy executives who might not have the time to accept a connection request or take part in group conversations. Just be sure to add some personality to your InMail to avoid having it appear like a sterile sales letter.

5. Use lead generation forms

Create lead generation forms on LinkedIn to make it simple for prospective consumers to sign up for your good or service. This is a good technique to gather leads and convert them into customers.

These forms are already filled up with accurate information from members’ LinkedIn profiles, making it easy for them to provide you with their professional information and increase lead conversion.

Do remember the following things before creating a lead generation campaign

  • People don’t like to read a lot, thus if you write a lot on your forms, they will rapidly lose interest.
  • Write an intriguing headline to draw leads and encourage them to complete the form.
  • Include pertinent keywords in your content and profile. Using terms that your target consumer is searching for can make it easier for them to find you, even if it might seem like basic sense.
  • Continue to update and improve your material. People are less likely to want to engage with your material if it is stale.
  • Employ images, Depending on the ad format you’re using, details change. For instance, if you are selling a product, demonstrate how it functions or appears. Use vibrant colors.

7. Leverage LinkedIn influencers

Influencers were once known as endorsers by marketers, but the idea is the same. Your business is paying someone to promote your goods to their audience in exchange for a little fee. Make sure you select the perfect influencer who will assist you with the greatest reach because, obviously, the greater the audience, the more you’ll have to spend for their endorsement.

The alleged “halo effect” is one reason why influencers are effective. According to this hypothesis, when you admire something about someone, such as their political beliefs, speaking manner, or wardrobe choices, you inadvertently infer other things about them. They must be intelligent if they talk well, for example. They must be humorous if they are appealing.

Likewise, if consumers have favorable associations with an influencer, they will also identify your brand with those positive associations. That’s only one of the factors contributing to the expectation that influencer marketing will continue to grow rapidly over the next few years, as it has in the past. When used properly, it may provide your SaaS firm with one of the largest benefits.

8. Create partnerships

Social media is by its very nature collaborative. Our sense of belonging is strengthened by joining organizations and forming communities, so it stands to reason that forming alliances with firms that compliment your startup will be advantageous.

Choose a few brands that support your company to start. These can be competitors or even in the same business, or they might be in a whole other market. For example, a house cleaning business and a lawn care company may collaborate to offer bundled services to both clients.

As an alternative, you might collaborate with other companies to gain more exposure. For instance, you may employ a writer to produce lengthy material for your SaaS product, which you would then distribute to other businesses (as long as you receive credit with a link to your site) for their audiences. Just make sure it’s advantageous to everyone involved; else, everyone’s reputation will suffer.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that commercial partnerships shouldn’t revolve around special advantages. Instead, try to establish cooperative partnerships that you may benefit from for many years.

Consistency and intentionality are the two factors that count the most when it comes to LinkedIn marketing for SaaS.

Try to focus on just taking a step rather than worrying about whether it’s the “correct” one. Get engaged, be present, and start attempting to connect with your audience where they are.

Decentralized Databases: Advantages & Disadvantages of Decentralized Database Systems

As the world becomes more and more connected, it is becoming increasingly important to store data in a way that is secure and efficient. A decentralized database system allows for multiple users to access the same data without having to share information with each other, which makes it an ideal solution for businesses that need to keep sensitive information confidential. However, there are also some disadvantages to using a decentralized database system. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of decentralized database systems so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not a decentralized system is right for your business.

What is a Database?

A database is generally assumed to be anything that has the capability of storing data. However, it can also be defined by query capabilities. It considers factors such as if it can retrieve data sets from a whole, the data size, if it is structured or unstructured, etc. 

What is a Decentralized Database?

A decentralized database refers to splitting the workload between several machines and using a sophisticated algorithm for all its incoming and outgoing requests. It is used in scenarios that need data storage within a database rather than what is possible on a tangible piece of machinery.

Decentralized database vs. Distributed database

Often, people confuse the two terms to be the same thing. While similarities do exist, there is a vast contrast between the two. Decentralized and distributed databases deal with multiple servers, and the likelihood is that these will be located across several areas. But, that’s all that lies similar. 

In a distributed system, data is effectively split, and all the processing takes place amongst the different nodes of a cluster. It takes place in such a manner due to the trust established between all the nodes. There is either an internal list present with all the cluster nodes, or there is reliance on a central authority that monitors all information flowing through.

In a decentralized system, all nodes share data amongst themselves without knowing what’s on the flip side. An underlying technology powers the clusters for this process. The built-in fault tolerance makes the network consistent and secure in case a node gets compromised.

4 Key Properties of a Decentralized Database

There are certain factors that influence what makes a decentralized system function the way it does. For example, determining the “true” copy, the node to copy on is it feasible to maintain an independent copy, etc. Each factor makes up for different properties that run the system. For a decentralized system, here are the key properties that make it a stable system.

1). Offline first 

A decentralized system means that you should have the ability to create a new instance or node. You should also have a copy you can write or read whenever needed. Offline first reduces the levels of network dependency, allowing you to create a “fork” by leaving the system at any point in time. It also reduces the need for a central authority to do reads and writes. Offline first is the main factor that makes a system “decentralized.”

2). Sharing 

Offline first makes a file decentralized but is insufficient to act as a system. To do so, any instance or node created is required to communicate with other instances or nodes to form a functioning system. Different models of sharing are used as a part of decentralized database systems. 

3). Fault-tolerant 

A decentralized software can often assume the appearance and disappearance of nodes without warning. The modes may sometimes produce stale writes or data that can interrupt the operations of a database. Hence, decentralized systems are made with the help of architecture that maintains a list of all active nodes. It helps reduce the risks of any failure, and if one does occur, it is more convenient to identify what has gone wrong and rectify it due to the system’s ability to maintain node history. 

4). Trustless

It is slightly different from fault-tolerant, which calls for system designs to be resistant to faults. The trustless feature can tackle malicious or rogue nodes that may corrupt the entire system. A decentralized system means that you will not have control of all nodes. To prevent breaches, using cryptography can help make the system more secure and identify users who may not be a part of the database. 

3 Key Uses of a Decentralized Database

  • Data replication: A decentralized database can duplicate data across the running network. There may be variations in the implementations, but for the most part, each node carries the entire database. It is beneficial as since the nodes are distributed, it is possible to have very low latency to serve clients with the fastest nodes.
  • Data security: Decentralized systems carry an intrinsic “vetting” feature, which ensures that any data entered into a node is vetted by the network before any distribution takes place. It prevents the disruption of the network on a global scale in the unforeseen event of a node getting compromised. The feature helps remove common vulnerabilities one may come across.
  • Global stability: The architecture of a decentralized database is less prone to errors than that of a distributed system. Because of the central authority present, a single failure can render the whole cluster to become unusable. With decentralized systems, no central authority controls the processing of data. If a single node fails, the rest of the system can still run, thus providing higher levels of stability for those who use a decentralized database.

Decentralized Database Models

Based on the key factors of decentralized systems, there are three models that we can come across, namely blockchains, peer-to-peer, and Git.

  • Blockchains: It is one of the most popular models of the decentralized system, with over a thousand public blockchains in the market. It is an offline first system, which means that you can read and write onto a copy, or even initiate your own separate block with the same software. Blockchains make use of transaction and identity verification to achieve fault tolerance and trustlessness. Transactions are made using cryptographically proven identity so that all activity can be linked to one. The downside of Blockchains is their vulnerability to be taken over by rogue nodes. If a malicious user can get enough nodes to accept your new state as the truth source, then it is possible to shift the functioning of a chain. In order to prevent this, blockchains defend nodes through scale. The more nodes that are included in a blockchain system, it can become more fault tolerant and trustless. 
  • Peer-to-peer: It is a decentralized system that gained popularity in the 1990s. It was a means for people to share music with one another, and ultimately share media all over the internet. It enabled sharing of copyrighted material, which meant owners could only resort to suing for damage. BitTorrent is a popular example of such a system, along with Dat and IPFs for databases. In peer-to-peer systems, each node inside carries a subset of data locally stored on a device. It is an offline first system, which means that you can read or write data onto nodes without having an internet connection. To prevent malicious attackers, the system does so by being append-only. 
  • Git: It is a popular decentralized system that is often used for the purpose of version files. It was developed by Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, in 2005. In this decentralized model, each node carries file copies and the history of each of them. It is possible for nodes to create reads and writes of any past revisions. In the event that a node wants to share any change, it creates a “remote”. It then sends a “push” or receives a “pull”. The Git model is designed to calculate differences between all existing versions. By separating remotes from each node, the model can achieve fault tolerance and trustlessness. In the event of a node getting corrupted, it is possible to restore a previous state to a new remote. You can rely on copies present on other nodes to retrieve data in case of loss. The Git model requires trust to be present but not completely compared to blockchain models. 

Decentralized Database Options

  • BigchainDB: It attempts to combine the world of blockchain with database systems, thus giving a decentralized approach for all data storage needs. It was launched in 2016 and has become a stable alternative to MySQL. It provides high throughput, low latency, and built-in asset support as well. 
  • HarperDB: It offers the option of hybrid storage so you can have a setup where remote devices only worry about sending queries, and the databases take care of synchronizing data in the clusters. Because of the mechanisms provided, users can sync data across the globe and have their local devices maintain millisecond-level low latency for data needs. 
  • CovenantSQL: It is a new alternative that advertises itself as an open-source option compared to AWS’s QLDB. It aims to be a decentralized and SQL-backend database for any requirement.

7 Advantages of a Decentralized Database System

  • System expansion: Since a decentralized database system is spread across several machines, it is more convenient to expand them as and when needed. Users may add a new part to the system for expansion without forming any complications.
  • Transparent storage: Data stored in a decentralized database may have different transparency levels. Users can store it across multiple locations depending on the various levels attached for better security and accessibility. 
  • Hierarchical organization: Due to the decentralized approach, users can store data department-wise, depending on an organization’s needs. It makes it more convenient to set accessibility for different hierarchical levels of the organization. 
  • Data safety: Since the decentralized database system involves data storage on multiple machines, data will remain safe if a natural calamity hits and affects one part of the system.
  • Cost-effective to build the system network: Creating a network of systems that carries database parts is also convenient and cheaper. Networks can be made depending on the need to increase or decrease parts of the database.
  • Offline availability: The decentralized database system can make data available even if some nodes go offline. It can also carry on with its normal functions in such a case. 
  • Better reliability: Because the system is distributed, data is available at different points for accessibility. It is more reliable to use when necessary to view and act on different data.

7 Disadvantages of a Decentralized Database System

  • Complex for uniform views: Since a decentralized database is spread across multiple machines, it is often a complex process to ensure that each user can access a consistent view of all the data available through the database. 
  • Expensive to maintain: A decentralized database can be costlier to take care of due to its vastness. Maintaining all the machines involved across multiple locations can be costly for any business. 
  • Difficult to keep secure: Providing security to a decentralized database can be challenging since it is spread across many locations. It is necessary to ensure that all machines have the same level of secureness, which may prove expensive when covering a vast system. 
  • Data integrity is complex: With a decentralized system, maintaining data integrity can be challenging as there is a chance that redundancy may arise in several parts of the database in other locations. 
  • It is hard to find the right people to manage: Since a decentralized database is vast and spread across different machines and locations, managing it can be difficult. Finding the most suitable people with experience to monitor the database may not always be possible. 
  • Different data formats: The database may store several formats, which may cost valuable time when looking for specific requirements for any business activity.
  • Complex design: The database system can be complex as it has to consider fragmentation, allocation, and possible duplication of all stored data. It may increase the risk of miscommunication or missed data.  

Endnote

Decentralized database systems work across multiple machines and are accessible to involved parties who need to act on any data stored. They are different from distributed systems but can be included as a class of them. In a decentralized database system, nodes share data amongst themselves. But it has the downside that each node can be owned by an untrusted party. While they may be complex systems to build, secure, and monitor, the availability of advanced technology and software makes them more reliable. For example, the Blockchain decentralized system makes use of cryptography to make networks more secure. It ensures that all parties involved are verified before any data is passed on or distributed.

Top ReactJS Features Making It a Popular Choice for Web Development Projects

ReactJS is a leading JavaScript library that offers developers features not found in other libraries. These features include declarative programming, react-router, and react-hot-loader. ReactJS has made it possible for web developers to build applications more rapidly and with less code, making it the perfect choice for creating high-performance user interfaces.

ReactJS is a popular JavaScript library that has quickly become the go-to choice for web app development. In this article, we explore some of the features that give ReactJS an edge over other libraries and why they are so important. Whether you are just getting started with React or have been using it for a while, taking a look at these features will help you develop your applications faster and with greater efficiency.

The field of software development has been utterly surpassed by Facebook’s open-source ReactJS JavaScript package. ReactJS has been around for eight years, having debuted in 2013, and already holds a dominant position in the industry. 

ReactJS is still in demand, with developers globally indicating they use it to develop web applications. This does not come as a surprise since the demand for ReactJS developers has been growing steadily in recent years.

According to the most recent survey from a ReactJS development company named 4 Way Technologies, 40.41% of developers globally indicate that they use ReactJS to develop web applications. This makes ReactJS one of the most popular libraries among software developers and indicates its potential for widespread adoption in the near future. If you are looking to build a new website or update an existing one I recommend using ReactJS.

Two of the most widely used libraries by developers worldwide are ReactJS and React Native. Our talented developers recommend ReactJS for creating complex yet scalable apps. ReactJS has gained a lot of popularity in the past few years because of its unique features and capabilities. In this article, we are going to take a look at some of these features and discuss why they make ReactJS such an excellent library for building user interfaces.

1. Easy to learn

Easy to learn

This part is especially for ReactJS beginners. ReactJS is quite easy to learn. This is one of ReactJS’s key benefits for you, just as it has been for millions of developers around the world.

You would have no trouble using ReactJS if you are skilled with JavaScript. Any JS developer can pick up ReactJS fast and start working on complex apps. Consequently, you will get to do more things and learn less.

Why is mastering ReactJS so easy? The documentation for the ReactJS library is quite basic and straightforward, to begin with. Second, ReactJS strongly emphasizes simplicity and the avoidance of complexity at all costs. A huge online community that promotes ReactJS is also a great asset.

As a result, assuming you have a firm grasp of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, using ReactJS shouldn’t be too difficult.

2. Dynamic, user-friendly UI 

user friendly UI

One of ReactJS’s distinguishing characteristics is that developers may express user interfaces declaratively. This reduces the overall size of the codes, making them understandable and maneuverable. Create interactive user interfaces using ReactJS by changing the state of its component parts. This feature facilitates the development of software with simple user interfaces.

Another way ReactJS aids in the development of user-friendly user interfaces is through the usage of virtual DOMs. We’ll discuss virtual DOMs shortly.

ReactJS places a focus on keeping the code dependable without sacrificing its dynamic nature. The use of virtual DOMs is another example of this functionality. Debugging and coding optimization are not necessary.

3. An expansive library

An expansive library

ReactJS has always been a free and open-source library. We have access to a huge variety of assets that we can employ at every step of designing a user interface. It includes a big code repository. A sizable number of NPM packages also support ReactJS. By using these pre-built components, you can save time and resources. You don’t have to write code for every single detail of your user interface when using ReactJS. NPM is a part of GitHub. To enhance your UI, you can pull more than 160,000 ReactJS packages from it.

4. Reusable components

Reusable components

ReactJS’s main objective is to boost productivity. Its main objective is to expedite frontend development while maintaining high-quality UI. Because it has reusable components, ReactJS sets itself apart from other libraries. It enables one to work more effectively rather than harder.

So, what exactly are reusable components, you ask? You can employ these components repeatedly throughout the code. ReactJS allows you to design components that you may use (or reuse) on several builds. The component would produce the same functionality regardless of build. This saves you from writing tedious, repeated code. It also increases uniformity and develops your code style.

Higher output equates to shorter development times.

5. Virtual DOM

Virtual DOM

Virtual DOM is one of the crucial technologies in ReactJS’s toolbox that enables it to help with the development of intuitive UIs. I’ll go into greater detail now. The elements of the Document Object Model enable JavaScript to read information from web pages. ReactJS renders DOMs as virtual DOMs, sometimes known as clones of the real DOM. ReactJS only modifies these virtual DOMs when UI changes are necessary.

How does virtual DOM improve your software?

They accelerate data rendering. Your code or application’s pages will load more quickly as a result. This is a huge win for your company because quicker loading of websites enhances user experience.

In this case, an even more significant advantage is in store. Websites created with ReactJS load more quickly. Web crawlers prefer them over other websites as a result. This provides your company with major SEO advantages.

6. Painless testing

Painless testing

ReactJS is well renowned for “easing the pain” for developers. Who among developers doesn’t worry about the hassle of testing and debugging, after all? One of ReactJS’s main benefits is that testing is already included. There is a sizable advantage between ReactJS and the competing libraries.

React comes with a built-in testing mechanism called Jest. Your code snippets’ automated unit tests and integration tests can be run here. Jest is capable of testing a large amount of code and detecting anomalies and regressions. It would be much more advantageous for work development if you did not have to go back repeatedly to fix your code. When you present your finished work, the QA team will get a code that has fewer errors.

They collectively have a considerable influence on the time and money your initiatives can save.

7. Impressive scalability 

Impressive scalability

As a developer, the scalability of your code must be one of your top considerations. ReactJS will ease your concerns regarding the scalability of your software. ReactJS-based software may browse between numerous components. This suggests that regardless of how complex it is, your code would have exceptional scalability. ReactJS is perfectly interoperable with third-party frameworks. As a result, we have complete freedom to choose the tech stack of our choice.

8. Community support

Community support

ReactJS is an open-source library with a substantial number of components. This is handled with the aid of a pretty lively forum. There are millions of ReactJS repositories and thousands of tutorials on Stack Overflow, GitHub, and NPM. With them, you can usually find solutions to the problems you run into when working on ReactJS for development. This is tremendously calming for developers, especially those who are new to the platform. You may well be sure that a huge community will stand by you if you run across issues.

9. React storybook

React storybook

This discussion would be incomplete if Storybook wasn’t specifically included. It epitomizes everything we’ve said thus far is good about ReactJS. React Storybook is the best example of the features that make ReactJS unique. It draws attention to the ReactJS philosophy, which encourages original thought.

A React Storybook sounds enticing, so what is it? React Storybook is a tool for the development environment. In this setting, individual components can be created and tested. These elements of your main code can function on their own. This gives you complete flexibility to experiment and get better.

Conclusion

This conversation has finally come to an end. Every feature of ReactJS that sets it apart from other frameworks was explored. The library is well known for multiplying output. It also gets rid of the issues that coding runs into the most. Most importantly, it promotes imagination and innovation. Owing to features like virtual DOM, reusable components, JEST, and Storybook, ReactJS is the best-in-class for frontend development. Your experience in software development should be simpler thanks to ReactJS. especially if you are an avid JavaScript user.

How to Boost Your Remote Team’s Collaboration and Productivity

If you manage a remote team, you know there will be challenges that come with it. You’re not in the same room as your team, so it can be difficult to build trust and collaboration. And, let’s be honest, it can be hard to stay productive when you’re not in the office.

Luckily for you, many platforms, like Blink, came up with solutions to these common remote work problems. 

There is a wide range of collaboration and productivity software available on the market today, making it easier than ever for businesses to work together efficiently. If you are looking for ways to improve your team’s productivity, consider investing in one of these powerful tools. 

So let’s see how you can boost your remote team’s collaboration and productivity with these platforms.

1. Set Clear Goals

Set Clear Business Goals

It’s essential to set clear goals for your team. This will help everyone stay focused and on track. Make sure to communicate your goals clearly, and make sure everyone understands what they need to do.

Miscommunication creates confusion, and it can lead to lower morale. If your team members aren’t sure what they need to do or what their exact roles and responsibilities are, this could lead to friction within the team and affect the project’s progress and overall team dynamics.

2. Encourage Communication 

Encourage Communication

For a remote team to be effective, communication is key. The team must be able to communicate with each other in order to collaborate and be productive. Make sure everyone on your team feels comfortable communicating with each other. Encourage them to ask questions, share ideas, and give feedback. 

One of the greatest ways to achieve this is to set up an intranet communication channel. An intranet communication channel is a digital space where employees can communicate with each other. 

A great benefit of this channel is that you can expand it to more than just a business talk.

It could be the place for employees to talk about the books, films, and music they like. They could share pictures of their pets, places they visited, etc. These serve as great ice breakers, especially if you have new team members. Moreover, team members that perhaps hardly communicate may discover they share much more in common than they thought. This would make them inclined to collaborate more than before.

3. Video Conferencing

Video Conferencing

As the workforce continues to become more and more distributed, video conferencing tools are becoming an increasingly popular way for teams to stay connected and collaborate effectively. While there are many different video conferencing platforms to choose from, they all have the same goal of helping teams to communicate and work together more efficiently.

Video conferencing is a must for remote teams. It’s the best way to build trust and collaboration and is also great for staying productive. 

Video conferencing can provide many benefits for teams:

Increased communication and collaboration:

Video conferencing tools can help teams communicate and collaborate more effectively by providing a visual and auditory way to stay connected, no matter where team members are located.  This enables the team to see each other’s faces and body language, which can help build rapport and trust. 

Improved team productivity:

By eliminating the need for travel for in-person meetings, video conferencing can help teams be more productive by saving time and money. Video calls can also help boost team productivity by allowing team members to share their screens, files, and other collaborative features. Additionally, many video conferencing platforms offer features like recording and transcribing, which can help teams review and reference important discussions.

Enhanced team morale:

Staying connected with team members can help boost morale and keep everyone on the same page, no matter where they are located. 

Choosing the right video conferencing platform for your team can be a challenge because there are a number of factors to consider, including the size of your team, your budget, and the most relevant features. 

4. Encourage Regular Check-Ins

Encourage Regular Check-Ins

Encourage your team to check in with each other regularly. They can do this through video conferencing, chat, or even email. These check-ins can be as formal or informal as you like but should always be conducted with a spirit of openness and collaboration.

Regular check-ins help build trust and collaboration, and they also help keep everyone on track.

At regular check-ins, team members share what they’re working on, what’s going well, and what challenges they’re facing. This helps team members stay up-to-date on what’s happening, identify areas of overlap or potential conflict, and offer help and support to one another.

Here are some tips for making regular check-ins more effective:

  • Make sure everyone has a chance to speak.
  • Encourage team members to be honest and candid.
  • Encourage team members to ask for help when they need it.
  • Follow up after the check-in to make sure everyone is on track.

5.  Create a Collaborative Environment

Create a Collaborative Environment

If you create a shared space where everyone can work on projects together, you will encourage your team to work together and collaborate. Luckily, there are so many collaboration tools like Google Docs, Dropbox, Trello, Asana, etc. The last two will also help your team stay organized and keep track of tasks and deadlines.

Apart from these external collaboration tools, you can also set up your internal channel where you will store all the files, documents, and relevant information regarding a project. Thus, every team member can access them at any time. 

6. Take Breaks

Take Breaks

It is essential for teams to take breaks in order to boost productivity. Breaks allow team members to take a step back from their work and recharge their batteries. When team members feel refreshed, they are able to tackle their work better with renewed energy and focus. 

Also, taking breaks allows team members to socialize and build relationships with one another, which can improve team morale and communication.

Moreover, breaks also help prevent burnout. If team members feel overwhelmed or stressed, taking a break can help them reset and return to their work with fresh eyes.

 It is crucial to find the right balance of work and break time in order to maximize productivity. However, if team members are feeling overwhelmed, it is always better to allow taking more breaks rather than pushing through and burning out.

Make sure to take breaks and encourage your team to do the same. For example, step away from your computer and take a walk or grab a coffee. It’s important to recharge to be productive when you’re working. And it is essential that your team knows that.

7. Celebrate Successes

Celebrate Successes

Celebrating your team’s successes is important, regardless of how big or small the success is. 

Why? Because your team will feel appreciated, recognized, and motivated, and new members will feel welcomed.

People love to get recognition for a  job well done. This motivates them further to keep up the good work because they know that it matters and makes a difference.

Besides celebrating the company’s important dates and milestones, don’t forget to celebrate birthdays and special events in your team’s lives. In addition, working with a remote team gives you a great chance to meet other cultures. 

Use this fantastic benefit as a connecting experience. For example, the team members share their special holidays with the rest of the team. The whole meeting could be organized on the theme of that holiday. Doing so will help close any potential culture gap and bond the team more.

8. Organize Team Building Events

Organize Team Building Events

Closely related to the previous point is organizing team-building activities. What do we mean? People love having fun, and they love laughing and feeling relaxed. 

In order to boost your team’s collaboration, think about organizing activities that aren’t work-related but will bring the whole team together. 

Here are just some of the suggestions:

  • Trivia games
  • Quizzes
  • Karaoke 
  • Virtual Escape Rooms

Of course, if it works with your company’s budget and vision, you can also organize live team buildings in some holiday retreats.

Whatever you might implement, don’t forget that people connect most when they don’t feel pressure and when they are relaxed. So organizing the activities mentioned above will definitely bring an element of fun and warm-up to the team members. 

9. Don’t Micromanage

Micromanage

It is vital to see the difference between checking the project’s and the team members’ status and micromanaging.

Micromanaging is usually frowned upon because it has negative consequences for team productivity. One of the biggest problems with micromanaging is that the team members could feel constantly monitored and controlled, making them feel stressed and anxious. 

Furthermore, this can trigger a lack of motivation and engagement with their work. As a result, the productivity levels will decrease.

Additionally, micromanaging can lead to a lack of trust between managers and employees and a feeling of being unappreciated. The result? Lack of productivity.

 In order to avoid these negative consequences, managers need to avoid micromanaging and instead focus on creating an environment where employees feel trusted and valued. 

Final Thoughts

So, what would be the main takeaways here? First, keep communication channels open and encourage team members to communicate frequently. Second, use technology to your advantage and make sure everyone is on the same page. Third, recognize the need for breaks and off-work time and activities. Finally, be patient and understanding when problems arise. You can create a productive and cohesive remote team with little effort.