Reginald Chan

Category: Business

  • How to Maximize the Benefits of Points-Earning Cards?

    How to Maximize the Benefits of Points-Earning Cards?

    The idea of earning rewards for spending money would have been a crazy thought just a few short decades ago, but now it seems like nearly every single kind of credit card has some kind of benefit, points, or reward system for your spending habits. This allows you to rack up some bonuses when you are already spending money.

    You can earn points or rewards in many different ways. It could be for air travel or redeemable for a cash-value system. Whatever it is, there are a lot of cool things that your credit card can do for you. The idea of letting your card work for you is not new, but it, letting people enjoy some rewards for their use.

    If you have a points-earning card or are looking for one and need some help figuring out how to best maximize the benefits, check out these tips to help you out.

    Find Cards With Useful Points to Earn

    Not all points or rewards that these cards offer are going to be good. Some are great for everyday uses like groceries, but you want something that isn’t just a singular use. That is why an ultimate rewards credit card is so popular because it offers more points, therefore, offers more value. Not only that, but it could have a great ratio of points per dollar spent, with most cards being 1 point = $1. 

    Nearly every credit card company or bank offers a points-reward type card. You can get air miles, grocery rebates, gas rebates, general multi-use points, and in 2021 you can even get a Bitcoin reward card that works like a cashback card. There are a lot of options out there, so it can be tricky to pick the right one, but you want to make sure that the points you are earning are actually going to help you.

    Use Them For Big Purchases

    A good idea for getting the most out of your points-earning card is to use it for those big purchases. You probably already use your credit card for big purchases, like electronics, bills, etc. but you can really help yourself earn more points if you are doing that with a reward card. If every $1 spent = 1 point, then a big purchase of $1000 would equal 1000 points and help you get closer to, say, a dream vacation. Remember that these points aren’t free, and credit still needs to be paid back, so don’t go overboard making purchases you can’t afford just to earn some cool rewards.

    Use Them Often

    Some people rarely use their credit cards because they don’t want to rack up debt. This is a good solution for being safe with your money, but doing that also limits how many points you can earn with your card. If you use your bank/debit card to purchase everyday items, think about switching over to your credit card to start taking advantage of the total amount of points you can possibly earn. Groceries are a weekly purchase, and usually so is gas, so these can help account for a lot of points each week without you even realizing it. Another good idea is to make sure your bills (utilities, rent, cellphone, car insurance, etc.) are going through this card to get points without you having to even use the card, so to speak.

    Know What Purchases Give You Rewards

    It is also important to point out that not every purchase you make is going to help you earn those coveted points. There are a lot of retailers that will not be recognized by your credit card as a source of rewards for the card. The necessities like gas or groceries will definitely be one (although not all stores will help), but more niche items probably won’t be. Check the fine print of the rewards points agreement to see what they say and what counts towards rewards. You don’t want to be going out spending money on a lot of things only to find out that you don’t get anything for it.

    Keep the Balance Low and Pay It Off Quickly

    Always being late with your payments on your balance or carrying a balance will be bad news for your points earning potential. Not only will it increase your interest rate, which makes it even harder to spend money, but it will also pretty much erase any progress you made on accumulating those points. Be careful with your credit cards and ensure that you are either carrying a low balance, or you are making payments promptly.

    Have Multiple Cards

    Utilizing multiple cards and rewards is not only smart, but it’s also encouraged. It might seem like contradictory information to have multiple cards but for people who are responsible with their credit, this can help their score. In this case, you can take advantage of multiple offers from multiple different credit card companies to get a significant amount of points-earning potential. If one card intrigued you for its points earned for air miles, the other one might be able to get you better points rewards for everyday purchases like groceries or gas. Having a few cards is good, just remember that the same principles of owning a credit card apply, and then some, when you have multiple credit cards.

    Take Advantage of Welcome Bonuses

    There’s no love lost when you switch to a new rewards card. Big credit card companies won’t feel an emotional attachment, and neither should you. You can find some pretty incredible welcome bonuses for new points-earning cards from other companies. Instead of spending years with the same card trying to earn 20 000 points, switch to a new card that offers you 25 000 to sign up, which usually means spending a certain amount within the first few months. This saves you time and money on purchases.

    Earning points from your credit card purchases can be a great way to earn some valuable rewards. People have ended up paying for entire trips just through the points they accumulated over the years. With these tips, you can maximize your points-earnings and possibly end up being one of those people too.

  • How to Start Your Online Business in the Internet Jungle of 2020?

    How to Start Your Online Business in the Internet Jungle of 2020?

    Starting and running a successful online business is not easy; it involves many details and considerations. You need to choose a product that is in demand, grow your online presence, and drive traffic to your site, among many other factors. Read on to learn how to start your online business in the internet jungle of 2020.

    Generate a Viable Business Idea 

    Come up with a few different online business ideas, and choose the most feasible one based on your niche and target audience. There are various business ideas that you can consider, and online drop shipping can be a good one since it does not involve a large inventory. You do not have to manufacture or store any products when you choose this type of business. Instead, you will be selling different products manufactured by other companies, and your role will be only to market these products and attract customers online.    

    Before you start selling online, you must find the right niche that you will focus on. You need to conduct market research to evaluate the viability of the market you are considering. Think about different things that can impact your new business by evaluating the trending products in the market. Additionally, you must also conduct a competitive analysis to help in branding and positioning your business.  

    Optimize Your Sales Funnel Strategy

    The sales funnel strategy involves different steps that affect customer behavior.  Analyzing your sales funnel is crucial, as it helps you identify the weak points that may exist in each stage where some prospects will lose interest and never become paying customers. The digital marketing funnel consists of different stages that start from creating an opportunity, connecting with potential customers, converting them into paying clients, and ultimately, closing the sale. 

    Visitors land on your website through your search engine optimization strategy (SEO) that determines your site’s ranking on search engine results pages (SERP). The method uses unique searchable keywords that drive organic traffic to your site, marking the beginning of the sales funnel journey. The marketing consultants at https://marketing-leap.com/one-funnel-away-challenge-review/ explain that customers usually go through different stages before making their first purchase. You need to create brand awareness to catch the customers’ attention to know what your business offers. To spark the customers’ interest, you must then provide relevant content that will help them decide whether your products or services are right. At the decision or conversion stage, the customer will be ready to buy, so you need to be prepared to close the sale. 

    Choose the Right Ecommerce Platform

    Without the right e-commerce platform, your online business may not realize its intended goals. You should choose a channel that uses powerful software that can help you generate quality leads and attract traffic to your site. When the site is up and running, you need to stay on top of all the important details, starting with your customer engagement rates to your customer support and follow-up care. By closely monitoring your site’s performance, you can implement the necessary measures to help your venture grow.  

    Create an Email Marketing Campaign

    As you start building your customer base, you also need to bolster your business by using an email marketing campaign to generate quality leads by providing relevant and engaging content to your target clients. As little as one email per week can help you stay connected with your customers. If you want this strategy to be effective, you can personalize the emails and address the customers by their names. This helps create trust and promote loyalty between the customers and your business, as it makes them feel that they are valuable assets to your company. 

    It is important to continually provide valuable information that can help the customers solve different problems they may encounter. Make an offer at the end of the email that compels the leads to take action. Always keep in touch with your customers and thank them for investing in your products or services. Interacting with your customers through social media will also help you create a strong bond with them. 

    Measure Online Success

    You must measure your online success using analytics that will help you evaluate various key performance indicators. As your business grows, your sales funnel might require some tweaks as you begin to learn more about your customers. You may also be interested in diversifying your products and services down the line, and you will need the right information to do so. That is why it is vital to track your conversion rates to measure the success of your sales funnel. You must pay attention to each stage of the funnel to pinpoint the areas where certain changes are required. 

    Understand Business Laws

    Before you launch your product, you must be aware of the online business laws to avoid common pitfalls that can impact your new business. Start by reading up on laws regulating shipping, zoning, and trademark considerations to get insight into how your chosen market operates. You also need to analyze the market further to understand your real shoppers’ needs and interests. Only when you fully understand your prospective customers will you be ready to start operating. 

    Scale Your Business

    When your business reaches a stage where it’s performing steadily and strongly, you can gradually scale it to reach a wider audience. If you want to grow your business successfully, you must ensure that you regularly conduct market research to understand your customers’ ever-changing needs. It is always a great idea to learn from the industry’s top experts. Get first-hand information on how to make it in the e-commerce world by consulting other successful entrepreneurs who managed to grow their small businesses and become successful.  

    Starting an online business can be quite challenging. First off, you need to come up with a viable market idea and identify your niche to start building your venture. You must also design a quality website for your business and provide unique and engaging content to generate quality leads and help your target audience find what they will be looking for. When you close a sale, try to retain the customer so that they can make repeat purchases.    

  • Understanding the Probability of Winning in Online Casino Slots

    Understanding the Probability of Winning in Online Casino Slots

    It is on the online casino slots that millions of players around the world find a form of entertainment deemed fit for their free time. From vibrant themes to captivating gameplay and the glitter of massive winnings, it’s not hard to see why Betway and other online platforms have built a huge and loyal user base around them. Online slot games employ Random Number Generators (RNGs) that perform their functions; an RNG is a complexly designed algorithm that makes sure every spin is independent and entirely random.

    When we step behind the reels and flashing lights, we enter a realm of probabilities where everything shapes itself mathematically so that wins can be determined when a player wins and how much by the odds. Such that anything a player does in the current spin cannot influence its outcome, thereby making the previous spins independent events altogether. Though this offers fairness and unpredictability, it also means that with casino slots, no winning strategy is guaranteed. This fact is crucial for every player engaging in casino slots and should to considered when choosing a reputable platform, which is transparent and operates under regulated gaming systems.

    The Return To Player (RTP) percentage is the one key metric to be understood while discussing slot probabilities. It gives a general idea of how much money, on average, a slot game is expected to return to the players over a longer period. In practical examples, if a slot game has an RTP of 96 percent, this means that over a huge number of spins, that particular game would return $96 for every $100 wagered. But that is only average and not guaranteed; some may strike a jackpot, and others will lose it all. Betway has the greatest variety of slot games, with competitive RTPs that allow players to make informed choices based upon their risk-reward preferences.

    Winning can always appear vague in online casino slots, but an understanding of variance and volatility could help in managing expectations because a high volatility slot can have bigger wins hit less often; a low volatility slot will have smaller wins but much more frequently. If anything, players must know those games in which they can benefit more, given their play style and budget. Then there is Betway, and right at the core, they offer interfaces that are user-friendly and give the best insights into the game to guide players to develop the best experience possible, especially while playing casino slots that suit their needs.

    Bonuses and promotions are also important for prolonging playing time and maybe even increasing winnings. Free spins and deposit bonuses are another way to get users trying different games without putting in a lot of their own money. These bonuses don’t change the odds of winning, but they offer added value and can be a strategic advantage if used wisely.

    Like that final blow at the end, it all ends with responsible gaming from the thrill of the spin. Winning becomes an event that one should see through entertainment to really experience rather than seeing it as a guaranteed way to make money. Betway has always and consistently laid its emphasis on responsible gaming, with tools for users to set limits, breaks or ask for assistance when need be. Not only does this keep players safer, but it also creates a happier and more sustainable gaming experience.

  • What You Should Know About Reverse Engineering?

    What You Should Know About Reverse Engineering?

    In the world of product design and manufacturing, reverse engineering is one of the most important practices in many businesses. The process can provide you with the tools to scan data of a certain product or a tool, manipulate it according to your production needs, and eventually, reproduce it. This has proved quite useful, mainly because it reduces the number of hours manufacturers need to capture and recreate data from existing products or objects. If you suspect that reverse engineering can be of use to your business, you’ll need to know everything there is about it first. To make an informed decision on whether or not to use reverse engineering in your business, continue reading the guide below. 

    What Is It Used For?

    When it was first devised, reverse engineering was mainly used for espionage. Commercial organizations as well as the military have been hiring reverse engineering experts to know more about their competitors’ or enemies’ products and how they’re exactly used. Nowadays, reverse engineering is more of a learning tool than an espionage weapon. The superb ability to replicate other products without knowing their making is an important feat for developing new, more compatible, and on-demand products. Reverse engineering can also be used for making software the interoperates more efficiently between operating systems or databases. It is also used to learn the undocumented features of commercial products.

    3D Scanning and CAD

    Although the basic principles of reverse engineering may sound simple enough to us, it is still a complex process that requires a deep understanding of how reverse engineering software programs work, particularly 3D scanners and 3D CAD programs. The reverse engineering experts over at nextgenmetrology.com/ explain that 3D scanning technology works hand in hand with 3D CAD to enable manufacturers and product designers to create digital models of pretty much anything. Once 3D scanning technologies like laser scanners, Industrial CT scanners, or CMMs are employed, the reverse engineer will have raw scanned data with accurate measurements of all the surfaces of the scanned product or object. However, this data (also known as point cloud data) doesn’t display geometric properties, which is why it is translated into a usable format like triangular-faced mesh, a CAD model, or a series of NURBS surfaces. Whatever virtual model you have, you can run that model on a 3D CAD, CAE, or any software to manufacture this product to match the original.  

    Advantages of Reverse Engineering

    Reverse engineering, as we mentioned previously, is one of the best learning tools in the manufacturing industry; it can be used to improve existing products and provide products that match the markets’ demands. 3D scanning tools and CAD technology are also important in speeding the production process and saving on production costs. So, instead of designing a product or building a certain object from scratch, the 3D scanned and redesigned data you have will be much faster to create than your normal product. Reverse engineering technology will also tell you what to expect in terms of production costs for new components, expected returns on your new products, and help you identify potential legal issues relating to patents.

    Steps Involved

    If you’re planning on using reverse engineering on a new project of yours, you must know the exact steps involved to recreate them in your workspace or workshop. Basically, you’ll have to start with deciding which equipment will be best able to capture the data you need. In case you don’t know where to get scanning equipment, there are several services online that will happily ship them for you. Furthermore, you should start by scanning the original geometrics with your equipment. If you inform the reverse engineering equipment manufacturer of the details of your project, they’ll be able to recommend the best tools to use for it. Once the scanning is complete, you’ll be able to convert the data to geometric proportions or a point model, which you’ll use eventually to do 3D printing.

    Choose the Right Equipment

    It is really easy to get dazzled by the latest technology and equipment provided by manufacturers. This is no different when it comes to choosing the right equipment for a 3D printing project. Sure, cheaper and simpler options might seem a bit lackluster for you, but the truth is they can still do the job as much as the latest pieces of technology can. So, unless you’re going to buy the best high-end technology there is without considering your options, here’s how to choose your equipment.

    3D Scanners

    Depending on the accuracy you need for your project and the intended application, you will be able to choose a good 3D scanner. For example, complex designs will require a high level of accuracy that only high-end laser systems can provide; however, these devices can be well above the budget of any organization due to their costly price tag. Instead, you can opt for a more cost-effective solution like the white-light scanning systems, which are capable of creating an STL model that you can use on any reverse engineering software.

    Software

    Specialized software is a must if you want to start with reverse engineering. Make sure that you purchase an impeccable reverse engineering software that can collect and interpret data collected by your scanners. This software should be able to take a cloud of data points and make connections with high accuracy. It should be user-friendly and easy to operate on your PC or laptop. The end result will be a digital model of the original object that you can then add to the CAD program/s you have and start with the 3D printing process. Of course, you must have a capable person handling this software to minimize human error in the final result.

    Operators

    In addition to the hardware and software, you will need human operators who are well-versed in engineering technology. Sure, your software programs will do their best while performing and make analyses to eliminate any errors, but a trained technician or a reverse engineering expert is a crucial part of this project, as they will be able to tweak and change your progress so that the end result matches your goals.

    Reverse engineering and 3D printing is considered the pinnacle of 3D manufacturing. However, as is the case with pretty much all products, you might be facing some patent or proprietary limitations, which can halt your progress. Therefore, you must make sure that you know your limitations and clear out any issues first before getting started with reverse engineering.

  • What To Know About Setting A Website Up For Your Webinars?

    What To Know About Setting A Website Up For Your Webinars?

    Webinars, or “web seminars” provide people and businesses with the ability to bring people together from all around the globe to discuss and collaborate, even during these difficult times of pandemic and social isolation. Webinar platforms work great for this purpose, however, if you want maximum traffic through your website, then it may benefit you more to host it through your website. There are many ways you can ensure your webinar’s success, and this article will give you a few tips on how you can make that possible.

    What Is an Embedded Webinar?

    The definition of an embedded webinar is just where a webinar can be found on the homepage of a website. The folks at nerder.com say that this can be a challenging thing to code into your website, that is why you should leave it to the IT experts. This will alleviate the hassle of learning how to do it. If this is just a one-time thing, then that might be a better option for you. However, if this is something you’d like to do more than once, then it’s quite easy to learn how to do it if you truly want to learn. 

    The Benefits of an Embedded Webinar

    While many platforms offer services designed specifically for webinars, hosting it through your website instead has a few special benefits that you won’t receive if done any other way. Below are just a handful of reasons why you should choose to host through your website. 

    Expand Your Following

    There is a possibility that people who attend your webinar will not be as familiar with your website as others. This creates more of a following for you that you would not have gained otherwise. Also, the followers you already have are more likely to accept the invitation since they already frequent your website. This will result in a greater turn-out for your webinar. On top of this, the webinar will broadcast in many locations, thus increasing traffic on your website. If your site has SEO optimization, then this will do wonders for your website. 

    Better Branding

    Branding is an important part of any business nowadays and determines the way people interpret a company and evaluate how trustworthy they are. Regardless of whether or not this is a reasonable way to judge a company, it is the reality of the world we live in and businesses must adjust. ClickMeeting is the major player in the world of webinars and offers branding features where you can play around with your logos and overall image. With this feature, you can match your webinar to your blog or website. 

    Unique Content

    Hosting from your website will give your page a type of content that maybe your page (or your competition’s) hasn’t seen before. This adds versatility, allowing your website to be less one-dimensional. 

    How to Embed a Webinar

    The steps for embedding a webinar on your website or blog are quite simple. The steps do not require much expertise and can be completed in minutes if followed closely. Look for a software or an app that offers great support for anyone needing extra assistance with setup. 

    Features Needed for Embedding

    There are a few features that your website needs for the web seminar to go smoothly. Before sending out all the invitations, make sure your website has the following.

    Video Embedding

    Video embedding is, of course, a necessity to host a webinar from your blog, support site, or resource center. Video embedding allows you to input a code on your page that will appear as your webinar. This will allow you to host a webinar that reaches many people all across the globe instead of confining you to a single platform that will only reach those who receive an invitation. Hosting from your own page will make it where you can sidestep using a webinar platform altogether, which will save you money and the time it takes to learn how to use it. 

    Video Snipping

    You’ll want to be able to cut out useless content from your webinar. Parts, where there are delays or pauses, should be cut out so more people will be willing to watch your webinar all the way through. Remember to always keep an original copy of your webinar, but put the edited version on your website so anyone who couldn’t make it can find out what they missed. 

    Transcripts

    This is a new feature that allows you to download, generate, and publish the transcripts of all your webinars. This is an amazing tool that will connect you with a wider base of people who might not have understood the entirety of the webinar due to language barriers or hearing impairments. It also accomplished the following:

    • Increases your rankings and improves SEO
    • Meets compliance regulations 
    • Makes your website more accessible
    • Allows viewers to scan webinars for useful information

    Choosing a Topic

    You’ll want to select a topic that piques the interest of your typical viewers but will also somehow appeal to those who don’t. When you choose your topic, make an outline of the subjects that will be discussed alongside the main ones. If it’s possible, get a guest speaker who is well-versed in the topic or well-known in the community of those who might follow your website. There’s a chance that many will fill your seats just to hear what that person has to say. It will also give you and your blog or website credibility. 

    Promoting the Webinar

    Social media has made promoting much easier, but there are ways you can make your webinar stand out from the rest. One way is to get the guest speaker to put out a video or post encouraging others to tune in. Always make sure that the time, place, and any other important details are included in the promotion ads. 

    Time should be managed efficiently, and make sure not to start too late after the original start time or to finish much later, as many people might have engagements. Once the seats are filled and you’re ready to begin, you might experience some nervousness or unexpected awkwardness. The best way to avoid this is by practicing what you’re going to say many times before the webinar. This will ensure that you’re fully prepared and there won’t be any surprises.

  • How a Security Camera Can Make Employees Feel Safe?

    How a Security Camera Can Make Employees Feel Safe?

    Providing a healthy and safe workspace for your employees is the most important and at the same time the most basic thing you can offer them. Multiple studies have shown that the person who is feeling safe and cared for is happier and more relaxed, which causes increased motivation and productivity. One of the best ways to provide just that is by installing a security camera system on your business property, which can serve both as the prevention and the key to solving a possible problematic situation that your employees have gotten into.

    Customers Committing Theft

    A customer shoplifting or stealing isn’t necessarily dangerous for the employee but it surely is an uncomfortable and frustrating situation. It is hard to remember the faces of all of the customers in detail and it could be crucial for catching the perpetrator. By installing cameras, you won’t leave such a heavy burden on your employees and at the same time, you will get the necessary hard evidence of misconduct. In some cases, if the worker confronts the person who is stealing, they could react badly and cause verbal or physical harm to them. Having it all videotaped will help your employee have some peace of mind knowing that the whole incident is caught in video form.

    Theft of Employee’s Private Property

    Unfortunately, there is also a possibility of the personal property of the employee being stolen or destroyed in the workplace. For example, they have their own office in which they receive clients. It is a busy day and in the moment of inattention one of the clients steals something of theirs, like a cellphone or a wallet, and they don’t notice it until later. Because of the quantity of the clients, possibly heavy workload, and tiredness they may not remember every client that walked through the evidence. This is the moment in which the video footage of the day would be crucial for determining the perpetrator. Additionally, it is not that impossible that due to some sort of dispute between them and other employees someone who they work with steals their things. Nobody wants to work in that kind of climate and those kinds of people, so determining who did it may be crucial for the smooth run of the company.

    Armed Robberies

    This is one of the most dangerous situations an employee may be met with. There are protocols in every establishment which are required in these kinds of situations, but it is nonetheless extremely scary and stressful. The employee who went through this event may be too traumatized to remember every detail, or in some unfortunate cases even hurt. When the police are called they will surely ask if you have security cameras installed because that is the most accurate representation of what took place. It will help them determine the exact time, place, and harm that was done, the perpetrator is more likely to be caught and your employee will get their justice.

    Harassment

    If your employee files a complaint of harassment to you about another employee or a client, it is important to believe them and find out what happened exactly. Having security cameras could help you with that. Whether it be sexual harassment, stalking, or verbal abuse, you will be able to determine the exact event and bring the guilty party to justice. This will improve your relationship with your worker and they will feel consoled and cared for, making them more eager to go to a safe place of work.

    Conflict

    As previously mentioned, there is a chance that there may be some conflict between the employees, and it could escalate to some of the more serious offenses. Also, you could never know your clients completely, and there have been many cases where clients caused a conflict between them and the worker because some of their needs weren’t met the way they wanted them to be. This could be extremely disruptive to the work environment, and having security cameras could be a key to proving that your employee has been put in an uncomfortable situation.

    Violence

    Every conflict that was previously mentioned could in the worst-case scenario escalate to a violent episode. There have even been cases of fights between the clients in some establishments. It is not that common but it happens, and solving the problem and punishing the guilty party will be much easier if the place in which it had played out has video footage of the event. The safety of employees could be seriously damaged, so you need to offer them some comfort along with hard evidence.

    Injuries in the Workplace

    If the employee gets hurt in their workplace, they will need some sort of evidence of it to be able to get their personal insurance compensation. Medical bills could be extremely costly, and it could cause your employee additional stress. To prove to them that you care about their well-being, it would be best to provide them with the footage that will help them in their case. Well cared for employees are happy employees.

    Invasion of Employee’s Privacy

    Let’s end with the main concern that people have when they hear that the video security system will be installed at the place they work in and that is an invasion of their privacy. That is why there are a few things you should discuss with them before doing that. It is important to be extremely transparent and inform them about video surveillance immediately. Don’t hide the cameras from them and avoid installing them in places that require privacy, like bathrooms. It would also be a smart idea to avoid filming the sound with the security camera, as it would make your workers feel like they aren’t able to talk to each other freely and like they are being controlled. 

    Final Word

    As we can see from previous examples, there are a lot of unpredictable things that could happen to an employee. Knowing there is evidence that could prove the cause of their misfortune and help them get their justice will make them feel comfortable and safe. No business can be successful if the workers are treated badly and carelessly, so make sure that you give them everything they need to feel at ease and happy. In these cases, security cameras could be crucial for that exact purpose.