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Navigating the New Normal: Aligning Traditional Businesses with Technological Innovations

Navigating the New Normal: Aligning Traditional Businesses with Technological Innovations

Technology constantly evolves, and businesses are forced to adapt to the changes to keep up with the competition. We have seen a major shift towards digitalization and technology-driven innovations in recent years. Experts consider that this has been further accelerated by the global pandemic, which has completely changed our way of living and conducting business.

As traditional businesses struggle to survive in this new landscape, it has become crucial for them to embrace technological advancements and incorporate them into their strategies. Raja Younas will discuss the importance of aligning traditional businesses with technological innovations to navigate the new normal and stay ahead in today’s competitive market.

Adapting to the New Normal

The New Normal is a complex ecosystem shaped by an amalgamation of global forces, from pandemics that accelerated digital adoption to market disruptors challenging long-standing business paradigms.

Consumer behavior is more dynamic than ever. The rise of digital natives and the increasing purchasing power of millennials have shifted preferences towards experiences and convenience. Understanding these shifts is paramount for staying relevant.

Technology is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity to meet evolving consumer demands. Businesses that cater to these changing needs are surviving and thriving, showing how technological innovations are the backbone of growth.

The Importance of Embracing Technological Innovations

Traditional businesses that fail to embrace technological innovations risk falling behind their competitors and becoming irrelevant. Here are some key reasons why traditional businesses must adapt to technology to thrive in the new normal:

Improved Efficiency: Technology can automate and streamline various tasks, helping businesses save time and resources. This allows employees to focus on more important tasks and increases overall efficiency.

Enhanced Customer Experience: With the rise of e-commerce and online services, customers now expect a seamless digital experience from businesses. By incorporating technology, traditional businesses can meet these expectations and provide a better customer experience.

Competitive Advantage: Businesses embracing technology have a competitive edge over those that do not. They can innovate faster, improve their processes, and offer better products and services, giving them an advantage in the market.

Cost Savings: While investing in technology may seem expensive initially, it can ultimately lead to cost savings in the long run. With automated processes and improved efficiency, businesses can reduce operational costs and increase profits.

How to Align Traditional Businesses with Technological Innovations

Now that we understand the importance of embracing technology, the question arises – how can traditional businesses align themselves with these innovations? Here are a few steps that businesses can take:

Conduct a Technology Audit: Begin by assessing your current technology infrastructure and identifying areas that need improvement. This will help you understand the technologies that most benefit your business.

Invest in Training: To incorporate new technology successfully, employees must be trained to use it effectively. Consider investing in training programs to ensure your team has the necessary skills.

Collaborate with Tech Companies: Traditional businesses can benefit from collaborating with tech companies and startups specializing in e-commerce, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. This allows them to leverage cutting-edge technologies without having to build them in-house.

Embrace a Culture of Innovation: To truly align with technological innovations, businesses must foster innovation and adaptability. This means being open to change and continuously seeking ways to improve processes and strategies.

Benefits for Traditional Businesses

Technology integration offers many benefits for those willing to adapt, from efficiency improvements to expanded market reach.

Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Technology can streamline processes, leading to dramatic efficiency gains allowing businesses to do more with less.

Improved Customer Engagement and Satisfaction: Tech-enabled services’ personalization capabilities can create deeper customer connections, fostering loyalty and advocacy.

Access to New Markets and Business Opportunities: Technological integration can open doors to new markets and partnerships, enabling businesses to explore uncharted territories for growth.

Final Thoughts

Technology constantly evolves, and traditional businesses must evolve to stay relevant and competitive in the new normal. Raja Imran Younas believes by embracing technological innovations, businesses can improve efficiency, enhance customer experience, and gain a competitive advantage. Businesses need to conduct a technology audit, invest in training, collaborate with tech companies, and foster a culture of innovation to align themselves with these advancements. Adapting to the ever-changing technological landscape can help traditional businesses thrive in today’s market.

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Five Adventure Travelers to Follow on YouTube This Year

Five Adventure Travelers to Follow on YouTube This Year

At certain times in your life, you may want to go on an adventure and travel to new places. While adventures can be fun, they can also be dangerous. Due to this, you may want to experience an adventure through a video. Let’s look at five different adventure travelers you can watch on YouTube and enjoy their content.

Marc Zboch

Marc Zboch takes a different approach from the other adventure travelers on YouTube, which makes him unique. Instead of posting vlog-like videos on his channel, he has short clips that give examples of fun adventures he goes on. This way, you can get a taste of his life and the different things he does.

For example, Marc has a video where he encounters a shark underwater and another one where he records himself skydiving. On the other hand, he has another video where he makes a balloon animal while standing on a slackline. He may not have that many videos, but he’s one to keep your eye on for updates and content.

Gabriel Traveler

Gabriel Traveler focuses on showing you isolated locations throughout the world. He takes a vlog approach when it comes to his videos: he shows the areas, talks about how he got there and discusses everything you need to know. This information makes these videos great for people interested in seeing sights around the world that they wouldn’t normally come across.

He provides lots of information about the area when he visits them, so if you want to visit soon, you can use that information. He spends lots of time at beaches in various countries and he’s willing to ride a bike to areas that interest him. If you want to focus on the natural beauty of traveling, then Gabriel might a great option.

The Adventure Travelers

This channel focuses on a couple that likes to travel and go on hikes around the world. From hiking the North Rim Grand Canyon to Boondocking in Utah, they will give you a variety of experiences. They focus on giving you a first-person perspective during these trips, so this will let you see what these areas can offer to you.

Even though many of their videos happen in the United States, they will also visit other countries. They put a heavy focus on hiking and spending time near the ocean. Some of their videos even involve seeing things like sea lions in San Diego, so if you want to see beautiful landscapes, this is the channel for you.

Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown makes things interesting by using a drone to show off different landscapes. Many of his videos show the landscape and adventures from the ground level, but you can also check out drone videos if they interest you. He will go on hikes, visit other countries and go on road trips.

Ryan Brown likes to offer advice to people interested in doing what he does. For example, he has a video about how to improve your channel and how he started adventuring full time. He also posts supercuts that show the different places he travels to, so if you don’t want to watch all of his videos, you can watch his recaps.

High on Life

High On Life used to post a lot of videos, but they went on hiatus for a year. However, they recently returned and started posting videos this year, so you should watch their videos. Their vlogs focus on giving information on their locations and enjoying their time in the wild as friends.

If you want to enjoy a group of friends spending time together while going on adventures, this would be a solid choice. Since they recently started posting videos again, you can see some of their new travels, such as visiting Mexico and other locations. You should watch them and see what they will bring to the table this year.

Conclusion

If you don’t have time to travel, or you worry about some of the dangers involved, you can enjoy those experiences through these videos. These various YouTubers will provide you with multiple videos, so you can see the different adventures they all go on. Make sure you subscribe and check on them to see their new videos.

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Hallie Gay Walden Bagley Was Featured On Rookstool Interviews

hallie-gay-walden-bagley 3

Hallie Gay Walden Bagley was featured on Rookstool Interviews where she discussed how she first got into her industry.

It was providence. I used my interest in what goes on with others under the surface (you can call it psychoanalysis if you will) and my skill with words and belief in education to give me the idea of what I love to do, helping coach students through their college process. It’s the combination of the two that really elevates my execution. However, certainly those 6 years at The Paris Review, as managing editor putting out a literary quarterly and working with very talented writers, that certainly had a lot to do with everything.

Hallie Gay Walden Bagley, Rookstool Interviews

You can read the full interview by visiting: https://www.rookstoolinterviews.com/hallie-gay-walden-bagley/

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Grand Canyon Advisors Shares The Best Credit Cards For Travel Points

Grand Canyon Advisors Shares The Best Credit Cards For Travel Points

With so many credit cards to choose from, it can be hard to decide what kind of rewards you want. While most reward cards are going to require a high credit score, one of the best rewards you can choose are travel points. Not only is this great for those that already travel a lot, but it’s also really good for those that want to earn points for future vacations with every day purchases. With that being the case, this article is going to look at 5 of the best credit cards for travel points that are recommended by leaders of the industry, like Grand Canyon Advisors.

The Platinum Card from American Express

Even though this card has an annual fee of $550, it’s well worth it. Not only is there the chance that you’ll get a welcome bonus of 60,000 travel points, but you can also get 5x membership rewards on flights booked through American Express and prepaid hotels through the American Express travel site. In addition, the card has a yearly credit of $200 for airlines, $200 for Uber, $100 for Saks Fifth Avenue and a Global Entry or TSA Pre Check fee waiver every 4 years.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

You could also get the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. One of the biggest benefits of this card is that the rewards can be transferred to several different frequent flyer and hotel reward programs. This means you can use your points on more than just one spot. In addition, if you redeem your points for traveling, you get a bonus of 25%! After you spend $4,000 in the first three months of having the card, you’ll get 60,000 travel points. That’s around $750 of free traveling!

Bank of America Travel Rewards Visa Credit Card

The rewards for this card are extremely easy to earn. If you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days of having the card, you’ll get 25,000 bonus points, which equals about $250. In terms of earning, you can earn 1.5 points for every $1 you spend. There aren’t any specific categories or caps for earning either! If you’re a Bank of America Preferred member, you’ll be able to earn an additional 25%-75%, depending on what tier you are.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Another great card for travel points is the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card. The great thing about this card is that you can transfer your credits to 12 different partners. This means you can redeem your rewards with multiple different companies. If you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months, you’ll get a bonus of 20,000 reward points, which equals to around $200. Just like other cards on this list, there aren’t any specific categories or caps you have to worry about. You’ll earn 1.25 reward miles for every $1 you spend!

Discover it Miles Credit Card

This card has some pretty nice benefits. For starters, every $1 you spend means you’ll get around 3 reward miles for the first year. This means you can wrack up your rewards pretty quickly. In addition, Discover will match the rewards you earn in your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 miles in your first year, you’ll actually end up with 70,000! After the first year, you’ll earn 1.5 miles for every $1 spent.

If you want to get a card that’s recommended by well-known companies, like Grand Canyon Advisors, then you should give these a look. While they’re all going to get you travel points, some are going to have better rewards than others. You want to make sure you choose the one that will fit your needs the best

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Colby Lee Burke Hilton Head Resident Discusses His Future In Travel Writing

Colby Lee Burke Hilton Head Resident Discusses His Future In Travel Writing

Colby Lee Burke, Hilton Head resident doesn’t see his travel bug diminishing anytime soon. In fact, in a recent interview, he said,

“The plan is to continue traveling and writing for the foreseeable future. At some point or another, I may release a guide of some sort about my favorite locations to visit.”

You can read about his future plans and the full interview by visiting:
https://warlockasyluminternationalnews.com/2019/01/17/interview-with-colby-lee-burke-on-travel-and-the-hilton-head-island-in-south-carolina/

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Ismail Sirdah Discusses Travel Photography

Ismail SirdahThere is a lot of beauty in the great wide world, and Ismail Sirdah has shot a great deal of it.  Sirdah has a passion for capturing the essence and emotions of all of the life around him no matter where he happens to be at the moment.  He sees his work as creating a memory and an image that conveys all of the emotions and visceral senses happening in each shot he takes. Ever since he got his first SLR camera as a young man, Ismail Sirdah has been obsessed with documenting the life around all of us.  Whether it be the mountains of Tibet, the streets of New York, or the lights of nighttime Paris.

He studied under several mentors as a Photographer’s assistant learning the ropes and ways to blend new techniques to create is extremely expressive images.  Working successfully as a professional photographer for years, he decided that the best way to help the photography world was to inspire the new generation of up and coming pro’s.  He started a school and a great many of his alumni’s have now started their own successful photography businesses.

Now Ismail Sirdah has returned to his one true passion, and has become a full time professional photographer once again.  He sees his work as creating memories for his clients. Something that they can show to their grandkids that will greatly express the emotion and essence of a moment in time that will never be forgotten.

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Ismail Sirdah Multi-Faceted Photographer

Ismail Sirdah Multi-Faceted Photographer

Ismail-SirdahMaster photographer and multi-faceted businessman Ismail Sirdah is a good man to listen to when it comes to multiple subjects. In every matter that he has put his hand into, he has shown a passion for new ideas and innovation that have helped him to succeed in the competitive and difficult world of entrepreneurship.

Arriving in Savannah as an immigrant from South Africa, he started out working for a catering business before realizing that he was on the wrong path. The risk he took by leaving has since paid off.

The genesis of his photography career was closely related to his career in the music business. After years of working with local bands to increase their visibility, he decided to start his own photography business rather than pay a professional photographer for every promo shoot that his business required. Thus, a desire to save some money turned into a lifelong passion.

Ismail Sirdah says that he was always passionate about photography, but this gave him a business reason to learn the art. So, he enrolled at the Savannah College of Art and Design and learned the subtleties of the art from some of the best.

About productivity, Mr. Sirdah has a little trick that he likes to use in order to maximize his time management. He writes down three important matters that he will focus on for that particular day. Part of the plan is to ignore other things that pop up and get in the way. The idea is to tackle every problem one at a time in an organized fashion. It is hard to deny that this approach is effective.

You can see how he gained a reputation for innovation, both in his business management style and his unique approach to photography. He has popularized drone photography in the Miami area by building his own custom UAV’s to capture unique shots from around the city. As for business, Mr. Sirdah recommends that, above all else, you avoid becoming stagnant. Without the desire to pursue fresh ideas, he argues, one cannot grow.

 

Read the full IdeaMensch: https://ideamensch.com/ismail-sirdah/

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10 Of The Most Popular Travel Experiences in the World

10 Of The Most Popular Travel Experiences in the World
Douglas Knight New Canaan
Rome is home to more than just the Colosseum. Although it is more than likely on your list to see as well. There are many other places to visit in the beautiful city. It is home to the Vatican City as well. See the famous painting of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel or toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain. Another place that is high on the list is St. Peter’s Basilica. Don’t forget to do a little shopping at the flea market in Porta Portese. There are tons more to see as well including the Pantheon and the Roman Forum among others.

The Holy Land

This is a destination that many travels to no matter what their religion may be. It is a place that holds a special meaning for the Jewish, Christian, Catholic, Muslim and Islam faiths. It is a trip that all religions vow that all should visit at least once in their life.

The City of Love

The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions the city of love in Paris. Paris is a popular destination for the ambiance of romance. Romance and love seem to cascade from the top of the Eiffel Tower throughout the city of Paris. Take a dinner cruise on the Seine River. Watch a Cabernet Show or see the Notre Dame. There is much to do for all in this bustling city that is for more than just lovers.

Museums of Washington D.C.

Douglas Knight New Canaan is an expert at knowing just where to go in the popular cities. Washington D.C. is no different. The Capital of the United States is home to many museums to visit. From the postal service to the Holocaust, there is something for everyone here. See the fossils from dinosaurs in the Natural History Museum. You can even show your respect for the lives lost over the years at Vietnam and other memorial statues. This is a city that is definitely worth spending some time in.

Beaches of the Tropics

Relax in the sun of the Caribbean for some peace of mind. The beauty of the tropics is warm and refreshing. The dynamic food isn’t found anywhere else but here. Travel through the western or eastern hemisphere to see beautiful islands. This includes places like St. Thomas, Bahamas, Mexico, and Jamaica as well as others.

Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia’s known for the Sydney Opera House. There are other things to visit this city for though. The land of Australia’s made of many aboriginal people. The land is vast and contains many species of animals and reptiles. It is also home to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest reef in the world. Australia is known to attract surfers and scuba divers for the beauty of its waters.

Capetown, South Africa

Capetown is one of the largest cities in Africa. The town’s known mainly due to the speeches made by Nelson Mandela. It is a land that is beautiful with untouchable wildlife. It remains one of the most beautiful places to find Safari animals. Majestic animals live here such as elephants, giraffes, rhino, lions and more.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a bustling city known for its technology and advancement in the industry. There is much to do in Hong Kong and see. This is a city that is rich in history and hands-on experiences. Douglas Knight New Canaan advises to purchase the on and off tour and stay close to your party. It is easy to get lost on your own.

London

The would of London, England from someone’s mouth reminds you of two different things. This can be the nursery rhyme London Bridge is Falling Down or what’s known as Big Ben. Both of these are iconic places to visit when in the city of London. One other thing to do is find the local pub for a pint of ale and some fish and chips. You won’t be disappointed in getting this staple there.

Bangkok, Thailand

This busy city will have travelers staring wide-eyed all around them. Bangkok boasts large and bright neon signs everywhere that advertise for everything. You will want to spend some time shopping in their market. Some things found here aren’t found anywhere else. You can also enjoy some distinct foods that will have you coming back for more.

The world is a large place and there are many things to see across the seven continents. It is always good yet, to know just where the best spots may be. These are all great places enjoyed at many times of the year for a once in a lifetime trip.

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Travel Photography Ideas To Get You Started

Travel Photography Ideas To Get You Started

Travel photography is an interesting subset of photography that many have always wanted to pursue. If you lack an idea on how to begin, don’t be intimidated by the awesome shots that are frequently uploaded by the photographers you admire on Instagram. This is one of the easiest forms of photography that you could choose to pursue. All you need is to first learn the basics and understand the rules to follow when doing your photos and everything will go as planned. Here are few tips that you might try as a beginner that will shape your career in travel photography.

Wake up early, close late

One of the tricks that photography experts like Summit Shah propose is understanding the factor of timing. This is a crucial aspect that helps to bring out the quality and definition in your photos, and it is also a useful trick that can be used to take dramatic photos. What you need to know is that light is one of the most important ingredients that you need in photography and morning light, which is soft and warm, creates room for taking amazing photos.

This is also the case in the evening when the sun is about to set, so you need to get this timing aspect perfectly. When you wake up early, it also means you will have fewer tourists to distract you, so you are given ample space to exercise the skill. This is the reason photographers refer to the hours before sunset and after sunrise as the golden hours because this is the most opportune time you can do warm, soft and eye-pleasing shots.

Location scouting

If the destination you are going to is new in your list, you need some information to help you understand what to expect once you arrive. Read as many guidebooks as possible and ensure you get valuable information about key spots where you can take your photography to the next level once you arrive at the destination. Browse through the internet to get articles and posts that describe the destination and also attempt to look at some photos that could help you get a picture of how the place looks.

Why this is necessary is because you are able to know what to prepare when you get to the destination. Knowing about the location will also help you understand when it the best time to do photos. Get clear details about the weather and general information about the terrain.

The rule of thirds

This is one of the most common photography rules, which many might think is nothing unique or deserving of any attention. But if you ask established photographers like Summit Shah, the rule of thirds is an important component of photography that every photographer should get right. In this rule, your focus is to ensure you place the most important parts of the image at places that the eye will capture more easily. To do this, you need to turn the grid feature on your camera on and divide the screen in three parts on both sides. Place the most important features of the photo at the intersections of these points and you will have created a photo whose composition is balanced.

Background, midground, and foreground

While taking your photos, take into consideration these three aspects. You need to ensure you have included an interesting background, the foreground should be clearly represented and most importantly the middle ground should unify the two. Look at the different elements that can be added to the foreground, background and middleground to make the photo more appealing.

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5 Tips For Easier Business Travel

Business travel can be just as fun as adventure travel with a little planning. Bleisure travel, the art of fusing your business trips with leisure travel is quickly catching on. The unique difference is that travel is a means of getting your business done. It is therefore essential to keep strict timelines to avoid losing time in transit.

Similarly, it is crucial to stay fresh and rejuvenated to focus on the business matters that await you at the end of the journey. Let us look at a few tips to enable you to make the trip enjoyable and profitable.

1. Leverage technology

There are numerous tools including travel apps and sites to help you plan your travel itinerary. Utilize technology to enable you to plan your trip and get more done within the timeframe you have. Apps such as Tripit, Expensify, and Camcard can help you achieve particular objectives on your journey.

You can quickly create and manage an itinerary, keep an accurate record of business contacts as well as tabs on your expenditure. Additionally, websites such as seatguru.com can help you secure a comfortable seat on the plane.

2. Dress for the role

Business people will tell you that first impressions and presentation are important. Frequent travelers also know that you appear more affluent and get better service when you are well-dressed. It also enables you to get to your meetings looking dapper even if your luggage is delayed or inaccessible. If your business trip is planned to go on for extended periods such as a week, you can pack a few leisure items such as sportswear.

3. Keep a ready bag with essentials

Pack smart and light when on business. Include essentials such as clothing, shoes, and accessories as well as personal hygiene items. Have a semi-packed bag ready. This enables you to get out the door faster by reducing your packing time. It ensures you don’t forget critical items such as medications.

4. Register for loyalty programs with airlines and hotels

You are more likely to get support from service staff when they notice you are a frequent traveler using their services. It gives you access to loyalty rewards such as priority boarding, hotel room choice and rental car delivery services among others. It is also a brilliant way to keep your travel costs in check as you can redeem your reward points for service discounts.

5. Charge your essential devices in advance

Business means staying updated on the latest developments. You want to be able to get communications from your associates and clients at all times. This means keeping your gadgets juiced up and ready to go including your cell phone, laptop, iPad, and GPS devices. Similarly, have a compatible portable charger or a power bank to refill the juice when it inadvertently runs out.

6. Fly non-stop

This means the plane does not make any stops along the way. It might cost you a little bit more on the fare. On the other hand, it adds you the convenience of getting to your destination in one flight. It also saves you crucial time, which would have been spent at layovers and connecting flights.

Conclusion

It is important to plan for your business trips to ensure you focus on the primary objective of your travel. The business settles typically the travel bill. A few travel tips can help you save on the travel budget. According to Narin Charan, the CEO of Capital Alliance, this can be crucial especially for startups and businesses struggling with capitalization and looking to stretch the bang for every buck.

Bleisure travel means planning to combine planned leisure travel with business. For example, a friend or associate may be having a wedding on the weekend in the same location you have traveled for business. Having some fun on your business trip is also an excellent way to rejuvenate and stay creative.