911 Essay

911 Essay

Business

Michael Briese: 3 Reasons Every Brand Is Taking To Facebook Advertising

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Several years ago, email was the big tactic in online marketing. While this is still the case to an extent, there’s no doubt that Facebook has well and truly taken over.

Whether you are selling Rolex watches or providing a service to other businesses, the flexible nature of Facebook means that it’s suited to pretty much everyone who wants to get their company name out there. Furthermore, while certain marketing platforms like AdWords might cost you a fortune, you don’t necessarily feel like you have committed a heist when taking advantage of Facebook ads.

This is a topic that Michael Briese knows all about. He was one of the first to tap into the benefits of Facebook ads, and he has shared with us the main reasons why brands are opting for the Facebook-first approach.

Reason #1 – It’s super targeted

The main reason so many companies are using these ads is due to the super targeted approach that the platform uses. We’re not just talking about the ability to target users in New York, or your city of choice, either. Instead, this targeting can become even more granular.

Facebook advertising can target by location, demographic behavior or even a lookalike audience. The last factor can be pretty important for businesses, as it allows them to effectively mirror existing customers. In traditional forms of marketing you would have had to busted a gut to be able to get anywhere close to achieving this.

Reason #2 – It’s analytics are laid bare

On some platforms, it’s nigh-on impossible to find out any statistics regarding the performance of an advertisement. On Facebook, no such issues exist. Their reporting platform is one of the best in the business and the insights that are available can provide you with the knowledge to really optimize your campaign. It’s possible to see everything from your weekly reach, to the amount of time that your posts have been liked. Not only this, but when you delve deeper into the advertising platform, you can quickly see what people interacted with your ad – and if these correlate with what you initially targeted when you set up your campaign.

Reason #3 – The rise of mobile

In truth, whether you are advertising via email or Facebook, mobile should be at the forefront of your mind. When it comes to the latter, there’s no doubt that Facebook is one of the best around though.

Their website has been designed to load in super-fast speeds on mobile devices – and this is something that hinders a lot of rival advertising platforms. Not only this, but the system has umpteen different types of mobile advertisements, which can fit on screen sizes of multiple sizes.

Finally, there’s the fact that Facebook has billions of mobile users. That’s right, not only is their platform geared towards people on mobile, users actively use a mobile device to access the website. At a recent count, it was thought that between 1.5 billion and 2 billion users fell into this category.

Finding A Good Fit For Your VPS Needs

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As a business, you will need your own server at some point of time, but you might not be at the point where you want to host your own website, or where it is feasible to do so. Especially when high–quality parts, technical assistance, and security, all add a large amount to the overall cost. This is why so many companies choose to go with virtual private servers or VPS for all of their business needs. But knowing what you need and getting the support that you deserve isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Here are a few things to look for in a VPS company to ensure that you get the best possible results for your business. 

1. High–Quality Hardware

A VPS is only as good as the hardware that it runs on. While everything might go through the cloud, it will only go as fast as the hardware allows it to. This will also control how safe your data is, how easy it is for clients to access things they need, and any number of different variables. Any company that isn’t using high–quality hardware simply isn’t looking out for their customers. 

2. Adjustable Space Plans

Space needs can change rapidly, and if you have an issue that requires more memory space quickly, then you want to have a plan that allows you to adjust for that need on the fly. Any company that makes you wait days or weeks for even the smallest amount of extra space is the one that isn’t going to work well for you. To avoid this, there are like Memset offer options like block storage or storage additions from within your control panel. 

3. Built-in Support and Security

Your data is important, the ability to access it is important, and letting your customers know that they can trust you is important. Any company that doesn’t offer you built-in support and security with your package isn’t looking out for your best interest. This is especially true if you are leasing a smaller VPS, as you are attempting to save money by employing your own security and technical support teams.

4. Fail-Safe Backups

While everyone likes to think that their systems could never fail, there is always the possibility that they will. A good company will have a back-up set up to ensure that all of your data will never be lost. This can’t be kept in the exact same way as the original, but it still needs to be extremely strong and safe. Always choose a company that can offer you fail-safe backups over one that won’t disclose the methods that they use to protect your information. 

Overall, a good VPS will ensure that they are offering the best possible services to all of their customers, going out of their way to keep them safe at all times. If a company isn’t going to ensure that they will meet your needs, then they aren’t a company that you should be doing business with. There are too many options out there to settle for service that is less than perfect. 

Starting A Career In Skilled Trades

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Becoming a skilled tradesman is one of the best ways of setting a reliable career path. With a skilled trade career, you can work as a freelance contractor or seek employment in a company. The careers are highly marketable and their pay continues to increase as time goes by. Skilled trade courses are widely available and can be taken as the first step towards a rewarding tradesman career path.

There are many skilled trades available and this may make it hard for you to choose the best one to pursue. Fortunately, because there is such a demand there is no need for layoffs or the worry of losing your job. The following is a review of the best skilled trades. You can use it as a guide when starting a career in skilled trades.

  1. Electrician

Electricity is now continuing to be used everywhere around the world. Installations, repairs and maintenance services are regularly required at all the places that are connected to the grid. This raises the demand for electricians. The career path is amongst the most excelling skilled trades and can be a good option for anyone who loves technology.

Certifications and licenses are important to an electrician. To earn a certificate, a person has to undergo the required training at a vocational or technical institution. Apprenticeship programs are normally available and can offer training to both fresh beginners and certified electricians. The programs are good because they at times provide payments to the trainees.

  1. Air Conditioning Repair (HVAC Technician)

Air conditioning repair specialists are normally referred to as the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) Technicians. They are responsible in the installation, repair and maintenance of air conditioning systems and refrigeration systems. The increasing application of these systems is making the career more demanding. HVAC technicians are now needed everywhere.

Licenses are important to the HVAC technicians and are awarded through the successful completion of varying tests. There are various trade schools, community colleges and vocational institutions offering the necessary training. After completing the training, students can gain experience through joining apprenticeship programs.

  1. Plumber

Plumbing career is another promising skilled trade that is required at many places. Water, sewerage and gas pipes and fixtures are normally installed, repaired and maintained by skilled plumbers. Some of the skills the plumbers should possess include pipe laying, pipe fitting and steam fitting. The skills can be learnt through various programs.

Aspiring plumbers can join technical schools, community colleges or vocational institutions for training. They can also choose to attend an apprenticeship program for the training. Apprenticeship programs are recommended because they normally give the trainees a chance to learn from professional plumbers. The programs may take a period of 4 to 5 years.

  1. Construction Manager

A construction manager is a highly awarding career. The post requires advanced construction management skills and an aspiring student may have to seek certification from a recognized college or university. Some of the construction manager’s responsibilities include planning, handling and overseeing the whole process of constructing or maintaining a building project.

There are various colleges offering construction management training programs. Students can join the programs or undergo training through the available construction industry associations. Those who would wish to take an advanced training can take any of the related university programs that lead to the award of a bachelor’s degree.

The Emergence Of Alternative Cryptocurrencies

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There are cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin that are starting to make a name for themselves. Ethereum, Litecoin. Ripple, Mintchip, Monero and Zcash are just a few of the ones that are proving successful. There are many that will never be heard of again.

Cryptocurrencies Being Embraced by the Younger Generation

It really should be no surprise that a type of internet cash is being embraced by the younger generations, as most new technology is. They are maybe not as interested in the investment side as older people might be, but they are utilizing them more in everyday life. They will use them at a local café or to buy clothes. As with most new innovations, it is the younger generation that will use them the most.

It is this use that is likely to make them successful, and will mean they are here to stay. However, nobody has a crystal ball, and it’s impossible to predict which ones will make the grade. Just like the everyday currencies we are used to, they all have different uses and properties that make each one a unique entity, and it remains to be seen which ones will still be around in a few years.

‘Wirf einen Blick in die Glaskugel’ – Marco Verch via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Zero-Knowledge Currencies

There are some cryptocurrencies known for their zero-knowledge properties, because every transaction is encrypted. Even the person on the other end of a transaction does not know who they are dealing with, unless you want them to. The two main ones that stand out among these are Zcash and Monero.

Similar to Monero, Zcash is aimed at the privacy conscious, and they both use the public blockchain without offering private information. These two have both been likened to more confidential versions of Bitcoin, and are being used in some of the most popular places for cryptocurrencies, online casinos.

‘Bitcoin Wallet’ – Marco Verch via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Shopping currencies

There are some currencies designed specifically to shop with, Dash being a perfect example. You keep your Dash coins in a wallet and then use them to pay the merchants when you are out shopping, or shopping online. Many US merchants like Dash because the transaction is instant and they do not have to wait days for the money to turn up in their account. It is also favoured because the lack of middlemen means they do not have to pay so much money in fees.

The Banks Friend

Cryptocurrencies avoid the use of the traditional banking system, and on the whole, the feeling is mutual, with most banks avoiding cryptocurrencies as well. However, this is not the case with Ripple, which was made to make bank transfers quicker and easier. Cross-border payments require banks to go through an intermediary, or sometimes several, which is why a payment from the US to China, for example, can take days. Ripple bypasses all of this, checks with the two banks about the fees, and then makes the transaction instantly, updating both accounts at the same time. Ripple has enabled banks to offer faster payment services and has simplified transactions for customers globally.

How To Become A Travel Blogger: 5 Tips To Help You Get Started

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If you have a talent for writing and are passionate about international travel, you may be able to carve out a career as a professional travel blogger. If you’re curious, simply continue reading to discover 5 tips on how to get started.

How to become a travel blogger: 5 Tips to help you get started

  1. Assess a wide variety of popular travel blogs

Before you publish your travel blog, it’s well worth visiting a wide variety of popular travel blogs. As you scroll through each blog, try to identify why you think each blog is so successful. As an example, a travel blog may stand out from the crowd due it’s writer’s skill for beautifully describing the destinations which they’ve explored. Or a travel blog may be successful due to it’s stunning, photographs.

Once you’ve scrolled through a wide variety of popular travel blogs, you should start to notice trends between popular travel blogs emerge. Which will help you create a travel blog which will attract a sizeable following.

  1. Pick a unique niche for your travel blog

While countless bloggers start their own travel blog, only the creme de la creme of travel blogs attract a profitable audience. So it’s crucial to ensure to start a travel blog which is centered around a unique, memorable niche.

As an example, instead of creating a general travel blog, you may want to focus on writing about destinations which are off the beaten tourist track. Alternatively, you may prefer to write about affordable accommodation options around the world or your adventures exploring bustling marketplaces throughout the world.

If in doubt choose a travel niche that you’re excited about as if you write passionately, your enthusiasm for your blog will inspire your readers.

  1. Describe your travel experiences so that your readers can imagine themselves being in your shoes

In order to become a successful travel writer, it’s crucial to be able to describe your experiences in a way which makes it easy for your readers to imagine themselves standing in your shoes.

As an example, if you write a post about exploring a busy marketplace, make a real effort to describe the noises that you heard and the smells which wafted by as you walked through the marketplace. As well as vividly describing the store owners which you interacted with.

  1. Make sure to take at least 3 photographs to display alongside every post

If you post photographs with each post, your readers will have a far easier time imagining themselves in your shoes. As humans are visual creatures, your blog will also be more successful if you frequently post high-quality travel images, which inspire your readers to travel.

  1. Start reaching out to travel-related companies for sponsorship

Once your blog has gained momentum, you may want to reach out to travel-related companies such as bed and breakfasts, hotels and tour companies, to see whether any companies are interested in giving you free accommodation or a free tour, in exchange for a review or a story posted on your blog.

So if you’d love to work as a professional travel blogger, it’s well worth taking the 5 handy tips listed above to heart and also by checking out sites like, http://wildfreedesign.com. In order to drastically increase your chances of achieving phenomenal success as a travel blogger!

Creating A Technology Plan For Your Small Business Starts Here

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Every modern day business that aims to be able to effectively satisfy its customer base, stay competitive, and experience growth requires at least three things; finances, vision, and technology. Without technology, a business is simply ill-equipped to survive, much less compete in the modern world. This is why it is generally advised that businesses take their technology as seriously as they do legal practices and taxes.

Technology is what makes it possible for a business to accomplish its objectives quickly and efficiently. But technology can only deliver such results if it is sufficient. This is why it is important that a business draws up an effective technology plan to match its short and long term goals. If you want to get started on drawing up your technology plan, the best place to start are the three steps listed below for analysing your small business’ technology needs.

  1. Draw up a technology inventory for your small business.

Create a Technology Inventory and Audit Worksheet which will contain all the various technological aspects that your business currently has and uses. This inventory will also state if your currently owned technologies are leased or fully owned by the business.

  1. Carry out a SWOT analysis for your small business.

A SWOT analysis analyses the Strengths and Weaknesses of your small business as well as the Opportunities and Threats currently facing it. Your business’ strengths might revolve around your high quality customer service or low prices, or even your market location. Your weaknesses on the other hand might include ineffective sourcing of materials or poorly trained staff. Whatever the case might be, draw up a list of your top strengths and weaknesses.

A similar list should be drawn up concerning the opportunities and risks facing your business.

  1. Align your primary business goals with appropriate technology tools.

Based on your SWOT analysis, identify your business’ top three business goals. Next step is to consider your list of available technologies and look at which can help your business achieve the listed goals. If your available technologies are insufficient, you can develop a list of technologies which are capable of helping you accomplish the defined goals. These new technologies can then be acquired by your company.

Various innovative technology tools are available to help with a variety of business circumstances. The important thing is to understand which can deliver the best results that match your business’ goals. Once you discover which technologies you need but do not have available, you can then go about acquiring what is needed by budgeting funds, and allocating time as well as man power towards facilitating the creation of your technology plan whilst ensuring the protection of your business. This will then be followed by the actual acquisition of necessary technologies that best match your business’ immediate or long term goals.

Three Benefits of Memset’s Virtual LAN Service

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To run an office in this century, file sharing and network communication have become a necessity. It’s rare to find an office where there isn’t a network of computers working on a given function to keep the business going. However, when there’s a network, there’s a possibility that hackers will find a weak spot where they can get in and steal sensitive information. To protect yourself and your business from hackers, you need a virtual local area network or vLAN.

Memset offers a virtual LAN (vLAN) service that allows you to secure multiple server connections via a private network. Here’s everything you need to know about vLAN, from how it works to its benefits.

How vLAN Works

Let’s break down what vLAN actually is. Before anything else, LAN means local area network, which pertains to a network of computers that are connected through a single server via a cable or wire, which is why the computers need to be contained within one small area. With a virtual LAN or vLAN, you’re given more flexibility because you’re not constrained by physical limitations. You can connect one or more LANs within the network while also isolating each LAN into broadcast domains so that the hosts don’t communicate directly to each other, keeping each secure on its own.

vLAN Components

To change a current LAN structure to a vLAN, with the latest architecture, you need five main components: 1) high-performance switches, 2) inter-switch trunking protocols, 3) layer-3 routing solutions, 4) compatibility with your existing LAN system, and 5) network management solutions. With the help of Memset, you can easily establish these components to enjoy the benefits of a vLAN.

Benefits of Memset’s vLAN

Speaking of benefits, here are three advantages that you will get to experience if you trust Memset and their vLAN services:

  1. No physical restrictions

A vLAN does not restrict end-stations to the same physical area, so moving end-stations isn’t a problem. You can move a component of your network and not need to have it reconfigured. At the same time, if an end-station changes its function, there’s no need to move it to a different location because a vLAN makes it easy to localize this end-station to its new network.

  1. Better network performance

A vLAN will improve network performance because public and private traffic are segregated. Therefore, you can secure and share data within an isolated environment, giving you the opportunity to maximise the performance of your dedicated servers.

  1. Year-round support

Memset gives its clients year-round support. All dedicated vLANs are always monitored by Memset and are protected by their superior network security.

The age of technology is upon us. It is constantly changing the way the world works—even businesses and government agencies have to cope with it. A virtual LAN is just one way to stay on top of your game. If you want to keep your files and data secure over your local area network without the physical restrictions, then you should definitely look into vLAN and the benefits it will bring into your work network.

What Are the Main Reasons to Apply for an EIN?

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An employer identification number, commonly shortened to EIN, acts as a Social Security number for your company. The IRS tracks business taxes with EINs, just like it does for personal taxes with Social Security numbers. However, not every company technically needs an EIN. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid getting one, because there are reasons why applying for an EIN is beneficial for any business. Here’s why you should apply for an EIN.

It Is Required for Most Business Entities

When you incorporate your business, run a partnership, or form an LLC, it becomes its own legal structure. Just like every person needs a unique Social Security number, each legal structure needs an EIN. Even if you aren’t legally required to get an EIN, like if you’re a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, you’ll probably need one eventually.

Hiring Employees 

No matter your business entity, whenever you hire an employee, you’ll need an EIN. This is because you become responsible for withholding taxes from your employee’s income and the IRS needs to track that income separately from your SSN. Getting an EIN allows the IRS to determine what your business needs to send in payroll taxes.

Opening Banking Accounts and Credit Cards

If you’re going to open a bank account to deal with your finances or a credit card for your company, you’ll probably need an EIN. Most banking institutions and lenders require you to have an EIN to open an account. This is a great way to keep your business finances separate from your personal finances.

Even if you don’t technically need an EIN, it’s a good idea to get one. If you’re thinking about getting an EIN, the process is simple. Applying for an EIN online is easy with IRS-EIN-Tax-ID.com. If you have any more questions, you can contact the IRS EIN Tax ID Filing Service team.

5 Budgeting Tips for Freelancers!

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If you’re a freelancer, it’s crucial to remain on top of your finances as your income is not guaranteed, so it’s well worth planning ahead, to ensure that you’ll be able to cover your living expenses when work is scarce.

5 Budgeting Tips for Freelancers:

Learn how to become a stronger more effective negotiator 

You’ll find it far easier to budget for your necessities and luxuries if you ensure that you’re paid a fair sum for your time, talent and skills. It may be worth working out a standard hourly rate, which you can charge your clients. It may also be worth figuring out how much money you need in order to survive on a monthly basis, to ensure that you negotiate fair contracts which will ensure that you have more than enough funds to cover your day to day living expenses.

When you can, try to put aside 40% of your income

As a freelancer, there may be months where you struggle to pick up paying contracts and months as well as months where you more than triple your average monthly income. When it’s possible, save 40% of your income and spend 40% of your income on essentials such as your electricity bill and groceries and the remaining 20% of your budget on luxuries.

While it may be tempting to spend a greater percentage of your income on luxuries, during the months where work is scarce, you’ll be glad that you put extra money aside instead of splurging on luxuries such as restaurant meals and expensive electronic devices.

Install a handy budgeting app to help you keep track of your spending habits 

When you’re a freelancer, it’s well worth tracking your expenditure by downloading a budgeting app onto your smartphone. Downloading a budget application onto your phone will help you identify areas which you may need to tighten your spending on. As an example, you may find that you spend several hundred dollars per month on takeaway coffees or that you spend a small fortune for cable television. When it’s far cheaper to sign up to a site such as Netflix or Hulu, which streams current content for a fraction of the price.

Get into the habit of shopping around for the best deals available 

Instead of purchasing an item from the first shop you visit, it’s well worth visiting a price comparison website, which will tell you where to purchase the item which you’re interested in, for the lowest price.

You can also save money by visiting two different grocery stores, in order to find the best possible deals on all of your favorite products. As different stores will offer different specials.

Place the bulk of your savings into a high-interest bank account

It’s well worth shopping around to find out if your current provider, offers you the best interest rate available. As you should aim for your savings to grow, in order to cover inflation. As you don’t want your savings to lose value over the years.

So if you’re a freelancer, it’s well worth using the 5 tips listed above in order to keep on top of your finances.

How to work abroad while writing articles online

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If you love the idea of quitting the rat race and traveling the world, whilst working as a writer, simply continue reading to discover how to work abroad while writing articles online. After all, life is far too short to be lived in one place!

How to work abroad while writing articles online:

Consider traveling to budget destinations over expensive destinations 

One way to stretch your travel budget further is to opt to visit low cost, budget travel destinations such as Mexico, Thailand, and Brazil over more expensive travel destinations such as Switzerland, Canada, and Australia.

As an example accommodation, food, entertainment, and utilities are far cheaper in Thailand, than they are in the US or expensive tourist destinations. So if you’re looking to stretch your travel budget further, whilst working overseas as a writer, it pays to pick your destinations carefully!

Make sure that you have a reliable internet connection throughout your travels 

You may want to talk to your internet provider about signing up for a low-cost data plan, whilst you’re traveling. Alternatively, if you plan on sticking around in one country for several weeks, you may want to sign up for a local internet plan.

Alternatively, you may want to write the bulk of your articles, whilst you’re offline and utilize free high-speed Wi-Fi connections to upload your articles or send your articles to overseas clients.

Make sure to set yourself achievable deadlines 

Whilst overseas you may be tempted to sleep in and to spend the bulk of your days exploring exotic new destinations, however in order to ensure that you have a steady stream of revenue coming in, it’s a smart idea to set yourself realistic, achievable targets and deadlines. Make sure that your work remains a priority and that you save your adventures for your disposable, free time.

Consider blogging about your travels 

Did you know that you can supplement your income by create a niche travel blog, which you can place advertisements on? Every time one of your readers clicks on an ad, which is featured on your blog and makes a purchase, you’ll receive a small commission. While one commission won’t pay for your accommodation whilst you’re overseas, once you’ve set up a successful blog, which receives plenty of traffic, you should start to receive multiple commissions per day. If you’re stuck for ideas to write about, you may want to write a blog about finding activities, restaurants and attractions, which are off the beaten tourist track or you may want to start a food blog, which teaches your followers how to make dishes, from the countries which you visit.

Get into the habit of following a routine While working as a freelance writer should give you plenty of flexibility to make the most out of your time overseas, it’s still worth establishing some semblance of a routine. As an example, you may want to start your day with a 30-minute workout before completing an article or two. Whilst your afternoons may be yours to explore your new surroundings. So if you’re keen to travel the world, whilst working as a freelance writer, it’s certainly possible to turn your dream into a reality.