Tech Fluency

Contributed article by Yvonne Burton of Burton Consulting International and Silicon Valley Alliance Associate.

Technological fluency is a major part of global business skills and in the age of remote work, the need for companies to have Tech Fluency has become more and more apparent. I work mainly with Japanese companies and although many major corporations are proactive in utilizing technology to the fullest, I find that an equal number are not. Whether, small, medium, or large, many Japanese companies are behind in using technology tools for maximum benefit and suffering for it.

This first article provides a general introduction to the theme,  a look at what is missing and the state that a lot of companies found themselves in when the pandemic propelled all of the world into remote work. Some companies seamlessly adapted, but for many others, it was and continues to be more of a challenge. Going forward, I will be writing more on this theme and what companies can and should be doing to increase fluency.

‘Tech Fluency’ was first published on JapanCulture-NYC where, as Business Editor, I write a bi-monthly column. I am re-posting the complete article here.

Technological Fluency

That is a mouthful. I call it Tech Fluency.

What is Tech Fluency?

Let me define it by looking at its components.

Technology: Techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in the production of goods or services or in the accomplishment of objectives.

Fluency: The quality or condition of being fluent. In addition, it is also defined as the ability to express oneself easily and articulately. It is usually applied to languages.

In this article, I am taking creative license and applying fluency to the language of technology to describe the level of proficiency and/or comfort in using the technological tools and applications that are needed to perform work responsibilities.Continue reading→

Tips for Creating a User-Friendly Mobile App

Contributed article in our business series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

The use of mobile phones for different functions, aside from communication, has become a natural habit for the average adult. In this age, millions of people shop, make payments, study, book flights, watch videos, and even perform daily work right on their phones. As a mobile app developer, a great user experience goes hand in hand with your app’s mobile-friendliness.

It is thus important to consider the aspects that will make your mobile app user-friendly. We have compiled 5 tips below for creating a great user-friendly mobile application.Continue reading→

How Having a Blog Can Improve Your Business Website

The worldwide web is only getting bigger each day. More people are posting about anything and everything, and because you own a business, you need to get on board. The businesses that have blogs and relative content for their business are proven more successful in society. If you want to continue to expand and reach your maximum potential with business growth, then creating a blog is just one way to expand yourself. If you want to know exactly how a blog grows your company, below are just a few reasons that are on a long list that proves a blog is worth the time to implement on your business website.

Higher Authority In The Search Engine World

With search engines like Google, Bing, Duck Duck Go, or others, having authority makes all the difference for your business. The way these search engines post your business is based on an authority algorithm. They want individuals that type in a few keywords in the search bar to find the best results the fastest. They determine what companies or options to give the searchers through using a qualified line up of high-authoritative websites. This is also a way for searchers to get the information they need without spending countless hours.Continue reading→

Five Ways Customer Feedback Can Improve your Business

Contributed article in our business series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

The best way to improve your business is to ask your own customers directly how they feel about your products. As a result, customer feedback is an essential part of any modern business. If you are thinking about either starting a process of customer feedback or looking for ways to boost its use in your business, we have created a list of five ways that customer feedback can improve your business:

Increase Customer Accountability 

Customers want to be listened to and to feel that their complaints are legitimate. A feedback survey is a great way to allow them to air their grievances, in the process making them trust your business far more. It doesn’t matter how big or small you are: Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, currently the world’s richest man, has created a new job role just for people’s Twitter complaints directed at him. As a result of creating this sense of trust, your business will become one that people will like more and want to do more business with. This doesn’t necessarily have to be just for customers either — feedback is also a great way to learn more about your employees and what processes they want the business to put in place in order for them to improve.   

Image Ref: Pexels.com

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Seven Main Ways Millennials are Changing the Definition of Leadership in 2020

Contributed article in our business series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

Millennials are “rebellious path-breakers” who shun everything traditional and believe in making their path. And over the years, it is the millennials have collectively transformed the way we communicate and conduct business.

This is the generation that reconciles logic and emotions. The millennials are both educated and empathic, and they want to make the world a better place. And it is this optimism that reflects the way they lead business ventures as well.

Here are seven ways in which Millennials are redefining leadership in 2020

REF: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-wearing-eyeglasses-3184405/ 

Personalised Professional Workplaces

Gone are the days when people separated their personal and professional spaces. The millennial work culture is more flexible, intuitive, and interactive. And the office spaces and workstations are an extension of this attitude.

Most of the start-ups that we see around have a very vibrant, friendly vide to it. Even big shot corporations like Google have incorporated the millennial culture. A millennial leader is not dogmatic or dominating. Instead, they focus on building a personal connection with their team.

However, that being said, millennial work culture also stresses on work-life balance. Effective time management, flexible working hours, home-based working options are more prevalent than ever.

Transformations > Transactional Leadership

Continue reading→

Transform your Creative Video Marketing Plan into Video Magic

Contributed article in our business series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

Are you trying to reach more customers with digital marketing campaigns? You can give life to your video content with the help of video magic. Video creation is beneficial for big companies and brands with an impressive budget. No doubt, video marketing is the best way to generate leads, get online sales, and build a fantastic reputation for your brand.

If you want to generate online interest, you have to add some exciting effects to your video. Some motions in your video message can make your content impressive. You can captivate your online audience by using the best slides from the business presentation. It is easy to transform your presentations into beautiful videos and GIFs. For your assistance, here are some tips to transform your creative video marketing plan into video magic.

Boost Engagement

If you want to get the attention of people, you can use animated videos. You will need educational videos for your audience to share the details of your product. Videos prove helpful to share a story compellingly and engagingly. A creative video is a unique method to humanize your brand. It allows you to build the credibility of your business and increase human trust.Continue reading→

Online Marketing Strategies to Give Your Business an Edge

Contributed article in our business series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

Online marketing can be more cutthroat than you can imagine. Think of it like this “your target customers won’t buy products from you if they didn’t know you existed in the first place”. You need to make sure your voice is heard and the best way to do this is to make sure you have solid online marketing strategies. 

Online Marketing Strategies That Give You The Edge

Online marketing is an essential part of running a business on the internet. It raises brand awareness and makes sure that you’re on people’s minds the next time they need services or products that you sell. However, competition on the internet is fierce and having a weak online marketing strategy could mean that you will lose to your competitors. 

We’ve put together some of the best online marketing strategies to help you get an idea of what strategies you should be trying for your business.Continue reading→