#the only way to distinguish yourself from the competition is to have an exceptional online web presence. Real estate drone photography can

[techtrends-today]

The Impact of Olympiad Exam Results on College Admissions

Introduction

In today's competitive academic landscape, standing out in college admissions requires more than just good grades and high standardized test scores. Olympiad exams have emerged as a significant factor in this process, offering students the opportunity to demonstrate their exceptional abilities in various subjects. With increasing competition for college acceptance, understanding the role of Olympiad results in admissions is crucial. This blog post will explore the impact of Olympiad exams on college admissions, providing valuable insights for high school students and college applicants.

Understanding Olympiad Exams

What are Olympiad Exams?

Olympiad exams are highly competitive tests conducted at national and international levels to identify and nurture talent in specific subjects such as mathematics, science, computer science, and languages. These exams go beyond the standard curriculum, challenging students to apply their knowledge in innovative ways.

How Olympiad Exams Differ from Standardized Tests

While standardized tests like the SAT or ACT measure general academic skills and knowledge, Olympiad exams focus on deep understanding and problem-solving abilities in particular subjects. They require a higher level of critical thinking and creativity, making them a unique benchmark for academic excellence.

The Impact of Olympiad Results on College Admissions

Case Studies and Success Stories

There are numerous instances where students have leveraged their Olympiad successes to gain admission into prestigious colleges. For example, students who excel in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) or the International Science Olympiad often find their achievements highlighted during college application reviews. These accolades demonstrate a student's dedication, intellect, and ability to excel in highly competitive environments.

Insights from College Admissions Officers

Admissions officers value Olympiad results as they provide concrete evidence of a student's capabilities and potential. Colleges seek well-rounded individuals who not only excel academically but also show passion and commitment to their chosen fields. Olympiad achievements can significantly enhance a student's application, providing a distinguishing factor in a sea of similar profiles.

Preparing for Olympiad Exams

Strategies for Effective Preparation

Understand the Exam Format: Familiarise yourself with the structure, types of questions, and marking scheme of the Olympiad exams.

Consistent Practice: Regular practice using past papers and sample questions is essential. Focus on honing problem-solving skills and time management.

Join Study Groups: Collaborating with peers can offer new perspectives and enhance understanding of complex concepts.

Resources Available for Students

Online Platforms: Websites such as Khan Academy, Brilliant.org, and various Olympiad-specific resources offer extensive study materials and practice tests.

Books and Guides: Numerous books are available that cater specifically to Olympiad preparation, providing in-depth coverage of topics and practice problems.

Coaching Institutes: Enrolling in specialised coaching programs can provide structured preparation and expert guidance.

The Future: Olympiad Results and Admissions Trends

Shaping the Future of College Admissions

The influence of Olympiad results on college admissions is likely to grow as colleges increasingly recognise their value. With the rise of holistic admissions processes, Olympiad achievements can showcase a student's intellectual prowess and passion for learning.

Predictions and Recommendations

Increased Weightage: Colleges may assign more weight to Olympiad results, especially in STEM fields.

Increased Recognition: An expanding number of institutions are anticipated to acknowledge a broader array of Olympiad exams, extending beyond the most renowned ones.

Early Preparation: Students aiming for top-tier colleges should consider beginning their Olympiad preparation early to enhance their chances of success.

Conclusion

Olympiad exams have become a vital component in the college admissions landscape, offering students the chance to stand out through their exceptional abilities in specific subjects. As competition for college places intensifies, Olympiad achievements can provide a significant advantage, demonstrating a student's dedication, intellect, and problem-solving skills. High school students considering Olympiad exams should approach their preparation with a strategic mindset, leveraging available resources to enhance their chances of success. In a world where excellence is increasingly valued, Olympiad results can open doors to prestigious educational opportunities and future success..

[codystripiling]

Addressing the Crucial Challenge in Chiropractic Business: Overcoming Skepticism and Implementing Solutions https://tricitiesdm.com

In the chiropractic business, one of the most important problems can be attracting and retaining clients. Here are a few reasons why this can be a significant challenge:

Competition: Chiropractic services face competition not only from other chiropractors but also from other healthcare providers, such as physical therapists and osteopaths. Standing out in a crowded market and attracting clients can be difficult.

-To solve a chiropractic competition problem, you can follow these steps:

Identify your target market: Determine who your ideal patients are and understand their needs, preferences, and demographics. This will help you tailor your services and marketing efforts more effectively.

Conduct a competitive analysis: Research and analyze your competitors in the chiropractic industry. Identify their strengths, weaknesses, pricing strategies, marketing tactics, and unique selling propositions (USPs). This analysis will help you understand the competitive landscape and identify areas where you can differentiate yourself.

Differentiate your services: Find ways to distinguish your chiropractic practice from competitors. Identify your unique strengths, expertise, or specialized services that set you apart. Develop a clear value proposition that highlights the benefits patients will receive by choosing your practice.

Build a strong online presence: In today's digital age, having a robust online presence is crucial. Create a professional website that showcases your services, testimonials, and contact information. Optimize your website for search engines to improve your visibility. Establish profiles on social media platforms relevant to your target market and engage with potential patients regularly.

Develop a referral program: Word-of-mouth referrals are powerful in the healthcare industry. Encourage satisfied patients to refer their friends, family, and colleagues to your practice. Consider offering incentives or rewards for referrals to motivate patients to spread the word.

Provide excellent patient experience: Focus on delivering exceptional patient care and creating a positive experience. Train your staff to provide personalized attention, address patient concerns, and ensure a comfortable and welcoming environment. Positive patient experiences will lead to patient loyalty and positive reviews, strengthening your competitive position.

Implement effective marketing strategies: Develop a comprehensive marketing plan that includes both online and offline tactics. Utilize targeted online advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media advertising, and email marketing to reach your target audience. Additionally, explore local advertising opportunities, such as sponsoring community events or partnering with local businesses.

Monitor and adapt: Continuously monitor your competition, industry trends, and patient feedback. Stay updated on new chiropractic techniques, research, and advancements. Regularly evaluate and adapt your strategies to stay ahead of the competition and meet evolving patient needs.

Remember, building a successful chiropractic practice takes time and consistent effort. By focusing on differentiation, exceptional patient care, and effective marketing, you can establish a competitive edge and attract more patients to your practice.

Awareness and Education: Many people are not fully aware of the benefits of chiropractic care or may have misconceptions about it. Educating potential clients about the effectiveness of chiropractic treatments and the conditions they can address is crucial. -To address competition awareness and education in the chiropractic industry, you can employ the following strategies:

Conduct market research: Gain a deep understanding of the competition in your area. Identify other chiropractic practices, their services, pricing, target markets, and marketing strategies. This information will help you develop a comprehensive plan to differentiate yourself.

Highlight your expertise: Emphasize your unique skills, qualifications, and experience. Showcase your specialization or any additional certifications you possess. Position yourself as an authority in your field to build trust and credibility with potential patients.

Develop educational content: Create informative and engaging content that educates patients about chiropractic care and its benefits. This could include blog posts, videos, infographics, and social media content. Address common misconceptions, explain chiropractic techniques, and provide insights into the conditions you can treat.

Utilize social media: Leverage social media platforms to raise awareness and educate your audience. Share educational content, tips, success stories, and patient testimonials. Engage with your followers by answering questions and participating in relevant discussions. Consider hosting live Q&A sessions or webinars to further educate and engage your audience.

Collaborate with local businesses and healthcare providers: Foster relationships with local businesses, such as gyms, fitness centers, and wellness spas, to raise awareness about chiropractic care. Offer to provide educational talks or workshops on topics related to spine health, posture, or stress management. Establish referral partnerships with healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians or physical therapists, to create a network of trusted professionals.

Host community events: Organize workshops, seminars, or health fairs to educate the community about the benefits of chiropractic care. Offer free spinal screenings or demonstrations to provide hands-on experiences. Distribute educational materials, brochures, or newsletters that explain chiropractic concepts and techniques.

Engage with local media: Reach out to local newspapers, magazines, and radio stations to offer yourself as an expert resource for health-related topics. Offer to write guest articles or provide interviews on chiropractic care and its benefits. This will help you reach a wider audience and establish yourself as a trusted source of information.

Utilize online platforms and directories: Ensure your chiropractic practice is listed on popular online directories, review platforms, and healthcare websites. Encourage satisfied patients to leave positive reviews and testimonials. Positive online presence and patient feedback will increase your visibility and credibility among potential patients.

Continuous education and professional development: Stay up-to-date with the latest research, advancements, and techniques in the chiropractic field. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to enhance your knowledge and skills. Share your continued education achievements with your patients to demonstrate your commitment to providing high-quality care.

By implementing these strategies, you can raise awareness about chiropractic care, educate the community, and position yourself as a trusted authority in the field. These efforts will help you stand out from the competition and attract more patients to your practice.

Trust and Credibility: Building trust and credibility with potential clients is essential in the healthcare industry. Some people may be skeptical about chiropractic care, and it can be challenging to overcome these preconceived notions and establish a reputation for quality and professionalism. -Building trust and credibility in the chiropractic business is essential for attracting and retaining patients. Here are some strategies to help you establish trust and credibility:

Professionalism and expertise: Maintain a professional and knowledgeable approach in all aspects of your chiropractic practice. Ensure your staff is well-trained, friendly, and courteous. Stay updated with the latest advancements and research in chiropractic care to demonstrate your expertise.

Clear communication: Communicate clearly and effectively with your patients. Take the time to listen to their concerns and explain your treatment plans in a way they can understand. Use plain language and avoid jargon. Encourage patients to ask questions and address any concerns they may have.

Provide evidence-based care: Base your treatments and recommendations on evidence-based practices and scientific research. Patients appreciate knowing that their care is supported by reliable evidence. Explain the rationale behind your treatment decisions and educate patients about the benefits and expected outcomes.

Patient-centered care: Put your patients' needs and preferences at the forefront. Tailor your treatments to their individual circumstances and goals. Take the time to understand their medical history, lifestyle, and concerns. Treat each patient as a unique individual and provide personalized care.

Empathy and compassion: Show genuine empathy and compassion towards your patients. Acknowledge their pain, discomfort, and emotional well-being. Create a safe and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their health issues and concerns.

Patient education: Educate your patients about chiropractic care, their conditions, and self-care techniques. Provide educational materials, brochures, or website resources that explain chiropractic concepts, techniques, and the importance of regular maintenance care. Empower patients to take an active role in their own health and well-being.

Transparent pricing and policies: Be transparent about your pricing, fees, and insurance policies. Clearly communicate your financial policies, including payment options and any available insurance coverage. Patients appreciate transparency and knowing what to expect in terms of costs.

Testimonials and reviews: Encourage satisfied patients to provide testimonials or reviews about their positive experiences with your chiropractic practice. Display these testimonials on your website or social media platforms to showcase your credibility and the satisfaction of your patients.

Professional affiliations and certifications: Join professional chiropractic associations and organizations to demonstrate your commitment to high standards of practice. Highlight any specialized certifications or additional training you have acquired. These affiliations and certifications indicate your dedication to ongoing professional development.

Strong online presence: Maintain an informative and professional website that showcases your expertise, services, and patient testimonials. Optimize your website for search engines to improve its visibility. Engage with patients on social media platforms, respond to their inquiries promptly, and share educational content.

Continuous improvement: Stay updated with the latest research, advancements, and techniques in chiropractic care. Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops to enhance your skills and knowledge. Continuously seek opportunities for professional growth and improvement.

Remember, building trust and credibility takes time and consistent effort. By prioritizing professionalism, effective communication, patient-centered care, and continuous education, you can establish a strong foundation of trust with your patients and differentiate your chiropractic business in a competitive market.

Cost and Insurance Coverage: Cost can be a barrier for some individuals seeking chiropractic services, especially if they do not have insurance coverage or if their insurance has limited chiropractic benefits. Demonstrating the value and long-term benefits of chiropractic care can help address this challenge. -Addressing cost and insurance coverage in the chiropractic business requires careful management and strategic approaches. Here are some strategies to help you solve these challenges:

Transparent pricing: Clearly communicate your pricing structure to patients. Provide detailed information about the cost of initial consultations, follow-up visits, and any additional services or therapies. Ensure that your pricing is competitive and reflects the value of your services.

Offer payment options: Provide flexibility in payment options to accommodate patients' financial situations. Consider accepting various forms of payment, including credit cards, debit cards, cash, and checks. Additionally, explore the option of offering payment plans or financing options to help patients manage the cost of care.

Verify insurance coverage: Have a dedicated staff member who is knowledgeable about insurance coverage and claims. Verify patients' insurance coverage prior to their visits and clearly communicate any out-of-pocket expenses or limitations. Provide assistance in submitting insurance claims and follow up with insurance companies to ensure timely reimbursement.

Educate patients about insurance coverage: Many patients may not fully understand their insurance coverage or the benefits available to them for chiropractic care. Develop educational materials that explain common insurance terms, coverage limits, and the process for filing claims. Provide this information to patients during their initial consultations or through your practice's website and social media platforms.

Network with insurance providers: Establish relationships with insurance companies to become an in-network provider. Being in-network can increase patient access to your services and streamline the insurance billing process. Contact insurance companies in your area to inquire about becoming a preferred provider and understand their credentialing requirements.

Offer cash payment discounts: Consider offering discounts for patients who choose to pay for their chiropractic care upfront and out-of-pocket. This can incentivize patients to opt for self-payment, potentially reducing the administrative burden associated with insurance billing and processing.

Explore alternative reimbursement models: In addition to insurance coverage, consider offering alternative reimbursement models such as membership plans or package deals. These can provide patients with affordable options while ensuring a steady revenue stream for your practice.

Collaborate with other healthcare providers: Build relationships with other healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians, physical therapists, or pain management specialists. This collaboration can lead to referrals and potential co-management of patients, enhancing the value proposition for patients and expanding your network of potential patients.

Evaluate costs and streamline operations: Regularly assess your practice's costs and identify areas where efficiencies can be improved. This may involve negotiating better rates with suppliers, optimizing staffing levels, or implementing technology solutions to streamline administrative tasks. By managing costs effectively, you can maintain competitive pricing without compromising the quality of care.

Provide cost-effective preventive care: Educate patients about the long-term benefits of preventive chiropractic care. Emphasize the value of regular visits for maintaining overall health and preventing future issues. Highlight how investing in proactive care can potentially reduce the need for more expensive interventions down the line.

Advocate for improved insurance coverage: Engage with local and national chiropractic associations to advocate for improved insurance coverage for chiropractic care. Participate in legislative initiatives and join efforts to raise awareness about the benefits and cost-effectiveness of chiropractic services.

Remember, addressing cost and insurance coverage challenges requires a combination of strategic pricing, transparent communication, and effective management of insurance-related processes. By implementing these strategies, you can help ensure that your chiropractic services remain accessible and affordable for patients while maintaining a financially viable practice.

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[cherriedsin]

            𝙵𝙾𝚁     𝚃𝙷𝙴     𝙼𝙾𝙽𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚂     in     our     beds     ;     three     cheers     for     tyranny     ,          unapologetic     apathy     !

tw     :     death     ,     emotional     manipulation     ,     unapologetic     asshole     ,     ferocious     writing     .

and     here     we     are     for     our     second     round     !     one     more     to     go     and     i     promise     u     will     be     rid     of     me     .     now     in     this     shitro     we     will     tackle     the     living     legend     and     boogeywoman     known     as     lavinia     ,     whom     used     to     mean     well     and     be     the     apple     of     everyone’s     eyes     until     vampirism     hit     her     like     a     train     and     she     never     recovered     .     has     been     struggling     emotionally     over     the     last     millennia     trying     to     get     the     real     her     back     but     keeps     failing     and     pushing     down     any     efforts     she     has     with     alcohol     and     sarcasm     and     occasional     dirty     jokes     she     found     online     .     internet     is     her     playground     .     anyway     !     same     thang     chicken     wang     ,     show     this     some     love     and     we     will     be     attached     at     the     hip     !    

╰     𝐁𝐑𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄     𝐁𝐎𝐌𝐁𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋     𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐒     𝐀     𝐏𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇     ;     undeserving     of     your     sympathy     'cause     there     ain't     no     way     that     i'm     sorry     for     what     i     did     !

government     name     :     lavinia     rosamaria     soledad     paloma     marquez��    .

nicknames     :    vinnie     ,     vivi     ,     delicious     devil     ,     hot      pants     ,     little     marquez     ,     salvador     junior     ,     angel     (     childhood     nickname     long     abandoned     due     to     demonic     behavior     )

physical/actual     age     :      twenty     two     ,     old     as     fuck     .

hometown     :    unknown     but     has     been     in     watermount     for     forever     .

occupation     :    owner     of     the     beer     cellar     ,     occasional     instagram     influencer     .

gender     :     cisfemale     ,     female     pronouns     preferred     .

orientation     :     pansexual     .

height     :    167     cm     ,     5′5     .

weight     :     53     kg     ,     116     lbs     .

complexion     :     sun     kissed     to     perfection     ,     freckles     spanning     along     nose     and     towards     upper     face     just     enough     to     be     noticed     ,     a     scar     below     bottom     lip     on     right     side     from     a     childhood     fall     ,     almost     airbrushed     in     reflection     .

hair     :    almost     jet     black     in     winter     and     spring     ,     summer     brings     light     brown     and     blonde     highlights     to     twirl     in     thickened     curls     that     were     once     cascaded     down     spine     now     only     come     to     shoulders     .     well     kept     in     loose     ringlets     touched     by     gods     but     gifted     by     the     devil     .

distinguishable     characteristics     :    deep     brown     hues     to     show     uninterest     in     many     things     ,     a     laugh     that     fills     rooms     though     has     felt     empty     over     the     last     few     fallen     empires     ,     an     accent     so     thick     one     can     barely     make     what     is     being     said     and     gets     worse     with     heightened     emotions     ,     a     physical     frame     to     die     for     and     she     has     in     her     own     hell     many     times     .

favored     :     science     fiction     and     action     movies     ,     shows     about     illegal     activity     and     of     course     lucifer     ,     cooking     competition     shows     or     honestly     the     tasty     videos     off     f*cebook     ,     eating     any     and     all     foods     except     meat     we     are     vegetarian     blood     suckin’     fang     founders     in     this     house     ,     listening     to     obnoxious     eighties     rock     and     my     chemical     romance     at     every     hour     of     the     day     ,     stealing     her     mother’s     wardrobe     though     a     thousand     years     has     given     her     plenty     ,     starting     arguments     with     her     siblings     then     trying     to     take     selfie     ,     doing     her     lipstick     in     a     golden     spoon     because     nothing     looks     better     than     her     in     richness     ,     being     chaotic     .

distastes     :     caramel     flavoring     and     itself     entirely     ,     anything     with     meat     in     it     despite     a     living     human     (     animals     don’t     deserve     to     be     hurt     in     her     eyes     which     is     valid     )     ,     not     having     her     nails     painted     at     all     times     ,     getting     ignored     at     the     grown     up     family     table     ,     the     attention     not     being     on     her     ,     sappy     moments     in     life     and     on     television     ,     when     america’s     next     top     model     doesn’t     get     recorded     ,     the     smell     of     anything     besides     chanel     and     food     ,     having     to     repeat     herself     more     than     once     ,     and     someone     not     noticing     her     new     hair     style     .     

fears     :    someone     finding     out     the     facade     she’s     forced     herself     to     believe     her     whole     existence     &.     not     getting     the     real     her     back     before     her     damnation     .

aspirations     :     raising     as     much     hell     as     the     devil     will     allow     her     before     fingers     swarm     her     throat     and     pull     her     under     ,     fishing     pieces     of     what     she     used     to     be     in     the     river     that     now     runs     red     with     sin     .

╰     𝐒𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐓     𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐃     𝐓𝐎     𝐒𝐈𝐍     𝐖𝐄     𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑     𝐖𝐈𝐍     ;     sometimes     i     see     flames     and     sometimes     i     see     people     that     i     love     dying     and,     it's     always     just     sleep     !

ask     anyone     now     to     speak     your     name     and     they     forbid     to     call     on     the     boogeyman     .     you     have     made     a     name     for     yourself     as     the     youngest     and     most     vicious     marquez     ,     to     be     feared     and     hated     than     to     be     hurt     yourself     in     the     process     .     no     one     looks     out     for     you     like     you     and     the     family     branded     to     you     like     the     scarlet     a     on     a     sinner     woman’s     chest     .     but     those     people     don’t     really     know     you     ,     do     they     ?     they     don’t     know     what     has     sent     you     on     this     downward     spiral     lasting     all     of     your     vampirism     ,     they     don’t     know     how     plastic     the     mask     you     have     twisted     to     suit     fabrications     you     believed     your     family     wanted     .     you     couldn’t     be     who     you     were     and     live     the     life     you     do     now     ,     could     you     ?     they     speak     of     how     sweet     you     were     once     ,     like     a     freshly     picked     wildflower     just     bloomed     .     you     cared     for     others     much     more     than     they     did     you     ,     and     back     then     ,     it     was     okay     ,     for     your     maker     would     thank     you     in     the     afterlife     .     but     now     after     the     life     lived     ,     the     only     thanks     you     would     get     would     be     your     own     personalized     hellish     slumber     to     fall     into     for     the     rest     of     eternity     .     it     was     like     a     light     switched     off     that     night     ,     by     now     you     don’t     remember     but     suppressed     memories     flow     in     late     at     night     like     a     broken     record     with     no     relief     .     you     would     become     what     would     best     suit     your     lifestyle     and     family     ,     though     you     lost     the     reigns     and     now     a     stride     of     impurity     follows     you     like     a     lost     puppy     trying     to     find     a     home     .     and     you     gave     it     one     ,     too     ,     you     gave     the     evil     bounded     by     thick     strains     of     belief     and     hope     from     past     you     the     breath     of     relief     it     so     craved     .     you’ve     spent     your     existence     ignoring     voices     in     your     head     begging     to     be     released     ,     a     sugared     smell     and     kind     octaves     from     years     of     pushed     down     resentment     fill     the     corners     of     your     mind     but     booze     ,     misplaced     anger     ,     and     bad     decisions     act     like     homemade     earplugs     so     you     can’t     hear     what     you     don’t     want     to     anymore     .     you     have     become     deaf     to     your     own     screams     of     help     ,     how     poetic     of     you     ,     my     love     .     

hunger     nips     at     you     like     frost     on     exposed     skin     ,     bound     to     happen     and     painful     no     matter     how     many     times     you     fall     victim     .     this     life     wasn’t     something     you     wanted     .     you     wanted     the     fairytale     ending     ;     the     love     of     your     life     growing     old     with     you     ,     starting     a     family     and     watching     generations     unfold     before     your     eyes     ,     doing     good     in     the     world     so     when     it     was     your     turn     they     would     do     good     back     .     had     your     faith     been     thinner     than     you     thought     ?     for     you     dropped     your     beliefs     and     your     ways     like     hot     sacks     when     you     were     granted     power     never     asked     for     by     your     lips     ,     the     thrill     of     eternity     seemed     like     something     you     would     enjoy     for     a     fresh     minute     .     for     a     fresh     minute     after     turning     ,     you     felt     like     god     .     you     felt     just     like     him     ,     as     if     you     were     watching     over     the     mortals     and     could     do     what     you     desired     with     no     repercussions     .     every     time     you     do     something     you     want     to     do     ,     though     ,     an     uneasy     setting     in     your     gut     proves     otherwise     .     maybe     the     devil     has     his     limits     and     ,     dear     ,     perhaps     you     have     reached     yours     .     maybe     this     is     the     fairytale     ending     prescribed     to     you     so     long     ago     .     a     villain     shall     never     get     the     heroic     ending     but     ,     oh     ,     how     you     would     slaughter     a     thousand     heroes     just     for     a     taste     .     

[fate-weaver]

Looking for Contacts: Eadwine Wolfheart (Mateus/Crystal DC)

The Basics ––– –

NAME: Eadwine Philomena Wolfheart

AGE: Adult (23~ Summers)

RACE/CLAN: Hyur, Highlander

GENDER: Female

SEXUALITY: Demiromantic, Bisexual

MARITAL STATUS: Single

Physical Appearance ––– –

HAIR: Shoulder length auburn locks that spend most of their time tied up in a ponytail. Any hairstyle is acceptable that keeps it out of her mouth and face.

EYES: Pale Green, Pistachio

HEIGHT: 5’9”

BUILD: Wide shouldered and brawny; Eadwine has the physique of someone who has seen a lifetime of heavy lifting and labor.

DISTINGUISHING MARKS: Facial tattoos frame her eyes; only partially completed, the outlines of crescent moons stand out as fresh ink. Freckles, scars and the occasional burn cover Eadwine’s body, she’s seen her fair share of sun and fighting.

COMMON ACCESSORIES: Heirloom Tarot Deck, Gilded - Her first deck, gifted to her by her mother, Eadwine carries this deck in a velvet pouch wherever she goes. Occasionally she will decorate her hair with hawk feathers for ceremonial purposes.

Personal ––– –

PROFESSION: Fateweaver, Priestess of Nymeia, Adventurer.

HOBBIES: Sparring, gathering materials (woodworking & blacksmithng), studying astrology

RESIDENCE: None, frequents Inns and Taverns across Eorzea. Most commonly found around Ul’dah’s Quicksand.

BIRTHPLACE: The Peaks, Gyr Abania

PATRON DEITY: Nymeia, The Spinner

FEARS: Blindness, Atelophobia, Yarzon, being abandoned by family

Relationships

SPOUSE: none

CHILDREN: none

PARENTS: Raina & Ogmund Wolfheart; A Fateweaver and Clan Patron that oversee Caer Valar, a holding in the Peaks of Gyr Abania.

SIBLINGS: Two brothers and one sister, all younger (NPCs)

OTHER RELATIVES: Armes Wolfheart, the first Fateweaver; Matron of the Wolfheart line. (Great-great grandmother, deceased)

PETS: Alfsigr - work chocobo

Traits

extroverted / introverted / in between

disorganised / organised / in between

close minded / open-minded / in between

calm / anxious / in between

disagreeable / agreeable / in between

cautious / reckless / in between

patient / impatient / in between

outspoken / reserved / in between

leader / follower / in between

empathetic / unempathetic / in between

optimistic / pessimistic / in between

traditional / modern / in between

hard-working / lazy / in between

cultured / un-cultured / in between

loyal / disloyal / in between

faithful / unfaithful / in between

Additional Information

SMOKING HABIT: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess.

DRUGS: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess.

ALCOHOL: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess.

RP hooks/OOC stuff:

RP Hooks

Fateweaver: (personal headcanon) A reclusive sect of Oracles that only live among the mountain dwelling clans of Highlanders in Gyr Abania. The most notable are of the Wolfheart Clan, known for using many forms of divination (tarot, runes, and pendulum) in sync with their own ability to ‘see’ possible futures. A talent akin to the Echo, it only develops in select individuals; however, the Sight is hereditary, and is typically passed on from mother to daughter. While outsiders may see this type of Sight as a blessing, Fateweavers lose their natural vision over time, eventually going completely blind. Never forget that each gift has a price..

Readings / Priestess of Nymeia: As an Oracle of Nymeia, Eadwine offers simple card readings to those that ask. More in-depth readings or consultations can be arranged by letter or by happening upon the Fateweaver while she nurses a flagon of something strong in the Quicksand’s lounge. (or in any other public setting) Like other Priestesses she can confer blessings or heal wounds, and does so at nearby temples weekly.

Blade for Hire: Eadwine will sell her sword arm for extra gil when pressed. Make her a good enough offer and you’ll have a loyal companion with the ability to heal minor wounds, provide defense, and the uncanny ability to sense danger. A welcome addition to most adventuring parties or persons needing a bodyguard.

Resourceful: In her spare time, and to make gil in her new home of Ul’dah, Eadwine has taken up botany and mining. She collects trade supplies to sell at the Markets as well as to private craftsman. Commission her to do some gathering for you and save yourself the trouble!

New to the City-States: Eadwine led a relatively sheltered life in the mountains. Only knowing her family and the other clans they shared land with, she has some trouble navigating the intracicies of city-life. Choosing to leave Gyr Abania after coming of age, Eadwine has found herself in -slightly- over her head. Some may notice her naivety, and others will take advantage; which will your character be?

Looking For

Enemies, friends, competition, and more! Overall looking for plot but if you take some interest in Eadwine and have an idea, feel free to approach me with it. ICly she is still settling into life in Ul’dah and will likely be looking for ways to establish herself with a Free Company or another means of making gil.

I’m also interested in doing IC tarot readings and material gathering! (botany/mining/fishing) DM me for more info~

Availability

I live in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (UTC - 5) but likely to be online at odd hours with a tendency to be on at night or early morning. what is sleep?

I prefer in-game or discord rp, and will be up for RP as long as I’m online and don’t have the ‘busy’ icon up!

Contact Me: Discord (hierophant#6079) or PM me here on tumblr. Feel free to approach in-game! Eadwine Wolfheart - Mateus

Style/Preference Notes

I lean towards paragraph response and dialogue, though I’m working on short and quick sentences! While I appreciate ERP, it just isn’t for me, and if it does come up in a scene I prefer it to have a reasonable build-up. In a private RP setting I’m willing to do some lore breaking with explanation!

Themes: Will RP most anything with the exception of r*pe, and death of my character. Darker Themes welcome (crime, drug use, espionage, injury….. etc)

[ashxpad]

Examining Social Media’s Impact on Landscape and Nature Photography

As a landscape and nature photographer with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, I often enjoy trying to blend the two disciplines to better understand the human experience as it relates to photography. One subject that particularly intrigues me is the impact of social media on photography and photographers.

My journey as a photographer began in 2008 just before the explosion of social media. This was the heyday of forums, blogs, and magazines; if you wanted to find great photography, you had to search for it.

Today, it’s everywhere. Photographers are faced with a problem: How do we stand out? One solution it seems can be found in post-processing. Many photographers chose to push their images to greater and greater extremes vying for the increasingly limited attention of their audiences.

Read more: When is Photography No Longer Photography?

What we have seen unfold in the past 10 years has been extraordinary. Photographs that were once lauded are now largely ignored by the masses in favor of digitally created spectacle. Realistic photographs of natural phenomena, incredible moments in time, or those representing exceptional experiences witnessed by the photographer, suddenly seem mundane.

Change Through Social Media

So how did we get here? In my opinion, this all began with the website 500px, which emerged in 2012. 500px, for those that are unfamiliar, possessed an algorithm they called “Pulse” which measured the popularity of the photograph based on likes, comments, views, and other metrics which then acted as a vehicle by which the photograph would make it onto their “Popular” page or even be selected as “Editor’s Choice.”

The images that were garnering the attention of the algorithm often possessed extraordinary qualities: splashy post-processing, composite elements, and saturated colors, all tied together in a near-perfect fantasy-like style. Photographers who had mastered various techniques in Photoshop such as compositing, warping, and sky-swapping were heavily rewarded with views, likes, and more attention on the platform. Indeed, groups of photographers quickly learned how the algorithm was tailored and banded together in social groups to game the algorithm and maximize the likelihood of making it onto the popular page. This solidified these images as representing the Zeitgeist of landscape photography.

It was obvious for any photographer paying attention that if you wanted to shoot to stardom between 2012 and 2016, your photographs needed to possess this dreamy, fantastical look.

Indeed, images became increasingly perfect by the day, with each group of photographs making it onto the popular page requiring more and more manipulation in the digital darkroom to attract attention. A post-processing arms race began and those photographers that presented nature as they actually experienced it were left behind. Extreme digital manipulation became the norm.

I, too, got swept up in this movement and began compositing images in the hopes they would get noticed. As Facebook, and later Instagram, arrived on the scene, so the trend accelerated. Monster moons, dropped in skies, auroras and Milky Ways, stretched mountains, composites of vastly different focal lengths, painted light rays –everything aimed at creating a perfect final product of nature that never has and never will exist.

On the positive side, these approaches have opened new avenues for artistic expression. It can even be argued that a new photographic genre has been created, valid in its own right. Many of the innovative post-processing techniques that have been developed in pursuing these extremes have become useful to photographers with more understated styles often helping them to present reality in an even more natural way. As a community, we’ve also developed a different understanding of light and color, and the qualities of a scene that transform it into the sublime. Like any disruptive artistic movement, a lot has been gained.

But if there are “losers,” then they are those talented photographers who find nature to be sufficient without significant embellishment. Creating work primarily for yourself should be the goal of any artist, but for those working professionally, there is a stark reality that they must court popularity in order to survive — or even enter the profession in the first place! When the viewer can’t distinguish between experiential scenes and digital fantasies, the latter will always become more popular. It’s a difficult conundrum to solve — should they try to keep up or just accept their new normal and the potential downsides that come with it?

Why We Post on Social Media

What motivates photographers to post on social media to begin with? In a recent Medium article titled The Psychology of Social Sharing, the authors examined the psychological incentives for sharing content:

Physiological needs: Sometimes we post to benefit the health or well-being of our friends and family.

Safety: Physical, mental, and financial security are important for people when they choose to post some material on their social media. This certainly makes sense – photographers operating as business people have a vested interest in maximizing their income.

Love & belonging: Users generally want to post to feel some kind of social acceptance from a group or a particular individual. I have found this particularly true of photographers who want to be accepted by their peers.

Esteem: People want to satisfy the rewards-oriented parts of their brains, which helps explain why some people post “me-centric” content regularly.

Self-actualization: This aspect of social media posting manifests when people share their successes — selling a print, winning a photography competition, or completing a book, to name a few examples.

By examining these psychological incentives, one can begin to understand why landscape and nature photography has been pushed to such digitally-manipulated extremes: because in order to gain these benefits wholly and consistently, a photographer looking to gain the same benefits from social media is forced to edit their photographs in a way that garners the most attention.

To garner positive feedback, photographs must rise to popularity, which requires the photograph to compete with “best” at any given moment. One way to guarantee this is to make the “photograph” perfect in every possible way for the broadest possible audience. This is why we commonly see focal length blended foregrounds with stretched mountains combined with drone perspectives, all in one “photo.” The more extreme the better!

More directly, the quest for likes or follows on social media heavily influences why people post and why they create the “artwork” they do. The positive attention some users receive for posting inspires more and more social sharing in many users.

The Lure of Popularity

So why do we chase popularity as photographers? It is only natural to want people to like our artwork. The human brain is wired for it and social media is the powderkeg. Social media affects brain functions in unique ways – it contains combinations of stimuli that can trigger different reactions, and because of this, social media has numerous consequential effects on the brain.

Positive attention online has an acute effect on the brain. According to an article in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, accruing likes on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram causes “activation in brain circuitry implicated in reward.” When social media users receive positive feedback (likes and comments), their brains fire off dopamine receptors, which are the same neurochemical receptors involved with sexual pleasure, enjoying a good meal, or using cocaine. Additionally, where researchers used MRIs to look at the brains of adolescents using Instagram, “viewing photos with many (compared with few) likes is associated with greater activity in neural regions implicated in reward processing, social cognition, imitation, and attention.” (Psychological Science)

Social exclusion also plays a role. When we share our photographs online and they don’t receive the same amount of praise as others, we can feel excluded. A study observing brain activity published in Nature Communications found that parts of the brain that deal with emotional and sensory processing had a significant negative reaction to a sense of exclusion on social media.To avoid these experiences, some photographers conform to popular trends in order to avoid the negative emotions associated with exclusion.

None of this should come as a surprise. Social media companies have been clued into human psychology from the outset. Understanding and manipulating online viewers is a key means of business growth. Social media channels have even harnessed the psychology of gambling to increase our screen time through the addictive effects of variable rewards. Essentially, the fact that our photos are not rewarded with likes in a consistent way makes us even more prone to spend time on these sites. Well-established research has shown that rewards for behavior that are varied and random have a much more powerful influence on repeating said behavior. The purest example of this can be found in slot machines in casinos.

What’s Next?

What are we to do if we value both styles of landscape and nature photography (extremely digitally manipulated vs. more natural / representative of reality)? I believe there is room for both styles to exist simultaneously without the constant back and forth beating of the dead horse we constantly find ourselves engaging in.

First of all, we need to make some attempts to identify and separate these two approaches, though this will have to be done sensitively. Photographers preferring the truth-to-nature approach risk coming across as elitist if, for example, they start suggesting that their work is real, unlike those who “fake” their work.

Similarly, many photographers who prefer total freedom to manipulate a scene will be resistant to labeling their work as composites, or admitting that a scene never existed. The best we can hope for at this stage is increased openness from both “sides” and respect for their differing approaches.

Secondly, we need platforms, social circles, groups, and competitions that promote more understated photography for what it is so that this work isn’t totally drowned out by other, more hyper-realistic work. Not only would this help to level the playing field for current photographers, but it would also encourage new photographers to consider both approaches, not just the approach that garners the most attention.

With that in mind I, and three other photographers, have created a competition, the Natural Landscape Photography Awards, which will recognize, reward and promote the more natural eyewitness style. This entire article will now of course come across as an advertisement for our competition; however, this competition is born out of love and passion for this style of photography. It is our hope that the competition will be aspirational to those choosing to work in this way, but also for those new to landscape photography. We also hope to create an outstanding collection of work representing the best the landscape photography community has to offer through our panel of experienced judges. It’s not quite the seismic change that social media brought about, but it’s a small step in the right direction.

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

About the author: Matt Payne is a landscape photographer living in Durango, Colorado, USA. Much of his photography has focused on his life-long goal to climb the one-hundred highest mountains in Colorado which he completed in 2017. Matt is a co-founder of the Nature First Photography Alliance.

Matt hosts a weekly podcast dedicated to landscape photography called F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, where he has meaningful conversations with other landscape photographers all over the world.

from PetaPixel https://ift.tt/35H0IKR

[sharifs]

6 Basic Ways To Make Money Online

The following is a list of methods that I have seen time and time again employed or suggested for the net

Over the years, as I’ve wanted to learn how to become an entrepreneur who can run his own business, I have done research and observed what online companies have been doing to make money. The following is a list of methods that I have seen time and time again employed or suggested for the net.

1. Ecommerce

Make your own product, setup your own service, put physical products you own on sale or a salable package on freelance or perhour website. In any case the core is the same, setting up your own salable good or value for the customer to be purchasable online, then attracting traffic to your website or host that sells your product or service. This is the same as any business, even when not online, as you will learn, if you haven’t already, that the best way to run an online business is with the principles of traditional businesses but with the flexibility of the modern world.

Although this is the first option, it’s not always easy for busy people starting a side business, people who want to be an entrepreneur but don’t have a solid idea/plan or those who have an idea but don’t know how to get it together and want to practice with someone else’s platform or guidance first. In that case I would look to my next suggestion.

2. Affiliate

This is similar to the first suggestion except instead of selling your own product, you would sell someone else’s products. Many companies large and small offer an affiliate program allowing you to post unique links to purchasable products or services on that company’s website. When a potential customer accesses the purchasable item through your unique affiliate link, when purchasing the item, you will recieve a substantial (often 30%) commission on the sale of that item. For potentially popular yet high priced items, with the proper SEO, website and daily work, the sale could account for a decent side business income which could eventually allow you to transition to full time.

If you are already running an ecommerce business yourself and are ahead of the game, then you should consider setting up your own affiliate program to get more support from salespeople on the ground who are starting side businesses and will work regularly to sell your products and boost your business even further, with you not having to worry about pay until you are paid from the sale of each product.

3. Contract

This method is the method I employed most in my early days of discovering how to make money online. I had found sites like guru.com, peopleperhour.com and even fiverr.com to start hitting the ground running with earning some real money from my work online. This is not my first suggestion but is very doable by anyone who’s willing to give it an honest shot. My first tip would be to learn how to pitch yourself for a job online, and how to properly deal with clients, both for their satisfaction and your sanity.

You have to ensure you have real examples of exactly the same thing (or close) to what the client is looking for already in your portfolio to show when making your pitch. You want to exude confidence like you’ve done it a million times before, yet show care like this potential work is exciting and your willing to do the best job to satisfy the client. At the same time you want to be sure the client doesn’t take advantage of you. I would use peopleperhour where there was an escroll which ensured the client made a portion of their payment upfront.

Besides the above tips, I would suggest pricing what the client expects or is average for that job, or even a bit higher. If you charge too little you will be doubted for quality, if you charge too high it might be hard to sell, but if you charge average, the lcient might have trouble distinguishing you from others, so slightly higher than that says you are going to deliver quality without breaking the bank.

Once accepted for a job you should also be clear in the communication exactly what is being expected of you and exactly what you agree to deliver, when, and how many revisions you’re willing to accept. Get this all in writing, most freelance sites allow you to converse on the site itself, recording all your messages back and forth. Do not allow yourself or the client to take these parts of the discussion off the site, so that if there is a disagreement, you have the convenience of 3rd-party staff from that site to review your communications and decide how payments or cancellations should be handled.

My personal issue with this method of getting an online income isn’t in pitching, getting jobs or doing the work, but in dealing with difficult clients, who can sometimes change their minds on a dime, be very fussy or continuously increase their demands before increasing what they’re willing to pay. This kind of abuse shouldn’t be tolerated, but it can be a difficult balance to see where you yourself may be unfair. One proven way to smooth out this issue is to create a company brand and to work as that brand instead of yourself so that the client feels he is dealing with an establishment which will not easily take abuse. This is a tricky choice however since clients may lean towards individuals over companies in the freelance market because of the added personal touch of such freelancers, but these may not be the clients you want so you need to pick your battles.

4. Advertising

You will find that if you do any of the above methods, there is likely in some respect, going to be involved the work of advertising. As an ecommerce professional you may employ advertising or groundwork marketing camapaigns to raise awareness of your product through mainstream channels, online forums, social media, or even out on the street. As an affiliate partner, you would want to advertise your base or yourself as a trusted source for opinions on products in order to get more affiliate customers. You may, on your affiliate driving website or media also want to host ads from other companies to support on per-click basis. Finally as a freelancer or contracter, you very likely to find work in the fields of online marketing or advertising, in any of the respects from writing copy, graphic design, video production, web development, programming, campaign management and more; so the field of advertising is a competitively lucrative place to work either way.

5. Subscription model

As a subset of ecommerce, I thought I should give a mention to the subscription model which you can either setup from scratch on your website or employ the services of available platforms. Patreon is a very popular example for media creators who want to monetize their content, offering early access, exclusive content, credits, personalized items or gestures, etc to their monthly paying subscribers at different levels of payment and rewards. You could also set something up like a monthly membership to your website allowing for access to products which are usually paid-for to be free, and so on, depending on the nature and status of your business.

6. Crowdfunding

My final suggestion for this shortlist would be crowdfunding. Unlike you might think, Kickstarter is not the only way to do this. Indiegogo and other platforms are also available, while you could always develop your own custom crowd funding campaign from your own website so that you’re in control of when the money is distributed for the product and under what conditions. Using a trusted platform like Kickstarter however may make it easier for adopters to buy in, but regardless you are going to need to properly research and plan in advance both the production of your project and the campaign to raise awareness on the crowd funding launch as well as the continuous campaign to get funded after launch on top of delivering on your promises once your campaign is over.

I would suggest looking into all the success and some of the fail stories that you can in the field of crowd funding using the most popular platforms and apply the same principles fitting to your own situation on your campaign either using those services or via your own platform. Your own platform doesn’t have to be setup by you alone, it could always be setup in collaboration with others or even by hiring freelancers.

Closing Notes

I really hope I was able to give you some of the most important methods and concept to work from and get started on your online money making journey. I wish great success on you and your world to truly improve the lives of everyone you can.

Like what you see here? Express your support and follow @HonourableHappy on Twitter to stay updated on all the latest daily. Fill out the consulting form to receive your newsletter and how you can qualify to have me setup and grow your Twitter account to over 10,000 real followers organically without fake followers, bots or cheating. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

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[custompackagingboxes]

Represent your Goods Aesthetically with Quirky Soap Packaging

The world seems to be different now, as the pandemic grows. The markets, restaurants and other places are not the same anymore. In such circumstances, everything is affected, especially the economy. The businesses are struggling as things have not been the same anymore. But the industry that grew in such times is related to medical terms, health, and hygiene. Soaps, sanitizers, and masks are the true companions in such times.

Soaps were always necessary. Before the pandemic, they were used everywhere; in homes, offices, hotels, and public places. But the competition against the soap industries is tough now. They are trying their best to gain the limelight for their goods. Soap Packaging plays a crucial role in the marketing of soaps. These successfully make your goods recognized in the market. Imagine doing everything in your power to sell your goods, still, the profits are not up to your expectations. What could be the reason?

One of the many reasons your product doesn’t sell is that you haven’t done enough marketing. Yes, you heard right! Marketing plays an essential role when it comes to selling a product. How will people acknowledge your existence? How will they know about your goods? You have to tell them some way. The most effective way is displaying your soaps in an aesthetically attractive way. In any store or even for online purchases, beauty is what attracts the eyes. Make the boxes for wrapping your goods, appealing. And if you can’t do so yourself, get help from the packaging industries.

Packaging companies compete for building brand identity and unique recognition. They’ll customize your boxes the way you want. Add colors, designs, patterns, and your company’s logo for better closure. This way you are distinguishing from others.

There are several options and ways you can make your products unique and quirky. The benefit of doing so is providing your customers with an exceptional unboxing experience. They will speak for your brand. Tell people about it personally or post it on social media. It’s a smart way to advertise your brand. It helps you mark your individual identity, and makes you stand out from others.

Brand building is crucial, why? As you may be a seller for years, but haven't got customer's trust and loyalty, what use will be that? Instead, introduce your name in such a way that people trust and confide in it. Once you get them to trust you, they'll be your permanent customers.

Businesses put the effort into everything that can help to uplift their name. They can sell a low-quality product by lying about it. But it's not worthwhile. The customer will be pissed, they'll call them bad names and will make sure no one from their family or friends buys from them. This is a stain on your reputation. Building an impressive reputation may sound easy, but maintaining it is so much difficult. That's why the competition is at its peak these days. Only a few names reach the top.

That's the reason marketing and advertising are a must for businesses. Many small businesses have come to the top because of their smart and unique strategies. No matter how much money you invest, if your packaging isn't alluring for your customers, all things go in vain. So make sure to use good-quality Display Packaging boxes for representation. These won't cost you a fortune. As such companies use cardboard, corrugated, and Kraft material for wrapping. These are high-quality materials that also go along with your 'green' needs.

[douchebagbrainwaves]

WHAT NO ONE UNDERSTANDS ABOUT LOT

One of the less publicized benefits of the open-source hacking is all about. Casual fridays are out and dress codes are in writes Diane E. Even if your startup does tank, you won't harm your prospects with employers. If circumstances had been different, the people running Yahoo might have realized sooner how important search was. Credentials are a step beyond thinking of yourself as x but tolerating y: not even to consider yourself an x. 4-8 weeks to get that bug fix approved, leaving users to think that hacking and painting were very different kinds of antispam efforts we undertake, the better, because any measure that constrains spammers will tend to feel bleak and abandoned, and accumulate cruft. When PR people and journalists recount the histories of startups after they've become big, they always underestimate how uncertain things were at first. In software, my rule is: always have working code. If they had, Google presumably wouldn't have expended any effort on enterprise search. Now a lot of them were crap, but I know that when it comes to code I behave in a way that allows specifications to change on the fly. This helps to distinguish between words that occasionally do occur in legitimate email and words that almost never do.

I remembered. But there is a role for mathematical elegance: some kinds of design problems are more personal than others. They probably assumed we were on the same technology as the primary system. But I realize now that they're not intrinsically jerks. When you scale animals you can't just keep everything in proportion. It was not so easy 25 years ago. Few realize that this also describes a flaw in the way they made money: by selling ads.

If you're a hacker and you're presenting to experienced investors, they're probably going to live. VCs were jerks used to seem as naive to me as complaining that users didn't read the reference manual. The software business was overhung by a monopoly from about the mid-1950s to about 2005. But the two phenomena rapidly fused to produce a principle that now seems obvious: paying energetic young people get paid market rate for you? I'm still not entirely sure. The church knew this would set people thinking. But you'll have a lot of bandwidth to crawl the whole Web. What we can say with some confidence is that these are the glory days of hacking. There are examples of this algorithm being applied to actual emails in an appendix at the end that the lines don't meet. If you start a company, for example, it would be good for them. Nearly all the greatest paintings are paintings of people, for example.

Most successful startups not only do something very specific, but solve a problem people already know they have. But the real advantage of the statistical approach is that you don't have to persecute nerds, the very best VC funds. In technology, once you have bad programmers, the problem would be a bummer to have another grim monoculture like we had in the 1990s. 9075001 quality 0. The more general version of this problem is unique to me, because just about every startup I've seen grinds to a halt when they start raising money, raising money becomes the top idea in your mind. While I did enjoy developing for the iPhone, you could presumably get them to switch. For example, I think, is to make the same mistakes. Distraction is fatal to startups. I've seen so far could. And I think there is some important trend afoot. But they were expensive compared to what they were worth it. I don't have to commit to specific data representations up front.

If we use filtering to whittle their options down to mails like the one above, that should pretty much put the spammers on the legitimate end of the spectrum is designing chairs. Programming languages are how people talk to computers. I wouldn't quite call the high-paying union manufacturing jobs that boosted the median income. I believe Bayesian filtering will be the single most important difference between a good hacker and a great one. No one except the other founders causes you to get more done than you would otherwise, because every dinner is a mini Demo Day. It would be a fine idea if people actually did write programs the way they have to be so paranoid and sneaky, and overbearing. The other reason Apple should care what programmers think of them is that they don't understand software. This was true when their parents were in college, but it's there. Could anyone make a device that you'd carry around in your pocket like a phone, but we're not willing to admit that to ourselves, because that's what Steve Wozniak wanted for himself. The alternative approach might be called the Hail Mary strategy. And yet does anyone who was there have any expectation those days will ever return? Sending spam does cost the spammer something, though.

People could have been publishing online in 1995, and yet blogging has only really taken off in the design. Technology companies made money by selling their software to users. If you could travel back in a time machine, one thing would be true no matter where you went: you'd have to watch what you said. It could be simply that many famous scientists worked when collaboration was less common. To launch a taboo, a group has to be ready. I think this is the problem with fairly simple algorithms. Show features in an order driven by some kind of Web access, and all Evan and Joshua had to do the other three quarters of the time. The alternative approach might be called the Hail Mary strategy. Then I looked at his face and realized he didn't understand. However, that doesn't mean you should talk like some kind of competitive game with the spammers. He never referred directly to the users. So while I stand by our responsible advice to finish college, then go work for another company for two years, and the number of users they can support per machine will be the divisor of their capital cost.

[comparisonandcontrast398]

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[mysticalmindblog]

Today's society with the prevalence of Social Media and personal blogs has led to a glut of fake personalities, narcissism, and overindulgent bullying egos. How do you keep yourself in check without bending to peer pressure?

How Many Layers of Mediocrity Did You Add to Your Shell Today?

For most, the above question would be deemed offensive and condescending. It implies that by default the person being asked leads a mediocre life, and generally acts rather than being genuine.

Some context is needed for us to properly break this down into something profoundly meaningful.

So let's just get you to do a simple 5-Step Mind and Memory Challenge.

Think back to last Tuesday.  Take a minute or two, and remember your day, as much as you can, from the time you woke up, until the time you went to sleep.

Now, think back to the Tuesday before that, and also try to remember the day from start to finish.

And again, cast your mind back to the Tuesday before that - so now you are looking roughly 3 weeks into your past. Try hard to remember the day from start to finish. Are you having difficulty yet? Can you remember anything especially significant about that specific Tuesday?

Now go back in your mind to the Tuesday before that. You are trying to remember the Tuesday approximately 4 weeks ago.

Finally, using your memory again, ask yourself what distinguished each Tuesday as being different from the other. What stands out in your mind?

Such Challenges are especially useful for getting mentally prepared to prompt your thought processes into a type of internal investigation that it rarely, if ever, does.

I actually did this challenge quite some time back, and I was more than hard pressed to remember any differences. Sadly, all I could vaguely remember was that there was no break from the same routine for those Tuesdays. That's it, that's all I could say, I knew I had carried on the same routine for those Tuesdays that I always did. In fact, practically every day was indistinguishable, repetitive, and I couldn't name the day or date of the last thing that occurred that stood out as being a significant positive occurrence.

Negative occurrences..? That was another matter. I always had a lot to groan about.

I have tried this on several individuals also, and had pretty much the same results. It makes you think, and can make you uncomfortable in a deep and unfamiliar way. Why is that..?

Obsession with Happiness without knowing what True Happiness is

It all comes down to catching a glimpse of the preposterous nature of our lives which can be summarized as follows: A Pursuit of Happiness through a competitive obsession to obtain pleasures and comforts via the acquisition of impermanent consumables, which serve as addictive yet unsatisfactory finite attachments, prompting a compulsive, repetitive, and exponential drive to seek an ever greater amount of impermanent consumables by any means necessary, at whatever cost, without any limits; often compelled by a herd instinct to imitate the actions of others in an attempt to manufacture a corporately approved shell of ego while seeking an agreeable sense of individuality and self validation in addition to a perpetual quest seeking positive peer affirmation.

That's quite a mouthful, right..? Can I simplify it down a bit..?

I sure can.

Basically, we are indoctrinated from a very young age that stuff, and lots of stuff, can make us happy, feel mental and physical pleasure, and be comfortable. To be attractive to others, the more stuff you get and show off, the better it will be. Especially the stuff that gets advertised to you as being the most essential, trendiest and most in-demand stuff. So study hard, be someone who is competitive, get a good job that pays good money, and get good stuff. Don't stop there, be more competitive, get a better job, get more money, get more stuff. Be a winner, and don't stop there, don't let anyone be above you, just fight hand, tooth, and nail to get what you want. Just do it. And do it again, and again, and again...

And then, maybe when you least expect it, you will find yourself drawing in your last breath, and in that moment - do you think you will FINALLY be happy**..?** It will all have been worth it**..?**

The above is the reality for billions of people worldwide, so, it's got to be OK, right**..?**

It's not like anyone has an option, unless they are born into wealth and don't have to endure all the struggling and suffering in the pursuit of happiness, right**..?**

They say that money is the root of all evil, but I do my best and work my hardest to get the things that me and my family need to be happy and comfortable, so I will be happy one day, right**..?**

No pain, no gain, right**..?**

Fake it until you make it, right**..?**

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

The precise thing that is wrong with these assumptions, and the nature of life described above, is that from the level of the individual, all the way through to entire populations spanning the world, they all have been sold on the concept and blind pursuit of FAKE HAPPINESS. That's it.

A terrible misconception of what the True Happiness in being Alive really is.

Sufferings, trials, and tribulations of life

Entire generations being born, pursuing materialistically based happiness that they see normalized by the majority, enduring the sufferings, trials, and tribulations of a life dedicated to that pursuit, sometimes corruptly, and many times at the expense of others, to never actually experience true bliss - even to the moment of their last breath.

It is this lack of understanding that can be found at the root of every conflict, every war, genocide, famine, and crime. Whether seeking power, wealth, fame, notoriety, or just trying to live a decent, *normal* life, the desired bliss can never be found, because once you have made the attachments, they will bring you suffering.  

The more 'stuff' you have, the more possessive you will be about guarding that stuff, while always looking for bigger, better, newer versions. The chase will not end in your lifetime.

Without truly understanding what Happiness is, mankind blunderingly assumes it is to be found in the taking on of the role of a mindless drone, following the herd instinct, earning and spending, attaching to the idea that the more stuff you have, the happier you will be. What a perfect deception that ultimately only benefits a select few whose hands are all over the money made from giving you the proverbial 'stuff'.

Youth Mind and the Societal Programming

We aren't created as mindless drones. We humans come from the womb wide eyed and with a pure mind, pure consciousness,helpless and dependent for a time on our parents love, nurturing, and nourishment. It's not long after that we begin to choose to accept what is thrust in our faces throughout our younger years by the Corporations, by the Mainstream Media, by the Movie and Pop Music Industries, the Fashion Houses, by what we see our friends wearing, what we see our parents buying. It's like kids are shuffled through Elementary and High School learning as if they are drones being built on an assembly line of indoctrination. By the time they leave high school, the ink has dried, the glue has set, and with raging hormones and a magnified desire to stand out in a crowd they launch into early adulthood wishing to be years older already and on top of the game. It doesn't take too long for the metamorphosis to occur, and the routine to lock itself in place, before they are no more than mindless drones following the beat of a silent drum.

We humans complain. For every challenge and every problem in life, we complain. About the challenges and problems in our society and governments, and those around us, we complain. We call for change, but are unwilling to change ourselves. We stay as mindless drones on the path that we think will take us to happiness. We humans get so self-absorbed in our own little worlds, our own little melodramas, that we ignore the true issue of knowing what is true happiness, and because we want to stay on our path, we complain about the problems around us, but do nothing except blame others.

So, if the problem is not having an understanding of what Happiness is, what can be done..?

First, recognize that you have to do a clean-out of the mind. It has become noisy, disordered, and littered with a lot of useless junk.

We spend a lot of attention, time, and money - for grooming our outward appearance, be it the hair, clothes, shoes, accessories, or even in some cases modifying through cosmetic surgeries.

We also spend a lot of time caring for the appearance of our vehicles, our homes, and in recent years, a huge amount of time and attention to crafting our online profiles through various social media platforms... But what about our mind..?

At the end of the day, when we feel tired and somewhat dirty, we go to the shower or bathe to cleanse ourselves, using pleasant smelling shampoo and body washes. We like to then dress in clean clothes or nightwear. All clean, all fresh, all sanitized.

But what about Your mind..?

How do we clean and sanitize our mind in such a way as to begin to have clarity to accurately contemplate what it means to be truly happy..?

Peace and Quiet

Make time, even a few minutes, to retreat away from the noisy world and be alone, and sit down. Close your eyes. Imagine a volume dial in your mind that controls all the noisy thoughts, and begin to turn it down. Quieten those thoughts. Actually, dismiss those thoughts. One by one, just like you are closing the window panes on a computer, shut off the thoughts. If a thought like "I wonder what I will eat tonight?", for example, pops up in your mind, dismiss it. Finding it difficult..?

A 'FIND YOURSELF' MEDITATION

Try concentrating on slowly counting down from 10 to 1. Regardless of how long you spend on focusing on a number, forget time, just focus ONLY on the number. See it in your mind, hear it in your mind. Don't have any other thoughts except that number. Quite quickly you will find yourself in a very peaceful state of mind; and actually for the first time in a very, very long time, you will begin to feel a sense of deep, inner peace. What you are doing is cleaning your mind through meditation. If your are counting down, then you are meditating, and contemplating numbers. Your mind is 100% switching on, your mind is taking a beautiful shower of its own, and any brain fog will be washed away.

As you sense this inner peace, your very essence, your 'pure mind' (consciousness without noisy thoughts) will emerge. You will begin to perceive a sense of deep inner satisfaction - almost as if for the first time you experience yourself, you, the REAL you, to the point where you will almost want to say "Here I am..!!  After all this time, I have found myself..!!", and this perception, this feeling, can be profoundly satisfying and life-changing. It is the proverbial mirror on the wall which you will see clearly as you have now cleansed your mind in the moment of the noisy thoughts and distracting concepts.

There - did you see them..? The keywords I used..?

PROFOUNDLY SATISFYING and LIFE-CHANGING

It is a state of mind then, that most amazing feeling.

You see, the capacity to know true happiness is already within you. You will not meet it somewhere outside of yourself, and you cannot buy it. It must well up like a fountain from deep within your heart - and it will seem like a rushing torrent of purpose, and it will be a compassionate heart..!!  How so..?  Because you will suddenly feel like you can save the world, that you have found the secret to save many from suffering - and indeed you would be right, because it will just be the very start of an amazing journey, a pilgrimage to know the essence of who you are, and to be able to release others from the same suffering you endured for so long.

The capacity to know true happiness is already within you. You will not meet it somewhere outside of yourself, and you cannot buy it. It must well up like a fountain from deep within you.

Instead of rushing out to trade in your 9 month old cellphone for the latest version, take time to sit quietly, and contemplate what you have to do to see yourself as a member of the human race; and that race, gender, wealth and status mean nothing to the fact. You are not above, or below, anyone. You are unique as the person you are, but you are simply a member of the human race. Look at all others with compassion, as equals, the majority of which are suffering their own daily ordeals and tragedies.

Acts of selfishness and greed are not positive things, even though many encourage the 'Do what you want, when and how you want to do it' mentality, to find happiness - they are negative things, and provoke ignorance, arrogance, and suffering. Cause and effect will always balance out your actions by repaying you what you give. Promotion of ego, and acts derived from attention craving, will lead to rampant narcissism and put you far away from having a compassionate heart.

Clear out the Clutter of the Mind

Pretty soon after cultivating more time to yourself to meditate and contemplate like this, you will see how so much of the junk you have accumulated around you is just that - junk. You'll begin to see how much worrying, stress, anxiety, and suffering you have gone through for just obtaining unrewarding impermanent junk. You will begin to instinctively feel the artificial distractions as just that, junk that is so unnecessary, and will want to begin trashing it, or donating it. You clear out the clutter in your mind, you better believe you will begin to clear out the clutter around you. Life changes will occur, as you begin to live clear minded more and more. It's a most fascinating and wonderful journey that guarantees you will see yourself, this world, and all people differently, and in ways you could never have previously imagined.

The Core of Life is the Struggle for Survival and the Suffering in-between

Will there still be suffering in your life..? Of course..!!  

The world, and this life, is guaranteed to bring suffering, but finally you will have a method to master how your mind deals with that suffering, how to recognize it, and how to transmute it into something else, not just lessons to learn from, but lessons in compassion to help others who you perceive and observe going through the same crises that you have already emerged from.

Remember that Suffering is also Nature's hard-wired way of teaching us essential lessons. We cannot effectively avoid it our whole lives, but it is better to learn from it so as not to repeat the same mistakes over and over.

Don't settle for mediocrity, or living as a mindless drone for the Materialistic World

Make a pledge, a vow, an irreversible promise to become a new person by cleansing the mind and finding the supreme satisfaction of meeting the person you really are in essence, and take the most noble of journeys to be compassionate, clear minded, patient, loving, honest, and satisfied. It's not too late. All it takes is you, to get the journey started.

[drmahey]

How to Optimise Google My Business to Improve Local Google Ranking

Google My Business (GMB) is a free Google tool that helps businesses gain visibility on Google Maps and Google search. Thus, you must optimise Google My Business if you want to improve your local SEO ranking. GMB is like a mini-website for your business hosted by Google. It usually shows your business information such as business name, address, contact details, photos and your updates.

Why optimise Google My Business?

Health clinics/hospitals, like every other local business, need to optimise Google My Business. This is to allow patients searching for their services on Google to find them easily. Thus, GMB gives you excellent online visibility. Your clients will not only find you but also learn about what you do – before they even meet you. By so doing, your patients will know, like and trust you. Health clinics/hospitals can also take advantage of GMB to increase their Google ranking and drive traffic to their websites. If a patient is satisfied with your services and reviews your business with a good rating, it increases your SEO ranking. This action can, in turn, drive even more traffic to your website. Therefore, for any business operating from a local address, the need to optimise GMB cannot be overemphasised. Therefore, this article helps you:

Optimise Google My Business (GMB) Claim your business on Google My Business Provide complete and accurate information about your practiceGet Google reviews for your clinic/hospitalLearn what to post on your GMB profileUse GMB insights to track your progressIdentify common GMB mistakes and fix them You may also be interested in How to Grow Your Health Practice Rapidly. Or, you can download the 13 Simple Tactics for Rapid Health Practice Growth.

Claim your business on Google My Business

The first step to optimise Google My Business is to claim your business on GMB. Claiming your business entails following some simple steps. Firstly, sign in to your Google My Business account, or sign up if you haven’t created one. If you have logged into your Google account or Gmail, Google will redirect you. Next, search for your business name and address to ensure that no one else has verified the business. If your business has never been verified, click on ‘I’ve correctly entered the business’ or ‘No, these are not my businesses’. Then, you will be prompted to enter additional details about your business. Enter the exact address and phone number of your business, and click ‘Submit’. After the online process, wait for 3-5 working days. Google will send you a postcard to the address you provided with a verification code and further instructions for you to complete the claiming process. Once you’ve done this, you can begin to optimise your Google My Business profile to maximise your search ranking and attract more clients. Different scenarios to optimise GMB for clinics/hospitals For health practices, there are three scenarios we need to consider. Single practitioner The first scenario is for a single practitioner practice. If you are the only health professional managing your medical practice, you will need a single GMB listing. It could be in this form: medical practice: practitioner’s name. For example, General practitioner, Kate Mark M.D. Individual doctors should create their listing, as long as they can be contacted directly in the location during the hours stated. They must not have multiple listings. They may simply use their names and speciality as the title, without including the name of the hospital. Multiple practitioners The second scenario is for multiple practitioner practice. In this case, a health practice may provide a variety of medical services which operate at different times. For example, immunisations, specialist clinics, operation theatre, etc. To claim this type of business on GMB correctly, the hospital/clinic will need to create separate listings for its various locations. Multiple practitioners with multiple locations The third scenario is multi-practitioner and multi-location practices. In this case, multiple practitioners work in a hospital/clinic at different locations. To claim a GMB listing in this kind of scenario, Google allows separate listings for each service and location. However, this kind of listing is mostly discouraged. It creates confusion for Google users. You may be better off sticking with the second option.

Provide complete and accurate information about your practice

To optimise Google My Business for better local Google ranking, you need to provide complete and accurate information about your practice. For example, the name of your business, address of the business location, and if you deliver goods and service to customers. You will also need to specify your service area, and choose a business category from a dropdown list. Furthermore, you will need to add a phone number and website URL, and complete your GMB verification. Name, address and phone number (NAP) You must provide complete and accurate information about your practice, especially the name, address and phone number (NAP). Bear in mind that any inconsistencies will reduce your local SEO ranking. Your practice NAP should be consistent throughout the internet. This is so important that if you want optimise Google My Business for better ranking. More on this in the section on getting citations (below). Photos and videos Include high-quality images in your GMB profile. For instance, your logo, personal headshots, and photos of your hospital/clinic. You may also include videos in your profile as this makes you stand out from other practices. However, avoid using stock photos/videos on your GMB profile. See below for more on what to post on your GMB profile. Working hours Next, add hours that you are open for business. Google allows you to select specific hours you work each day of the week. Note that changes to your working hours may take up to 3 days to update. So, make sure you enter the correct times to avoid confusing visitors.   Business category Include your business category. Google My Business allows you to select up to 10 business categories. The first category is considered your primary category, so it should be very specific to your practice. For example, instead of selecting ‘doctor’, select something more specific like “dentist” or “chiropractic” or “neurosurgeon”. Also, describe each of your services. If appropriate, provide your prices as well. The more complete your profile is, the better optimised your GMB profile is and the better your chances of ranking higher on Google Maps. Business description Provide a compelling business description on your GMB profile. However, do not include URLs or HTML codes. Feel free to engage potential patients. Tell them what distinguishes you from other practices and why they should patronise you. Then, add the URL for your hospital/clinic’s website in the place provided. Google also allows you to provide a specific link for visitors to book an appointment with you. Ensure that your links are up-to-date. Avoid including URLs that redirect potential clients to your social media pages. Learn more about what to post on social media and get a lot of people to follow your business social media pages.

Post on your GMB profile

Posting on your GMB profile is a simple way to optimise Google My Business to improve local search ranking. Besides increasing your ranking, posting on your GMB profile can attract more patients to your hospital/clinic. Posting on your GMB profile is as simple as blogging. Besides, providing potential clients with valuable information is a great way to position yourself as an authority. What to post on your GMB profile? Announcements: For example, if you are hosting an event, you can publish the date, time and venue of the event. Anyone searching for you will immediately know about it. News: GMB allows you to post news about your business on your profile. You can seize the opportunity to tell your patients what new services you offer at your clinic/hospital. Specials: You can use posts on your GMB profile to inform them about special opening hours, offers, and change of business location.Answers to FAQs: Moreover, you can post answers to frequently asked questions as well as relevant healthcare topics on your GMB profile. Although GMB posts expire after every 6/7 days, it allows you to include a call to action. Therefore, include ‘Learn more’, ‘Sign up’, ‘Reserve’ or ‘Get offer’ to redirect potential clients to your website or email list. Each post has a ‘Share’ button so patients can share your GMB posts on their social media timelines. Posting on your GMB profile gives you an exceptional competitive advantage. Seize it!

Get Google reviews for maximum optimisation

The next step would be to get Google reviews for your clinic/hospital. Positive reviews of your clinic/ hospital help to optimise your Google My Business for better SEO ranking. In addition, research has shown that 90% of clients searching for businesses online make a decision based on business reviews. Four ways to get Google reviews for your clinic/hospital from patients Ask your visitors: You can directly ask your patients to write a review of their experience in your clinic/ hospital. Your patients may not know that they can leave reviews of your hospital online. Among those who know they can, only those who are not happy with your services are usually motivated enough to write a review. They may be the minority, but if they are the only ones writing a review, your practice will look very bad in the eyes of visitors and Google ranking algorithms. Hence, invite all of your patients/clients to leave a review on Google. Ask via follow-up email or SMS: This is a great way of getting Google reviews for your clinic/hospital. Send a follow-up email/SMS to your patients after an examination or consultation. In the email/SMS, thank them for patronising you, then ask them about their experience during their visit. You can take it a step further by asking them to leave an online review. You can achieve this by including a link to your GMB profile in the email/SMS. Request via social media: Today, almost everyone has an account on social media. Hence, it has become a great marketing tool for businesses. Besides using your business accounts and pages for marketing, you can use them to get reviews for your clinic. When your clients engage on your posts with positive feedback, reply with a link to your GMB profile, asking them to leave their review there.Your website: You can get great reviews for your clinic/hospital by linking your GMB listing to your website. Insert clickable links and images on your websites that redirect visitors to your GMB listing. There are other methods of getting reviews, but sticking to the above should be more than enough for a clinic/hospital. Remember that Google reviews and ratings are essential components to optimise Google My Business for better local SEO ranking.

Get citations to optimise Google My Business even better

Citations on GMB simply refer to the number of places your business is mentioned throughout the internet. The key to a successful citation campaign is to make sure your business details, especially your business name, address and phone number (NAP), are consistent with you GMB listing in all citations. How many citations do you need? Well, the answer is not the same for everyone. It depends on your location, industry, niche and local competition. However, below is a list of websites commonly used by clinics/hospitals to get citations and effectively compete for local Google ranking: www.yellowpages.com www.yelp.com www.dexknows.com www.comcast.com www.local.yahoo.com www.allconnect.com If you would like to know which websites you need to get citations from to optimise your GMB, submit your details to us. We will run a deep analysis of your website and send you a list for your unique location, with actionable suggestions. It is a free service – our way of giving back to health professionals.

Use GMB Insights to track progress and optimise GMB

Posting on your GMB profile is one thing, but monitoring the impact of your efforts is a different kettle of fish. GBM Insights show how your post is performing with metrics from how your audience interacts with your posts. For example, it shows how clients/patients find your listing and their location. GMB Insights also shows the actions your patients take, and how many of them view your post. You can use GMB Insights to track your progress and evaluate your posts. To track your progress using GMB Insights, click on the Insights tab on your GMB dashboard. Although you can adjust the time window, GMB Insights only shows statistics for the past three months. It does not retain data history for more than a quarter. If you would like to track your progress for over three months, you may need to consider using Google Analytics. Metrics to monitor on GMB Insights Using GMB insights to track your progress helps you optimise Google My Business for better SEO ranking. You would want to concentrate on monitoring the following key metrics: Website visitsNumber of people asking for directionsNumber of phone callsGoogle service customers use to find your businessKeywords people search to find your clinic/hospital Number of people calling your hospital/clinic via GoogleNumber of business photos’ views Finally, use your GMB Insights like a mirror to find areas where you can improve.

Common GMB optimisation mistakes and how to fix them

We have mentioned that having a GMB listing is crucial to optimise your SEO ranking. However, there are many areas where things can get wrong. In this section, we highlight common GMB mistakes and how to avoid them. Mistake #1 – Poor images One of the most common GMB mistakes people make is using low-quality photos for their GMB listing. Your visuals are the first impressions potential clients have about your business. Thus, the quality of your photos affects your GMB impressions. High-quality photos are attractive and attention-grabbing. As such, these kinds of pictures will entice your audience and keep them clicking. More clicks will send positive signals to Google and help to optimise your Google My Business for better ranking. Mistake #2 – Poor categorisation of your business Another common GMB mistake to avoid is category confusion. GMB category confusion leads to angry clients, negative reviews, and poor rankings. To prevent this, ensure that your primary category tallies as much as possible with the type of practice you have. By so doing, your customers will be able to find you and leave you good reviews. Choosing the right category for your business on GMB can be very dicey and confusing. However, getting it right is a great way to optimise your Google My Business for better search ranking. So, it is worth taking the time to find the correct category for your clinic/hospital. GMB categories help to give your business the right focus, helping your target audience find you. No matter the type of practice you have, GMB has a wide range of categories to cover your needs. Mistake #3 – Duplicate listing or inconsistent information Furthermore, avoid duplicate listings and inconsistent information on your GMB listing. Duplicate listings can adversely affect your web presence and could get you penalised. We’ve mentioned this before, but it is worth repeating here. Ensure that all information about you on the website is consistent with your GMB listing, especially your NAP. It is so important if you want to optimise Google My Business and improve your client’s experience.

Conclusion

In summary, Google My Business (GMB) is an excellent tool for connecting your business to your clients. However, to get the best results from GMB, you have to optimise it. First, claim your business on Google My Business and verify it. Next, you should provide complete and accurate information about your clinic/hospital. Ensure that your business information, especially your NAP, is consistent throughout the internet. Post on your GMB profile and use the different tactics discussed above to get Google reviews for your clinic/hospital. Afterwards, use GMB Insights to track your progress. Moreover, in this article, we have highlighted common GMB mistakes and how to avoid them. Sticking to these rules will help you optimise Google My Business for better SEO ranking. Read the full article

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How to Start Profitable Fashion Business in Nigeria 2019

You will definitely agree with me that the fashion industry is one of the fastest growing industries right now in the whole world. And Nigeria doesn’t seem to be an exception in the list of countries where fashion is making a big boom at the moment. This article clearly explains, in simple terms, how you can easily start up your fashion business in Nigeria. Before making your decision on whether to venture into the fashion business world or not, you must be well aware that the industry requires creativity, that is, coming up with new ideas and you must also follow what is trending.   1. Write Down a Business Plan There has never been a business that has ever succeeded without proper planning. Now that you know that fashion business, especially clothing, is such a lucrative business that can survive any form of economic crisis, it is essential that you plan how to work your way to the pinnacle of the business. This involves getting things right from the onset and putting the right energy. First and foremost, you must be sure of your funding and capital for there is no business that can thrive without startup capital. Then after securing the startup funds, think about the niche you want to go into. This will determine your budget and expenses. Make a feasibility study by asking questions and seeking information from stores or those that are already in the business. Write down all the information obtained and then proceed to the next phase.   2. Build a Brand It is essential that you build a brand for yourself. Your brand tells people about your business and your reputation. Make your brand simple and easy to relate with, unique and eye-catching. Do not forget to also follow the trend. You wouldn't want to build a brand around outdated ideas and concept. Make sure you build a brand that is easy to market and devoid of controversy as this may tend to tarnish the brand right from the onset.   3. Register Your Business Brand It is advisable to register your business trademark and brand. This will help protect against piracy, theft and also ensure copyrights. Registering your brand will make your business more recognized and increase trust among customers.   4. Create Your Own Design This is the first thing that needs to be done in the world of fashion. You will require thinking outside the box and creating your own designs. You must be creative in your thinking in coming up with your design. It is a two-way thing. You may decide to come up with a new idea and style, which will easily captivate people’s attention in a unique way. You may decide to replicate what is already trending in a more unique dimension. When you attend fashion classes, events, and interaction with stylists, it is easy to know what you can think about.   5. Come Up with a Sample After you have been able to create your own design, try as much as possible to bring your creativity to life by making a sample of it. This will make you proud of your own ideas. You can start by making a sample of your work locally. By doing this, it is less expensive and easy to go about. Try to evaluate if your design meets up with the requirements or specifications for which the material is needed. You can get a few people to check it out and check the style and fit.   6. Finding a Factory I believe at this stage, you will have come up with the sample of the exact shape and style of what you need. The next thing is to find a factory that can help you produce these samples in bulk and according to the various sizes and design. You can search the internet for a manufacturing factory you can use, but I’m well informed that many Nigerian fashion businessmen use Chinese factory and I greatly recommend Guangzhou. Once found, make sure this factory can help you make a prototype of your sample without blemish. I suggest you take your time to go through the list of factories and then choose the one that is ready to offer you the best services, for this stage of production is the most important aspect of your business. Remember you can only get enough customers if what you are delivering is top notch.   7. Packaging Now you have survived the hassle and stress of getting your products from the factory. The next thing is to package and brand it in the most enticing way. Customers want their products to be delivered in good and neat condition. Here, you must put a lot of effort into arranging, boxing and putting everything in good condition. This will help you secure a good reputation and also increase your recommendations among your customers. You should also learn to deliver as at when due or needed.   8. Marketing Marketing is the backbone of every business. It is advisable to build a very strong customer channel when venturing into this business. There are a lot of methods by which you can market your products. The advent of social media has made marketing easier. You can easily set up an Instagram page. This will help you promote your products and help you get followers and customers to check out your products. You can also run Facebook ads to promote your products. You may enroll online for some social media marketing classes to learn the basics of social media marketing. It is also advisable to contact a sales expert before you invest any money into promotion.   The Pros and Cons of Fashion Business in Nigeria The Pros It is a very lucrative business There are high demands for fashion products   The Cons Marketing & Sales: It is hard to build a reliable distribution channel in Nigeria. It can be very difficult for many fashion entrepreneurs. In this case, they need to hire an experienced sales expert who will help to rake in profits and in many cases, these experts tend to take the highest percentage of profits generated. The problems fashion entrepreneurs face in marketing their products cause many to encounter losses which, eventually leads to a lot of businesses folding up.   Sourcing credible manufacturers: Finding credible manufacturers in foreign countries can be a difficult task, especially when you are limiting your research to the internet. With many non-producers faking themselves online as good manufacturers, getting a factory that will actually produce what you want in the right quality, quantity, and price can prove difficult to find.   Competition: The fashion business in Nigeria is very competitive, and so it is difficult to make a profit unless a fashion brand can come up with unique creativity that will help distinguish itself from others and still create a reputable and outstanding business concept. While delivering superior service at very reasonable prices, the fear of running out of business will not be a problem. Read the full article

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Will AI ever understand human emotions?

by Leandro Minku

How would you feel about getting therapy from a robot? Emotionally intelligent machines may not be as far away as it seems. Over the last few decades, artificial intelligence (AI) have got increasingly good at reading emotional reactions in humans.

But reading is not the same as understanding. If AI cannot experience emotions themselves, can they ever truly understand us? And, if not, is there a risk that we ascribe robots properties they don’t have?

The latest generation of AIs have come about thanks to an increase in data available for computers to learn from, as well as their improved processing power. These machines are increasingly competitive in tasks that have always been perceived as human.

AI can now, among other things, recognise faces, turn face sketches into photos, recognise speech and play Go.

Identifying criminals

Recently, researchers have developed an AI that is able to tell whether a person is a criminal just by looking at their facial features. The system was evaluated using a database of Chinese ID photos and the results are jaw dropping. The AI mistakenly categorised innocents as criminals in only around 6% of the cases, while it was able to successfully identify around 83% of the criminals. This leads to a staggering overall accuracy of almost 90%.

The system is based on an approach called “deep learning”, which has been successful in perceptive tasks such as face recognition. Here, deep learning combined with a “face rotation model” allows the AI to verify whether two facial photos represent the same individual even if the lighting or angle changes between the photos.

Deep learning builds a “neural network”, loosely modelled on the human brain. This is composed of hundreds of thousands of neurons organised in different layers. Each layer transforms the input, for example a facial image, into a higher level of abstraction, such as a set of edges at certain orientations and locations. This automatically emphasises the features that are most relevant to performing a given task.

Deep learning is based on the neural network of the brain. A Health Blog/Flickr, CC BY-SA

Given the success of deep learning, it is not surprising that artificial neural networks can distinguish criminals from non-criminals – if there really are facial features that can discriminate between them. The research suggests there are three. One is the angle between the tip of the nose and the corners of the mouth, which was on average 19.6% smaller for criminals. The upper lip curvature was also on average 23.4% larger for criminals while the distance between the inner corners of the eyes was on average 5.6% narrower.

At first glance, this analysis seems to suggest that outdated views that criminals can be identified by physical attributes are not entirely wrong. However, it may not be the full story. It is interesting that two of the most relevant features are related to the lips, which are our most expressive facial features. ID photos such as the ones used in the study are required to have neutral facial expression, but it could be that the AI managed to find hidden emotions in those photos. These may be so minor that humans might have struggled to notice them.

It is difficult to resist the temptation to look at the sample photos displayed in the paper, which is yet to be peer reviewed. Indeed, a careful look reveals a slight smile in the photos of noncriminals – see for yourself. But only a few sample photos are available so we cannot generalise our conclusions to the whole database.

The power of affective computing

This would not be the first time that a computer was able to recognise human emotions. The so-called field of “affective computing” has been around for several years. It is argued that, if we are to comfortably live and interact with robots, these machines should be able to understand and appropriately react to human emotions. There is much work in the area, and the possibilities are vast.

For example, researchers have used facial analysis to spot struggling students in computer tutoring sessions. The AI was trained to recognise different levels of engagement and frustration, so that the system could know when the students were finding the work too easy or too difficult. This technology could be useful to improve the learning experience in online platforms.

AI has also been used to detect emotions based on the sound of our voice by a company called BeyondVerbal. They have produced software which analyses voice modulation and seeks specific patterns in the way people talk. The company claims to be able to correctly identify emotions with 80% accuracy. In the future, this type of technology might, for instance, help autistic individuals to identify emotions.

Sony is even trying to develop a robot able to form emotional bonds with people. There is not much information about how they intend to achieve that, or what exactly the robot will do. However, they mention that they seek to “integrate hardware and services to provide emotionally compelling experiences”.

An emotionally intelligent AI has several potential benefits, be it to give someone a companion or to help us performing certain tasks – ranging from criminal interrogation to talking therapy.

But there are also ethical problems and risks involved. Is it right to let a patient with dementia rely on an AI companion and believe it has an emotional life when it doesn’t? And can you convict a person based on an AI that classifies them as guilty? Clearly not. Instead, once a system like this is further improved and fully evaluated, a less harmful and potentially helpful use might be to trigger further checks on individuals considered “suspicious” by the AI.

So what should we expect from AI going forward? Subjective topics such as emotions and sentiment are still difficult for AI to learn, partly because the AI may not have access to enough good data to analyse them objectively. For instance, could AI ever understand sarcasm? A given sentence may be sarcastic when spoken in one context but not in another.

Yet the amount of data and processing power continues to grow. So, with a few exceptions, AI may well be able to match humans in recognising different types of emotions in the next few decades. But whether an AI could ever experience emotions is a controversial subject. Even if they could, there may certainly be emotions they could never experience – making it difficult to ever truly understand them.

Leandro Minku is a Lecturer in Computer Science at the University of Leicester.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. 

[davidrsmithlove]

How to Protect Your Website IP

Back in the 1980s, it was impossible to consider someone a serious entrepreneur without a business card. It contained not only the information about someone but also the logo and sometimes a specific design. There was even a time in the 1990s when business card design was more in the focus than the new-found technological wonder of Internet launched in 1995.

But the trend changed very fast from then on. The business world slowly started to discover the benefits of online presence and started thinking about the global market from a different perspective. Soon, everyone wanted a website – better, unique and more beautiful than their competition has.

It took a while for web designers to find their footing with different browser optimization, unreliable dial-up connection and demanding clients. Nevertheless, there was a large number of those dedicated to acquiring knowledge on web design and creating distinctive websites.

Today, a website is only a part of the online presence for anyone, but still a feature that requires being exceptional and functional at the same time. Although there are many templates to choose from, those who really want to develop their brand go into the original design. And, naturally, that raises the issue of the website as an intellectual property.

Patenting a website

The first thing that we must point out to is that it’s impossible to patent a website. It’s really difficult to observe it as something complete since it consists of numerous pages with many elements. Namely, images, videos, sounds and texts are all part of the website.

But what the general visitor doesn’t recognize are the resources needed for the development of said aspects. This applies to software, besides the already mentioned elements, which can also be submitted for a patent. 

When applying for software patent you’ll be going through the process necessary for typical applications – passing the tests for novelty and inventiveness. But source or programme code are not covered by the patent law. To be exact, the software patent covers methodology of the programme, so concentrate on proving your method with diagrams and calculations.

The best practice to protect a website

If you can’t patent a website as a whole, then you have to strategize and consider which parts you can protect by the intellectual property legislation. This is the most easily done through alternative means and measures.

Make no mistake, the overall look of your website can be unique even with this small obstacle. Others may be inspired by your website, but copying the core elements will be considered an infringement. Namely, you can use trademarks, copyright, trade secrets and website terms of use to protect your design from use without permission.

Trademark

Facebook, Google, Microsoft – these are all brand names registered as trademarks. They are also distinguishable by their logos and websites. You can register your brand name, domain and/or logo and protect yourself in this way. By doing so, you will own a unique name or logo that will help you be recognized by your competitors.

This is the first step you should take in order to allow your website to develop and grow over time. Additionally, this early reaction will prevent your competition to use your brand name and steal your spotlight.     

Copyright

Copyright is something you will always see at the bottom of the website and it’s a note telling you that you can’t use materials or anything else from the website without permission. The moment you publish your website it falls under copyright protection.

Australian Copyright Act 1968 defines the terms and scope of owning and developing copyrighted material. The copyright lasts for 70 years after the death of the owner of the rights, which was extended from 50 in 2004.

When it comes to websites, copyright protects literary work which pertains to articles and other written forms. Also, it covers design and graphics of the author or group of authors. This means that each element is under the copyright, but not the website itself. Still, if anyone wanted to use any content, they would have to ask for permission and negotiate the terms with the author.

Trade secrets

Trade secrets are very serious and shouldn’t be taken lightly. They are the inner clockwork of your website and include confidential information. Data like employee details and market strategies are considered trade secrets. In order to protect yourself, you must use the non-disclosure agreements when doing business with third parties.

If the breach of confidence happens, then you will have to be able to recognize it and take appropriate actions to protect yourself and information.

 “This cause of action is designed to protect the relationship of confidence between the party imparting the information and the party receiving that information,” as pointed out by one of the patent lawyers Sydney offices.

By including non-compete and confidentiality clauses in employment agreements you will make sure that your employees keep the trade secrets to themselves. Additionally, they are not allowed to become your direct competition once their employment is over.

Website Terms of Use

Terms of Use will define the way visitors handle the content on your website. They are intended to more closely explain the intellectual property, as well as the use of copyrighted materials. You may allow visitors to copy and publish your articles on their website if they name the source.

Alternatively, you can forbid them from doing so and ask for a fee. It all depends on your personal choice and preference. You are the one setting the rules of conduct and you can decide, together with other authors, how to manage the exploitation of content.

Final thoughts

Consider all these factors when creating a website and find the best solution for you and your contributors in order to protect the content. Even though you may fear to be copied for your design. rest assured that you will more serve as an inspiration.

The uniqueness of your website is reflected in your articles, images and videos as well as the overall environment you created for your visitors. After all, you can have a thriving internet presence if you react in time and protect yourself in the proper manner.

About David Koller

David Koller is a passionate blogger and copywriter for Media Gurus, mainly interested in Digital Marketing and law.

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[magnificentmktg]

How to Protect Your Website IP

Back in the 1980s, it was impossible to consider someone a serious entrepreneur without a business card. It contained not only the information about someone but also the logo and sometimes a specific design. There was even a time in the 1990s when business card design was more in the focus than the new-found technological wonder of Internet launched in 1995.

But the trend changed very fast from then on. The business world slowly started to discover the benefits of online presence and started thinking about the global market from a different perspective. Soon, everyone wanted a website – better, unique and more beautiful than their competition has.

It took a while for web designers to find their footing with different browser optimization, unreliable dial-up connection and demanding clients. Nevertheless, there was a large number of those dedicated to acquiring knowledge on web design and creating distinctive websites.

Today, a website is only a part of the online presence for anyone, but still a feature that requires being exceptional and functional at the same time. Although there are many templates to choose from, those who really want to develop their brand go into the original design. And, naturally, that raises the issue of the website as an intellectual property.

Patenting a website

The first thing that we must point out to is that it’s impossible to patent a website. It’s really difficult to observe it as something complete since it consists of numerous pages with many elements. Namely, images, videos, sounds and texts are all part of the website.

But what the general visitor doesn’t recognize are the resources needed for the development of said aspects. This applies to software, besides the already mentioned elements, which can also be submitted for a patent. 

When applying for software patent you’ll be going through the process necessary for typical applications - passing the tests for novelty and inventiveness. But source or programme code are not covered by the patent law. To be exact, the software patent covers methodology of the programme, so concentrate on proving your method with diagrams and calculations.

The best practice to protect a website

If you can’t patent a website as a whole, then you have to strategize and consider which parts you can protect by the intellectual property legislation. This is the most easily done through alternative means and measures.

Make no mistake, the overall look of your website can be unique even with this small obstacle. Others may be inspired by your website, but copying the core elements will be considered an infringement. Namely, you can use trademarks, copyright, trade secrets and website terms of use to protect your design from use without permission.

Trademark

Facebook, Google, Microsoft – these are all brand names registered as trademarks. They are also distinguishable by their logos and websites. You can register your brand name, domain and/or logo and protect yourself in this way. By doing so, you will own a unique name or logo that will help you be recognized by your competitors.

This is the first step you should take in order to allow your website to develop and grow over time. Additionally, this early reaction will prevent your competition to use your brand name and steal your spotlight.     

Copyright

Copyright is something you will always see at the bottom of the website and it’s a note telling you that you can’t use materials or anything else from the website without permission. The moment you publish your website it falls under copyright protection.

Australian Copyright Act 1968 defines the terms and scope of owning and developing copyrighted material. The copyright lasts for 70 years after the death of the owner of the rights, which was extended from 50 in 2004.

When it comes to websites, copyright protects literary work which pertains to articles and other written forms. Also, it covers design and graphics of the author or group of authors. This means that each element is under the copyright, but not the website itself. Still, if anyone wanted to use any content, they would have to ask for permission and negotiate the terms with the author.

Trade secrets

Trade secrets are very serious and shouldn’t be taken lightly. They are the inner clockwork of your website and include confidential information. Data like employee details and market strategies are considered trade secrets. In order to protect yourself, you must use the non-disclosure agreements when doing business with third parties.

If the breach of confidence happens, then you will have to be able to recognize it and take appropriate actions to protect yourself and information.

 “This cause of action is designed to protect the relationship of confidence between the party imparting the information and the party receiving that information,” as pointed out by one of the patent lawyers Sydney offices.

By including non-compete and confidentiality clauses in employment agreements you will make sure that your employees keep the trade secrets to themselves. Additionally, they are not allowed to become your direct competition once their employment is over.

Website Terms of Use

Terms of Use will define the way visitors handle the content on your website. They are intended to more closely explain the intellectual property, as well as the use of copyrighted materials. You may allow visitors to copy and publish your articles on their website if they name the source.

Alternatively, you can forbid them from doing so and ask for a fee. It all depends on your personal choice and preference. You are the one setting the rules of conduct and you can decide, together with other authors, how to manage the exploitation of content.

Final thoughts

Consider all these factors when creating a website and find the best solution for you and your contributors in order to protect the content. Even though you may fear to be copied for your design. rest assured that you will more serve as an inspiration.

The uniqueness of your website is reflected in your articles, images and videos as well as the overall environment you created for your visitors. After all, you can have a thriving internet presence if you react in time and protect yourself in the proper manner.

About David Koller

David Koller is a passionate blogger and copywriter for Media Gurus, mainly interested in Digital Marketing and law.

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