How to Buy a Good Laptop for Programming and Web Development

If you are a web developer or a budding programmer, you may need to buy a laptop designed for your needs. Sure, there are no laptops tagged “best for programming” yet, but you can determine what’s best by generally going over the specs. Also, unlike with gaming laptops, you may not need to spend a lot of money on a work laptop either. You will most likely be able to buy a good programming laptop for a price between $600 and $700. You will be able to get a really good one if you are willing to spend somewhere between $1,000 and $1,500. However, price is not everything when it comes to laptops. Here are several tips on how to buy a really good laptop for web development and programming needs:Continue reading →

Your Guide to Securing Funding for Your Digital Start-Up

Although online businesses are by their nature usually much cheaper than offline businesses to set up and run, this doesn’t mean that it’s not essential for online entrepreneurs to secure business funding. Whether you’re setting up an e-commerce store, a blog, or are starting a company that offers online services such as web design, SEO or content curation, funding is usually necessary for your digital start-up to get off the ground. We’ve listed a step-by-step guide to successfully getting funding for an online business venture.

Weigh Up Your Options:

Before you apply for business funding, it’s important that you have weighed up all of your options and decided on the best one for you. Along with taking traditional bank loans into consideration for your business, you might also want to think about looking into business-only lenders, investors, and even crowdfunding campaigns in order to provide your company with the funding that it needs. Browse financial sites and comparison apps to find out more about the types of business lenders and loans available, and to achieve helpful tips and advice on securing your funding successfully.

Fine Tune Your Business Plan:

No matter which way you have decided to obtain your funding, a solid business plan is an essential tool to have in your kit. When you apply for funding from the bank, a business lender, investor or even crowdfunding from the public, your business plan will likely be requested before your lender(s) make a decision about whether or not it’s a good idea to part with their money. Because of this, spending some time on your business plan, having a clear future strategy in place and being able to clearly and assertively answer any questions from the lenders is crucial to obtaining funding for your company.

Check Your Personal Credit Score:

When it comes to applying for business funding, one of the main things that you must do is make sure that there is nothing which could possibly hold you back from getting the funds that you need. Unpaid debts from a long time ago could quickly come back to bite you when you are applying for a business loan or another type of business funding. If you have a very poor credit score, it’s important that you work to improve this before you apply for a business loan. If waiting isn’t an option, crowdfunding is often a very effective method for entrepreneurs who are unlikely to find funding elsewhere.

Pitch to Investors:

One of the best ways of getting funding for your start-up is through an investor. Often, investors are people who have owned their own business or businesses for a number of years and therefore are not only useful when it comes to funding, but also when it comes to giving you advice and tips for success. The downside of an investment is that you’ll usually have to share a cut of the profits with your investor(s), however, most entrepreneurs will agree that this is usually very worth it.

Ask the Public:

Lastly, crowdfunding, as mentioned earlier, can be used to fund all or part of your digital start-up. Crowdfunding is becoming more and more popular, and is a method of raising funds which involves asking the public for donations, which could also result in them becoming a shareholder in your company. Crowdfunding can be done in person, for example at shopping centers or door-to-door, however, it’s most effective when done online!

Are you currently in the process of getting funding for your online start-up? Tell us your story so far in the comments!

How To Get Your First IT Job

Most people already know how tough it is to land great jobs in the IT industry. You can find discouraging statistics about the topic on various different sites. If you want to do all you can in order to land your dream career in IT, the idea is to get experience, improve your skills, and keep your eye out for opportunities to help you succeed and build on your skillset.

There are many job search strategies, but the following tips will greatly increase your chances of landing your first IT job.

Start At The Bottom

Even if you know a lot about the work you really want, there is a pretty good possibility you will have to start right from the bottom. It is hard to start as system or network administrators and can be pretty difficult to find jobs in call centers or in a help desk establishment. Working hard and climbing your ladder is going to be the secret to success. Be sure you always focus on starting from the bottom  especially if you have no experience. This helps you to save time and get the best possible job for you to eventually reach your career goals.

The Reality Of Education In IT

All specialists agree the best way to look at finding jobs and climbing career ladders in the IT industry has to start with getting the first job, gaining on-the-job training, and then pursuing certifications. If you have high-level certifications like MCTS or CCNA and your experience is zero, you’ll still have difficulty finding an ideal position. That’s because employers always prefer candidates with actual experience over those with a lot of education but no workforce experience.

There are many certification options available for the beginners. However, they are so much better after you’ve gotten your feet wet in an actual IT job. Focus on that first job, then find ways to add to your education.

College Degrees Versus Certification

In IT, sometimes it’s better to have your college degree instead of a long list of certifications. This is something that is of importance for all high level jobs, not just for that very first job. A college degree proves you can work hard toward a long-term goal and achieve it. A college degree also shows you have a broad range of skills which can be applied to any job, and which are helpful in the tech world as well.

Being Dedicated

The truth is everyone has problems getting their very first job, even when there is a clear need for IT specialists. To be competitive, use all the resources available to you to land that first job. You have to work hard when you land your job and work harder until you get hired. When you put in the effort and go through the process, no matter how frustrating it may seem, better IT jobs in the future will be a lot easier to get.

Conclusions

On the whole, the most important thing at the end of the day in the IT industry is experience. You need to be sure you get as much on-the-job training as possible, and you almost always have to start with entry level jobs. This is what helps you get on a lucrative and rewarding good path, one that will lead to IT career success.

The Face of Business and Technology over the Last Few Years

Building a business no longer requires big capitals and big land spaces anymore but rather, it requires big ideas and a big understanding of technology.

The face of both business and technology began to change when the Internet revolution started– from simple platforms to the unforeseeable media that our past business owners never thought would be possible.

Going digital nowadays is a necessity to pave the way for the flourishing of a business. After the development of social media, communication has become a lot easier and practical. Sharing and posting of social media content only takes a few minutes or even less than that which in turn can make or break your reputation and business.

Indeed, business has leveled up due to technology. A lot has changed from the tools used to the business processes executed today. Here are some evident developments in the face of business and technology.

  1. Payment systems are more accessible

A number of online payments and mobile solutions are available in the market today. Payment systems become easier with just a click of a button. Cancelling and reversing transactions have become stress-free. Accessibility of payments has become helpful to both the business enthusiast and the customers. Some people are already adopting this kind of technology, thus lessening anxieties on their part.

  1. Communication becomes a highly essential

Some apps and websites now contain messaging as an integral component which provides opportunities for their customers and clients to directly talk, chat, share files, and do video communication with them. Businesses put too much emphasis on real-time communication to acquire and retain customers and clients. Business owners already have learned to cater primarily to the needs of the consuming public rather than gratifying their own needs. Questions and inquiries are quickly entertained, making transactions run faster and smoother. With instant communication, there is a guarantee that profit increases significantly.

  1. Real-time updates are advantageous

Human error is the number one cause of business glitches and complications. Even the best of the best employees can sometimes commit mistakes and errors. With the trend of business today, some devices have been developed to give real-time and accurate reports and updates negating human mistakes that might cost a lot to a business. There are products invented notifying businesses of inventories, tracking devices letting both customers and business owners know the status of each delivery, gadgets that may detect possible malfunction before the actual occurrence itself and there are sensors created to send real-time data needed by each business. Examples of these are Applicant Tracking Systems, HR Software, and Applicant Management Software that becomes advantageous enough for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

  1. Improved security can increase trust

Businesses need protection 24/7; this is possible with the rise of digital security. Emails, mobile devices, phone systems and websites could have increased security with the latest technology. Consumers and businesses already know how to minimize online disasters and liabilities. Thus, data is encrypted, transported and kept competently and efficiently.

Conclusion

Technology is an essential component in business nowadays. Businesses should be wise enough to learn the new face of technology, make necessary adjustments and advancement to keep their business running with the competition.

Interesting Degrees You Can Now Pursue Online

We’ve been on the other side of the equation; we know how far the internet has come and how much more capable websites and online applications are today. It is actually not surprising to find universities now allowing students to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees online.

I’ve seen several online learning platforms used by top names from across the country. They are incredibly fluid, unlike the old-fashion university websites we were so used to a few years ago. More importantly, there are more programs and courses to choose from if you’re interested in becoming an online student. Here are the more interesting options I’ve come across.

Online MBA in Marketing

An online MBA may not be a particularly unique degree to pursue. It is known as one of the most valuable – and one of the most sought after – degrees today. That said, online MBA programs are much more interesting than you think.

For starters, there are a number of specializations to choose from. You can study more about supply chain management just as easily as you can pursue a specialization in marketing. The latter is what I’m interested in, because the up-to-date courses available today include classes in digital marketing as well.

This means you will be able to learn about internet marketing, SEO and other digital marketing instruments while completing a course for a master’s degree. You get an accredited degree at the end of the program, too, so you can find great positions to fill in any company you like.

Online Music Degrees

Many of us were in a band at one point or another. Music is a passion for many, but only a very few get to pursue that passion as a professional. Fortunately, there are music degrees you can now take online to change that.

The online MMME degree is particularly interesting. You can now enroll in an online master of music in music education program from Rutgers Online or other top universities. The course is designed not only to enhance your musical skills, but also your ability to teach music.

The online MMME program is also quite popular because the entire course is creative and very relaxing. In fact, many of your online classmates are businessmen or professionals with years of experiences in other fields. This degree is definitely a networking opportunity just waiting to be explored.

Online Social Work Degrees

A career in social work is definitely not for everyone. There are a lot of skills to be mastered and traits to be sharpened before you can help others effectively. The good news is, all of these skills can be mastered. The online social work courses we have today are there to help students become a better social worker, counselor or community leader.

There are a lot of advantages to enjoy when you choose social work as your field of study. The skills you will pick up along the way are also essential skills for managers and business owners. You’re improving your ability to deal with people and organize even the smallest details. This degree, along with the previous ones we talked about, will be very valuable.

What to do when Payday is too far away?

Website For Selling

If you find yourself in the middle of the month and realise that you are unable to pay off those remanding bills, life may become a bit of a struggle. Struggle is a common association towards life and atsome point, you will no doubt be faced with some difficult financial experiences and there’s nothing you can do about it. At the end of the day, life is full of surprises which give reason that it’s not easy saving up for all of them. Most Paydays always seem an eternity away so it’s safe to say that money can commonly become an issue.Continue reading →