Voice Over Internet Protocol

Voice over IP (VoIP) is a business phone system that resides in the cloud. If your company is using Hosted VoIP, the phone set on your desk utilizes the internet to connect to your provider’s phone system. This service reduces the amount of equipment a business needs to own and maintain. Hosted VoIP providers maintain multiple systems and provide automatic failover should one become inoperable. One of the things that you will need is cabling and it might be better to call a third party cabling company which will give you an estimate ahead of time. You also need cable internet otherwise VoIP might not be worth it. How many phone sets do you need and how many phone lines or call paths do you require? What percentage of your employees will be on the phone at the same time? Human nature is to order more lines than you actually need. Most businesses can get away with 40 percent less phone lines than phone sets. If you’re considering Hosted VoIP, start keeping track of the percentage of your employees that are using the phone at the same time.

Mobile Applications for the Mind

Dementia can be a scary thing, on both ends. We can do something to delay it if not prevent it. There are a lot of mobile applications and even web applications that help train the mind and give it an exercise. One of the apps is from Lumosity which helps with memory, attention, and processing speed. You can also use CogniFit Brain Fitness which lets you take a quiz that determines the difficulty and tailors the games to your needs. Personal Zen enables you to follow animated characters and trains your mind to focus on the positive which will help in being resilient in life situations. There is also an app that helps to increase happiness called Happify. Eidetic uses a technique called spaced repetition to help you memorize anything from important phone numbers to interesting words or facts. It works differently from typical brain training apps by using items that have meaning and context, like your beau's phone number, bank account details, or a new quote worth reciting.

Introverts: Network Like an Expert

If you are an introvert, sometimes networking can be extremely tedious. One helpful tip is to prepare and think of some open ended questions because most people love to talk about themselves. I am sure there is probably a mobile application for it. That is almost a given. Also, set a time limit to the event because it will make it finite and much less intimidating. At least plan for 20 minutes and to meet one person. Introverts are usually fully-engaged and fantastic listeners. Because most people are better at talking than listening, you’ll stand out as someone who values others. Score for the introverts! Make it a habit to take advantage of everyday opportunities to network. At the office, take small breaks to walk around and casually socialize with your colleagues. Once a week, invite a colleague to join you for lunch or coffee. If you constantly put yourself out of your comfort zone, it will become comfortable and you will surprised at what you will get done and how far you will come.