The Power of Instagram Marketing

What’s the appeal of Instagram? First, ask yourself: Why do you spend hours scrolling through other people’s photos? If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner, you already know that social media marketing is crucial to your success. But what sets Instagram apart from the crowd, and why should you consider making it an integral […]

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14 Reasons Why Whiteboard Explainer Videos Can Help You Convert Customers

When people watch a jaw-dropping total of 3.25 billion hours of every month on YouTube alone, things can start to blur together. If you’re an entrepreneur hoping to be discovered using the same old “talking-head on white backdrop” format, well, you’ve got a tough road ahead of you. There’s intense competition out there, so you’ll […]

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14 Reasons Why Whiteboard Explainer Videos Can Help You Convert Customers

When people watch a jaw-dropping total of 3.25 billion hours of every month on YouTube alone, things can start to blur together. If you’re an entrepreneur hoping to be discovered using the same old “talking-head on white backdrop” format, well, you’ve got a tough road ahead of you. There’s intense competition out there, so you’ll […]

The post 14 Reasons Why Whiteboard Explainer Videos Can Help You Convert Customers appeared first on .

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Gig Economy News: Tech Savvy

For many people, when they think of entrepreneurship, they imagine tech-savvy types programming the day away or high-powered marketing executives taking their talents solo – but entrepreneurship isn’t some ivory tower or unachievable state of being. The beauty of entrepreneurship is that it’s open to everyone! Whether your talent is something you do with your […]

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Confused by TV technology? This buyer’s guide simplifies the terms

(BPT) – The technology in our TV sets has changed a lot in the past decade. When it comes time to buy one, it’s easy to lose track of which features matter for a good TV-watching experience.

You might find a TV at a tempting price, but you don’t want to end up wasting money on a picture that blurs at the height of the action, looks distorted from side angles or doesn’t support the latest technology.

At the same time, does the expensive model and its alphabet soup of features really give you a better picture for the price?

“With all the new TVs hitting the market in the next few months, it can be tough to know what to buy and what the numbers mean,” says Katie Linendoll, tech expert, TODAY Show contributor and Emmy Award winner.

Since your TV set is a major source of entertainment for you and your family, it’s important to know what to look for before you start shopping. With Linendoll’s guidance on the latest TV features and technology, you’ll be sure to choose a TV set with the brightness, sharp images and vibrant colors you’re looking for. Because the last thing you want is to get stuck with a TV you’ll regret.

Screen type: OLED or LCD?

For starters, there are only two kinds of TV panel technologies available right now: OLED (pronounced “oh-led”) and LCD.

“OLED technology creates its own light, which means each pixel can be individually controlled and turned on or completely off,” says Linendoll. Plus, OLED delivers over one billion different shades of color — about 64 times the amount of a conventional TV.

Many experts who have performed detailed technical reviews have deemed OLED the best TV tech ever made. Combined with rave reviews and its super-slim design, this tech is worth paying a bit more in price.

Currently, OLED is available in various screen sizes from LG, who led the introduction of the category a few years ago, and Sony announced they will also release several OLED sets later this year.

Unlike OLED, LCD (liquid crystal display) requires a backlight to make the picture. Most of today’s LCD sets use LED lighting. LCD can create a bright, colorful picture but black levels will not be as dark as OLED, and some details can be lost in the shadows.

“This category of TV can still deliver very impressive picture quality, and it’s often very attractively priced,” says Linendoll.

While shopping for an LCD set, it’s important to know major manufacturers have different names for their premium LCD models. You might hear of Q-LED (an LCD TV that uses quantum dot technology) — not to be confused with OLED — as well as Super UHD or XBR.

Brighter, more colorful picture

One big improvement in recent years has been the expansion of color capabilities in TVs. Nano cell and quantum dot technology, for example, are designed primarily to deliver a bigger spectrum of color than conventional LCD sets, creating more realistic-looking pictures.

How does it work? Nano cell, which is only found in LG’s Super UHD TVs, uses extremely small particles (one nanometer in size), which provide more refined and accurate shades of color.

Viewing angles are important

Research shows that only about 10 percent of TV viewers sit directly in front of the TV, so viewing angle is extremely important. Moving even by as little as 10-15 degrees can make colors look washed out and black levels will start to degrade.

OLED TVs have the best performance at wide viewing angles; however, some LCDs, such as LG’s Super UHD sets, use a special LCD type for a wider viewing angle.

Sharper resolution

The more pixels you have, the better the image quality. If you picked up on the buzz about 4K “Ultra HD,” you know these TVs have more than 8 million pixels and display sharper, more lifelike images.

“Most new bigger-screen TVs you’d be considering, including OLED and LCD TVs, are 4K,” says Linendoll. A newer enhancement to 4K is called HDR or high dynamic range, giving you more shadow detail and natural bright highlights.

Be sure the set you’re looking at has 4K resolution and supports HDR; otherwise you will be missing out on what’s quickly becoming the gold standard in TV features.

Confused by TV technology? This buyer’s guide simplifies the terms Read More »

Confused by TV technology? This buyer’s guide simplifies the terms

(BPT) – The technology in our TV sets has changed a lot in the past decade. When it comes time to buy one, it’s easy to lose track of which features matter for a good TV-watching experience.

You might find a TV at a tempting price, but you don’t want to end up wasting money on a picture that blurs at the height of the action, looks distorted from side angles or doesn’t support the latest technology.

At the same time, does the expensive model and its alphabet soup of features really give you a better picture for the price?

“With all the new TVs hitting the market in the next few months, it can be tough to know what to buy and what the numbers mean,” says Katie Linendoll, tech expert, TODAY Show contributor and Emmy Award winner.

Since your TV set is a major source of entertainment for you and your family, it’s important to know what to look for before you start shopping. With Linendoll’s guidance on the latest TV features and technology, you’ll be sure to choose a TV set with the brightness, sharp images and vibrant colors you’re looking for. Because the last thing you want is to get stuck with a TV you’ll regret.

Screen type: OLED or LCD?

For starters, there are only two kinds of TV panel technologies available right now: OLED (pronounced “oh-led”) and LCD.

“OLED technology creates its own light, which means each pixel can be individually controlled and turned on or completely off,” says Linendoll. Plus, OLED delivers over one billion different shades of color — about 64 times the amount of a conventional TV.

Many experts who have performed detailed technical reviews have deemed OLED the best TV tech ever made. Combined with rave reviews and its super-slim design, this tech is worth paying a bit more in price.

Currently, OLED is available in various screen sizes from LG, who led the introduction of the category a few years ago, and Sony announced they will also release several OLED sets later this year.

Unlike OLED, LCD (liquid crystal display) requires a backlight to make the picture. Most of today’s LCD sets use LED lighting. LCD can create a bright, colorful picture but black levels will not be as dark as OLED, and some details can be lost in the shadows.

“This category of TV can still deliver very impressive picture quality, and it’s often very attractively priced,” says Linendoll.

While shopping for an LCD set, it’s important to know major manufacturers have different names for their premium LCD models. You might hear of Q-LED (an LCD TV that uses quantum dot technology) — not to be confused with OLED — as well as Super UHD or XBR.

Brighter, more colorful picture

One big improvement in recent years has been the expansion of color capabilities in TVs. Nano cell and quantum dot technology, for example, are designed primarily to deliver a bigger spectrum of color than conventional LCD sets, creating more realistic-looking pictures.

How does it work? Nano cell, which is only found in LG’s Super UHD TVs, uses extremely small particles (one nanometer in size), which provide more refined and accurate shades of color.

Viewing angles are important

Research shows that only about 10 percent of TV viewers sit directly in front of the TV, so viewing angle is extremely important. Moving even by as little as 10-15 degrees can make colors look washed out and black levels will start to degrade.

OLED TVs have the best performance at wide viewing angles; however, some LCDs, such as LG’s Super UHD sets, use a special LCD type for a wider viewing angle.

Sharper resolution

The more pixels you have, the better the image quality. If you picked up on the buzz about 4K “Ultra HD,” you know these TVs have more than 8 million pixels and display sharper, more lifelike images.

“Most new bigger-screen TVs you’d be considering, including OLED and LCD TVs, are 4K,” says Linendoll. A newer enhancement to 4K is called HDR or high dynamic range, giving you more shadow detail and natural bright highlights.

Be sure the set you’re looking at has 4K resolution and supports HDR; otherwise you will be missing out on what’s quickly becoming the gold standard in TV features.

Confused by TV technology? This buyer’s guide simplifies the terms Read More »

Doers in the District: DC Community Kickoff

Freelancing is like a personal utopia for some. You get to make your own schedule, do creative work you’re passionate about, meet interesting people from all over the world, and work from anywhere! It doesn’t get any better than this, right?! Unfortunately for some, freelancing can have a dark side: isolation. Due to the nature […]

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How to find a hotel that can cater to your technology demands

(BPT) – You arrive at your hotel and pull out your smartphone. After an incredibly long sign-in process, you connect to the Internet. It works fine in the hallway but not in your room, so you go to the business center to check email and print tickets to tonight’s show. The center is packed, so you head back to your room to wait. Meanwhile, your kids are trying to stream a movie and the Internet connection is slow.

Both business and leisure travelers rely on technology to stay connected and streamline to-do’s. However, poor Wi-Fi and minimal tech-focused amenities leave many travelers disappointed. That’s why before booking a hotel, you should always ask questions to ensure you get as much out of your technology while travelling as you do while at home.

Ask these eight questions to make sure your technology needs are met while staying at any hotel, no matter how many devices you plan to use.

Is the room suited for technology?

Whether new or remodeled, modern hotels should feature room designs that support technology. For example, ask about easy access to outlets and charging stations while you’re in the room to ensure you can plug in your phone, charge your tablet and use your computer all at the same time.

How reliable is the Internet?

Fast, reliable Internet is critical for anyone traveling for business or pleasure. When you stay at IHG hotels, you can feel confident you get superior Internet service. IHG Connect provides advanced Wi-Fi technology with increased bandwidth to meet the demand and volume needs of guests.

What is the login process?

Lengthy login processes are a hassle, especially if you’re connecting multiple devices. Some hotels offer streamlined methods which is a big time-saver. Want to log in just once? IHG Rewards Club members log in and then they’ll be recognized and automatically connected at every IHG Connect-enabled hotel.

How secure is the Wi-Fi network?

Most hotels today offer Wi-Fi to guests, but it might not be a secure network. To ensure private information stays private, only stay at hotels with a private and secure Internet connection for guests.

Is there an extra cost for Wi-Fi?

Some hotels charge extra for fast Internet access. Ask about costs and look into membership perks that wave these fees. For example, IHG Rewards Club members receive free Wi-Fi at all IHG properties.

What is available at the business center?

A good hotel will have a business center available to all guests. Inquire as to what is included at the center to ensure your needs are met. Printers, fax machines, computers and a variety of outlets should be available.

What are the hours of the business center?

Ask about the hours of the business center so you know you’re covered, whether you need to book a last-minute reservation to the city’s hottest attraction or print out that big report for tomorrow’s presentation.

Are meeting spaces available?

For business travelers, impromptu meeting spaces are great for quick meetups or when you want to get out of your room for a change of scenery. For more formal gatherings, ask the hotel about the availability of meeting planners who can assist in organizing the technology needs of large groups of people and corporate events.

Keep your technology moving as fast as you do by asking these questions now. That way your hotel stay will be that much more enjoyable, comfortable and productive.

How to find a hotel that can cater to your technology demands Read More »

How to find a hotel that can cater to your technology demands

(BPT) – You arrive at your hotel and pull out your smartphone. After an incredibly long sign-in process, you connect to the Internet. It works fine in the hallway but not in your room, so you go to the business center to check email and print tickets to tonight’s show. The center is packed, so you head back to your room to wait. Meanwhile, your kids are trying to stream a movie and the Internet connection is slow.

Both business and leisure travelers rely on technology to stay connected and streamline to-do’s. However, poor Wi-Fi and minimal tech-focused amenities leave many travelers disappointed. That’s why before booking a hotel, you should always ask questions to ensure you get as much out of your technology while travelling as you do while at home.

Ask these eight questions to make sure your technology needs are met while staying at any hotel, no matter how many devices you plan to use.

Is the room suited for technology?

Whether new or remodeled, modern hotels should feature room designs that support technology. For example, ask about easy access to outlets and charging stations while you’re in the room to ensure you can plug in your phone, charge your tablet and use your computer all at the same time.

How reliable is the Internet?

Fast, reliable Internet is critical for anyone traveling for business or pleasure. When you stay at IHG hotels, you can feel confident you get superior Internet service. IHG Connect provides advanced Wi-Fi technology with increased bandwidth to meet the demand and volume needs of guests.

What is the login process?

Lengthy login processes are a hassle, especially if you’re connecting multiple devices. Some hotels offer streamlined methods which is a big time-saver. Want to log in just once? IHG Rewards Club members log in and then they’ll be recognized and automatically connected at every IHG Connect-enabled hotel.

How secure is the Wi-Fi network?

Most hotels today offer Wi-Fi to guests, but it might not be a secure network. To ensure private information stays private, only stay at hotels with a private and secure Internet connection for guests.

Is there an extra cost for Wi-Fi?

Some hotels charge extra for fast Internet access. Ask about costs and look into membership perks that wave these fees. For example, IHG Rewards Club members receive free Wi-Fi at all IHG properties.

What is available at the business center?

A good hotel will have a business center available to all guests. Inquire as to what is included at the center to ensure your needs are met. Printers, fax machines, computers and a variety of outlets should be available.

What are the hours of the business center?

Ask about the hours of the business center so you know you’re covered, whether you need to book a last-minute reservation to the city’s hottest attraction or print out that big report for tomorrow’s presentation.

Are meeting spaces available?

For business travelers, impromptu meeting spaces are great for quick meetups or when you want to get out of your room for a change of scenery. For more formal gatherings, ask the hotel about the availability of meeting planners who can assist in organizing the technology needs of large groups of people and corporate events.

Keep your technology moving as fast as you do by asking these questions now. That way your hotel stay will be that much more enjoyable, comfortable and productive.

How to find a hotel that can cater to your technology demands Read More »