What are SMART goals?

SMART is an acronym used to describe the process of setting goals. The acronym stands for the words “specific,” “measurable,” “achievable,” “relevant” and “time-bound,” which are essential traits of setting objectives. The SMART method provides a way to measure your progress and be accountable for your success. Setting SMART goals

For example, you might set a goal to “get better” at typing. However, upon evaluating this goal using the SMART method, you see that your goal is quite vague. By restating your goal in quantifiable terms, such as “be able to type more words per minute,” you have a SMART goal that can be obtained. The characteristics of this goal can then be further detailed to reflect the remaining traits of the SMART goal process.

How to set SMART goals

1. Make your goal specific.

The first step in creating an attainable goal is to get specific with how you describe it. Consider it in quantifiable terms and determine what actions you need to get there. The examples below show how you can fine-tune a broad objective into a specific SMART goal.

This example goal takes a broad statement that could present different approaches and actions—like learning the proper typing techniques or not having to look at the keyboard while typing—and makes it more specific by evaluating which aspect of typing can be set as a goal. This example can then be further evaluated to check that it fits the remaining criteria of a SMART goal.

2. Make your goal measurable

toward achieving your goal. Being measurable also takes into account any actions you would implement to help you further your progress toward your goal. For instance, this may take the form of tracking the time it takes you to complete an action or meet a milestone. The following example shows the evolution of a broad goal into a specific and measurable one.

Example goal after “measurable” criteria: “I would like to increase my typing speed from 50 words per minute to 65 words per minute, and I can measure my progress by taking timed tests that show the increase in my typing speed.”

3. Make your goal achievable

After writing a specific goal and evaluating how you will measure it, consider if your set objective how achievable it is. Considering how long it will take, potential obstacles, and measurement methods will all help you determine the realistic odds of achieving your set goal. The more realistic and achievable the goal, the more likely you will be to keep working toward it. Consider the following examples that illustrate a “before” and “after” effect when applying the “achievable” criteria to your goal.

Example goal after “achievable” criteria: “I would like to increase my typing speed of 50 words per minute to 65 words per minute, and I can achieve this goal by making small increases in my typing speed each week.”

This aspect of the SMART strategy also relates to your goal being measurable. With a specific measurable goal, it is more likely to be achievable because it can allow you to see exactly how you will achieve your progress as you work toward the goal. While the example goal of reaching 100 words per minute could be achievable, when related to the rest of the SMART criteria, it could be that this goal will not be achievable in the time frame you scheduled, or that it will require more resources to get there.

4. Make sure it is relevant

When a goal is relevant, it relates directly to a skill or professional development strategy that you want to improve. For instance, if you wanted to receive a high mark on your next employee evaluation, it would make sense to set a goal to help you improve your skills and workflow to progress to that goal. Additionally, any milestones you set or actions you take to achieve your goal should directly influence your progress. The examples below show how the “relevant” trait is applied.

Example goal after “relevant” criteria: “I would like to increase my typing speed from 50 words per minute to 65 words per minute, so I will set aside 15 minutes every day to practice my typing and take timed speed tests.”

5. Create a time-bound schedule

Time-bound refers to the timeline you set for working toward your goals as well as how long it will take you to meet milestones and achieve your final results. Consider if your goal is a short-term or long-term goal. From there, you can determine a timeline

and set a schedule for yourself to meet deadlines and get to your objective. Your timeline should also be realistic and allow you plenty of opportunities to make adjustments to your goal regarding its relevance, specificity and attainability. Consider the final step in the SMART process in the following example.

Example goal before “time-bound” criteria: “I will increase my typing speed of 50 words per minute to 65 words per minute by setting aside 15 minutes every day to practice speed typing and take timed tests.”

Example goal after “time-bound” criteria: “I will increase my typing speed of 50 words per minute to 65 words per minute within three months. I will set aside 15 minutes each day to practice at speed and take timed tests weekly to measure my progress.”

This goal now fits all the criteria of a SMART goal because it shows how specific the objective is, outlines a way to measure progress, is achievable and relevant to the desired skill development and sets up a timeline for each milestone and overall completion of the goal.

In this video, Sinéad explains how to choose relevant goals that are in line with your long-term aspirations, and gives examples of how to specify what it is that you truly want in life, and tailor your goals toward that vision.

Examples of Business Smart Goals

• Reduce overtime in the department from 150 hours per month to 50 hours per month by the end of the fiscal year with no increase in incident reports.
• Identify, execute and run 5 customer education webinars this quarter with 10+ attendees and 80%+ satisfied/very satisfied rate
• Prepare for product launch by developing launch checklist of activity, tasks, due-dates and drive approval by all stakeholders by April 1
• Conduct at least 10 phone screens and 3 on-site interviews to achieve the goal of hiring new finance manager by end of quarter
• Gain four new clients for my business this quarter by conducting 3 or more customer meetings each week
• Acquire 45,000 new online customers this financial year at an average cost per acquisition (CPA) of $30 with an average profitability of $5
• Increase the reach of the business Facebook page from 35,000 likes to 100,000 likes by July 31 through ads, events, and video
• Ensure that the 90%+ of the team has completed training on the new inventory management software by the end of the quarter.
• Secure $10K in sponsorship commitments for our event this fall by the end of March
• Review all customer accounts above $20K/year revenue and schedule a strategic review with the top 5 with the greatest opportunity for upsell
• Deliver customer support with a 90%+ Satisfied/Very Satisfied customer satisfaction rate and reduce overall customer contact volume by 10%

• Present at two or more internal employee per quarter to improve confidence and presenting skills. Improve industry knowledge by attending 3+ industry events and provide a write-up to the rest of the team on key learnings afterward
• Develop and practice my management skills by conducting weekly 1:1s with my direct reports, quarterly 1:1s with my indirect reports, and quarterly all hands with my team resulting in 10% improvement in employee engagement score at the end of the year
• Review and reduce the number of meetings on my calendar by 50% in order to enable more time for strategic planning by end of the month
• By end of quarter, complete course work and pass for CFA certification
• Grow my network by having at least one lunch each week on average this quarter with an external professional relationship
• Improve my product understanding by creating, drafting, and delivering two projects using our product by the end fo the quarter
• Spend 2 days per month building my customer understanding by shadowing teammates in operations and sales; deliver a write-up at the end on key learnings to the rest of the team

Source:

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-write-smart-goals
https://notejoy.com/resources/smart-goals-examples-for-work
https://www.lifehack.org/864427/examples-of-personal-smart-goals

How to write a book – the short honest truth

It’s a simple question, but it causes problems. On the one hand, it’s nice to have people interested in something I do. If I told people I fixed toasters for a living, I doubt I’d get many inquires. People are curious about writing and that’s cool and flattering. Rock on.

But on the other hand, the hand involving people who ask because they have an inkling to do it themselves, is that writing books is a topic so old and so well trod by so many famous people that anyone who asks hoping to discover secret advice is hard to take seriously.

Here’s the short honest truth: 20% of the people who ask me are hoping to hear this – Anyone can write a book. They want permission. The truth is you don’t need any. There is no license required. No test to take. Your book idea is worth writing if you think it is. Writing, as opposed to publishing, requires almost no financial or physical resources. A pen, paper and effort are all that has been required for hundreds of years. If Voltaire, Marquis de Sade and Marina Nemat could write in prison, then you can do it in suburbia, at lunch, at work, or after your kids go to sleep. You will always find excuses if you want them and most people do. Why? Writing is work. No matter how smart you are or how great your idea is, you will have to put in the time and no one else can do it for you.

It helps to kill the magic: a book is just a bunch of writing. Anyone can write a book. It might be bad or be incomprehensible, but so what: it’s still a book and many published authors haven’t done any better.

Nothing is stopping you right now from collecting all of your elementary school book reports, a years worth of emails you wrote, or drunken napkin scribbles, binding them together at Kinkos for $20, slapping a title on the cover, and qualifying as an author. Want to write a good book? Ok, but get in line since most pro authors are still trying to figure that out too.

Writing a good book, compared to a bad one, involves one thing. More work. No one wants to hear this, but if you take two books off any shelf, I’ll bet my pants the author of the better book worked harder than the author of the other one. Call it effort, study, practice, or whatever you like. Sure there are tricks here and there, but really writing is a kind of work. I like this though: it means anyone who puts in enough time can actually write well. Some of our best writing comes from ordinary people from all walks of life.

Getting published. 30% of the time the real thing people are asking is how do you find a publisher. As if there wasn’t a phone book or, say, an Internet-thingy where you can look this stuff up (start with Jane Friedman’s website). Writers-market is literally begging to help writers find publishers. Many publishers, being positive on the whole idea of communication, put information on how to submit material on their website. And so do agents. The grand comedy of this is how few writers follow the instructions. That’s what pisses off all the editors: few writers do their homework.

The sticking point for most people who want to be authors is, again, the work. They want to hear a secret that skips over the work part. Publishers are rightfully picky and they get pitched a zillion books a day. It takes effort to learn the ropes, send out smart queries, and do the research required to both craft the idea for a book, and then to propose it effectively. So while writing is a rejection prone occupation, even for the rock-stars, finding a publisher is not a mystery. In fact the whole game is self-selective: people who aren’t willing to do the work of getting published are unlikely to be capable of the work required to finish a decent manuscript.

But that said – it’s easier today to self-publish than ever. People look down on self-publishing, but I don’t see why. When people buy books it’s not like they care who published them (“Oh, I don’t read Random House books, sorry”): they only care who recommended or reviewed the book. But again, our tragically unpopular companion, work, is required to self-publish so many prefer to keep asking writers how they got published instead of just doing it themselves. You can read what I learned from self-publishing the first time here (although the technology and options have improved since then).

Being famous and wealthy: Now this is the kicker. About 50% of the time the real thing people want to know is how to become a famous millionaire rock-star author person. As if a) I qualified, b) I could explain how it happened, or c) I’d be willing to tell.

First, this assumes writing is a good way to get rich. I’m not sure how this lie started but writing, like most creative pursuits, has always been a less than lucrative lifestyle. Even if a book sells well, the $$ to hour ratio will be well below your average corporate job, without the health benefits, sick days, nor the months where you can coast by without your boss noticing. These days people write books after they’re famous, not before. A book can help you gain professional credibility, but then it’s more of a marketing project than a writing project, isn’t it?

Can anyone be a writer?

A book has a beginning, a middle, and an end that keep the reader for the five, six, ten hours it can take to read the book, because if they get tired of it halfway through, most people stop reading.

When people say “you should write a book,” they are not thinking of something physical with a cover that the person has modified, modified, designed, sold, sold, sent, and placed on the shelf.

No matter what you choose, you will become a better writer, and your next book will be easier to write and edit than the first book. Just focus on your book and your writing will get better and better over time.

If you can handle these three things, you can do it; it’s just a matter of hard work-then you can write well enough to write a novel. Because the only thing I learned from talking to people for this story is that all you have to do to become a real writer is…writing.

So, Can Just Anyone Write a Book?

Why, yes – in fact, I have worked with countless new authors through our incredible Book Bound Workshops. And I’ve met many more on a one-on-one basis through our partner publishing company and book coaching services. These new authors – at first – never considered themselves a “writer.”

But as it turns out, one of the hardest parts of the writing process is just having the story to share. And for these new authors, they found their story and voice, sometimes all in just one weekend!

Furthermore, are you new to the writing process and aren’t sure if you have the ability to write a book? As it turns out, it is possible with just a little encouragement and guidance!

Even so, there are a few tips for new writers to help navigate you through the writing and publishing process. These will help you get started and to stay motivated until you finish your book and beyond.

First: seek guidance

Celebrities, politicians, movie stars, and notable figures from all over have published books. As it turns out, not many of them are born writers. Often, they employ the services of a ghostwriter.

A professional ghostwriter can help transform your story into a polished book by doing the bulk of the heavy lifting for you. Ghostwriters are readily available for writers of all abilities, and offer all sorts of services.

Perhaps you just need a round or two of proofreading to ensure that your story flows perfectly. Or maybe you want to relay your story and have your ghostwriter put your ideas and concepts on the page.

Regardless of whether you need a little help or a lot, a ghostwriter is a great way for new writers to find their voice. As a result, they will be able to establish themselves in the publishing world, while still sharing a story that is strictly their own.

Second: keep trying

J.K. Rowling was famously turned down dozens of times before her Harry Potter series was finally published. And this has happened to many other bestselling authors in the world. (Even William Shakespeare had trouble finding an audience when he first started as a playwright!)

So don’t be worried if traditional publishing houses do not show immediate interest in your story idea. And this is especially true if you are in the very beginning stages of writing a book. Don’t forget that these days, there are countless options for publishing a book, ranging from big publishing houses to self-publishing options.

There is even an option for hiring a partner publishing company. They can provide a wealth of invaluable services – from copyediting to cover design – while ensuring that you retain all rights and royalties from your book sales.

Next: stay motivated

Countless would-be authors have started to write their book and then somehow get stuck along the way, and never reach the final page. Perhaps you have toyed with the idea of writing a book in the past, and then got some of your thoughts on paper. But then you ended up letting the project linger until it simply disappeared behind the havoc of everyday life.

Start by having a set schedule of when you can write, and then sticking to it! During this time you will set, it’s best to avoid distractions of the day, to make sure that writing remains a priority. You can achieve this by setting aside specific days and times to write. Or you could even set a daily or weekly word count that you have to reach.

Finally: seek help, and find a community

New writers will be delighted to discover that when it comes to assistance in the writing process, there are plenty of options! Consider hiring a writing coach or a book coach if this is your first foray into writing a book. Or you could even find a local writing group or other community where you can share your struggles and garner feedback.

You need help not only to begin writing but keeping motivation, and a little positive reinforcement will go a long way! So find your community and your inspiration, (whether it’s a professional writing coach or just a supportive team of family and friends). And then lean on them when the going gets tough so that you can keep going.

Now, keep in mind that the idea that “Anyone can write a book” is reliant on one condition – that the author has a story to share. As we said, finding a story can be the most difficult part of the entire writing process. It happens also to be the most important requirement on the path to becoming an author.

You already know you have a story, so feel proud that you have already taken a huge step forward to your new position as a published author. With a little help and a bit of hard work, you CAN write and publish a book, and leave your mark on the world.

Source:

https://scottberkun.com/2007/how-to-write-a-book-the-short-honest-truth/
https://paragraffs.com/can-anyone-write-a-novel-or-book/
https://www.michelleprince.com/can-anyone-write-a-book-heres-the-answer/

The Benefits of Keeping a Diary

The reason is thought to be because it allows you to process your experiences safely, and review particular events in a less stressful way. Writing your personal story appears to play a part in this, and it seems to be important to focus on both thoughts and feelings, and not just feelings.

The best way to get better at anything is to practise. Writing a diary allows you to focus on your writing without worrying about your audience or what anyone else will think. And doing it regularly helps to improve your thinking processes, and can even help you become more creative in how you think.

This can be important for a number of reasons. For example, when you are applying for a job, you often have to describe times when you have demonstrated a skill, or done something particularly well. A diary or journal can be a good way to record your successes, and ensure that you have a ready source of examples for job applications. It can also be a way to reflect on your experiences, and learn for the future. Writing about positive events, and looking back on them, can also be a good way to boost your self-esteem.

Paper or Electronic?

There is a huge range of electronic options as well as the traditional paper-based route. You could, for example, use a diary app such as Penzu, which claims to take security very seriously, try a note-taking app like Google Keep, or just record your thoughts in a Word document stored on your laptop or in the cloud. You could even go ‘open’ and keep a blog, sharing your thoughts with the world, and not just your diary.

All these options have merits. Diary apps are right there on your phone, and quick and easy to access. They are also private. Electronic back-ups in the cloud should mean that even losing your device does not mean that you have lost your diary.

Using word-processing software gives you the option to craft your thoughts more carefully, and to go back and change them later. This could be both an advantage and disadvantage: an advantage because you can refine your thinking, and a disadvantage, because it will not show you your raw thinking when you look back, and may encourage you to spend more time than you really need on your journal.

A paper-based diary may be old-fashioned, but it is also completely private. You can hide it away at home, and nobody need ever suspect that you write it. Writing things down long-hand can also be useful practice in ordering your thoughts in advance, which is good if you will ever have to sit written exams.

Diary Writing Sample #2

Our board exam results have not yet been declared and already the news of malpractice is making the rounds. There are cases of attempted bribery reported for admissions into esteemed colleges. Such news is really very disheartening. Especially when coupled with the various reservation schemes already existing. This leaves no scope for children like me who do not fit in any minority groups nor can sum up large amounts for donation. This is a very serious problem, and I am really threatened by it. Even if the malpractices are ignored or hushed up, as very often they will be, the fact that these students will not excel in their courses is inevitable, thus causing a loss of the country’s resources employed in their training. I do not know what to look forward to anymore. I just hope and pray that such practices are tracked and nipped in the bud.

Last night, I had a very strange dream. I saw that two of my friends and I were going to attend my cousin’s wedding reception. On our way a rather strange-looking man intercepted us. Despite our protests, he insisted on narrating to us his tale of resentment. He looked unnaturally old with skinny limbs and glittering eyes, and the tale he narrated seemed too surreal to be true. He said he used to be a mariner who shot an innocent albatross who was guiding their ship out of the perilous ice at sea. This act enraged a powerful spirit who used to love the bird. His actions resulted in the death of his crewmates. Also, he was doomed to feel a great deal of agony which was relieved only when he narrated the tale to somebody. The dream taught me a valuable lesson: Never hurt the hand which helps you.

Source:

https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ps/diary-journal.html
https://englishluv.com/diary-writing-samples/
https://penzu.com/how-to-start-and-write-a-diary

Assertiveness in the Workplace: Pros, Cons and How To Be More Assertive

Assertiveness is an essential communication tool to express your opinions respectfully. Practicing assertiveness can boost your self-esteem and help you implement positive changes in your organization. As an employee, it’s important to understand how to create an assertive delivery that is easy for your audience to understand. In this article, we explain the definition and importance of assertiveness and guidance for exhibiting assertive behavior in the workplace.

Assertiveness is an emotion that enables professionals to express their opinions and respect their colleague’s perspectives simultaneously. Employees can defend their ideals while maintaining positive connections with teammates and managers. Unlike aggression, assertiveness considers how others feel.

It’s also different from passiveness because of its firm delivery of a message. To practice assertiveness, employees find a balance between acquiescing others’ requests and satisfying their own interests.

Volunteer Yourself

“If your boss or leaders ask for help on something, volunteer to help,” says DeWall. “Volunteering is an easy way to demonstrate assertiveness while minimizing conflict because it is a personal choice; you can choose whether you want to volunteer or not.” You can mark yourself out as a go-getter and help others who may not have wanted to take on the same responsibilities.

It’s also a good place to do a test run of your assertiveness. “Become a building fire marshal or head up a volunteer event,” Erica McCurdy, founder of executive coaching group McCurdy Solutions, tells Bustle. “These are roles where those not always in leadership are given temporary authority to show leadership what you are made of and test out your assertiveness in a temporary environment.”

Lead With Your Feelings

Sometimes working with others means giving some criticism, and that’s an important time to be assertive, experts tell Bustle — but phrasing can really help make it easier. “If you’re trying to give constructive feedback in a way where you don’t want to create conflict, I recommend you always lead with how someone is making you feel,” Liz Wessel, CEO of WayUp, a company that connects young people with Fortune 500 companies for internships, tells Bustle. “No one can argue with your feelings, since they are yours to have.” Using “I” statements and phrases about your own feelings, like “you made me feel XYZ,” are more effective than “you clearly feel XYZ about me,” because they’re all about you.

Starting with praise can also help. “Start off by sharing a statement of validation letting the other person know that you appreciate them and the work they do,” McCurdy tells Bustle. “By being someone who does not often create conflict, your conversation is likely to have an impact larger than you may intend, so make your case carefully, concisely, impersonally, and be sure to articulate exactly what you need the other person to do to resolve your issue.”

Assertive: I’m ok – you’re ok

Being assertive means that you respect yourself enough to put forward your thoughts and suggestions, whilst also respecting the other person and their point of view. You are communicating directly and honestly as well as being kind and likeable.

When you’re assertive, you talk openly about what you need. You might not always get what you want, but by listening to others and by having the courage to speak candidly and respectfully, your calm and agreeable style will earn others’ respect.

Because assertiveness is based on mutual respect, it’s an effective and diplomatic approach. It allows us to cooperate, to understand both points of view and ideally to resolve conflict by finding an outcome that suits us both.

How to be assertive in five steps:

1. Be curious about the other person’s point of view. Even if they are not acting professionally, they will have reasons for their behaviour or opinion. Ask open questions and really listen to understand what they have to say. If people are being unreasonable, listening to their needs and expectations can be really challenging. But if you ensure they feel listened to and respected, the conversation can shift to a more positive dialogue.
2. Speak up and express yourself. People can’t read your mind, so be honest and specific. Use “I” language to avoid sounding critical. For example: “I have another suggestion” rather than “You’re wrong”. Or “I noticed the deadline wasn’t met” instead of “You didn’t meet the deadline”. If you have a hard time turning down requests, learn to say no, not yet, or not now. Saying no is not selfish, it shows you are able to prioritise and can set healthy limits. Remember, every time you say yes to something you are saying no to something else. Saying no therefore also enables you to say yes to the things that matter most. Explain your perspective and ask for help if needed. Keep any explanations short and simple.
3. Watch your tone: It not just what you say but how you say it. Keep your tone of voice and body language open and warm. You don’t want your message to get lost because people are reacting to your delivery. We read a great deal into the way something is said, not just the words people use. When you are preparing for an assertive interaction, think ahead about your body language and how you can show you are OK and so are they. Pay particular attention to your facial expressions, arms and posture.
4. Think win-win: don’t assume the other person is aiming to undermine or belittle you. Even if they are, don’t sink to their level, don’t treat them badly, and don’t withdraw from the conversation. Build on their ideas rather than dismissing them. Offer potential solutions and ask the other person to help you shape an answer that works for both of you. Work together on the challenge or issue, exploring it from all sides, finding common ground and a way forward that deals with both of your concerns.
5. Respond, don’t react: if you find yourself feeling strong and unhelpful emotions in an interaction, it can be really hard to stay assertive. Take a deep breath, pause and think. Your feelings and emotions are entirely valid, however assertiveness means not allowing those feelings to drive your behaviour.

Thinking I’m Ok, You’re Ok will keep you assertive no matter how difficult the conversation. You might not always get exactly what you want, but your pride and self-respect won’t be damaged. And you will build a reputation for being confident, professional and great to work with.

Resource:

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/assertiveness
https://www.bustle.com/p/how-to-be-more-assertive-at-work-in-3-days-according-to-experts-18755104
https://www.managementcentre.co.uk/insights/assertiveness-at-work-explained/

Robin Storey

Living in Maroochydore, Queensland, Robin Storey is an author and freelance ghostwriter with over 25 years of work experience. After publishing 8 fiction titles and gaining insight into storytelling, Robin decided to specialize in ghostwriting memoirs. In terms of fiction, she enjoys mystery & crime the most. Curious about her portfolio? If so, make sure to check out “The Ambo: From Field Ambulance to Civil Ambulance and More”, by Bob McDermant, and “Making The Breast Of It: Breast Cancer Stories of Humour and Joy”, by Robin Storey herself. To learn more and to request a quote, access this page.

Specializing in book ghostwriting, short-form content, and book proposals, David Brewster is a Melbourne-based freelancer with more than 10 years of writing experience. During his career, he has published two titles and has worked on 18 more, either as a co-author or a ghostwriter. Since he delivers high-quality work, David charges at least $24,000 for ghostwriting a 30,000-40,000 word book. Non-fiction is his specialty, and he is mainly interested in biographies & memoirs, history, and business & management. To get an idea of his skills, you can look up “State of the Nanny: Telling It Like It Really Is”, by Louise Dunham, and “Assertive Humility: Emerging from the ego trap”, by Mr Stuart Taylor. Quotes can be requested here.

Sarah Billington

Sarah Billington is an experienced editor and writer who currently lives in Melbourne, Victoria. After gaining extensive work experience at Hickler Books and Lonely Planet, Sarah wrote for Girlfriend Magazine, The Loop, and HuffPost, to give a few examples. In terms of studies, she has a Diploma of Arts in Professional Writing & Editing and a B.A. in Professional Writing & Publishing. If you’re looking for ghostwriting or short-form content services, you should know that paranormal romance, dystopian, science fiction, thriller & suspense, children’s nonfiction, and horror are some of her favorite genres. To learn more and to request a quote from Sarah, access this page.

A Sydney-based freelancer who specializes in supernatural fiction, urban fantasy, and futuristic fantasy (both apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic), Gordon Donaldson’s inspiration comes from his experience as a psychic medium. If you find his approach suitable for your project, he can provide book ghostwriting, short-form content, and book proposal services. As he has a vast experience in writing, Gordon knows exactly what publishers are looking for. To get an idea of his skills, you should check out his book, “In-Between Heaven and Trouble (A Young Diviners Short Story Book 1)”. Before making a decision, feel free to request a quote here.

The Negatives of Business Ghostwriting

1. Hiring a ghostwriter is expensive

If you don’t get a good one, then you will probably get a book that makes you look bad. In fact, this is a very important point: if you hire a cheap ghostwriter, you will almost certainly end up with a bad book.

Below is a general guideline to the current market prices for ghostwriters. These prices can vary somewhat, because ghostwriting is an opaque market with no centralized marketplace for price discovery, but for a 100-300 page non-fiction book, prices usually break down like this:

800,000-$14,000 : This is the bottom of the barrel for ghostwriters. Anyone charging less than $15k is, quite frankly, not good. At best, they are very new and taking cheap work to build their portfolio. Usually, they’re just bad writers or are subcontracting the work out to offshore content mills. At worst, they’re flat out plagiarizing other people’s work. Anyone good moves their prices above $15k as soon as they can.

$15,000-$75,000 : Professional ghostwriters with credits and reputation will usually charge between $15,000 and $75,000. This price varies widely depending on the writer’s level of expertise, the amount of work required for the project, and how much work they are currently juggling.

Understand that there are substantial quality differences in this price range, and even within that range, a higher price does not guarantee quality. There are many who charge in this range who are not good at all, and many in this range who are cheap compared to the quality they deliver.

$100,000-$250,000+ : Once you get into the six-figure realm, you are talking about a very small number of well-established authors with extensive experience ghostwriting best-sellers (they often have books out under their own names that are well-respected).

There are probably no more than 100 ghostwriters in the world who can command these prices, and they’re usually hired by people who get large advances from traditional publishers and need to make sure their books are good; for example, actors, politicians, musicians and other famous personalities.

And the very best ghostwriters can actually command a share of the advance and royalties. One of my good friends and writing partners fall into this category— Nils Parker . For many of his projects, he charges a large percentage of the advance (up to 50% with some authors), plus some percentage of the backend. And because he is so good, he has a two-year backlog of clients waiting to work with him.

Ghostwriters at this level are actually easier to find, since they are known by most of the book agents and book editors in the business, and tend to work on a referral basis only.

2. Business ghostwriters are hard to find and hire

If you want to buy a book, you can go to Amazon and know that it’s going to be for sale there, and they will probably have the best price for it. It’s a transparent, reliable marketplace for books.

Furthermore, unless you are skilled at hiring and testing writers, you will have problems evaluating them. The very nature of their profession—writing things for other people— means that they often don’t get credit for their work, and cannot show it to you to prove their skill as a writer.

3. Business ghostwriters can be difficult to manage

Finding and hiring the ghostwriter are just the first steps. Are you a good manager, especially of someone you don’t know, working in a field you don’t know well? Because that’s going to be required if you hire a ghostwriter.

But if you didn’t pick the right ghostwriter, then you now have to worry about missed deadlines, payment issues, conflicts, poor work product, and any number of other issues that come from managing a freelance contractor who is looking for their next project.

4. There are no guarantees in ghostwriting

This system makes sense from the perspective of the ghostwriter. If the ghostwriters allowed for “money-back guarantee” clauses, or “quality guarantee” clauses, they would be setting themselves up for endless revisions with authors. It could mean thousands of hours of work. Since these writers literally make their money by selling their time, they can’t do that.

In fact, if you ever see complete money-back guarantee from a ghostwriter, it’s probably a sign they’re either very new, or possibly even cheating you. No good, established ghostwriter would ever do that.

The problem is that some authors are totally unreasonable, so the ghostwriters have to structure their deals this way to protect themselves from the few really bad author clients out there.

5. There is no process with ghostwriting

This really gets at the heart of the issue—ghostwriting has no defined PROCESS to it. Each ghostwriter has their own personal system, so you can’t know at any given stage what is going on, how well it’s going, etc. You are totally in the hands of the ghostwriter that you are working with.

Where to Find Business Ghostwriters

It sounds crazy, but it’s true. To make sure I was right about this, I asked Byrd Leavell , a New York book agent who represents lots of sports figures (which means he’s always in the market for ghostwriters), where he would go to find a ghostwriter if he wasn’t a publishing insider. His exact response:

“There is no set place that I know of. It seems like every time it’s a relationship that is created from connections. Someone has reached the point in their life where they want to do a vanity memoir and then they reach out to friends who for various reasons have come in contact with writers. This then leads to an old client coming to me saying they are being offered money to write this person’s book.

I was shocked at this, so I did more research with book agents and actual ghostwriters. I talked to dozens of other agents and ghostwriters, and collected the places they source writers or authors. I think it is the most comprehensive list on the internet, and as far as I can tell, the only one based on actual research with book agents and ghostwriters:

Individual Search

Most good ghostwriters have a website, even if it’s not very good, to source clients. Our writers said they get a lot of inbound leads from their sites, which they said people find two ways, Google and LinkedIn.

LinkedIn : This is a great place to start a general search, but be prepared to do a lot of research into their work, check their sites, etc. And also remember, you’ll only be seeing the people who explicitly offer ghostwriting on their profile. Many writers do that work, but don’t list it.

If you aren’t finding many in your city, that’s fine, but I would recommend going deep into the Google search results for “ghostwriter” because the first few pages will be ads and scammers. The good ghostwriters will be listed a few pages back. Or better yet, be careful using a general Google search at all, and start other places on the list.

Freelance Writer Marketplaces

These are places where freelance writers have profiles, to connect with people looking for freelance writers. Very few of these marketplaces are designed around ghostwriting specifically, and very few vet their ghostwriters, though many do have different ways of displaying social proof (reviews, etc).

Reedsy : This is the best freelancer marketplace that I know of for books. Their selection of ghostwriters is high quality and is getting larger. Helpfully, they also have a systematic process for finding ghostwriters, getting bids, and working with them, so their platform itself helps to solve quite a few of the ghostwriting issues outlined above. If I were looking for a ghostwriter, I would probably start here.

American Association of Ghostwriters : I have no experience dealing with them, but I know one writer who gets leads from them and has nice things to say. I looked at their stable of ghostwriters, and they seem pretty solid.

SolidGigs: I have no experience with this freelancing platform, but it operates by curating lists of ‘gigs’ to send directly to freelancers. The problem is that it’s a newer marketplace, so chances are you won’t find the highest tier of ghostwriters here.

Ghostwriter Agencies

Agencies make their money on the difference between what they charge and what they pay to freelancers. The less they pay to their freelancers, the more they make from you, so they are incentivized to hire writers who don’t charge as much, which means they are not as skillful or as experienced. Unsavory ones lure you into a contract with samples of one writer’s work, then hand you substandard material by someone else.

They can get away with this because most of them are not getting clients from personal recommendations or worried about building a reputation for excellence. They are content mills that make money by being good at buying Google ads, and in essence, scamming people. Once they accumulate too many bad reviews, they change names and start again. So you have to be very careful in picking the agency you use.

Not all agencies are like this. I know of three ghostwriting agencies that stand apart from the scammers, who have built a reputation of sourcing high-quality ghostwriters, vetting and pairing them carefully, and standing behind them.

These three were first recommended to me by the book agent Scott Hoffman (he founded Folio, one of the most successful book agencies in the world, they use dozens of ghostwriters every year for their authors):

Note: Regardless of where you find them, I would recommend doing a deep evaluation of a minimum of three ghostwriters, and probably five to be sure. Be prepared to interview up to ten to find the right one.

Resource:

https://writingtipsoasis.com/top-ghostwriters-in-australia/
https://scribemedia.com/business-ghostwriting-guide/
https://www.lisatener.com/find-a-ghostwriter/

Mobile Application

Mobile applications have become highly pervasive in recent years. Their quality is essential since application failures can lead to serious consequences, such as damage of corporate reputation or financial loss. The goal of this work is to identify and expose approaches that address the issue of quality assurance for mobile applications. In order to drive our systematic mapping study, we derived eight research questions based on the stated goal. Ultimately, we systematically identified 311 articles based on 4607 captured records. We created clustered views to answer the research questions and used existing surveys to complement our overview of current challenges. The results show an overall upward trend of publications since 2003. Hot topics include automation of GUI tests and assurance of nonfunctional qualities. Aspects of future research could be the integration of review techniques into existing approaches and focusing more strongly on defects addressing the specific characteristics of mobile applications.

Secure Mobile Applications

In most cases, mobile applications are developed to be an interface to the standard application. The mobile application sits between the standard application and the mobile client, and it handles communications between the mobile client and the standard application. There are, of course, exceptions where a mobile application is developed independently, but the security controls will remain the same.

Mobile Application Security Controls

One of the biggest mistakes that mobile application developers make is assuming that only mobile devices will interact with the mobile application. Assuming the mobile application server is network accessible, any system with access to the network will be able to attack that application server. So, for example, let’s consider the Chevy Volt OnStar mobile applications again. Users will be able to use an iPhone, BlackBerry, Droid, or most mobile Web browsers to remotely control certain functions in their Chevy Volt car from anywhere. 9 In order to provide this level of access, the mobile application server(s) will be Internet accessible. Thus, any system with an Internet connection will be able to attack that application server.

Mobile applications will need to be able to defend against traditional application attacks, including those described in Chapter 7 , “Attacking the Utility Companies.” The following resources provide detailed information regarding how to develop secure applications:

Warning

The OWASP Top 10 ( www.owasp.org/index.php/Category:OWASP_Top_Ten_Project ) can be used as a good starting point to understand the types of attacks that the mobile applications will face. Many organizations use the OWASP Top 10 as the only criteria for assessing their application security posture and only concern themselves with the ten items in the list. The OWASP Top 10 is intended to provide awareness on the top 10 Web application security flaws, 17 thus it is not intended to be a comprehensive list.

Encryption

When developing mobile applications , it is tempting to offload encryption to the network provider. So, for example, if the developers intend to support only cell phones, they may make the justification that the cellular network will encrypt the data in transit, thus implying that SSL will be a waste of resources. However, Chapter 7 , “Attacking the Utility Companies,” discussed attacks against encryption used in GSM networks. Additionally, a large number of cell phones now include Wi-Fi radios, so there is no assurance that cell phones will even be using the cellular networks to communicate with the mobile application server. Making these types of assumptions can lead to critical vulnerabilities in applications.

The effectiveness and moderators of mobile applications for health behavior change

Abstract

The number of mobile application –based health interventions has grown along with an increasing proportion of mobile phone users. However, findings related to the effectiveness of such interventions have been inconsistent, which leaves unanswered the question of whether mobile application–based health interventions are more effective than comparison conditions. Additionally, the conditions under which mobile application–based health interventions are most effective have not been investigated via moderator analyses. This metaanalysis synthesizes result from studies of mobile application–based health interventions by calculating an overall effect size and analyzing potential moderators of effectiveness. The positive effect size and statistically significant moderators provide important theoretical and practical implications for mobile application–based health interventions.

Key mobile app development technologies

Native apps

What are native apps? Such apps are built for a single mobile operating system. That’s why they’re called native – they’re native to a particular platform or device. The majority of mobile apps today are built for systems like Android or iOS. To put it simply, you can’t install and use an Android app on iPhone, and vice versa.

The main benefit of native apps is their high performance and excellent user experience. After all, developers who build them use native device UI. Access to a broad range of APIs also helps to accelerate the development work and extend the boundaries of app usage. Native applications can only be downloaded from app stores and installed directly into devices. That’s why they first need to pass a strict publishing process. 32157

The most important drawback of native apps is their cost. To build, support, and maintain an app for Android and iOS you basically need two development teams. As you can imagine, this may result in a higher price tag on the project.

Web apps

Web apps are software applications that behave similarly to native mobile apps and work on mobile devices. However, there are significant differences between native apps and web apps. For starters, web apps use browsers to run, and they’re usually written in CSS, HTML5, or JavaScript. Such apps redirect the user to the URL and then offer them the option to install the app. They simply create a bookmark on their page. That’s why they require minimum device memory.

Since all of the personal databases will be saved on the server, users can only use the application if they have an internet connection. This is the main drawback of web apps – they always require a good internet connection. Otherwise, you risk delivering a subpar user experience.

Moreover, developers don’t have that many APIs works with, except for the most popular features like geolocation. The performance will be linked to browser work and network connection as well.

Hybrid apps

Hybrid apps are easy and fast to develop, which is a clear benefit. You also get a single codebase for all the platforms. This lowers the cost of maintenance and streamlines the updating process. Developers can also take advantage of many APIs for features such as gyroscope or geolocation.

Types of mobile applications

• Gaming apps – this is the most popular category of mobile apps. You’d be surprised to learn how many users install games on their phones. Businesses invest an increasing amount of time and resources into creating games and mobile versions of well-known stationary games because it’s such a profitable market. According to a recent study, mobile games account for 33% of all app downloads, 74% of consumer spendings, and 10% of all the time spent using apps. The most successful mobile games like Candy Crush Saga or Angry Birds become known all over the world.
• Business or productivity apps – these apps hold a large chunk of the market today because people are increasingly prone to using their smartphones and tablets to perform many complex tasks on the go. For example, apps can help them to book tickets, send emails, or track their work progress. Business apps are geared at boosting productivity and minimizing expenses as they allow users to complete a wide range of tasks, from buying new cartridges for office printers to recruiting a new office manager.
• Educational apps – this category includes mobile apps that help users gain new skills and knowledge. For example, language learning apps like Duolingo have become incredibly popular because they give users the flexibility they look for in learning. Educational game apps are an excellent tool for kids. Many educational apps turn out to be popular among teachers too, who use them to organize their teaching process better or educate themselves further.
• Lifestyle apps – this broad category of apps spans shopping, fashion, virtual fitting rooms, workout, dating, and diet apps. These apps basically focus on various aspects of personal lifestyle.
• M-commerce apps – the most popular shopping apps like Amazon or eBay offer the experience of their desktop versions to mobile users. Mobile commerce applications provide customers with convenient access to products and seamless payment methods for an optimal shopping experience. Learn more about mobile commerce definition and types of mobile commerce.
• Entertainment apps – these apps allow users to stream video content, search for events, chat, or watch content online. Social media apps like Facebook or Instagram are great examples. Moreover, video streaming apps such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video have become incredibly popular with users all over the world. These apps usually boost user engagement by notifying members about updates and newly added products.
• Utility apps – these are so obvious that we barely even realize that we’re using them. In fact, utility apps usually have the shortest user session times – people use them to get things done and then move on. The most popular types of utility applications are barcode scanners, trackers, or healthcare apps.
• Travel apps – the main idea behind this category is helping users to travel easily. Travel apps transform a smartphone or tablet into a travel diary and guide that helps users to discover everything they need to know about the site they’re visiting. Most of the tourists are digitally savvy travelers who know how to use apps to their advantage. Can you imagine what traveling would look like without Google Maps, Airbnb, or Uber? You may also like: How to Make an App like Uber: Process and Cost in 2021

• An average mobile app user in the United States has over 100 apps installed on their device. (Source)
• A typical mobile user will check their smartphone 63 times a day. (Source)
• 87% of users check their phone at least one hour before sleep. Out of those, 69% will check their phone at least five minutes before sleep. (Source)
• 79% of users will abandon a digital product after only one day of use. (Source)
• Mobile apps today account for more than 57% of all digital media usage. (Source)
• By 2021, almost 7 billion people worldwide will be using mobile devices. (Source)
• By 2022, the mobile app downloads number or year will reach 258 billion. This is a great increase from 2017 when that number reached 168 billion. (Source)
• By the same year, the app store consumer spending will increase by 92% to reach a smashing $157 billion all over the world. (Source)

Types of mobile application

Mobile gaming applications

This is the most famous classification of portable applications. You would be astonished to figure out the number of clients who install games on their telephones. Organizations invest/use a huge amount of time and assets into making games and mobile versions of well-known stationary games since it is a particularly lucrative market. According to a new report from Sensor Tower, mobile game downloads reach 12 billion, which is nearly 7 times higher than the second most downloaded category on Google Play. The share of the mobile games would reach 40% in 2020 in the total mobile application downloaded. Of all application downloads, 84% of casual games were downloaded, and the rest of them were spent on core game mobile applications. The best mobile games like Candy Crush Saga or Angry Birds have become known everywhere in the world.

Educational applications

This category incorporates portable applications that help clients acquire new abilities and information. For instance, language learning applications like Duolingo have become staggeringly mainstream since they give clients the adaptability they search for in learning. Educational game applications are an incredible apparatus for youngsters. Numerous educational applications end up being famous among educators as well, who use them to make their teaching process better or teach themselves further.

Business or productivity applications

These applications hold an enormous piece of the market today since individuals are progressively inclined to utilize their smartphones and tablets to perform numerous intricate tasks in a hurry. For instance, applications can assist them with booking tickets, sending messages, or tracking their work progress. Business applications are equipped to boost profitability and limit costs as they permit clients to finish a wide scope of assignments, from purchasing new cartridges for office printers to enlisting another office director.

M-commerce applications

The most famous shopping applications like Amazon or eBay offer the experience of their working assistant forms to mobile users. Mobile commerce applications furnish clients with advantageous admittance to items, as well as many consistent installment strategies for an ideal shopping experience.

Lifestyle applications

This general classification of applications traverses shopping, style, virtual fitting rooms, exercise, dating, and diet applications. These applications essentially center around different parts of the individual way of life.

Entertainment applications

These applications permit clients to transfer video content, look for occasions, talk, or watch content on the web. Online media applications like Facebook or Instagram are incredible models. Additionally, streaming applications, for example, Netflix or Amazon Prime Video have gotten unimaginably well known with clients everywhere in the world. These applications help their mobile users with the various forms and versions of entertaining methods, along with the continuous modification to meet the demand of users.

Travel applications

The primary thought behind this classification is to assist clients with traveling without any problem. Travel applications’ users might change a cell phone or tablet into a movement journal status so that they would receive very helpful instructions, guidance, and preferences. The greater part of the sightseers is carefully sagacious voyagers who realize how to utilize applications for their potential benefit.

Utility applications

these are clear to such an extent that we scarcely even understand that we are utilizing them. Indeed, utility applications typically have the shortest user session times – individuals use them to complete things and afterward proceed onward. The most mainstream sorts of utility applications are standardized identification scanners, trackers, or medical services applications.

5 mobile app examples that brought success to well-known brands

It’s not enough to just create and launch branded business apps. Even though the opportunities seem endless, a lot of entrepreneurs have been out of their luck. The most successful ones share some common features.

Nike is a well-known sportswear brand that has extended its brand’s reach by offering its clients a more complete health and fitness experience. Firstly, in 2006, Nike created a membership program to increase the number of loyal customers. Then, Nike launched their fitness app, which is available for free to everyone. The app offers guided workout where and helps to drive the purchases of Nike’s merchandise.

And lastly, recently, Nike launched the Nike App. The platform grants members personalized access to the brand’s products in Southeast Asia and India. There are a lot of benefits that members can get from the Nike App, for example, exclusive access to the latest product releases.

Results: Nike is doing more than great right now. According to the report, the company’s revenue jumped 96% from the lockdown-impacted quarter a year ago to $12.3 billion, or up 21% from the fourth quarter of 2019. This shows that the company had a considerable rise ahead of pre-pandemic levels. Moreover, Nike’s direct and digital performance drove direct sales up 73% to $4.5 billion, which is a third of total revenue.

Ikea Place is an app where customers can take a picture of a place in their house and virtually ‘install’ Ikea furniture there to see how it gels with the room. That certainly generates interest and lets the customer make a beeline to the product when they visit the store. After selecting a piece of furniture by scanning a page of a printed catalog, users were asked to put the catalog on the floor, where it acted as an anchor for the 3D image of a piece of furniture.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s leveraged not only a mobile app but also Instagram as one of the most popular photo and video sharing apps in the world, to interact with customers in a new way and advertise their products that were a bit neglected. Back in March of 2013, the company ran a promotion encouraging customers to take pictures of their favorite meals using the mobile application.

Results: McDonald’s also ran its sixth iAd campaign, which not only promoted the company’s products but took advantage of the device’s capabilities to offer a more interactive experience. Broadening McDonald’s Instagram presence was a real success because it brought fresh attention to older products. It also bolstered a ton of user-generated content, which tends to be more influential on customers.

Coca-Cola

Another famous brand that chose to create a mobile app for their business is Coca-Cola. By applying modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Coca-Cola analyzes data to understand consumer behavior from their buying patterns and how they respond to offers and campaigns.

Coca-Cola began its digital transformation in 2018 to understand its customers and satisfy their needs. The launching of a mobile app was part of their digital transformation campaign. Customers are now enabled to redeem loyalty points and get discounts on their drinks. Also, in some countries, customers can use loyalty app to buy bran’s soft drinks from the vending machines.

Results: Coca-Cola is another company from our list that managed to grow and make a higher profit than during the pre-pandemic period. T o be more specific , the company’s second-quarter revenue surpassed 2019 levels which is $10.13 billion vs. $9.32 billion expected.

Starbucks

Starbucks app launched as early as 2009 allowed users to locate nearby coffee shops, learn about sorts, types, and coffee brews, and suggest their drinks. Two years later, Starbucks increased its digital presence by bringing its loyalty program to users’ smartphones with Card Mobile App.

Now, the Starbucks app offers their customers a wide range of services and functionality. They can order ahead for pickup or scan and pay in-store. The loyalty system is also a part of this mobile app – customers earn Stars (rewards) they can exchange for free food or drinks. Moreover, it offers useful functionalities like typing your barista or finding out what songs are playing at your local store.

5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs a Mobile App Right Now

Some business owners believe that mobile app development, implementation, and marketing are luxuries that only corporations can afford. Some believe that mobile apps are the easiest way to create the next big thing. According to other versions, mobile apps are the best option for a startup to gain momentum. Well, as it is known, the truth is out there, so let’s find out why your business needs a mobile app.

Mobile app development: why should you consider it?

Today we have no doubts about the popularity of mobile phones and apps developed for mobile platforms. We can think of so many charts and so many expressions proving that mobile is everything but just remember the feeling when you’ve left your smartphone at home. Feeling quite helpless, aren’t you? Can tell you more, users have no intention to give an app neither their mobile phones nor their convenience that is tightly connected with the user needs mobile apps address.

Speaking about user needs mobile app development should address. Let’s not forget that any business, be it a startup or a big corporation, should exist to serve users. So, user needs should be at the very heart of any business idea. It is an idea as a response to the user’s need that will be one of the major success factors. Though very often business owners go too far with the ‘brilliance’ of their ideas forgetting about the needs of their clients.

Mobile is everywhere and first in a user need

It’s a well-known fact that mobile devices today outnumber people in the world. It broadens horizons for mobile app ideas for your business by considering just mere numbers. If mobile devices outnumber people in the world so how many apps at least one mobile device can store?

Desktop sales have been decreasing for years now as users have made their choice for a laptop, tablet, and smartphone. Statistics of mobile web vs. mobile apps also counts for the latter: even a year ago it was 15% to 85% where the winner is a mobile app.

Understand how and when your target audience uses their mobile devices, how they interact with other brands, conduct research, and make constant observations in any environment, at work or on vacation. With such understanding and analytical support, you have all chances to develop an attractive app that will be easy to interact with and share.

Your brand will be accessible from everyone’s hand

Following the previous ‘ mobile is everywhere’ statement, users will interact with your brand from anywhere, from their pockets, in their offices, in cafes and restaurants, and their homes, of course. Depending on a mobile app idea, the rate of customer engagement can be increased so rapidly that it will exceed expectations which are vital for any business.

At work or on vacation, be it New York or Shanghai, Cape Town or London, no worries, your brand will not be forgotten. Opportunities with a developed mobile app are almost infinite. The only two things you need are a brilliant idea and perfect software execution of this idea.

Creativity is a must for a great mobile app

You are ambitious and find popular business apps boring – fair enough – you’ve developed your company to stand out from a crowd, to make a difference, and to become an example of exquisite taste and great creativity. It’s up to you to choose will your mobile app be just for fun or a B2B solution, but it will have a number of creative elements as you will decide to include it.

Micro-interactions, elements of the game, or the completed minigame – think out of the box. It’s not only smooth UI that triggers the users. They need to be attracted, engaged, and retained by an unforgettable user experience. So just give users what they need to reach their goals by using your app with carefully designed experiences. Help them to achieve these aims as conveniently as possible.

Being creative and even bizarre won’t be out of place, too, according to the current design trends; it can become a successful way to catch the eye of your user, and once again this goal is attained much easier with the help of a mobile app than a web or desktop soft.

Demographic diversity with a bias for the younger population

No matter what your business is, you should decide on a target audience. If your target demographic covers teenagers or millennials, you should seriously consider the production of mobile apps. Only serving the needs of seniors if you are a mobile tech startup might not be the best option. In all other cases, mobile apps have become deeply ingrained into everyday lives, from children to adults.

Something to chat and to chat a lot; something to share tons of photos; something to watch videos and listen to music. Apps similar to Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, Kik, and others can become real daily habits of teens on their mobile devices. But they won’t find much appreciation among millennials or the elder generation.

Resources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/mobile-application
https://www.thedroidsonroids.com/blog/what-is-a-mobile-app-app-development-basics-for-businesses
https://magenest.com/en/mobile-application/
https://perfectial.com/blog/businesses-that-made-success-with-mobile-apps/

Factors to Consider When Choosing a College or University

You have probably heard it over and over again: choosing a college is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. And it’s true. Where you attend college will have a lasting impact on your personal and professional life.

But the truth is, many students select a college based on emotion or a very limited set of criteria-sometimes just a gut feeling. While this won’t preclude you from academic success, such an important decision should probably undergo a higher level of scrutiny.

If you’re shopping around for colleges, you’re going to want to consider a broad range of factors, such as location, size, cost, academic quality, campus safety, choice of majors, as well as other factors that are important to you personally.

Below are some important factors to consider when choosing a college. These factors start general and get more specific. As you narrow down your list of schools, you’re going to want to ask more detailed questions and dig deeper to find out if that school will be a good fit for you.

How to Compare Colleges and Narrow Your List

Step 1: Make a College List

You’ll want to consider a variety of experiences and outcomes before making a final decision. Ideally, this list should include 10-15 colleges, all of which should offer majors that align with your interests and professional goals.

Step 2: Rank Your Wants and Needs

Knowing what you want and need from the college experience can help whittle down your initial list of schools. For instance, you may want a Big 10 experience with a large student body and plenty of campus activities. Alternatively, a more intimate campus with a liberal arts background may better fit your needs.

Step 3: Visit College Campuses

The internet remains an incredible resource for researching colleges and universities, learning about degree programs, and getting to know faculty and staff. Still, looking at a school’s website does not provide the same insight as visiting the campus in person.

By exploring college campuses, you and your family can get a better feel for the institution’s culture, ask questions, eat in the cafeteria, and browse on-campus housing. See whether you can readily picture yourself attending.

Step 4: Compare Financial Aid Offers

After applying to the colleges on your shortlist, you must wait for acceptance letters and financial aid award letters to arrive. In addition to funding provided by the federal government through the FAFSA, you can receive financial aid packages from individual schools.

Step 5: Weigh the Pros and Cons of Each College

After completing the steps above, it’s time to sit down with a trusted advisor to weigh the pros and cons of each college and see which one best meets your criteria. For example, the school that offered the most money may allow for the least amount of debt, but what if it doesn’t offer a campus culture that aligns with your needs?

College Fairs

A college fair features representatives from different colleges and universities who come together in one location to give students a chance to explore their options and gather information. During a college fair you can meet with admissions officers, ask questions and learn about schools you may not have known about or considered. College fairs are a great opportunity to learn about possibilities and perhaps zero in on the right college for you.

At your college fair, make sure to bring a notebook and pen to take notes. Ask questions and visit as many of the schools’ information booths as possible. Spending a day at a college fair can give you in-depth knowledge about many schools in a short period of time and ultimately help you narrow down your college choices.

14 Factors to Consider When Selecting a College or University

Below, you’ll find a list of the most common factors that influence prospective students’ decisions about whether a school is the right fit for them. As you begin thinking about your college search, we suggest using these factors to guide you.

Type of College

The first part of college planning is understanding your higher education goals. Many college-bound students opt for four-year universities, but others are interested in community colleges or trade schools. After that, you’ll want to consider whether you prefer a public or private school. Public universities are state-funded and tend to be larger and more diverse. Private schools vary in size and are generally looking to create a cohesive student body.

Academic Interest

Figuring out what you want to study in college is a process, and most universities have strengths in a variety of areas. Still, it’s worth making sure schools have the program you need. Many small colleges don’t have engineering or business programs, for example, while technical schools don’t always have a range of humanities classes. Even if you don’t know exactly what you want to study, it’s worth investigating the options at different schools.

Location

The next important factor to consider is: where do you want to be? Given that you have a nation (and world) full of colleges and universities from which to choose, thinking about location is a great way to begin narrowing down your college search. Do you want to be near or far from home? In the north, south, east, or west? Do you want to live in a city or in a more rural area? As you answer these questions, you’ll see the best colleges for you come into focus.

Student Body

Similarly, thinking about the size and composition of the student body is also a useful way to narrow your list of colleges. Some high school students want something much bigger than their current school; others prefer the intimacy of a small college campus. Additionally, ask yourself if the student body seems like one where you’d fit in. If you’re able to do a campus tour, look around and see what the college’s current students look like. You may also want to research the school’s demographics as well as its on-campus spaces for diverse student identities.

Campus Life & Culture

Understanding what your college experience would really be like can also help you narrow your list. Talking to current students is a great way to do this, but you can also research online and talk to campus representatives or admissions experts. What do students do for fun? What kinds of extracurricular activities are popular on and off campus? Do a lot of students participate in fraternities and sororities? Do many students go home on the weekends?

Academics & Research

Of course, your social life isn’t the only facet of the college experience! Even beyond making sure the colleges on your list have the academic program(s) you want, it’s also worth digging into schools’ academic culture. Are students competitive or collaborative? Are most classes lectures or discussions, and are they taught by professors or teaching assistants? Sitting in on a class during a campus visit can be a great way to learn about a school’s academic culture.

Cost & Financial Aid

In addition to finding the best college for your academic and personal development, it’s also important to find the right fit for your financial situation. As you narrow your schools, make sure to investigate their financial aid packages. Some private colleges offer an aid calculator on their websites to help you understand how much of the sticker price you can expect to pay, how much you might need in student loans, and how much might be made up in work study. In addition, be on the lookout for scholarships and other merit aid packages.

Career Preparation

Ideally, college is both a great experience on its own and a springboard for whatever you decide to do next. So, as you consider your college choices, be sure to look at how well schools can help you find and prepare for a career path. Does the school have a robust alumni network? Do current students have interesting internships related to their areas of study? Consider visiting the career center on your campus visit to learn more about what it offers.

Housing & Dining

Another important factor in understanding what your life will be like on campus is room and board. What kinds of housing and dining options exist for students? Do they mainly eat in a dining hall, or do they buy their meals around campus? Are there four years of guaranteed housing, or do students move into off-campus rentals after their sophomore or junior years? Is there any kind of designated first-year or special interest housing? Answers to these questions can make a big impact on what your day-to-day college experience is like.

Resources:

https://www.educationcorner.com/factors-choosing-a-college.html
https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-college/
https://myfuture.com/college/choosing-a-college
https://www.sparkadmissions.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-college-or-university/

Research analysts are responsible for collecting, verifying, organizing, and analyzing data—and using that analysis to reach key business conclusions and make data-backed recommendations to their employer. Research analysts can work in a variety of fields and departments (including finance, marketing, economics, and operations).

Awesome Jobs for Writers That Offer Real Opportunities

Here’s a news flash: Good jobs for writers really do exist. You can parlay your love of the written word into a paying gig. The truth is that the technology, media, entertainment, public relations, marketing, publishing, and advertising industries all need people who can craft high-quality content. The range of possible writing careers is far broader than you might expect.

But, as with any creative field, it can be difficult to pinpoint opportunities. That’s partly because writing jobs, in contrast to other occupations, don’t follow a set formula. (If you want to become an engineer, you get an engineering degree. If your goal is to become a nurse, you complete a nursing program. But if you dream of becoming a writer, the path you need to take isn’t nearly as clear-cut.)

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 23 jobs for many types of writers across many different fields. We’ve also included some tips on how to find legit freelance writing opportunities. And if you’re wondering how to support yourself while getting established, you might want to check out our suggestions for day jobs that let you write on the side.

Social media manager

Primary duties: A social media manager develops a social media strategy for their clients or employees in keeping with business brand guidelines. They then write original social media posts and leave comments on behalf of businesses to engage with their followers. Many also utilize analysis tools that track audience engagement and collect user data, which they then use to optimize their content to better fit the needs of their audience and market to new users as well.

Requirements: Many social media marketers have a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or a related field. They are typically required to have a strong command of a variety of social media platforms, including the best practices for each. Depending on an employer’s needs, this role may be entry-level and accept candidates with limited professional experience but relevant skills in planning and organization, copywriting and customer service.

High-Paying Writing Jobs for the Word-Obsessed (You Know Who You Are)

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Most people don’t consider writing a lucrative career path—that is, outside of the few writers who make it big with a New York Times bestseller or an award-winning screenplay. And thanks to the “starving artist” stereotype, many people think they need to choose between their love of writing and a stable, profitable career. But the truth is, there are plenty of writing-centric jobs out there that pay well; you just need to know where to look.

We’ve compiled a list of nine high-paying jobs you should definitely consider if you love to write. For the purposes of this article, we’re defining a high-paying job as one where the average salary, based on data from the compensation resource PayScale, is above the median salary for all occupations in the U.S.—which, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $41,950 as of May 2020. (PayScale’s database is updated nightly—these numbers reflect information from April 2021.) In many cases, the salary range and more senior roles along the same path mean your long-term earning potential is even higher.

It’s an editor’s job to oversee a piece of writing from inception to publication. Depending on the type of writing they’re editing (and the writer they’re working with), this can include honing the thesis, framing, and structure; ensuring the facts are accurate and the sources credible; making suggestions about how to improve the writing (for example, calling out inconsistencies in voice or tone); eliminating unnecessary sentences or paragraphs; and correcting grammar and spelling mistakes. Editors can work in a variety of settings, including for book publishers, media companies, magazines, newspapers, and brands (where they would edit the company’s website or other content).

Editors need to have an in-depth understanding of all things writing—including grammar, style, narrative, and structure. As such, most editors are writers themselves and/or hold a degree in a writing-related field (like English or journalism). The financial opportunity for editorial professionals increases as you progress in your career—with senior editors making an average of $69,986 per year and editorial directors pulling in an average of $94,713 annually.

Content marketing managers lead the charge when it comes to developing and executing content for a company. While some content marketing managers take a generalist approach, many specialize in creating and overseeing specific types of content—such as blog posts, ebooks, whitepapers, website content, and social media posts.

While content marketing managers do spend a significant amount of time creating content (including writing), they also spend a good amount of time on strategy—making this a great role if you love to write, but don’t want to spend all your time tapping at a keyboard. You’ll also have a chance to think about the bigger picture and figure out how content can support an organization’s overall mission and goals.

Some companies want their content marketing managers to hold degrees, but many are more interested in a candidate’s ability to strategize, create, and promote content—so as long as you’re a solid writer and understand the basics of content marketing, there are definitely opportunities to get into the field. Content marketing managers also have the opportunity for upward mobility (and the increased salary that goes with it)—with content marketing directors making an average of $93,400 per year.

Communications managers are, as you might guess, in charge of a company’s communications—often both internal and external. Responsibilities could include defining and developing the company’s voice, developing and managing the company’s communication strategy, writing internal guides and resources, managing client- and customer-facing communications (such as press releases, press conferences, or other media opportunities), and ensuring that all business communications, internal and external, are in line with the company’s mission and goals.

Because a communication manager is managing the company’s communication, a lot of writing and editing is involved—but there are also plenty of strategic responsibilities and opportunities to interact with colleagues and external partners to keep things interesting.

To get your foot in the door as a communications manager, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related field. And while communications managers demand competitive salaries, the financial opportunities will only increase as you grow in your career—with senior communications managers making an average of $100,520 per year and VPs making an average of $148,870.

Sources:

https://www.trade-schools.net/articles/jobs-for-writers
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/popular-writing-careers
https://www.themuse.com/advice/high-paying-writing-jobs

When you realize you deserve a higher salary, you are well within your right to take another job. However, it is suggested that you inform the company well in advance in a respectful way. It is required for a strong reputation and professional ethics.

How to Decline a Job Offer Professionally (Including Email Templates)

While receiving a job offer can be flattering, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll want to accept it. Whether you’re seeking a higher pay rate, a shorter commute or just don’t think the position is the right fit, the first step is to decline the job offer. Turning down a job is well within your rights while searching for the right job. However, doing so professionally and respectfully is important.

Sometimes you may need to turn down a job in favour of your career development, a better salary or your happiness. Once you’ve made your decision, you need to let the company know. The steps below can help guide you:

Be sure

Declining a job offer is a big decision. Once you have turned down a position, it’s unlikely that it will be offered to you again. So, the decision should be carefully considered. Take the time you need to consider your response. Reach out to the company if you have any unanswered questions holding you back.

Be timely

When offered a job, you’ll usually be given a reasonable timeframe in which to consider the offer. If you choose to not accept the position, you should let the company know within the given timeframe. However, there’s no need to wait for the day your answer is due. The sooner you can let the company know, the better. It helps them resume their process of filling the position without unnecessary delay.

Show appreciation

The recruitment process requires time, money and resources. So, when declining a job offer, it’s important to show appreciation for the company’s investment. Without being overly emotional, ensure you convey your gratitude through your communications

Keep it simple

Declining a job offer needn’t be complex. When turning down a position, keep it short, simple and to the point. State what needs to be stated straightforwardly and honestly, while maintaining an appreciative tone.

How to Politely Decline a Job Offer

1. Show Gratitude

As such, you want to show your appreciation for the offer, or for the smooth application process. There are many ways to do this, and we will give you a few examples.

“Thank you very much for offering me the opportunity to work at ABC Company as a [Job Title]. It was amazing to speak with the team and learn about the position.”

2. Say Positive Things

Turning down a job offer doesn’t have to be all about you. In the examples above of showing gratitude, you will see that positivity is shown to the recipient.

The act of declining a job offer may be awkward for you, but it can be hard for the recipient to accept if they thought you would be a fantastic addition to the team.

3. Give a Reason

4. Clearly Decline the Job Offer

5. Invite Continued Contact

You show that the decision to reject the job offer was not an easy one to come to and that you would like the relationship with the company to continue.

That could be by attending the same conferences, being kept up to date on projects that interest you, networking on LinkedIn, or attending charity functions.

How to Decline an Offer After Accepting It?

You must not worry if you have accepted a job offer and want to decline the same for a better opportunity. Even if you have accepted the position offered to you, can still decline it without burning the bridges. But you are suggested, you must weigh the offers twice before you decide as it may have an impact on your professional reputation.
If you are confident to reject the accepted opportunity, read further. Do what you have read before, even if you are rejecting the accepted opportunity, be appreciative of the time and resources which the hiring manager spent on you.

While expressing gratitude for the job offer, specify the reason(s) for turning down the job opportunity as the company deserves to know the same. It would be appreciative if you call the manager to explain everything or an e-mail/letter may also do the job, it is a key to a positive relationship with the employer(s). The final step, decide to make up your mind for any negotiations.

How to turn down a job offer when the timing isn’t right

You want to maintain a relationship. Make sure you’re transparent about the relationship you’d like to maintain. Hopefully, at this stage in the job search process, you’ve built a strong relationship with either the recruiting team or hiring manager (or both).

Express your gratitude and appreciation for their investment in the relationship. State that you’d love to continue to maintain the relationship. Connect with the person(s) on LinkedIn.

Check in every so often with the recruiter and/or hiring manager to see how things are going. Express interest in the company and the team — and reiterate that with the right position and the right timing, you’d be ready to make the leap.

You’d like to be considered for future opportunities. Declining a job offer doesn’t always come with a completely shut door. It’s a tricky dance. But in your declination email, reiterate your transferable skills , core values, and overall career goals.

Consider the perspective of the offering organization. It’s almost guaranteed they’d like to employ a person who will want to stay with the company for a significant period of time. It’s likely they’d like to hire someone who wants to grow within the organization. It’s likely that they’d like any new hire to add value in meaningful ways.

Make sure you reiterate your interest in future opportunities. But tie it back to what the mutual wants. You can also work with your coach or mentor for the best career advice specific to your situation.

Reasons you might turn down a job offer

This is by no means a complete list, and something that makes you withdraw might be fine for another person. Rejecting an offer comes down to the desires and preferences you’ve set for your next position.

Below are some general examples of how to professionally decline a job offer in writing. You could also adapt these to be a script if you decline by phone.

Example: Accepted another position

Thank you very much for offering me the role of [position title] with [company name]. At this time, I have made the decision to accept a position with another company.

I very much appreciate the time you took over these past [days/weeks] to interview me and tell me more about the organization. I enjoyed our conversations about [state specific topic, business or personal].

Again, thank you for your consideration. I wish you continued success, and I’ll send you a LinkedIn connection request so we can stay in touch for the future.

My sincere thanks for your offer of [position title] with [company name]. Upon review, however, I have determined that the company’s benefits will not support my family’s medical needs at this time.

Example: Use for reasons 5-8 above or when it’s not comfortable or appropriate to give a specific explanation

Thank you very much for offering me the role of [position title] with [company name]. However, I have decided that this is not the right fit for my career goals at this time.

I sincerely enjoyed my discussions with you and your team, and I very much appreciate your taking time to share information about the position and the vision of [company name].

Again, thank you for your consideration. I wish you continued success, and perhaps our paths will cross again in the future. [Add a connection request if it feels appropriate based on your situation.]

References:

https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-decline-a-job-offer
https://www.findmyprofession.com/career-advice/decline-job-offer#:~:text=The%20best%20way%20to%20turn%20down%20a%20job,keep%20it%20brief.%205%20Leave%20the%20door%20open.
https://www.qwikresume.com/resources/how-to-decline-a-job-offer/
https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-decline-a-job-offer
https://www.topinterview.com/interview-advice/how-to-decline-a-job-offer

How to write an essay intro

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This article was co-authored by Jake Adams. Jake Adams is an Academic Tutor and the Owner of PCH Tutors, a Malibu, California-based business offering tutors and learning resources for subject areas kindergarten-college, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions counseling. With over 11 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is also the CEO of Simplifi EDU, an online tutoring service aimed at providing clients with access to a network of excellent California-based tutors. Jake holds a BA in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University.

An introduction generally does three things. The first part is usually a general comment that shows the reader why the topic is important, gets their interest, and leads them into the topic. It isn’t actually part of your argument. The next part of the introduction is the thesis statement. This is your response to the question; your final answer. It is probably the most important part of the introduction. Finally, the introduction tells the reader what they can expect in the essay body. This is where you briefly outline your arguments.

In case you feel overwhelmed with assignments or can’t figure out for yourself how to write your paper, reach out to a paper writing service and ask them “write my paper for me“.

Here is an example of the introduction to the question – Discuss how media can influence children. Use specific examples to support your view.

Example of an essay introduction 1
The function of the Introduction is to serve as a ‘map’ of the essay, outlining to your reader the main argument and points which you develop in your essay. Most introductions begin with an orientation in the form of a brief general statement that leads the reader into the topic showing how the specific topic relates to bigger issues or to the discipline field. This is followed by your thesis statement, which is your concise response to the essay question, then an outline of the argument presented in the essay. You may find it useful to think of an essay’s introduction as funnel-shaped ­ moving from the general to the specific. Here is an example:

If you are at an office or shared network, you can ask the network administrator to run a scan across the network looking for misconfigured or infected devices.

1. Write the thesis statement. The main idea of the essay is stated in a single sentence called the thesis statement. You must limit your entire essay to the topic you have introduced in your thesis statement.
2. Provide some background information about your topic. You can use interesting facts, quotations, or definitions of important terms you will use later in the essay.
What is an introduction paragraph?
The introduction paragraph is the first paragraph of your essay.

Have questions about our research and rankings? We want to hear from you!

They follow a particular structure: you will set out your argument in the introduction, build and present your argument in the main body, and should end with your overall key message or argument in the conclusion.
Essays are used to assess your understanding of specific ideas and your ability to explain these in your own words.

References:

http://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/how-to-write-an-essay/essay-introduction
http://unilearning.uow.edu.au/essay/4bii.html
http://www.toppr.com/guides/english/writing/essay/
http://www2.actden.com/writ_den/tips/essay/intro.htm
http://justcapital.com/news/how-to-write-an-essay-introduction
http://library.leeds.ac.uk/info/14011/writing/112/essay_writing
http://www.toppr.com/ask/question/write-a-general-essay-in-about-200-words-on-the-following-topicmy-future-plans/