Do you know your reputation?

 We are all known for something. However in many instances, it would appear that we ourselves may be unaware of the reputation we carry. It may be due to many of us not paying attention to ourselves and what we portray. 

We often have opinions of others based on our interaction with them. Yet, we don't seem to be always aware of what others think of us, and often in the cases when we do, we are often wrong in our determinations. 

It's time to become conscious of who we are and whose we are. What are the standards we have developed and inculcated over the years of our existence? 

In 2020, we were forced to stop at times and reflect on our lives, our environment and the situations we faced. We reflected on the lives of those who passed away and the impact that it had on us. I wondered, if they were ever heard/were told any of the things we hear of them when the tributes came in. As a friend of mine, long gone from this life said to me when I was growing up; "were they alive to smell the roses". 

Many of us will receive bouquets when we die, but does it mean that we haven't truly lived if we never received a bouquet while we are alive? When we do, how do we take in the moment and crystalize the experience in our psyche?

Do people know us in a lopsided manner? Only by our work, our family lives, our church personas? How many of us can say that we are known totally by anyone where those who know us can truly speak of our character? 

We compartmentalize so much that many of us can be Saints-on-Sunday and Sinners-the-rest-of-the-time. 

Sometimes, we as a people lament that we are not appreciated by others. Yet, have we take the opportunity to appreciate ourselves for just who we are? 

We don't seem to be learning! Just recently there was a gun battle between youth, who aren't even old enough to have experienced life in its fullest; yet they were so willing to take the life of another. In the media, as someone who impacted us significantly in one way or another move on, we only then take the time to appreciate them after they've gone. 

Let's live life on new terms:

• Become a greater supporter of our fellow man;
• Exceed the expectations of others in your service to others;
• Recognize it's not the big things that seem to be in the spotlight that mean the most, but those seemingly insignificantly things that may seem to go unnoticed that make the biggest differences; 
• Love unconditionally; 
• Do things "Just-because". E.g. we sometimes get together for family celebrations, just because, we can. It doesn't have to be commemorating anything other than the freedom of life to commune and share with each other. There's so much that can be learned about each other just by sharing a meal. The generation gap is bridged, family values are shared, we get to value others as we share a kind word/moment. 

Start today to determine and shape the reputation that you want to have. Yes, you'll make mistakes along the way; it's part of the process. Get to know, who you are and whose you are; and live! 

Using your mobile technology to build your business

Businesses are becoming smaller in size, and hopefully with some planning, they can become more nimble within their environments. Many have been displaced within recent time and with their resources being limited, they need to have ways that they can get up to speed quickly. How can they do this, and do it well? This time, more than any, is when consideration needs to be given to the acquisition and use of mobile technology. 

The presence of so many different types of mobile technology in the market place gives rise to a diverse set up applications for a significant number of business opportunities. 

Many businesses are now functioning semi-remotely. Despite resources being scarce, there are mobile tech hardware and software that can help businesses gain traction within their chosen markets. There's literally no excuse not to function competently. 

Here's why:

• Smartphones can cost more than laptops/desktops and are versatile in their applications and dexterity of  functioning while the businessman/woman is on the move. 
• There are paid and free apps that enable the businesses to do the work of entire offices while on the go; and the available platforms support this process. 
• Delegation is easy and reliable. 
• Collaboration is easy, reliable and functional.
• Response rate is almost instantaneous. 
• Document management was also mobile complete with the virtual filing system(s). This is largely due to the memory capacity on most devices. 
• Backup systems are in the cloud making it absolutely difficult to lose information. 

Now that you are aware you have the technology. Here are some things that you need to be aware of:

• Changing devices is easy as information updates are instantaneous when you log in with you profile credentials. 
• Backups/Restoration is easy and reliable. 
• Your contacts are readily at hand should you need to make contact with them. 
• You can process invoices, refunds and track your bookkeeping activity directly from your mobile devices. 
• There are endless security services to protect your data. 
• You can easily manage your devices from your administrative panels and the information they can access. 
• You can see your schedule at a glance. 
• There is seamless integration between devices which means you can continue working even on the move. 
• There is talk to type technology so that you don't break stride with your productivity. 
• You can access movies and music should you need to gear back for a break. 
• There are a plethora of courses, workshops, and webinars to keep you in the know as you seek out more knowledge. 

No excuses are available any longer. Use your preferred mobile technology and get busy on building and developing your future and safeguarding your livelihood and that of those you care about. 

Check our website bladesandbladesconsultancy.com for continued posts and updates. Hope this helps move you in the direction of your most dominant thoughts of success. 

Mobile Phone Usage for Business

When considering business and the use of telecommunications, one thing that is being used increasingly is the mobile phone. Some people are competent in the use of their devices; for the most part, many aren't. 

When observing how people use their mobile phones, it oftentimes makes me wonder if they have given consideration as to the use of their device. Some people use their phones as unpaid comedians to forward jokes. Others send graphics that do not, shall we say, coincide with their branding. Some people are just seemingly lawless and will waste your data plans without any regard for the fact that they are costing you money needlessly. 

Here are some scenarios that mobile phone users tend to engage in:

• They call you and ask you to call them back since their credit is about to run out. Really? Who wants to make contact with whom? 
• WhatsApp calls for business reasons. The call quality is choppy in many instances and does not make for high-quality interaction that at least seems professional. 
• Then, they are those with the prepaid phones that run out in the midst of a conversation. Guess what, postpaid is always the cheaper option. Don't be afraid of the commitment. 
• The sending of non-business related graphics also ranks high on the list of not to-dos. 
• Purchasing mobile phones that cost more than a computer and then not possessing the ability to use the features is more than a little off-putting. I liken it to purchasing the Mercedes with its high powered engine and speed abilities; only to drive it at 25 kph on the highway. 

If used well, mobile phones can be a game-changer for business people. Here are some examples:

• Small businesses and mobile phones 
• Small businesses and mobile data 

When you consider your business planning, examine if you're using your mobile technology optimally.  You just may be surprised at how much you can save, but more importantly how your earnings can be enhanced if you use the technology properly.