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  • Why Your Annual Report Should Be Interactive – And How to Do It

    Why Your Annual Report Should Be Interactive – And How to Do It

    Annual report: Chances are the words themselves conjure up images of glossy pages filled with charts, graphs, and huge amounts of text that may or may not be relevant to your interests. If you’re like most people, you might skim the typical annual report, looking for the highlights and ignoring the rest.

    This has become even more prevalent now that the majority of companies — more than 90 percent — have shifted to online annual reports rather than printed copies. Most electronic reports are searchable, meaning that its easier than ever before to find just the information that you need or want. And while some companies still believe “electronic” annual report is synonymous with “PDF version of printed document,” most are taking advantage of the online medium and creating reports that are more interesting than the typical static report.

    Still, while many companies have adopted the use of infographics and cleaner design, and maybe even added some multimedia elements, very few annual reports can be considered truly interactive. However, to stand out, you need to include more interactivity.

    Why Interactive Matters

    Annual reports should be interactive for several important reasons:

    1. Better Calls to Action. Annual reports do more than simply report your company’s data and accomplishments. They can boost engagement, drive brand loyalty, and inspire people to take action. For example, in its 2013 annual report, crowd-funding leader Kickstarter shared the most important data points from the year along with videos about the most successful projects, highlighting the positive changes that company supporters made throughout the year. Instead of focusing on data and graphs and charts, the interactive elements increased engagement by focusing on emotion and inspiration, increasing enthusiasm and support for the company.
    2. 2. Additional Details. Annual reports are all about the details — the data points and stories that were the foundation of the company’s performance. In the past, those details were shared via text and tables, but adding too much data could drive readers away. Using interactive elements, such as links to additional information, pop-out descriptions, and infographics, can provide additional details without creating a cluttered and overwhelming design.
    3. 3. Better Mobile Engagement. Even just a few years ago, some experts were questioning whether there was really a need to design annual reports with mobile devices in mind, since so few people actually review reports on their smartphones. However, the number of people using their mobile devices to view reports has doubled every year since 2011, and shows no signs of slowing down. Again, including interactive elements helps cut down on the volume of information presented at once, making it easier for people on-the-go.

    How to Incorporate More Interactivity

    While some companies have actually gone as far as to design dedicated applications to make their annual reports more accessible and interactive (check out Windward for more information on reporting software that makes the integration of data and interactive reporting seamless), you don’t always need to go to such lengths. Even including just a few interactive elements can take your report from “Blah” to “Wow!”

    First, determine which elements of the report can be interactive. Charts and graphs are a good place to start; consider making it possible for users to isolate certain data, or click links or pop-outs to learn information that is more detailed. Videos or flash animation are ideal for sharing milestones. In fact, videos are a hot marketing tool these days, and incorporating videos into your annual report can actually help build and support your brand.

    Other places you might consider including interactive elements are infographics, where you share key data or milestones. Even just organizing your report so that information is arranged under clear headings, so that the specific information is revealed only when it is clicked, can help maintain a clean design while still giving readers all of the information that they need and want.

    The important thing to remember about interactive annual reports is that regardless of the bells and whistles you choose to incorporate, you cannot forget that the data and information are the most important elements. When planning your report, consider what you must include, and what is the most compelling information for your audience. Don’t try to include everything, or overwhelm your readers with every cool trick you can think of. As some of the best annual reports of the last few years show, a simple, creative design that looks beyond the numbers will spur better results than even the flashiest report.

  • Shopping Online This Holiday Season? Stay Safe with These Tips

    Shopping Online This Holiday Season? Stay Safe with These Tips

    The holiday season is upon us, and for many people, that means one thing: Shopping. More people than ever before are expected to skip the malls this holiday season and shop online, using both computers and mobile devices, enjoying the convenience, selection, and competitive prices that online merchants offer.

    Unfortunately, the increase in online shoppers also brings an increase in cybercriminals, who are more than eager to get their piece of the holiday shopping pie. Because there is such an increased risk for identity theft and other crime, it’s important for anyone who plans to shop online to take certain security precautions.

    1. Update Internet Security Protections

    Keeping your computer and your Internet security tools as up-to-date as possible is the best way to protect yourself against hackers and thieves. If it’s been a while since you updated your operating system, take the time to do it now; hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems to spread malware, and keeping the software up-to-date is the most effective way to avoid those exploits. Make sure that your antivirus software is up-to-date as well (and set to automatically update on an ongoing basis) and protects your social media and email accounts from phishing attacks.

    2. Use Credit Cards, Not Debit

    Debit cards are convenient, but they are also dangerous when shopping online. If your information is exposed, a thief can wipe out your account in a matter of minutes, and getting your money back isn’t always fast – or even a given. It can often take banks up to 90 days to investigate and reverse charges on a debit card, which leaves you out of cash in the meantime. Credit cards, on the other hand, limit your liability on fraudulent purchases to $50, and often, you don’t even have to pay that.

    Even when you use a credit card, keep track of your accounts and check them regularly. Criminals often “test” cards by making a series of small transactions, usually under $20 each, before using the card for a larger purchase. Report any suspicious transaction, no matter the amount, to keep your accounts safe.

    3. Use Only Official Shopping Apps When Going Mobile

    Shopping via mobile device is expected to increase significantly this year — as much as a quarter of all online sales are predicted to come via mobile — meaning that hackers are going to be looking for ways to access mobile transactions and steal information. When using your smartphone or tablet to shop, stick to official shopping apps for your favorite stores; you can tell if the apps are legitimate by checking out the developer information and only downloading apps from the official app store for your device. Don’t download apps that arrive in unsolicited emails or text messages — chances are they are spoofed, and will lead to the theft of your financial data.

    4. Follow Password Protocols

    A strong password is one of the best ways you can keep your data safe, so take care to follow the protocols for maintaining strong passwords. Never use your banking or credit card passwords anywhere else, and use two-factor authentication whenever possible.

    5. Use Secure Networks

    Free Wi-Fi can help you avoid using up your data, but most free networks aren’t secure — meaning that anything that you share can be intercepted and seen by hackers.

    One common scheme is for criminals to set up Wi-Fi networks with names that resemble the legitimate restaurant, shopping mall, or airport network, tricking unsuspecting users into connecting. They then spy on the network to gather any information they can, including passwords, credit card information, and emails.

    If you will be doing anything that requires sending sensitive information, avoid using the free Wi-Fi and connect via secure network instead.

    6. Avoid Popups and Unsolicited Emails

    Finally, while you shop for holiday gifts, be on the lookout for unsolicited offers that appear too good to be true. Criminals inject websites with code to create popup advertisements that appear legitimate, but are designed to trick customers into sharing their credit card numbers. Unsolicited text messages and emails offering special deals — or prompting you to log in to your accounts — should also be ignored and deleted. Again, only shop via official websites and apps, and only when the site is secure.

    Online shopping undoubtedly makes the holiday season easier, but it can also be dangerous to your identity and your finances. By making smart choices and making security a priority, you can keep the holiday season a happy one — and not one marred by the stress of identity theft.

  • Do I Need a GoPro?

    Do I Need a GoPro?

    The GoPro line of active cameras is a staple of extreme sports videos, allowing intrepid adventurers to document their unique experiences like never before. However, GoPro cameras have a number of advantages over standard camera types that can make it attractive to casual users, particularly those who use their smartphones as their primary photography equipment.

    Unique Perspectives

    Along with the first-person perspective that has become the signature viewpoint of the GoPro line, these cameras are also designed to be used in other creative ways. There are an array of available mounts that allow video capture from various perspectives, including a three-way mount that can effective serve as a horizontal tripod for one of a kind motion shots.

    Active Design

    Unlike smartphone cameras, the GoPro line features a design intended to keep photographers in the moment by minimizing their required input. Not only does the mounted position of the typical GoPro configuration allow for hands-free use, it also eliminates the need to constantly stare at the viewfinder for a more immersive experience in action.

    From cracked screens to water damage, smartphones are extraordinarily susceptible to damage and cannot be safely used to record many outdoor activities. For this reason, GoPro cameras are also much more durable than standard cameras, made to withstand the rigors of use in some of the world’s most extreme environments, and are also highly water-resistant for worry-free recording on beaches, cruises, and other water-based environments.

    Video Quality

    Although some select models such as the iPhone 6S are outfitted with high-resolution imaging equipment that are far superior to most smartphones and are excellent for day-to-day use, they still present no comparison for modern professional quality camera equipment. The GoPro Hero4 Black in particular can capture 120 frames per second at 1080p, allowing ultra high-definition video in real speed as well as a super slow motion mode. It also has a feature known as HiLite Tags, which allows users to quickly mark an outstanding segment of footage for later reference, and you can get the GoPro 4 black at any Harvey Norman.

    Smartphones have become a more viable alternative to dedicated camera equipment, but with its range of advanced features, the GoPro is still an excellent upgrade for photographers who want to capture high quality action video. The GoPro is designed to boldly go where smartphones are typically less than ideal, making it the only way to safely capture some of life’s most spectacular shots.

  • Why Smartphones and Tablets Are Integral Parts Of Our Lives

    Why Smartphones and Tablets Are Integral Parts Of Our Lives

    When they first arrived, cell phones were just that: phones. You called people, they called you. End of story. Now, of course, smartphones exceed that functionality many times over. A tiny device in a purse, pocket, or belt clip has replaced a whole briefcase full of items.

    One of the most important developments that has made this possible has been effective touch-screen technology. Think of the thousands of different things that you can input on your phone. The ability to open an app and get a unique set of controls is only possible because we don’t need separate buttons for every single function. This also made possible the advent of tablets, for times when larger screens are necessary without the bulk of a heavy keyboard.

    Speaking of cell phones, they are now so indispensable that we are helpless without them. That’s why an iPhone 6 screen protector, the right provider, and access to a charging source can be the difference between success and failure in some circumstances.

    The following areas reflect just how much our cell phones and tablets help us in daily life. And as impressive as they are, these just scratch the surface of what’s ahead.

    They Do Our Remembering

    It used to require a calendar at home, one on the desk, and one in the pocket to make sure that everywhere we had to be was properly stored for our busy minds to keep up with. Now that we have cell phones and tablets, we can be miles away from pens or paper and still quickly enter important upcoming dates while being reminded of what’s going on right now. And the reminders are passive; we don’t have to open a calendar to see where we have to go today. When we enter the item, we enter a reminder that alerts us in time to make the deadline.

    They Give Us Freedom

    The old belief that you have to be chained to your desk to be successful is fading away. Now productivity and inspiration know no geographical limits. You could be hiking the Appalachian Trail when a million-dollar idea comes to you, and all you have to do is send a text or email, create a memo, or make a phone call to get things underway. Could you imagine waiting until the next trailhead to get in contact with someone?

    We also don’t have to be utterly lost to our workplaces or families when one takes us away from the other. A relative’s illness during your business trip can be easily monitored via social media. And if you suddenly need to get to that bedside, you can handle all the travel arrangements during the next coffee break.

    They Entertain Us

    This is far more than funny cat memes. We can navigate books, music, games, sports, movies, television and more from anywhere. There’s no need to find space in your carry-on for enough books to cover the flight time. You don’t need a bucket full of batteries to fuel a Walkman. Everything is right there in your device, compact, accessible, and unbelievably sharp and clear.

    You can expand your entertainment interests more easily, too. That long flight could place you next to a passenger with an intriguing read. In just seconds, you can download it and enjoy it yourself.

    And enjoyment is ultimately what this is all about–even for work functions–because you can carry out thousands of functions with a single device that saves you time, money, and energy, and that gives you the time, money, and energy to do things that you enjoy.

  • The Inner Gamer in You: Benefits of Video Games during Adulthood

    The Inner Gamer in You: Benefits of Video Games during Adulthood

    You don’t have to beat it under the bush or feel like you’re some kind of social outcast/dweeb for playing games as an adult. Video games have gone mainstream. In fact, the majority of gamers actually comprise the 18+ marketplace (with 36-49 coming it at 17% and 50+ years at 27%). Interesting, right?

    Games are fun – plain and simple. They are a great way to relax, learn, have some form of competition, be social, or just pass the time.

    As a gamer for all my life and a person that has actually convinced my parents (and even grandmother) to play video games, I can honestly say that it’s been beneficial. Here are some of my opinions on why it matters that older individuals should consider taking up a controller.

    1. It stimulates the mind

    There are countless genres of video games on the marketplace so without a doubt there is a game for you. What makes them especially interesting for the older crowd (especially in this case for my grandmother) is that it stimulates the mind and actually helps curb the mental aging process.

    There are countless games made to keep your mind active and that’s a very important consideration as the aging process goes on. It may be my personal observation but since my parents and grandmother have been actively playing games (both on the computer and with the systems I have given them) they have remained sharp; they even tell me how it has prevented them from reaching a “rut” in information that would have otherwise just been filled with passive television.

    2. It keeps them social

    One of the recurring discussions I’ve had with my parents and grandmother is the fact that as they age they begin to drive further and further apart from their friends and family.

    As they began to explore gaming through their devices I noticed they seemed happier because they were reconnecting with family and friends. To up the ante, I recommended them trying out something complex like an MMO which brings together thousands of players at a time so there’s always someone new to talk to (in this case I recommended The Secret World because I really enjoy the atmosphere).

    Sometimes they’ll play casual MMO experiences while other times they actually give it a shot and get really involved. I’m hoping that it sticks, because if they can socialize the way I do through MMO’s then I know that we won’t have those odd discussions about my social life as frequently.

    3. It creates awareness

    The thing that makes gaming especially fulfilling for me, is that because you are being social with those all around the world from countless countries, cultures, and lifestyles, it makes you very accepting of others around you.

    For an older generation it can be quite a culture shock when they first get online because of the wealth of information and free information/speech; this comes in full force when gaming. Though they may not agree with everything they read or hear, they are introduced to many concepts that they may not have considered before.

    New ideologies, lifestyles, and cultural differences are very much present when playing online and the more they socialize with others, the more they become aware of new issues that affect our world.

    So let me ask you this… what’s stopping you from picking up a controller and having some fun with a game?

  • The End of The Blog?

    The End of The Blog?

    For the people in the blogging loop, you may know one of the most established bloggers on the net, Andrew Sullivan, hung up his keyboard after 15 years creating one of the biggest blogs the internet has seen. Sullivan, a predominant political British-American commentator, came to the conclusion that his blog had served its time earlier this year. His resignation from blogging triggered a huge online debate in which many commentators declared “the death of blogging“.

    Internet usage has risen steadily since the early ‘90s, however, despite the number of hosting providers out there all offering super simple, and quick to set up blog packages like the one described here, the actual number of independent online blogs has dropped drastically in the past five to ten years. This begs the question – where have all the bloggers gone?

    Social media is continuing to grow and extend its reach into the lives of teenagers and adults alike, with new registrations far outweighing people leaving sites (Facebook is the third most popular site on the internet). This popularity enjoyed by social media is arguably the chief reason for the slump in blog numbers, as people who once sought the refuge of the blogosphere to share their two cents now do so through the medium of social media. In a nutshell, people are consuming the internet differently to how they did ten years ago.

    Phenomena like ‘memes’, ‘gifs’, pictures, videos, tweets and status updates are the primary avenue of self-expression on the internet today – perhaps because the framework of social media encourages this kind of activity and consequently long-winded blogs have been ditched in favour of quick fix 140-character tweets.

    This change in consumption has of course been accommodated by big business. Rather than creating blogs, businesses now opt for creating Facebook pages and mobile phone applications, further contributing to the demise of the blog. The blog is winding down toward becoming an obsolete form of technology, at least in its traditional format.

    However it is not all doom and gloom for bloggers out there. The change in the way people consume information has seen established bloggers dwindle in numbers dramatically, concentrating the power of the blog among just a few busy writers. Social media has arguably trimmed off the fat in a blogging world which was once overrun by illegible pages created by vocal youths on the family computer. What remains now is the meat, meaning, if you can beef up your joint, then blogging can still be a worthwhile means of communication.

  • How to Avoid Common Mistakes as a New Blogger

    How to Avoid Common Mistakes as a New Blogger

    Over the last decade, blogging has taken the Internet by storm. People of all walks of life and in all industries have taken to blogging to share their experiences, promote their business or product, or to generate income via advertising and sponsored posts.

    For some bloggers, it becomes a full-fledged career, while others prefer to keep their blogs personal and for when they have time. Regardless of how you choose to approach blogging there are a host of mistakes new bloggers make. Some of these are simple to correct, yet others require a more mindful approach to blogging and a plan to keep things running smoothly.

    If you’re considering a blog for any reason these are a few of the biggest mistakes new bloggers make and how you can avoid them.

    Pick a Proper Web Host

    If you plan to blog more for fun that possible income, then a simple website creator like WordPress or BlogSpot might be all you need, but if you want to be serious, then you need to research Web hosting sites. You first want to look into a hosting service that offers tiered services. You need minimal bandwidth to start and probably some help designing your blog, but little else.

    The tiered hosting sites help when you start to see growth and need to scale up to accommodate for all the visitors you’re now receiving. One thing to always look for in a good hosting service is the guaranteed uptime; accept no less than 99 percent. It does you no good if you have an article go viral and your site crashes, limiting the revenue you’ll actually earn.

    Create a Library of Content Before You Launch

    Another mistake that new bloggers make is launching and promoting their site before they have content in place to back it up. Simply writing an article or two is not enough. Many experts suggest that you have at least 12 to 14 pieces of content published before you invite the world to view your blog.

    In addition, it’s very wise to set a publishing schedule and stick to it. While three posts per week is sometimes considered the rule, be sure that the schedule you set for yourself is one you can stick with. Not only will a regular publishing schedule keep the Google gods happy, it also gives readers a timeline they can trust when visiting your site.

    Know the Ins and Outs of Plagiarism and Copyright

    Few bloggers intend to plagiarize or break copyright laws, but if you’re new to the game it could happen without your realization. It’s best to start by assuming that everything you see on the Internet is protected by a copyright of some sort and know what type of content you can use and what you can’t.

    Creative Commons is a great way to source photos for your blog posts, but pay attention to the requirements. Some content owners specify that you simply need to credit them, some specify that their work cannot be used for commercial purposes, and some require no attribution at all. Become familiar with the rules, use your own content whenever possible, and understand the legal ramifications of violating copyright.

    Use Keywords to Your Advantage

    In the old days many blog posts were laden with links and keywords that, in some cases, made reading them impossible. Google has changed their algorithms over the years so, thankfully, those awkward keyword days are over, but you should still pay attention to what you’re writing and how it’s placed.

    Depending on the publishing platform you’re using you may be able to work with plug-ins that set up your keywords for you. The most popular of these is Yoast and it can help manage your posts so they’re easily indexed by Google, as well as to ensure that you’re using keywords appropriately.

    Starting your own blog is an exciting venture, and is also one that could prove to be a good source of income. Just be sure to take it slow and avoid these common mistakes and you could be well on your way to blogging success.

  • Top Alternative Printer Ink and Toner Products That Can Help You Save Cash

    Top Alternative Printer Ink and Toner Products That Can Help You Save Cash

    As an old adage goes, “he who does not economize will have to agonize.” When it comes to printer consumables like ink, it means having to agonize over the fact that you’ll be paying hundreds, if not thousands of dollars for the ink that your printer will need over the course of its service life. Just think of all the shares of stocks, fancy meals, new clothes, new pairs of shoes, electronic gadgets, and other useful things that all those cash could buy instead.

    If you want to save cash without sacrificing the quality of your printouts, check out these great alternative products that you can buy for your reliable printing machine.

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