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Make Good Sales on New Products – Leveraging Data Mining

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It’s incredible just how many companies are sitting on volumes of customer data and aren’t using it to make more sales. It’s rather unfortunate because all that data offers a wealth of insight—insight that can boost customer loyalty, let loose hidden profits, and reduce client churn. If you want to learn how to use your customer data to boost your sales, read on.

make good sales

  • Sales Forecasting

By monitoring what customers bought, you can predict when they will buy again. You can use this information to strategize planned obsolescence or determine complimentary products to push or how to launch a new product. Forecasts can be made using statistics on customers in your market.

When forecasting sales, come up with three cash flow predictions: realistic, pessimistic and optimistic. Use this to plan for the right capital level to maintain in case you run into the worst case scenario where sales do not reach targets.

Also read; 8 Steps to Refine Your Sales Process’ Infographic

  • Basket Analysis

Also referred to as “affinity analysis,” basket analysis monitors the purchase behavior. Brick-and-motor businesses use this information to make layout improvements while online companies use it to determine which products to recommend. In this case, “basket” refers to what customers use when they shop.

Products are sold in different times. A majority of customer analytic tools monitor purchases over time and identify opportunities and trends that can be tested for future promotions and product launches. Use customer data to establish patterns, complimentary products, the order in which these products are purchased, etc.

Don’t miss; 4 Strategies to Help You Build the Perfect Shopping Cart

  • Merchandise Planning

Merchandise planning can help you make the right decisions regarding stocking options and inventory warehousing. For example, as you uncover customer sensitivity, database mining can assist you in determining the right stock amounts so that you don’t have too little or too much.

Paying attention to this strategy can lead to an impressive performance in terms of production and customer experience. Properly handling typical runs on a product ensures that in-store expectations are met and your price matches the market rates. This way, you are sure to maintain customers and attract new ones especially when launching a new product.

Price wars are an unavoidable reality in today’s markets, with customers jumping ship every time competitors make a more attractive offer than yours. Add data mining to your marketing arsenal. Acquire and retain more customers by using different data mining techniques on social media. These include using data from your Facebook audience to generate ideas.

Paying attention to a figure such as Lifetime Customer Value when mining data can improve acquisition cost. It can also identify the reasons for customers’ bailing. Use it in conjunction with questionnaires and surveys to harvest accurate data.

Also recommended; How to Prepare Internet Marketing Plan Which Suits Your Business

  • Product Production

Create custom products tailored for market segments using data mining. As a matter of fact, you can predict specific features of your products that your customers favor and include them in new products. However, it is worth keeping in mind that innovation is not always created by giving customers what they want.

Innovative products are created when you examine the data from your customers and identifying holes that customers want to be filled. As far as creating that product goes, several elements go into building it: need fulfillment, uniqueness, brand name, attractive design, etc. Doing this keeps you a step ahead of your competitors.

About the author;

The writer is an expert in consumer analytics. Get great insights on online marketing from his website and boost your online sales.

 

Mobile Web Development Trends and why it is the Way to Go

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Modern day technology trends have skewed towards the use of mobile, hand-held devices. This has in return dictated that any new web-based product should be easily accessible via the mobile platforms. Failure to do this will mean that your web-based product is not accessible by a huge majority of your prospect customers.

It is from this understanding that web design today has switched to responsive web design. This mobile web development has resulted in to websites and blogs viewable even on the smallest of screens on mobile phones. The websites adjust themselves appropriately to fit the screen through which they are being viewed without losing any details. Therefore, regardless of whether users are on a desktop, a laptop, a tablet or a smart phone, they will be able to access what you want them to access without any difficulties.

Switching to the mobile platforms has not come without challenges. However, developers have collaborated to come up with viable solutions. Through website functionality reviews online, developers have been able to identify the most common challenges and worked around them to offer appropriate solutions. Some of the challenges that mobile web development has been able to overcome are as discussed below.

The Common Challenges:

  • Images Display

Viewing large images on small screens of the mobile devices has been a challenge above all else. Luckily, the development of the pinch to zoom technology has allowed developers to create websites that feature large images and even carousels of images. All a website user has to do in order to view a better image from the thumbnails is to pinch or tap on the image from the device and it zooms in to show clearer details.

  • Content Display

Since most websites development is on desktops and laptops, the page widths for the content sometimes tend to be quite wide. This presents a content display challenge on the smaller screens. However, developers have creatively overcome this just like with native apps such that a responsive website re-arranges its content to allow vertical scrolling without hiding out any content detail. So, all a website user has to do is to keep scrolling downwards to view the entire page’s content. Then there are the next and back links at the bottom of the pages to allow ease of movement from one page to another that has related content.

  • Navigation Menus

Just like the content of the website in a responsive site, the navigation normally arranged in a horizontal way at the top of the page, gets clever arrangement in a vertical style that allows you to see all the relevant links to the different pages so that your navigation is easy regardless of your device screen size.

  • Buy Buttons

There was the fear of losing the ecommerce functionality when a user views a website via a mobile device. However, advances in programming languages have allowed retention of this functionality, even enhanced it for these mobile devices. This means that website users can be able to purchase what they want from your website regardless of the device they are using to view your shop.

So, if you are considering creating a new website, do not be afraid to make it a fully responsive mobile web development project. You will get a reward for your efforts appropriately.

 

HTML5 – The Top Pick of Web Developers

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If you have not considered using HTML5, you might not be familiar with its awesome advantages. HTML5 is equipped with many new features that make it easier to blend graphical content and multimedia. As a result, there is no need to use Flash. This is just one of the multiple benefits of HTML5. With several advantages, HTML5 is touted as the favorite of almost all web developers across the globe. So, what are the characteristics that are making HTML5 a top choice? Let’s check them out below.

 

  • If you are given the task of creating accessible sites, there are two chief reasons why you should use HTML5. The new HTML headlines make sure that screen readers can access content without any difficulty. The presence of new semantic tags ensures that screen readers can scan the HTML document more efficiently and contribute a far more impressive experience for the users. On the other hand, with the help of ARIA, a W3C spec, you can build particular landmarks on a page; for example, header, footer and navigation.
  • As stated in the introductory paragraph, using Flash Player is no more required. With the new HTML audio and video tags, you can make your audio and videos easily accessible. The tags consider the audio and video files just like images thus, driving away your worries related to the clear visibility and proper functioning of the files. You can adjust the width, height and auto play features alike any other HTML element.
  • Do you have a knack for clear and simple code? Then, HTML5 is the best option for you. It helps you to perform eloquent coding by separating meaning from content and style.

  • A striking feature of HTML5 is its local storage option. It scores over cookies as it allows storing data in more than one window. In addition to this, it offers higher performance and advanced security and there is no fear of losing data once you close the browser. Since it is a client-side database, you need not worry about users erasing the cookies. Almost all browsers have implemented HTML5. When you have the option to store data in a user’s web browser, it becomes easy to develop application features. You can store user data and cache information.
  • In present times, almost all the popular web browsers have adopted HTML5 doctype. However, older browsers may have problems while adopting some of the new features. In that case, the addition of a JavaScript shiv can make them compatible to the new features.
  • As a web developer, you will definitely want your site to earn brownie points when it comes to good user experience. HTML5 ensures that your site responds to the users promptly and users do not have any slightest difficulty to interact with the content displayed on the site. You may visit here to build your knowledge base in HTML5.
  • In your career as a web developer, you may get the opportunity to work on a game development project. The canvas tag of HTML5 can help you immensely to create a game that is high on entertainment quotient and very much mobile-friendly.
  • It is hard to find anyone today who is not accessing Internet from mobile or tablet devices. So, it has become somehow mandatory to build mobile-friendly sites to ensure high website traffic and positive user experience. As mobile browsers have completely embraced HTML5, you cannot really split responsive design and HTML5. Selecting viewport widths and developing home screen icons are no more a complex task with the use of HTML5.

These are some of the essential benefits of HTML that can give your web development career a boost.

Author Bio – Daniel Thomson is a veteran web developer and loves to write about various web development tools. His articles are published on leading online magazines.

 

Facebook vs Snapchat – Infographic

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Whoever thought that an app with disappearing images as its main feature would grow to be as popular as it is today? Well that is what happened to Snapchat and its founders Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy. It is definitely an interesting start up story and one that at times closely resembles that of the social networking giant that is Facebook.

Snapchat is really still only in its infancy as you take in the fact that it is yet to generate revenue. Meanwhile Facebook has long since found its revenue avenues and continue to focus heavily on ways to improve their paid options.

The founders of both companies come from similar backgrounds and certainly both faced controversies in terms of ownership of the original concepts. Famously, Mark Zuckerberg had to deal with the Winklevoss twins and Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy had their former frat brother Reggie Brown to contend with. Happily both issues have since been settled.

There has been similar issues connected to privacy for both social networks and this issue will likely continue to prevail.

In terms of functionality, Facebook definitely has an upper hand but Snapchat has added extra elements since start up such as video messaging and chat features so they are not standing still.

This is a fun info-graphic created by DPFOC that compares the two companies across a number of elements and while one is an absolute giant in terms of revenue, there are similarities along the way for both social networks.

 

Steve Jobs Did Not Let His Kids Touch iPads: So Should You?

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All these days we have been discussing, where I have been sharing my views and information about Microsoft Dynamics AX – NAV – CRM and so on so forth. Today while I intended to share some more information, about Microsoft Dynamics NAV for Tablets – MS Dynamics NAV for Android Tablets & MS Dynamics NAV for iPad – I bumped into a very interesting article. I was left thinking about a lot of things – our responsibilities towards generations to come – the community we live in – the society that is thriving and what not.

In an interview with Steve Jobs, New York Times reporter Nick Bilton assumingly asked him ‘your kids must love the iPad?’ And to this Jobs said:

“They haven’t used it. We limit how much technology our kids use at home.”

Surprised? How is it that the creator; the man behind Apple and behind a series of smart devices himself, did not allow iPads for his children? As a child grows there are several firsts – the first pair of skates, the first bicycle, first guitar etc. However, the one item that is fraught with uncertainty and apprehensions – is a smart device – be it the smart phones or the iPad.

There is in fact a marked tendency amongst techies to keep their kids away from technology. CEO of 3D robotics and a father of five, Chris Anderson, is also of the same ideology. What he said was quoted in Times, and aptly defines why those who work in tech want their kids to stay away from it. He said:

“My kids accuse me and my wife of being fascists and overly concerned about tech, and they say that none of their friends have the same rules…  That’s because we have seen the dangers of technology firsthand. I’ve seen it in myself; I don’t want to see that happen to my kids.”

As we remain connected all the time, we are way too much dependent on our iPhones and the numerous other smart devices. Easy look up for information has in a way reduced our cognitive abilities, and reduced the importance of gathering knowledge and being self sufficient. Try living without a phone, and without an internet connection for a day and you will understand what I mean. So when we hand over a smart phone to our children, are we setting them up to become a part of the generation that is devoid of imagination, and is handicapped when it comes to hands on interaction?

When we were young, there were no smart phones and there was more importance given to learning, socializing, interacting and exploring. Games were played on play grounds and information was absorbed from books.

This kind of learning helps mold an individual, into a well rounded personality.  However, on the flip side, by not allowing enough exposure to technology, are we robbing our children from the right to stay updated, have access to instant information and stay at level with other kids?

For me, it is shocking to see parents equipping their 9 year olds with iPhones and other such hi-end devices, and exposing their tender minds to virtually innumerable threats. With a little parental guidance and under supervision I feel that there is no harm in introducing smart devices to kids – however, letting them own a device and use it all by themselves – I won’t ever endorse. Should there be an age limit for using smart devices? If yes then what according to you is the right age to hand over a smart phone to your kid – is a very big question.

However it is too early to reach a conclusion on the effects, adverse or working to your advantage, of this technological evolvement. Microsoft for Startups has been one of the pillars to most of the successful business houses these days. It would be totally unfair to forget that if these technologically evolved gadgets create that dependency; it is the same Microsoft Dynamics Partner Services, the same technology and the same hand held devices that have a lot to offer us in form of solutions including:

  • MS Dynamics ERP systems that allow us to monitor our kids while they are away from us in their schools
  • MS Dynamics Enterprise Resource Planning solutions in Banking and Financial segment making financial transactions more safe and convenient for both; service providers and customers.
  • Enterprise solutions that have enhanced productivity – profitability & time to market, relieving employees to spend quality time with their kids
  • Microsoft Dynamics CRM solution that streamlines sales processes – Organization/hierarchy – internal/external stake holders while integrating it with various existing applications to revive loss making businesses.
  • MS Dynamics NAV solutions for businesses with various manufacturing locations in different countries, sales & distribution offices in altogether different set of countries
  • 10 times guaranteed ROI through Enterprise Solutions for Automotive and Industrial Equipment

This might be food for thought for all you, out there reading my profound thoughts, whether we should go ahead using these applications – software that are meant to make our lives more convenient and productive. The discretion lies in our hands as to How much – When and Where we give these things the due weightage and importance in our and lives of our kids who are our world.

About Author:

Chirag Shivalker is a Head of Technical Content Team at Hi-Tech Outsourcing Services. He has more than decade long experience in writing technology and trend analysis. Chirag is an expert in technology and technological trends along with business writing.

5 Tips for Cloud Computing Security

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We all love cloud – it’s cheap, easy to use, spacious and reachable from every corner of the earth with Internet access. Unfortunately, cloud adaptation is limited by issues related to data security –  cloud privacy is foregrounded by the press with each and every episode of embarrassing photos or other materials leaking out to the public. Even though you cannot be always sure your data is fully protected, there are quite a few measures you can take right now to make your cloud storage more secure than ever. Here are five top industry protection tips to help you do it.

  1. Don’t store sensitive information in the cloud

This seems plain, but some people tend to get overly confident with their cloud accounts and upload just everything. Literally. It seems unbelievable, especially after so many recent scandals with celebrity nude photos or corporate documents leaking out.

Before you upload any data that you consider sensitive, think twice whether this is the best place to keep it. If you have other options, weigh them carefully – sometimes keeping important information away from the virtual world can be life-saving.

  1. Pay attention to user agreement before you start using your storage

Before agreeing to all terms stated in the use policy of your cloud storage, make sure to actually read them. Sometimes those documents contain essential information on security, data privacy and policies employed in case of security breaches and other problems.

This is also the moment to make sure that the storage in question takes its job seriously. Have a look which server and data center your data is being stored at – you can check whether they are SSAE 16, SAS 70 and SOC 2 audited, and if their clients are HIPAA or PCI certified. All those, plus services like firewalls, antivirus and intrusion detection are often included by serious data storage providers.

  1. Don’t joke with passwords

Industry experts claim that 90% of all passwords can be cracked within seconds. Shocking, isn’t it? If your guiding motive in creating passwords is “easy to remember”, you’re really asking for someone to break into your account.

Doubling passwords for various services, from social media to e-mails, is also a mistake that can cost you a lot. There are lots of practical guidelines on how to create strong passwords – read them and protect yourself with truly inventive and uncrackable ones.

Check out; Secure Yourself Against Identity Theft in 3 steps

  1. Use an encrypted cloud service

Some cloud providers encryption services – it basically means that your files will be encrypted on your own computer and then safely stored in the cloud. This will help you to improve your data protection – not even service providers and administrators will be able to access it.

Most of the time, this kind of service isn’t free, but how does paying a monthly fee of $10 compare to a data theft? It’s worth to weigh your options and choose the provider that has his security figured out.

  1. Remember to backup your data   

One of the marginalized aspects of cloud computing security is data backup. If you do regular backups, you can be sure that whatever happens, you data is safe. Remember the lightening strike that caused the famous Amazon EC2 outage in 2009? This is especially relevant to companies – what you’re securing is not the information itself, but rather the continuing operation of the business even if all data stored in the cloud gets lost.

Don’t miss; Infographic: Cost of Loss and Move to the Cloud

Before you go on and panic about the danger of the cloud, think well what kind of information you’ll actually be storing in your cloud storage. Define the level of privacy you need first and then continue to reach for a suitable provider that offers a matching degree of protection. Taking all the steps mentioned above, you can be sure that your data is in good hands.

About the author;
Monique Rivers is an Australian tech blogger who also loves good food and fashion. She works at ninefold.com. Ninefold is a powerful Ruby on Rails platform, that allows you to deploy Rails apps quickly and easily.

Infographic- The Proliferation of Mobile Apps

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In a short period of time, the word ‘app’ has entered the general lexicon and we often hear the phrase “there’s an app for that” because generally there is. The major growth in the use of phone applications has been in the last half decade as more and more people acquire smartphones and tablets. We have seen a growth in college and university courses that teach how to build apps and a huge surge in companies offering app development as a service.

People’s movement to this type of technology also represents a massive opportunity for marketers. A lot of apps allow in-app advertising and an app in itself is a way to promote a brand. It is vital therefore that marketers have a good understanding of app technology in order to take advantage of this new channel of visibility. Marketers need to understand the complexities of a good quality app and not just create a company app to represent their brand for the sake of it. The app should have a purpose and be well designed and supported. Unlike earlier, its not rocket science to build an app. With tools like Chupamobile.com, one can build applications and games for various platforms without any prerequisites like coding or development skills. Using the templates one can easily transform their ideas into apps

The world of apps has been the basis for some of the biggest merger and acquisition stories over the last half decade. Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook’s acquisition of the mobile messaging app WhatsApp is probably one of the best known of these in recent years. Zuckerberg and Facebook paid $19 billion in a cash and stock combined deal.

This info-graphic examines the proliferation of the mobile app industry. It looks at the demographics of mobile app usage versus the web, the analytics of time spent on apps and also at possible app growth markets.  

 

Infographic Source: ers.ie/

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