The Importance of Indigenous Languages in Good Governance (Rank Princess – SEO)

We all know how important languages become in a multi-cultural, multi-lingual, and multi-ethnic country like India. They not only help us gain a sense of community but also aid in the smooth functioning of the government.

In fact, a lot of state governments leverage their politics by establishing a connect with the citizens using local languages. As long as it doesn’t border on favoritism, it is true that local languages can enable the government to become more citizen-centric and transparent.

Going multi-lingual digitally

The fact that our country boasts of 22 official languages at the state level underlines our dependency on indigenous languages and our inability to function in a single language.

To that end, availability of online content in Indic languages has also become crucial. With mobile phones and theInternet having become accessible to the lower strata of the society, it is important that they too have a means of communication congruent to their language.

With the government spearheading the way by incorporating local languages in SMS alerts, e-governance mobile applications, and websites, other sectors like e-commerce, banking, and healthcare are slowly following suit in adopting and making Indic languages native in their services.

Language solutions for the masses

In the light of growing internet penetration, from 27{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616} in 2015 to 34.8{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616} in 2016, online businesses have become aware and are trying to cater to the masses instead of only English-speaking consumers. Even tech giants like Google and Microsoft are trying to assimilate local Indian languages in their products and services.

Similarly, a plethora of Indian platforms like ReverieInc.com are also working towards creating language equality on the internet, so that the government can ensure better dissemination of information among citizens.

Such digital technologies enable language localization of customer-facing internet businesses, e-governance portals, and mobile apps. Their cloud solutions integrate with websites and apps to provide users with content in their preferred language in real-time. They are effectively bridging the language divide in the digital world.

Language directly proportional to governance

In Karnataka, all government offices operate in Kannada, which means all notice boards, paperwork, and RTI replies are in Kannada. This kind of staunch implementation makes it easy for native, non-English speaking, Kannadiga residents to access government offices. They can talk clearly with the officials, use their services accurately, and indulge in constructive grievance-redressal.

Following the example of China

On a global scale, a perfect example of the relation between language and governance is China. Their love for Chinese, the most popular dialect of Mandarin, is so profound and solid that it has not only had a social impact, but also an economic impact. Their huge political standing worldwide relies heavily on their refusal to bend down to the biased global standards of languages.

Out of a total literate user base of 700 million in India, less than a 100 million people know English. This means, to make the entire country digitally inclusive, all online content and services need to be available in at least the 12 most spoken Indian languages apart from English. To put that in perspective, currently the web space comprises of a total of 0.01{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616} of Indian language content as compared to 57{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616} content in English.

In conclusion

To obtain an optimum amount of connection with the citizens, the government—with the help of language solution providers, needs to move beyond English and delve deeper into Indic languages.

Reference links:

http://reverieinc.com/need-know-today-indic-website-search/

http://reverieinc.com/indian-hyperlocal-industry-really-hyper-local/

http://reverieinc.com/about/

http://www.business-standard.com/article/technology/digital-india-gets-local-language-booster-116092400708_1.html

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/the-many-tongues-of-bengaluru/article7568755.ece

http://theconversation.com/action-needed-to-help-preserve-indigenous-languages-9631

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/high-court-allows-lawyer-to-argue-case-in-hindi/story-Y3HihUaVKaWBM7bP6tYEWL.html

https://www.google.co.in/search?q=12+major+indian+languages&oq=12+major+indian+languages&aqs=chrome..69i57.4179j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-official-languages-of-India

LSI keywords:

Indigenous languages, multi-lingual country, use of local languages, multi-lingual digitally, 22 official languages, a single language, online content in Indic languages, means of communication, English-speaking consumers, language solutions, local Indian languages, language equality, language localization, language divide, language and governance, biased global standards of languages, 12 most spoken Indian languages, language solution providers

 

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6 Reasons To Ditch The Excel Spreadsheet (Content Princess – SEO)

Hailing from the mid-1980’s, Excel has had its heydays. Now it’s time to shut down and put the spreadsheet to rest.

Managing contacts effectively is an essential part of running your company well. These days there is much more information to one contact than simply a name and address. One client alone may have an email, a cell phone number, a landline number, a website, and multiple social media pages.

A survey by Daptiv showed that 76{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616} of IT companies still rely on spreadsheets. It also showed that spreadsheets are only useful for smaller amounts of data.

Excel was great at its peak. We’ve learned from it. Here are 6 reasons why it’s time to ditch the outdated software known as an Excel spreadsheet.

  1. It’s Not Secure

As per Forrester Research, almost 81{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616} of businesses make use of Excel spreadsheets for data management. Excel doesn’t track users and is, therefore, open to being misused. Someone can easily log-in, incognito, and change or send data. An opportunist can easily commit a fraud.

  1. Outdated for Millennials

Chris Pope, senior director of strategy at technology services company ServiceNow, says that Millennials, who have grown up online, lack the knowledge of programmes such as Excel and are discombobulated by spreadsheet software.

This generation is used to doing work quickly, at the touch of a finger. Their usage of spreadsheets is going down year on year.

  1. Doesn’t work well on mobile devices

The spreadsheet was designed when work done with old fashioned pen and paper was instead to be done on a PC. Now, the PCs are looking old fashioned as more of our business and online work is done on tablets and cell phones.

Have you ever looked at spreadsheet data on your phone and thought “hey, this is easy to read!” Yep, thought not.

  1. Error ErrorError

A 2013 Market Watch reports claims that up to 88{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616} of spreadsheets have errors. That’s a huge percentage of potentially incorrect contact data.

Why is this? Well, it could be down to the fact most spreadsheets have their data entered by humans. And, yep, we get stuff wrong sometimes.

The best example that shows the impact of Excel errors is the one of JPMorgan Chase, where it lost a whopping 6 billion dollars due to spreadsheet errors in the London Whale incident.

  1. Not web-based

How did we get to number 5 before bringing this one up?

When information is put into a spreadsheet, that data is stored on the computer’s hard drive and then separately sent to other people who need that information. If they update their spreadsheet, the data changes. The Barclays bank incurred losses in an acquisition deal, just because around 200 cells in their offer details in the worksheet weren’t deleted but rather hidden! Also, duplication of an Excel file can create havoc for business.

Cloud based systems work more efficiently. Up-to-date information can be shared, merged and synced instantly by anyone and with anyone. Employees prefer this. According to a survey, 25{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616} of employees have left a job because they didn’t feel included in some aspects of the business.

  1. It’s time to move forward folks!

It is 2017 now, didn’t you know? It’s time to steam ahead. You are losing a lot of employee potential by making them work tediously on Excel spreadsheets. It is necessary to choose the right solution to make the most of the employee capabilities & efforts and avoid wastage of your organization’s time and resources.

So, ditch Excel and rise to glory!

Keywords/LSI

spreadsheet, operating system, spreadsheet software, contact management system, Excel spreadsheets, Cloud based systems, spreadsheet errors, spreadsheet data

References

https://www.inc.com/guides/protect-against-fraud.html

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/88-of-spreadsheets-have-errors-2013-04-17

http://time.com/3844483/millennials-secrets/

https://www.fullcontact.com/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2016/06/16/spreadsheet-reporting-5-reasons-why-it-is-bad-for-business/#517dac3565e3

http://insights.wired.com/profiles/blogs/what-s-so-bad-about-spreadsheets#axzz4edjrxF5B

http://www.zdnet.com/article/forrester-google-still-a-distant-office-competitor/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/salesforce/2014/09/13/sorry-spreadsheet-errors/#647d3cc056ab

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What the oil crisis means for Australia (Content Princess – SEO)

The oil crisis has been an ongoing global problem since as early as 2014, but what does this crisis mean for Australia?

The current oil crisis

Oil prices fell from above $100 per barrel in 2014 and dropped down to the low levels of $30 per barrel in 2016; the market has since recovered. However, there is worry that we may dip to these levels once again.

The current crisis has been attributed to excess supplies of US shale oil. Oil companies and suppliers depend on the revenue generated from oil sales, so excess stock makes it hard for them to fund their fiscal budget.

Increasing rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia has not helped the oil crisis and has caused the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to intervene, leading to an agreement between OPEC and non-OPEC members to freeze/ cut oil production in November 2016.

The deal was due to continue until March 2018. However, cracks have started to appear, and there are fears that the deal will break apart.

The effect on the rest of the world

The oil crisis has affected the economy; this has a knock-on effect on the remainder of the world. Modern society relies heavily on economic growth and the slightest economic dip has a rippled effect.

The oil industry, when booming, brings tremendous economic growth. However, this also means any hit to the oil industry negatively affects economic growth. The oil crisis in the past have caused recessions and brought countries to their knees.

Economist always pays close attention to the oil industry due to the major impact price increase and decreases have.

The effect on Australia

In the 1990s, years of strategic planning meant that Australia almost reached oil self-sufficiency, however, in the 2000s trends changed and suddenly the gap between consumption and production started widening. Currently, Australia is only 38{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616} oil self-sufficient.

Instead of being, self-sufficient Australia has been turning to oil imports. While this may improve the supply of crude oil, this leaves the country vulnerable. The current oil crisis means that supplies have had to freeze/cut production, this means that another price dip could cause an economic catastrophe.

It is in the countries best interest to start aiming towards oil self-sufficiency rather than relying on oil imports since the oil industry is incredibly unstable with little signs of stability.

Conclusion

The oil crisis has been brewing since 2014 but reached its peak in 2016; however, despite signs of recovery increased instability has meant that economists fear that another dip is imminent.

Excess stock of American shale oil and ongoing rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia has said that the OPEC has had to work together as members and non-member to reach an agreement to freeze or cut production.

An agreement was reached in November 2016. However, there have already been signs of stress, and it is feared that the deal will collapse well before the March 2018 end date.

Up until 2000, Australia was heading in the right direction towards full oil self-sufficiency, however, due to a change in trend the country started to rely more on imported oil. This has seen a decline in production and leaves Australia incredibly vulnerable due to the instability in the oil industry.

To protect ourselves from the fallout of a potential collapse in the oil industry and reach 100{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616} oil self-sufficiency, Australia should focus its efforts on increasing oil production. 

Primary Keyword: oil crisis

LSI Keyword – Variants: oil prices, current crisis, US shale oil, oil companies, oil sales, oil industry, oil self-sufficiency, oil self-sufficient, imports of oil, crude oil

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What The Oil Crisis Means For Australia (Content Princess – SEO)

What The Oil Crisis Means For Australia (Content Princess – SEO)

Brent crude oil tumbled from $37.28 down to $30.86 per barrel in the past year or so. How is that severe? Well, in the fourth quarter of 2014, Brent was selling at $100 per barrel, meaning its prices have plummeted, and drastically too.

With oil prices currently in freefall (as seen in the above example), sending shivers down the spines of major economies, prevailing countries take wins, and those less fortunate take losses. But what does this mean for our beautiful country? What does this mean for Australia?

The Crisis Itself

Our world has more liquid petroleum than it ever had before, also meaning it has more than it will ever actually need too, and in this fuel-guzzling, energy-driven society, that comes with catastrophic circumstances.

Drastic changes in the supply and demand of oil and other fuels can result in the tearing down of share markets, the shutdown of multi-billion dollar hedge funds and not to mention slashing government budgets, ultimately ending up in spiralling numerous countries into a recession that never needed to happen. A recession that could have been easily regulated and avoidable.

But with greed comes unforeseen, often terrible circumstances. And greed, sadly, in this day and age, is much too common and way too blind. The people are getting greedy to fail to see the aftereffects of their greed because they cannot see past the enormous stacks of money on their desks. And doesn’t that tell us a lot about the world?

What Does This Mean For Australia?

A whole lot of bad

It may seem good at first because lower oil prices mean cheaper petrol right? Wrong. While the prices overall are lower, with Australia being a net oil importer, they have lost a lot of income through oil trading, meaning the Australian dollar has also plummeted. So while the low oil prices have caused the prices of petrol to come down drastically, with the Australian dollar dropping too, it has resulted in what appeared to be a $1.45 decrease per barrel, actually turned out to be a 53 cent increase.

The entire thing paints a very complicated-looking picture for Australia because although we’re importing oil at much lower prices, being a net oil importer and all, that very much looks like a good thing. But the bad side of it is, the nation is a net energy exporter and lots of energy-related products, meaning as well as buying oil on the cheap side.  We’re also trading our exports at much lower prices too, because a lot of energy products, such as gas, follow similar price patterns to oil.

Summarising The Crisis

So yes, we may be importing stuff for much lower prices, but in turn, our main export outlets are taking major hits too, so it’s not as though the Australian economy is being boosted due to the cheap imports. Because in actuality, the economy is on the decline because of our main exports taking a hit in all this too. Add the drop of the Australian dollar into the equation, and the nation could be facing one of the most severe declines in its economy it has seen in many years.

LSI Keywords:

  • Economy
  • Oil
  • Gas
  • Import
  • Export
  • Finance
  • Recession
  • Australia
  • Australian Dollar
  • Nation
  • Price
  • Decline
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Will Corporate Accelerators Work For Your Business? (Content Princess – SEO)

Will Corporate Accelerators Work For Your Business? (Content Princess – SEO)

Seed accelerators or start – up accelerators are programs that feature mentorship, education modules and finish with a demonstration day or a public pitch event.  Established corporations can also benefit from connecting with professional accelerators which are run by experienced entrepreneurs. Accelerators centre on a broad range of industries and are particularly important in industries like food, telecommunications, and agriculture that tend to be impervious to change.

Advantages of Corporate Accelerators.

A New Work Culture – Executives and employees learn about new methodologies such as designing a viable product, project management and customer development.  As a result, they will begin using them in their work environment.

Case Study – When Windows 10 was introduced it went through numerous repetitions with customers providing opinions through Windows Insider.  The product was released before it was completed and it was attuned based on customer responses.  The result has been an exceptional success, and Windows 10 has grown faster than any other Windows version.

Ability to Attract More Partnerships and Collaborations – Many companies have concluded that they need to join start-ups to subject them to new technologies and methodologies.  This will procure their future in the market.  Big corporations can observe start-ups in the initial stages and gain knowledge of the industry and new trends.

Growth of Accelerator Programs.

During the past decade, the growth of accelerator programs has fast-tracked.

  • At the start of 2016, there were 170 accelerator programs in the US.
  • Each year from 2008 to 2014 the number increased by an average of 50{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616} (Ian Hathaway, a senior fellow in the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institute).
  • The average evaluation of a company supported by an accelerator is $7.1 million. While this includes hits and flops the result is still good.

Springboard is an accelerator program whose companies have procured $6.5 billion through their lifetime and have an 83{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616} fundraising success rate. 

As the chart demonstrates accelerator programs like Springboard work.

Problems Which Can Arise.

Corporations in accelerator programs devise a business plan. This document portrays:

  • Product and Services
  • Market opportunity.
  • A five-year prediction for profit, cash flow and income.

During the implementation stage, the business plan usually doesn’t hold true. 

Failure of Mentorship – While good mentorship can be a real bonus the opposite can be detrimental. When there is a wide gap between what the mentor can contribute and the expectations of the start – up, there will be a momentum stall.

Many programs don’t have the recognition to appeal to quality start-ups. There are a lot not delivering but still operating because of high demand. While gaining themselves, they are leaving behind a trail of failed start – ups.

There is obviously a high demand for accelerator programs, and many do succeed.  Internal accelerators are difficult to manage.  They need heavy Research & Development, a lot of preparation and an effective approach to administration.  Companies that are established will see the benefits of working with professional accelerator entrepreneurs.  For start-ups, this is the only alternative.  In the immediate future, more efficient accelerator archetypes will be required to eliminate existing pitfalls.

Primary Keyword – accelerator

Secondary Keywords – accelerators, accelerator programs, accelerator entrepreneurs, start-ups.

References

www.slideshare.net/FalguniDesai&/future-asia-ventures-corporate-accelerators-a-growing-force

www.forbes.com/sites/geristengel/2014/08/20/funding-women-entrepreneurs-if-not-now-when/#68fcae393fa8-

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The Best of Jaipur Nightlife (Content Princess – SEO)

Jaipur is a small town tucked away in Rajasthan, the largest state of India, about 268 km south-west of New Delhi. It is known as the “Pink City” because of the prominent bright pink stucco architecture found throughout the town.

Let’s cover some amazing things that make the Jaipur Nightlife scene the best in India.

Chokhi Dhani – Get a Taste of the Village Life

Chokhi Dhani is a small village near the south-eastern border of Jaipur, founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1722 and awarded India’s Most Innovative Tourism Project by the Ministry of Tourism.

This Chokhi Dhani Ethnic Resort, named after the village, has an on-site restaurant serving a traditional royal Indian cuisine in leaves and earthenware. They have a vegetarian friendly dinner menu and an all-you-can-eat buffet option. The dining area is open from 5pm to 11pm, costing ₹600 to ₹900 for adults and ₹350 to ₹650 for children.

Not just that, you also get to experience village life through participating in pottery making, meeting astrologers and enjoying bullock-cart rides and boat rides.

Puppet Shows Make the Jaipur Nightlife a Little More Fun!

The puppet performances are presented by the well-known “kathputli walas”, featuring ancient customary dances with small and large wooden dolls dressed in bright cultural clothing. Narrations are spoken by the female handler who performs theatrical Indian folk dance moves with the puppets as a drummer beats a dholak (loud drum) in the background. The folk epic, “Amar Singh Rathore of Nagaur”, is the most popular theme that people throng to see.

Many of the puppet shows are arranged at different stalls and stands in the Chokhi Dhani village and around Jaipur, but they usually happen spontaneously with no set date or time. Chokhi Dhani Indore Resort, Amber Palace, Jaigarh Fort, and any one of the 45 Heritage Hotels in Jaipur also organise them frequently.

Take the Fun Elephant Rides and Tour the City

Elephant rides are popular among tourists and cost only Rs.30 for about 30 minutes. You may opt for a tour at the Amber Palace, Elephant Joy or Dera Amer Elephant Safari. The ride at Amber Fort starts from the car park into the courtyard, and the Elephant Joy and Amer Elephant Safari take their rides into the foothills of the Aravali Range wilderness.

The Culture Shows Will Leave You Spell-Bound

Jaipur comes alive at night with the Alankar Musical Group hosting many interesting cultural events of customary folk dances such as Ghoomar and Kalbeliya, which consist of rapid body movements to the fast-rhythmic sounds of a beating drum. Visitors can enjoy fire-eating shows, puppet shows, magic shows, and live band performances. Take a look at this YouTube channel to know more.

Another important part of the Rajasthani culture is a Royal Rajasthani Dinner Thali. Several small bowls full of different types of food, including starters, curries, and rice are served in a large “thali” that you can enjoy at the 1135 AD Restaurant at the Amber Fort and the Virasat Restaurant near 22 Godam Circle.

In the past, this type of dinner was prepared exclusively for those with a royal bloodline.

There’s More for the Disco Enthusiasts

Jaipur is a major party city with many popular discos where people love to get

their groove on. If you want your party fix in Jaipur, below are the premier places to visit.

Duplay – This nightclub has a blue neon-lit interior inside the County Inn & Suites, with comfortable seating and a fully stocked bar, where many Bollywood stars make frequent appearances.

100{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616} Rock C Scheme – This fantastic lounge/disco serves wine cocktails mixed by the award-winning bartender for your enjoyment and a talented chef cooking up rice, lamb, and curries to perfection.

Blackout – This rooftop disco-restaurant serves cocktails in a dimly lit and cosy al fresco environment, while also having sports screenings. Bollywood stars make frequent appearances here and dance to the high-energy techno music.

A Jewelled Jaipur Nightlife with Sound and Lights at Amber Fort

The Sound & Light Show at Amber Fort costs only Rs.100 at 8:30 pm for locals and Rs.200 at 7:30 pm for foreigners.

The Light and Water Fountain show at the Jawahar Circle is a gem that has fountains dancing to folk music under multi-coloured lights, delivering an energetic element to the nightlife in Jaipur.

The Night Markets of Jaipur

If you want to feel the hustle-bustle of Jaipur, then visit some night markets, also known as “bazaars”. The lively energy will draw you in, as tuk-tuks carefully drive by and shopkeepers sell all types of things including clothing, food, cultural things, antiques, arts, crafts, jewellery, and carpets at midnight hours. Some of the best markets in Jaipur at night are Johari Bazaar and Nehru Bazaar.

A visit to this colourful cultural city and the experience of the nightlife in Jaipur Is worth every penny.

LSI Keywords: places to visit in Jaipur at night, Things to do in Jaipur At Night, Night life in Jaipur, Jaipur Night Life, Jaipur Night tour, What to do in Jaipur at night.

Sources:

http://www.jaipur-travel-guide.com/Jaipur-guide/jaipur-pink-city-reason-why.html

http://www.jaipur.org.uk/nightlife-jaipur.html

https://www.ixigo.com/chokhi-dhani-village-jaipur-india-opening-visiting-timing-hours-closed-days-ne-1300611

https://www.zomato.com/jaipur/chokhi-dhani-tonk-road

http://www.chokhidhani.com

http://www.chokhidhani.com/jaipur/village/entertainment.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g304555-d308546-Reviews-Chokhi_Dhani_Resort-Jaipur_Jaipur_District_Rajasthan.html

http://www.travelnonu.com/royal-nightlife-of-jaipur.html/

http://www.deramandawa.com/accommodation.php

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g304555-d3844824-r433859727-Janu_Private_Tours-Jaipur_Jaipur_District_Rajasthan.html

https://youtube.com/watch?v=7GYS8O0ygW4

http://alankarmusicalgroup.com/

https://youtube.com/user/alankarmusicalgroup?feature=mhee

https://www.makemytrip.com/travel-guide/jaipur/sound-and-light-show-theatre.html

https://youtube.com/watch?v=XUX81MC8XJo

https://youtube.com/watch?v=2Hsn30hmKeo

https://www.zomato.com/jaipur/100-rock-c-scheme

https://www.zomato.com/jaipur/blackout-c-scheme

http://traveltriangle.com/blog/shopping-places-in-jaipur/

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Simple but Effective: Five Quick Tips you’re missing from your Ideal Product Management Portfolio (Content Princess – SEO)

If you think that portfolios are just for graphic designers and photographers, you’ve got it all wrong. Your product management portfolio is a vital tool in obtaining that perfect role for what you’ve been searching. No need to panic! Improve your chances of an interview with these five core tips:

Love your data

Love your data, and your interviewer will love you. It’s a very simple formula, but it works. Anything you describe in your portfolio will be vastly strengthened by the data you collect. For example, if you took a product right from concept to launch and it made it to a million downloads your interviewer wants to know.

Even if the product you lead failed, is there data that you can pull concerning why it failed? The hard data in your portfolio should be blindingly obvious; from there, you can spin it however you like. It is that simple to make yourself sound impressive…

Hearing the customer’s voice

How are your ears? Can you hear that consumer crying out for your product? Did you do your consumer research and fill that gap in the market? Let’s hope so. If you can’t display that you’re completely in tune with your customer or user group’s needs, you can’t claim to have a complete portfolio.

Don’t worry if your user research examples seem terribly humble to you. To your interviewer, they may well show the much initiative they’ve been looking for. So gather all the examples you have of listening to and acting on the voice of your consumer, and you’ll whip that portfolio into shape in no time!

Get ‘touchy feely’

Don’t worry – we’re not suggesting anything inappropriate here. But engaging the interviewer with something tangible from design processes you have worked on can take your portfolio to a whole new level. For example, you could try bringing in some product prototypes or even wireframes.

Sometimes it is as simple as engaging your interviewer on a human level. We all remember the ‘show and tell’ tasks at school, and this strategy works on the same theory. You interact with what you touch on so many more levels than speech alone. The result will be an engagement with your interviewer which will leave him or her with a lasting impression of you.

Always remember the team

Whether you’re currently part of a team or can reference teams you’ve worked in in the past, your team engagement is a hugely important part of a product management portfolio.

As a product manager, you are aiming to be at the centre of a complex network of everyone from designers and researchers to sales teams and senior management. You are the mediator between this highly mobilised team and the customer. Make sure your interviewing panel knows you’re up to scratch.

Build a website

And finally, it may seem obvious, but there could not be a better way of collating and displaying your portfolio work than by building your site. Even the very process of this will demonstrate your proficiency with HTML and basic coding.

And if that seems beyond your capabilities at the moment, just use one of the great services out there like ‘About.me’ or ‘LinkedIn’ and you will still be able to build your project work up into an impressive portfolio very successfully. Just remember to incorporate all the tips included above when it comes to the structure.

So you’ve read this far, which must mean you’re really serious about getting that product management portfolio. All that’s left is to follow all the tips above and work them into your top-performing portfolio.

Remember to keep on following our blogs and apply for a place on our certification programme for expert training in all the fundamentals of product management.

KEYWORDS:

Product Management, product, consumer, user, portfolio, team, service, services, customer

SOURCES:

https://www.producttalk.org/2012/06/4-questions-i-always-ask-when-interviewing-product-managers/

https://www.producttalk.org/2012/08/to-portfolio-or-not-to-portfolio/

https://www.quora.com/Do-product-managers-have-portfolios-and-if-so-what-are-good-examples#

https://www.producttalk.org/2012/09/so-you-want-to-be-a-product-manager/

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Grab Your Umbrella: Monsoons rain down problems on Bangalore Start-ups (Content Princess – SEO)

As those living in tropical climates already know, monsoon patterns can impact almost every aspect of life. Particularly in the Indian Ocean, these seasonal variations in rainfall and wind patterns can have a drastic impact on things as far reaching as food prices, travel plans, insurance rates, and poverty rates.

Why do monsoons matter?

Shifts in monsoon patterns are caused by the El Niño Southern Oscillation, a semi-yearly change in ocean temperatures which causes a ripple effect through atmospheric patterns. Research has shown that global warming is exacerbating the effects of ENSO, causing more extreme monsoons and more extreme dry seasons.


Yearly changes in ENSO patterns (image: appinsys.com)

How do monsoons impact India in particular?

The monsoon season is particularly important in India. It has one of the most extreme fluctuations in the wet and dry season caused by monsoons. It also hosts one of the strongest tech industries in the world; Bangalore has long been called the “new silicon valley,” as it is home to over 30{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616} of start-ups in the country.

India has experienced serious consequences from global warming: the country is experiencing record temperatures year after year, and the annual monsoon has been delayed three years in a row, causing serious fluctuation in crop and energy prices.

Bangalore startups are particularly impacted by monsoon season because without the extensive infrastructure of an established company, it can be harder to bounce back from environmental changes such as monsoons.

image: newindiaexpress.com

Entrepreneurs can be the most prepared, well-planned, organised managers of their start-ups, and still, they cannot quite buffer themselves from the effects of monsoons.

Business and tech are expanding extremely rapidly in India, but much of the infrastructure has been rapidly constructed as well, sometimes leading to insufficient systems to handle the needs of a huge population

Startups and Internet in Monsoon Season

Internet connectivity, in particular, is an extremely big problem for start-ups during monsoons. Start-ups often depend on overhead lines or underground fibre cables for their connections.

Larger companies who can afford dedicated leased lines do not suffer from as many connectivity problems. Start-ups using less expensive internet options often experience loss of connection in conditions as tame as gentle rain.

Worse, it is difficult to tell whether, in any given meteorological event, the internet will stay connected or not. Therefore, it is hard to plan the week and set strict deadlines for projects, since it could be impossible, logistically, to keep them. Planning a big event or conference could go completely haywire if the internet in the neighbourhood goes down due to a fallen tree. We depend on the net for almost everything, and a start-up could suffer even more if the loss of connection happens to occur on the due date for a big bill or contract processing.

Looking to the future: rural vs. urban impacts

However, in other respects, many businesspeople believe the importance of the monsoon for the investment market overall is in decline. Even though the monsoon may be becoming less predictable, its largest impacts are on rural populations. As time goes on, the stock market is being dominated not by energy or agricultural staples but by urban consumers and businesses.

Further reading:

http://scroll.in/article/733519/startups-in-bengaluru-have-another-nightmare-monsoon-rains

http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB105543491840850900
http://monsoon.yale.edu/monsoon-affects-economy-health-in-india/

Keywords: startups, Bangalore startups, India, monsoon, El Niño Southern Oscillation,

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Nightlife in Jaipur – India`s Pink City – Ready to give you a rosy welcome! (Content Princess)

Jaipur is known throughout India as “The Pink City” due to its impressive pink coloured architecture and is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. Known as India’s most flamboyant state. The nightlife in Jaipur has plenty to offer regarding things to do in Jaipur for both residents and the growing number of foreign tourists. Offering something for everyone, nightlife in Jaipur is bound to be a unique and unforgettable experience.

http://kingofwallpapers.com/jaipur/img-004.php?pic=/jaipur/jaipur-004.jpg

Places to Visit in Jaipur

Jaipur is host to a multitude of historically significant sites and buildings. One of the most impressive is Jaigarh, also known as “The Victory Fort”. Built in the 18th century by the city’s founder Jai Singh II, the impressive looking structure was originally built to protect the nearby palace complex. Today its unique sandstone coloured walls attract visitors from near and far, making it one of the most popular destinations in the city

http://journeymart.com/de/india/rajasthan/jaipur/jaigarh-fort.aspx

Nahargarh is another enchanting place to visit in Jaipur which is full of history and is not to be missed. Also built in the 18th century, Nahargarh stands on top of the Aravalli hills and offers visitors impressive panoramic views of the city. These forts are an exciting experience for visitors of all ages. For those who wish to learn about the rich history of Jaipur, and those who only want to stand back and enjoy the stunning views and architecture.

Another spectacle not to be missed in Jaipur is the Jantar Mantar light show. Jantar Mantar is the largest stone observatory in the world, and the light show which lasts for 45 minutes, is in part a reflection of the story of how and why Jai Singh decided to build the structure. On display are also various artefacts related to the city’s astronomical and scientific past. Shows start at 18:30 and 19:30 and last for 45 minutes. Tickets cost between 10 and 20 depending on whether the show is in Hindi or English.

Choki Dhani – A taste of rural Rajasthan

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, away from the nightlife of Jaipur, and experience a unique culture first hand then perhaps Choki Dhani is for you.

An award winning tourism project located just outside of Jaipur, Choki Dhani is a traditional style Rajasthani village which showcases the very best in art, culture and cuisine. They have attractions such as elephant rides, traditional dances, and fantastic food. The restaurant is open until 11 pm, and live entertainment is provided. The restaurant is vegetarian-friendly, and the prices are reasonable at around 700 per adult, and 450 for children.

Of all the things to do in Jaipur, Choki Dhani is repeatedly voted as one of the “not to miss” attractions.

21st Century Nightlife in Jaipur

Aside from the traditional offerings of Jaipur, there is also a growing up and coming nightlife scene which boasts of fantastic bars, dining, and hotel facilities. Blending traditional with modern, Jaipur`s nightlife is always a unique and special experience. The locals pack the city’s bars, and restaurants come sundown, and there is always a diverse mix of things to do in Jaipur.

For cinema lovers, you absolutely must go and see a Bollywood film at the famous Raj Mandir Theatre. It is advisable to book in advance for the latest movies.Tickets are available at between ₹60 and ₹120.

http://www.natgeotraveller.in/jaipurs-most-famous-theatre-is-shaped-like-a-giant-meringue/

Regarding bars and nightlife in Jaipur, there is something to suit everyone’s taste. From the laid back atmosphere of 100{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616} Rock, located opposite Deer Park, to the sleek, sophisticated design of Bar Palladio, you can find all types of environment to pleasure the senses. Other favourite hangouts in the city include Colorbar, which is a rooftop style bar, and Grunge, which was voted best restaurant in Jaipur in 2015 and has live music several times per week.

Food lovers will also not be disappointed; Jaipur has hundreds of restaurants serving delicious Rajasthani dishes and the finest international cuisine. Whether you want authentic street food prepared freshly in front of you, or if you prefer a more relaxed dining experience, Jaipur will not disappoint. Some of the most popular choices include the Jaipur Pavilion, Shreenath Lassiwalla, and Jal Mahal.

http://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/regional-platter-the-royal-thali-of-rajasthan-696246

The Future is Bright –

Jaipur is a unique world heritage city, which regarding things to do has as much to offer as anywhere else. It is a city which still maintains an excellent balance between tradition and modernity. Growing at twice the national rate, it is becoming a major economic hub and gaining in popularity as a must visit tourist destination. Current improvements to the transport infrastructure and expansion in the hotel industry are making Jaipur a much more easily accessible destination. The heritage sites and fantastic nightlife in Jaipur are just the foundations, and as long as it retains its unique charm amidst development, the future will be a good one.

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Not filed your tax return yet? 5 reasons you may be in luck! (Content Princess – SEO)

Tax returns may frighten even the best of us when the deadline is near. But this year is the season to relax, keeping your worries at bay. There are reasons for submitting the returns late and still keeping the penalties away!

With the deadline for submitting IRS tax returns extended to April 18th, 2017 this year, you are in luck! It’s still not late to file your returns.

Do You Need To File Your Tax Return?

Before you panic over your taxes, be sure you need to submit the tax return. Under certain conditions, filing taxes is not necessary.

Consider your age as well, since being over or under 65 impacts your requirement to file.

Don’t file if you have no income. You also don’t need to file if your income falls below minimum brackets. If you’re single and under 65, you file if you earn over $10,350. If you file jointly, you file if you earn over $20,700.  

Dependents also can’t claim their exemptions regardless of age. When their earned income is more than the standard deduction for a single taxpayer ($6,300), they will still receive a return.

No Penalties

Not sending in your tax returns translates to penalties. You’ll be charged 5{ed162fdde9fdc472551df9f31f04601345edf7e4eff6ea93114402690d8fa616} of what you owe when you don’t submit by the due date of filing of the tax return. Being 60 days late will get you at least a $135 late filing fee.

If you don’t owe anything though, there aren’t any penalties for not filing. Being owed a refund also means that you won’t be charged a late filing fee.

Please Give An Extension!

Talk to the IRS right away if you haven’t filed but still need to. The time you have left might not be enough time, so ask for an extension.

An automatic six-month extension is given to anyone who asks when filing a federal tax return. This pushes the due date until October 16th. This way you can avoid penalties.

I Still Want My Refund!

Even if you haven’t needed to file taxes for the past three years, you can still get a refund. You can get the money you pay as a federal tax back.

For up to three years since your original due date, you can still get your refund. This means that if you haven’t filed yet, try next year or ask for your extension. 

Late Refunds

Not filing yet, won’t make a huge impact as you might think. You may even have a friend who submitted in January and is still waiting to get his refund.

The IRS can’t always give out refunds fast. Part of this has to do with form issues, like errors, incomplete forms, or further review.

Claims filed before February 15th for an Earned Income Tax Credit, or an Additional Child Tax Credit will also take longer. Form 8379 for Injured Spouse Allocation can take up to 14 weeks to process.

On average, however, 21 days is usually how long you’ll have to wait regardless of when you file your tax return.

Filing tax returns need not always be stressful, you might even get lucky sometimes!

Primary Keyword: Tax returns

LSI Keywords:

Variants: IRS tax returns, federal tax return,  submit the tax return,  file your tax return,  sending in your tax returns,  filing of the tax return

Antonyms and Synonyms: refunds, extension, penalties, taxes, file your taxes, returns, submit taxes, filing

Links:

https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions

https://www.efile.com/tax-day-deadlines/

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/IRS-Tax-Return/Does-Everyone-Need-to-File-an-Income-Tax-Return-/INF14399.html

https://www.irs.gov/publications/p17/ch01.html

http://budgeting.thenest.com/need-file-tax-extension-dont-owe-26243.html

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