Author: The Metrognome

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Tech

3 tips for a smooth video conference

We present 3 simple tips on acing your next video conferencing meeting – read on to know what they are.
by The Metrognome Team | editor@themetrognome.in

Technology has advanced so much in recent years that it has even made a significant impact on the way professionals operate. To a large extent, it has made things relatively easier for them; for instance, with AV equipment used in video conferencing. Apart from reducing the expenses and time required to travel for business meetings, video calling has also been said to propagate healthy relationships and communication between business partners.

Video calls with the use of AV equipment have now made it so that you can conduct your business in the privacy of your home conveniently.

Increase in efficiency and productivity can also be said to be a by-product and advantage of using AV equipment in this case. The time that would have been used to travel can be applied to doing more resourceful tasks.

Video conferencing is not foolproof, however. No matter what AV equipment used, video calls just like in face-to-face meetings can present some challenges that have to be curbed or checked to make sure the meeting runs well. Here are some tips to ensure that your video call goes smoothly.

#1 Make sure everything is in place before the video call starts

Double check and triple check your AV equipment, check the network connection, check the video conferencing software you plan on using during the meeting, test run the sound and audio prior to when the meeting starts. Check for lighting, check to make sure the conference room or wherever the meeting is holding speaks of professionalism, provide alternate measures in case something goes wrong. This would help you get adequately prepared and save a lot of time and potential embarrassment.

#2 Have an agenda or plan to follow during the meeting

A meeting done via video conferencing is not any different from face-to-face meetings and as such should not differ. You still have to plan well ahead and have an agenda that covers everything you would want to say. This would prevent awkward silences halfway through the meeting and save you the embarrassment of long pauses.

#3 Dress for the meeting

That it is a video conference doesn’t make it less of a professional meeting. Apart from making sure all the AV equipment is fully functional and are in good working condition, you also have to make sure that you and the other participants are dressed accordingly for the meeting. The impression you make during the course of the meeting is important and you should strive to make a very good one. Appear professional; be neat and coordinated.

Video calls are now the new rave; every organisation is making use of AV equipment and conducting their business via video conferencing. Making sure your workers or colleagues are well prepared for meetings and can handle the equipment in your absence would also go a long way in ensuring your video calls go smoothly. Keep the above-mentioned tips in mind and it is sure to help increase the efficiency of the conference meeting and also help to avoid any unpleasant situation.

Categories
Trends

Delhi Pollution: It’s all social media is talking about

Social media is abuzz with discussions and opinions on the New Delhi pollution issue, with Twitter chatter being the loudest.
by Meltwater India

Voted as one of the most populated cities in the world for several consecutive years, New Delhi, India’s bustling capital, is facing some serious health risks too. Due to over-population and severe pollution, the city’s atmosphere is often hazy with smoke and fog.

This month, though, the air pollution has reached a point of severity that is out of the ordinary. On Tuesday, The Indian Medical Association (IMA) declared a public health emergency. They have advised schools to be shut, and for the public to avoid walking or running outside, as the air pollution is said to be hazardous.

In November last year, one million school children were forced to stay home from school, thousands of workers reported sick and long queues formed outside shops selling face masks as the Indian capital struggled with its worst pollution level in two decades.

2017 is showing similar degrees of danger, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) sitting on an average level of 400 and reaching over 700 in the early morning and during most afternoons. To put it in perspective, anything over 100 is considered dangerous, and 500 is the maximum AQI level. This means that even healthy people are at a high risk of developing serious respiratory problems.

Meltwater, the global leader in media intelligence, took to the (virtual) streets to listen to what the public is saying on social media about the health emergency.

Mapping the chatter

In a week, since November 1, the terms “New Delhi” and “pollution” have appeared together 1,965 times on online editorial media in India alone, and has received 2, 339 mentions across social media.

92% of the mentions were from Twitter, where the sentiment was 50% negative (only 2% positive and the rest neutral). “Risk,” “dangerous” and “health” were among the most used words when discussing the New Delhi pollution problem. Some citizens spoke about having a “scratchy throat” and “sore eyes” specifically since Diwali, held this year on 19 October.

“Runners” was also a hot topic being spoken about across social media platforms with 177 mentions this week.

The India Medical Association urged the iconic New Delhi Half Marathon, due to take place on 19 November, to be called off in order to protect runners, marshals and spectators from exposure to the thin and low-quality air. With even healthy people being warned not to walk outdoors, it’s been advised that it would be too dangerous to allow the runners to over-exert themselves, and urged the race to be cancelled for the safety of all.

Today, social media is an opportunity to gauge public opinion and sentiment. Meltwater believes that companies and individuals can benefit from these insights to better understand needs, contextualise them and then to improve company strategy.

This refers to a wide range of possibilities. IMA is an example of how governments can use social insights as a guide to making more informed decisions. Event sponsorships is an example of how companies can use this data for better, more informed decisions to benefit the public.

Media intelligence lets companies, organisations or individuals use social insights to gather external data to make better internal decisions. There is an abundance of data out there, and millions of online conversations happening at any given minute. Meltwater helps you to make sense of it all.

(Picture courtesy The Weather Network)

Categories
Trends

The season’s top 3 watches for men

The T-Classic Collection by Tissot has superb timepieces for the suave man, guaranteed to make a superb, lasting first impression.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

A lot has been said about the unmatched charm of a well-dressed man but what’s often taken for granted is the ability of a watch to elevate your look and leave a lasting first impression. Wearing a luxurious watch inevitably puts you in the category of people who respect the value of time and have a polished, timeless sense of style. One of the biggest players in the business, Tissot has carved a niche in the world of timekeeping by setting unparalleled standards in terms of technology, functionality and aesthetics.

The Tissot T-Classic Collection is a true embodiment of the priceless, undying charm associated with a classic watch, especially a gorgeous mechanical timepiece with a beating heart. In this fast-paced world, a classic watch is an invaluable possession and the Internet has made it easier than ever to browse through varied collections of timekeepers and find a great price for classic watches like Tissot.

The T-Classic Collection exemplifies that when it comes to watches, the design is just as important as practicality. It is a mirror reflection of the Swiss watch legacy, known especially for its dependability and durability. The wide range of timepieces is a favourite among many watch lovers, often found being passed on as heirlooms. Given the emotional and material value associated with your wristwatch, you need to pay special attention not just to your choice of brand but also where to buy the watch from. When looking for Tissot Watches in India, it is best to opt for reliable, trusted retailers such as Ethos Watch Boutiques, to ensure seamless sales and after-sales experience.

Here are 3 top watches from the range that are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression:

Tissot 11 Tissot T-Classic: Le Locle (Model No: T006.428.36.058.00)

The name Le Locle itself is a sign of reliability and success. Apart from signifying the Swiss Jura Mountains – heritage and home of Tissot – Le Locle is also the name of a strongly admired range of automatic watches, setting a cornerstone in the world of timekeeping. The classic, round dial is complemented with a traditional black leather strap, making for a versatile addition to your wardrobe. It is a highly elegant and sophisticated timepiece, made special with the addition of the trademark Le Locle signature and roman numerals. The T-Classic Le Locle will give you great company from the early hours of the morning to wee hours of the night.

2 Tissot T-Classic: Tradition (Model No: T063.428.22.038.00)

The perfect blend of everlasting design and modern watchmaking technology, the T-Tissot 2Classic Tradition by Tissot is extremely high-tech in its operation and mechanics. But what makes it truly unique is the intelligent hint of vintage style. The watch features a subtly curved sapphire crystal case and guilloche decoration, strapped in with a sophisticated silver steel and yellow gold strap. It also boasts of a date and small second’s keeper.

One would be understating when calling this beauty a faultless amalgamation of top-in-class functionality and ageless aesthetics. The simplicity of the timepiece makes it an ideal companion for everyday use. Be it a 9am meeting or a candle light dinner by the pool, it’ll speak volumes about your personality wherever you go.

3 Tissot T-Classic: Classic Dream (Model No: T033.410.16.013.01)

True to its name, the Classic Dream from Tissot’s T-Classic Collection is nothing short of a beautiful dream. Contemporary meets nostalgia with this one as the timepiece Tissot 3features a brown leather strap with a classic white dial. Made of sapphire crystal, the round steel case is 38mm in size and features Quartz movement. The watch is ideal for a contemporary man who is close to his roots but lives in the modern world. Adding this watch to your wardrobe will serve as a daily reminder that you must strive to be on top of your game every day, just like the pointed hands of the gorgeous timepiece.

All the above-mentioned models from Tissot’s T-Classic Collection make an important statement. They add an essence of timeless sophistication and classic elegance to the wearer’s wardrobe. Choose a timepiece that feels most true to yourself and your personality, one that’ll complement your style any day of the year.

Categories
Tech

How to choose the best mobile hotspot to stay connected everywhere

If your old router is giving you problems, it’s time that you get a new one – with these tips.
By The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Choosing a router can be a tedious task as there are so many in the market. Here are some tips that will help you to decide on the perfect router.

1. Wireless standards

Make the best of a fast Internet connection. Get a router that offers 802.11ac or Gigabit Wi-Fi support. This wireless standard is supposed to be twice as fast as the previous 802.11n with a 1,300 Mbps throughput at the base level. This wireless standard is also compatible with older devices. However, with older devices, you will not benefit from the extra you get as in the case of newer devices.

2. Hardware

While selecting a portable router, it is important to ensure that it fits your pocket and is lightweight and easy to carry around. These routers also come in different colors, shapes, and designs.

3. Life span

Your Wi-Fi router is never going to last forever. Every day, it goes through a lot of load as it handles the Internet connection between your phone, computer, laptop, TV, and every other device at home or elsewhere. As more and more devices are connected to your router, the list keeps on increasing. This leads to degradation in your its performance. Also, wireless standards change often that make your router obsolete sooner. Depending on how many devices your router can connect to before showing a dip in performance as well as its technology, the life span of the router may be determined.

4. Coverage

This is a very important thing to consider. Even if you may carry your router anywhere and everywhere, you do not want to use the Internet while hugging your router. Ensure that your router has enough coverage for you to manage it. You could even use your old router to extend the Wi-Fi range

5. Cost

There is a wide-range of router prices. However, if you just need a portable router for simple daily tasks, you may want to skip the extremely high-end ones. Another reason to skip high-end ones is that changing technologies would make the router obsolete after a few years. Depending on your needs, look for a budget-friendly option.

What to do with your old router once you get a new one?

Once you get a new router, it is very easy to just connect to it and throw out the old one. However, even this old router may be really useful. If your old router is working, you could use it to extend your Internet connection to a wide area. This will let multiple people use your router even if they are in different rooms. You could even exchange it with your service provider or retailer for a discount on your new router.

Before buying a new router, keep all of these points handy and make sure that your router meets them well. So, choose the cheapest, fastest, and most reliable router and enjoy a seamless experience with the high-speed 4G Internet.

(Picture courtesy Online Tech Tips)

Categories
Kharcha paani

What are the benefits of GST?

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced by the Government of India with the aim of normalising the tax law.
By The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

The indirect tax regime was introduced to simplify the process of tax registration and filing and to bring all the goods and services under a single umbrella.

Compared to the old taxation system prevalent in the pre-GST period, the new rule has a number of advantages. Some of the GST benefits are as follows:

  • Cascading effect

The new tax regime would prevent the tax on tax effect, which is the cascading effect on the taxes applied. This would prevent double taxation.

  • Single law

GST would harmonise the taxation law in the country. It is a single law, which caters to all brackets of goods and services.

  • Competitive edge in the international markets

GST would provide exporters a competitive advantage by the medium of neutralisation of taxes, which would positively affect their cost price.

  • Investments

The law would encourage investments and would lay grounds for more apt investments in the country.

  • Reduced tax burden

The average tax burden on the companies would come down. This would help them in reducing prices of their products and services. This would insinuate the production and would provide impetus in industrial improvement.

  • Reduced tax leakages

The new tax system has provided online mediums for registering and filing taxes. This is a much simplified medium for payment of taxes. This would help in reduced tax evasions. This medium would provide stipulated and common timelines for the tax payers.

  • Common procedures

The system has introduced common procedures for registration and filing of tax. This makes the taxation uniform and simplified.

  • Transparency

The new system is much more transparent in comparison to the old system. It provides more transparency, more efficient and effective compliance, impetus to the industries, manufacturers, common people and the overall GDP growth.

The new taxation can also be looked in the light of impact on trade and consumers. In comparison to the old system, below are the benefits of GST for trade, commerce, and common man.

Benefits to traders (Industries, e-commerce, other business enterprises) Benefits to consumers (citizens)

 
·     Single law, no multiple taxations ·    Simplified taxation
·     No cascading effect or double taxation

 

 ·    Reduction in cost/price of production due to elimination of cascading effects
·     Impetus to exporters ·    Uniformity in prices
·     Simplified rule ·    Transparent taxation, common law
·     Fewer tax brackets ·    Boosts economic growth and benefits the consumers

 
·     No parity between goods and services ·    Helps increase the GDP

Thus, it is quite evident that the new taxation regime would not only be beneficial for the common man but also help in the development of the overall economy of the country.

(Picture courtesy www.legalraasta.com)

Categories
Kharcha paani

Are you making these 5 money mistakes?

Good salary, but never have enough of money on hand? Chances are, you’re making one of five common money mistakes.
Team Metrognome | editor@themetrognome.in

Money sure matters to all of us, but are you one of those people that never seem to have enough of it? On the face of it, you’re being quite fiscally responsible – you don’t go out partying every night, nor do you shop every so often. Then how is it that you never have enough money for emergencies? More to the point, how is it that so many others do?

It’s possible that you’re making one (or more) of these five common money mistakes:

1 Spending everything. Is this a recurring pattern in your life – money comes, money gets spent? If you are spending every last Rupee that you make, you will have nothing left over at the end of the month. If you find yourself regularly borrowing small sums of money in the last week of every month, it means that either your income is insufficient for your needs, or that you are spending more than you should.

2 Being too cautious. On the other hand, you might be spending very little money, even on essentials. Go on, live a little. We’re not suggesting that you splurge your cash at every opportunity, but being too thrifty is not ideal either. It’s important to strike a balance between where money needs to be spent, and where an expense can be avoided.

3 Not saving every month. There’s only one way to have a large savings fund – by saving money every month. As tough as it seems, it’s not impossible to do. Every month, set aside your savings first and then allocate monies for bills, travel, groceries, children’s needs, etc. Most people meet their expenses first and then try to save money – which rarely works. Just a sum of Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 set aside every month can rack up a large savings fund over time.

4 Not creating a retirement fund. We’re all working and quite young right now, but the time to plan for retirement is when you’re still working and young. Many people put off planning for retirement till they are past their 50s, by which time they cut short their own planning time. Apart from creating a savings retirement fund, you can also invest in pension plans, or PPF (Public Provident Fund) or a suitable market-linked investment such as ULIPs or ELSS.

5 Getting into debt. It starts with small sums of money borrowed from friends or relatives, and then develops into a regular habit. Borrowing money is the worst money mistake – it leads to debt and a bad credit history (if you have institutional loans such as personal or credit card loans. Debt eats into your income and leaves you floundering when you have an emergency expense. If you have private and institutional loans, it is better to close them one by one to clear up your credit history. And remember, do not borrow loans to repay loans!

Did you find this article helpful? Do you have a money tip to share? Tell us in the comments section below.

(Picture courtesy https://smartmortgageadvice.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/walletistock.jpg)

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