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	<title>Official Sothink Blog</title>
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	<link>https://www.sothink.com/blog</link>
	<description>Tech Talk, Suggestions, Coffee House, Member Blog</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2022 02:16:47 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Advantages and Disadvantages of Free Graphic Design Software</title>
		<link>https://www.sothink.com/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-free-graphic-design-software/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2022 02:16:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sothink]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Other Tools]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=8742</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You’re ready to launch your career as a graphic designer, but you don’t have a huge budget so you’re considering free graphic design software, at least until the money starts rolling in. But, you’ve heard that free software isn’t always &#8230; <a href="https://www.sothink.com/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-free-graphic-design-software/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You’re ready to launch your career as a graphic designer, but you don’t have a huge budget so you’re considering free </span><a href="https://sonary.com/graphic-design/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">graphic design software</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, at least until the money starts rolling in. But, you’ve heard that free software isn’t always the good idea it sounds like at first. For some industries, free software works just fine, but for graphic designers it really depends. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the advantages and disadvantages of free software for graphic designers. </span><span id="more-8742"></span></p>
<p><b>Advantages of Free Software for Graphic Designers</b></p>
<p><b>Basic Digital Tools &#8211; </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most free graphic design software includes access to the basic tools every graphic designer needs to create stunning graphics and design websites, pamphlets, brochures, posters, flyers, and more. There are usually several templates available for each format you’re designing, although most of the time the best templates require an additional charge. Features that are often included in </span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2018/02/22/why-pay-for-something-when-its-free/?sh=1007df673169" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">free software</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are an image database (may be quite limited), editing tools, collaboration tools, and an intuitive interface.</span></p>
<p><b>High-Quality Graphics and Images &#8211; </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Free design software is often a slimmed-down version of a paid software package, so the quality of the graphics and images you create in the free version is the same as it would be in the paid version. So, you aren’t usually sacrificing quality by choosing a free product. This may not always be the case if the software does not offer a paid version, though, so make sure to check out the quality of the graphics and images before you start your first project to make sure it’s going to reflect positively on your skills.</span></p>
<p><b>Disadvantages of Free Software for Graphic Designers</b></p>
<p><b>Hidden Charges &#8211; </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">You’ve probably heard the adage that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. In many cases, this is true for graphic design software. Most programs only offer very basic tools for free and require you to pay for more advanced tools. While you might be able to get away with just the basics for small projects, it won’t be that way forever. You’re probably going to want a template that is only available in the higher packages or you’ll need to be able to remove the background of an image, which you can’t do on the free version. So, always check the fine print for free software before you start designing.</span></p>
<p><b>Non-Unique Designs &#8211; </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Everyone who has access to the free design software has access to the same designs. This means it’s very challenging to create unique products for your clients, who may not be very happy if their design looks like everyone else’s design. Your professionalism can take a big hit if you’re not designing your own graphics from scratch.</span></p>
<p><b>Watermarks &#8211; </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most </span><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-pros-and-cons-of-the-free-software-and-open-source_b_58ffdac2e4b06feec8ac91a0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">free design software</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> requires you to use its watermark on your finished projects. You can’t use your own watermark and you can’t remove the standard one. This makes your projects look unprofessional because it is clear you’re using free software. </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Conclusion</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the end, you’ll probably want a professional graphic design program to have access to all the tools, a full image database, and the ability to remove watermarks. You might not be able to splurge on a paid product right away, but it’s to your benefit to upgrade as soon as possible.</span></p>
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		<title>When to Appropriately Use Your Credit Card for Business Expenses</title>
		<link>https://www.sothink.com/blog/when-to-appropriately-use-your-credit-card-for-business-expenses/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2022 03:54:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sothink]]></dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=8736</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Credit cards can be a terrific source of capital for any business, especially smaller ones that can’t yet qualify for a business loan. Business credit cards give quick operating capital and rewards on purchases. They can also help you build &#8230; <a href="https://www.sothink.com/blog/when-to-appropriately-use-your-credit-card-for-business-expenses/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><b>Credit cards can be a terrific source of capital for any business, especially smaller ones that can’t yet qualify for a business loan. Business credit cards give quick operating capital and rewards on purchases. They can also help you build business credit, giving you more funding alternatives later. </b></strong><span id="more-8736"></span></p>
<p>Assess how you&#8217;ll use the card. Most small business <a href="https://www.rhbgroup.com/business/business-loan/bizpower-relief-financing/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>credit cards</u></a> have a $50,000 maximum; others are higher. Consider other starting business loans if you require more than $50,000.</p>
<p>Bank loans are beyond reach. A bank loan may be declined due to a low credit score, restricted business time, lack of collateral, high debt, or insufficient income. Traditional bank or SBA loans can be time-consuming and difficult to qualify for, and they don&#8217;t offer the perks, rewards, and bonuses that business credit cards can.</p>
<p>Your company needs fast or flexible funding: Applying for a credit card is fast and avoids bank loan paperwork. You get a revolving line of credit once accepted, which means you have access to the initial card limit as you pay down the balance.</p>
<p><strong><b>Benefits of using credit cards for business expenses</b></strong></p>
<p><strong><b>No collateral</b></strong></p>
<p>Almost all business credit cards are unsecured. You may qualify for an unsecured rewards card if you have good to excellent credit. Most unsecured credit cards demand a personal guarantee for approval.</p>
<p><strong><b>Cheaper than unsecured debt</b></strong></p>
<p>Credit card rates range from 12% to 29.99% yearly. This is cheaper than alternative lenders and no-collateral loans. Budgeting and planning allow you to avoid business credit card fees like cash advances and debt transfers.</p>
<p>Small business loans with substantially lower interest rates than credit cards demand collateral. Less expensive funding, such as SBA and CRE loans, needs collateral, has lengthy application processes and restricts fund use.</p>
<p><strong><b>No balance transfer fees</b></strong></p>
<p>Many small business credit cards provide introductory 0% APR and no debt transfer fees. This provides free debt consolidation.</p>
<p><strong><b>Signup &amp; Ongoing Bonuses</b></strong></p>
<p>Signup bonuses on small business credit cards are often cash back or points. After meeting the spending restrictions, the cards frequently offer travel rewards or cash back. Points can be used as a credit or for products.</p>
<p><strong><b>Revolving credit</b></strong></p>
<p>A small business credit card is revolving, meaning you can spend up to your limit, pay it off, and use it again. Unlike a regular business loan, you don&#8217;t have to reapply for cash.</p>
<p>Business credit cards need monthly balance payments. Pay down your amount quickly to avoid high finance costs.</p>
<p><strong><b>Expenses are easily tracked</b></strong></p>
<p>Small business credit cards let you control business costs effortlessly. Monthly statements and alerts might help you stay on track. Most business credit cards link with FreshBooks, QuickBooks, and Xero to save time on bookkeeping.</p>
<p><strong><b>Credit Card Business Funding</b></strong></p>
<p>Using business credit cards to fund your business is a smart choice if you need immediate financing. To avoid fees and retain good credit, use the card wisely and pay on time. Proper credit card use will help you create solid business credit for future financing possibilities.</p>
<p>Small business credit cards application is easier than a standard loan. The top small business credit cards offer launch incentives, recurring benefits, and low APRs. You may browse and compare credit cards through a trusted bank like RHB.</p>
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		<title>Budget Too Tight For a Developer? Here’s What a Website Builder Can Do For You</title>
		<link>https://www.sothink.com/blog/budget-too-tight-for-a-developer-heres-what-a-website-builder-can-do-for-you/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:32:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sothink]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Other Tools]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=8728</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Are you a small business owner trying to up your digital game? Then building a beautiful, user-friendly website should be your top priority. However, this is easier said than done. With the costs of almost every service rising at the &#8230; <a href="https://www.sothink.com/blog/budget-too-tight-for-a-developer-heres-what-a-website-builder-can-do-for-you/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.sothink.com/blog/budget-too-tight-for-a-developer-heres-what-a-website-builder-can-do-for-you/2022-10-11_233048/" rel="attachment wp-att-8729"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8729 aligncenter" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022-10-11_233048.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="298" /></a></p>
<p>Are you a small business owner trying to up your digital game? Then building a beautiful, user-friendly website should be your top priority. However, this is easier said than done. With the costs of almost every service rising at the moment, just staying in business is a struggle in itself – let alone also paying a developer to build your site. But luckily, there are still options for those on a budget. <span id="more-8728"></span>Technological advances have brought with them plenty of intuitive, new design tools – making it possible for pretty much anyone to e.g. <a href="https://sothink.com/product/logo-design-software/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>create a logo</u></a> or build a website, no matter their technical skills. Read on below to find out how a great website builder will allow you to start expanding your online presence today.</p>
<h2>Easy Website Building – Even For Beginners</h2>
<p>Do you still find the thought of building your own website daunting? We promise you it’s completely doable, as long as you <a href="https://businessnamegenerator.com/best-website-builder/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>find a smart website builder</u></a> to do it with. Most of these tools are simple, highly intuitive drag-and-drop editors that require absolutely no HTML skills. You’ll also find plenty of templates to choose from, relieving you of having to choose fonts and colors that go well with each other on your own.</p>
<h2>Create and Customize Your Own Look</h2>
<p>But, of course, working with a template doesn’t mean that you don’t get to be creative. In fact, it’s the opposite: The templates offered are usually very customizable, allowing you to select an overall look that you like and adjust it to your exact vision. You can also choose to scrap most of the template and just play with colors, shapes and fonts yourself. Most website builders have WYSIWYG (“what you see is what you get”) interfaces – meaning that what you design will pretty much be what the website ends up looking like.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Makes Managing Your Web Store Simpler</h2>
<p>Has starting to sell your products online long been a goal of yours? Then you’re definitely on to something. According to <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/growth-marketing-and-sales/our-insights/the-six-must-haves-to-achieve-breakthrough-growth-in-e-commerce-d2c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>McKinsey</u></a>, bypassing third-party retailers by selling your products D2C (“direct-to-consumer”) online is currently the best opportunity for brands to strengthen their relationship with customers. And while building a webshop might seem like it requires professional help, many website builders also have features that allow you to do this yourself. If you want to take it slow, you can easily start out with a simple drag-and-drop design – and then upgrade to an eCommerce website builder with all the bells and whistles later on.</p>
<h2>User-Friendly By Default</h2>
<p>Lastly, if one thing’s important when building your website, it’s giving visitors a positive user experience. Statistics show that about 88% of consumers won’t return to a website if they felt like they had a bad experience using it – so if you want to turn visitors into returning customers, user-friendliness is vital. So, when building your website, it’s important to not get too crazy with the design. Maintain standard margins, use easily readable fonts and colors that stand out on your background without being so sharp they hurt the eye, pictures should neither be too big or too small, etc., etc. By using a template on a website builder, you avoid having to consider all of these things yourself. All you have to do is make the adjustments necessary to make the site feel unique to your business – and you’ll have yourself a beautiful, user-friendly website without going broke to fund it.</p>
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		<title>An Essential List Of The Types Of Software Every Business Needs</title>
		<link>https://www.sothink.com/blog/an-essential-list-of-the-types-of-software-every-business-needs/</link>
		<pubDate>Sat, 08 Oct 2022 08:06:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sothink]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Other Tools]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=8722</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There’s no doubt that running both small and large companies can be pretty challenging, due to the fact that there are so many aspects of a business that you should be focusing on. But the truth is that business management &#8230; <a href="https://www.sothink.com/blog/an-essential-list-of-the-types-of-software-every-business-needs/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sothink.com/blog/an-essential-list-of-the-types-of-software-every-business-needs/2022-10-08_160333/" rel="attachment wp-att-8723"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8723" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022-10-08_160333.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="296" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There’s no doubt that running both small and large companies can be pretty challenging, due to the fact that there are so many aspects of a business that you should be focusing on. But the truth is that business management can be so easy if you have the right tools by your side.</span><span id="more-8722"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the help of these tools, you’ll be able to do a lot more with less workforce. In addition, these programs are here to decrease the burden of business management and simplify lots of tedious tasks.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That&#8217;s precisely one of the reasons why we decided to write this article. We wanted to show you what software you can use to automate a business process, boost productivity and efficiency, and save time as well. Let&#8217;s uncover them together!</span></p>
<h1><strong>Top Tools That Every Company Can Make Use Of</strong></h1>
<p><strong>* Let’s Begin With Job Sheet Solution</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What’s the biggest benefit of it? Namely, using </span><a href="https://crm.webfletch.co.uk/features/job-sheet-software" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">job sheet software</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is one of the best and fastest ways to enhance the efficacy of your team. Additionally, this tool is capable of quickly improving the communication within your team, their efficiency, and management.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of course, in order to pick the best one, you first need to determine what you need from this solution. For example, if your firm is expanding rapidly, then you need to figure out how electronic job sheets can support and stimulate that growth. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But what is the main duty of this tool? Practically, job sheet software is here to take away all the administration and paper that comes with working on various tasks and jobs with different clients and contractors.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It&#8217;s worth mentioning that every single thing can be handled within this solution, whether you are sending an electronic invoice to a client, sending a job to a contractor, or supervising the location of your firm vehicles.</span></p>
<h1><strong>* Moving On To Accounting Software</strong></h1>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is widely known that accounting is an essential part of operating any company. Therefore, it&#8217;s of huge importance to select high-quality accounting software that&#8217;s going to be able to meet all the demands and needs of your business.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Just keep in mind that the market is loaded with various types of accounting software which are designed to cater to different needs. Understanding what’s at your disposal is going to help you choose the best accounting software for your company.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Keeping your books updated and accurate is crucial if you want your business operation to run smoothly and for these purposes, it would be advisable to opt for programs such as FreshBooks, Xero, and QuickBooks because they streamline all processes regarding accounting.</span></p>
<h1><strong>Don’t Forget To Check Out These Suggestions As Well!</strong></h1>
<p>* <strong>Payroll Software</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There’s no need to remind you how crucial it is to pay </span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2016/11/01/five-reasons-employees-are-more-important-than-customers/?sh=3ffae4b4db3e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">all your workers</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on time. That&#8217;s something that maintains employee morale and showcases how much you appreciate them. Now, there are some firms that are prone to utilizing simple payroll structures, and then there are those that rely on more detailed timesheets, commissions, and bonuses to have to be factored in.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Regardless of the difficulty level of your payroll process, bear in mind that your business is obligated to submit all your payroll reports to the authorities. But don’t worry, when you employ a first-class payroll management solution it’s actually relatively easy to comply with the government’s rules and regulations. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Remember that payroll payouts are also perceived as financial transactions, hence when you utilize standalone payroll software, you must also re-enter the payroll data into the accounting software. It makes a lot more sense to employ a payroll solution that is fully integrated with your accounting solution.</span></p>
<h1><strong>* Do Not Forget A Tax Software</strong></h1>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A comprehensive, easily implemented tax solution can offer exactly what you need in order to deal with numerous challenges and complexities of the nation’s framework. You have probably figured out by now that every entrepreneur must fulfill their legal tax duties and calculate the best tax outcome for their firm.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Without these things, you cannot expect to maintain company integrity. The best tax software programs are the ones that are capable of providing companies with the ability to accommodate and handle various complexities of different international tax regulations. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Furthermore, there are a variety of different tax solutions that you can benefit from, starting from TaxAct (intended for small business owners), H&amp;R Block (for multiple ways to file), TaxSlayer (for self-employed), and many others.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">No matter how demanding and stressful running a business can be, as you can see, there are so many spectacular software on the market that can streamline every single process in your company.</span></p>
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		<title>Tech to Make Your Weekend More Fun</title>
		<link>https://www.sothink.com/blog/tech-to-make-your-weekend-more-fun/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2022 17:31:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sothink]]></dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=8720</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The weekend will always be a time to relax and recharge, but it can also be a lot of fun! That’s because there are all sorts of tech products that can help you make the most of your free time. &#8230; <a href="https://www.sothink.com/blog/tech-to-make-your-weekend-more-fun/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The weekend will always be a time to relax and recharge, but it can also be a lot of fun! That’s because there are all sorts of tech products that can help you make the most of your free time. One of the best ways to use technology to improve your weekend is to find new and interesting things to do. If you’re truly looking for something fun to do, why not try a new app or game? <span id="more-8720"></span>There are tons of excellent options – and to prove that claim, here are some tech gadgets and apps that can help make your weekend more enjoyable.</p>
<p><strong><b>Try a New Game on Your Phone or Tablet</b></strong></p>
<p>If you’re currently looking for something to keep you occupied, consider picking up a <a href="https://www.pockettactics.com/best-mobile-games" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>new game</u></a> for your smartphone or tablet. There are many games available for both devices, and a lot of them are free or inexpensive.</p>
<p>Some popular favorites include Temple Run 2, Candy Crush Saga, and Monument Valley. There are plenty more exciting games, too; it’s all about finding what you like. Whatever you choose, make sure to download your selected games before the weekend, so you’re ready to go!</p>
<p><strong><b>Listen to Music with a New App</b></strong></p>
<p>If you’re a music lover, there are plenty of ways to use technology to <a href="https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/best-free-music-apps-free-music-on-android-and-iphone" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>improve your experience</u></a>. One is to try out a new music streaming app. All sorts of music apps are available, from Pandora and Spotify to Rdio and iTunes Radio.</p>
<p>Each offers a unique way to enjoy music, so find one you like and try it. The very best part is that many of these apps are free or have free trial periods, so you can try them out without spending any money.</p>
<p><strong><b>Try an Online Casino</b></strong></p>
<p>If you’re looking for an easy way to have fun and make some friends in your downtime at the weekend, why not try your luck at an <a href="https://www.jackpotjill.live/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>online casino</u></a>? There are many casino games available online, from slots and poker to blackjack and roulette. What’s more, the very best part is that you can play for a long time without getting bored because most casino platforms have a wide range of games to choose from.</p>
<p>Furthermore, you can always find casino sites that offer free trials and provide free welcome bonuses, so you can try them out before you commit to playing with your own money if that’s what you would prefer.</p>
<p><strong><b>Get Some Exercise with a Fitness Tracker</b></strong></p>
<p>If you’re looking for ways to stay healthy over the weekend, consider using one of the many fitness apps available. Apps like MyFitnessPal and Couch to 5K can help you monitor your progress and stay on track toward your health and fitness goals.</p>
<p>These apps can also be motivating because they allow you to see your progress and set targets. And, if you’re looking for a more high-tech way to get in shape, consider investing in a wearable fitness tracker – like Fitbit. These devices track your steps, heart rate, and more and can be synced with your smartphone or computer.</p>
<p><strong><b>Watch TV and Movies via Streaming Services</b></strong></p>
<p>Are you looking for something to keep you entertained at any time of the day or night? Consider checking out Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Amazon prime, or any of the other media streaming services. There’s something for everyone, and most offer a free trial period so you can test them out before you buy.</p>
<p>The beauty of these services is that you can watch shows and movies on your own time, so you don’t ever have to worry about missing anything on scheduled TV. Also, many of these services offer a huge array of content, so you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy.</p>
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		<title>How To Deal With A Lack Of IT Experts In Your Company</title>
		<link>https://www.sothink.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-a-lack-of-it-experts-in-your-company/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Sep 2022 03:38:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sothink]]></dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=8714</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Every business faces real risks from the lack of IT skills, especially given that every firm is a tech firm. With the help of technology, businesses can grow exponentially, expanding their customer base and accessing new markets. By utilizing a &#8230; <a href="https://www.sothink.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-a-lack-of-it-experts-in-your-company/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Every business faces real risks from the lack of IT skills, especially given that every firm is a tech firm. With the help of technology, businesses can grow exponentially, expanding their customer base and accessing new markets. By utilizing a specialized and skilled workforce, this capability helps tech firms outperform incumbents in typical business industries. However, as technology companies expand, a major barrier to business scalability—the skills gap—emerges. The skills gap continues to grow as a result of incremental advancements in the technologies that drive modern businesses, trying to force companies to compete for specialized talent before they can achieve their scalability objectives.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sothink.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-a-lack-of-it-experts-in-your-company/2022-09-27_113542/" rel="attachment wp-att-8715"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8715" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022-09-27_113542.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="331" /></a><br />
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<h2><strong>Gain a Keen Sense of Business</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">IT should gain a thorough understanding of how its roles and contributions affect the company and end-user knowledge of its business services. If the company places</span><a href="https://grapevinemsp.com/it-support/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">technology</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> at the forefront of its product offerings, the BMC survey reveals that improving support for a greater number of users, gaining the ability to add new services, and growing support for a greater number of end users are among the intended effects of digital transformation. For this strategy to be successful, IT must develop the required business skills in addition to technical problem-solving skills. Understanding the constantly shifting dynamics of the regional and global business environment can also help IT develop business use cases or solutions that give the company a crucial competitive edge in a crowded market.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By having a strong business sense, IT can collaborate with executives to enable the company to continuously adapt and refocus itself to more effectively achieve organizational goals. While IT is primarily in charge of solving the technical issues that the business organization is currently experiencing, IT frequently helps to identify lucrative new routes for the technology-enabled service offering. These contributions can cut down on the cost of hiring outside contractors who might not fully comprehend the organization&#8217;s inner workings, services, and culture, as well as the resulting impact on its company and end users.</span></p>
<h2><strong>Increase the Technical Diversity and Proficiency of Your Workforce</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One strategy for filling the skills gap is to hire new workers, but doing so requires a sizable time and financial commitment in addition to the risks involved. Concentrate on building a pool of unique skills to get the most out of resource investments in hiring practices. Teams that include members with a variety of skills, educational backgrounds, and demographics are more creative and produce creative solutions to technical and business problems.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Accelerating experiential learning among the current workforce is a viable alternative. Increasing an employee&#8217;s skill set is less risky, less expensive, and more time-consuming than finding and hiring the ideal candidate. The effectiveness of experiential learning is unmatched. The energetic, young workforce will retain more skills if they are exposed to complex business and technical challenges and trained to solve real-world issues. To equip your workforce with the newest skills, hold intensive educational workshops covering topics like management training, design thinking, and technical problem simulations.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Both approaches will enable your company to scale the implementation and adoption of innovative new digital technologies while increasing the technical proficiency of your workforce.</span></p>
<p><strong>Foster Flexibility Among Your Employees</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To introduce flexibility in the way individuals and groups contribute to the achievement of business objectives, traditional companies may have to restructure their organizational structure, especially IT. Eliminate silos between different teams by empowering the employees to</span><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/self-management/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">self-manage</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and adopt normalized technologies. With the help of this strategy, the diverse workforce can more easily collaborate and coordinate, enabling each IT professional to use their range of skills to contribute to standardized technologies and procedures as required.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">IT must recognize the company&#8217;s requirements and also how they can contribute to achieving those objectives. Therefore, it is advised that organizational leaders determine and address the primary business drivers linked to the required change, in light of any potential management, process, or cultural bottlenecks.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Concentrate on Problem-solving and Adopt an Unconventional Mindset</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The capacity of the workforce to resolve business and technical problems is frequently more important than specific technical skills in determining the talent gap. For instance, solving technical engineering problems calls for more than merely applying previously learned concepts or information. Both non-technical and technical roles benefit from high-order cognitive abilities. This requirement, however, does not only apply to adults under the age of 40 who have recently graduated from engineering and technical academic programs. It is equally possible for seasoned workers or vulnerable students, who typically take part in fewer educational workshops and formal training programs, to hone their problem-solving, creativity, and ideation abilities. To realize possibilities for lifelong learning and identify gradual career pathways for everyone, organizations must provide comprehensive and adaptable access to specialized training programs to workers across the workforce.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adding new staff with the technical expertise considered necessary to fill some positions available is only one component of the equation for addressing the skills shortage. CIOs need to take a more comprehensive approach to identify the business needs related to the talent gap, analyze the current workforce, and comprehend how the future technological landscape will change expectations for IT talent and skills. It may not always be simple, affordable, or risk-free to onboard the right talent, but taking a business strategy approach to address the IT skills gap may result in other workable solutions.</span></p>
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		<title>6 Useful Tech Tips to Help You Choose the Proper VPN for Your Needs</title>
		<link>https://www.sothink.com/blog/6-useful-tech-tips-to-help-you-choose-the-proper-vpn-for-your-needs/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Sep 2022 03:06:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sothink]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Other Tools]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=8706</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A virtual private network, or VPN, is a service that creates a secure connection between your computer and the VPN server. This connection allows you to safely transmit data over a public network, like the internet. When you are looking &#8230; <a href="https://www.sothink.com/blog/6-useful-tech-tips-to-help-you-choose-the-proper-vpn-for-your-needs/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A virtual private network, or VPN, is a service that creates a secure connection between your computer and the VPN server. This connection allows you to safely transmit data over a public network, like the internet. When you are looking for a VPN service, there are many factors to consider. In this blog post, we will discuss six important tips that will help you choose the right VPN for your needs!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">><a href="http://www.sothink.com/blog/6-useful-tech-tips-to-help-you-choose-the-proper-vpn-for-your-needs/2022-09-26_110339/" rel="attachment wp-att-8707"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8707" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022-09-26_110339.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" /></a><br />
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<h2><strong>Check Online Reviews</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the best ways to determine if a VPN service is right for you is to check online reviews. You can find many reputable review sites that will provide you with honest feedback from real users. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Be sure to read through several reviews to get a well-rounded opinion of the service. Don&#8217;t just focus on the positive reviews, when it comes to </span><a href="https://cyberwaters.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">VPN reviews</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, you need to also consider the negative ones as well. Oftentimes, these can be more helpful because they will point out any major flaws in the service. Keep an open mind and read through as many reviews as you can before making your decision.</span></p>
<h2><strong>Identify Your Needs</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you’re looking for a new VPN, the first step is to identify your needs. What do you need a VPN for? Do you just want to browse the internet anonymously, or do you need to access region-locked content? Once you know what you need, finding a VPN that meets those needs becomes much easier. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are a lot of different VPNs on the market, and not all of them are created equal. Some are better for streaming video, while others offer more robust security features. Knowing what you need from a VPN will help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect one for you.</span></p>
<h2><strong>Take Your Budget Into Consideration</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you&#8217;re looking for a VPN, one of the first things you&#8217;ll want to consider is your </span><a href="https://bettermoneyhabits.bankofamerica.com/en/saving-budgeting/creating-a-budget" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">budget</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. There are a lot of great VPNs out there, but they can range in price from around $50 per year to over $100 per year. You&#8217;ll want to take your budget into consideration when choosing a VPN so that you can get the best possible value for your money.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When budgeting for a VPN, you&#8217;ll also want to consider what features are important to you. Some VPNs offer more features than others, so you&#8217;ll want to make sure that you&#8217;re getting the features that you need. You may not need all of the bells and whistles offered by some VPNs, so don&#8217;t waste your money on something that you won&#8217;t use. Once you&#8217;ve considered your budget and the features that you need, you can start looking at different VPNs to see which ones are the best fit for your needs.</span></p>
<p><strong>Check Their Privacy Policy</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you&#8217;re looking for a VPN, one of the first things you should do is check their privacy </span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2021/08/19/11-ways-to-ensure-your-company-policies-are-beneficial/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">policy</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This will tell you what information they collect about you and how they plan to use it. If a VPN doesn&#8217;t have a privacy policy, that&#8217;s a big red flag.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another thing to look for is whether or not the VPN keeps logs of your activity. If they do, that means they could potentially hand over those logs to the authorities if they were asked for them. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s important to find a VPN that doesn&#8217;t keep any logs of your activity.</span></p>
<h2><strong>Make Sure It&#8217;s Compatible With Your Device</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you&#8217;re looking for a VPN to use, it&#8217;s important to make sure that it&#8217;s compatible with your device. Not all VPNs are created equal, and some may not work with certain devices or operating systems. Make sure to do your research before choosing a VPN so that you can be sure it will work for you.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You don&#8217;t want to purchase a VPN only to find out that it doesn&#8217;t work with your device, so make sure to check compatibility before making your purchase. The way to check compatibility is to look for the system requirements on the VPN provider&#8217;s website or in their product description. This will give you a good idea of whether or not the VPN will work with your device. If you&#8217;re still not sure, it&#8217;s always a good idea to reach out to customer support and ask them directly.</span></p>
<h2><strong>Do A Free Trial Run</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you&#8217;re unsure about a particular VPN service, the best way to know for sure if it&#8217;s the right fit for you is to take advantage of any free trial periods that are offered. That way, you can test out the features and performance of the VPN for yourself before committing to a long-term subscription. Just be sure to read the fine print carefully so that you know exactly what you&#8217;re getting and how long the free trial period lasts.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;">In conclusion, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a VPN. Budget, privacy policy, compatibility, and free trial period are all important factors to consider. By taking the time to do your research, you can be sure to find the perfect VPN for your needs.</span></p>
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		<title>What Are Some Excellent Ways To Provide Money For Your Needs</title>
		<link>https://www.sothink.com/blog/what-are-some-excellent-ways-to-provide-money-for-your-needs/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Sep 2022 03:02:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sothink]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Other Tools]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=8702</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are a number of excellent ways to provide money for your needs. You may want to consider a variety of options in order to find the best way for you to get the money that you need. There are &#8230; <a href="https://www.sothink.com/blog/what-are-some-excellent-ways-to-provide-money-for-your-needs/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are a number of excellent ways to provide money for your needs. You may want to consider a variety of options in order to find the best way for you to get the money that you need. There are many different ways to go about this, and you will likely want to compare a few different methods before making your final decision. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ways to provide money for your needs!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sothink.com/blog/what-are-some-excellent-ways-to-provide-money-for-your-needs/2022-09-26_110002/" rel="attachment wp-att-8703"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8703" src="http://www.sothink.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022-09-26_110002.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="331" /></a><br />
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<h1><strong>Providing money for your needs &#8211; Good ways to do so</strong></h1>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Money is the essence of life. It is what allows us to purchase the things we need and want in order to live comfortable lives. Therefore, it is important that we find ways to provide money for our needs. There are a number of excellent ways to do so, and we will discuss some of the best methods below! Of course, there are some </span><a href="https://www.moneylion.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">easy ways to borrow</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> money in case you need it, but there are also some methods that can help you to earn money and save it for your future needs. The graveness of the situation you are in will dictate which method is best for you to use. In addition, you may want to consider a combination of methods in order to get the most money for your needs.</span></p>
<p><strong>Find a job</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finding a job is an excellent way to provide money for your needs. This is especially true if you are able to find a high-paying job that offers good benefits. Of course, jobs can be hard to come by, but there are a number of ways that you can search for employment. On the other hand, if you are in the position to change to a job that pays more, this may be a good option for you to consider. You can also find an additional job if you feel that you need more money than what your current job provides.</span></p>
<h1><strong>Look for scholarships and grants</strong></h1>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are a student, then you may want to look for scholarships and grants in order to provide money for your needs. There are many different types of scholarships and grants available, so you should definitely do some research in order to find the ones that you may be eligible for. You may also want to consider taking out student loans in order to finance your education. However, you should only do this if you are confident that you will be able to repay the loan.</span></p>
<h1><strong>Use a credit card</strong></h1>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you have a credit card, then you may want to use it to provide money for your needs. This is especially true if you have a low-interest rate on your credit card. However, you should only use this method if you are confident that you will be able to repay the debt. In addition, you should be aware of the fact that using a credit card </span><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/things-to-know-first-credit-card"><span style="font-weight: 400;">can be a risky proposition</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, so you should only use this method if you are in a good financial position. Furthermore, you should ensure you are well-educated on the subject before making your final choice.</span></p>
<h1><strong>Take out a loan from a bank or other lender</strong></h1>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you need a large amount of money, then you may want to consider taking out a loan from a bank or other lender. Of course, you will need to have good credit in order to qualify for a loan. In addition, you should be aware of the fact that taking out a loan can be a risky proposition, so you should only use this method if you are in a good financial position. Many banks and other lenders offer a variety of different loans, so you should definitely do some research in order to find the one that is best for you.</span></p>
<h1><strong>Sell some of your belongings</strong></h1>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you have some extra belongings, then you may want to consider selling them in order to provide money for your needs. This is especially true if you have items that are worth a lot of money. Of course, you should only sell items that you can afford to part with. In addition, you should be aware of the fact that selling your belongings can be a risky proposition, so you should only use this method if you are in a good financial position. Selling your items will also help you declutter, which can be an added bonus!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As you can see, there are a number of excellent ways to provide money for your needs. You will likely want to consider a few different methods before making your final decision. In addition, you may want to use a combination of methods in order to get the most money for your needs. Whichever method you choose, make sure that you are confident in your ability to repay any debt that you may incur.</span></p>
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		<title>Your IP Address And How It Helps Search Engines Deliver Local Content</title>
		<link>https://www.sothink.com/blog/your-ip-address-and-how-it-helps-search-engines-deliver-local-content/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2022 16:00:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sothink]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Other Tools]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=8694</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Search engines and the algorithm controlling them are becoming more intelligent and sophisticated. They focus on delivering high-quality localized content in the user’s native language wherever possible. But how does the search engine know where you’re located and what content &#8230; <a href="https://www.sothink.com/blog/your-ip-address-and-how-it-helps-search-engines-deliver-local-content/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Search engines and the algorithm controlling them are becoming more intelligent and sophisticated. They focus on delivering high-quality localized content in the user’s native language wherever possible. But how does the search engine know where you’re located and what content you consider local? </span><span id="more-8694"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this article, we’ll take a closer look at your IP address and the role it plays in localized content and what you see online. We’ll also briefly examine how you can use location-specific proxies, like a France proxy, if you want to see local content from other countries. You can </span><a href="https://smartproxy.com/proxy-list/europe-proxies/france"><span style="font-weight: 400;">read more</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> about these proxies on this blog.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The following topics related to IP addresses will be covered:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How does your IP identify users?</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How does an IP work?</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Are IPs essential? </span></li>
</ul>
<h2><b>How Does An IP Identify Users?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Your</span><a href="https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/what-is-an-ip-address#:~:text=IP%20addresses%20are%20not%20random,Names%20and%20Numbers%20(ICANN)." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> IP or internet protocol address</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is a unique string of numbers assigned to networks and internet users. The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) is responsible for assigning and monitoring the available IP addresses. The IANA allocates and distributes blocks of available IPs to countries that then assign certain amounts to ISPs in their area. Once you sign up with your chosen ISP for access to the internet, they’ll automatically assign an IP to your router. This IP is visible to all search engines, websites and platforms, along with certain information, such as your location, to help improve your browsing experience. Since these IPs are unique identifiers, no two users will ever be able to use the same IP simultaneously. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Your IP ties directly into your location; when you use the internet, this address is shared with search engines and websites. Since they now know your location, they can use this to show you localized content. This can also include showing you content that’s in your language first. The main reason that search engines and websites use your location from your IP is to ensure they give you the content that might bring the most value to your search and improve your overall browsing experience.</span></p>
<h2><b>How Does An IP Work?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As mentioned, your IP is a unique identifier that represents you on the internet. But it’s not just a way for websites, search engines and ISPs to know who you are; it also </span><a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/341307/how-do-ip-addresses-work/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">enables communication</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> between the user and the internet. Since websites and servers communicate using their own language that humans can’t easily understand, the IP establishes the communication and sends the users’ requests to the relevant web servers in the language they understand, returning the results in a way that the user can understand.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The process isn’t all that complex to understand. If you browse the internet, your device sends the request to your router (linked to your IP address). Your router then sends the request to the website or search engine’s IP address to form a connection and relay your request. The web server then retrieves the requested content and sends it back to you through the connection established by your IP address.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">IP addresses are broken up into two main groups, which can be further subdivided according to their use. The two groups are IPv4 and IPv5. IPv4 consists of 32-bit addresses. However, since these IPv4 addresses are getting close to all of them being assigned, IPv6 is the new standard. IPv6 consists of 128-bit addresses, meaning that many more are available than with the older version.</span></p>
<h2><b>What If I Want To See Local Content From Other Countries?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you want to see local content from other countries or gain access to restricted data in other countries, you can do so without having to travel there. You can use residential proxies to change your IP to one from within that country. For example, you can use a France proxy, which will change your IP to that of a real device located in France. There are also many different types of location-specific proxies. Aside from a France proxy, you can also choose ones for Russia, China, Germany, the UK and many others.</span></p>
<h2><b>Are IPs Essential?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, IPs are essential to using the internet. Without an IP address, you won’t be able to access the internet at all. These tools are vital in order to communicate with search engines, web servers and other online platforms. </span></p>
<h2><b>Final Thoughts</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">IP addresses form a critical part of how we use the internet. They also contain some of your information, such as your location, device and browser details. This enables search engines to show you local content in your search results and even enables websites to provide content in your language when available. By sharing your IPs with search engines and websites, they, in turn, try to provide you with the best browsing experience possible.</span></p>
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		<title>What Does Netflix Know About You?</title>
		<link>https://www.sothink.com/blog/what-does-netflix-know-about-you/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2022 02:51:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sothink]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Other Tools]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sothink.com/blog/?p=8692</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As people are starting to catch on to unethical personal data tracking by the likes of Facebook, Google, and other gigantic corporations, Netflix has recently found itself under scrutiny as well. With 118 million viewers that are spread across 190 &#8230; <a href="https://www.sothink.com/blog/what-does-netflix-know-about-you/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As people are starting to catch on to unethical personal data tracking by the likes of Facebook, Google, and other gigantic corporations, Netflix has recently found itself under scrutiny as well. With 118 million viewers that are spread across 190 different countries, the way the company collects and handles personal data affects many people’s lives. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is but one question: what does Netflix actually know about you? </span><span id="more-8692"></span></p>
<p><b>Netflix posted a worry-inducing tweet in December</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In December, a post was published via Netflix’s official Twitter handle, poking fun at 53 Netflix viewers who were caught watching “A Christmas Prince” every single day for 18 hours. Amusing as it may be, what’s worrying is how is any of that Netflix’s business? And what were the company representatives thinking when they posted such private information on a public social media channel?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Naturally, what followed was a barrage of criticism pointed at the company. The representatives responded by claiming that no specific individual was being looked at – rather, their analysis supposedly only examined the overall viewing trends.</span></p>
<p><b>Netflix’s official privacy policy</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to </span><a href="https://help.netflix.com/legal/privacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Netflix’s official privacy policy</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the company stores personal data you provide when subscribing, including your:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Name</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Address</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Email</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Telephone number</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On top of that, the platform automatically collects certain data about you when you use it. This includes:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reviews</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ratings</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">IP address</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Watch history</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Search queries</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Duration of views</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Customer service interactions</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re tuning in through a web browser, a cookie will be placed on your device. As Netflix stated itself, the company uses interest-based ads to target users on third-party websites (however, third-party advertising is not allowed on Netflix itself).</span></p>
<p><b>Does Netflix share your personal data?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Netflix admitted the company does share it, but supposedly it’s for limited purposes only, including for the sake of promotional offers, operational purposes, and alerting law enforcement if needed. Another way your personal data can be used is for personalization and personalized recommendations.</span></p>
<p><b>The transparency of the company’s practices</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Netflix openly states what data they collect about you and how it’s used in its privacy policy. In the future, they promise to be even more transparent about it, and giving you access to your own watch history could be a part of that transformation at some point. Even now, you can navigate to your profile’s </span><a href="https://netflix.com/viewingactivity" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">viewing activity section</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and see what titles you watched in the past.</span></p>
<p><b>Opting out</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Netflix does allow you to opt-out of data sharing if you don’t want their advertising partners to access it. In general, the easiest way to accomplish this is to take certain preventative measures such as adjusting the privacy settings on the device you’re using.</span></p>
<p><b>The greater issue </b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re concerned about corporations such as Netflix collecting and analyzing your personal information, it is crucial to know who else might have your data. The rise of the internet has led to the proliferation of “data brokers”, which are companies that gather, analyze, and trade your personal information (name, email, address, security number, etc.) for a profit without your informed consent. Unbeknownst to millions of people, their personal details are in the databases of Axciom LLC, Experian LLC, CoreLogic, and other well-known data brokers. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Your data can be removed manually, but the process can be somewhat lengthy and ripe with forms and bureaucracy. If you were to undertake it, it’s much better to use web-based services like Incogni that </span><a href="https://incogni.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">automatically remove your personally identifiable data</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from online brokers and other web-based sources with the use of smart automation, saving you months’ worth of time in the process.</span></p>
<p><b>Conclusion</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whether you agree with how Netflix treats its customers’ personal data or not, the company is transparent about it. Plus, you have the option of opting out and taking all the necessary preventative measures in the future.</span></p>
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