Simply Business Magazine issue 5 May 2022

A word from our editor John

WELCOME TO SIMPLY BUSINESS MAGAZINE!

Welcome to another edition of SImply Business Magazine, Summer is just around the corner, is it too soon for shorts?

Being from the North I am always warm and so now living in the South it doesn’t take much for me to look at the weather and think shorts.

Does your attire change during the summer months? I cannot understand offices that do not allow shorts, even smart shorts, it has always been a general wondering of mine, would the bosses prefer a hot sweaty employee than an employee who is cooler but showing a bit of leg, if you have an opinion on this get in touch with us on social media.

I am in training right now for a 22 mile walk on the 28th May 2022 in aid of the Mizen Foundation, the walk will take place in London from Richmond to Tower Bridge. I will be doing the walk with my wife Claire, two of my children Jack and Charlie and sister in Law and brother in law Ruth and Terry.

If you want to contribute to the magazine then please do get in touch with us, we enjoy getting articles from people wanting to share their expertise with our readers I hope you enjoy reading the magazine

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What’s inside 06

Frama mail Sending emails securely

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Q & A with Sheila Gwillam Winter All about energy prices

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simply business club update & member profiles

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A new approach to managing your stress

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Tech tools needed to support female entrepreneurs

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Working from home or the office?

Printing is still important

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7 top tech tips The Biggest IT and Technology challenges in 2022

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Understanding the power of Linkedin for teens

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What is the Metaverse...

And what to expect

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Educational Life CIC - Supporting the local community through good news & positivity

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Simply Business Club Membership benefits

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Simply Business Magazine Rate Card

Simply Business Magazine Within this magazine we feature businesses & business professionals, we really like sharing positive news, updates and advice & tips. Do you fall within the above, do you have some information to share with our readers?

In the next edition we are going to be launching an ask the expert section, would you like to feature as an expert in a future edition or on our social media platforms, get in touch via the methods detailed below.

Imagine having a place you can turn to for support from people who genuinely want to help you grow, as I often say, the quote made famous by JFK “A high tide rises all boats”, if everyone helps everyone else, everyone wins! This is the ethos that we push through Simply Business Club, online conversational networking without restrictions, with members from all over the nation including Scotland, Yorkshire, Kent, Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey. Come along and check us out.

Do you have some ideas that would benefit future editions of SImply Business Magazine or maybe some feedback about this or another edition of our magazine, we are always happy to get good feedback, we also want to hear how we can improve.

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“Don’t press ‘SEND’ yet...”

Back in 2020 over 306 billion emails were sent worldwide every day. By 2023 this figure is expected to rise to more than 347 billion.

Email is now our communication default. But just how secure is it In the wake of the pandemic, 75% of the UK businesses accelerated existing plans for digital transformation - there was a UK-wide examination of practices and ‘cyber-security’ became, somewhat ironically, frequently uttered in those endless Teams meetings.

Often for the first time.

More than half of UK businesses believe that universal email applications protect them from attacks. There is an inherent yet misplaced trust that there are security protocols built-in to your office service, and that compliance with GDPR is standard.

The harsh truth of the matter is that it isn’t.

Has Dave in accounts just sent another unprotected spreadsheet? Has HR sent a personnel file to the solicitors with identifiable information...again? Has purchasing just sent a contract to a supplier?

And are these people working from home? Have they just accessed that unprotected spreadsheet or that personnel file from their kitchen over their home wi-fi? or their phone?

If the alarm bells are not yet ringing, then they should be. Email fraud and interception is on the rise. In 2021, for example, email automated payment frauds (APPs) rose by a staggering 71%. For the first time ever, this has overtaken credit card fraud to be the number one cybercrime.

There are other even more scary numbers. In 2020 there was a 667% increase in email-related scams compared to the previous year. There was a 400% increase in brute force attacks as home computers were mined for data relating to businesses.

The risks are real, and the penalties severe. GDPR has made everyone conscious of the consequences of mishandling sensitive data. You can’t monitor every single emailyour company sends. You can’t stand

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over Dave in accounts for 8 hours a day and make sure he doesn’t send that unprotected spreadsheet. You can, however provide Dave with the tools he needs to make sure that spreadsheet (and the data it contains does not fall into the wrong hands.

The good news is that it’s a simple fix. A plug-in to yourOutlook or Gmail application can ensure that those sensitive emails are sent with a Registered Receipt, that are tracked and traceable, and provided with the highest level of security available.

Some encryption services require the recipient to click links, register, login, and enter passwords in order to access the email. Frama Rmail always delivers direct to

the recipient inbox without any registration or download requirements. It is the ONLY email encryption service legally admissible in a UK court.

In addition, the solution comes with a wealth of features designed to enhance security. Features such as invisible ink which automatically deletes sensitive information after a pre-determined period of time; the ability to send documents up to 1GB for signature without having to logon to additional portals or software, and much more.

Still not sure?

Frama Rmail is now available with a noobligation 30-days free trial. Just get in touch and see for yourself.

And then when Dave in accounts sends that unprotected spreadsheet from his laptop in the kitchen, at least you know that your data, and your company, is safe

T:

01992 45 11 25

E:

contact@frama.co.uk

use the code ‘BPPMedia’ in your message and access our special discounted rate

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Energy prices and what it all means Q & A Session about the utility crisis Written by - Sheila Gwillam - Winter What is the Energy Price cap?

The cap limits the amount a supplier can charge for their default tariff. Which includes: 1, The standing charge (the fixed daily amount you have to have for any energy regardless of how much energy you use) 2, The price for each unit of electricity and gas, measured in pence per kWh. There are several different factors that affect how much suppliers will charge you for energy under the price cap.

Where you live. How you pay for your energy, and the type of meter you have in your home.

Why is there an energy price cap?

The energy price cap was introduced to protect the consumer, after concerns that many people were being charged too much for their energy. And to prevent suppliers from simply passing on cost increases to the consumer. They are not able to charge more than the agreed pence per kWh price.

Will the energy price cap rise?

More than likely, this situation will get a lot worse before recovery starts.

Wholesale gas prices have soared, meaning this is the single biggest bill increase in living memory. And this means that the price cap will need to increase to reflect this surge. To prevent suppliers having to buy energy at a more expensive rate than they can sell it, which is the very reason we saw so many suppliers go to the wall very recently.

Why is a smart meter recommended?

A smart meter sends your readings to your supplier several times a day, meaning you always know what you are using, and removing the worry of trying to work it out. It also means your supplier is not paying a company to read your meter and so another cost is removed from the equation.

Is my data compromised with a smart meter?

Absolutely not the only data collected is your energy use. There were, and still are a number of completely unfounded myths about smart meters. Smart meters make life easier and simpler for everyone. However they are not compulsory.

Why are phone and broadband prices rising too?

Because, unfortunately many providers see an opportunity to recoup some of their extra expenses due to current situation.

Top tips: How do I know how much I will pay each month?

The cap is based on average use, so you will pay more or less for your energy than the price cap depending on your use. So if you are on a budget plan where you have a fixed monthly cost, then you need to keep your eye on your use, to make sure you are not too far in debit or credit.

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There are options.

1. Consider putting all your services together in one bundle.

2. Look at other benefits from your chosen provider before deciding what to do.

3. When you come to the end of a fixed price, don’t assume you have to stay with your current provider

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Simply Business Club NETWORKING WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS Collaboration is the way forward written by John Turner

When Simply Business Club first formed its main objective was to give people some networking without any problems such as lockouts or enforced membership, it can be quite frustrating for anyone in one of the ‘popular seats’ such as printer, accountant, financial adviser because unless you get very lucky you are locked out of most networking groups.

This is not what networking is all about; networking is about growing your network, helping others with your expertise and advice and being available to show your awesomeness when someone needs your products or services.

more opportunities to work with your ‘competition’ than you will to compete against them, most people in most industries are excellent at some of their industry but dread some of the other work that might come in, you might find someone who is the opposite and you can trade work between you both so you are always doing work you enjoy, you might have an area that you work within, but sometimes you might get offered work outside of this area. Michelle of MP Environmental Pest Control and Charlotte from Kent Pest Management are both members of Simply Business Club but covered different geographical areas and so they sometimes ask each other if they can help out, rather than saying no to the customer they help each other out. Another crossover is myself with my Simply Design UK hat on and another of our members Stuart Wilson of Bottlegreen Websites; I do not offer Search Engine Optimisation and Stuart does not offer design so although we do have a crossover in the fact we both build websites we have things we don’t do so can pass work around to the benefit of the customer.

When you think about it, collaboration is going on all the time, and the benefits of collaboration can really help your business grow at a rate you never knew

There is plenty of work to go around for those that want to find it, or put another way, earn it. We do not need to be scared of competition, we should embrace it and we should look at others in the same industry as collaborators, not as competition, there will be times when someone picks you over someone else and visa versa but this is okay, you will find far 10 10

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possible. Collaboration can help to inspire you and your business, I recently spoke with someone about an idea, she offers GoPaperless which is a fantastic platform which means you don’t need business cards, but what about doing both, having some business cards, maybe even having a plastic business card that has a QR code on it.

Collaboration helps to grow your business, without even knowing it your customers are going to be better off, if you can suggest someone who can fill the gaps that you do not do then you are saving your customer time and possibly heart ache trying to find the right person.

and finally, the M word, collaboration can help to save money for you and for your customers, win win I hear you say, you would be exactly right, if you can offer your customers a better service and save them money whilst also having lower costs because you are working with another then you have found the ideal scenario, a fantastic way to benefit all sides. This can only happen with the help of collaboration and not being scared of sharing with your competition.

COLLABORATION IS KING!

Collaboration can also be educational, by this I mean your ‘competition’ can show you how to do something and help you, by bringing both sets of skills together you are a far better propsition, a proposition that can be far more effective in solving problems for the customer making them happy which is the main goal of everyone in business.

The highlight of my networking week!

The Simply Business Club run by the wonderful John Turner, is full of like minded, supportive, collaborative people who work closely together to help each other. I love the flexibility of this group. Thank you to John and his co-hosts for making all the meetings a truly enjoyable and memorable experience without the added stress and pressure.

Phil Siddons PS Assist V.A. Services

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More Members overleaf

Join these businesses as a member of Simply Business Club to take advantage of these benefits: Free Online Meetings

Members only Facebook Group

Details listed on website and in this magazine Weekly Member profile listing on social media

20% discount off further adverts

FREE advert within Simply Business Magazine* 10% discount off at Simply Design UK

*Benefits vary depending on package chosen Come along and see if Simply Business Club is as awesome as we think it is www.simplybusinessmagazine.co.uk

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A New Approach To Managing Your Stress Written by Caroline Purvey What is stress?

The challenges we are all experiencing in today’s world and have over the past few years are unprecedented. From Brexit to Covid and lockdown the War in Ukraine and rising prices as the cost-of-living soars, everyone from children to adults has had their life turned upside down in one way or another.

Stress is our body’s reaction to all those times we feel threatened or under pressure. Many situations in life put the body under stress.

The five key stressors that inevitably hit many hard are: • • • • •

Death of a loved one.

Divorce.

Moving.

Major illness or injury.

Job loss.

Have you ever stopped to consider the impact of these stressors on your physical, mental and emotional health and that of children and young people? In this article, I want to share something you perhaps didn’t know about the effect of stress.

The Psoas

Stress is held in your body: Did you know that the tension created by your body from every stressful, overwhelming, or traumatic experience as it goes into fight/flight and survival mode gets stored in your body’s muscle memory?

As a result, the build-up of tension that can go back to birth impacts every system in your body. This is the root cause of the many physical, mental, and emotional problems that despite treatments or medication never seem to heal. This can include back, hip, neck, and shoulder pain, gut problems, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, insomnia and so much more. Tension causes imbalance on every level. At worst when the body can’t cope it can lead to stroke, heart attack, cancer, or suicide.

Release the tension: This is the ultimate solution.

Releasing the tension from your Psoas muscle where it has been stored from birth.

The Psoas is your hidden treasure (see the image) and you will understand why perhaps you have never heard of it. The Total Release Experience® programme teaches clients to release the tension from their Psoas. At TRE UK® we educate, guide, and support our clients to discover something new about their bodies.

We all have within us a powerful tool for life and life tool, that can give us freedom from the pain of past stress and trauma, build resilience for the future and discover inner peace and happiness like you have never known.

What you can do and why:

Don’t let challenging times pull you down when you have the innate power to overcome them.

Your body is more powerful than you can imagine. Click here to Read Sam’s Story to understand more.

Breathe: Breath is the most important tool you have.

When you connect with your breath you stay present.

Sit comfortably, close your eyes and connect with your breath. Full deep even breaths until you feel yourself calming.

Exercise: Keep your body moving so that you keep your heart and lungs functioning to the best you can. Yoga is great too for flexibility, mobility, breathing, and the heart.

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Caroline is an award-winning transformational leader and No 1 bestselling author of ‘Feel It To Heal It’. to buy the book click here.

The course is delivered online or in Workshops. For more info go to treuk.com Click Here to book an appointment with Caroline Click Here to Connect on Linkedin Simply Business Magazine

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TECH TOOLS NEEDED TO SUPPORT FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS

AS THREE IN TEN STRUGGLE TO MAINTAIN WORK LIFE BALANCE •

Three in ten female business owners struggling to maintain work-life balance, despite 58% setting up their own business to make more time for their family and improve their work life balance.

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Care commitments for dependents increased disproportionately for women during the pandemic when compared to male counterparts.

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Three quarters of female entrepreneurs (74%) think tech tools – such as accountancy software or cloud software – would help them save time and free up thinking space, but 46% feel overwhelmed by choice available.

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Free advisory services such as Mastercard’s Strive UK programme are crucial in supporting women access digital tools and free up time to focus on growing their business.

New research with small business owners from Mastercard has found that female entrepreneurs felt the impact of the pandemic more acutely than their male counterparts, but despite this are more optimistic about the future, provided they have the right digital tools to help their business grow.

The Strive Business Barometer found that female entrepreneurs are twice as likely to have started a business within the last two years during the pandemic (18%), compared to men (9%). Out of all the female entrepreneurs we surveyed,

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58% said they were motivated to start a business to create a better work life balance and make more time for their families. Women were 19% more likely than men to cite this as a reason.

Despite this, data shows that women have been more impacted by the pandemic when it comes to balancing their work and home lives. The Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurship 2021 found that women are almost three times more likely to be balancing care and home commitments than men, and this was exacerbated during the pandemic as the additional barriers of school closures and lockdowns meant that the care time of dependents rose significantly on a day-to-day level for women. It is perhaps no surprise then that three in ten (29%) female entrepreneurs say they are struggling to maintain a work-life balance, compared to 17% of men, and one in five (22%) say the stress of work during the pandemic has put a strain on relationships with family and friends.

When considering the future success of their business, 32% of female entrepreneurs consider new technologies to be crucial and 74% believe they would help them save time and free up thinking space. But there are barriers that prevent them accessing digital tools, including uncertainty about which is best for their business (43%), too much choice when it comes to selecting which tool to use (46%), and security concerns (22%).

There is a clear opportunity to support female entrepreneurs to access and use technology in a way that will help them to reach their full potential.

When asked what support would most help them grow their business, one in five (22%) said support in accessing digital tools while four in ten (38%) said free advisory services. Mastercard is hoping to address both these points with Strive UK – a programme designed to help the UK’s micro and small businesses access the support and tools they need to succeed in the digital economy. The programme has a particular focus on supporting female business owners through free guidance, helpful tools, and personalised, one-to-one coaching.

Kelly Devine, Division President, UK & Ireland at Mastercard, comments: “As history has proven time and time again, the perseverance, determination and grit of women – particularly women entrepreneurs – can never be underestimated. While the events of the past two years have been challenging for everyone, female business owners have had more to juggle than most. Despite this, they remain fiercely optimistic for the future, and it is crucial that we support them to reach their goals and fulfil their potential.”

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Get in touch with us, send your articles to info@ simplybusinessmagazine.co.uk

If female entrepreneurs have the tools to succeed, they will be able to reach their £1.2 billion* growth aspirations. Women are already feeling optimistic about the future – more so than their male counterparts. More than four in ten (43%) say they will grow their business in the next five years (compared to 34% of men), while they are around 30% less likely than men to plan to downsize or close their business.

Karen Licurse, Managing Director at Digital Boost, comments: “Female business owners recognise the importance of digital tools when it comes to increasing productivity and achieving growth ambitions. But finding and implementing the right solutions can be time consuming and confusing, and end up adding to day-today pressures rather than lightening the load. Through the Strive UK programme, we’re delighted to provide personalised 1:1 expert support to help female leaders make the right choices for their business and seize the enormous potential that digital can bring.”

To find out more about Strive UK Click Here

if you want to promote your brand within the article or as an advert including links to your chosen destination and videos then get in touch and take advantage of our awesome advertorial or advert offers including article and brand shares on social media

Double page advertorial just £95 per edition Single Page advertorial just £50 per edition

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When lockdown happened no one knew how long it was for, it was an unknown quantity. Several months went by and we realised it was going to be around for a while and so people were asked to work from home with a view to immediately coming back to the office as soon as possible.

However, now Covid is behind us (hopefully), some employers and some business people are looking to continue to work from home as it makes more sense for them and their business.

Since working from home has become more of a possibility we have been asked how this will affect the printer industry, and to be honest it has opened up a whole new opportunity to talk to employers about their print needs and how the workplace being spread around will affect their needs. Documents will, of course, still need to be printed and so we need to be ready to help businesses and their needs.

ARE YOU BACK IN WORKING FROM

Now businesses are looking at the p even closing offices or reducing the workspace and asking their workfo one or two days per week.

With this in mind, have you or your doesn’t stop the need to print a docu when it comesto affordability and w

People who have minimal print needs will be able to print on inkjets or wait until they are in the office to print documents out, which is great for them, but what of those who print quite a bit? As we have said in previous editions, if you are spending £30 or more each month then it would be worth looking at your options, considering the type of printer you have got and working out if it is fit for purpose.

At WBS we offer a range of machines from large office multi function machines to small home office machines, we listen to your needs and suggest the best possible option for you.

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N THE OFFICE OR STILL HOME?

possibility of long term working from home, possibly e size of their office. Maybe even going to a shared orce to work from home and come into the office for

employer considered printing, working from home ument, understanding the options is really important working out if it is the right thing to do.

Testimonial

WBS Copier and Printers is a service provider and our call out times are often below 30 minutes from time of detection across Kent. We always try our best to fix any problem on the first visit carrying parts or trying to do some diagnostics over the phone before arriving so that our customers are without a printer for the shortest possible time.

Do you have any questions about your printing needs?

SERVICE WITH A DIFFERENCE Talk to us today about your current circumstances and lets see if you are doing the right thing by your employees and for your business.

Ian has a really good work ethic. I’ve been a client of WBS for over 3 years and help is always on hand if ever there’s a problem or question, however big or insignificant it may be.

The printer/scanner provided to us by WBS is of impeccable quality and any support and advice received is always on point.

I would highly recommended WBS for printer solutions and support.

Rebecca

Ian Wade

£30 www.wadebusinesssolutions.com

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7 Top Tech Tips - Biggest IT & Technology Challenges in 2022 Provided By David Meares - Virtec IT Solutions Each month we ask the guys at Virtec for some IT tips and advice, this month we asked if they could tell us the biggest IT and technology challenges in 2022.

1. Remote working Most of us have had experience in this area over the past 2 years as a necessity, however as office spaces have opened up the questions surrounding these has been queried. Can savings be made by reducing the reliance on large offices spaces? Could you look at alternating staff working from home and the office, thus reducing required square footage.

Are there options to operate and function completely with staff working from home? Has your company fully reviewed all its hybrid

It’s been a long few years. As countries and companies come out of COVID-19 lockdowns, restrictions, and changes to ways of working, lets look at what challenges in IT and Technology we are seeing in 2022.

2. Information Security As working from home and hybrid working becomes the new norm, there have also been increased cyber attacks targeting the work-fromhome employees. As such, ensuring your staff has adequate protect against these threats is imperative.

These of course start at the items such as up to date antivirus platforms, but you should also consider a VPN and hardware firewall. Other items to consider are a secure password database and activating 2fa across platforms for additional security.

3. Cloud Computing COVID has brought about a huge boost in the adoption of cloud computing and the benefits of remote collaboration are fantastic, many overlook additional functionality. For example, although you may access your data in the cloud via PC or Laptop, almost all platforms have the ability to access these on mobiles and tablets too making them fully portable for both reference, presentation and quick amendments.

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5. Widening Skills Gaps 4. Social Media Words that can be daunting for some.

However, these platforms can offer at the offset free online advertising for your company and have an infinite reach to all your prospective customers. Regardless of your stance on its perceived benefits, businesses often must engage on social media as a business tactic.

With increasing reliance and utilisation of Cloud Computing, Online Security and Remote Working it means staff need to stay up to date with changing and emerging IT & Technology. This should mean that training and advice should be available wherever possible. It could be advising what staff should look out for as far as suspicious emails, but it could cover more in depth knowledge of utilising company specific software, updates and changes to platforms continue to increase.

7. Connectivity

6. Automation Finding ways to automate items can save time, money and headaches! Nowadays there are options to mass email clients (MailChimp) or perhaps queue up multiple Social Media posts to be sent at multiple times to multiple platforms (Buffer) and so much more!

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Increased reliability on Cloud and Remote work require good connectivity. Losing your internet connection for even a short period can be like being cut off from the world, let alone being unable to potentially work! There are now multiple failover options that are available for if your main internet connection fails. These can be in the form of 4/5g mobile sims, secondary lines or even WiMAX (wireless internet options), which kick in if your main connection goes down. Lots of providers have these options available so it may be worth enquiring about.

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Understanding the power of LinkedIn for teens One of my power affirmations in Making Digital Real is that with LinkedIn, any teenager can get a head start on making a name for themselves.

Parent of teenagers, this article is for you...

It goes without saying that building a great reputation, maintaining a portfolio, and participating in a community of professionals are the cornerstones of career success.

I’ve always had a love hate relationship with social media - in the sense that if I put my energy in to something, what is it that I’m working towards and getting out?

I spend a good amount of time on LinkedIn each week - creating content and highlighting mine and others achievements that will get me seen, noticed and remembered - for all the RIGHT reasons!

My goal is to highlight the values of professional social networking to youngsters so that they can catapult themselves in to their dream jobs and understand the power of innovation in this incredible new digital business world without the restrictions that many of my generation had.

The incredible Clare Ford Academic Coach and Teen Mentor and myself have created a very special on demand, online course to help teenagers understand the power of LinkedIn...

Its a fun, alternative take on a social media platform that can unlock amazing potential and bring out the inner entrepreneurship in youngsters and boost their careers, just as it did for me 10 years ago.

It’s never too soon for your teenager to start building a strong professional profile, and Clare and I are so excited to assist in guiding them through the process.

Click Here to Register Now

That energetic teenager might grow up to become one of your trusted colleagues—or even your client!

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WHAT IS THE METAVERSE? …AND WHAT TO EXPECT.

Written By Dave McColl

Two questions I have been asked many times.

There are several different takes on The Metaverse, Facebook’s announcement in 2021 that they are to be known as Meta inspired companies to start up their own businesses in this broad field.

The Metaverse is perhaps more complex than the internet? It is releasing creative developments though.

If you Google “What is The Metaverse?” the following statement is commonplace; “The Metaverse is a 3D online space combining virtual and augmented realities (VR/AR) where people can interact with each other via digital avatars. Working, playing, shopping, trying on clothes, attending concerts, even buying virtual land.”

In part the above its true, except XR – Extended Reality, has been omitted from this broad statement. XR is one pioneering technology that outdates the term Metaverse (first penned by Neal Stephenson’s 1992 science fiction novel “Snow Crash”). The term XR goes back to the 1960’s- XR, is a combination of all the above. Creativity meets technology.

The Metaverse to me is the next paradigm shift, like the one we had in the mid 1990’s where we all wondered “what is this internet thing all about?” Now we use it without thinking, smart phones to high tech computers generating digital assets such as crypto currency for example.

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+44 7748 188 878 dave@astuteassets.co.uk Simply Business Magazine

be done virtually, clients can offer customers that more immersive experience. The results. less returns, better customer retention, increased profitability. XR Tech is at the tips of all smartphone users too- Google Maps uses this technology.

Rhino City - The MegaVerus

The future in my opinion will be further adoption of this technology referred to as The Metaverse. 10 years ago, we would have been at odds about global video conferencingZoom, Telegram, Signal, WhatsApp etc. have changed that. The largest organisations globally are tech based and the signs are that this will grow, Zoom will change, it has too to keep up with what is happening now. They will likely be factors in driving The Metaverse. www.simplybusinessmagazine.co.uk

Is The Metaverse Web3 or gaming, NFT’s, run on blockchain, a place to speculatively buy land? That depends on who’s platform one is using. Currently organisations such as Decentraland and Sandbox concentrate on those use cases. The Metaverse has been likened to Web3.0 with gaming technology on steroids!

Very realistic graphics and extremely advanced applications and use cases.

Working with US based developer and XR specialists RhinoXR Studios, I have found they have a refreshing approach to the Metaverse and what it looks like in the future. Their Metaverse branded MegaVerus, RhinoXR Studios have a clever business model, a business in a box if you like, where they are educating clients on how MegaVerus will benefit, helping future proof businesses across the globe. A world’s first of its type that builds a community, just like in the physical world. In MegaVerus RhinoXR Studios are even putting together their own university. All the technology others provide as well as being run on the blockchain.

Advantages of using XR technology over standard internet vary from examples such as clients can try before they buy, factory tours can

In health/ education sectorsstudents learn quicker, retain information longer using visual. Virtual field trips are now possible, sports like golf can assist coaches help analyse their client’s game, we will be soon navigating retailers’ brick and mortar stores.

Concerts, events can catch up financially from restrictions of the last 2 or so years with extra revenue streams using VR experiences, advantages over 2D flat screen produced video are you get close to the performer, choose your view, completely 360 degree viewpoints, it’s very inclusive and interactive.

I’ll see you in the METAVERSE Corporate face ongoing uncertainty now, planning global events are becoming more challenging as there are lots of pockets of uncertainty.

Resorting to Zoom, which has its purpose, but does not compare in terms of immersive experience and inclusivity.

In summary, the future of how we are going to work is looking positive in terms of the technology at hand, The Metaverse has a big part to play in this as do consumers and providers alike.

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Written by Claire Turner - Managing Director of Educational Life CIC

Supporting the local community through good news and positivity Our Vision – Promoting Community through inspiration, advice, and positivity Our Mission – Educational Life CIC is a dynamic, forward-thinking, inspirational organisation with a positive ethos underpinning our drive to celebrate community life.

Let me tell you where it all began…

I was working for the local sports partnership; we had just run a huge event with hundreds of primary school children. I had used sports leaders from the secondary school to help with the event. I turned to these young people after the event and thanked them for all their help 28

and support, I could not have run the event without them, and I told them so! What happened next affected me badly and has stayed with me, these young people did not know how to respond, they did not know how to react to the praise I was giving them. These young people had never been told how amazing they were!

Then We had a young person come to stay with us for a while, whilst staying with us, we treated them like they were a member of our family. Every day I ask all the children, how was school today?

This young person told me they had never been asked that question, this young person was 17!

Those two events have stayed with me and formed my quest to give our young people a voice, ask them their thoughts and opinions, give them a safe place to share and the belief that they matter.

Every day people do amazing things, change lives via acts of kindness and supportive behaviour, we believe this should be celebrated more!

Simply Business Magazine

While a positive outlook cannot prevent all mental health conditions, it can reduce your risk of developing depression and anxiety. One reason for this is that by focusing on the good things that happen, you naturally spend less time dwelling on the bad things and ruminating about the less pleasant part of life.

At Educational Life we only ever focus on the Good, the good news, positive stories, inspirational articles. We are never negative; the sun is always shining for us, and we want to share that sunshine.

As a business owner where do you fit in?

Financially Can you support us? Can we form part of your Corporate social responsibility?

Our business was born as just this a place for good news, positive and inspirational articles to share about and for our young people.

As we grew, we became aware that this opportunity for a voice and sharing of good news was needed across our community, in schools, community groups, and workplaces So, we became Educational Life CIC

Would you like to advertise with us or have a spotlight on your business?

Through Inspiration Do you have an inspirational workforce?

Or are you inspirational yourself?

Are you someone who has grown your business from scratch, overcome hurdles, and

achieved? I do not believe you if you say no, everyone has a story to tell and yours may just be the one someone needs to hear to inspire them.

Positivity Something great has happened for you and your business, share it with us. That fabulous testimonial, amazing business award, wow moment. We would love to hear and share about what is going well in your business. We welcome articles from everyone.

Top Tips I am a firm believer in the fact that we all learn something new every day, this is the best way to live your life. Maybe you have some fantastic tips that need to be shared with the community.

Educational Life is my pride and my passion, I would love to share my community with you and for you to come with me on my journey as we grow…

Educational Life CIC

The Heartbeat of the Community – Your news, Your views, Your community

Let us tell people you are looking to help us and make a positive change to our local community

Educational Life reinforces aspiration and ambition through learning and highlights the many and varied pathways open to young people via our varied articles about life for all age groups.

As a community champion we focus on important aspects of life within the area we serve, much of which is socially deprived with an above average poverty index. Being an organisation that reflects the positive aspects of community life and educational achievement supports the areas ongoing desire to improve and achieve. www.simplybusinessmagazine.co.uk

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