ReportWire

Tag: Digital Communications

  • iFOLIO Launches First-Ever Top 100 Awards Celebrating Digital Innovation and Design Excellence

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    iFOLIO, a leading digital marketing and communications platform, today announced the launch of its inaugural Top 100 Awards, recognizing the most outstanding pages from over three million pages hosted on the platform. Trusted by 23 universities and blue-chip enterprises, iFOLIO empowers organizations of all sizes to elevate their digital engagement through design, personalization, and analytics.

    The iFOLIO Top 100 Awards honor exceptional design, measurable impact, and digital innovation, highlighting clients who are leading the way in digital transformation. This curated collection provides inspiration for marketers, creatives, and organizations looking to elevate their digital strategy.

    Impact Highlights From iFOLIO Clients:

    • $4B+ in Fundraising: Supporting over eight years of campaigns across 23 universities.

    • $100M+ in Ticket Sales: Enabling major sports and entertainment organizations, including the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, Madison Square Garden, New York Knicks, and New York Rangers.

    The Top 100 Awards demonstrate how iFOLIO’s platform increases sales, boosts effectiveness, and enhances customer insights for clients across education, sports, entertainment, and beyond.

    “iFOLIO clients are setting the standard for modern digital communications,” said Jean Marie Richardson, founder and CEO of iFOLIO. “These Top 100 pages showcase creativity, innovation, and effectiveness, serving as a source of inspiration for anyone looking to maximize their impact in a digital-first world.”

    Explore the full list of winners and get inspired for your next project: https://ifoliocloud.com/top100.

    About iFOLIO

    iFOLIO, the leader in personalized digital marketing cloud software, empowers organizations to digitally transform their customer engagement with a flexible cloud platform and data intelligence. Combining digital marketing, email, and text message communications, targeted account-based marketing, reports, events, web marketing, and analytics in an All-in-One Platform, iFOLIO powers digital transformation to drive measurable impact and engagement. iFOLIO powers engagement in all 50 states and 120 countries.

    Source: iFOLIO

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  • Northeastern University Expands Partnership With iFOLIO to Power Global Donor Stewardship

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    From paper to digital: 1 Million immersive donor reports powered by iFOLIO.

    Northeastern University, home to one of the fastest-growing alumni networks in higher education, expanded its partnership with iFOLIO to digitally transform donor stewardship at scale across all 13 global campuses. This initiative delivers immersive digital content to deepen donor relationships and elevate engagement worldwide.

    “As donor expectations evolve, stewardship is no longer about static PDFs or paper mailings that may never be opened,” said Jean Marie Richardson, CEO of iFOLIO. “Today’s donors expect curated, personalized experiences with engaging digital content they can access instantly. iFOLIO not only delivers that elevated experience, but also provides real-time insight into when communications are delivered, opened, and acted on. Northeastern is pioneering this new model across its global network, setting a higher standard for philanthropy and donor engagement in higher education.”

    iFOLIO’s Impact in Higher Education includes supporting more than $4 billion in philanthropic contributions across 23 universities.

    Through iFOLIO, Northeastern has already transformed donor communications from static documents into dynamic, personalized reports featuring videos, animations, flipping panes about impact, links to more stories, and real-time analytics. This approach has not only streamlined operations but also provided measurable insights to guide future donor strategy.

    This Northeastern initiative powers:

    • 1 million+ digital communications annually, including endowment reports, impact reports, annual reports, dean’s reports, and more

    • Custom CRM integration to automate data flows and unlock actionable insights.

    • Scaling personalized stewardship across 13 global campuses with interactive digital storytelling.

    With this expansion, Northeastern reinforces its role as a leader in higher education innovation – demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to scale stewardship, personalize donor touch points, and strengthen relationships worldwide.

    About iFOLIO
    iFOLIO Marketing Cloud is the most robust enterprise platform for digital marketing, productivity, and innovation. Trusted by over 5,000 clients, powering over 3 million pages and sites, and viewed in all 50 U.S. states and 120 countries, iFOLIO enables organizations to deliver immersive content and real-time engagement insights for growth. SOC 2 certified and based in Atlanta, Georgia, iFOLIO provides an all-in-one digital marketing solution with collaborative design tools, automation, and patented data intelligence.
    For more information, visit: www.ifoliocloud.com

    Source: iFOLIO

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  • Highlights from 2024 Orlando HamCation

    Highlights from 2024 Orlando HamCation

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    02/16/2024

    Warm weather greeted the crowds of radio amateurs who attended the 2024 Orlando HamCation® from February 9 – 11. The convention hosted the ARRL Florida State Convention, but drew attendees from across the country, and some from even farther, renewing HamCation’s place as the second largest US ham radio convention.

    HamCation is sponsored by the Orlando Amateur Radio Club (OARC). The convention was sprawled out across the Central Florida Fairgrounds, including a huge outdoor tailgate and buildings filled with exhibitors and swap tables. The convention enjoys significant participation from amateur radio manufacturers, dealers, clubs, and organizations. In the months leading up to this year’s convention, HamCation International Relations Co-Chairs, Lidy Meijers, KJ4LMM, and Peter Meijers, AI4KM, traveled to ham radio conventions across Europe to cast a spotlight on the convention. Their work paid off, garnering an attendance of amateurs from many other countries, and even attracting other international societies to exhibit, including the Radio Society of Great Britain, and the Deutscher Amateur Radio Club (Germany).  

    “It was very successful and very busy,” said OARC President John Knott, N4JTK. “The vendors reported traffic at their booths was high and both the trunk fest and the flea market were busy.” Knott also said that reservations filled 200 RV spaces.  

    The East-West Hall included a row of booths organized by ARRL.  

    In addition to supporting renewing members and those who joined ARRL for the first time, attendees also had the opportunity to meet ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR; CEO David Minster, NA2AA, and Southeastern Division Director Mickey Baker, N4MB. Baker also moderated the ARRL membership forum on Saturday afternoon. Together, Baker, Roderick, and Minster covered several key areas of membership interest. Roderick, who asked attendees to consider what they’ve done for amateur radio lately urged members to find opportunities to support new licensees and strengthen radio clubs.  

    Minster spoke about a new, free ARRL membership offering for students 21 and younger that will be introduced soon. He also described ways that ARRL is increasing amateur radio’s role in education through teachers, students, and schools. “ARRL knows that amateur radio is an effective tool in developing student experiences in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines,” said Minster. “Our efforts to increase our outreach in education and other areas is playing a prominent role with the development of the new ARRL strategic plan.”  

    Also participating at HamCation was ARRL Education and Learning Manager Steve Goodgame, K5ATA. Goodgame presented a forum covering recent efforts and success stories to develop pathways for more teachers and students to use amateur radio in their classrooms. His wife and member-volunteer Cyndi Goodgame, K5CYN, who is also an educator, engaged dozens of young and prospective hams by collecting their experiences and interests for ARRL’s ongoing work to increase outreach to students.  

    A familiar face to many was ARRL National Instructor Gordon West, WB6NOA. In January, ARRL announced that it had become Gordon West’s new publisher of his popular license preparation books. “There was a steady stream of visitors that included recent licensees and instructors who enjoyed an eyeball with Gordo,” said Goodgame. HamCation attendees were also drawn to the ARRL booths to meet West. He was introduced as ARRL National Instructor at the membership forum. On Saturday night, HamCation recognized Director Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, and his wife Anita, AB1QB, awarding them with the 2024 Gordon West Ambassador of the Year Award.

    The ARRL team also included Great Lakes Division Vice Director Roy Hook, W8REH; Northern Florida Section Manager Scott Roberts, KK4ECR and Section Emergency Coordinator Arc J. Thames, W4CPD; West Central Florida Section Manager Mike Douglas, W4MDD; Collegiate Amateur Radio Program Advisor Andy Milluzzi, KK4LWR; Maxim Society Member Holly Roderick; Honorary Vice President Frank Butler, W4RH; Assistant Member Services Manager Kim McNeill, KM1IPA; Director of Marketing and Innovation Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, and many DXCC card checkers, including: N2MFT, K3GO, K4SV, AG4W, KS4WA, KX4TT, K6ND, WA6POZ, W8BLA. ARRL also recognized member-volunteers Sloan Davis, N3UPS, and Tom Gaines, KB5FHK, for their help organizing satellite operating demonstrations.  

    Visit the ARRL Facebook page to see a photo album from the convention.

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  • How to Grow Your Brand’s Digital Presence in Just 6 Months | Entrepreneur

    How to Grow Your Brand’s Digital Presence in Just 6 Months | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In a digital-first era, where 64.6% of the global population is online, having a robust digital presence has become the cornerstone for brands to thrive in 2023. Whether it’s a startup laying its first digital brick or an established entity aspiring to capture more online real estate, there’s no overstating the impact of a potent digital identity.

    Yet, how does a brand transition from being a mere whisper in the vast online space to a roaring name recognized by thousands, if not millions?

    The promise is enticing – taking your business from obscurity to the limelight in a mere six months. Let’s dive in as we chart the trajectory.

    Related: 8 Ways to Improve Your Online Presence in 2023

    1. Understanding your starting point

    Before you can amplify your brand’s digital footprint, knowing where you stand is crucial. Imagine setting off on a journey without a starting point on your map. Wouldn’t make much sense, right? The same principle applies here.

    Begin with a comprehensive audit of your digital assets. Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor your website’s daily visitors. Is it 50, 500 or 5,000? Next, hop onto platforms like Instagram or Twitter. Note down your current follower count.

    Services like SocialBlade offer real-time insights into your growth rate and engagement. By understanding these initial figures, you anchor your strategy, giving it direction and purpose. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about setting a clear foundation for the massive growth journey ahead.

    2. Mapping out your digital goals

    Jumping online without clear goals is like heading out to sea with no map. That “100,000” isn’t just a shiny number; it’s what this figure represents for your brand.

    Is it 100,000 monthly website visitors, social media followers or perhaps brand mentions in various online forums? Specifying this is paramount.

    Once you’re clear on what your 100,000 looks like, it’s time to break it down using the SMART goals methodology:

    • Specific: Is it Twitter fans or blog hits? Nail that down.
    • Measurable: Get the right tools. For website peeks, Google Analytics is your pal. For social, think Hootsuite.
    • Achievable: Dream big but stay grounded. Aiming for 100,000 on Instagram? Check today’s growth. Can you get there?
    • Relevant: Align goals with your brand. If you’re a tech firm, maybe Pinterest isn’t your arena. Choose wisely.
    • Time-bound: You’ve got half a year. Break it down. Maybe aim for a steady 20% bump monthly.

    Each step you take with this roadmap is laser-focused on that big win.

    Related: Building A Social Media Strategy That Can Bolster Your Brand’s Online Presence: The How-To

    3. Empower your brand with content

    Content is more than king; it’s your brand’s heartbeat. It connects you with your audience, starting chats and keeping them going.

    Want to hit the mark? Understand your audience’s content love. Look at the data. Which blogs hold their attention? Which social posts do they rave about? This info shapes content they’ll love.

    Now, for the secret sauce. Certain content types tend to generate waves online:

    • Infographics: Turn big data into eye-catching, share-worthy visuals.
    • Listicles: Lists like “Top 10 tips…” or “5 must-have tools…” give quick, handy information.
    • How-to guides: Teach them something. They’ll thank you for your time.
    • Personal tales: Share real stories of ups, downs and in-betweens. They’ll remember your brand.

    Creating killer content isn’t just smart; it’s honoring and serving your audience.

    Related: Why All Entrepreneurs Need a Content Strategist For Their Business

    4. Leverage social media for rapid growth

    Social media is your brand’s fast track to the spotlight. Picking the right platform is crucial. Is your audience professional? Dive into LinkedIn. More youthful? TikTok or Instagram might be more fruitful.

    Collaborate with influencers, but choose wisely. It’s not about follower count but engagement. An influencer with 10,000 active fans might outdo one with 100,000 casual viewers.

    Finally, let’s optimize for organic growth:

    • Post Timing: Be regular. Know when your audience tunes in
    • Engage: Use polls or Q&As for interaction. They’re engaging and fun.
    • Community: Respond to comments, use brand hashtags and nurture a community vibe. Turn followers into fans.

    With a smart social strategy, you’re gearing up for impressive, lasting growth.

    5. Paid strategies: Making every penny count

    Imagine PPC like a digital billboard. You only pay when someone shows interest by clicking. Social ads? Think of them as tailored posters in a community center, shown only to those interested.

    Here’s how to get the most out of your ad spend:

    • Niche down: Be picky. Selling handmade candles? Aim your ads at ‘handmade craft lovers’ or ‘home decor enthusiasts,’ not everyone.
    • Test and learn: Try two ads — one with a family picture and another with just candles. See which gets more love, then use that style more.
    • Set a spending cap: Decide your daily spending. Maybe start with $10. See what happens, then decide if you want to spend more.
    • Keep an eye on numbers: Platforms give you numbers – like how many clicked and how long they stayed. Watch them. Change your strategy if numbers aren’t good.

    Simply put: spend wisely, watch results, tweak and repeat. Every penny should earn its keep.

    Related: 5 Steps to Creating a Content Marketing Strategy That Actually Works

    6. Monitoring, measuring and adapting

    Why Track? Imagine you’ve planted a seed. Without checking, how’d you know it’s growing? Same with your brand. Tracking tells you what’s working.

    Your Toolbox: There are free tools like Google Analytics. It’s like a magnifying glass for your website. See where visitors come from and what they do. For social media? Tools like Hootsuite help.

    When to Change? Maybe you notice fewer clicks at 3 p.m. Maybe a post got tons of likes on Tuesday. See these patterns? Act on them. Shift your strategy. It’s like watering your plant when the soil’s dry. Simple, right?

    Brands should remember to be always audience-centric, constantly evolving in response to feedback and analytics. Embrace the journey from obscurity to prominence, and watch your brand soar in just six months.

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    Mohamed Elhawary

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  • Why Communication Training Will Transform Your Team | Entrepreneur

    Why Communication Training Will Transform Your Team | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In today’s fast-paced professional world, effective communication skills are essential for success. Whether a manager, an employee, or an entrepreneur, our ability to convey ideas, collaborate with others, and build relationships can make or break our career. Our company recently surveyed over 1,200 full-time working Americans and found that 85% of them would be significantly better at their job if they had access to better communication training, yet 75% of those individuals had never even been offered communication training at their current job.

    That’s why attending at least one communication training should be a priority for everyone in a professional job. In this article, I will explore why honing our communication skills is crucial and how attending training sessions (free or paid) can benefit our careers.

    Related: Effective Communication Is Something You Learn, Not Something You’re Born With

    Enhancing interpersonal relationships

    Communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship, both personal and professional. Attending communication training gives us the tools and techniques to foster positive and productive relationships with colleagues, clients and superiors. We will learn how to listen actively, express ourselves clearly and assertively, and resolve conflicts constructively. These skills enhance teamwork and collaboration and establish a foundation of trust and respect.

    Effective leadership and management

    Effective leaders are excellent communicators. They can inspire, motivate, and guide their teams toward shared goals. Communication training equips professionals with the skills to communicate their vision, set clear expectations, provide feedback and delegate tasks effectively. By improving our communication skills, we will become more influential and respected leader, capable of driving our team’s success.

    Increased productivity and efficiency

    Miscommunication can lead to costly mistakes, wasted time, and missed opportunities. By attending communication training, professionals can learn strategies for clear and concise communication, improving overall productivity and efficiency in the workplace. We can discover effective email and written communication techniques, learn how to conduct impactful meetings and master the art of delivering presentations that engage and inspire. These skills enable us to convey our ideas more efficiently, resulting in enhanced collaboration and smoother workflows.

    Related: The Role of Effective Communication in Entrepreneurial Success

    Building a professional network

    Networking plays a crucial role in career advancement and opportunities. Attending communication training workshops allows professionals to sharpen their networking skills. We will learn how to initiate conversations, make memorable first impressions and develop meaningful connections. Effective communication opens doors to new career prospects, mentorship opportunities and partnerships that can propel our professional growth.

    Developing strong negotiation Skills

    Negotiation is an integral part of the professional world. Whether we are discussing project timelines, budgets, or contract terms, the ability to negotiate effectively is essential. Communication training equips professionals with valuable negotiation techniques, teaching them to understand others’ perspectives, communicate their interests persuasively and reach mutually beneficial agreements. By honing our negotiation skills, we can achieve better outcomes in both personal and professional interactions.

    Related: 8 Negotiating Tactics Every Successful Entrepreneur Has Mastered

    Personal and professional confidence

    Confidence in one’s communication abilities has a profound impact on professional success. Attending communication training provides professionals opportunities to practice and receive feedback in a supportive environment. Your confidence grows as you improve your communication skills, allowing us to present ideas convincingly, engage in challenging conversations and handle difficult situations with poise. Increased confidence in our communication skills translates into increased self-assurance, positively impacting our career trajectory.

    Related: 9 Best Practices to Improve Your Communication Skills and Become a More Effective Leader

    How to choose the right communication training for you and your team?

    To identify the best communication training, consider the following five criteria:

    • Reputation and Reviews: Look for training programs with a strong reputation and positive reviews from previous participants. Seek recommendations from colleagues or professionals in your field.
    • Expertise and Credentials: Ensure that the trainers leading the program have relevant expertise and credentials in communication training. They should have a solid background and experience in the field.
    • Comprehensive Curriculum: Review the training program’s curriculum to ensure it covers various communication skills and techniques. Look for programs that address verbal and nonverbal communication, listening skills, conflict resolution, presentation skills and emotional intelligence.
    • Interactive and Practical Approach: The best communication training emphasizes practical application and allows participants to practice their skills. Look for programs that include role-playing exercises, simulations, case studies and real-life scenarios.
    • Customization and Flexibility: Effective communication training should be tailored to your specific needs and goals. Look for programs that offer customization options or allow you to choose specific modules that align with your communication challenges.

    Consistent practice and real-world application are crucial to improving your communication skills. Seek opportunities to implement what you’ve learned from training programs in your everyday interactions.

    Which training should I take or offer to my team?

    There are many reputable and good communication training programs you can take and offer (from free to paid) that can help you enhance your public speaking and communication skills in the professional world:

    • Dale Carnegie Training: Dale Carnegie offers a range of courses focusing on public speaking, effective communication and leadership skills. Their flagship program, “The Dale Carnegie Course,” is designed to help individuals overcome the fear of public speaking and develop confidence in their communication abilities.
    • Toastmasters International: Toastmasters is a worldwide organization that provides a supportive and structured environment for improving public speaking and leadership skills. Members can give speeches, receive constructive feedback and practice impromptu speaking through regular club meetings.
    • TED Masterclass: TED offers an online course called TED Masterclass, which guides creating and delivering TED-style talks. The course covers storytelling techniques, content development and stage presence to help individuals deliver compelling and memorable presentations.
    • Executive Communication Coaching: Consider working with an executive communication coach who can provide personalized guidance and feedback tailored to your specific needs. Hired coaches can help you and your team refine your speaking style, overcome challenges and elevate your communication skills in professional settings.

    Effective communication has become a non-negotiable skill for professionals in the digital age. Attending communication training can transform your ability to connect, collaborate and lead. By enhancing interpersonal relationships, developing strong negotiation skills and increasing productivity, professionals can unlock new levels of success in their careers.

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    Ryan Avery

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  • The Importance of Face-to-Face Communication in a Digital World | Entrepreneur

    The Importance of Face-to-Face Communication in a Digital World | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    With the help of technology, business leaders today are accomplishing what once took ten months in 10 days. Innovation is happening faster than ever. The pandemic instigated a rapid shift to digital tools, which have sped up processes, enabled more people to make better decisions and helped companies stay agile amidst greater uncertainty. To keep up, businesses have been racing to adopt new technologies.

    In a rush to stay competitive, it can be easy to assume that new technology will improve everything. But communication is more complex. Modes of communication have expanded, and our communication needs have changed. Social media and digital platforms have largely challenged face-to-face interactions as a dominant source of social connectedness. Communicating effectively now depends on more variables, and how we manage it can have vastly different outcomes. Effective communication boosts productivity, but poor communication can be disastrous.

    As we move forward in a remote and hybrid world, there are ways that technology can facilitate healthy communication. Still, some situations will require the effectiveness of meeting face-to-face. The key is using all available tools and finding the right balance to meet each need.

    Related: Face-to-Face Meetings are Important for SO Many Reasons

    Face-to-face communication is more valuable than ever

    Before COVID-19, most of us took the act of meeting in person for granted. Since lockdowns and safety regulations forced offices and schools to close, in-person meetings became rare. People worked at home, learned they liked it, and proved they could be more productive. Now, most employees want to keep some degree of flexibility, and in-person interactions are unlikely to return to their pre-pandemic popularity.

    But humans, as social beings, thrive in the right group environments. Connectedness to loved ones and peers positively impacts our mental well-being, and face-to-face communication best fulfills those needs for social connectedness. In-person communication is usually the most effective method of strengthening or repairing connections and developing relationships. Positive company culture has become critical to attracting and retaining talent, but building that is more complicated over digital means.

    Leaders and employees can easily fall into the trap of only ever replying to emails and chats, neglecting face time with specific team members. In a recent survey, one of the top reasons employees left remote or hybrid jobs was how disconnected they felt from the company. Most executive respondents agreed that their remote team members were at a disadvantage in culture and connections.

    While each individual is responsible for employing the most effective communication method in a given situation, leaders can be more intentional about enabling team communication that keeps more people engaged.

    Related: 5 Things You Need to Bridge The Gap Between In-Person and Remote Meetings

    The best method enhances communication

    Effectiveness determines what type of digital tools to use for communication and what situations warrant face-to-face or in-person discussions. Even face-to-face, we need to consider the best way to communicate to achieve our desired ends and choose the method that would be most productive. For some, long periods of silence during a difficult meeting might make them uncomfortable and cause them to fill the space with lighthearted humor. Someone else might appreciate the silence for a moment to gather their thoughts.

    Team members will have different communication preferences, so to best connect with our desired audience, leaders can be proactive in getting to know them. Be direct: Express how you want to receive communications and model the same behavior in communicating with others. Invite them to be direct in return about the kind of communication that works best with them. Then, be intentional. Pause and reflect on the most effective form of communication for the given person to improve the likelihood of controlling their reaction. Consider the message you want to send first and let the method follow.

    To deliver messages that count, we must be prepared to deliver them. The extra lifting of having a meaningful in-person conversation can be a struggle. We might need to do extra work or seek additional input before meeting face-to-face. When I have a difficult message, I write it out in bullet points and, instead of rushing to send it through in a chat, save it and go back to review it the next day. If I still feel the same way about the message, I plan my approach to deliver it in the way most likely to resonate.

    Often, we miss out on face time because we have little time to spare, and a chat is a much quicker way of communicating, even on the go, but some situations need to be more personal. An instant message is not usually the best solution for serious conversations, constructive coaching or an apology. Some situations warrant looking another person in the eyes and seeing how our message is received. The best way to communicate a message may not always be the one we’re most comfortable with, but it should be the one that best facilitates reaching the ends we want to achieve.

    Related: How Effective Employee Communication Boosts Productivity

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    Cheri Beranek

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  • Unveiling the Business Game-Changer: Communication Ecosystems | Entrepreneur

    Unveiling the Business Game-Changer: Communication Ecosystems | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Businesses invest millions to ensure they have a well-established team management plan. Behind each cutting-edge and successful communication software is a well-structured cooperation model between the team members. That is why we are now facing the daily birth of millions of communication software solutions.

    Although having a wide variety of options on the market is amazing, it can also be overwhelming, mainly if you use multiple tools for each type of communication.

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    Srbuhi Avetisyan

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