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Birth Tourism and the Best Countries for it

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Birth tourism is not a new practice among expecting parents. It is the activity of going to another country where neither parent is a citizen, for the sole purpose of childbirth. There are many reasons why expecting parents may leave their country to give birth in another country: For better medical care: There are countries with better and safer maternity healthcare systems. Parents-to-be could choose to give birth in other countries to get the best birthing experience. To give their children a better quality of life: Some countries provide a better quality of life than others. Giving birth in such countries where the child becomes a citizen gives the child a better standard of living. To get dual citizenship: If children are born in countries where citizenship at birth is granted, they automatically have access to the citizenship of two countries. That is, from their birth parents’ country and from the country they are born in. To get residence and citizenship: Having a child as a citizen of a country makes the application for permanent residency and citizenship of his/her parents easier. Note that not all countries give citizenship to children born within their borders. Countries grant either jus soli (right of the soil) or jus sanguinis (right of blood). Jus soli grants citizenship for being born ‘on the soil’. Jus sanguinis citizenship is based on the nationality of the parents.To avoid going to a country that practices jus sanguinis expecting citizenship, here are 5 countries best for birth tourism. Canada In Canada, a child can automatically get their second passport days after birth. With the Canadian passport, citizens can travel to 190 countries without having a visa. The child becomes eligible to apply for jobs when they are older and they can run for political positions, as every other citizen would. The healthcare system in Canada is good and you don’t have to worry about your child losing their citizenship status. It is there for life. Unlike in the United States where children who acquired citizenship by birth has to pay taxes, in Canada your child wouldn’t have to pay taxes if he/she doesn’t reside in the country.   Brazil The Brazilian passport was ranked 12th best in the world in 2021. As a parent with a Brazilian citizen for a child, you can obtain permanent residency by submitting your child’s birth certificate and passport and applying for citizenship after a year. Not to mention that Brazil has world-class facilities and good healthcare. The Brazilian passport also allows travel to over 150 countries, visa-free.   Mexico Mexico is a popular vacationing spot but it is also at the top of most expecting parents’ list of countries to give birth in. This country is part of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) and as such, their passport gives access to other member states like Australia, Malaysia, Russia, among others, visa-free. What’s more? After obtaining permanent residency for having a child who is Mexican, the parents and grandparents of that child are eligible to request for citizenship after two years instead of five years that every other person has to wait for.   Chile Chile is not as popular as Brazil as a hot spot for birth tourism but Chile’s passport is one of the strongest passports in the world. It ranks among the top twenty passports of the world. What makes having this passport better is the fact that if your child decides to move to Spain, they can get a Spanish citizenship after two years of residency and after passing the Spanish language test. Normally, people wait for about ten years before qualifying for Spanish citizenship. Chile and Spain have an agreement to make the process of citizenship for Chileans as fast and easy as possible. A Chilean passport gives access to 173 countries, visa-free.   Barbados As the United Kingdom has conditional citizenship for children born on their soil, going to Barbados to give birth to your child provides a gateway to the UK passport – especially if you have any British ancestors. Barbados was a colony of the United Kingdom. Barbadian citizens also have travel access to 140 countries without a visa and special access to the United Kingdom.   Even though birth tourism has been cast in a bad light, it is not bad to want a better future for your children. Do not be ashamed to reach out for better healthcare, quality education and better opportunities for your children by obtaining birthright citizenship for them in other countries. Opeyemi Kareem  

How to Create a Good Service Experience for Client and Customer Satisfaction

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Efficient customer/client service forms the basis of the customer experience. Most customers’ main interaction with a business is through interacting with a business’s employee, either by visiting an office as a client or a store as a customer. Interaction could also be through virtual means like email, phone call, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Telegram and so on. The company representative has the opportunity to deliver excellent customer/client service, thus creating a great experience so as to remain in business. Customer service is the reason a client comes to us while customer satisfaction is the impactful experience we give them which makes them to return and become loyal.   Key Points to Note about Providing Customer/Client Service Satisfaction Some customers/clients often make requests in inappropriate and impolite ways. If you can resolve their needs without blaming yourself or them, you will reduce stress and everyone will feel better. You will be on your way to customer satisfaction. Customers are often difficult for their own reasons and not necessarily because of you. Key points to note in delivering an excellent customer/client service satisfaction are: It sustains you in business It sets you apart from competition It takes little or no extra time It costs little or nothing It is usually pleasing because it is not usually expected Your attitude toward customers’ behavior influences your gross sales output. Though it is usually hard to suppress curt actions because you cannot always feint how you feel, your attitude determines the level of job satisfaction, because: It affects everyone who comes in contact with you. Hence, there is a need for you to always be calm, empathic and positive. Your tone and body language reflect your attitude. Remember attitude is caught and not taught. Your attitude is not fixed. The attitude you choose to display is up to you, hence the need to always be deliberate and intentional about acknowledging, apologizing, listening, explaining action, thanking and following-up. Your emotion is a reflection of your life mutation. Approach customers/clients professionally and not personally. Listen for the signals that you are taking things personally. Focus on the problem and not the person.   Strategy for Delivering a Great Customer/Client Experience Aim for customer satisfaction, not just service delivery. Create a clear customer experience vision. Quickly study and understand the emotional state of your customer/client. Create an emotional connection with your customers/clients. Capture customer feedback in real-time. Use a quality framework for development of your team. Act upon regular employee feedback.   Temidayo Babatunde is a public relations professional and can be reached through [email protected]

Top Five Countries with the Easiest Student Visa Procedures

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The procedures for getting a student visa for some countries are gruesome and frustrating. Some are so bad that you begin to rethink your decision to go abroad for your studies. We understand. If you want to avoid the unnecessary hassle that comes with getting a visa, this is for you. Here are five countries with the easiest student visa procedures.   1. Australia The Australian educational system is one of the most advanced in the world. If you are looking for a country to study in, this should be among the top countries on your list. They offer a range of scholarships for foreign students. A certificate from an Australian University is recognized all over the world. An Australian student visa gives you the opportunity to work even after your studies. The process to get the visa is not hard. First, you need to apply into the university of your choice. It is advisable to apply into more than one university so that you will have a range of choices. Once you get admission and it is confirmed, you will then proceed to pay the course fees. Then, you will gather all the necessary documents required of you. After your visa has been confirmed, the rest is a smooth-sailing ride.   2. Ireland Imagine having the opportunity to stay back for up to three months after your studies have ended. Having an Irish student visa gives you that opportunity. Aside from the fact that Ireland is a peaceful country, its educational system is great. What is even greater is that you can start your application online. You can also begin the process of visa renewal online. Ireland is one of the best places for international students. As far as you have your letter of admission from the institution you wish to go to, it will be seamless. All you need to do is gather required documents like proof of funds, admission letter, document confirming payment of course fees, among others. This student visa allows you to work part-time or full-time. However, you must begin your application online.   3. Germany Tuition is free in Germany. This is why international students flock to the country for their studies. What’s more? Germany has a low cost of living. The quality of life there, however, is high. Your studentship will be a joyride. You can also work as a student in Germany. If you really want to go to Germany for studies though, learning the German language is a must. If you cannot learn it from where you are, that is okay! You can apply for a language-study visa. This will enable you to learn the language for up to two years. After this, you can apply to any German university and re-apply for a German student visa.   4. Canada Canada has about a hundred universities and over 160 colleges. It is among the top countries that are receptive to international students. This country should be on your list of countries to study in. Not only is the climate favourable, the education system is also top quality. Canadian universities offer a wide range of courses for students to choose from. You can also work as you study, earning money on the side, provided you have a permit. Application for a study visa in Canada is one of the easiest. It does not require too much work. Getting accepted into a Canadian university is one of the few requirements. Next, check if you are eligible to apply for the visa. Prepare the necessary document needed, apply for the visa and then wait for a decision to be made.   4. Finland Finland is great for international students too. Although it is not the most popular, it is a lovely place to further your education. Tuition is affordable and like in Canada, you can work and study at the same time. However, you can only work if you have a residence permit. Once you get a full-time job, you can apply for permanent residency. Applying for a visa to Finland is not difficult either. You need to be accepted into a Finnish University first. Then, you will have to gather documents that prove you are financially capable of supporting yourself. Another document needed is proof of health insurance and some other important documents. Once you submit all you need to, you will be given the visa. So, what do you think? Now that you know that applying for a study visa to these countries is not as hard as you thought, which will you be opting for? Opeyemi Kareem

Positioning Your Brand to Attract the Right Audience

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Ever noticed how you ask for a biro when you need a pen, ask for coke when you want soda, speak of a jacuzzi when you want to refer to hot tubs, and Jeep when you talk about compact cars? These are names branded and popularised by these companies and they have become generic over time due to proper brand positioning. By positioning themselves well through advertisements, these brands shape the perception of users, which helps create a successful business.   Branding Overview When introducing your business to the public, it is important to do it in a strategic manner, hence the need for branding. Branding is the process of expressing a unique selling proposition, and promoting a good perception of products and services of a company in the consumer’s mind. It incorporates components like design, logo, theme, and feel that agree throughout the brand’s promotion in order to boost sales, and promote brand trust and loyalty. Branding includes the process of product production, packaging, acceptance, and product consumption. It also involves creating a brand promise, building a perception based on this promise, constantly letting the promise known through your brand message and doing it repeatedly towards your target audience.   What is Brand Positioning? According to Kotler, “Brand positioning is the act of designing the company’s offering and image to occupy a distinctive place in the mind of the target market’’.  Positioning sets your brand aside from competitors and its place in consumers’ minds.   A positioning strategy involves highlighting the brand with its tone, colour, and message in a way that the brand wants it to be perceived by the customers. This helps the customer think about the brand when they need that service and improves their trust, loyalty and need for your brand.  The most important thing about brand positioning is the target audience. The target audience is the end user of the product/service. A brand’s positioning has to involve the needs of the user and the understanding of the market/industry the business is in.  Importance of Brand Positioning To position your brand is to set your brand up for success. While this list is inexhaustive, the functions of brand positioning include:  Control of brand reputation and perception: Your brand sends a message through its feel and look. Taking charge or control of that perception by placing the right strategies in place is a must for brand success.   Positioning helps brands see you as the blueprint for other brands to follow. This difference leads to consumer attraction. Apple, for instance, created the first sleek laptop designs in 1991 and everyone followed. It improves brand visibility, customer loyalty and a need for consumers to stick with the brand. It also makes the brand to be perceived as credible, distinct and reliable. It creates clarity for users, expresses the unique selling point and shows the brand’s vision. It helps you know your stance in the industry and also the public perception of the brand.    How to Position Your Brand to Attract Your Target Audience Effective brand positioning is the perception of the brand as better, special, and reliable to its target audience. To properly position your brand for better perception and the target market, you need to put the following options in place:  1. Know your current status Analyzing the brand stance is important so as to be able to figure out what to do better.  Even if nothing has been done with the brand positioning yet, a positioning already exists, and in order to create a better one, there is a need to figure out where the brand is through its users’ perception, audience, market strength, consumer needs, brand value, promise and identity. 2. Identify your Unique Selling Proposition The unique selling proposition of a brand is what sets it apart from competitors. It also highlights the problem your brand is solving for its users.  What makes your brand better? Why choose you instead of your competitors? This selling point answers these questions that reflect in customers’ treatment, product packaging, brand tone or feel. The USP will communicate your brand, and help attract those who are in need of your service.  3. Identify your audience’s needs A brand needs to listen to consumers’ needs to thrive. This helps the brand tailor products specifically to consumer needs thereby increasing visibility and attracting the proper audience. While positioning your brand, the needs of your audience should be included in your plan and in everything your brand expresses in the market.  4. Create your positioning statement Your statement gives an overview of your brand stance, services, target and market. This statement also expresses the vision behind the brand. However, it is different from a mission/vision statement.  A vivid positioning statement helps you focus and streamline all your marketing to align with your brand needs. Writing a proper statement involves:  Knowing the history of your industry and what you are there to fix, add or change.  Knowing your target audience: This includes the demography, age, sex, location, habits, and preferences. This helps you know your users’ expectations. This is done using buyer personas.  Using words that send a clear message: This helps people relate to the brand more and easily grasp the message.  Analyze your brand’s perception: This is how others see the brand and the beliefs held about the brand so you know if you want to strengthen or change the beliefs.  Proofreading: It is important to be careful about putting the message blandly. Constantly proofread your statement to check for conciseness and clarity. Brand positioning statements have a popular format:  “For (target audience) who want to (needs been met), (business name), provide (brands unique selling point) because (specific thing business does to provide the needs)” A great brand positioning statement is that of Apple which says:  “For individuals who want the best personal computer or mobile device, Apple leads the technology industry with the most innovative products. Apple emphasizes technological research and advancement and takes an innovative approach to business … Read more

Why You Should Maintain Online Digital Etiquette

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Maintaining online digital etiquette is crucial in this day and age. TRW Consult writer tells us exactly why we should – and how we can do so. Understanding Digital Interaction The connective power of digital technology provides a guide for people to effectively navigate globally interconnected digital spaces in ethical and respectful ways. Digital technologies offer wonderful possibilities for people who can navigate online efficiently, communicate with people respectfully and access information responsibly. In a global digital age, members are expected to act according to norms and rules of interaction online in order to have a civil interaction. Ethics of Messaging and Commenting When you are interacting with others online, there are some commonly accepted rules for respectful communication known as digital etiquette. Digital etiquette is about remembering to humanize the person behind the keyboard and across the screen. It’s about being socially responsible and showing empathy and kindness. While this may sound obvious, it is not uncommon for people to forget that there is a human behind every comment or post on the web when they communicate. In order to maintain civil etiquette, ensure to reply as quickly as you can to sincere messages that are meant for your attention and which require your response. Give every message the required attention regardless of who sends them and irrespective of how it is coined. You need to respond with civility. You can use necessary and respectful ‘emojis’ if you cannot type a response immediately. Cultivating a wholesome habit of responding to messages as and when due says a lot about your person. If you didn’t need reactions in the first place, you probably wouldn’t have sent out the message. Also, the comments section on a video, post or blog is a space for people to exchange information, resources, ideas and feelings. It is a place for them to ask and respond to questions. If not for the comment section, the web would not have been a vibrant space.   Guides to Writing a Quality Comment      Add new factual information with little fun Make a connection with the writer Proofread your comment by dotting the I’s and crossing your T’s Compliment the writer in a specific way End with a relevant question; this will give your comment a better chance of getting attention and reactions.   Digital Footprints and Digital Identity You should be professional and respectful online because every time you connect to the Internet, you leave a trail of data referred to as ‘Digital Footprint’. A passive digital footprint is a data trail you unintentionally left online, for example your browsing history. An ‘active digital footprint’ includes data that is intentionally submitted online for posts and uploads. The collection of our active footprints, including writings, audio, video content, messages, comments and sign-in details, are searchable. The reflection of this data as it appears to others is called ‘Digital Identity’. Therefore, digital identity is also your digital reputation as it influences how you are perceived based on your online activities. It is important to create a positive digital identity because it: assists in the exchange of ideas and resources positively influences recruitment and admission creates fruitful personal and professional relationships makes an impact on a cause provides powerful learning opportunities While we aim to be 21st-century global citizens, we should always have it at the back of our mind that interaction in the digital space at any point in time is searchable. A digital footprint is searchable in the sense that anyone can search and still gets the information we posted even if it has been deleted at the backend of a website. Therefore, always think before you contribute or share sensitive and personal information online. Need help with maintaining a positive online reputation? Let us help you.   Temidayo Babatunde is a Fellow of Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CIISM) and can be reached via [email protected].

5 Coping Strategies for Single Fathers

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You’re a single dad, right? You’re not by yourself. Single parents frequently face logistical difficulties. They can’t be in two places simultaneously, and they don’t have a partner to fall back on. They may encounter unexpected issues, such as suspicion from strangers while out with their children. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 2 million single fathers in 2016. About 40 per cent were divorced, 38 per cent were never married, 16 per cent were separated, and 6 per cent were widowed. Life can be challenging for single fathers out there. You must adopt coping mechanisms if you’re a single father. You still have kids to take care of; therefore, you must do everything you can to retain your sanity. Here are 5 strategies for quieting the mind. 1. Look for Optimistic Aspects of life to Think About The first thing you should do as a single father is to focus on what you have rather than what you have lost. Whether you’ve divorced or lost your wife to death, optimism must be an anchor to keep your mind calm. Your children look up to you for all the help they can get, so it’s essential to be a strong motivator for them. 2. Remove all toxicity from your life The next thing to do is to delete all toxicity from your mind or circle. Anything that would drag you back and make you lose focus must be removed. They can be as inconsequential as a wristwatch or a piece of clothing given to you by your ex-partner before you parted ways. Whether it is people who constantly remind you of all the negativity in your life or objects that continuously remind you of your past mistakes, you must let go of them. 3. Turn off all distractions during mealtime Ensure you disconnect from the outside world during meals and bedtime. Concentrate on your children. This will aid in communication and make them feel secure. A busy dad won’t be of help to any child. The time together should be where you as a single father communicate with your children. They will appreciate it more. 4. Exercise To cope with the stress of single parenting, some single fathers turn to drugs or alcohol. Exercise can be a good substitute for drugs and alcohol. Positive endorphins are released during exercise. You will feel better about yourself and that all of your problems are manageable. I believe that the perception that they are manageable rather than gone makes a significant difference in this situation. You don’t have the severe come down that you do when you try to pretend they’ve gone away with alcohol or drugs because they never vanished. 5. Network for Help Your children’s schools are a good location to obtain assistance. Networking with other parents and school personnel will make you feel less stressed about your kids’ welfare. It’s really common for single parents to feel lonely. Share the responsibility with another single-parent family or your close relatives. Accepting assistance will allow you to recharge. Overall, stay positive and do your best for your children. Also, a single father can find love again. It is certainly possible! Single parents meet new people, find love, and find true happiness. It’s even possible that your children will help you meet your next spouse. It could be a single person in the neighbourhood or at school who is close to your children.

How to Be An Effective Digital Citizen

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The digital space is a virtual community, but are you a good citizen of it? Citizenship confers special status on those that are qualified. It separates them from aliens, allowing them to fully associate with the aspirations and objectives of the community in question. A citizen enjoys the full privileges and benefits of their environment if they operate within the existing system as a bonafide member by abiding by the relationship standards. Some of the privileges you can enjoy as an effective citizen of a space include protection, security, rights and liberties that make it possible for you to fully express yourself. You will have the right to relate with other humans in the community and also fully utilise the opportunities of the space without putting yourself at risk. Old and young people today are growing up surrounded by technology but are often not very skilled at making good use of it. Although some people are comfortable using technology, they may use it inappropriately and may be unaware of how to harness the power and potential of technology to pursue their passions and contribute to their community. Based on this background, this write-up provides clues on how to build skills and the confidence to communicate with people respectively and responsibly in the digital space.   Elements of Digital Citizenship A scholar of emerging media, Mike Ribble, in 2015 named three elements of a good digital citizen. He also provided nine sub-elements as key indicators of an effective player in the digital space. The elements are as below: Respect yourself and others by: Observing digital etiquette in conducting yourself with orderliness and appropriateness online while avoiding tardiness Observing digital laws against damaging, stealing, phishing, poking others in the digital space Observing digital access of equal chance to available technology, since accessible technology involves finding alternative means by way of individual skill Educate yourself and connect with others by: Observing digital literacy of knowing the capability of using digital technology and knowing when/how to use it Observing digital technology of selecting appropriate options for communication Observing digital commerce for effective and informed consumers in a digital economy Protect yourself and others by: Observing digital health and wellness of understanding physical and psychological health, balance between the online and real world Observing digital rights and responsibilities of knowing about privacy, freedom of speech, ethics and             empathy in the digital space Observing digital security of protecting information and devices from malware, phishing, spam messages, keylogger, data or copyright theft Your digital footprint online is permanent and important. Permanent in the sense that it can be accessed. Your uploaded content might have been downloaded, screenshot, copied, or saved immediately you posted it by an end-user on a computer, phone, drive or cloud which could be recalled at any time. It also creates activities and forms your personality. So, while it is impulsive to want to break a news, it is also critical to restrain yourself by using the SIFT formular (Stop, Investigate, Find and Trace) method in order not to promote fear amongst your followers or other internet users by focusing only on the negative. Active and vibrant participation in the digital space opens up opportunities, connections and learning in the connected world. Being able to use digital technology has become an important function in our community and it is rapidly changing the way we interact. Digital technologies offer wonderful possibilities for people who can navigate online efficiently, communicate with people respectfully and access information responsibly. These online practices are part of what is known as Digital Citizenship.   TemiDayo Babatunde is a Fellow of Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CIISM). He can be reached via his LinkedIn ([email protected]).

From Hobbies to Personal Effectiveness

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Transforming Positive Habits and Hobbies into Learning Power Learning is the process we go through to acquire new knowledge, skills, attitudes or values. We tend to think of learning only in relation to formal study but we are learning all the time through our experiences. Understanding how we learn is a critical building block to personal effectiveness. Everyone is different and some of us appear more effective at learning than others. Curiosity contributes alot to learning by making sense of trial and error, determination and learning from experience. We sometimes forget about some apparently ‘unconscious’ aspects of learning process. Understanding our hidden skills will help us to be a more effective learner in all aspects of our life. Positive habits and hobbies that we formed have the ability to lead our actions into efficiency and can help our learning power domain to exploring beyond the simple styles of doing things which we have mastered overtime. Habits and hobbies here focus on a broad range of behaviours, beliefs and preferences of the ways we learn in different situations, like, how we respond to new tasks, information, ideas and people. By responding to actuality against planned activities, we present ourselves positively to others and we show sensitivity to their needs by unconsciously obtaining their commitment. The following are real life simulations which we carry out daily without knowing their full import on our personal effectiveness and impact on others. Real-Life Experiences If we love keeping and grooming pets – it portrays us: As someone who shows interest in others welfare, we care! As a time-keeper, As punctual in meeting up with schedules and shifts, As humane, empathic and tender in relationship. If we have ears for news, love watching documentaries, love memoirs or history – it shows we are: A curious person, Willing to learn new skills, Methodical in resolving issues, Analytical in approach, Logical from the beginning to an end of a task, Deploying different techniques in arriving at result. If we love to cook especially for multitudes – it may imply that we: Could organize and prioritize our preparation and can keep to plan, Are willing to do things for other people, Could stick to a plan or a set of instructions, Pay attention to minute and detailed manual, Could be time conscious. If we are always regular and punctual in keeping appointments – this shows that we: Could use a diary to remind and organize ourselves of important dates and times, Could stay motivated, even in the face of challenges, Could stick to a laid down plan and act on information or instruction in a timely manner. By participating in entertainments and games, particularly team sports – it shows that we: Could play a defined role within a team work, Could listen to instructions and advice from a team lead, Could understand the importance of practicing and preparing before commencement of tasks, Are alert and ready at a short notice, Would enjoy celebrating team’s success and accomplishment, Understand that a good team relies on all the members working together, Believe in strategic planning. If we tend to garden – this shows that we: Could work constructively on our own, Are creative and could use our imagination, Could look after tools and equipment that we work with, Could take time out and reflect positively on things that are happening around us, Are meek, tender and patience, Are Hands-On and a practical person. If we have been mobilizing our community – it shows: We have leadership ability in us, We could co-ordinate plans and people, People around us trust us with responsibility for tangible results, We are a rallying point, We are opinion moulders. If we are living with other people amicably – it is likely we: Could work within stipulated ground rules, Have skills such as negotiation in order to help relationship work well, Could cope with challenging behaviour and not lose our cool, Could show consideration and respect for other people, Could speak up on behalf of others less able to do so themselves. If we travel around quite a lot, perhaps with a small group of people – this could mean: Ability to coping with many changes and adapt to them especially in new environments, Ability to working within a system that was new to us, Ability to use a diary or other method of reminding ourself of important dates and times, Ability to sticking to a plan and act on others advice. Personal Effectiveness of Self on Others in a Work Place Personal effectiveness describes how our behaviour impact and influence people around us. We exert this influence in the way we communicate and interact. Underpinning this communication and interaction are the things that are going on in our bodies, hearts and minds. The need for personal effectiveness applies in our daily social interaction with people we relate with at all levels in the society especially in a work place, whereas staff can exercise discretion in their work. The need for personal effectiveness applies to many jobs in any particular organisational level. It is a life skill set transferable between job roles, which can be acquired through practice. Impediments to Personal Effectiveness In order to know what is right to do, we need clarity. It is clarity of purpose that allows us to figure out what is truly important. The biggest enemy to clarity of purpose is noise. Noises are impediments and distractions like procrastination, lack of self confidence, running away from responsibility, fear of failure, low self-esteem, failure in taking initiatives and taking no actual action. Way Forward Knowing what is right to do is just half the question. It is useless to know what we are supposed to do if we do not actually do them. To do what is right, we need to overcome distractions to do otherwise. All distractions can be summarized as short-term pleasures. So, the action we need to take is ignoring short-term pleasures. Since the things we are supposed … Read more

The Top Six Tourist Attraction Sites in the World

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The Top Six Tourist Attraction Sites in the World

There are tons of tourist attraction sites in the world. This makes finding the best ones to visit a little tiresome. If you have been planning a vacation and are at a loss for tourist sites to visit, look no further. Here are six most popular tourist attraction sites in the world. 1. Eiffel Tower, Paris The 1,083-foot-tall tower located in Paris is one of the most popular and most visited tourist sites in the world. It is an iron tower and the tallest structure in Paris. The view from the top of the structure is an amazing sight you would not want to miss. 2. Miracle Garden, Dubai If you love flowers and gardens and parks, this garden in Dubai is a must-see for you. It is a colourful garden open to both children and adults. However, the garden is not open to tourists throughout the year. If you are interested in seeing the Miracle Garden, you should plan your vacation to fall within the time it is open. From April to October, it is usually closed. However, the opening and closing times change. To be sure of when to go, keep an eye on their website. 3. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt The sand pyramid is a wonder to gaze upon. It is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Egypt. It is the largest pyramid in Egypt and was constructed in the 26th century BC. The pyramids house the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu. You should add a visit to this site to your bucket list of world wonders to visit. 4. Niagara Falls, Canada The natural attraction, located in Canada, is a waterfall. It is a wonder to look at and to many people’s disappointment, it is not for swimming. If you find yourself in Canada, make sure to visit the Niagara Falls and you will not regret it. 5. The Louvre, Paris The museum is the largest in the world. It houses some of the world’s greatest artefacts including the original painting of Monalisa by Leonardo da Vinci. This is the most visited museum in the world and it is a must-see for art lovers. ALSO READ: 5 Things To Note Before Touring A City 6. Burj Khalifa, Dubai This is the tallest building in the world. Getting tickets to this structure gives you access to the building except for the top-most floor. It has flats, event centres and even outdoor swimming pools that are worth exploring if you find yourself in Dubai.   To add some fun to your vacation, these attraction sites are highly recommended. Therefore, if you find yourself in the country, you should visit these sites and enjoy your holiday.    

The Best Way to Meet Customer Expectations

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customer expectation service 1253483

The more you know and understand the background and behaviour of your audience and their needs, the better you can prepare your approach to dealing with them. Human behaviour is a function of the environment in which the individual finds himself. In business, striving to have our customers’ background information can help us identify their needs, concerns and inquiries. Our competency in establishing this knowledge will be enhanced through effective communication skills, empathy/emotional stability and efficiency in handling difficult situations and customers. Customer service attitude is beyond initiating greeting and smiling to a customer. A satisfactory skill set must be attained to be an effective customer service representative that is meeting up with customer expectations. Gaining, retaining and maintaining customers in a friendly working relationship, while at the same time maintaining a business-like relationship which brings about loyalty on the side of the customer, is a necessary skill needed by salesmen, brands and service providers who aim to control and dominate a market.   Who is a Customer? Customers are the people that patronize us in our business and who go away with a positive impression of our firm. A customer may pay for our goods and services but must achieve satisfaction for their expenses. The success of the four essences of marketing, i.e. product, promotion, price and place, is based on the continuous patronage of the customer. A business is dependent on the customer. Therefore, an effective customer service campaign is brought on by delivering service excellence. It is the quality delivery of output. Customer expectations for patronage range from customer to customer, but on a general note, every customer requires the following:   Some Customer Expectations To be given awesome service because many are more likely to give a repeated business or referral after a good service experience. Likewise, many customers may stop doing business with a company due to poor customer service experience and failure to resolve their problems in a timely manner. Most customers make purchasing decisions as a result of the influence of visual factors in our workplace, website, staff appearance and approach. Many make judgments about a firm’s credibility based on these factors. Customers like it when you underpromise but deliver beyond expectation. However, reverse expectation is expected if it is otherwise. Sustaining valuable content and brands and presenting new ideas for customers enhance their experience. Consistency in driving and maintaining professional core values will be a measure of loyalty. Measuring satisfaction on customer journeys is more predictive of overall customer satisfaction than measuring happiness through each individual interaction. Pay a lot of attention to the few customers who may have complaints or observations because for every one complaint you get, there are more unhappy customers who have remained silent. Investing in a feedback mechanism is crucial. In this case, on-the-spot attention in resolving customer wants is advisable above the drop-box comment technique. Steady availability on speed dial paid or toll-free lines for making home delivery requests will draw your customers to you. Rewarding loyal customers through socially responsible perks will likely increase the volume of goods and services sold. Loyal customers are more likely to recommend a product, service or brand. Quality customer service forms the basis of the customer experience. Most customers’ main interaction with a business is through interacting with a business’ employee, either by visiting a store or by speaking on the phone. In essence, the company representative has the opportunity to deliver excellent customer service and thus create a great customer experience through proper motivation. If you take care of your employees, they will in turn take care of the customers.   TemiDayo Babatunde is an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and can be reached via his LinkedIn ([email protected]).