Category: Shopping

Categories
Shopping

Oh Crumbs!

Recently, you might have noticed, a few of our nations favourite retailers have had ‘tech’ problems and had to shut!

McDonalds, Tesco and Sainsburys all had card payment outages…and then this week gone, on Tuesday, Greggs had to shut!

We have moved to a cashless society… and to be honest, that’s ok. However, we need the systems that support this to ensure they’re reliable, secure and most importantly… available for us to purchase our steak bakes from Greggs!

In 2022, card payments made up 90% of retail spending and racked up £1.3 billion in vendor processing fees, according to the British Retail Consortium.

Adam Pilton, a cyber security consultant at CyberSmart, said the IT outages “should act as a reminder to us in our personal lives and within our business lives of the dependence we place upon technology”.

There is no evidence the technical problems in recent days were caused by cyber attacks – McDonald’s said its global outage was caused by a “third-party provider”.

“One of the key takeaways will be to review the robust back-up systems these retailers have got in place,” said Jenni Matthews, head of marketing and insights at MRI Software.

She added that many people no longer use cash and rely on contactless payments for day-to-day shopping.

“We’re in a day and age where we rely on technology so heavily,” she said.

Whilst all this was going on – I was on my way to the dentist the morning that Greggs was shut… and I thought this needs a tweet…

…and off course, the BBC picked up in my tweet –

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68614636

But it wasn’t long before Greggs tweeted…

It’s reminder, how much we use technology… that we should always ensure that a) we’re using it correctly and securely, b) checking that sites and payment methods are secure and finally c) that you do some due diligence on what you’re using and where – for example, do you have old credit cards stored with some retailers, or have you checked your passwords recently and updated them? (Google passwords offer a service where they advice you that a particular password of yours might have been involved in a leak, or used too many times across different platforms, etc…).

So whilst we can all get our sausage rolls again… yes, for the vegans out there, they too are again available…. stay secure.

Categories
Shopping

Cyber Monday

Following Black Friday… there used to be, Cyber Monday!

This was when, the internet was new(ish) and people would flock to open their internet browser or favourite app and go to order some bargains!

Well, times have changed.

The move from bricks and mortar only shopping to now, where majority is online… there isn’t really a need for ‘Cyber Monday’.

You can get all your ‘black friday’ deals on your favourite apps and websites. No need for those in store visits, queues, fighting over that heavily reduced tv that you’ve never heard of before (and probably don’t really need).

We don’t even say digital photo’s anymore. Nor ‘digital camera’.

We’re technically moving away from the word ‘digital’ as it’s now engrained amongst us. Everything (nearly) is digital.

This doesn’t mean that shops and stores do not get the visits they require. They sure do. People, some, still, like to go into a store, have a look around… touch, feel, smell, etc… some like to talk to someone to get some more detail… some folks like to walk around, it’s nice to do now and again… walk around, have a good look.

Whilst we are in this ‘hybrid’ mode of shopping, the interesting thing is that so many folks are sucked into the thought that online is cheaper or particular days of the year (Black Friday/Cyber Monday) are the best times to buy something.

Like I always say – do your research. And if you really need something and it’s on sale, then go and grab yourself a bargain. (I would like to note – that prices may seem reduced when in fact they’ve been priced up and then reduced for certain sale days – hence, always look at the history of a product).

So what exactly is Cyber Monday?

It’s a marketing term.

Isn’t everything marketing these days?

Holidays are coming. (Smiley face!)

There’s various apps available that help you know if it’s a bargain or not. There’s various forums and groups – that also help you. There’s a lot of information available for you to make an informed decision.

With that, have a great Monday… if it’s Cyber or not.

Categories
Shopping

Tech Gadgets to keep you Cool…

Ok, it’s no secret… It’s going to be Super Hot the next few days.

Now, it’s important you stay hydrated, cool and calm.

In order to do this, here’s some Sunday reading for you with some cooling tech gadgets that could help (many are available on your favourite/local online store for next day delivery so they’ll be here in time for the hot weather).

First up… The MistyMate 14000G Twist and Mist Flexible nozzle!

Basically says what it does on the tin – it’s a nozzle, which twists and provides you with a mist of water to keep you cool! It’s flexible, so you can bend it around anything you wish and most important, can be enjoyed by a few people.

Ok, next up… the Fan Hat

Now whilst I’m not endorsing these products, I’m only sharing what I’ve heard, seen and come across (and some of which are quite clever), I thought those who’d like to wear a hat, have some protection from the sun… why carry a fan?! Why not just build a fan into the hat! And voila.. for about £10 on Amazon, you could get a hat with a fan!

Next, the Radio Controlled Cooler

Let’s be honest. You’re sat there, and you need a cool drink because it’s hot. You’re struggling to get up. Don’t you just wish the cooler could come to you.

Well guess what. It can. The new RC Cooler… (RC = Remote Controlled). That’s right, you can control the cooler to come to you, then to your friends, then to whomever is struggling to get up and grab a drink. In fact, I think this could be a life-saving gadget.

Next up, (and I have one of these), a Phone Fan…

The quickest and most inexpensive way for you to stay cool is by using an attachable fan that affixes to your smartphone. Available for USB-C-equipped Android phones and Apple products featuring a Lightning port, these fans are convenient to set up and power using your smartphone. Pop one on if you need some relief from the heat. The best part? They’re typically available for under £10! win win.

And finally… the Neck Cooler

That’s right. A portable, easy to carry… with re-chargeable batteries to keep you cool during this heatwave.

Here’s some blurb from Amazon about it..

The soft silicone material of this portable fan, the adjustable bending structure provides comfortable neck protection, and the size can be adjusted according to the unused neck circumference. The wearable design allows you to truly free your hands and enjoy the coolness wind at anytime.Best friends for work, sports, travel, can also be used as holiday gifts.

So there you go… my Top Tech Gadgets to keep you Cool this summer, and most importantly, over the next few hot days.

But before I go… please do remember, keep hydrated. Drink plenty of water. It’s super important. Take care.

Categories
Shopping

Low Cost Tech Gifts for Christmas 2021!

Recently, I shared a list of some amazing tech gifts you could buy for loved ones, for Christmas.

But then – I received a message.

“Thanks Bal. Great list. But anything if I haven’t got that much money”. Yes Aaron. Yes I do. Here’s a list of a few things that are fairly low cost…

Up first… The Holy Stone HS450 Mini Drone (£32 on Amazon)

This insanely affordable mini drone by Holy Stone is a great gift option for beginners. It has a clever design with protection shells around its rotors, obstacle-avoiding tech, the ability to fly in any direction, and around 20 minutes of flight time per charge. It comes bundled with a controller and a trio of batteries.

Or… how’s about an iFixit Essentials Electronics Repair Kit?

Gadget tinkerers will instantly fall for this essential electronics toolkit by iFixit. Designed by industry experts with many years of experience in tearing down and fixing tech products, it includes precision screwdrivers and tweezers, as well as an opening tool, among many other bits.

All tools are neatly organized in a carrying case with a magnetic lid. The toolkit is backed by a lifetime warranty from iFixit.

Or, how’s about.. Soundcore Life P2 Mini True Wireless Earbuds (under £50 on Amazon)

Anker’s Soundcore Life P2 mini true wireless earbuds belie their price tag, making for an excellent tech gift for any occasion. They have a cool design with an exercise-friendly IPX5 rating for water resistance, good sound, and a comfy fit.

To make things even better, the earbuds have futureproof Bluetooth 5.2 and up to 8 hours of battery life (32 with the storage case). You can order the P2 mini in black, white, green, navy, and pink.

Or hows about… Nimble Champ Lite Portable Charger

The sleek and compact Nimble Champ Lite battery pack is incredibly giftworthy, since it can fully charge most smartphones with power to spare. It has a full USB port, and an even faster USB-C output.

Even more impressively, the gadget’s housing (available in black, blue, and stone) is made from recycled plastic. Nimble backs the product with a 2-year warranty.

Or hows about… PhoneSoap Basic UV Sanitizer

The reasonably priced (£50 on Amazon) PhoneSoap Basic UV sanitizer is a thoughtful tech gift, especially considering the times we live in. The product’s powerful UV-C bulbs can eliminate bacteria and germs from the recipient’s gadgets and other everyday items almost completely in about 10 minutes. 

You can order the PhoneSoap Basic in black or white. It comes bundled with a USB cord.

So there you go.. My Top Five Low Cost Christmas Tech Gifts!

Categories
Shopping

Tech Christmas Gift Ideas 2021

Christmas is around the corner… literally! A few weeks away!! And as the excitement builds, for those thinking… where is Bal and his Tech Christmas Gift Ideas for this year?!!… well, here it is… Merry Christmas!

Ok, it’s broken down into a few categories… oh, and prices are approx (subject to change depending where you shop!)

For the Music lovers out there…

IKEA Symfonisk WiFi speaker – £179

A wireless speaker they can hang on the wall. Oh, and it’s compatible with high-end Sonos speakers, thanks to the premium audio company’s partnership with IKEA.

Sony WF-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones – £280

These lightweight Bluetooth earbuds feature market-leading noise-canceling technology and an IPX4 waterproof rating that will keep the sweat out if the lucky recipient takes them for a run.

AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt USB – £299

Probably the most you’ll ever pay for a USB stick, but audio purists will love this compact digital audio converter that gives digital music libraries a new lease of life.

For the home office workers…

Flexispot standing desk – £199 / Griffin Elevator laptop stand – £38

Give the gift of good posture this holiday season. Full-time remote workers (and their backs) could benefit from the electrically-operated Flexispot EG1, starting at £199. There are other options – I bought an desk that you can electronically move up and down (with some memory functions)… from Amazon! (I had to build it myself – came in a few different pieces – and I have to admit – it’s great!)

For a cheaper solution, a laptop stand like the Griffin Elevator notebook stand (£38) can keep a laptop at eye level, saving your loved one from a sore neck.

Ember Cup 2 – £149.95

This rechargeable smart cup can keep drinks warm for up to an hour, and even allows users to set a specific temperature via the accompanying app.

Logitech C920S webcam – £99.99

A full HD webcam with a built-in microphone and privacy shutter, perfect for meeting colleagues remotely. It’s also ‘big company’ approved – various folk use it to dial into their daily meetings.

Hmmm… Fitness Fanatic are you?… here you go…


Wahoo Elemnt Bolt – £299.99

Wahoo updated its popular bike computer this year with a colour screen and improved directions. Simple integration with fitness apps like Strava, as well as power, cadence, and heart rate monitors make this a must-have for cyclists.

Theragun Mini – £199

Massage guns are an increasingly popular way to recover from a workout more quickly. The Theragun Mini is the smallest, cheapest, and most portable option on offer from Therabody, which has been in the industry since 2016.

Apple Watch Series 7 – from £429+

The newest edition of Apple’s smartwatch features a larger screen and faster recharging than the old model. It packs in all the standard activity-tracking features, plus the ability to check the level of oxygen in your blood. Also… don’t rule out the series 6 or even the 3! (both still at very competitive prices and very good tech!

For the Outdoor Explorer…

Phoozy Apollo thermal phone case – from £43

Like a spacesuit for your phone, Phoozy claims its thermal protection case can extend battery life in extreme cold, and protect devices from overheating in the sun.

Biolite Firepit+ – £299.95

It’s a campfire, but without the smoke. At least that’s what Biolite claims. The Firepit+ uses a rechargeable battery pack to blow jets of air that ensure a cleaner and more efficient burn. It can even recharge your devices via USB.

Garmin Inreach Mini – £349

No signal? No problem. Stay safe in the great outdoors with this mini satellite communicator.

Summary…. So there you go. A few ideas… in a few different categories… to ensure you get a few presents for Christmas!

Categories
Shopping Social Media

Data is not the new oil…

Yesterday, I tweeted this…

Huge game last night. England V Germany. You’d think, cooking dinner would be the last thing on many peoples mind.

Yet – not one single takeaway or food place near me (including those I order from on a regular basis) reached out to me – with offers, suggestions etc… anything! to tempt me to order some food and not cook at home.

Yes – I could’ve been out – nevertheless, they don’t know that and maybe I would’ve wanted some food when I got home!

Anyway – the point I’m trying to make is…

The concept behind “data is the new oil” is that just like oil, raw data isn’t valuable in and of itself, but, rather, the value is created when it is gathered completely and accurately, connected to other relevant data, and done so in a timely manner.

And do you know who said this? – It was actually Clive Humby, UK Mathematician and architect of Tesco’s Clubcard, who is widely credited as the first to coin the phrase.

Tesco Clubcard – they hold so much information about you – if you shop there. And that’s how they are able to personalise the vouchers and offers they provide you.

However – when I was in Toronto a few years ago, I met with Sir Tim Berners-Lee. We were talking on the same stage. During my talk, I mentioned… Data is the new oil. After the event, we were in a room, with some photographers and other folk who had been on stage that day, and Sir Tim comes over to me.

‘Bal… it is Bal, right?… well, you said Data is the new oil… it isn’t. That’s wrong. Data is not the new oil.’

‘Woah.. .Hey Sir Tim, how is it not the new oil? – it’s so valuable… ‘

‘Oil.. once refined and used, that’s it. Data on the other hand, can be used multiple times, re-used and sold many times – and there is still value left within it’.

‘Wow… didn’t think of it like that Sir Tim.’

Anyway, Sir Tim and I chatted for a few minutes, gave me his business card and then was ushered away and so was I (to a dinner I think…)

But the point is… there is sooooo much data out there, and more and more people (customers) are willing to share it. It’s second nature in most cases. And if you’re a business – there’s so much you can do with that data.

You can do the basics, have a Customer Relationship Management system, that helps you build and grow the relationship with your customers. If that’s to complex, then just have a basic spreadsheet with customer information – that you can use to contact, call or just offer them a discounted pizza! (I do have to mention – when it comes to data, please ensure you are familiar with GDPR).

You can find out so much about your customers via social media – they’ll be sharing their favourite food, drinks, locations, etc… you can figure out so much!

Now, most big corps know how much value data has. There are ‘data scientists’ that help to break down the data into meaningful information that then can be used. There’s ‘Chief Data Officers’ – with the remit to have a team that solely looks at data and insights – again, using the value to drive business decisions and returning the biggest bang for your buck!

Whilst most small to medium companies probably can’t afford these luxuries, there are small steps that can be taken. Basic ones. Simple ones. Going back to Tesco Clubcard – can you have a loyalty scheme? – A very easy way to gather data. Connect, link and see your customers profiles on social media. Share stories of them enjoying your product or service – and see who’s liking that post, who’s sharing it – are they potential customers? – A lot of this is automated – you don’t actually have to manually do it!

So back to last night – Great win for England… and now they’ve progressed to the next stage, to play Ukraine in Rome, let’s see which local businesses use their data to engage with their football loving customers!

Categories
Shopping

Physical to Digital… Part 1

So, Bal…. what value do you offer?

Well…. the experience and knowledge I’ve built over the years, by implementing new digital related products, understanding and piloting innovative technologies…. makes me, well placed… to advice and help businesses to move from physical to digital.

What does that actually mean, Bal?

Well… a lot of businesses are not leveraging technology that is available to help increase sales! That’s what it comes down to. Sales. Building the connection with the customer – getting to know them so well, that you should be on first name terms all the time! (And, yes – it doesn’t matter how many customers you have!)

For example – recently I’ve been talking to a local business, and asked him – how he communicates to his customers… and it was all around…. using paper (newsletter or leaflets), or when he meets them.

I then introduced him to Whatsapp for Business. Simple, yet sooooooo effective! For starters – you can have automated messages!

Next up…. quick replies…

There’s so much more… but my favourite, categories for your customers….

And the best bit…. it’s free.

This is what I mean by moving from physical (paper, old methods…) to digital.

This is just one example. There’s soooooo many more ways you can move to digital. For example, I’ve introduced digital signatures! (And they are legally binding).

Want help move to a Digital World? – Get in touch.

Categories
Shopping Social Media

From delivering Pizza’s to $1.3bn

You must have heard in the press recently, how the Birmingham based business that started in 2012 has recently been valued at $1.3bn!

Ben Francis (who started the business) was studying during the day, and working for Pizza Hut during the evening delivering pizza’s… found that there was no gym apparel that suited him (or he liked!)

Ben Francis.

So… what does someone in that position do? – That’s right… start to make some! And that’s exactly what Ben started to do.

And the success has been phenomenal.

Why?

Because of a few principles…

Stay Humble. This is on their offices. And the hashtag on Insta has their fans sharing selfies and other photos. Steve Hewitt, Gymshark’s CEO, advised that, “It takes zero talent to work hard and zero talent to stay humble; if you get those things right you will always do well in your journey.”

Focus on the customer. They have a clear audience… 18-25 and those who like fashion, music and obviously, those who go to the gym. They say, “Utilise the best technology to create exceptional customer touchpoints, via your website and in-person. If you do mess up, own the mistake, respond in an exceptional way and carry on.”

Visionary. Part of Gymshark’s mission statement reads: “In everything we do, be true to our own vision and respectful of others. We are here to bring ideas to life. There is no idea too big, or too small… We are not future-proof. We are the future.”

The Dream Team. No, not that programme from the 90’s. Build the dream team. The brand’s HQ houses 500 team members and aims to “create a culture where every morning feels like Christmas morning” according to Hewitt. 

There’s a few more, but these were the key ones for me. So… follow your passion, enjoy the ride…. and delight your customers.

Categories
Shopping

How would you like to pay?

So, I have a gentleman… who comes around to the house from the local farm. He sells… eggs, potatoes, etc… you know, all the goodies that you’re likely to purchase from a farm.

Now, he’s a little elderly, and has been coming over for a few years. We always end up buying something as it’s fresh, it’s local and he’s such a friendly guy. He often gives us recipes or just some hints and tips on what we can cook… and asks us what did we cook, did we enjoy it, etc… basically it’s a human form instead of receiving one of those online survey emails.

He came last Thursday, and whilst I purchased some goods from him… I said, hold fire… I’m not sure I’ve got enough cash (he always takes cash). To me surprise… he says, “Bal, it’s ok… I got me one of those card readers” and then pulls out an iZettle card reader!

Whilst this wouldn’t surprise many – he just totally wowed me. Because,

  1. He’s an elderly fella. You’d think, would he be okay using such tech? Does he know how online payments work? Hope he’s calculated the % that the company will take? ….. But, when I asked him about all that, his reply…. “Bal, you got to move with the times. I just want to make it easy for customers to pay”
  2. Is he really going to make a lot of money? Is it worth the hassle? Will people still buy from him? Does he trust the tech? – “Bal, you have to trust the tech – I did some reading – and it all seemed ok. Tested it out… the money did come into my bank. And it’s not really any more hassle…. in fact, makes the process easier”

That last line got me. Makes the process easier.

We often forget…. the goal of any business or organisation is the customer. The more we can make it easier for them, the better it is.

Again…. it’s about the timeline, from the moment we start (making, developing, or in this case… picking the goods at the farm)… to the point we receive the cash.

Look at all those process steps and make the process as lean as possible.

Categories
Shopping

£100k to £360m in 12 years!

I read a lot of success stories – and stories where people and organisations didn’t make it.

It’s always good to learn from those who didn’t make it. And I’ve began to list a number of common denominators to why they didn’t make it to the big time. Yes – there’s a few generic ones… like the people in charge, the direction of the organisation, etc…

But I’m not going to focus on that. I wanted to focus on something else.

So I tweeted the other day – how Tesla is the most valuable car maker in the world… and how Nikola is valued more than Ford – despite not even selling a car yet!

Crazy times!

But not really.

Investors are looking to the future.

What does the future hold. What does the future need. What do people in the future need. What will people in the future want!

We’ll save the conversation about electric vehicles for another day.

But one thing I would like to say is – I see ALL industries being disrupted (if not already being disrupted).

What does that mean Bal? How can you disrupt ALL industries? – there’ll be some that you’ll always need… like food and drink.

I even see those industries being disrupted! It’s taking time.. but it’s happening.

Case 1.

(Briefly……) Yesterday, I had a gentleman knock on my door. He was from the Modern Milkman.

Basically, they are like the old milkman, who drive around – deliver milk, eggs, juice, etc… to your doorstep – early in the morning, so it’s all ready for your breakfast. It’s all fresh from the local farm…

Why do I think they’ll do well…. maybe not take over current ways of supermarket shopping (well, you never know!), is because of 3 things. 1) They deliver to your doorstep. 2) They’ve got an app! And 3) They are using the thinking of ‘recycle, reuse, reduce’ – their not using single-use plastic….! And more importantly… milk (like Coca-Cola) tastes better out of a glass bottle…

Case 2.

Another one for the ‘drinks’ sector. We all like a beer. Most of us enjoy going to the pub on the weekend and enjoy a pint or two. What choice did you have? – we all know there were the regular choices… and maybe one or two additional ones. Nothing too exciting to write home about.

But again – it’s all changing. There’s now microbreweries. There’s craft beer! There’s more people making different types of beer than ever before. And these are very quickly appearing in pubs and bars up and down the country.

We want variety. We want choice.

Take Brewdog for example. A Craft brewery who saw an opportunity. And has made it work for them. And how are they doing financially… well, have a look at their post recently on LinkedIn…

And finally… Case 3.

Cakes and cookies… bakery goods, being disrupted by smaller independent bakers, local bakers… who sell goods online or through Facebook (where they can connect with friends and family).

Take for example, Bal’s Bakery….. (on Instagram, @balsbakery)…. they make vegan cookies, eggless cakes, etc… but more on the success of this in a future blog post 🙂