Category Archives: Business

Top WhatsApp Features That Will Make You a Productivity Ninja in 2024

WhatsApp is a reliable companion in the age of hustle culture, present through daily activities ranging from event planning to grocery shopping. Its vast array of innovative features make it an indispensable tool for many, as it simplifies and improves various aspects of life. WhatsApp has answers for almost every need right at your fingertips — simply begin using it to become more productive in your day-to-day life!!

Here are the top features to help you become a productivity ninja and crush your 2024 goals.

Multiple Account Support: Now you can juggle two WhatsApp accounts on the same device. No more wasting time while switching between work and personal chats, while worrying about messaging from the wrong place – simply add a second account with its own number and settings. To set up a second account, simply open your WhatsApp settings, click on the arrow next to your name, and click “Add account”.

Multi-device support: There is no more need to juggle between the devices for using WhatsApp. This feature gives you access to WhatsApp on four linked devices, including your Mac or Windows computer and tablet. Now you can reply to messages, send files, and stay connected even without your phone.

Pinned messages: With pinned messages, you can easily highlight important messages in group or 1:1 chats. This helps save users time so they can find timely messages more easily. All message types like text, poll, image, emojis, and more can be pinned, and they are end-to-end encrypted.

Video Notes: Have something exciting and urgent to show? Video notes on WhatsApp allow you to instantly record and share up to 60-second video messages directly in the chat. You can send a short video to stay connected to each other.

Polls and Quizzes: Need to make a quick decision? This feature allows you to create polls and quizzes within your group chat. Now you can gather consensus, test your friends’ knowledge, and have some fun in the process.

Reply from the lock screen: This is the feature that comes in handy the most, especially when you’re on the run. Just tap and either long press or press firmly on the message notification to bring up the keyboard. Enter your response and tap Send.

Screen Sharing: If you are also connected with your coworker over WhatsApp, this feature allows you to share your screen directly with your contacts in real time. This is perfect for presenting ideas, showcasing designs, or simply helping someone troubleshoot an issue.

Message to self: Your future self will thank you for using it. This feature allows you to send messages to yourself to keep track of notes and messages. Messages to yourself work and look like regular chats, but you can’t make audio calls, or video calls, mute notifications, block or report yourself, or see your last seen online.

Make sure you remember to utilize these top WhatsApp features if you haven’t already and make the most of WhatsApp in the coming year.

AFTERWORK: Revolutionizing Video Gaming Experience in the UAE

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 24, 2024 –WORKSPACE is excited to announce the launch of AFTERWORK, an innovative online store dedicated to provide top-tier gaming furniture and accessories. UAE-based brand aims to redefine gaming setups with its cutting-edge designs, ergonomic solutions, and unparalleled comfort, all tailored specifically for gaming enthusiasts.

AFTERWORK offers an impressive range of products, including gaming chairs, gaming desk, height-adjustable standing desks with RGB lighting, monitor arms, and various other gaming accessories. Each product is meticulously designed to enhance the gaming experience, ensuring that gamers can play longer and more comfortably.

“AFTERWORK is not just a brand; it’s a statement of our commitment to the gaming community in the UAE and beyond,” said WORKSPACE’s CEO. “Our products combine superior ergonomics with unique aesthetics to create the perfect gaming environment. We believe in empowering gamers with setups that not only look spectacular but also support their health and well-being.”

Key highlights of the AFTERWORK product line include: Gaming Chairs: Engineered for maximum comfort and support, featuring adjustable settings to suit any gamer’s needs.

Gaming Tables: Sleek, durable, and equipped with RGB lighting to create an immersive gaming atmosphere.

Height-Adjustable Standing Desks: Promoting a healthier gaming lifestyle, these desks allow gamers to switch between sitting and standing positions effortlessly.
Monitor Arms: Enhancing desk space and providing optimal monitor positioning for the best gaming view.

Accessories: A wide variety of high-quality add-ons to complete any gaming setup.

The gaming industry is poised for exponential growth, AFTERWORK is strategically positioned to contribute significantly to this burgeoning market by offering products that cater to the unique needs of gamers.

Pink Callers Appoints Elizabeth as New General Manager to Spearhead

Middleburg, VA, May 24, 2024 — Pink Callers, a leading provider of front office support and customer service solutions for home service businesses, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Elizabeth as its new General Manager. With a rich background in hospitality, business services, and customer service, Elizabeth brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to the role.

Elizabeth’s vision for Pink Callers is to cultivate an environment of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. She aims to empower each team member to utilize their unique skills and contribute to the company’s collective success. Her leadership approach is centered on leading by example, fostering open communication, and providing opportunities for professional growth.

“Joining Pink Callers feels like a natural step in my journey,” said Elizabeth. “I’m excited to bring my experiences from the hospitality and business sectors to create an unparalleled service experience for our clients and a nurturing, growth-oriented environment for our team.”

Under Elizabeth’s leadership, Pink Callers will focus on enhancing customer satisfaction by delivering personalized service and exceeding expectations. Her business acumen will drive operational efficiency, optimizing processes and maximizing productivity across the organization.

Elizabeth has also outlined key priorities to align with Pink Callers’ core values of transparency, proactivity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Initiatives include enhancing communication channels, implementing proactive strategies to anticipate customer needs, and investing in team training and development.

A firm believer in the power of teamwork and mutual respect, Elizabeth is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment. She values open and honest communication, respects diversity, and encourages collaboration and personal growth among team members.

“We are delighted to welcome Elizabeth to the Pink Callers family,” said Michelle Myers, Founder. “Her dynamic leadership and deep understanding of customer service and business operations make her the perfect fit to lead our team into an exciting future.”

Elizabeth resides in Memphis, TN, and enjoys cooking, reading, volunteering, and outdoor activities like camping and kayaking in her spare time.

Portland-Based SaaS Company Opal Labs Announced Marketing’s New Source of Truth at Chicago CMO Event

Portland, OR, May 24, 2024 — On Wednesday, May 15, Opal unveiled their new platform promise to solve a key problem for approximately 99% of marketing organizations (based on an independent survey from Forrester Research).

During the day-one keynote at the Transformational CMO Assembly in Chicago, Opal Co-Founder and CEO, George Huff, announced Opal as “Marketing’s New Source of Truth.”

Huff made this announcement to a room of CMOs and SVPs from Fortune 500 companies, including (team to provide brands).

This announcement positions Opal as the software that can provide value for every level of the marketing organization, while enabling alignment around one central platform. This positioning announcement is part of a holistic platform update that will introduce a first-of-its-kind product – and bring changes to the pricing and packaging of Opal.

“Our product strategy has been aimed at creating value for all users in the strategy-to-execution pipeline. There is a lot of focus on content production these days with generative AI, and we have those features, too, but what is really exciting to me is building a product which serves the needs of all layers in an organization, but brings it together in a systematized way,” said Huff.

This focus on creating a “New Source of Truth for Marketing” is a direct antidote to solving the organizational alignment challenges experienced by approximately 99% of organizations. According to a 2023 survey by Forrester, 89% of CMOs believe alignment is important to succeed, but only 1% believe they have it. A further 87% state they need better technology to solve the problem.

“The most well-run organizations still put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into being aligned. From strategy to execution, from channel to channel, from executive to executer – it’s incredibly taxing to break down these silos. We aim to reduce this ‘alignment tax’ so all organizations can create the best experiences for their audiences,” Huff said.

Fleur de Cuisine Continues Expansion with Restaurant and Non-Profit

Leesburg, VA, May 24, 2024 — Fleur de Cuisine, renowned for its exceptional catering services and for its philanthropic contributions since its inception in 2017, is thrilled to announce further expansion of their mission to serve the community both through elevated cuisine and charitable acts.

Their first restaurant, Marie de la Fleur, opened its doors in January 2024 and has been well received by the community. They curate a culturally vibrant menu inspired by Afro-Cuban, Latino and Hispanic cuisines alongside traditional American fare. Each dish is prepared with fresh, seasonal locally-sourced ingredients, supporting local farmers and cementing their connection to Loudoun County.

Marie de la Fleur is owned by Tiana Ramos, and named in honor of her grandmother, the company’s matriarch. “This restaurant is a dream come true,” says Ramos, “and embodies the essence of family, heritage, and my mother’s commitment to giving back.”

The offerings at Marie de la Fleur include traditional brunch, weekend buffets and fish fry events, and introduce guests to an array of authentic dishes, from savory Cuban ropa vieja to piquant Dominican mofongo and succulent Puerto Rican pernil. “There’s a reason the kitchen is the heart of every home,” says Fleur de Cuisine founder and Tiana’s mother, Natalie Ramos, “Our cuisine brings people of all cultures together and allows us to express our love and support for the community through every dish.”

Marie de la Fleur’s unique location in Lansdowne Woods creates the distinct opportunity to also host events for large groups through the catering space operated by Fleur de Cuisine. While the restaurant brings a charming and cozy ambience, ideal for company happy hours and celebrations, the adjacent event space can be transformed for larger parties, fundraising events and even formal galas.

“We welcome corporate and networking organizations to gather with us,” says founder, Natalie Ramos. “We excel at customizing menus of all sizes and cuisines, and handling all of the event details, whether it’s a group of 50 or 500.”

Philanthropy at the Heart of their Recipe for Life
Natalie Ramos, a survivor of domestic violence and homelessness, knows first hand how important resources are when life gets rough.

“Multiple Loudoun County non-profits were there for me when I had nowhere to turn, and we are committed to providing hope and opportunities to others who need a helping hand.”

Her book, Recipe for Life, chronicles the hardships and challenges she has overcome to become an award winning, successful business owner with her daughter, Tiana, by her side. “No matter how hard life was, I always put my family first, and we came together around the table. Extending that love into our community is so rewarding, and will always be the foundation that we build our lives upon.”

Fleur de Cuisine’s monetary, meal and catering service donations exceed $300k to date, and through various initiatives including lodging, employment and training, they’ve made a significant impact on local families, fostering a spirit of generosity and community support carried out by their entire team. Marie de la Fleur continues this legacy by supporting local non-profits and providing assistance and meals to those in need.

The Recipe for Life Foundation will officially launch later this year, taking their opportunity to serve the community to the next level. The details will be announced on their website.

Second journey of Manaskhand Express Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train for Uttarakhand commencing from Pune

New Delhi, 24th May 2024: According to ancient Indian texts, the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is known as Manaskhand. Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and IRCTC have jointly started a special tourist train named Manaskhand Express to promote lesser-known destinations of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, whose first journey was successfully operated with 280 tourists on 22.04.2024.

After the successful operation of the first journey of the train, now the second journey started from Pune on 22.05.2024 with 302 tourists and will reach Tanakpur Railway Station in Uttarakhand on 24.05.2024. The tourists were welcomed in the traditional Marathi way, with Drums and Musical instruments, Aarti was performed traditionally, Tilak was applied and flowers were showered. The tourists were quite enthusiastic about this tour and expected to see some of the new destinations through this tour package.

In this journey of 10 nights/11 days, all the tourists will be taken to various tourist places of Kumaon region like Purnagiri Temple, Hatkalika Temple, Kasar Devi, Katarmal, Kainchidham, Chittai Golu Temple, Jageshwar Dham, Sharda Ghat, Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple, Nanakmatta Gurudwara, Bhimtal, Nainital, Almora, Chakori, Tea Garden of Champawat, Baleshwar Temple, Mayawati Ashram etc. will be visited. Besides, Uttarakhandi cuisine will also be served to all the passengers traveling on the train.

Train travel is in 3AC Train. However, only four persons in one Coupe have been booked to enhance the comfort of the tourists. The train’s exterior is a showcase of Uttarakhand’s rich natural, cultural, architectural, and spiritual heritage. The pantry car coach depicts various dishes from Uttarakhandi Cuisine, one of the coaches depicts various folk festivals, and on another coach, there are people wearing different attire from the State. Various temples and other places of importance are also depicted on the coaches.

The train is equipped with an air-conditioned pantry car which will serve various dishes including Uttarakhandi cuisine to the tourists during the journey. After deboarding at Tanakpur the tourists will be taken to various destinations where they will stay at hotels/homestays and visit various places as per the Itinerary with nights halts at Tanakpur, Champawat/Lohaghat, Chaukori, Almora, and Bhimtal.

Shri Sachin Kurve, Secretary Tourism/Chief Executive Officer, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board said that given the immense success of the Manaskhand Express operated in the first phase and the enthusiasm of the tourists, the department has started the Manaskhand Express from Pune in the second phase also.

Shri Kurve said that this unique initiative of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board is the first of its kind in India, in which efforts are being made to promote tourism in lesser-known places through tourist trains.

Royal Vega’s ‘Grishma Ritu’: Summer Flavors at ITC Grand Chola

Chennai, India: Signature Vegetarian Restaurant, Royal Vega invites connoisseurs of fine dining to embark on a culinary journey celebrating the vibrant flavors of summer with its scrumptious ‘Grishma Ritu’ menu. Celebrating the vegetarian culinary heritage that has been passed down through generations, by showcasing locally-sourced traditional recipes and cooking techniques, Royal Vega offers a dining experience unlike any other, characterized by its regal ambiance, impeccable service, and meticulously crafted vegetarian dishes. The set menu is curated keeping the Chennai summers in mind, using specific ingredients that have cooling properties.

Grishma Ritu, named after the Indian summer season, brings forth an array of delectable dishes meticulously curated to capture the essence of this time of year. There are refreshing appetizers like Singhara Soya Tikkiya – grilled patties of clove smoked water chestnut and fresh edamame served over pea mash. Indulgent mains such asBesaniPoori – leavened Bengal gram flour bread flavored with spices and fried in desi ghee; Gucchi Pulao cooked on Dum with Himalayan morel stuffed with nuts and cheese andKamlini Kofta – dumplings of lotus stem stuffed with khubani, napped in velvety tomato gravy. Tantalizing desserts likeKacheAam Ka Halwa, Kesar Laklaki and Gulab Jamun to end with. Each dish is a testament to the mastery of Royal Vega’s culinary artisans.

“Grishma Ritu is a tribute to the diverse and vibrant vegetarian traditions of India. We’ve blended time-honored recipes with modern techniques to curate dishes that are both authentic and innovative. Each recipe is crafted with utmost care and passion, ensuring an unforgettable culinary journey for our guests. Our team has worked tirelessly to curate a nutritious menu that showcases the best of seasonal ingredients while staying true to the essence of Indian cuisine.” Mayank Kulshreshtha, Area Executive Chef – South Food & Beverage Production remarked.

With a focus on seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Grishma Ritu promises to delight everyone. “At ITC Grand Chola, we are delighted to unveil Grishma Ritu at Royal Vega, a culinary journey that encapsulates the vibrancy and abundance of the summers. From intimate gatherings to personalized family get-togethers, our restaurant is open for weekday dinners and Sunday lunches. We also exclusively reserve and curate the ultimate Royal Vega experience for a minimum of 30 guests for lunches on weekdays and is a great option for corporates and families looking for a unique experience,” Ganesh Kuppusami, Food and Beverage Manager, ITC Grand Chola further added.

Grishma Ritu at Royal Vega is available at 2995 + taxes for a limited time until July 15, 2024, providing diners with the perfect opportunity to indulge in the seasonal bounty of summer.

Konkona Sen Sharma joins the P&G Shiksha movement to StandUpForLearningGap in a child’s education

Mumbai, 24th May 2024: P&G Shiksha, the flagship CSR program of P&G India launched its new campaign – #StandUpForLearningGaps, to spotlight the issue of learning gaps in children, which affects over 6 crore children in the country as per National Achievement Survey 2021. While access to education has improved significantly, ensuring quality learning outcomes remains a challenge. A thought-provoking panel discussion highlighted the impact of these learning gaps on children who perpetually keep trying to cope, and often face mockery or ridicule owing to lack of public understanding of learning gaps.

The engaging panel discussion centered around the theme #StandUpForLearningGap, moderated by Priyanka Khanna, Author and Former Journalist, brought together a diverse group of speakers: Konkona Sen Sharma, two-time National Award-Winning Actress / Indian Actress and Filmmaker, Abhishek Desai, Vice President – Brand Operation and Category Leader – Grooming, P&G India and Rahul Dua, Stand-up Comic. The panelists discussed the challenges faced by children with learning gaps through their own experiences while growing up, as well as the importance of collaboration between educators, parents, and the community to create a supportive learning environment for all children in India. Konkana and Rahul also took a test to determine their own learning levels, spotlighting the need to focus on conceptual understanding and building a strong foundation. At the event, P&G Shiksha unveiled its new campaign film – a first-of-its-kind that uses relatable humor and a stand-up sequence to engage audiences, prompting them to take notice of learning gaps and stand up for the cause.

The film takes a leaf from memes flooding the internet recently where – children are seen struggling to respond or being mocked if they give a wrong answer to a question. In fact, as per a Forbes report, a recent video of a child incorrectly answering to a journalist was one of the top 10 most searched memes in 2023 in India. However, this laughter often masks a more serious issue: a lack of understanding that hinders a child’s academic progress. When faced with a question they don’t understand, they might struggle or be made fun of if they give the wrong answer. Therefore, this year, P&G Shiksha is recreating a life-like situation through the campaign, where it leverages humor to engage the audience, helping them pause to realize the issue of learning gaps. One’s entertainment can be another’s crisis! With a completely fresh outlook, the campaign “Stand Up for Learning Gap” aims to address this problem and urge collective action.

Speaking on the occasion, Actor Konkona Sen Sharma remarked, “I truly believe education is essential for unlocking a child’s full potential. Through my association with P&G Shiksha, I’ve become acutely aware of the learning gaps that affect many children who fall behind expected learning levels. Children who may not know the right responses may face mockery or ridicule. When I first saw the film, the question stayed with me for a while – Would you laugh if it was your child? It’s encouraging to see that P&G Shiksha is not only driving awareness about these gaps but also working to bridge them with effective interventions. Awareness is the first step towards action, and I am glad to be part of this journey with P&G Shiksha. Together, we can create an environment where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential through holistic education. Together, let’s #StandUpForLearningGap.”

Speaking about the new film, Abhishek Desai, Vice President of brand Operation and Category Leader – Grooming, P&G India said, “For 19 years now, P&G Shiksha has championed access to education for millions of underprivileged children in India, impacting over 45 lakh children. We have reinforced this with our commitment to driving large-scale awareness regarding learning gaps, which impact over 6 crore children in India. These gaps can lead to frustration, a lack of understanding, and even ridicule. However, what often gets missed is the reason

behind. By raising a pertinent question – “Would you laugh, if this happened with your child?” we are seeking to educate parents, guardians, teachers and well-wishers on the existence and impact of learning gaps, while also empowering them to identify and take steps to bridge these. We can come together to #StandupForLearningGap. Timely action can unleash a child’s full potential in leveraging education as an enabler for a brighter future.”

P&G India’s flagship CSR program, P&G Shiksha, has been working to provide access to education to underprivileged children since 2005, impacting over 45 lakh children.

As part of this, to improve learning outcomes in children, P&G Shiksha leverages AI-backed technology with ‘Mindspark’, a computer-based adaptive learning tool, in partnership with Educational Initiatives. The program also implements on-ground remedial learning interventions in partnership with Pratham Education Foundation, using both community-based and in-school models supported by trained volunteers and teachers. Additionally, P&G Shiksha focuses on early childhood education through Pratham Education Foundation, developing motor, cognitive, social-emotional, language, and creative skills in children to prevent learning gaps, and laying a strong foundation as they begin school.

The film opens with a stand-up act by Comic Rahul Dua in which he showcases memes where children stumble on basic math questions. While laughter erupts amongst the audience, the mood shifts as Rahul shares his own childhood struggle with similar concepts. He highlights the plight of over 6 crore children who face learning gap leading to a moment of realisation and posing a powerful question “Would you laugh if it was your child?” Further emphasizing the reality of learning gaps, the film then showcases P&G Shiksha’s on-ground interventions with NGOs to address these gaps and empowers viewers to act and #StandUpForLearningGap.