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Are You Actually a Good Listener? [Flowchart]
When you listen to someone speak, are you really listening to them … or are you listening to the voice in your head?
Hearing someone and listening to someone are two very different things. It’s all too common for people to wait for their turn to speak or think about what to say next instead of truly listening to someone.
But being a good listener is a sign of emotional intelligence and social awareness. It means really, truly paying attention to what people are saying — and it’s a skill that’ll set you apart in both your professional and personal life. The good news is, becoming a good listener isn’t all that difficult — it just takes some practice (and self-awareness).
So, what do you think: Are you really a good listener? Quiz yourself by following the flowchart below from CT Business Travel. Then, keep reading for nine helpful tips for improving your listening skills.
Five years in, dormant @Apple Twitter account looks set to start to start tweeting
An @apple Twitter account has existed for more than five years, but until today has been completely dormant, with blank profile and header images. That’s now changed: there’s an Apple logo for the profile image, and the iPhone 7 event graphic as the header. So far, though, no tweets.
It’s looking likely that Apple plans to start tweeting in time for next week’s launch of the iPhone 7, with some speculating that the company may live-tweet the event …
Filed under: Apple
New OS X & Safari updates patch security exploit that allowed remote infiltration
Last week, Apple issued a surprise security fix for iOS that patched a vulnerability that allowed attackers to remotely gain control of a user’s device if they simply clicked a link. Now, Apple has issued the same security patch for users of OS X 10.11.16 El Capitan and 10.10.5 Yosemite.
Filed under: Apple
Apple updates App Store review guidelines for auto-renewable subscriptions, SiriKit, and iMessage apps
Apple today posted an update to its App Store review guidelines document for developers. The updated information pertains directly to App Store subscriptions, SiriKit, and iMessage apps including Sticker Packs.
Previously, clarification about what developers could and could not do with regard to the new subscription enhancements announced just prior to WWDC 2016 was a bit ambiguous, but with today’s document update, guidelines become a lot more black and white. more…
Filed under: Apple
Apple leaks plans for new line of Beats headphones alongside iPhone 7 launch
Accessory makers race to launch new wireless & Lightning headphones ahead of iPhone 7
With Apple’s iPhone 7 next week expected to ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack and make wireless and Lightning headphones a necessity, there a lot of companies racing to announce new products ahead of Apple’s event. And it’s good timing with IFA taking place this week— one of the year’s biggest tech events where many accessory companies are showing off new products ahead of the holidays. Below we take a look at all the announcements with a roundup of new Lightning headphones and wireless Bluetooth headphones. more…
Filed under: Apple
iOS 10 Siri: Use third-party apps to pay friends, send messages and more [Gallery]
With iOS 10 launching later this month, Apple is starting to show what you’ll be able to do with the new operating system. Announced at WWDC, Siri will be able to integrate with third-party apps in iOS 10. For the first time, users will be able to take advantage of third-party services through Siri voice search. Apple has uploaded some screenshots (embedded below) showing how third party apps will work with Siri, using popular apps like LinkedIn and WhatsApp as examples …
Filed under: Apple
App Store ‘removing problematic and abandoned apps’ starting next week, requiring shorter app names
Apple has just published a list of App Store improvements that will begin to go into effect next Wednesday, September 7th. The changes seek to remove broken and forgotten apps from the App Store, apps that are currently breaking App Store review guidelines, and that are just no longer functional.
Filed under: Apple
CarPlay available on new 300, Charger and Challenger models with Fiat Chrysler’s Uconnect 4.0
DJI drops the built-in optics in favor of your smartphone on its new Osmo Mobile
This morning at IFA in Berlin, DJI announced its latest creation for smartphones: the DJI Osmo Mobile. Today’s news comes just a week after it took the wraps off the upgraded Osmo+. DJI is focusing on smartphone users with a passion for cinematography on this release. The integrated stabilization system tracks a subject with just a touch of your iPhone or Android’s screen, eliminating shaky footage.
Filed under: Apple
9to5Toys Lunch Break: Portable Apple Watch Stand $8, EVO 850 500GB SSD $140, Samsung Wi-Fi/Bluetooth speaker $99, more
Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.
TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:
This foldable aluminum Apple Watch stand is perfect for travel: $8 Prime shipped (Reg. $16)
Give your Mac a speed boost w/ Samsung’s best-selling 850 EVO 500GB Solid-State Drive for $140 shipped (Reg. $160)
Samsung’s modern Radiant360 R1 Speaker has Wi-Fi + Bluetooth connectivity: $99 shipped (Reg. $140+)
Save big on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro w/ these cert. refurb deals: 32GB $600 (Orig. $799) or 128GB $650 (Orig. $949)
Stay productive on the road w/ Apple’s 9-inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular: $570 (Reg. $729)
Save up to $199 on Apple iPad Air 2 including Cellular configurations: Wi-Fi 16GB $300 shipped (Reg. $399), more
Apple’s powerful 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro 256GB is now $299 off: $1,200 shipped
Save $100 on Apple’s Time Capsule 802.11ac Wi-Fi Router and enjoy “effortless back ups” – 2TB $199 or 3TB $299
The Mickey Mouse platformer Castle of Illusion is now at its lowest price for Mac: $3 (Reg. $6)
The iOS action-platformer Star Knight is now matching its lowest price ever: $1 (Reg. $3)
App Store Free App of the Week: MindNode for iOS/Apple Watch goes free for the first time (Reg. $10)
The new Riptide Renegade hydro-jet racer title for iOS is now $3 (Reg. up to $10)
The best DJI Phantom Accessories to take your flights to the next level: filters, lenses, backpacks, more
MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:
Let LG’s 320W Soundbar w/ Wireless Subwoofer add some bump to your HDTV: $170 shipped (Reg. $219)
- MARSEE Bluetooth In-Ear Sports Earphones $17 (Reg. $26), more
- Daily Deals: Adobe Photoshop Elements/Premiere $66, more
- Get a $10 gift card for loading your Starbucks balance w/ Visa Checkout
- Games/Apps: Xbox One S bundles + $50 GC from $299, freebies, more
- $1 MP3 album sale: Prince’s Purple Rain, The Doors, Fleetwood Mac, more
- Kindle First eBook freebies for September: Blood on the Tracks, more
- Summer fashion up to 50% from Rebecca Minkoff, Madewell & more
- 4-pc Stemless Wine Glass set on Amazon for $13.50 Prime shipped (Reg. $30)
MORE DEALS STILL LIVE:
Caseology iPhone 7 cases (multiple styles & colors) from $5 shipped (Reg. up to $16)
Store documents, pictures, and more: SanDisk Ultra 16GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive $6 Prime shipped (Orig. $22)
Store your data in style: Samsung 128GB Metal USB 3.0 Flash Drive $30 shipped (Orig. $40)
Vantrue’s N1 Mini 1080p Dash Cam on sale for $60 shipped (Reg. $90)
Filed under: Apple
Apple prepares to open first Mexico store & new Cologne Schildergasse location
Apple Watch 2 components show ‘noticeably thinner’ display, expected battery boost
We’re expecting to see Apple introduce the Apple Watch 2 alongside the iPhone 7 at next week’s September 7 event, and now alleged components from the updated watch are finally starting to leak. Apple Watch 2 is expected to look like the current model and feature a faster processor and gain GPS, and a new video from international electronics shop Byte gives us a new look at a few other details that could change with Apple Watch 2.
Filed under: Apple
HDMI to USB-C without adapters now possible as more Macs expected to adopt port
USB-C first debuted in Macs last year with the 12-inch Retina MacBook, and this fall even more Macs are expected to adopt the new standard port. While the MacBook is a lightweight machine (both physically and in terms of workload), MacBook Pro uses will expect wider functionality without adapters if USB-C replaces ports available on current hardware.
Add HDMI to the list of ports USB-C can now easily replace. The group behind the HDMI standard today shared that it’s now possible to connect HDMI and USB-C directly. Manufacturers will have to produce the cables, of course, but the new HDMI Alt Mode makes it possible. Previously, USB-C to HDMI required a dedicated adapter between cables.
Filed under: Apple
Opinion: How Apple is likely PR-managing the loss of the headphone jack on the iPhone 7
Apple has never been afraid to declare that technology has moved on, and that something we all thought of as essential is now legacy equipment. It did this first with the 3.5mm floppy drive, omitting it from the iMac G3 in 1998 because Steve Jobs held the view that the CD-ROM had rendered the medium obsolete.
Apple was also one of the first companies to abandon optical drives, with the MacBook Air being the first Mac to launch without one in 2008. The company of course later dropped optical drives from the Retina MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac.
Finally, in launching the 12-inch MacBook, Apple also declared that every prior port except the headphone socket was no longer necessary.
Each time Apple has done this, there have been anguished complaints and negative press. Apple has weathered the storm each time, and other manufacturers tended to quietly follow Apple’s lead a little later. But in seemingly planning to abandon the oldest and best-established standard of them all – the venerable 3.5mm headphone jack – I believe Apple is being a little more careful in how it has prepared the ground …
Filed under: Apple
Plex apps add DVR feature for capturing free over-the-air TV shows
In run-up to iPhone 7 launch, Bowers & Wilkins launches wireless P7 headphones
Well-respected British audio company Bowers & Wilkins clearly wants to be ready for the anticipated loss of the headphone socket in the iPhone 7: it has just announced a Bluetooth version of its P7 over-ear headphones.
We’re big fans of the company’s smaller on-ear P5 headphones, which made it into the holiday gift guide selections of both Jeremy and myself after the company launched a wireless version earlier in the year. This launch brings the same wireless freedom to the larger over-ear model …
Filed under: Apple
How to Link Instagram to Your Facebook Page in 6 Simple Steps
Visual content garners a huge amount of engagement on social media. There’s a reason why 71% of online marketers use visual assets in their social media marketing: People respond to it.
Being able to share this content across multiple platforms, then, is an asset. And one of the best ways to do that is to link Instagram to Facebook — that increases the number of eyes on your visual content.
Before you move forward with your Instagram strategy, you’ll want to connect these accounts. Sharing your posts with your company Facebook Page, rather than your personal profile, is just a matter of changing your settings — and it only requires six simple steps.
How to Connect Instagram to Your Facebook Page
1) Start with your Instagram profile.
Your first step is to pull up your own Instagram account on your phone and select the profile icon in the lower right corner. Then, tap the gear icon in the upper right corner. (This might look like three vertical dots if you’re using an Android device.)
That will take you to your options, where you can adjust a number of your preferences, including social settings.
2) Set up (or update) your linked accounts.
When you get to your options, you’ll want to scroll down to where it says “Settings” > “Linked Accounts.” That’s where you’ll configure where else you want your Instagram photos to show up on social media.
Tap “Linked Accounts,” and you’ll see all of your options for which social networks you can link with Instagram.
3) Connect to Facebook.
In the image above, you’ll notice that HubSpot’s Instagram account is already linked to Facebook — if you’re not already linked to that network, you’ll have to go through the permissions to share content there. You’ll need to be logged into Facebook on your phone for this step to work — once that’s done, tap “Facebook” on your Share Settings screen.
You’ll be asked to continue as yourself — tap that button.
Next, you’ll be asked for your privacy preferences. Since you’ll be just be sharing your photos on a business page, you can select “Friends” — the people who will actually be seeing your photos are the ones who like the page you’ll be publishing to, which we’ll get to in later steps.
Once you hit “OK,” you’ll be taken back to your Share Settings, where Facebook should now be selected. If not, make sure you select it — the logo should appear in blue to indicate that you’re now sharing your posts on Facebook.
4) Pick where you’re sharing on Facebook.
Once you’ve linked Facebook to Instagram, you’ll want to use your Share Settings to determine where on Facebook you’ll be sharing Instagram posts. If you’ve only just now authorized Facebook to link with Instagram, images will be shared on your personal Facebook profile by default.
Tap “Share To” — that will display all of the places on Facebook where your Instagram photos can be posted. It includes your personal timeline, or any business pages where you have an administrator role.
Here, we’ve chosen HubSpot. Once you’ve chosen the Facebook page where you want your photos to be posted, go back to your Share Settings.
Now, it should be specified that your Instagram photos are being posted to your Facebook business page of choice.
5) Make sure you’re sharing responsibly.
If you’re using Instagram for both personal and business accounts, remember: You’ll have to modify these settings every time you want to change where your photos are being posted.
If you’re really concerned on the possible drawbacks of using the same Instagram account for both — and we’ve all seen how multi-tasking on social media can go wrong — you might want to set up a company-specific Instagram handle that’s completely separate from your personal one.
If that’s the case, you’ll have to follow the same steps to link your Instagram account to Facebook. The only drawback? Whenever you want to switch between your personal and business accounts, you’ll have to log out of — and back into — Instagram every time you want to change which one you’re posting with.
6) Start sharing!
You’re all linked! Now, you can go back to your home screen, and choose which photo you want to post.
When you’re ready to share your photo, just make sure you have Facebook selected as one of the places where you want your photo to be posted.
How to Use Instagram in Connection With Facebook
Now that you’re linked — and you’re in good company, as 73% of brands post at least one photo or video per week on Instagram — what kind of content should you be sharing?
At the most basic level, you should be posting content that’s relevant to your brand and to your target audience. That includes things like behind-the-scenes peeks at what your brand is doing to delight customers, quotes that inspire them, and humor. HubSpot’s Lindsay Kolowich has written about the different ways brands pull that off — check out her ideas here.
That’s It!
Sharing your Instagram photos on a Facebook business page allows you to bring strong visuals to multiple platforms with a few simple clicks — and gives you the opportunity to showcase the personal side of your business. That can go a long way when it comes to engaging with your target audience — visual content is over forty times more likely to get shared on social media than other types of content.
When have you linked your social accounts for business? Share it with us in the comments.
TSL Marketing is a HubSpot platinum partner. Download their free guide to B2B social media here.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in December 2015 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.