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Why Choose A Custom Mobile App For Business Training?

There is a surge in the number of remote employees in the workforce. According to Deloitte’s 2018 “Global Human Capital Trends” report, 37% of the leaders surveyed said they expect an increase in contractors by 2020, 33% predict a rise in freelancers and 28% foresee growth in gig workers.

As a response to the growing number of remote employees in the ever-changing world of technology, many companies are undergoing a digital transformation, which is the integration of technology into all aspects of a business. And in the digital transformation journey as it relates to business training and education, finding the right software to digitize your existing business training program can be daunting.

With an abundance of software solutions out there, how do you ensure that your employee’s Learning Experience will meet the goals of your organization? And what do you need to consider when implementing new training techniques for your business?

Mobile Application For Training

Most mobile users can agree that most of what is done on our devices, from looking for a nearby restaurant to getting the latest news, is done through apps. That’s because mobile apps are faster, easier to use and more engaging.

The usefulness of mobile apps can be carried into business training and education. Mobile applications are driving the market because they are easy to use and do not require a new IT infrastructure when implementing them into the existing training programs.

A Customized Learning Experience

Mobile apps are remarkably different from traditional business training formats. While traditional learning modules follow a linear learning format, digital learning on a mobile application allows for a personalized experience.

While there are many options for training mobile apps, one size does not fit all. There are pros and cons to each software and you will either have to compromise your program to fit the software or utilize more than one software to fit your needs.

A custom-built mobile application allows organizations to remove, alter or add content to fit the needs of the business. Through a portal, admins can push updates and adapt to varied training needs, including compliance, soft skills, products and change management. Training can be delivered to mimic the organization’s actual work environment, and content branded with company logos and corporate color schemes.

If the idea of a custom application is appealing but the thought of developing an app from the ground up is daunting, consider a customizable content management system (CMS).

A templated application that displays content using a list or menu view, a customized CMS allows you to personalize the fonts, colors, designs, and logos to fit your brand. You can add, modify and remove content to fit your training module. With just one template, you can create various versions of your program, depending on your training needs. And finally, you can create rules to qualify how each course is approached.

On the admin side, you’re equipped with an easy-to-use web admin portal where you can continuously make changes to the content on display. This gives you a streamlined way to create and manage an app without having to hire a dedicated developer. After an initial design and development period of the app, the system is entirely yours to control. The end result, a cookie-cutter setup process with unique, personalized results.

Ready To Build?

If you are ready for a custom application for your workplace training program, a good place to start is with the leadership in the department where the training is coming from, as well as your IT team. Getting your IT involved early in the process will alleviate potential issues when implementing the application into the existing IT ecosystem.

It can also be beneficial to survey past or potential trainees who may be using the app to understand the level of their technical knowledge. The more information available, the more prepared your company will be when speaking with an app developer. Start with your end goal in order to properly communicate direction and insight to the app developer.

Custom applications should be tailored to your business to allow greater efficiency. Employees who use a mobile application will get the maximum Learning Experience, ultimately saving the company time, money and resources.

This article was originally published in eLearning Industry.

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The Richard S. Fusco Foundation: Enhancing Lives, One iPad at a Time

Like many cystic fibrosis patients, Richard Fusco spent most of his life in the hospital. In the last three years of life when his health started deteriorating, Fusco depended on an iPad to communicate with his family, stay in touch with friends, and keep himself entertained with movies, books, videos and games.

Fusco’s father, Ralph Fusco, saw how this multifaceted mobile device enhanced the last few years of his son’s life and was inspired to provide the same opportunity with technology to other cystic fibrosis patients. This was the beginning of The Richard S. Fusco Foundation.

The mission of the Foundation is to help children with cystic fibrosis stay connected with loved ones and school through mobile technology. Since it was founded in 2013, the Foundation has formed partnerships with six children’s hospitals across the country to give iPads to their young cystic fibrosis patients.

The first iPad recipient from The Richard S. Fusco Foundation at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.
The first iPad recipient from The Richard S. Fusco Foundation at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.

Inspired by his son’s zest for life and positive attitude, Fusco partnered with FUSION OF IDEAS to design a vibrant image for the iPad Smart Cover and a second image for the device sleeve. Prior to each delivery of iPads, the images are printed and packaged up to create a surprise and delight moment upon receiving the device.

FUSION OF IDEAS also uses its proprietary laser etching process to customize the device itself with the Foundation’s name on the back.

Each iPad is custom branded with the Foundation's colorful brand.
Each iPad is custom branded with the Foundation’s colorful brand.

“It is pleasure doing business with FUSION OF IDEAS to produce these colorful covers and packages for the iPads that we hand out,” said Ralph Fusco, founder of The Richard S. Fusco Foundation. “More than just a beautiful package, it is a memorable experience for the children when they open the devices for the first time. The joy we see in their faces and the appreciation by their families is what keeps us going, and we hope to provide that experience to young cystic fibrosis patients nationwide.”

For more information about The Richard Fusco Foundation, visit https://www.richardsfuscofoundation.org/

Every iPad given by The Richard S. Fusco Foundation is hand delivered by the Foundation's president, Ralph Fusco.
Every iPad given by The Richard S. Fusco Foundation is hand delivered by the Foundation’s president, Ralph Fusco.
iPads not only allow the patients to communicate with friends and family during long hospital stays, but they also offer an opportunity for the patients to stay on top of their school work.
iPads not only allow the patients to communicate with friends and family during long hospital stays, but they also offer an opportunity for the patients to stay on top of their school work.

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These Schools Have an A+ in Branding & Technology

Technology is driving change not just in corporations and private businesses, but also in the education sector. Many schools are taking learning outside the classroom with online programs that allow access to educational materials on mobile devices.

Others are using mobile technology as an incentive or form of recognizing students when they complete a program or hit a milestone. When technology is coupled with a marketing strategy that adds the school brand on the devices themselves, it creates visibility for the school and adds a personal touch for the recipient of the device.

Here are a few schools that have strategically used custom-branded technology to offer a unique value proposition.

Harvard Business School

Harvard University’s business school customized two Apple Watch bands in two colors to give as rewards within its online program. The school’s “VERITAS” shield is etched on both sides of the watch band, and the phrase “HBX Live” is etched on one side of the band as well as the back of the watch itself.

Customized Apple Watch bands for Harvard Business School
Customized Apple Watch bands for Harvard Business School
Logo etched on Apple Watch for Harvard Business School
Logo etched on Apple Watch for Harvard Business School

The Decorating and Staging Academy

The Decorating and Staging Academy used customized Apple iPad Air tablets to enhance the learning experience for its students. iPads are preloaded with specific industry-related apps and protected with a custom Smart Cover printed with the Academy’s logo for brand recognition. A custom branded sleeve encloses the device to create a one-of-a-kind unboxing experience.

Customized iPad Smart Cover and device sleeve for The Decorating & Staging Academy
Customized iPad Smart Cover and device sleeve for The Decorating & Staging Academy

Avenues: The World School

Avenues New York, the first campus of Avenues: The World School in the heart of Manhattan, gives away customized Apple AirPods at special school events. A school that touts bringing together the best of tradition and innovation, it created a design for the branded AirPods that speaks to both the school’s brand and its diversity. The AirPods are used as part of its marketing strategy to garner more brand awareness for the school.

Apple AirPod designed and customized for Avenues New York
Apple AirPod designed and customized for Avenues New York

South Kent School

A private boarding school for boys in Connecticut, South Kent School customized Apple Watch bands with its logo and showcased the watches as part of a presentation at a regional event. The logo, etched on bands in the school’s two colors, helped bring more visibility to the school.

Apple Watch band etched with school logo for South Kent School
A red Apple Watch band etched with school logo for South Kent School
Customize Apple Watch band in black for South Kent School
Customize Apple Watch band in black for South Kent School
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5 Ways to Make Your Brand Stand Out

Companies like Apple, Nike or Disney can put their name or logo on any product and customers will flock to it (then keep coming back for more.) But what if you’re not a Fortune 100 company or a well-known brand? In a crowded marketplace, how do you make your brand stand out?

The good news is, you don’t have to be a company at that caliber to have brand recognition. Here are 5 ways that can help your business rise above others:

  1. Create interesting content. Interesting also means original and sincere. If your content is cliché or too sales driven, or if you attempt to mimic another brand, people won’t have a compelling reason to choose your company over the other brand. Also, be bold in your content. When it comes to making a name for yourself, risk often leads to rewards. 
  2. Know your customers. Ultimately, your brand is what your customers say it is, not what you think it is. Know who your customers are and form a connection with them. That connect is based on trust by meeting their expectations. 
  3. Be good at one thing. Don’t try to be everything to everyone. When you think of In-N-Out, you think of burgers. The Southern California chain does burgers well and they stick to what they do best. In the same manner, know what you do best and be good at it. Your customer will remember you for it. 
  4. Deliver on your promise. Having brand integrity is key to a successful business. This is part of building trust with your customers. Nordstrom promises a no-hassle return policy and the company delivers on this promise every day. Their customers are loyal because they know that if they need to make a return, there will be no questions asked. 
  5. Visibility is key. In marketing, it is said that a customer must see your brand seven times before the customer remembers it. Leverage different opportunities to diversify the visibility of your brand to help with brand recognition. Perhaps you surprise and delight your hotel guests by using laptops with your brand at your new guest lobby. Or you donate raffle prizes with your company logo at an industry event. Or you send your clients a custom-branded tablet to help them track your services. There are infinite ways to put your brand in front of your customers.

In the race to get your brand to stand out in a crowded marketplace, it takes a clear objective and a deep understanding of your business, your customers and the marketplace.

Once you have established your brand, let us help you take it to the next level by making it known to your customers, partners and stakeholders. Contact us to get a complimentary mockup of what a custom-branded device looks like with your company logo.

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Maximizing Digital Content on Mobile Devices

In today’s digital world, content is king. How does your business distribute important content, such as documents, images and videos, to your stakeholders? Content is futile if it’s not accessible or being utilized properly. And with nearly five billion mobile device users worldwide, mobile devices offer the most accessible, effective way for you to share content.

What is digital content?

Digital content is defined as any content that exists in the form of digital data. Beyond PDF, image and video files, digital content can also be an audio file, an infographic, a case study or client testimonial, or even a dedicated mobile application.

What are the different types of digital content?

Browse the internet for just a few minutes and you will see endless amounts and types of content. Check out this list of 101 different types of digital content you can try for your business.

Why should businesses preload digital content on mobile devices?

There are two main reasons businesses preload digital content on mobile devices:

  • Brand experience. Businesses use digital content to differentiate themselves, elevate their brand experience, and engage with customers. In particular, companies that give mobile devices as corporate gifts benefit from having preloaded digital content. When the recipient sees your company logo and can immediately access relevant information about your business upon turning on the device, it takes the recipient to another layer of the brand experience.
Black Box Corporation used customized Apple iPads with preloaded digital content as employee gifts.
Black Box Corporation uses customized Apple iPads with preloaded digital content as employee gifts.
  • Workflow efficiency. For enterprises with remote employees, a sales team or field workers, preloading digital content on company devices can help employees to enjoy maximum flexibility with increased productivity.

As an example, Atlas Roofing utilizes Apple iPads to help its contractors execute daily tasks efficiently. These iPads are preloaded with Atlas applications and worker tools and personalized with custom home and lock screens, enabling the contractors to access the resources they need with a click of a button.  

Atlas Roofing offers Apple iPads with preloaded, dedicated applications and tools for its contractors.
Atlas Roofing offers Apple iPads with preloaded, dedicated applications and tools for its contractors.

Where does FUSION OF IDEAS fit in?

FUSION OF IDEAS maximizes the reach of your digital content by preloading PDF, image or any other files onto a mobile device without you ever having to touch the device. We can customize your home and lock screen, remove or hide applications, and upload content to digitally personalize the device for your business.

At the end of the day, it’s about ease of use, engaging your user, flexibility and productivity, and accessing the right information anytime, anywhere. For more information about our digital content services, visit fusionofideas.com/branding.