HTC explains reasons behind CIQ data collection

HTC explains reasons behind CIQ data collection | Ubergizmo window.fbAsyncInit = function() { FB.init({ appId : '139683546053659', status : true, // check login status cookie : true, // enable cookies to allow the server to access the session xfbml : true // parse XFBML }); }; (function() { var e = document.createElement('script'); e.src = document.location.protocol + '//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js'; e.async = true; document.getElementById('fb-root').appendChild(e); }()); Network:Ubergizmo English, French, SpanishUberphones Subscribe to RSS Ubergizmo ReviewsMobileGamingAndroidAppleComputersGadgetsConceptsPhoto/Video |  Jobs Contact About Home > CellPhones > HTC explains reasons behind CIQ data collection HTC explains reasons behind CIQ data collection Tyler Lee 09/02/2011 09:47 PDT

The other day we reported that two HTC devices – the Sensation and EVO 3D – were reported to have a system app called CIQ which seems to be collecting data regarding the apps you use, how long you use it for, etc. At that time it was suspected that the data collected was being sent to a cloud server which could be accessed by HTC and other companies to be used most likely for marketing reasons.

Given how user data (especially location data) is a very sensitive issue nowadays, HTC was quick to clarify the reason as to why they are collecting said data. As it turns out the reason they are collecting the data is because when an error occurs, the data will be used to send in error reports. This error reporting system can be found not just on phones but also computers i.e. Windows when a program crashes and you have the option of sending a report on the crash.

“We’ve seen some questions about Sensation and Evo 3D and want to provide more information. HTC, like most manufacturers, has an opt-in error reporting function built in to our devices. If your phone experiences an error, you have the option of “Telling HTC” so we can make improvements to our phones. Details about this are in our privacy policy on each device and in order for data to be collected, you have to opt-in. If you do opt-in, we protect your privacy by de-identifing and encrypting the data.

HTC is committed to protecting your privacy and that means a commitment to clear opt-in/opt-out as the standard for collecting any information we need to serve you better.”

Good on HTC for the swift and succinct response! They seem to be doing a good job these days at listening to the concerns and requests of their customers. However if you still feel slightly creeped out by all this data collection, there is still an option for you to root your device and install the ROM which removes the system app from your device.

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Effective Selling Management - The Top Six Reasons Sales Managers Fail Their Sales Teams

I've mentioned this many times. The job of a sales manager is one of the toughest occupations in the world. Just as with any job, part of success is skill and knowledge and part of it is the internal components of the individual.

Effective sales managers do well for many different reasons; likewise, unsuccessful sales managers fail for many different reasons. If you are a sales manager or VP, ask yourself if any of these issues have ever caused problems for you or others you know.

Failure #1: The Sales manager is not wired for the job. As you will find out, there is a formula for determining a salesperson's capacity to perform.

There's no difference with sales managers. Many ineffective sales managers come from the ranks of the sales team. Often, they were excellent salespeople who were moved up based on the presumption that if they were good at sales, they'll be good at sales management. Not so.

The skill sets and internal wiring are completely different for the two professions. When a sales manager doesn't have the capacity to perform in that role, he will fail (and many times bring the organization down with him.)

Failure #2: A good candidate for a sales management position rarely gets the chance. Poor performance in a sales role becomes a stumbling block for advancement.

Unfortunately, many of the best sales managers were, at best, mediocre salespeople. Consider some of the most successful NFL coaches. Many of them were very marginal players or never played the game at all.

They had a greater capacity to coach, communicate their vision, and lead the team than to participate on the field as a star player. Any sales organization that hires a manager largely on past performance in sales may miss out on a great sales leader.

Failure #3: The manager lacks a foundation of effective sales training. Place anyone in any position and give them no training, and what do you have? You get an employee who stays in a constant state of frustration.

Some managers don't instinctively know how to fulfill the role. They must be given the training and resources to understand and recognize what each individual salesperson needs to help them be successful.

A sales manager who has very little dedicated training will significantly hamper the ability of the salespeople to do their jobs and reduce the organization's competitive edge.

Failure #4: Lack of an effective selling system.

Football teams don't go out on the field without a clearly designed play to run. Without a selling system every salesperson knows and follows, the salespeople will make it up as they attempt to move through the sales process. There's no repeatable formula for success. Sometimes they get the sale, sometimes they don't. Unfortunately, there's no way to determine why they did or didn't get the sale, and then coaching becomes a difficult task.

When the manager doesn't provide the sales team with a clearly defined selling system, the players will squander opportunities your competitors will get.

Failure #5: Lack of an effective hiring process. Gut feelings and speculation in the selection process will limit your ability to make the right choice. Just like having a selling system for your sales team to follow is important, so is utilizing an effective hiring system.

We provide in-depth assessment tools and experienced analysis of the results to help you acquire the best sales talent possible.

Remember, it's the sales managers responsibility to make the right judgments about hiring new salespeople. And without a defined process utilizing objective measurements, hiring decisions can end up being a toss-up.

Failure #6 - Lack the understanding of the concept of coaching. If a sales manager sees himself as strictly a manager, he can easily be driven by the administrative functions of the job: administration, spreadsheets, operational issues, etc.

A selling coach, or sales coach, on the other hand, works with the salespeople to develop them in individual areas, strategizes with them on difficult deals, holds them accountable for their results, provides feedback on performance issues, as well as course corrects before the month is over to help prevent sales failure.

I'll say it again. Sales management is a tough job. Invest the time and energy in the right tools for the job: effective sales management training, a proven and reliable salesperson hiring process or assessment, and a powerful selling system, and you can reap the rewards of a successful sales team.

Barrett Riddleberger is an internationally recognized leader in the fields of sales assessment, custom sales training and sales recruitment, as well as a successful and results-driven sales consultant. He also is founder of Resolution Systems Inc., a strategic sales consulting firm. His book, "Blueprint of a Sales Champion," details how organizations can find, train and retain top performing salespeople... even in a highly competitive market. An accomplished author and sales consultant, Riddleberger is also highly in demand as a business development and motivational speaker for organizations seeking to drive their sales force to greater levels of performance. For more info visit ResolutionSystemsInc.com or call 866.350.4457.

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Top 5 Reasons Why Your Sales Team Is Unproductive

Sales are a challenging task for any company, and running and managing and effective sales team is vital for your company's bottom line. Sales are the lifeblood of any company or organization. You need sales to drive revenue and keep a steady cash flow into the company. By finding solutions for the following you

Can improve your sales team performance and increase your sales.

5. Not Asking For The Business

This is key point in any sales cycle. Great sales people know how and when to ask for the business. They need to show your company's commitment to earning the business and be prepared to know what it takes to close the sale. By just being direct, straightforward and asking the prospect for the business can make the difference between winning and loosing a sale.

4. Inaccurate Sales Forecasting

Nothing is more frustrating for management than to have an inaccurate sales forecast. Most of the time sales people with over estimate what they will be able to close that month for a couple of reasons. Sometimes it is due to the sales rep wanting their sales pipeline to appear bigger than it really is, or because they want to look like they are doing a better job than they actually are. In order to get a better and more accurate forecast the sales rep really has to understand where they are in the sales cycle and just come and out ask the prospect when they can expect the sales to close. Sales Reps tend to guess instead of asking the prospect. Sometimes it helps if the prospect can have someone from management call or even another sales rep in order to effectively gage the sales forecast.

3. Poor Follow Up

Constant follow up with prospects will keep them engaged in the sales cycle. Even if the sale isn't going exactly where the rep would like, it is key to keep in contact with prospect at all time. Sometimes Reps know that they might not be getting a great lead and they will tend to treat that lead as second class and not give the attention to it that it deserves. By maintaining a strict follow up policy a company can get more out of the sales pipeline. Even if a prospect isn't buying right away, by maintaining close contact the business can often return at a latter time.

2. Not Enough Qualified Leads

This is truly a killer for any sales organization. Having a good qualified leads can keep the sales rep motivated and increase the chances of closing new business. Sales representatives often get discouraged when all they have to work with are poor qualified leads and too much time is wasted going after lower end accounts. By giving them more to work with, allows them to truly focus on those prospects that are qualified and are willing to spend the money to make the purchase. Every organization should evaluate how they are getting their leads. Often companies will attempt to give something free away such as an Ipod to increase leads. These leads are very poor and will take too much time and effort to shift through that is actually interested in the product or service versus who just wanted to win a free Ipod.

1. Unmotivated Sales Representatives

The bottom line is that sales people are lazy. Most organizations rely to heavily on the sales reps to go out do the hard work of prospecting to find new business. Sales reps are more interested in selling and feel that is what you hired them to do. When they have to spend 70% of their time looking for leads and knocking on doors, they can't do the follow up and truly focus on the sales cycle to close the new business that is needed to drive revenue. If they are already on a salary they tend it get too comfortable and rely just on that salary as an income. At this point most of the time they care very little if a deal is going to close because they have a guaranteed income anyways. It is important to find out what truly motivates your sales team and keep them motivated.

James Vinall- A B2B sales professional that specializes in Contract Sales and Lead Generation [http://www.theleadshark.com]

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6 Reasons to Choose a Pocket Folder, 4 Reasons to Select Another Format For Your Sales Literature

Should you choose a pocket folder to present your sales pitch or look for another format? Sales Managers and Marketing Directors search for the answer that fits their style, product and budget. Here are the pros and cons.

6 Reasons to Choose a Pocket Folder

Versatility - No other format is as versatile. From its most simplistic single-pocket configuration to a 6-panel version with stapled-in pages and stair-stepped inserts, the format allows the most options to add as much detail as needed.

Changeability - If you have information that changes regularly, the format is very accommodating. You can insert different information each time it is delivered. A perfect example of differing information is when your organization has custom pricing for each prospective account. Consider creating matching template pages which are mostly blank, but have graphics that match the pocket folder. Then laser in your variable information and slip the pages into the pocket.

Other changeable information can include things like multiple product lines. Suppose you have 8 product lines, each with its own inserts/brochures. Some of your products are designed for all of your target audiences, some for 2 audiences, and some for 4 or 5 audiences. It's easy to mix and match inserts that are specific to each audience.

First Impression Value - The oversized format and solid feeling can't be beat. When you receive a pocket folder, it just feels more important. Make sure you choose a good designer to enhance the value even further.

Convenience for the Recipient - The recipient has a handy place to hold all of your information, including your business card. Everything can be kept neatly and securely.

Cost - Interestingly, the cost can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. Compared to a simple trifold brochure, the cost is certainly higher, but the trifold can't deliver variable information efficiently. If you had to change information each time you made a presentation with a trifold, it would be an expensive and useless endeavor.

Multiple Uses - Good looking pocket folders with generic graphics can fit multiple uses. Make sales presentations, send proposals, deliver contracts, or fulfill literature requests - all with the same device.

4 Reasons NOT to Choose a Pocket Folder

Lack of Cohesiveness - Often the users slip into the mindset that "the more we give the prospect, the better chance we have to finalize a sale." They mistakenly include every piece of literature they have, making the main message become softened and/or confused. Prospects get overloaded and either pass over or ignore the primary message.

Cohesiveness can also be lost when well-meaning, but poorly trained employees, create pieces to insert that don't maintain a branded image.

Cost - The typical cost can range from $1 - $10 each. Weigh the cost of an average sale against the cost to determine if it's worth the expense. If you're selling in the business-to-business arena with an average sale over $500, they're great. Look for a cheaper option if you're selling products worth under $500.

Overkill - If your product or service is simple or low-cost choose a small brochure or flyer instead.

Extensive Amounts of Information - There's a limit. Once you get past 24-36 pages of information, it's probably better to switch to a catalog or magazine format.

Dan O'Donnell is Creative Director and Owner of Direct Axis, a 4-member design/communications agency

Direct Axis' primary focus is the design and writing of print and web media. Direct Axis creates pocket folders, brochures, catalogs, direct mail, web sites and Flash presentations.

Direct Axis specializes in nonprofits, manufacturers and higher education.

http://www.direct-axis.net

Pocket Folder Samples:
http://www.direct-axis.net/pocket.html

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5 Reasons to Go for an Online Degree for Literature

Online degrees have become very popular in the recent times providing the flexibility that busy individuals need to pursue higher studies or degrees that they are interested in grow in their careers. There are quite a few ways online degree can benefit individuals but here are the top 5 reasons why someone pursuing literature should go for online education rather than attending a full time college.

Online education will allow you to continue in your day job

It is easily the biggest benefit of going for online education. You can not only sponsor your own education but more importantly, notch a few more years of experience under your belt even while you are pursuing your degree. Employment also means a lot of other benefits that come along with it including gratuity and health insurance, which amount to a lot and it is not just the salary which is a big bonus of continuing in your job. In case of literature, or degrees related to art, it could be a bigger benefit for your career to, as you can hope to get a promotion, whether you are a lecturer in a college or you work for a magazine as a writer.

You have more time to network

Writers and college tutors always need time to meet people and network to progress in their career and that is exactly the opportunity they get when they are pursuing online education. A great benefit also comes from continuing your job where you can meet new people and stay open to the market, instead of receding to the four walls of a classroom for an extended period that will take you away from the action in the industry.

Hands-on learning complements what you are learning

If you are a writer who has landed a job out of experience and talent alone and do not have a degree to back it up, online education might be the best way to go. A literature degree can help you learn things and see the effect of good language in a hands-on basis at work. This helps individuals to learn better as there is no better way of learning things than to implement what you are practicing.

You have the internet to look for what you are learning

If you are listening to a lecture, you are literally glued to what you are listening but there isn't a great opportunity to look for other things that creep up to your mind as questions. If you are reading about an author online, you can look up for him and know a few things even as you are studying his writings which makes you focus all the more, as the person you are reading about is not an unknown entity anymore.

You can plan your schedule better

If your favorite teams are playing a game, it is hard to focus on the lecture. Similarly, in the middle of the night when you are not feeling sleepy, it is easier to just go to your desk and read about your favorite authors or their books.

This article has been written and published by Dallas Browne, who is currently writing on education guides for our website http://www.educationcenters.com/.For more details about the online degree, please visit our website.

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