Are you exhausted from switching between applications to fulfill different needs, such as buying clothes on Myntra, ordering meals on Zomato, or booking a ride on Ola? Then, you must look into super apps, especially Indian Super apps, which are an aggregation of apps that allow you to manage your everyday tasks from a single app without any exasperation. When you hear the term "super apps," you might take it to mean it has superpowers like Superman. There are types of super apps such as business super apps that streamline the daily business or office activities, and other apps streamline your everyday activities and reduce stress superbly by consolidating all of your daily activities into a single UI rather than dispersing them across several screens. To reiterate, Super Apps is the current vogue or sensation; in other words, it has become a hot cake, with most organizations preparing to launch it while just a few have already done so. When some parts of the world are busy counting their accomplishments, others are aiming for greater goals, believing that the transition from the stone era to the digital age is only the beginning. And we can't afford to be too preoccupied with the before the upgrade. As the basic definition of upgrade is to advance from the preceding. Introducing a new exuberant software or app based on customer needs will not bring you to your desired users; your success will be determined by how much your app can reduce your customers' efforts in meeting their needs. And these apps are critical tools for sorting out all of a user's needs while also making their activities easy. What are Super Apps? Super Apps developed as web applications or mobile applications aimed to organize the user's daily activities by providing multiple services in one app, such as booking a cab, making a payment, purchasing medicines, etc. If you are still confused what are super apps? In simple words, since we live in a digital age, these apps enable users to meet all of their needs with a single app, with other apps like UPI payments, Myntra, Zomato, Ola, and others integrated within it. For example, rather than driving to various stores, you could go to a shopping mall and locate everything you require. Likewise, the same principle applies to this app. Top super apps Since its inception, Indian super apps have experienced constant growth. This concept originated in an Asian country and will soon spread over the globe. Some of India's most popular super apps to recommend are listed below. 5 Indian Super Apps 1. Tata Neu 2. Paytm 3. Clap Messenger 4. My Jio 5. Troop Messenger   1. Tata Neu   The Tata Group's salt-to-software conglomerate has developed Tata Neu as an all-in-one app. Tata Neu has sparked considerable euphoria among the public, and analysts predicted that it would likely become one of the most celebrated India’s super apps even before its release. As everyone has their expectations based on the brand name.   Tata Neu mega app has 2.2 million app downloads and 2.1 million app enrolments within a week of its introduction. The app presently offers hotel reservations, travel reservations, food orders, and quick loans, with plans to expand into micro-financing, micro-insurance, buy now & pay later, and other services in the future. Tata Neu's in-app brands are Starbucks, Westside, Tata CliQ, BigBasket, 1mg, IHCL Hotels, Qmin, Croma, and Air Asia. The services of Vistara, Air India, and Curefit are yet to join the app. As per Mukesh Bansal, President, of Tata Digital, over 10% of users from standalone Tata Neu companies such as BigBasket switched to Tata Neu at first, increasing to 30% during the pilot phase. Further, it is likely to increase to 50% of consumers shifting to Tata Neu. Is it possible to classify the Tata Neu app as a full-fledged Indian super app? It's possible, but it's also possible that it's not, since no instant messaging or social networking applications aren't on the brand list. Due to the integration of social media applications, a few super applications in Korea have become successful, and subsequently, these apps and social media apps have gained more users. I am hoping to see Tata Neu integrate a popular social messaging app, as they've become millennials' virtual communication extension. 2. Paytm   Paytm is one of the finest Indian super apps that has been used widely for virtual payments. Paytm is abbreviated as Pay Through Mobile. It is a multinational financial technology business headquartered in Noida, India, which specializes in digital payment systems, financial services, and e-commerce. The company provides its registered customers with an app that becomes their digital wallet, for conducting financial transactions, making payments to merchants & financial institutions such as insurance companies, ordering food, medicines, etc. At the Forbes Leadership Awards 2016, Paytm received the Outstanding Startup of the Year Award.  3. Clap Messenger   Clapping takes two hands, but this Indian Super app gives you more than two to organize your social life. If you think of Clap Messenger as just a messenger or Telegram and WhatsApp alternative, you're mistaken because it goes well beyond that. Few super applications in Korea and other nations couldn't retain users since each app was identical and they lacked a social messenger. However, this is one of the few super apps in India that has considered the needs of its users by aggregating other apps in addition to an end-to-end encrypted messenger. Along with messaging and calling, you can pay securely, split money, share albums, and events, as well as make polls, call recordings, and book appointments. Third-party merchants for food ordering, travel booking, card and loan repayment, utilities, shopping, and other services will be introduced in the second phase. 4. My Jio   Reliance introduced My Jio, India's super app that combines the features of the local search engine Just Dial, which was acquired by the company. This app is a marketplace for services and products powered by a mix of in-house technology and third-party connectors. My Jio has services such as Jio Mart, Jio UPI, Jio Music, Jio Movies, games, and more, as well as, the ability to arrange doctor appointments, pay insurance, and conduct other financial activities. This Indian Super app might be a one-stop-shop for Jio subscribers, with non-Jio users having to switch to Jio and become a customer to fully utilize all of the services. 5. Troop Messenger   Troop Messenger is a real-life example of a business Super app. It possesses all of the superpowers mentioned previously. This business chat app cum office chat app, not only simplified the inherent complexity that arises between multiple teams in the communication of the same company but also sorted the complications that arise in the communication of the same company between multiple units in different locations. In other words, teams from different Units can chat with each other as seamlessly as members of the same team. Troop Messenger follows a policy of empowering its users by facilitating all required features such as audio/video conference, screen sharing, remote access, etc., despite providing essential features like chatting, file sharing, audio/video calls, etc. Furthermore, they don't have to rely on other tools. For instance, users had to rely on video calling apps because a popular work chat app couldn't accommodate more than 15 people. Operating regular business or office tasks through a single UI saves teams' time and effort while increasing their productivity. As a result, it can be your Zoom alternative, a TeamViewer alternative, a Google Duo alternative, etc., you name it. To accentuate, despite the abundance of capabilities, Troop Messenger remains user-friendly thanks to its intuitive UI. This Indian Super app has a dedicated research and development team that analyzes market trends and contributes to the idea of new features so that users do not have to waste time and money investigating alternative solutions, no matter how much ever the world advances. In today's digital age, any company is more concerned or conscious about data security because data is regarded as the most precious asset and is prone to breaches by unethical contemporaries, hackers, and others. Learning how to deal with such scenarios, Troop Messenger has deployed world-class security features and strongly advocates being an on-premise chat, unlike other popular chatting apps though it can be delivered in chat APIs and SDKs, SaaS, and other models of the user's choice. Therefore, some of the world's most powerful nations have opted for Troop Messenger for their defense collaboration services. Conclusion Other business apps' success may vary or increase as a result of the rise of super apps; for example, an app that couldn't get the maximum number of users may earn it, or an app that currently has the maximum number of users may get additional users signed up from a competitor's app. Few economists predicted that a super app's performance is determined by the number of popular apps available; it cannot afford to give mediocre apps, For instance, you check the Indian super app Tata Neu comprises popular and quality apps. Users may feel obliged to use it at first, but they will eventually download their prior app or switch to another super app that offers their app or one that is better. As a result, the business owner should place equal emphasis on partnering with well-known apps and hiring the best Mobile app development company. In light of these circumstances, Troop Messenger built its features, albeit offering the possibility of integration, because app integration can make the data vulnerable, as apps come with their security difficulties. Troop Messenger may appear to be similar to other popular chat apps which provide additional capabilities in addition to fundamental features. However, because of issues with other chat apps, Troop Messenger users do not share the same opinion. While their chatting features may operate well but additional features such as conference, screen sharing, and so on are not as good as their essential features and are only supplied as moniker extras. Troop Messenger's chat features are excellent, so their additional features further enhance the user experience.   For instance, Troop Messenger offers some integral features which enhance the user experience as mentioned above are   Join Now helps to join ongoing missed audio/ video calls, Jointly code is a developer-friendly feature that allows numerous programmers to collaborate on coding while attending conferences or call meetings. Self Exit enables the host in exiting without terminating the conference, Secret chat window/Burnout allows two individuals to communicate classified information that can't be accessed or breached by anyone in the world.    You should look into Troop Messenger's QRP, advanced search filters, super admin controls, and other features to see how well it handles in-built complications in business communication, making it the finest business super app.

The experience developers go through using developer portals is not always perfect. What leads to this? What is the difference between a perfect experience and one that does not work for developers?   Sometimes, a poor experience might be a result of an unreliable API. However, most of the time, it is caused by issues with the website developers use to gain access to the APIs. This website is known as the developer portal. Table of Contents What is a Developer Portal? Onboarding Experience Beautiful Design Code Examples Intuitive Developer Portals Test For Errors Well-Documented Developer Portals Analytics and Logging Self-Service Developer Portal Simplicity Conclusion What is a Developer Portal? A developer portal is a bridge between an API consumer and the API producer. The API consumers are composed of the developer community while the producer is the API creator.   Developer portals make it possible for API consumers to use APIs and gain access to information about those APIs. This information might include guidance on how to integrate APIs, generation of client keys, user access, and general education about the API.   The success of APIs can be influenced by how developers work with developer portals. Here are a few tips for working effectively with them; Onboarding Experience The first impression developers have with developer portals can dictate whether they are going to use them or not. If you have decided to use a certain developer portal, you need to make sure that the onboarding process is easy.   Within the first five minutes of accessing the portal, you should be able to create an account and log in, create your authentication tokens or API keys, and connect to the API that you want to use.   Even though some portals might be a bit complicated depending on the APIs you want to use, five minutes should be the average onboarding time. In case you find challenges in this process, you will not be able to work effectively with that particular developer portal. Beautiful Design As a developer, you know that time is precious. So when you're working with developer portals, you need to find one that suits your needs in terms of design, documentation, and API endpoints. Otherwise, you risk slowing yourself down. Take the time to find a portal that works for you and your development process.   A developer portal’s design can be affected by small things such as a poorly chosen color palette. It can also be caused by cramming too much information into a limited area.   To work effectively with a developer portal, you need to choose one whose API creators have taken the time to study and understand your needs. They also need to understand the best practices when it comes to the design of their developer portals.   A good design will have an impact on how you will use a developer portal and can dictate the success of the APIs you are going to implement. Code Examples When working with a developer portal, you need code examples that show you how to use the APIs in that particular portal. Even though you might find these examples in the developer portal’s documentation, you should also get them in the portal itself.   This allows you to easily customize the code to meet your configuration and development needs. The best developer portals ensure that code, written in multiple client languages, is included in the portal.   You also need to look at the Postman scripts provided in the developer portal. Postman is one of the best API testing, client, and mocking tools used when consuming APIs.   You, therefore, need a portal that includes variables for a Postman environment to help you with things like API endpoints and key configuration. Intuitive Developer Portals The developer portal you choose to work with should be intuitive. This should include things like code examples, API documentation, API authentication, and API endpoints, among others.   There are standards to follow for all types of APIs, whether GraphQL, gRPC, or even REST. Even though some of these standards might not be straightforward, there are best practices to follow.   If a developer portal implements custom systems and standards, you will not be able to effectively use it. This is a recipe for the failure of applications implementing the APIs in that particular portal. Test For Errors It would be wrong for you to assume that the developer portal you are going to use does not have errors. When using these portals, smart developers try everything they can think of to see how they (the portals) respond.   To ensure that you have avoided any future challenges with developer portals, throw anything you can at them. There are things that API producers have not thought of or do not want you to see.   The best developer portals will provide you with well-documented and consistent error responses. Those using error codes should provide you with a URL for you to learn more about the error. This will dictate how effectively you will work with developer portals. Well-Documented Developer Portals Most developers find it challenging to work with developer portals that are not well documented. This is something you need to pay a lot of attention to if you want to work effectively with the choice of your developer portal.   You need to first come up with a list of the things that you expect to see in a developer portal documentation. This might include things like how interactive the platform is, changelog, and everything else that can help you when stuck.   For instance, if you’re integrating collaboration tools such as Troop Messenger chat APIs from the developer portal, you need documentation with a step-by-step guide on what to do. You also need to understand how the API calls differ between different versions as well as how tasks are performed. Analytics and Logging Most API creators do not think about analytics and logging as something that can affect the experience of developers when using developer portals. Logging, for instance, helps developers save time since they can easily see problems and rectify them.   Analytics, on the other hand, help developers understand the limits of the APIs in developer portals. For instance, a developer needs to understand the number of calls they can make with the chat APIs within a given time. This is normal and most developer portals will provide this information.   However, you also need analytics in the portal to help you when understand things like the methods and API endpoints that are called the most as well as the features and documentation pages you use the most.   With analytics and logging, you will get to see what is working best for you when using a developer portal. This way, you can eliminate any features that you do not need, or even ignore them. Self-Service Developer Portal Developers use developer portals for different things, but the primary focus of these portals is to enable them to gain access to and use APIs. They (developers) manage APIs, and their keys, and even create API proxies.   To ensure that you do not have any problems with a developer portal, you need to use portals that allow you to perform most functions on your own. You should be able to customize it according to your requirements without any help.   If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot use a developer portal without much assistance, you are likely going to have problems with the portal. Working effectively with a developer portal means that you have the flexibility to change what you want. Simplicity In conclusion, a developer portal should be easy to use. You do not need to use one that complicates simple processes as this will consume a lot of time. Look for developer portals that focus on single tasks at a time.   For instance, if your current state of access allows you to do a particular thing, the developer portal should focus on just that. It should not show you options that cannot help you as this can create a lot of confusion.   Developer experience on these portals needs to be optimized. Most API producers often forget about this or do not give it the attention it deserves. Following the tips discussed above is vital for effectively working with developer portals. Conclusion Mastering developer portals are essential for efficient development. By familiarizing yourself with the portal, reading documentation, and experimenting with APIs, you can enhance productivity and create innovative solutions. Embrace these tips to unlock the full potential of developer portals.

Effective Communication is one of the hallmarks of having a successful business. In today's world, with many varying styles and types of Communication, it can be quite hard to distinguish and check which of these are most effective.   Oftentimes, businesses are familiar with communication styles in the workplace and don't even know what style of Communication they use in the workplace, as these can grow seemingly unnoticed depending on the culture and the people involved.   However, learning the significance of knowing what types and styles of Communication are being used in the workplace can provide a much more convenient, open, and effective team.   According to one study, around 97% of all workers agree that Communication plays an important role in their productivity when it comes to everyday tasks, while 28% of employees blame poor and ineffective Communication as a primary reason for not being able to deliver productive results on time.   So, if you're looking to improve the overall state of productivity in your company or if you're just looking forward to learning how to effectively communicate with your fellow employees, then learning the four major workplace communication styles can be a significant help when it comes to workplace interaction.   In this article, you'll learn about all the different styles of workplace communication as well as the signs and methods to work with these types of communicators. Additionally, understanding how to improve your online meeting habits is crucial in the modern workplace, especially considering what Americans are doing during online meetings. You'll also learn the most effective style and how to incorporate that into your communication habits.   With this article, you'll get familiar with Communication Styles in the Workplace and some examples of how these styles can be used in real-world workplace scenarios. Table of Contents What Are Communication Styles? The Major Workplace Communication Styles 1 - Passive Communication 2 - Aggressive Communication 3 - Passive-Aggressive Communication 4 - Assertive Communication The Most Effective Style? - Assertive Communication   What Are Communication Styles?   Each individual has their own distinct style of Communication; coinciding this information with multiple individuals working in a company and having their own unique styles, it can get quite messy. Misinterpretations and misunderstandings can all become a flashpoint for conflict, and conflict between employees, managers, and team leaders is the last thing that most businesses need in an office.   These problems can start snowballing into other negative situations such as office toxicity, harassment, and even remote work setups that aren't safe because of cyberbullying.   When left unchecked, these conflicts can start to affect productivity and efficiency in an organization, and when that happens, customer satisfaction will start to suffer as well.   Prevention is always better than a cure so understanding the common types of communication styles can be a key factor in promoting efficiency, productivity, and just a healthy and positive workplace overall. The Major Workplace Communication Styles Primarily, the four major workplace communication styles that are most common are Passive, Aggressive, Passive-Aggressive, and Assertive Communication.   Each of these has its own certain characteristics that determine whether or not they are effective in a workplace environment. So far, Assertive Communication is known to be the most effective of the four as it brings out the best of all three and combines them into one.   But there's more to it than that. Understanding these four styles can help you understand the reasons why Assertive Communication is the best of all three.   So, let's get straight into it.   1 - Passive Communication   The first of the four is passive Communication. This type of communication style can be most common to new employees in a business. However, that doesn't guarantee that it is their preferred style to use. Over time, it can change when employees get more familiar.   Passive Communication typically involves being quiet all around and not really seeking much attention to themselves or to providing attention to others. Just seemingly doing their own thing without giving much of a presence.   Let's use an e-commerce site that primarily markets Valentine's Day lingerie. An employee that works there who's a passive communicator might not be openly contributing ideas to the table. Often this can be problematic, considering that they're a marketing company, but it can also work in their favor.   Passive communicators tend to follow or listen to others express their ideas and thoughts. They can be a lot more active in doing what needs to be done or putting things into action. Because of this, they're generally a lot easier to get along with.   In our example, the employee can be a lot more productive in doing the actual work as opposed to sitting and being forced to take part in a brainstorming session of what's the next marketing strategy to use.   However, passive communicators can also suffer from their own lack of expression. In a workplace environment, this can be especially problematic as resentment with coworkers can build up. Passive communicators generally are unable to say "no" to any tasks they are given.   Sadly, this can lead to abuse. Some workers can push themselves to handle extra responsibilities, put in longer hours, and generally exert more effort than they're capable of. This easily wears them out. Basically, interacting with passive communicators can often be a guessing game as to what they're really feeling inside. How To Distinguish Passive Communicators   There are plenty of ways to distinguish passive communicators if there is one within your workplace. Aside from them being generally quiet, having low presence visibility, and lacking the ability to say no, there are other signs that can help you tell as well.   Passive communicators tend to speak softly. They can sometimes have a poorer posture than most. Avoiding eye contact when speaking. Can be an easy-going person. Tend to be apologetic in most situations. Sometimes showcase a lack of confidence. Does not actively participate in activities.   How To Work With Passive Communicators When it comes to interacting with passive communicators in your workplace, you can apply different methods that can make it easier for both of you to successfully communicate and have a much more productive and relaxed experience.   1st - Directly Engage With Them - You can help passive communicators be much more relaxed with conversations if you deal with them on a personal basis. Starting one-on-one interactions can be much more helpful and comfortable for them as compared to being in a group of other people.   2nd - Ask For Their Thoughts - Consider asking them for their thoughts on certain situations. It could be something related to their hobbies, work, or even just something out of the blue. It can help grow a particular sense of assurance for them. However, make sure to allow them to express their thoughts freely without having to step in.   3rd - Use Open-Ended Questions - Passive communicators tend to keep things short, and this can be problematic if you want to get their thoughts out. Consider questions that need a certain amount of effort to respond to. This can help them share their thoughts and give you enough leeway to strike a better conversation.   4th - Give Them Space - Lastly, no need to be so in their face. Sometimes, one of the best ways to boost team morale or connect with individuals is to just leave them to their own work. Time is also an important factor for interaction, so give passive communicators the proper personal space they need to do their work.   2 - Aggressive Communication   Totally opposite to passive communicators, aggressive communicators are ones that tend to stand out a lot more in the workplace. They're a lot more vocal about what they think and can easily express their thoughts, oftentimes going so far as to even dominate others' opinions.   While it's true that aggressive communicators are more than confident to express their thoughts in a fast-paced environment and more quickly provide a response, it doesn't always guarantee coherence in their ideas.   This style of communication can be great when it comes to providing a decisive course of action in stressful situations, and it can also backfire at certain times. Aggressive communicators can bring negative experiences to those that want to take a much calmer approach.   For example, say you're in a meeting discussing the options of pricing automation tools for your online store. This matter can be highly influential to the overall result of your business success, not to mention the investment of valuable resources into setting things up to operational.   Given this, you'd prefer to take things slow, weigh down the options, and consider the benefits and drawbacks. But, with aggressive communicators, this indecisiveness can prove to be an unnecessary delay, opting for much quicker decision-making and being confrontational on the matter of what they think needs to be done as decisively as possible.   It can lead to dissenting opinions being disregarded and on-the-spot decisions that haven't been discussed enough. These can open lead to risky ventures that can ultimately bring in more negative experiences and hostility between employees.   The main problem with aggressive communication is that it can bring hostility in a workplace that has no room for such an attitude. When this isn't addressed, it can lead to conflict more so than any other type of communication style. How To Distinguish Aggressive Communicators   If you believe that you have an aggressive communicator within your workplace but aren't so sure yet, then consider some of the following signs below. Aggressive communicators are much easier to notice and spot as they're always dominating the center of attention.   Aggressive communicators tend to speak over others. They are unfiltered in their use of words. Can often display aggressive gestures. Keeps intense eye contact. They are opportunistic. Can be intimidating to approach. Comes across as close-minded.   How To Work With Aggressive Communicators It can be hard to work with aggressive communicators, and that can already be an understatement. For many, an aggressive style can already be something that they tend to avoid, and it is the most common approach for those that are uncomfortable.   However, in a workplace environment, this isn't always the case. Luckily, there are still some ways you can improve the experience and retain control. Here are some tips that you can use when communicating with others using this style:   1st - Stay On Work Topics - One of the easiest ways to deal with aggressive communicators is to just stick to the topics that you need to discuss with them. Less talk means fewer chances for hostility and confrontation. Stay on work topics and try to remain on that topic until you have what you need. Avoid going deeper into personal issues that can lead to problems.   2nd - Keep Cool And Stand Your Ground - Aggressive communicators have the habit of reigning control over conversations. It doesn't matter whether it's a group or one-on-one. They always try to make sure that the conversation goes their way. Try to keep your cool and stay on the path that you've originally chosen. Keep an open mind but stand firm to what you believe is best on a reasonable basis.   3rd - Walk Away When Needed - Sometimes things don't go your way, and conflict can just come up out of nowhere. It's these times that you need to know when to cut your losses and just walk away before anything else happens. When you feel that you're backed into a corner, it's the moment that you're no longer making any positive progress on the matter.   4th - Keep It Professional - As always, it is a workplace, and things should always remain professional. Provide a professional demeanor to aggressive communicators as this can display a sense of confidence and maturity that can help your overall figure in their eyes. Plus, you'll never go wrong with keeping things professional.   3 - Passive-Aggressive Communication   On the other hand, passive-aggressive communication is a mix of the first two styles. However, it can be a much worse version as it incorporates the weaker aspects of passive and aggressive communication styles.   Passive-aggressive communicators tend to showcase surface-level passiveness. They're particularly a lot harder to distinguish. Most would look at them as passive-style communicators, but over time, through interactions, cracks will begin to appear.   This style usually incorporates the agreeable nature of passiveness, but that is nothing more than just a disguise as their actions can dictate otherwise. They might say that they agree with your face but showcase discontent on the inside.   Passive-aggressive communicators tend to be most common in temporary roles in a company, such as contractors. They just want to get the job done as needed by their clients but still need a certain degree of interaction.   Let's use an example - Aloa.co is currently in the market to hire software developers for their team. Specifically, they're looking for freelance ReactJS developers. If and when conflicts do arise between their contracts when it comes to solving a specific problem, they're more likely to go with a passive-aggressive style of communication as the issue can only be a temporary problem for them.   At the same time, they could argue that they were only following what their clients wanted even though they know that it might not be an ideal approach to achieve results.   There are always circumstances in that conflicts can arise, and contractors might just go ahead and agree to the client's wishes but not necessarily agree with them. Sometimes, contractors even do go against what they agreed to when dealing with a specific problem. They just make sure that they don't get caught and don't cause any problems.   Overall, passive-aggressive communicators are experts in manipulating situations under the table to suit their needs. They can take underhanded approaches to resolve a conflict or to achieve their goals. How To Distinguish Passive-Aggressive Communicators When it comes to distinguishing passive-aggressive communicators, it can become a bit confusing as they paddle around the borders of passiveness while at the same time displaying aggressive tendencies once and a while. However, there are some small signs that can help you figure out passive-aggressive communicators in a workplace.   They tend to use sarcasm in serious conversations. Muttering when speaking. They can fake their emotions. Keeping quiet on certain conversations that they don't agree with. Can easily be unmotivated on certain tasks. Actively deny their discontent.   How To Work With Passive-Aggressive Communicators   When it comes to working with passive-aggressive communicators, you might originally be surprised to encounter one. The thing is, you'll most likely encounter situations where they have originally agreed with you and then did the opposite of what you expected them to do.   This can already be a source of potential conflict, and it can be very hard to work with them from there once they've essentially broken the trust in an agreement. Unfortunately, in a workplace environment, sometimes you have to work with anyone you've got. So, here are some tips that can get you going.   1. Ask For Real Feedback - It’s always the root that can fix all problems. Asking for genuine feedback can get you a long way when it comes to working with other people, including passive-aggressive communicators. This can ultimately lead to them opening up about their thoughts and can be a great foundation to start genuine productive conversations.   2. Be Upfront To Them - If you think that your work is starting to get affected by their behavior, then don’t be afraid to confront them about their actions. Do not condone them when they break agreements or if they take unclear actions. Be straightforward. If it comes to it, have a superior mediate to make things much smoother.   3. Prioritize Clear Instructions - Don’t let any misinterpretation slip by when it comes to interacting with passive-aggressive communicators. Not only will this provide confusion, but it can also be circled around back to you if they do reason out why they’ve done something different from what you originally agreed.   4 - Assertive Communication   If the passive-aggressive communication style mixes the worst of the other communication styles, then assertive communication does the entire opposite and gives in the best of both worlds. It displays professionalism and productive communication. The assertive communication style can be the best form to use when it comes to interacting with all the other styles.   Assertive communicators have the aggressiveness and decisiveness to face challenges while also taking into account the many different ideas of other workers in a much more respectful manner. They are also great at displaying their thoughts on the reasons why they said "no" to specific ideas. Alongside this, the proper charm and persuasion to convince others.   Let's use an example when you're thinking of switching up your agency email designs; there can be divided opinions on the best option to use. Choosing designs can be hard as they’re primarily subjective for person to person.   Assertive communicators in this scenario can properly engage with other dissenting opinions and provide appropriate reasoning that can reign in discontent without being overly aggressive.   At the same time, assertive communicators aren't shy to consider and listen to the opinions of others. They can be great at offering compromises that can see everyone agree on a decision. Assertive communicators practice the best methods that manage teams of different people. They make others comfortable with engagement and interaction, and they also find it easy to have meaningful conversations with almost anyone. Overall, they have the positivity and sharp thinking capacities that can keep people at their most productive state. How To Distinguish Assertive Communicators   The assertive communication style is perhaps the most obvious to notice in a workplace environment. They're always the ones that make people feel comfortable and at ease.   If you have a coworker that you have just had fun working with even at the most stressful times and can be the one that takes the horn, then they're probably an assertive communicator.   There are also other ways that you can know whether a person is an assertive communicator. Watch out for some of these signs.   They can have expressive gestures. Always out to ask for feedback. Active listeners. They love collaborating with others. Carry a confident and good posture. Offer a clear voice. Open to conversations. Very approachable and friendly.   How To Work With Assertive Communicators Working alongside assertive communicators doesn't tend to be that hard, but they can always use a helping hand to improve. Assertive communicators love to receive valuable feedback, and sharing your thoughts with them can help them make better decisions. You can encourage them to take the lead or have them help along with problematic projects. Ultimately, they can also function great as mediators when it comes to dealing with all the other communication styles. The Most Effective Style? - Assertive Communication It goes without saying that assertive communication is the most beneficial and productive of all three. If you're looking forward to becoming an assertive communicator yourself, then the best way to start is by improving your communication skills. Communicate with others while at the same time maintaining a healthy amount of self-awareness.   Have the confidence to speak your mind while at the same time taking criticism from others. Be logical with your thoughts and run them through your mind before speaking. Practicing active listening is also a must. Always seek to improve.   One suggestion that could do well is to listen to yourself speak. You can use call recording software for brainstorming sessions or just even general meetings where you can be active, interact with others, and talk. Certainly, such a process will enhance your applied communication styles in the workplace.   Look through your mannerisms, areas for improvement, and speech patterns to remove or retain. At the same time, if you want to entirely focus on how you look when speaking, try observing your actions in a mirror and practice the facial movements that you want to use.   As businesses invest in proper information architecture systems and communication tools like Troop Messenger for their organizations, learning and investing your time in developing your own skills in working with others can be a great tool not only for a workplace environment but also in general life.

Video calling apps have become an essential part of everyday life, whether personal or business. Everyone, especially during the pandemic, had a strong desire to know the whereabouts of others, which video calls made possible. While some people were evaluating their relatives, friends, etc., and health, others were checking their employees' both health and resources to continue with their regular operations while working remotely.   Many companies learned how capable their official chat apps are as a result of the pandemic, and some discovered the need for video calling software and answering services that their tool couldn't offer since they chose it just because it was popular. As a result, companies had to rely on alternatives such as online video chat apps, and some switched to other chat apps that allowed video calls to maintain their team collaboration.   For your information, experts estimate that by 2025, more than half of the world will have switched to remote work due to its benefits. So, to stay in the game and provide smooth communication to users, clients, and customers, it's high time for every sort of business to adopt the best video calling software.   The following are some of the best video-calling apps that may meet your business needs.   Best Video Calling Apps 1. Troop Messenger 2. FaceTime 3. Zoom 4. Slack 5. WhatsApp 6. Whereby 7. Microsoft Teams 8. Discord 9. BlueJeans 10. Google Duo   1. Troop Messenger     Don't think the writer listed Troop Messenger as one of the top 10 video calling apps by mistake; it's a complete team communication tool that you can use to make effective video calls. As a result, it can be referred to as the best video-calling application, the best screen-sharing app, the best remote tool, the best video conferencing software, etc., you name it.   Troop Messenger aims to empower its users by providing the required features so that they don't have to leave the official chat UI to complete their tasks on other tools' UIs, which may affect their work productivity. While some popular chatting apps offer namesake video call options, social chat apps’ video call options may appear to be far superior in terms of quality.   Many businesses were affected by the pandemic, but only those with advanced tools were able to withstand the enforced remote work culture. Because a commonly used chat app or video calling software couldn't suit remote work situations, many clients were forced to rely on numerous tools or switch to alternatives overnight. As a result, when compared to other tools, Troop Messenger shares a significant portion of the graph chat, making it one of the best apps for video calling.   Troop Messenger has several advantages as a video calling app.   Using the Join Now option, you can join the missed video call. During video calls, you can share your screen at any time. Multiple members or developers can work on the code using the Jointly-Code Editor. Using the self-exit option, the host can exit the call without terminating it.   Troop Messenger is a very secure application, which is why, in addition to software businesses and banks, other sectors such as Defense agencies, government agencies, political parties, healthcare units, and others have opted for it. So, if you are looking for the most secure video chat app with more features likely, your search ends here. It's available in a variety of delivery models, including on-premise, chat APIs and SDKs, SaaS, and more. So you're just a few clicks away from downloading one of the few secure video calling apps available.   2. FaceTime     Apple Inc. developed FaceTime as a proprietary videotelephony product that is compatible with iOS devices running iOS 4 and later, as well as Mac computers running Mac OS X 10.6.6.   Although it is not compatible with Android, Windows, Linux, or other platforms, FaceTime is used by a small number of small enterprises and startups, particularly in the United States, for business chat and meetings. It is, however, extremely popular among Apple users, and you can easily switch between video and voice. Perhaps Apple's reputation persuaded its users to use only FaceTime, negating the need to download other video calling applications, or in other words, Apple users don't show interest in other apps for video calling, since FaceTime offers quality service.    Facetime is a free app with no paid options. It's part of the Apple experience, and it's available to everyone with a compatible device or a link. It's also simple and basic, with decent video quality, and the addition of meeting connections and screen sharing greatly improves its functionality.   3. Zoom     Zoom is one of the few video calling apps or conference apps that have been ruling the market for a long time.   This video chat platform offers a free subscription, yet it comes with some restrictions. This free package allows you to host up to 100 people and participate in as many one-on-one sessions as you want. Each group or business meeting, however, is limited to 40 minutes.   As a video calling platform, Zoom is available on all major platforms. Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS are all supported operating systems. Zoom can be accessed through a web browser or by dialling a standard phone number. Users can take advantage of a variety of plug-ins, extensions, and other third-party software.   With the foregoing in mind, it's clear that Zoom had security difficulties. For example, during the pandemic, a few vandals intruded into corporate and judicial meetings, prompting Zoom users to seek an alternative in other video chat platforms. However, it has now been reported that Zoom has encrypted all calls, conferences, and other communications.   4. Slack     Slack is a popular communication tool used in businesses all around the world, that has both video calls and video conference features.   Slack is one of the applications that has made its users reliant on other tools because its free plan only permitted one-on-one video calls, while premium subscriptions allowed up to 15 people to participate in video calls. As a result, few free plan users abandoned the idea of upgrading to a higher plan, leaving premium plan users with the option of using its alternative chat apps, which facilitated the video calling feature allowing a large number of members, or relying on live video calling apps scattered across multiple UIs.   If you're thinking about switching to Slack, first assess your video call needs before deciding. Integrating a live video call app is not recommended due to security concerns. Hence, if your company holds meetings with more than 15 members, then this is not your tool unless you are looking for instant messaging software, rather, you can find some best team collaboration tools which can be the best video calling software too, with its video calling features.   5. WhatsApp     WhatsApp is a popular social messaging app, but few small companies use it for business communication. It has grown in popularity among small business owners since the addition of secure payment gateway alternatives, and it is also a free app. Video calling was previously exclusively supported on mobile devices; however, this has recently changed. WhatsApp's desktop client allows users to make and receive video calls. So, small-business users can use video chat for business using all the devices.   The video call feature works well, but when compared to other office chat apps, it falls short due to its poor quality. WhatsApp would be a poor choice for use as a live video call app to survive in the modern business world because other applications offer high-definition video calls with recording capabilities for future reference, video conferences, screen sharing, remote access, and so on.   6. Whereby     Whereby originally named Appear. It began as a summer intern project under Telenor, a Norwegian telecom provider, and has since established itself as one of the popular video calling apps. It's perfect for small businesses looking for an easy way to connect with team members. Because of its simplified form, it provides quick service, and there is no need to download an app or log in; users simply create a room, publish their meeting URL, and anyone may participate in the browser.   In comparison to Zoom, it allows for 45 minutes of meeting time with 100 participants, which is only 5 minutes longer. Also, unlimited participation is supposed to be allowed in the Pro and Business programs. Screen sharing is possible, but it does not allow for remote access, so it may not be appropriate for remote teams unless they want to work across various platforms. Small organizations can use it without concern, but be aware its pricing page implies that there are no video recordings. So, the decision-making is up to you.   7. Microsoft Teams     Microsoft Teams is a Microsoft-developed proprietary business communication platform that is part of the Microsoft 365 product line.   It is one of the few applications that helped remote teams during the pandemic. Due to security concerns and a time limit with the free plan, Zoom users have switched to a few different programs, one of which is Microsoft Teams. Other domains, such as educational institutions, sales executives, and so on, began to use this technology as online video calling chat because of the free plan's time limit.   Users can initiate the video call with a few clicks, and they can plan meetings and add agendas with the conference feature. Close integration with the Microsoft Office suite for document, calendar sharing, and note collaboration are a few of its features.   Teams' AI powers tools like screen sharing, backdrop blur, and noise-suppression software. It also connects to Workplace and is included in an Office 365 plan, just in case you need it outside of the office. If you ignore the fact that it does not have an on-premise option, Microsoft Teams might be your team chat and video calling app, with enough functionalities to boost productivity.   8. Discord     Discord was created by Jason Citron, who was the co-founder of OpenFeint, a popular social gaming platform for mobile games. It was first made public in May 2015, using the domain name discordapp.com. Citron observed how challenging it was for his team to work out tactics in games, so he developed a chat service with a user-friendly focus.   With its Discord screen share, video chat, and other features, it became a popular program among gamers, and it joined the league of best video calling apps. It enables streaming within the app, which is a wonderful method to play games with friends by broadcasting one user's screen content to the rest of the group. Small businesses later used this capability and began utilizing it to communicate with their clientele.   9. BlueJeans     BlueJeans by Verizon is a company that offers an interoperable cloud-based video conferencing service that connects users across a variety of devices and platforms. It uses a system of meetings, rooms, and events to enable video calling for large groups and organizations.   It's a full-featured online conferencing program with built-in collaborative tools that can enhance your teamwork. Bluejeans uses a system of rooms, meetings, and events to enable video meetings anywhere, touting a simple and modern approach in contrast to some of the more complex systems offered by competitors. The only disadvantage of BlueJeans is that it does not offer a free subscription; instead, it only offers a 14-day trial period.   10. Google Duo     Google Duo is a video calling app developed by Google that is available for Android and iOS. On May 18, 2016, it was introduced at Google's developer conference and went live on August 16, 2016.   This live video call app began as a one-to-one video chat app and has since evolved into a group video chat service. Google Duo allows you to form groups of up to 12 people and have video chats with them.   Many Android phones come with Google Duo pre-installed. Because your Duo identity is just your phone number, you don't need to register an account or even utilize your Google account, as one might assume, given that this is a Google service.   Conclusion   Communication is critical to a company's success, and video chat apps have become one of the most popular ways to stay in touch with clients, consumers, and other stakeholders. As a result, it is recommended that you choose a comprehensive tool that includes chat capabilities, file sharing, video calls, and video conference features so that you do not have to initiate a video call in the name of a conference or meeting, which could harm your brand image in the eyes of your customers or clients.Since your data is an asset to your unethical contemporaries and hackers in this modern digital world, integrate it into your business needs as a high priority and start your research with the aforementioned tools to locate a full team collaboration tool that has a penchant for security features. This blog will certainly help you make an informed and wise decision in opting for video calling software and finding the best video calling apps. Video chat apps play a vital role in business communication, offering seamless connections for remote teams, clients, and customers. Selecting a video chat app with robust security features ensures that sensitive data remains protected, fostering trust and reliability.   FAQs     1. What are the best video calling apps for businesses?     Some of the top video calling apps for businesses include:   Troop Messenger – Ideal for secure business communication with integrated video calling, remote access, and team collaboration tools.   Zoom – Popular for its reliability, breakout rooms, and webinar features.   Microsoft Teams – Integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 tools and supports chat, calls, and file sharing.   Google Meet – Great for teams using Google Workspace; offers easy scheduling and joining via calendar invites.   Cisco Webex – Known for high-level security and enterprise-grade features.     2. What should I look for in a business video calling app?   Look for features like:   HD video & audio quality   Screen sharing   Meeting recording   Calendar integrations   Chat within calls   End-to-end encryption     3. Can I use video calling apps on mobile devices?     Yes, most modern video calling apps are fully compatible with mobile devices. They offer dedicated apps for both iOS and Android, allowing users to join video calls, share screens, and chat on the go. These apps are optimized for mobile screens and data usage, making them convenient for remote or mobile work.     4. Are video calling apps secure for business use?   Yes, many modern video calling apps are secure and designed for business use, offering encrypted communication and privacy controls to protect sensitive discussions.     5. Do I need a subscription to use these video calling apps?     It depends on the app. Many video calling apps offer free versions with basic features, but advanced features—like longer call durations, higher participant limits, recording, or admin controls—often require a paid subscription.       6. How do I choose between Troop Messenger and Microsoft Teams?   Troop Messenger focuses on secure, flexible communication with features tailored for enterprises and government sectors, while Microsoft Teams is part of the Microsoft 365 suite and integrates deeply with Office tools like Word, Excel, and Outlook.     7. Which tool is more customizable or flexible?   Troop Messenger provides more flexibility with deployment (cloud, on-premise, or hybrid), custom branding, and role-based access control—making it a strong choice for organizations with specific IT and compliance needs.              

There's no doubt that blockchain technology has grown into something of a behemoth over the past couple of years, and it's expected to get even more significant as time goes on.   According to Statista, worldwide spending on blockchain solutions has risen from $2.7 billion in 2019, and such is the interest going forward; predictions are it will be worth around $19 billion by 2024. Blockchain is everywhere, it's attracted the interest of investors and miners alike, but it isn't particularly new. Bitcoin, a form of blockchain, has been on the scene for more than a decade, and early adopters of the currency have made themselves a lot of money. However, it is about much more than currency now; blockchain is becoming a method of validation and ownership, rather than simply of exchange and trading. Indeed, it is now being leveraged by industries outside of finance as a method of storing and verifying other types of data using smart contracts development industries such as supply chain, land registry, human resources, and even food safety. However, will we see it disrupting the instant messaging industry any time soon? As it's something that is already permeating our everyday lives, will it find its way into the growing world of instant messaging? Table of Contents Where does it fit in instant messaging? Benefits of blockchain instant messaging Safety and security Conclusion Where does it fit in instant messaging? It has already crept into a host of unlikely industries; a local brewery in Indiana is allowing its customers to use cryptocurrencies as a payment method, and in sports, it's becoming more prominent too. Users can access a crypto heatmap and check out which currencies can be beneficial for them. We saw crypto advertisements littered throughout the Super Bowl recently, but NFT stats show there's also been a real growth in interest in blockchain-based digital assets in the heart of sports. Right across the world, supporters of various clubs and organizations have been snapping up some of the latest developing digital collectibles, as Socios fan tokens have been selling out. These items are not only unique pieces of memorabilia that fans can use to show off their support, but the tokens also allow their purchasers to get closer to their favorite teams by affording them access to polls and VIP experiences. Blockchain is heading into gaming technology, too, as we've also seen video game giants, like Nintendo and SEGA, openly discussing their interest in NFTs.   That move has proven hugely unpopular; many gamers see the introduction of digital assets such as NFTs, using blockchain, as simple profiteering by companies. They feel monetized, not served by a company that values their custom, and that's one serious danger of introducing blockchain technology into an industry such as instant messaging. Still, if the blockchain can impact these areas, why not instant messaging too? If handled correctly, could blockchain seriously disrupt instant messaging? After all, having an IM chat on the bkhas many benefits. Benefits of blockchain instant messaging First of all, the blockchain is far more secure than many of the current options we've got to stay in touch with our friends and family. A few years ago, one huge security scandal that had the world concerned was the harvesting of 87 million people's Facebook accounts by Cambridge Analytica. The incident brought on a 20% reduction in postings on the social media platform as users were concerned about potential unauthorized data sharing. This wouldn't be an issue on the blockchain; the decentralized technology would allow people to be more confident about security than ever before. We would know for sure that the person who sent the messages is correct due to the infrastructure, making it almost impervious to security breaches. The same technology which protects huge financial transactions, which ensures that one person is comfortable spending millions of dollars on digital artwork, would also ensure that you know where your recent IM has come from. It could feasibly be verified if someone tells you they're your friend on a new number. There have been numerous instances of IM scams, whereby people claim to be your friend or relative in order to scam you out of money. With blockchain IM, that wouldn't be possible in practice.   This means that we would be able to use IM solutions to help businesses even more as well. We've already mentioned the benefits of The Best End-to-End Encrypted Messaging Apps for Businesses and Governments, but using the blockchain would take this to the next level. Businesses need a heightened level of security; they're more likely to be targeted by skillful scammers than an average person, and therefore communications are sensitive and vulnerable. Whilst there are current methods of encrypting exchanges via email and the like, they have a 100% secure IM system leveraging blockchain would be a huge benefit. Of course, here at Troop Messenger, we already have such tight security protocols. Therefore, you are allowed to communicate any sensitive information with your reliable peers, such as if you buy Litecoin. We have multi-factor authentication which secures access control to your IM and therefore, your entire team collaboration platform. We have end-to-end encryption too, which some other IMs may not offer. However, a decentralized IM service could, in theory, either add an additional layer of unbreakable security or even allow the usual tried-and-tested methods to be left to one side. Safety and Security Due to the increased safety and security afforded by the blockchain, this could also mean that the IM service could be extended and allow the users to have other features that current services cannot currently implement. For one, businesses could benefit from the best Bitcoin wallets, which would be ideal for transferring funds no matter where they are in the world. The same would go for confidential files or photos, allowing companies to share important documents worry-free. Essentially, blockchain technology could extend the current benefits of IM systems for businesses, incorporating financial elements without additional risks. We're always told never to send personal details over IM as they could be vulnerable. Yet, blockchain technology could make them completely impenetrable to hackers, ensuring that an IM system allows for payments and messages.   Another benefit of the technology being decentralized is that if you were to head into a country that bans other social networks or IM services, you wouldn't have to be concerned about a similar issue with blockchain messaging. There wouldn't be a way for the blockchain chat to be closed entirely in a region or country. As long as you have access to the world wide web, you'd be good to go no matter where you were. Of course, this could have significant implications, especially in countries where free speech is controlled. There might be controls around IM systems as a whole, rather than just specific outlets, but the technology would still allow for complete freedom of speech, posing a problem for some governments, but a safe haven for those wishing to exchange information in regions where it may be difficult. Conclusion As you can see, blockchain technology has many potential benefits that individuals and businesses could utilize through instant messaging. Whilst there are already IM apps utilizing blockchain technology, they are not becoming the norm. It is difficult to see any major shift towards blockchain in the industry within the next couple of years, but there's certainly scope for the future. Sadly, although you're able to show off your support of your sports team or buy your favorite drink via the blockchain right now, we may have to wait a little longer before we see instant messaging become part of the new world too.

Planning corporate travel can be one of the most stressful aspects of any business trip. It’s incredibly easy to overlook little details that might come back to bite you during your time away from home or the office. According to Reportlinker, the global market for business travel is all set to rise up to USD 829.5 billion by 2027. Whether you’re in charge of your company’s travel and expense reports or you’re simply the designated organizer, Airbnb arbitrage works well in this scenario traveling with co-workers can be great fun. However, it requires a lot of prep work to take care of every little detail. If you’re planning to travel with co-workers on business trips, then it’s important to plan ahead. This article can be a basic roadmap to planning a successful corporate trip.   Corporate travel planning can get complicated fast. With all the budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating that’s involved in making sure your business trip goes smoothly, you need to be proactive during the planning phase. The stress of corporate travel planning can be compounded if you don’t give yourself plenty of time to book tickets and reserve accommodations. However, there are some specific ways to avoid that pitfall by incorporating these six tips into your corporate travel planning process. So let's check all the details! Table of Contents 1. Create an updated itinerary 2. Plan with travel apps 3. Be prepared for the unexpected 4. Complete small business paperwork in advance 5. Use travel software for efficient planning 6. Pack smart for comfortable corporate travel Conclusion 1. Create an updated itinerary It’s easy to lose track of your itinerary when you’re traveling. The goal of your new itinerary is to stay organized, so spend a few minutes combing through your existing itinerary. Update it by adding new flight and hotel information including confirmation numbers and departure times to ensure that everything is correct.   Create a separate section within your itinerary that lists all upcoming events on each day of your trip, and be sure to include contact information (name, phone number) in case someone has questions or needs to get in touch with you while you’re away. Corporate travel can include many moving parts, including finding accommodations and booking flights, as well as managing expectations from clients who may not have traveled before. When you do it right, however, business trips can be extremely beneficial both personally and professionally. In addition to helping you find deals on airfare and hotels, staying active during your travels can also help reduce stress levels and make your overall experience more enjoyable.   Set aside time every day to exercise and explore new areas if possible; once again, technology makes it easier than ever to keep up with work even when you’re thousands of miles away. 2. Plan with travel apps   Technology has made a huge impact on planning any type of trip; it’s worth noting that even simple tools like Google Maps have been instrumental in helping us get around during our travels.   TravelPerk, a comprehensive travel management platform, is gaining popularity as a one-stop solution for businesses and individuals alike, streamlining the booking process, providing expense tracking features, and offering personalized travel itineraries to enhance the overall travel experience. Just note, there are many travel apps out there to help you find flights, hotels, and rental cars and it’s important to do your research before deciding on which one(s) will be best for your needs. While apps can certainly make things easier, it is recommended that you make sure to double-check all reservations because some of them can also make errors. If you want to ensure everything goes smoothly, it’s always good practice to book directly through an airline or hotel website instead of using an app. Use apps more for directions, sightseeing, or restaurant recommendations for the destination. Another thing to keep in mind: check if your company has a preferred booking service or if they offer discounts when traveling on business. If so, take advantage! It never hurts to ask! 3. Be prepared for the unexpected The thought of flying for business can be intimidating, but with proper preparation and a few strategies in place, your travel experience will be as smooth as possible. Create backup plans for all parts of your trip by doing research on local transportation systems. It is critical to book tickets and accommodations well in advance. Know what to pack in your carry-on (you'll probably want to leave expensive items at home), and make travel arrangements that meet your specific needs. An unexpected delay or cancellation at one point during a trip is inevitable, so it's crucial that you're prepared for those events ahead of time. When traveling for work, there are many things that could go wrong—from lost luggage to canceled flights—but being unprepared for these occurrences leads to unnecessary stress. To ensure an enjoyable and productive travel experience, make sure you have a plan in place before taking off. 4. Complete small business paperwork in advance Skip all of that stressful last-minute scrambling before your trip. The best way to plan a trip is to take care of as much in advance as possible.   Get business and hotel paperwork in order, choose comfortable clothing, pack toiletries, and make reservations with vendors ahead of time. If you can do all of these things in advance (even up to a week or two ahead), you’ll find yourself feeling more relaxed on your trip because you won’t have spent days frantically trying to get it together at home. You’ll also save money on accommodation fees because everything will be booked early. A few key documents you should gather include: travel orders, invoices, and packing lists; contact information for anyone who might need to reach you while you’re away; relevant business meeting details; and flight information including itinerary numbers. You may even want to keep copies of your passport, visa, or any other personal documents just in case they’re needed during check-in or security screening. 5. Use travel software for efficient planning   There are tons of online travel planning tools. These tools can take care of much of your corporate travel planning, from researching locations to booking flights and hotels. They’ll also help you find discounts and bonuses you might not be aware of, like hotel loyalty points or airport lounge access, which can save you lots of money and let you fly more comfortably. When possible, look into business travel management software it lets your company collect all travel bookings in one place so that a single employee is responsible for them instead of individual departments.   Leading travel management software like Travelperk offers a comprehensive corporate travel solution. It streamlines everything from booking to expense reporting and even includes useful features like an integrated calendar tool, automated meeting reminders, and real-time flight status updates. Another great way to make sure you have efficient corporate travel planning is by using Airbnb for work. With Airbnb for work, coworkers share accommodations while traveling on business together.   This eliminates the need for employees to incur additional costs when sharing a room with another person, resulting in savings of both time and money. And because there's no extra cost involved, coworkers are free to stay at AirBnBs located close to their client's offices, restaurants, museums... basically anywhere they need to go during their trip! You can check out TravelPerk's list of travel software, your employees will love it! 6. Pack smart for comfortable corporate travel In order to pack smart, light, and travel in a way that leaves you feeling comfortable, it's important to have a checklist in mind. First, consider which items you really need for your trip. In addition, make a note to yourself of your itinerary in your team chat app. For example, if it's a business trip and you'll be meeting with clients in person or via conference calls or video chats, leave behind anything bulky or space-consuming like your laptop bag or large file folders.   Pack smart by throwing in a pair of light headphones and a touchscreen tablet instead; they're much easier to handle when moving through airports and train stations than their cumbersome counterparts. Also, keep in mind that most hotels now offer free Wi-Fi—you may not even need to use your smartphone at all! Keep these things in mind while traveling: It’s always nice to make sure everyone knows where you are. If possible, coordinate plans with colleagues before your departure so they know how long it will take you to get from point A to point B (and back again). It’s also wise to check in periodically during travel so people don’t worry about whether or not you made it home safely. The last thing anyone wants is for their boss to be riled because of communication loss or for loved ones to worry about them unnecessarily because of unforeseen circumstances on their part (like getting stuck in traffic). While checking on others is important, don't forget that self-care is key too! Conclusion Business travel is rarely stress-free, but there are a few things you can do to keep from getting overwhelmed and maximize your productivity during your next trip. Stress-free travel is about preparation, execution, and having a contingency plan for when (not if) something goes wrong. And don't forget to take some time before you hit the road—both to prepare yourself and pack properly—because stress accumulates as you move closer to departure day. Even small measures like eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can have an outsized impact on your outlook while traveling. Try these six simple steps to minimize stress while on business trips—and don't forget that while they're important pre-trip, they’re also important once you’re in transit.