Setting up an Ubuntu Linux Server for Laravel
July 21, 2023 | Admin
Configuring a Linux server can be stressing and a hassle, but since we’ve done this few times and struggled, We thought to share.
Let’s begin then
- Login to yourself
- add a Laravel user
- “`adduser dev“`
- check if user exists “`cut -d: -f1 /etc/passwd | grep “`
- Install NGINX
- sudo apt update
sudo apt install nginx nginx-extras -y
- sudo apt update
- Start NGINX sudo service nginx start
- sudo ufw enable
Installing PHP and Extensions
Install Composer
Deploying
- Clone branch
- Copy .env
- Install dependencies
- Migrate db
- Run any Seeds if appliccable
- Symlink Storage folder
-
File Permission
Quick tips for a tech internship interview
February 14, 2022 | Admin
So you just finished your qualification or at least at a point where you can get an internship, and you have done the first part of sending numerous applications, and you scooped an interview and you don’t know where to start. Well let’s see then.
1. Be prepared for the interview
Yes you might not know what they going to ask you maybe, but almost 70% of interview questions are standard, and you don’t have to answer them like a robot still, you’ll need to answer these questions as personal and professional as possible.
Secondly, whether you having your interview online on a video call or in person, dress appropriately, and look clean, you don’t have to rock up on a suit, just dress smart, it’s not a managerial position yet.
If you are having an online interview make sure your camera is cleaned and working, your mic is working perfectly and also your sound is on, you don’t want to start testing this during the interview, it will also make you look disorganized.
Most asked question in any interview:
- Tell us about your self?
- A good strategy to answering this questions is a three part answer, that covers your background, your present and your ideal future. This answer is almost a winner, if you get this one right, then you have score yourself some good brownies, and it already gives the interviewers an idea of who you are in detail.
- An example
- A good strategy to answering this questions is a three part answer, that covers your background, your present and your ideal future. This answer is almost a winner, if you get this one right, then you have score yourself some good brownies, and it already gives the interviewers an idea of who you are in detail.
I am a young and fresh graduate, I just finished my qualification in IT, I majored in Software Development, which I got exposed to various programming tools, like Java, HTML, CSS, JavaScript and C#. I also enjoyed other subjects, like Business analysis, and Information Systems, it gave me an idea of the problems IT solves in business.
Currently, I am looking for an environment that would give me an opportunity to kick-start my career, get exposed into the industry, solve real problems, get mentored and up-skilled.
Finally, I would like to grow my skills more in Data Science later in my career, because I love making sense of things, reporting on findings, trends, and presenting information in an effective and nice way.
2. First Impression lasts
So assume your answer to the tell us about yourself questions was anything similar to the above example, at this point the interviewers are certain about where you come from, what you are looking for and what are your plans or aspirations.
They might not be sure they want to hire you yet, perhaps there’s already a space for you, but now you’ll have to show you can fit into their culture and environment.
This can be achieved by having a good attitude. Good attitude combined with clear direction and confidence can be a good key to unlocking a door.
3. Know what skills you want to grow in
Also this ties to the first question, being prepared and understanding your journey.
You don’t have to know exactly what you are looking for, but if you want to be in Software Development, at least do say that, and if you want to be in System Support be clear about that too.
4. Understand the questions before answering
It’s very important to understand the question before attempting to answer it, and if you didn’t hear the question, calmly asks the interviewer to repeat the questions. Answering a question without understanding won’t make you look smart.
Sometimes it’s the jargon used, if you heard the question clearly but you not sure what the word means, indicate that you are not familiar with the word used, and you’d like more clarity, explanation or to use an alternative word.
5. Have A portfolio in hand
If you are going to an interview, and you have prepared yourself, then surely you’ll know if you have any past work related to the interview, it might be an assignment, or a personal project you made, bring it to demonstrate your skills in the field, this will also demonstrate your skill level.
6. Ask Questions
All questions have been aimed at you, now you have a chance too to ask questions, once the interviewer says do you have any questions, start shooting. Asking questions demonstrates your involvement. This should be part of Tip number one, get prepared.
Questions you might want to ask could be, but not limited to:
- Do you ever absorb any interns after the internship program is finished?
- What is it that the company does to make sure interns get well equipped and supported through the program.
- How versatile is the company in the tools it uses, and what’s the latest technology adopted
Setting IMAP Email on Outlook Mobile
April 21, 2021 | Admin
This is a step-by-step guide on how to setup your IMAP email account on your Outlook Mobile app on Android and iOS platforms.
After you get email settings from your hosting service provider:
- Launch the Outlook app on your mobile
- If there’s no current account linked to your outlook app already, then choose Add Email Account on the first screen OR if there’s already an account on your Outlook app, then click the home icon on the top left, and choose settings or the cog sign on the bottom left, and choose ADD EMAIL ACCOUNT
- Enter your email address e.g name@domain.co.za and continue to next screen
- Select IMAP and continue
- Enter the password for your new email account (Should be part of the setting sent to you if you didn’t create it yourself)
- Enter Display Name you wish e.g John Doe
- On Description you can type Work, Business etc.
- Choose the Advanced Settings
- On IMAP Incoming Email Server
- IMAP Host Name – mail.domain.co.za:port e.g mail.kodeinkgroup.co.za:123
- Username – the email address you setting up e.g name@domain.co.za
- Password – the same password for the email you are setting up
- On SMTP Outgoing Email Server
- SMTP Host Name – smtp.domain.co.za:port e.g smtp.kodeinkgroup.co.za:123
- Username – the email address you setting up e.g e.g name@domain.co.za
- Password – the same password for the email you are setting up
- Click the “tick” mark to complete setting up your email account, and if all is well it will automatically synchronize emails on inbox and outbox.
Everything is easy until it has to be done, and done right.
Setting IMAP Email on Outlook mobile can be stressful, we are glad to help you configure it remotely, you can email us at support@kodeinkgroup.co.za and we will contact you as soon as possible.
Using digital marketing to collaborate with other small businesses.
January 23, 2021 | Admin
Why collaboration in business is important
Collaboration in Digital Marketing has been the latest trend that almost business invests in in this era.
Entrepreneurs go into business for many different reasons although the common ones include profit making, being successful, and making a profit. One of the ways to build a successful business is to form partnerships.
Forming partnerships can be a good business strategy if done correctly. So collaboration in Digital Marketing opens a wide stream of beneficial networks.
Find out how you can form beneficial partnerships and cultivate profitable strategies for your business using digital marketing strategies
1. Join a Local Online Business Group
If you want an opportunity to meet up with business people in your area you can always go to them, but the power of social media has allowed business people from around the world to have a platform to collaborate.
There is a growing trend of entrepreneur groups where you might potentially meet your business soulmate, much like with a dating app, you can easily get into contact with those you are interested in doing business with.
An example of this is a Facebook Marketplace. Most areas now have online marketplaces where customers and business people meet, advertise their work as well as share ideas with the intent to collaborate.
The best thing about this strategy is the affordability and accessibility of it.
It also helps that using this strategy you can see what other businesses are doing and emulate some of the ideas in your own business. Online Business groups are ideal for identifying some growth areas for your business.
Using the information obtained from the group, you might be able to identify some gaps in terms of what is not being offered and use that as leverage to expand your business.
Regular networking is quite hard, think about it this way, you do not have to sit in a boring seminar or function just to connect with people. You can just easily log into your social media application and find what you are looking for. In most cases businesses include their contact details, much like a digital business card.
This strategy depends on your preference, whether you prefer meeting online for offline, business groups are a great way to make new connections in business. If you do choose the online route, then you can decide if you want to meet face-face or continue communication through digital platforms.
If your goal is to have a partnership, then this is an easy way to go about it.
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2. Use a Business Applications or Software
The possibilities are limitless in partnerships. Depending on what you want, you can make a partnership work for your business. Larger businesses have mastered the art of partnerships and use them to get value for money. Look at what Uber did, by collaborating with restaurants and doing deliveries, both businesses get a bigger audience and more sales.
You can target other businesses around you that can help with a product/service you require and form a partnership, much like picking a vendor and both parties can benefit from the partnership. Your business can thrive from a partnership, you can view this as a form of teamwork, which is better than working alone sometimes.
Teamwork can drive growth and innovation, helping your business stay relevant. Who does not want their business to be relevant?
An example of a partnership in a small or informal business is a Shisanyama. Shisanyama’s are mostly informal small businesses that operate in the townships and sell braai meat. You get large and formal ones that have a range of services, but the majority is small.
Such businesses can partner with a delivery venture to get food to customers quicker, due to this partnership the business can extend its working hours to accommodate the customers that want food late.
This can also help the business continuity in instances where the weather is bad, and people are unable to go out to buy braaid meat.
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3. Use branding to attract other businesses
Branding is like an identity of a business. A business brand should be associated with the service/product it offers. When going into a partnership, a business should think about what that means for the brand. Partnerships with too many businesses at the same time can be confusing for your customers, you might hurt your reputation in the process if you are not careful.
Therefore, it is importance to be clear in identifying exactly what you want out of a partnership and stick to what is practical and attainable. Of course, flexibility is an important factor for growth and innovation, however you should be careful not to overdo it.
Think about your goals and objectives, write them down, use them as a guide to keep you focused on the scope of work.
It is important to know your business very well before seeking out a partnership because you can find yourself very confused and things can become blurry.
4. Get value for money
Try take some time to reflect on your business. Ask yourself how many businesses you depend on now for services/products which keeps your business afloat. Think about where your business would be if it were not for your current partnerships.
The truth is most businesses are already in partnerships, the company that provides you with internet and a telephone line, the finance business that helps with money, the bank that gives you credit when you need it, the property business that lets out offices for your business.
The list is probably long but all these businesses are providing a service you need to keep your business going and without their services your business would probably be struggling.
The aim is to make the most out of your partnerships.
The first step is to acknowledge the businesses you are already in business with as your partners, think about the kind of relationship you have and how you can make it valuable and beneficial.
Ever thought that maybe banking with a different bank might provide you with more services to benefit your business. Small changes in partnerships can save your business money and time.
5. Transparency is key
Entrepreneurs are always willing to grow their businesses using different strategies. You know what they say, different strokes for different people. Your thinking should not be limited to the norm as a businessperson, the growth of your business depends on your level of innovation, thinking out of the box.
However, it is crucial to be as transparent as possible in your limitations, be honest about the services you can offer and those you cannot offer.
This is significant in finding partnerships that can help you grow
your business in the areas where it lacks. Being dishonest with your capabilities, might cause you to miss out on good partnerships who could have filled in the missing links to your business puzzle.
6. Be ready for disenchantment
In business there is always disappointments and sometimes they come unexpected. Gloomily, you need to be able to deal with them as they come along. Trying new things is demanding and for this reason, small businesses are reluctant to take risks. Failure is however inevitable at times.
While difficult as it is, cutting your losses when partnerships do not produce to your expectation is foreseeable. When it happens, be ready to move on and try something that might work for your business. Giving up is not an option if you want to succeed.
The business world is not easy to infiltrate and sometimes owning a start-up business can be really demanding. Therefore, it is important to do partnerships in the smartest way possible, keeping your expectations at a normal level and finding what works for your business.
When done right, partnerships have proven to grow small businesses and put them in a better position. Remember to be intentional, clear, and informed when going into partnerships and have partners whose goals align with yours
Why does your business need a website?
July 21, 2020 | Admin
Simply because we live in the digital world. A website is your marketing tool when you are sleeping, eating, driving or you are busy with other things.
Your potential consumers can navigate to it at their own convenient time and interact or learn more about your business and make decisions.
A website also accomplishes various marketing strategies to help your business grow and build a strong online presence.
Additionally, your website gives consumers a clear idea of what your brand is about and what type of products or services you offer, and what your current clients say about you as testimonials or comments.
This also presents an opportunity to showcase your work, experience, network, and track record.
There is a stigma with websites, that they are only for businesses and big corporate, they can be used by individuals who want to showcase their work as portfolios, or track records, and skills or even the smallest company needs a website.
Websites are just marketing tools that talk to our consumers on our behalf online while you are busy with other things, and they are live and accessible 24/7.
Any organization can or must have a website, from a church, charity organization, NPO, to a Corporate company, including Artists, Speakers, and Freelancers in any industry.
Websites allow your potential customers to know you and interact with you, by sending messages, comments, making bookings, placing orders, requesting quotes, or purchasing items on your website.
Don’t get left behind, get yourself or your business a website, and have a strong digital voice.
Additionally, with circumstances similar to Covid-19 pandemics, businesses were forced to conduct their business digitally, to maintain contact-less services.
The freshest Digital Agency is in town.
July 20, 2020 | Admin
Kodeink Group was built to provide business solutions to every business. Although the main focus is to help Startups and SMMEs to amplify their growth, brands, increase cash flow, and have a strong online presence to able to accomplish their dreams and goals.
We help develop your brand from scratch or enhance it to add value to its customers and attract potential customers. We want to change the narrative of Small Businesses, the fact that they are indeed small ends up making them think small and never create a room for growth, even if they do grow, it’s slow because if they don’t reach multitudes of people, their customer pool will not increase and the cash flow will not increase, which is what’s needed to build a sustainable, surviving and prospecting business.
We offer solutions that suit any business at its stage, we offer tailor-made solutions to suit the specific business. Our core function is to add value to our customers which in turn adds value to their customers.