The Benefits Of Giving Corporate Gift Baskets To Clients

July 22, 2024

Client appreciation is a challenge. You want to show your customers you care. Generic gifts often fall flat. They don’t leave a lasting impression. You miss out on a chance to deepen relationships. You want to foster loyalty. But how?

Corporate gift baskets offer a solution. They’re personal and impactful. They go beyond simple gestures. Gift baskets create meaningful connections. They offer key benefits to your business. They benefit your clients, too.

This article will dive into those benefits. You’ll learn how gift baskets strengthen relationships. They boost morale. They enhance your brand. Plus, they drive business growth.

1. Building Stronger Relationships.

A thoughtful gift speaks volumes. It shows appreciation. It fosters goodwill. A gift basket conveys a message. It says, “We value your partnership.” This builds a strong foundation for your relationship.

Gift baskets create positive associations with your brand. They’re not just a transaction. They’re a gesture of gratitude. This creates a positive feeling towards your company. It builds trust and loyalty. Trying out creative office gift basket ideas can spark inspiration for curated gifts that resonate with your clients.

Personalization is key. Tailor the basket to your client’s interests. Include their favorite snacks or a bottle of their preferred wine. This shows you’ve put thought into the gift. It makes them feel valued and understood.

2. Boosting Morale And Motivation.

Everyone loves a surprise. Unexpected gifts can brighten someone’s day. They create a positive work environment. This is true for both employees and clients alike. A gift basket shows your clients you see them. You recognize their contributions. This simple act can do wonders for morale.

Increased motivation often follows. A client who feels appreciated will likely go the extra mile. This can translate to increased engagement. It can boost loyalty, too. A happy client is a repeat client. This leads to long-term success. Client referrals also increase. These new leads can drive business growth.

A gift basket is more than a present. It’s an investment in your relationship. It’s a way to say, “We value your partnership.”

3. Enhancing Brand Visibility.

Gift baskets aren’t just about appreciation. They’re a subtle yet effective marketing tool. Think of them as a walking billboard for your brand. They get people talking and create a buzz around your company.

Include branded items in the basket. This reinforces brand awareness. A logoed mug, pen, or notebook goes a long way. It keeps your company top of mind with clients. It serves as a gentle reminder of your partnership and the value you bring.

This gesture often leads to word-of-mouth referrals. Clients might share the goodies with colleagues or friends. This expands your brand’s reach organically. It increases your brand exposure, too, as your logo and company name travel beyond your immediate client base. Gift baskets are a win-win for fostering relationships and promoting your brand.

4. Driving Business Growth.

Corporate gifting does more than just make clients smile. They can directly impact your bottom line. They foster goodwill and loyalty. This leads to increased customer retention. Clients are more likely to stick around when they feel valued and appreciated.

Furthermore, happy clients are also more likely to refer you to others. This opens doors to new business opportunities. You tap into their network and expand your reach organically. Word-of-mouth marketing is a powerful tool, and gift baskets can be the catalyst.

A well-curated gift basket sets you apart from the competition. It shows you go the extra mile for your clients. It differentiates you from your competitors who may not offer such personalized touches. It’s a tangible symbol of your commitment to client satisfaction and building lasting relationships. This can lead to increased sales and a stronger reputation in the market.

5. Creating A Positive Company Culture.

Gift-giving isn’t just for clients. It can transform your internal culture, too. Make it a tradition to celebrate employee milestones. Birthdays, work anniversaries, or significant achievements are all opportunities to show appreciation. This reinforces a positive company culture where employees feel valued.

A culture of appreciation boosts morale significantly. Employees who feel seen and recognized for their contributions are more likely to be engaged in their work. This often leads to increased productivity and a stronger sense of team spirit. A happy employee is a productive employee, and gift-giving can play a crucial role in fostering that happiness.

Furthermore, a positive company culture attracts top talent. People want to work for companies that care about their well-being and celebrate their successes. They want to be part of a team that fosters a sense of community and appreciation. Gift-giving plays a crucial role in cultivating this type of environment. It sends a clear message that the company values its employees and invests in their happiness.

Conclusion

Corporate gift baskets are more than just a collection of goodies. They’re a powerful tool to strengthen client relationships. They boost morale, enhance your brand’s visibility, and drive business growth.

Personalization and thoughtful selection are key. Take the time to understand your clients’ preferences. Choose items that resonate with them. This shows you care and builds rapport. Gift baskets are an investment in your relationships.

Don’t limit gift baskets to the holidays. Consider sending them for birthdays, work anniversaries, or project milestones. Partner with local businesses to create unique and curated baskets. This supports your community and adds a personal touch. Finally, track the impact of your gift baskets. Measure client satisfaction and engagement. This data can help you refine your gifting strategy and maximize your return on investment.

Top 6 “First Jobs” To Set Yourself Up For Career Success

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July 20, 2024

Are you ready for your first job outside the house, but aren’t quite sure where to look?

You know that this first gig probably won’t define you for the rest of your life, nor turn into a high-paying career that puts your wildest dreams within reach.

At the same time, you don’t want to waste your time in a job you actively despise. Nor do you want a role that won’t challenge you or teach you anything you can’t learn elsewhere.

Fortunately, plenty of entry-level jobs are both fun (most of the time) and challenging. These six are great if you’re eager to build practical skills that will serve you later in life — both personally and professionally — without diving headlong into a full-time career right away.

1. Graphic Design.

Internet entrepreneur Sky Dayton famously worked as an animation assistant before founding EarthLink, the dial-up company credited with bringing affordable internet access to the masses. While he never held another graphic design job, he credits the experience with teaching him the value of hard work and attention to detail.

The gig also pushed him out of his creative comfort zone, which may explain why he went on to found or invest in a variety of companies in the connectivity, mobile communication, and digital app spaces after leaving EarthLink.

Even if you don’t aspire to become an internet entrepreneur, graphic design and related creative jobs can help you test the bounds of your personal creativity and discover latent talents. In the end, you might decide creative work isn’t the best fit for you, but at least you’ll have learned something along the way.

2. Neighborhood Delivery.

Warren Buffett delivered newspapers around his neighborhood as a kid. Unlike most young newspaper delivery workers, he set aside enough of what he earned to fund his first stock market investments. The rest, as they say, is history.

The newspaper delivery business isn’t what it was when Buffett was a child, but there’s still room for enterprising young people in it. And there are other youth-friendly delivery gigs that teach similar skills, including some you can do on your bike or even on foot.

3. Supermarket/Retail Clerk.

Many career coaches believe every young person should hold at least one customer service job before they take their first career-track role. Customer service jobs like supermarket or department store checkout clerks teach countless fundamental skills that will serve you in just about any career you choose, including patience, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, and basic goal-oriented planning and organization.

For better or worse, working in customer service will also show you lots of ways not to treat others. You’ll find yourself on the receiving end of rude or even abusive behavior more often than you’d prefer, but those experiences too will offer valuable lessons for the future.

4. Tutor.

Although personalized, AI-supported tutoring apps are steadily replacing human tutors, there’s still a place for peer-led tutoring and probably will be for a while yet. If you’re good at breaking down complicated concepts, you’d do well in this role. Many people who later go into teaching, research, and other academic roles credit their experience as high school or college tutors for pushing them along.

5. Youth Sports Official.

Like retail clerks, youth sports referees and umpires come in for more criticism than they deserve, most often from parents and coaches who take the game a bit too seriously. Still, this ever-popular job for young people is a wonderful way to learn basic values like following the rules and applying them fairly, along with important life skills like conflict resolution and effective communication.

6. Landscaping/Groundskeeping Assistant.

While landscapers and groundskeepers don’t interact closely with the general public, they often work in close-knit teams whose performance depends on how well they communicate and divide tasks internally. Accordingly, this type of gig is ideal for future leaders who want to master the basics of teamwork in professional settings and apply those lessons to future roles as supervisors, managers, and perhaps executives.

Don’t Let Your First Job Define You

Most “first jobs” are meant to be temporary, or at least not intended to progress into lengthy careers. Some make no secret of the fact that they’re designed for “up or out” trajectories: either you quickly move into positions of higher responsibility within the same organization, or you leave, voluntarily or otherwise.

It’s difficult for a job like that to define you as a worker, much less as a person. A few years from now, you might not even bother to include it on your CV anymore.

However, you’ll always have the memory of that first job, and the ones that come after. For your own benefit as a productive member of society, it’s important to use those memories — and what you learned on the job — to improve your performance at whatever comes next. At the same time, it’s important not to let those memories define you by “overlearning” those early lessons and getting too set in your ways.

After all, the workplace and the wider economy are changing fast. The workers most likely to succeed in the future are those who take the right lessons from the past.

Black Clothing In Hospitality: A Professional Look

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July 19, 2024

In the hospitality industry, black clothing is a timeless and versatile choice that offers numerous advantages. Whether in fine dining restaurants, casual eateries, hotels, or catering services, black uniforms are a popular and practical option.

Here are the key reasons why black clothing is favored in hospitality:

1. Professional Appearance.

Black uniforms exude a sense of professionalism and elegance. They create a sleek, polished look that is ideal for high-end restaurants, hotels, and events. The color black is often associated with sophistication and formality, making it a suitable choice for settings where a refined appearance is essential.

2. Versatility and Timelessness.

Black is a neutral color that complements any décor or theme. This versatility allows black uniforms to seamlessly fit into various hospitality settings, from modern, minimalist restaurants to classic, upscale dining establishments. Moreover, black never goes out of style, ensuring that uniforms remain fashionable over time.

3. Practicality.

One of the most practical aspects of black clothing is its ability to conceal stains and spills. In the fast-paced hospitality environment, where accidents are common, black chef coats such as those at www.chefworks.com/black-chef-coats help maintain a clean and tidy appearance throughout a shift. This is particularly important for roles involving food and beverage service.

4. Uniformity and Team Cohesion.

Black uniforms contribute to a cohesive team appearance. When all staff members wear the same color, it reinforces the sense of unity and professionalism within the team. This uniformity can also enhance customer perception, as guests can easily identify staff members and associate them with the establishment’s brand.

5. Enhances Brand Identity.

Black uniforms can be easily customized with logos, embroidery, or accents that reflect a brand’s identity. Whether it’s a subtle embroidered logo or a splash of color through accessories, black provides a perfect backdrop for showcasing a brand’s unique elements. This customization helps reinforce brand recognition and loyalty.

6. Gender Neutrality.

Black uniforms are gender-neutral and look good on all body types. This inclusivity ensures that all staff members feel comfortable and confident in their attire, regardless of their gender or physique. The universal appeal of black helps create an inclusive and supportive work environment.

7. Functional and Comfortable Designs.

Modern black uniforms are designed with functionality and comfort in mind. From breathable fabrics to ergonomic cuts, these uniforms are tailored to meet the demands of hospitality work. Features such as adjustable waistbands, moisture-wicking materials, and practical pockets enhance the comfort and utility of black uniforms.

8. Psychological Impact.

The color black is often perceived as authoritative and reliable. Staff members in black uniforms may be viewed as more competent and trustworthy by customers. This psychological impact can enhance the overall guest experience, as customers feel confident in the service provided by professionally dressed staff.

9. Cost-Effectiveness.

Black uniforms are widely available and often more cost-effective than other colors. Their popularity means that businesses can find a range of options at various price points without compromising on quality. Additionally, the durability of black clothing means that uniforms will last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Conclusion

Black clothing remains a staple in the hospitality industry for its numerous benefits. Its professional appearance, practicality, versatility, and ability to enhance brand identity make it an excellent choice for hospitality uniforms. By choosing black, hospitality businesses can ensure their staff look polished and professional, while also providing comfort and functionality needed for demanding roles. This timeless color helps create a cohesive and elegant image that can elevate the overall guest experience.

[Photo credits: Ron Lach]

How To Use SEO for Startups – WebHummel

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July 17, 2024

Gaining traction online can be complex, and you might struggle to stand out as a new business. However, organic search is the top traffic source for all websites, so getting your SEO right is hugely important if you’re new to the business world.

This guide will run through the basics of SEO for small businesses so you can get set up and gain more traffic. From on-site to off-site practices, technical SEO, and the benefits of SEO for new business enterprises, we’ll teach you how to attract more customers to your website.

Where to start with startup SEO

SEO helps you generate more leads from your website, so let’s explore where to start with your SEO strategy as a small or new business.

Define your goals

Every organisation is different, and your objectives will be different, too. Whether you want to increase traffic across your entire website, generate more leads, increase brand awareness, or sell specific products, learning what you want to achieve will guide your strategy.

With SEO for startups, it’s important to be realistic and specific. So, pick measurable goals like a certain percentage increase in traffic, time spent on your site, or conversions, and don’t be put off if you fail to reach them because they’re too ambitious.

Instead, revisit your goals regularly and tweak your strategy if you need to.

Build a website

Your website is where visitors end up as a result of SEO, making it an important aspect of your organisation and effectively the face of your business.

Make your website user-friendly and simple to navigate for the best results and ensure pages are organised and that your site is secure. Pages must also load quickly to keep people’s attention, and everything must be built with your customers in mind.

The elements of an SEO strategy

With goals and a website in hand, it’s time to get started on your SEO strategy. This encompasses three core aspects: on-page, off-page, and technical SEO.

On-page SEO for startups

Keyword analysis

Keywords are the backbone of an SEO campaign and the best place to start is with competitive keyword analysis. This shows you what keywords your competitors are ranking for. You can use this data to your advantage and take steps to beat them to valuable search engine results positions.

Content planning

Next, it’s time to implement your keywords into your website content. As well as your main pages, you could also consider writing a regular blog. This should include high-quality advice and content that benefits your customers and instils trust in Google and other search engines. The result will be higher rankings and more clicks.

Off-page SEO for startups

Link building

Off-page startup SEO practices go hand-in-hand with on-site efforts and get your content in front of more people. Link building is a key aspect of off-page SEO and is the process of getting your articles and website pages onto other websites in your industry.

The better your content is, the more likely you are to get backlinks, and you should ensure that you end up on authoritative businesses in your industry for the best results.

Link building can be achieved through guest blogging, being listed in directories, and promoting yourself in relevant forums.

Social media marketing

Social media marketing helps you boost traffic to your website and build your brand’s reputation and awareness. A strong social media marketing strategy is important for new businesses looking to make an impact and it can complement your SEO strategy.

Technical SEO for startups

Technical SEO ensures Google and other search engines can index your site. This leads to higher trust and rankings, which in turn, leads to more clicks and enquiries.

Start with a technical SEO audit which will flag issues such as:

Broken links and error codes.
Poor page speed.
Poorly optimised title tags and meta descriptions.
Mobile friendliness.
Site safety with SSL (secure sockets layer) and HTTPS (hypertext transfer protocol secure).
Poorly optimised XML sitemaps.
Duplicate content.
Site structure issues.

Technical SEO for startups is complicated and it pays to use the help of an SEO expert.

Benefits of SEO for startups

As a startup, SEO is of huge importance and there are many benefits to getting it right. These include:

Save money and can achieve great ROI (return on investment).
Improve brand awareness, trust, and credibility.
Drive engagement with your target demographic.
Direct high-quality traffic to your website.
Stand out as a startup.
Boost your bottom line.
Increase footfall to physical sites with local SEO optimisation.

Make an impact online with startup SEO practices

It can be difficult to get noticed if you’re a new business, but SEO is a great way to build long-term success. By following these SEO for new business tips, you can start your journey to digital success both now and in the future.

Unlock Your Consulting Career With Gabriel Goldbrain: The Case Interview Training Advantage

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July 17, 2024

This is a post sponsored by Goldbrain SRL. Goldbrain offers the Goldbrain Success Training which intends to significantly increase graduates’ odds to break into tier 1 and tier 2 management consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG and Bain.

In today’s competitive job market, freshly graduated students face numerous challenges when it comes to landing their dream job. For those aspiring to break into the prestigious world of management consulting, the hurdles can be even higher. Top firms like McKinsey, Bain & Company, and Boston Consulting Group demand not only academic excellence but also a unique blend of analytical prowess, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think strategically under pressure.

This is where Gabriel Goldbrain steps in, providing a specialized service that transforms ambitious graduates into successful consulting candidates. The case interview training, The SUCCESS Training.

Gabriel Goldbrain is more than just a coaching service; it’s a lifeline for those determined to make their mark in the consulting industry. Our flagship offering, the Success Training, is a case interview training that stands out with its unique “only pay if you succeed” model. This means that our clients only pay for the service once they secure an offer from a consulting firm. This success-based case interview training approach not only demonstrates our confidence in our training methods but also aligns our goals with those of our clients.

The Success Training program at Gabriel Goldbrain is a case interview training that is meticulously designed to cover every aspect of the consulting application process. From crafting a standout resume and cover letter to mastering case interviews and developing a deep understanding of business concepts, our comprehensive case interview training ensures that candidates are well-prepared for each stage of the recruitment process. Our experienced coach, who is a former consultant from top firms, provides personalised guidance and feedback, helping candidates refine their skills and boost their confidence.

One of the key components of our case interview training is the focus on case interviews, which are a cornerstone of the consulting hiring process. Through rigorous practice sessions, candidates learn how to approach complex business problems, develop structured solutions, and communicate their ideas effectively. This hands-on case interview training, combined with real-time feedback from our coaches, equips candidates with the tools they need to excel in high-pressure interview scenarios.

Moreover, Gabriel Goldbrain recognizes the importance of a well-rounded approach to career preparation. In addition to technical skills, we emphasise the development of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership. These attributes are crucial for success in the consulting world, where consultants must work collaboratively with clients and colleagues to deliver impactful results.

Our commitment to our clients’ success extends beyond the training period. We offer ongoing support and mentorship, helping candidates navigate the complexities of the consulting recruitment process and transition smoothly into their new roles. This holistic approach ensures that our clients are not only prepared to secure job offers but also to thrive in their consulting careers.

In an era where education costs are soaring and job security is uncertain, Gabriel Goldbrain’s Success Training offers a risk-free pathway to a lucrative and fulfilling career in management consulting. By investing in our clients’ success and standing by them every step of the way, we make the dream of working at top consulting firms accessible and achievable.

To learn more about how Gabriel Goldbrain can help you launch your consulting career, visit Gabriel Goldbrain. Our dedicated team is ready to help you turn your ambitions into reality, with a service that only asks you to pay if you succeed. Join the ranks of successful consultants who have benefited from our expertise and start your journey with Gabriel Goldbrain’s case interview training today.

Embark on your consulting career with confidence and let Gabriel Goldbrain be your guide to success.

Protocol-Owned Liquidity: A Sustainable Path For DeFi

Contributor

July 15, 2024

by Jared Grey, Managing Director of Sushi Labs

In the dynamic world of decentralized finance (DeFi), the quest for liquidity is a continual focus. Liquidity enables transactions, facilitates price discovery, and supports the overall stability and functionality of DeFi protocols. Traditionally, DeFi projects have relied heavily on liquidity mining schemes to attract liquidity providers (LPs) by incentivizing them with tokens. While effective in the short term for boosting liquidity and user metrics, these schemes often lead to unsustainable outcomes, fostering dependency on external incentives and contributing to volatility in token prices.

In contrast, protocol-owned liquidity presents a compelling alternative, emphasizing long-term sustainability, stability, and resilience in the DeFi space.

The Pitfalls of Traditional Liquidity Mining

Liquidity mining has undeniably played a pivotal role in the rapid growth of DeFi platforms. By rewarding LPs with tokens to provide liquidity to pools, projects can quickly amass liquidity and achieve high trading volumes. This influx of liquidity can create the appearance of a vibrant ecosystem, attracting users and investors seeking opportunities for yield farming and trading.

However, the reliance on external incentives introduces several significant challenges. Firstly, liquidity mining programs are often costly, requiring continuous token issuance or distribution to sustain participant interest, which can strain the project’s tokenomics and governance and potentially lead to inflationary pressures or dilution of token value over time.

Secondly, the liquidity provided through mining schemes tends to be transient and highly sensitive to market conditions. LPs are incentivized primarily by short-term gains rather than a commitment to the project’s long-term success. As a result, liquidity can swiftly exit when incentives diminish or market sentiment shifts, leading to liquidity crises and increased volatility in token prices. This volatility can undermine user confidence and hinder the development of a stable and sustainable ecosystem.

Embracing Protocol-Owned Liquidity

In contrast to traditional liquidity mining, protocol-owned liquidity represents a paradigm shift towards sustainability and resilience in DeFi. Protocol-owned liquidity involves allocating a portion of the project’s treasury or reserves to provide liquidity on decentralized exchanges (DEXs). This approach enhances the project’s financial stability and aligns the protocol’s interests with its users and stakeholders.

Stability and Long-Term Commitment

By deploying protocol-owned liquidity, projects can ensure a stable and reliable liquidity base less susceptible to market fluctuations and external incentives. This stability is crucial for attracting long-term investors and users who prioritize security and predictability in their DeFi investments. Moreover, protocol-owned liquidity serves as a buffer during periods of market volatility, providing essential liquidity when external LPs may withdraw.

Governance and Decentralization

Protocol-owned liquidity also enhances governance and decentralization within DeFi ecosystems. Projects can exercise greater control over tokenomics and governance mechanisms by directly managing liquidity reserves; autonomy reduces reliance on external stakeholders and aligns incentives toward the project’s long-term vision and sustainability. Furthermore, integrating protocol-owned liquidity into governance frameworks enables stakeholders to participate in decision-making processes regarding liquidity management, fostering a more inclusive and transparent ecosystem.

Sustainability and Ecosystem Development

Beyond immediate liquidity provision, protocol-owned liquidity supports sustainable ecosystem development. Projects can strategically allocate liquidity to incentivize specific behaviors, such as providing liquidity to newly launched assets or supporting strategic partnerships. This targeted approach promotes organic growth and fosters a robust ecosystem where liquidity is allocated based on long-term strategic objectives rather than short-term incentives.

Overcoming Challenges and Implementation

Implementing protocol-owned liquidity requires careful planning and execution. Projects must balance liquidity allocation with other financial commitments and operational expenses. Transparent governance processes are essential to ensure stakeholders’ trust and participation in liquidity management decisions. Additionally, projects may explore innovative mechanisms, such as automated market makers (AMMs) and liquidity bootstrapping pools (LBPs), to optimize liquidity deployment and minimize risks.

Conclusion

As DeFi continues to evolve, the shift towards protocol-owned liquidity represents a critical step towards building sustainable and resilient financial ecosystems. Projects can mitigate the pitfalls of traditional liquidity mining schemes by prioritizing stability, long-term commitment, and decentralized governance. Protocol-owned liquidity enhances financial resilience and fosters trust and confidence among users and investors, laying the foundation for a vibrant and sustainable DeFi landscape. Embracing this paradigm shift will empower projects to navigate market uncertainties effectively and contribute to DeFi’s long-term viability.

While traditional liquidity mining schemes provide initial momentum, protocol-owned liquidity offers a strategic path toward long-lasting success in DeFi. By prioritizing sustainability and aligning incentives, DeFi projects can build a resilient foundation for the future of finance.

Jared Grey is the managing director of Sushi Labs, Sushi DAO’s strategy and development arm, recognized for its work on the Sushi Swap decentralized exchange. Jared’s background includes computer engineering and IT consulting, and more than eight years in the cryptocurrency industry, where he has led protocol and business development for varied projects.

Gone From “Motivated” To “Meh”? Four Tips To Help Entrepreneurs Get Your Groove Back

Contributor

July 12, 2024

by Julie Bee, author of “Burned: How Business Owners Can Overcome Burnout and Fuel Success“

Lately you’re just not “feeling it” as you lead your small business. You’re disengaged, apathetic, and operating on autopilot. The enjoyment and motivation that used to fire you up are long gone; instead, you’re coasting on a wave of “meh” (and even that’s losing momentum). If you had the energy to feel irritated, you’d probably be annoyed because you aren’t even sure why work isn’t working anymore. It’s not necessarily that your employees are unhappy or that your business isn’t growing. (Things may be going great in those areas.) What gives?

It’s common for entrepreneurs to hit a wall and feel that they’re “over” the small business they once launched and nurtured. And no, you’re not crazy — it’s likely that something about your small business really isn’t working for you.

I see this frequently, and it usually happens to entrepreneurs who have been in business for five years or more.

When you’re first starting out as an entrepreneur, you might do things a certain way because you lack time, manpower, resources, knowledge, and so on—not because you’ve done extensive research and believe these systems and processes are the absolute best options. As time goes by, the ways of working you adopted early on become entrenched. But what if one of those things is draining your energy, causing you unnecessary stress, or keeping you from doing what fulfills you? Of course you’ll eventually start to feel frustrated and “stuck.”

Many of my clients assume that feeling this way is part of the normal stress of owning a business, and that it’s something they can just power through. But feeling disengaged and burdened is often a sign that you’re headed toward burnout — which can cause major damage to your business, finances, relationships, and health. It’s important to identify what’s making work not ‘work’ for you — ideally before you flame out.

Here are four things to do if the “work isn’t working” conundrum seems all too familiar:

First, understand what it feels like when work isn’t working.

Every entrepreneur has red flags that signal when something isn’t working, and it probably won’t be difficult to identify some of yours. Red flags are actions, habits, behaviors, or circumstances that indicate you’re off-balance, stressed, and dangerously drained.

For instance:

You’re having trouble sleeping (or you’re sleeping too much).
Your interactions with others have become more contentious.
You’ve started to socially withdraw from friends and family.
You miss an activity, hobby, or habit you used to do but just don’t have time for anymore.
You’re finding it difficult to focus and/or come up with new ideas.
When employees or clients ask you a question, you don’t know the answer. When they ask you to make a decision, you find yourself thinking, I don’t care.
You’re constantly putting out administrative fires at work, instead of working on the important tasks that will grow your business.
Your self-care (e.g., grooming, nutrition, exercise, etc.) has slipped.
You’re leaning harder into a coping mechanism (e.g., alcohol, medication, etc.).
When others ask you for something, your standard answer is, “I’m too busy.”
You’re clinging to the belief that if you can “just get through” a particular deadline or challenge, everything will magically get better.
There’s an issue or question that’s been haunting you for a long time—six months or more — and you don’t know what to do about it.

Next, figure out what’s causing the problem.

Entrepreneurs are busy people. You might realize that you aren’t feeling as engaged and excited about the future, but you don’t have the time or energy to sit back and reflect on why that is. To help you zero in on why you’re feeling “over” your business, my simple five-question assessment can help you discover what’s draining your energy. After completing the quiz, I also offer tips to help you refuel.

Think of this assessment as a conversation-starter. It’s meant to help you identify elements of your work that, when high or low, put you at risk for burnout. For instance, maybe rapid change makes you feel drained, or you thrive more when working independently than when leading a team.

Carve out space to make changes.

My top tips are to temporarily say no to new, and to press pause on projects that can wait. Just for a while, stop chasing new opportunities, developing new ideas, and working on “nice-to-have” initiatives. Put your time, energy, and thought into addressing whatever isn’t working.

Don’t think of this as doing less — think of it as doing more for yourself. I frequently tell my clients, ‘It’s okay not to do these three or four things right now.’ Before you can make productive changes and grow your business, you need to make space to address your pain points as a business owner and prioritize your personal well-being.

Ask for help if you need it.

If your best efforts have created a work environment that isn’t working for you, you may need some outside assistance to get to a better place. Asking for help is hard for high performers, but there’s no shame in it. Even though entrepreneurs tend to fall into the “rugged individualist” category, we’re still human. We don’t know what we don’t know — and we were never meant to operate in a vacuum.

I often find that what my clients need most is someone to meet them where they are, point out a few (small and digestible!) action steps, and walk alongside them without judgment. Especially when you’re approaching — or actively in — a state of burnout, it’s hard to see things objectively. The support and advice of a coach, mentor, therapist, business partner, or loved one can make a big difference.

Business ownership isn’t one-size-fits-all. While there may be ‘wrong’ ways to run a business, there isn’t a single ‘right’ way. For entrepreneurs, so much of being successful depends on knowing yourself: what fuels you, what drains you, what you can tolerate, what you can’t, what helps you do your best work — and when you’re pushing your limits.

So before you assume that your work will never work for you again and throw in the towel, take some time to look inward. Chances are your relationship with your small business isn’t irreparably broken; it just needs some targeted tweaks.

Julie Bee is the author of “Burned: How Business Owners Can Overcome Burnout and Fuel Success“. A business owner burnout strategist, Bee has been dubbed the “small business fixer” by her clients and peers. With over fifteen years in the entrepreneurial field, she has solidified her reputation as a dynamic consultant, a riveting speaker, and a leader who sheds light on the darker side of business ownership.

How This Female CEO Drives Growth In Her Niche Franchise Brand

Contributor

July 11, 2024

by Miri Offir, CEO of 911 Restoration

Finding a true passion in a career can seem like a myth to many who have settled into roles or even executive leadership positions that they don’t actually enjoy – with 45% of Americans noting that they ‘wouldn’t wish their job on their worst enemy’. Sometimes it takes time spent in various departments of a company or in a certain industry to get comfortable with and eventually enjoy the work, but once you’ve found the industry that sparks your career passion, how can you continue to excel from there?

As the CEO of a national restoration franchise, I take pride in what I do and feel fortunate that I have been able to reach new heights in an industry that I entered into with no prior background. Beginning as an office manager and working my way through different departments including marketing sales, customer service and operations over a decade ago, I didn’t anticipate the potential this industry and affiliation with a franchise brand would hold for me. Not only have I continuously learned from my colleagues with decades of experience in water, fire and other damage remediation services, but I have also built a team of supporters who encourage me to continue to thrive in my leadership role.

As I’ve settled into the C-Suite, several keys to success have become apparent to me as ways to enhance and expand the franchise network from corporate to local levels. Beginning your leadership journey with goal setting, implementing actionable tactics to achieve those goals and allowing your leadership style to evolve and adapt alongside your company will ultimately lead to career and business growth.

Identify the ‘North Star’ that You Want for Your Business

A common mistake in leading an expansive franchise network or major company is not having a clear vision beyond making money. It’s important to make money, so with that goal in mind, be sure to identify specific revenue targets and strategies for achieving them.

One way that I like to do this is through making ‘sub-goals’ and assigning them by department with actionable tactics for execution. Companies can easily fall short if they have great ideas and solid goals but lack tools for implementation. Evaluate your goals and sub-goals monthly and quarterly, collaborating with each department team to identify missing pieces, partial completions and successful strategies that could be repeated or slightly tweaked for the future. Get comfortable with the analysis of your goals and tactics so that none fall through the cracks while you’re building your brand.

With Brand Growth Comes Leadership Growth

As your brand grows from strategies you’ve implemented since taking on leadership responsibilities, your leadership style will grow as well – and possibly even developing completely new priorities or personality traits. When I first joined the restoration industry, I was introverted, yet I adapted as needed to get the job done. Over the years as I assumed new roles and managerial responsibilities, leadership shifted towards action and actually talking to others to identify challenges and proactively offering solutions.

One of the biggest benefits of being the leader of a brand is the opportunity to interact with and learn from people with diverse personalities and experiences. Titles can be so restrictive, and once you remove them to instead view your team from a human level, welcoming feedback and offering positive validation when working together to achieve goals can greatly benefit your brand. Interaction with those who are helping accomplish the ‘why’ behind your business and working together to complete the set goals enriches personal development and humanizes you as a leader.

Brand growth doesn’t happen overnight, but clear, actionable goal-setting is necessary to thrive. Focusing attention on the people who are driving change in your organization, alongside positivity and encouragement, contributes greatly. Even when approaching business challenges or addressing employee mistakes, I will always try to find the positive versus dwelling on, or worse, scolding someone or myself for something that can be improved in the long run. At the core of restoration, people remain – from the customers served to the franchisees representing the brand locally every day and throughout the corporate team. Everyone has the potential to learn from those around them, and when you take the time to do so, your leadership growth and business itself will thrive.

Miri Offir is the chief executive officer of 911 Restoration. Under her leadership, 911 Restoration has transformed from a single location, water-damage-and-repair company to a nationwide franchise that works to provide customers with a rapid, empathetic response and clear communication in times of need. Miri’s gift for communication has allowed her to build lasting business relationships and thrive in her role as CEO at 911 Restoration. Thanks to Miri’s efforts, 911 Restoration is now synonymous with the “Fresh Start Company” a place that property owners can contact when they need peace of mind after a property disaster.

The Necessity Of Due Diligence Investigations: A Three-Phased Approach

Contributor

July 9, 2024

by Cynthia Hetherington, Founder and CEO of Hetherington Group and author of “OSINT: The Authoritative Guide to Due Diligence: Essential Resources for Critical Business Intelligence, 3rd Edition”.

Due diligence is a critical component in making smart choices and informed decisions, whether for personal, business, or legal purposes. Its intent is to protect people from being led down a road of disinformation, misinformation, or just patent lies.

Due diligence is now a volume game. Data is the single drop of water in an ocean of information that keeps expanding. The due diligence investigator’s job isn’t just to find that drop of water, but to find it twice — that’s how to substantiate or negate a claim.

For example, Yahoo pulled up short when vetting Scott Thompson for the CEO position. Yahoo could have taken a few more steps in verifying Thompson’s claim that he had a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, which he didn’t. When a news story surfaced that he lied about his education, that headline embarrassed Yahoo and caused fights with investors.

Unfortunately, phony doctors, lawyers, and industry leaders walk among us without holding the required credentials and qualifications to hold their job. To ensure a structured and effective investigation, a phased approach is often employed. This method not only clarifies the process for clients but also helps manage expectations and costs.

The three-phased approach to due diligence is a systematic process that enhances the quality and reliability of the investigation. The activities associated with each phase involve:

Phase One: Online Due Diligence

Phase One focuses on gathering online intelligence, laying the groundwork for further investigation. This phase involves using various online tools and resources to collect identifying data points about the subject.

Key activities include:

Internet research: Searching for general information and specific details about the subject.
Social media intelligence: Analyzing social media profiles to understand the subject’s public persona.
Open-source intelligence: Utilizing publicly available information from diverse sources.
Government databases: Accessing databases for records related to the subject.
Media searches: Reviewing local, national, and international media for relevant news.
Litigation research: Investigating any legal proceedings involving the subject.

A due diligence investigator has access to more than 3,000 databases, enabling a comprehensive background check on individuals and organizations. The findings are compiled into a detailed report covering personal identifiers, financial history, civil and criminal filings, and reputational standing. This report provides a foundation for deciding whether to proceed to Phase Two.

Phase Two: Boots-on-the-Ground Due Diligence

Phase Two involves more in-depth, on-the-ground investigation. This phase includes contacting references, conducting discreet interviews, and retrieving documents from various locations. It ensures thoroughness, especially in areas where online information is incomplete or inaccessible.

Key activities include:

Interviewing references: Engaging with both obvious and discreet contacts to gather insights.
Document retrieval: Collecting records from courts and other institutions.
Surveillance: Conducting discreet surveillance if necessary.

For investigations outside the United States, Phase Two is crucial due to limited online data and stricter privacy laws. Reports from this phase may lead to further actions or conclusions about the subject’s background.

Phase Three: Ongoing Monitoring

If Phase One or Two reveal ongoing concerns, Phase Three involves continuous monitoring and selective interviews. This phase is essential for situations that are still evolving or when initial findings raise additional questions.

Key activities include:

Behavior monitoring: Keeping track of the subject’s activities over time.
Continuous research: Regularly updating findings with new information.
Follow-up interviews: Conducting additional interviews as new information arises.

For example, monitoring a candidate for a CEO position might involve tracking their behavior and interviewing business associates to assess potential risks. Continuous monitoring can provide crucial updates and help clients make informed decisions.

Utilizing a phased approach to due diligence ensures a comprehensive, systematic investigation process. It allows investigators to manage expectations, control costs, and deliver thorough, reliable results. By breaking down the investigation into manageable phases, clients can understand the process better and make well-informed decisions based on the findings. Whether the intent is to unpack a company’s assets, unlock a person’s financial or criminal records, or discover just who isn’t telling the truth, due diligence is essential for mitigating risks and ensuring sound decision-making.

Cynthia Hetherington, MLS, MSM, CFE, CII, OSC is the Founder and CEO of Hetherington Group, a consulting, publishing, managed services, and training firm that leads in due diligence, corporate intelligence, and cyber investigations. She provides specialized training for investigative professionals through the OSINT Academy, and has authored many industry-leading books on conducting cyber investigations, including her latest, “OSINT: The Authoritative Guide to Due Diligence: Essential Resources for Critical Business Intelligence, 3rd Edition”.

What Is Value-Driven Marketing?

Contributor

July 5, 2024

by JoAnne Gritter, COO, ddm marketing+communications

Marketing leaders understand the importance of authenticity and value alignment these days. But what does it take to transform these principles into a robust marketing strategy that resonates with both your company’s goals and your customers’ expectations? Amidst a backdrop of diminishing public trust in institutions, where skepticism is the norm, value-driven marketing emerges as a vital strategy. It enables organizations to become beacons of relevance and sincerity, making it an essential practice for businesses aiming to establish credibility and forge genuine connections in a discerning world.

At its heart, value-driven marketing is about forging meaningful connections. It’s a holistic approach that addresses the needs, concerns, and values of consumers. In a time where information is at everyone’s fingertips, consumers are seeking out brands that not only meet their needs but also reflect their personal ethos and contribute positively to the broader society.

The Statistical Landscape

The significance of value-driven marketing is underscored by compelling statistics. Persuasion Nation projects that by 2029, the global Big Data Analytics Market will soar to more than $650 billion, emphasizing the pivotal role of data in crafting marketing strategies that truly understand consumer behavior.

Furthermore, a resounding 64 percent of marketing executives firmly believe data-driven marketing is indispensable in today’s competitive environment. This strong consensus reflects a shift toward marketing strategies informed by consumer data, enabling the delivery of relevant and personalized experiences.

A Forbes-highlighted study reveals a telling trend: nearly half of consumers consistently choose brands that align with their personal values. This pattern transcends demographics, indicating a global movement towards value alignment.

In addition, Kantar’s Purpose Study shows that purpose-led brands have experienced a valuation surge of 175% over the past 12 years, dwarfing the 70% growth rate of brands with an uncertain role. This stark contrast underscores the tangible benefits of a value-driven marketing approach.

How to Keep Up

To navigate the currents of value-driven marketing, consider these top tips, each grounded in statistics and insights from reputable sources:

Adopt a data-driven mindset: Immerse yourself in your company’s data analytics to gain deeper insights into consumer behavior and preferences.
Align with consumer values: Ensure your brand’s messaging and actions reflect the values that matter most to your audience.
Focus on purpose: Clearly articulate your brand’s purpose and let it guide every marketing decision and communication.
Utilize value-driven content: Offer content that educates, informs, and enriches your audience, thereby establishing your brand as a trusted authority.
Engage in ethical marketing: Commit to transparency, honesty, and social responsibility, aligning your marketing practices with the highest ethical standards.
Measure and optimize: Continuously track and refine the performance of your campaigns, striving for increased effectiveness and efficiency.
Foster community engagement: Cultivate a vibrant community around your brand by actively engaging with customers across various platforms and listening to their feedback.
Showcase real impact: Share authentic stories and case studies that highlight the positive impact your brand has made on individuals and communities.

By integrating these tips into your marketing strategy, your efforts will resonate more deeply with your customers. Embracing value-driven marketing not only nurtures customer loyalty but also carves out a competitive advantage. Reports indicate that businesses leveraging big data have enjoyed an 8 percent increase in profits and a 10 percent reduction in costs, showcasing the power of data-informed strategies.

The rise of value-driven marketing is a clear indication of the shifting dynamics in consumer-brand relationships. By prioritizing values, ethics, and personal relevance, brands can build stronger bonds with their audience, paving the way for sustainable growth and success. Looking ahead, it’s evident that value-driven marketing will continue to be a defining force in how businesses connect with their customers.

Suggested alternative conclusion

The rise of value-driven marketing is a clear indication of the shifting dynamics in consumer-brand relationships. It’s a movement that places importance on values, ethics, and personal connection, enabling brands to forge deeper relationships with their audience. For businesses, this represents a prime opportunity to distinguish themselves by embracing value-driven principles. Looking forward, the trajectory is clear: value-driven marketing will remain a cornerstone in the evolving narrative of customer engagement, charting a course for renewed trust and enduring partnerships in a market that values discernment.

JoAnne Gritter is Chief Operations Officer with ddm marketing + communications, a leading marketing agency for highly complex and highly regulated industries. JoAnne is responsible for overseeing and facilitating collaboration between all major functional areas at ddm, including Finance, Human Resources, IT, Operations, Sales and Marketing.

Tips and Tricks To Master The Art Of Time Management (And Why It Matters)

Contributor

July 4, 2024

by Katie Sandler

Each day, if we are lucky, we get 1,440 minutes to do what we want. That’s what one day is made up of, yet if we had an accurate snapshot of how we squander those minutes, we’d probably be surprised and disappointed. Most of us take those minutes for granted, and we end up using them on mindless things, neglecting what we really need to do. The good news is that there is an art of time management. It is a skill that is worth learning, one that can be developed, and ultimately leads to greater life satisfaction.

Time is our greatest currency and something we must tend to and treat well. When we improve our time management skills, it spills over into every facet of our lives – no one ever regrets bettering their how they organize and use their time.

Some may wonder if it is even possible to manage time and whether or not it makes a difference. Researchers set out to answer these questions, too, and they shared their findings in a 2021 issue of the journal PLoS One. They conducted a meta-analysis to review the studies done on time management. They found that time management is moderately related to job performance, academic achievement, and wellbeing. They report that being skilled in time management can help people do better at work, get top grades in school, contribute to a life well lived, and nurture one’s psychological wellbeing. All in all, organizing time effectively leads to a decrease in stress and an increase in productivity and life satisfaction.

After making the case for why practicing the art of time management is worthwhile, the next step is to determine how one goes about it. Most people are not adequately taught time management skills during their youth, and they spend years in adulthood learning more about them as well. There are plenty of things that people can do, however, to master the art of time management.

By working on time management skills, we can start working smarter rather than harder. We can find more time in our days to spend with those we love or do what we love, and we can help reduce the stress in our lives. It will also help us live more intentionally and lose the guilt we carry around for not getting everything done.

Here are some tips and tricks for mastering the art of time management:

Create lists.

It is essential to have a designated to-do list. Lists are a proven method of helping people achieve more, stay on task, and be more efficient. Make a list of what needs to be done each day.

Prioritize.

Everyone has a lot on their plate, including jobs, families, chores, invitations, etc. We have to learn to prioritize and do the most important things first, let some things fall off the list, and say no to some things.

Calendar.

Use a calendar system to help you stay on top of what needs to be done, what is coming up, and what plans are made. This will help prevent people from being stressed out when they realize they forgot about certain things that they are supposed to be doing. Using a calendar system helps people be more efficient.

Do the hard things first.

When we have a list of things to do, we should get the most challenging thing out of the way first. This way, we feel a sense of accomplishment and can move through the rest of the list more quickly.

Delegate.

There are many things that can be delegated, but too often, we try to take it all on ourselves. Learn to delegate so the workload is spread around, and yet everything still gets done.

Practice the Pomodoro technique.

This popular technique involves spending 25 minutes working on a task and then taking a 5-minute break. This method helps us stay focused on the work because we get a little break after the block of focused time. After four rounds of this, take a 20-25-minute break.

Use technology.

Numerous technology tools can help people become more productive. People should find ones that fit their lifestyle and incorporate them into their lives.

Practice self-care.

Making time for self-care will help reduce stress, improve happiness, and keep people feeling their best. Whether getting a massage, steadily working out, or taking some downtime to read, self-care is essential for our wellbeing.

Remember Parkinson’s law.

This law says that we will take the time we set for something. For example, if 30 minutes are allotted for an activity, we will usually take all 30 minutes to do it. Yet we could take the same task and give ourselves 20 minutes, and we will still get it done in that time. Work tends to expand to fit the time that has been allotted for it, so focus on allotting less time for each task.

The impact that effective time management has on our lives is so great that it cannot be understated or ignored. We have to make it a focus in our lives to gain the benefits that come with it. Our time is our greatest gift, let’s be more mindful about it and see where that gets us.

Katie Sandler is an impact and private wellness coach. She offers retreats around the world, as well as private coaching and corporate impact coaching opportunities. She focuses on helping people become more successful, overcome adversity, and reach new career goals. She offers one-on-one coaching and corporate opportunities, as well as wellness and impact retreats.

9 Benefits Of Attaining A Master’s Degree In The 21st Century

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July 4, 2024

As the world slowly progresses, the demand for higher education is becoming more apparent than ever. While a bachelor’s degree was once seen as the key to success, now employers are increasingly seeking out applicants with master’s degrees. This is because a master’s degree demonstrates not only a higher level of education but also a greater level of commitment to one’s chosen field.

So, if you’re thinking of going to grad school, here are 9 benefits that may convince you it’s the right decision.

1. You’ll improve your earning potential.

As much as we may want to deny it, money is a big factor in deciding whether or not to attend grad school. And the fact is, people with higher levels of education do tend to earn more money. With a master’s degree, you can expect to earn 20% more than you would with a bachelor’s degree, and this number only goes up the longer you stay in the workforce.

2. More job opportunities.

In addition to earning more money, having a master’s degree also opens up more job opportunities. This is especially true if you’re looking to enter a competitive field. When you enroll in a master’s program, you’re signaling to potential employers that you’re willing to put in the extra work to be the best at what you do. It’s all part of career planning.

3. You’ll learn new things.

One of the best parts about going back to school is that you get to learn new things. Whether you’re learning about a new subject or expanding your knowledge in a familiar one, grad school is an opportunity to challenge yourself intellectually.

For example, if you enroll in an MPH online program, you’ll take classes on a variety of topics related to public health. This will not only give you a more well-rounded education but also help you develop a broader skillset.

4. Developing new relationships.

When you attend grad school, you’ll have the opportunity to develop relationships with people who share your interests and passions. These relationships can last a lifetime and may even lead to professional opportunities down the road.

In addition to making friends, you’ll also get to network with professors and other professionals in your field. These relationships can be extremely helpful as you progress in your career. They allow you to learn from the experiences of others and get advice on everything from job opportunities to finding a mentor.

5. Open yourself up to new experiences.

Grad school is a time for personal growth. You’ll be challenged academically, but you’ll also have the opportunity to explore new things and expand your horizons.

This may mean taking on leadership roles in student organizations, participating in research projects, or studying abroad. Whatever you do, make sure to take advantage of the opportunities available to you and step outside your comfort zone.

6. Improve your critical thinking skills.

One of the most important skills you’ll develop in grad school is critical thinking. This skill is essential in any field and will help you succeed in your career. Critical thinking involves the ability to analyze problems and make sound decisions. It’s an important skill to have in any field, but it’s especially important if you’re planning to pursue a career in research or academia.

7. Get hands-on experience.

Have you ever wished you could get paid to do what you love? Well, grad school may be your chance. Many graduate programs offer opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in their field. This may include internships, research projects, or teaching assistant positions.

Not only will you get paid (in most cases), but you’ll also get the chance to apply what you’re learning in the classroom to real-world situations.

8. Advance your career.

Whether you’re looking to change careers or move up in your current organization, grad school can help you achieve your goals. In many cases, advanced degrees are required for certain positions. For example, you’ll need a law degree to become a lawyer or a medical degree to become a doctor.

But even if you’re not looking to change careers, grad school can still help you move up the ladder. Many organizations view advanced degrees as a sign of commitment and leadership and are more likely to promote employees who have them.

9. Pursue your passion.

One of the best reasons to go to grad school is to pursue your passion. If you have a specific interest that you want to explore in-depth, grad school is the perfect place to do it.

For example, if you’re passionate about environmental issues, you could enroll in a graduate program in environmental science or public policy. Or if you’re interested in history, you could study for a degree in museum studies or historic preservation. Whatever your passion, there’s a good chance you can pursue it in grad school.

Graduate school is a great way to further your education and career. But it’s also an opportunity to pursue your passions, make new friends, and expand your horizons. If you’re considering grad school, weigh all the benefits before making your decision.

What Is ‘AI Washing’ And How Can We Stop It?

Contributor

July 3, 2024

by Ed Watal, Founder & Principal at Intellibus

Amid the boom in artificial intelligence’s popularity, some wrongdoers have decided to capitalize on this trend under false pretenses. This practice of making false claims about the use of AI technology has come to be known as “AI washing.”

AI washing is a misleading, unethical marketing practice that attempts to cash in on a popular trend without offering the benefits of this exciting new technology. Yet, given how novel artificial intelligence technology is, it can be difficult for the average consumer to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate claims about AI use.

Examples of AI washing

One of the most common examples of AI washing is mislabeling other automated technology as AI. Because many people don’t understand the difference between traditional algorithms and artificial intelligence models, some companies will attempt to pass off the former as the latter with unsuspecting consumers. This deceitful practice abuses the misinformation around artificial intelligence technology.

However, some businesses have been found to conduct an even more duplicitous form of AI washing by claiming to use AI when there is little to no integration of the technology in their offering. Many companies like to use buzzwords like “AI-powered” to describe their products or services when their use of artificial intelligence technology is minimal, incidental, or in its early stages.

Why AI washing is a harmful practice

Of course, the most obvious victims of AI washing are the consumers that companies are directly defrauding. If a consumer eager to hop onto the AI train is misled by AI washing into thinking that a product or service offers more of the technology’s advantages than it actually does, they will spend their hard-earned money on a product or service that does not deliver on its promises.

It isn’t just consumers who are hurt by AI washing, though, as the practice has a massively negative impact on the market as a whole. Any money invested in or spent by consumers on products that misrepresent their use of artificial intelligence could be going to innovators who are making legitimate strides to push the technology forward.

However, perhaps the most damaging effect of AI washing is that it will erode the public’s trust in this emerging technology. Because AI is still in its early stages and people are still exploring its capabilities — along with its consequences — many are still reluctant to embrace this new technology with open arms. When the public’s perception of AI is based on misleading products or services that underperform due to their false claims regarding artificial intelligence, they are unlikely to trust future projects that make similar claims.

How we can stop AI washing

Due to the consequences of AI washing, innovators in the artificial intelligence space must push for increased transparency and honesty in products and services using the technology. For a variety of reasons — from the technology itself being difficult to understand to companies’ desire to protect their IP — businesses tend to be somewhat cryptic with their explanations of their use of AI. To thwart AI washing, we must encourage businesses to clearly and understandably explain their use of artificial intelligence and provide evidence of its use when available.

This transparency can arguably only be achieved through oversight. Leaders in the AI sector have the opportunity to develop industry-wide standards and benchmarks that can be used to evaluate AI products and claims. For instance, certification bodies could offer a trustworthy mark of authenticity to help consumers better understand and approach the technology. Outside the industry, regulatory bodies like the SEC can end this practice by enforcing more stringent verification processes and penalties for false claims.

That being said, perhaps the most potent way we can fight against wrongdoers using AI washing to gain an unfair advantage for their business is by improving education and awareness around the practice. When people are more aware of the benefits, features, and shortcomings of legitimate AI products, they are much less likely to fall victim to deceptive claims. Thus, by increasing the discourse around AI, we can help people be more prepared to evaluate AI products for themselves.

While artificial intelligence has the potential to help people and businesses alike, AI washing poses a significant threat to the public’s acceptance of this exciting and innovative technology. By leveraging false claims about the use of AI technology, businesses practicing AI washing distract from and erode trust in legitimate artificial intelligence ventures. Ending this harmful and deceitful practice is key to creating a landscape where AI can be embraced as a transformative force.

Ed Watal is the founder and principal of Intellibus. He regularly serves as a board advisor to the world’s largest financial institutions. C-level executives rely on him for IT strategy & architecture due to his business acumen & deep IT knowledge. He has also built and sold several Tech & AI startups. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, he worked in some of the largest global financial institutions, including RBS, Deutsche Bank, and Citigroup. He is the author of numerous articles and one of the defining books on cloud fundamentals called ‘Cloud Basics.’

Innovations In Workplace First Aid: Tools And Techniques For Modern Businesses

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July 2, 2024

The safety and wellbeing of your employees is always a priority. One way to support this is with the right approach to first aid.

This guide explores tools and techniques that all modern businesses should use with their workplace first aid.

First Aid Kit

Despite the exciting advancements in first aid technology, there’s only one place to start: the traditional first aid kit. In countries like the UK, it is mandatory for these kits to be readily accessible and stocked with essential items. The contents of a first aid kit generally include:

Adhesive bandages and plasters
Antiseptic wipes and creams
Sterile gauze pads and adhesive tape
Scissors and tweezers
Disposable gloves
Burn dressings

Even when not mandated to do so, it’s important for your business to have on hand adequate, appropriate first aid equipment. For instance, highly rated commercial first aid kits at seton.co.uk are fully equipped with everything you need. The result: you can supply employees with immediate, effective attention should they sustain an injury.

Digital First Aid Kit

Traditional first aid kits are still essential, yes – but digital solutions are also complimenting them. Digital first aid kits are equipped with QR codes and sensors, which supply real-time information on their contents. As a result, these smart kits can alert you when supplies are low or specific items have been used. This helps to keep your first aid kit fully stocked and ready to use.

That’s not all. These kits can also offer step-by-step instructions on how to use each item. Simply scan a QR code, and you can receive a video or guide that details what to do – ideal in high-stress situations where quick, accurate responses are imperative.

Automated External Defibrillators

An automated external defibrillator (AED) has become a staple in the modern workplace. This is for one simple reason: their life-saving potential in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

Thanks to innovations in AED technology, these devices have become more user-friendly, compact, and accessible. This has made them more viable for businesses of all sizes. Newer models also come with advanced features like voice prompts and visual instructions, which guide even untrained individuals through the resuscitation process. Some AEDs go a step further and connect to emergency services, supplying real-time data and reducing the time for professional medical responders to arrive.

First Aid Apps and Online Training

Due to virtually everyone being in possession of a smartphone, this has opened up new avenues for first aid training and assistance.

Take specialist first aid apps as an example. They offer instant access to key information and step-by-step guides on handling various medical emergencies. This makes them particularly valuable in remote work environments where immediate professional help may not be available.

Furthermore, there are various online training programs that are becoming popular – and effective – for educating employees on first aid. These interactive platforms, from courses to VR simulations, create immersive experiences that help the given information stick.

Wearable Health Devices

Wearable health devices, aka smartwatches and fitness trackers, are not only for personal health monitoring anymore. These devices can be important to your company’s first aid goals. Some wearables can detect falls or sudden changes in vitals like heart rate and oxygen levels, which triggers automatic alerts to designated first aid responders or emergency contacts.

This immediate response can truly be life-saving.

Sidestep The Unpaid Consulting Trap: How To Stop Giving Away The Farm (And Still Get The Client)

Contributor

July 2, 2024

by Julie Bee, author of “Burned: How Business Owners Can Overcome Burnout and Fuel Success“

If you’re an entrepreneur, you’ve probably done your share of pro bono work: helping a family member or friend, or volunteering to do some work for your child’s school or a favorite charity. You’re happy to help; after all, these projects crop up only occasionally and don’t take up large swathes of time.

But what about the pro bono work you do on a regular — even daily — basis? Many entrepreneurs spend countless hours doing work with no reward.

The culprit?

Unpaid consulting.

In order to secure new business, entrepreneurs have to do a lot of up-front thinking, strategizing, and advising. While you do need to show potential clients that your business can deliver a quality product or service, it’s easy to let this stage drag on way too long—to your own detriment.

During the initial call or meeting with a prospective client, you go all out to demonstrate your value. In a week or two, you schedule a follow-up…then another, and another. You continue to share advice, strategies, and ideas in hopes that you’ll close the business — and maybe even get a bigger commitment because of your hard work. But instead, it becomes an endless loop of calls where the prospect picks your brain, and you get nothing in return.

Too often, you’re ghosted or told that the prospect decided to go with another option. You’re left feeling resentful, tired, and broke. Even when the client does sign a contract, it’s frustrating to look back on all the unbillable hours you’ve spent to get this far.

Worse, when unpaid work becomes habitual, it can lead to burnout. Constantly exerting effort but getting nowhere can make you feel demoralized and “stuck” with no end in sight.

So, how do you stop giving away so much of your time and expertise — both on the front end and throughout the project?

Here are a few suggestions:

First, practice your new mantra: “My time is valuable.”

Before you set boundaries with clients, you have to change your own mindset. It’s easy to assume that if a conversation isn’t costing you materials or product, it’s not a huge deal.

Not so. How much could you have charged a paying client for that hour? How much closer could you have gotten to finishing a project or implementing a new idea? For that matter, could the prospective client take what you’ve shared with them and leverage it to make more money on their own? Never forget that your time is a valuable asset.

Set a time limit on unpaid work or initial consulting.

I know a business owner who has a one-hour initial call with prospective clients. If they want to continue the conversation after that first hour, the clients have to purchase a package of this entrepreneur’s time, which she sells in five-hour increments.

If you want to follow this business owner’s example, set expectations up front and be consistent with every prospective client. Explain that you want them to get a taste of your work, and acknowledge that an initial conversation is necessary to determine if your business is a good fit. Then let the prospect know how much you’ll charge for your consulting time going forward.

Get your post-consultation budget out front…

When you share your consultation fees, it’s also a good idea to give prospective clients an idea of how much the actual project is likely to cost. Being up front about the expected budget will help you weed out “tire-kickers” who may not be serious or who just don’t have the funds.

Say something like, ‘We normally work on a six-month retainer. Our range is $X to $Y, with the average contract being $Z. Is that within your budget?’

… And don’t assume that the budget has dried up mid-project.

Sometimes entrepreneurs end up doing unpaid work because they think a client doesn’t have the budget to cover everything. This often happens mid-project, when you’re already locked into a contract. You believe that the consequences of not doing the work would be worse than spending some unbillable hours. Maybe it’s true that the client’s dollars just aren’t there, but always ask and verify!

If you believe budget will be an issue, you can ask the client, ‘What is your budget at this point?’ or say, ‘This is what I usually charge for a project like this’ then see where the conversation takes you. Perhaps the money is available after all. If not, maybe the client’s expectations can be modified.

One more option- If there isn’t enough money to cover you, see if you can negotiate another form of payment. Maybe the client can help you out with admission to an industry conference, give you access to attendee lists, trade one of their own services, etc.

If you do it for free, do it without expectations.

Maybe you’ve decided that charging for your time after an initial consultation isn’t right for your business, or you believe you’re justified in making an exception. (Or perhaps you’re doing an actual premeditated pro bono project!) Whatever the circumstances, do this unpaid work without any if/then expectations.

In other words, don’t justify the work by saying, ‘If I do ABC, then the client will respond by doing XYZ’. This type of thinking is what fuels seemingly infinite consulting cycles. You’re working toward a hoped-for outcome that the client has not agreed to (and may never agree to). Either be okay with not being compensated, or put a payment plan in place.

Proceed on a case-by-case basis.

Some prospective clients need more time than others to commit. Maybe they are cautious by nature or constrained by a tight budget. Perhaps the desired project is particularly complicated and legitimately needs multiple conversations to talk through.

You don’t always have to shut people down if they don’t immediately commit, but you do need to recognize when discussions are likely to drag on so you can shorten the cycle. Also, in my experience, clients who require a lot of your time and energy on the front end will continue to do so throughout the project. This isn’t necessarily a reason to end the relationship — but it is helpful to be aware of as you plan your workflow.

Remember that you’re your best advocate.

If you find yourself feeling resentful about the unpaid consulting you’ve already given to a prospective client and have another meeting coming up with them, you can still advocate for yourself.

Send an email to the prospective client as far in advance of the scheduled meeting as possible to let them know you’ll need to charge for the upcoming, and any future, consulting sessions. But also give them an out to cancel the meeting with no hard feelings.

If you feel like you owe the prospect one more meeting, that’s also okay. Just make sure that budget and billing for future consulting sessions and strategic research is at the top of the agenda for that final freebie.

Do your best work, no matter what.

“Free” does not equal “lower quality.” Always give 100 percent, whether you’re being paid or not. If you cut corners or deliver a half-baked pro bono service, it can hurt — or even ruin — your brand.

Dissatisfied prospects can do plenty of damage to your business with a few keystrokes. On the other hand, folks who are impressed by your work can be some of your best ambassadors — even if they don’t sign a contract! For instance, ‘It turned out that I needed some services Julie’s company didn’t offer, but I was so impressed by her ideas and communication. You should give her a call!’

Watch out for “brain-pickers” in social settings.

When you’re in a social setting where people know what you do for a living, it’s inevitable that some of them will want to “pick your brain” or “get your professional opinion.” Bolder individuals might even ask you for “a quick favor.”

If you genuinely don’t mind sharing your expertise at a family cookout or on the sidelines of your nephew’s soccer game, go for it! But if you’d rather not spend your off-hours talking shop (or giving away free advice), have a few responses prepared. For instance, ‘It’s been a long week and my brain is fried! Let’s circle back,’ or, ‘Let’s talk about this during the workday, when you’ll get my full attention. I’ll send you my calendar link to set up a time.’ Then move the conversation on to a different topic.

Walk away if you need to.

Not all business is good business. When you’re in the unpaid consulting stage, use your instincts. Ask yourself, Is this relationship one I really want to be in? Is this person impossible to satisfy? Are they legit but slower to move…or are they consciously trying to take advantage?

Eventually the takers, time-wasters, and chronic complainers will wear on you and drain your time, energy, and mental health. Scout them out early and don’t be afraid to ‘pass’ on their business if you believe it will take up too much of your professional or personal bandwidth.

For most entrepreneurs, a judicious amount of unpaid consulting is one of the best ways to build your brand and attract new business. But too much of a good thing can leave you frustrated, struggling to make ends meet, or even burned out. Most clients don’t abuse the system intentionally, but if you want to end the unpaid consulting cycle, it’s up to you to set the boundaries. Very few people are going to say no to a continued stream of free ideas!

How A Marketing MBA Can Help You Pivot To A New Industry

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July 2, 2024

An MBA in marketing allows graduates to work in various industries. Whether you’re interested in working in management, research, or creative roles, an MBA in marketing can help you pivot to your ideal field.

The flexibility of online learning formats makes an MBA in marketing a great choice for working professionals.

Identify Your Skills

An MBA in marketing will give you the knowledge and abilities to advance in virtually any industry, regardless of your level of expertise or where your career is taking off. This is because a marketing-focused degree will teach students essential subjects like marketing management, customer experience, and customer equity management.

Marketing professionals can often uniquely interpret and translate data into actionable insights. They know how to make sense of complex trends and convert them into a clear plan for the future. Business leaders in any industry value this kind of strategic thinking, and that’s why many marketers find themselves ready to pivot into other industries, such as finance or biopharmaceutical research.

This program may help you achieve those goals. The school’s curriculum includes courses like “Marketing Strategy,” which delves into essential marketing concepts and strategies to help you gain a competitive edge in the job market.

Identify Your Passion

A marketing MBA program focuses on the technical aspects of business strategy development and management, preparing graduates for leadership roles in all sectors. The BLS projects much faster than average growth in marketing manager jobs for those with a master’s degree in this field, making it an excellent choice for professionals looking to change their industry.

In addition to more specialist courses like digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO), a marketing-focused degree would often cover more extensive management studies themes. Most programs also offer students the opportunity to participate in practical learning experiences such as study trips or internships.

These placements are a great way to build up your experience in the industry you’re interested in and demonstrate to potential employers that you have the relevant skills and expertise to succeed in the role.

Make the Transition

Whether you want to establish your own business, work for a charity organization, or the government, an MBA can help you.

Your management skills can make the transition to these industries easier, and your expertise in analytics can support data-driven decision-making.

Furthermore, a Marketing MBA can give you a competitive advantage over other business professionals with a bachelor’s degree by teaching you key topics that cover practically every area of the professional company today.

These include consumer behavior and buying habits, branding, social media marketing, data analysis, and product marketing strategy.

If you’re ready to explore a new industry, this degree can help you gain the skills and credentials to do so while allowing you to stay close to your passion for marketing. An MBA in Marketing can open doors you never imagined possible.

4 Ways Advancing Your Education Can Boost Your Career

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July 1, 2024

If you work in an industry that has a competitive and continually evolving job market, then taking the next step in your education is more than just an opportunity for personal growth; it’s an essential move for enhancing your career prospects.

Whether you choose to complete formal degrees, extra certifications, or sign up for professional development courses, advancing your education will open up new doors and propel your career forwards.

So, if you’ve been thinking of returning to education, here are four key ways that it can help to boost your career.

1. Enhancing Skills and Knowledge.

By taking the next step in your education you’ll be equipped with advanced skills and knowledge that are crucial in today’s dynamic professional landscape.

When you pursue higher education or professional certifications, you have the opportunity to develop deeper insights and a greater understanding of different specialities within your field.

Not only will this make you more able to succeed within your current role but it can also help to prepare you for a higher-level of responsibility.

2. Increasing Earning Potential.

Improving your earning potential is one of the more tangible benefits of education advancement, and studies indicate that there is a connection between higher education and increased income.

By completing an advanced degree in a specialism within your field, you could have the potential to seek out higher-paying positions that would previously have been inaccessible to you.

And, if you find that you’ve climbed as high as you can in your current company, consider searching platforms such as Indeed to see what other opportunities are out there. Your higher education could be just what another employer is looking for.

3. Expanding Professional Network.

Advancing your education is more than just acquiring knowledge; it can also give you the chance to build valuable professional relationships.

The programmes and courses that you’ll complete during your education journey can offer you an excellent opportunity to connect with peers, industry leaders, and mentors.

These connections can be a great tool for career growth, providing advice, and discovering potential job leads, so use platforms such as LinkedIn to grow these relationships and connect with others in your field.

4. Enhance Your Credibility and Confidence.

Completing a degree or professional certificate can not only boost your professional credibility, but your overall confidence as well.

It demonstrates your expertise, dedication, and commitment to your industry, and this can be a valuable tool for increasing your professional standing, making you more employable and promotable, and even gaining new clients.

By achieving greater educational milestones, you’ll be able to reinforce your self-belief and help you to feel empowered to take on new opportunities, challenges, and even step into leadership roles.

Of course, returning to the traditional campus setting isn’t possible for everyone. If you already have a career, or even family commitments, then taking time out to return to a campus can be out of the question. Luckily with online education providers, such as Signum Magnum College, you can complete your education on a study schedule that suits your needs. And, with an online degree, you’ll be able to start applying your new knowledge to your career from day one.

Have you returned to education? Share how your continued learning helped to take your career to the next level in the comments below!

What Is Permissioned Blockchain Vs Un-Permissioned Blockchain?

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June 29, 2024

Blockchain technology is versatile, with applications in fields like banking, finance, and computer science. This adaptability has led to the creation of different types of blockchains, some with participation restrictions and others without.

This article explores the differences in application and users for permissioned versus un-permissioned blockchains, detailing their differences and importance in various sectors.

Permissioned Blockchain

A permission ledger is indispensable in the realm of blockchain ledger security operations, restricted exclusively to authorized individuals. This distributed ledger can solely be accessed by a select few authorized by the administrator, endowed with distinct privileges enabling specific actions. Unauthorized access is rigorously controlled, ensuring stringent oversight over public entry.

Key Features

Transparency: Tailored to organizational objectives, clearly attributing changes to authorized users.
Enhanced Security: Provides heightened data security and control for private entities, managing access and modification permissions.
Accountability: Non-anonymity ensures meticulous logging of all user-initiated changes.
Decentralized Decision-Making: Enables private groups to authorize decisions despite lacking a central authority.

Prominently adopted by leading global enterprises, permissioned blockchains are ideal for business operations prioritizing data integrity. They find applications across sectors, including supply chain management, contract execution, and payment verification, ensuring robust security and privacy measures.

Un-Permissioned Blockchain

In stark contrast to a permissioned blockchain, an un-permissioned blockchain, also known as a public blockchain, operates on a completely decentralized model. Here, there are no restrictions on participation, and no administrator controls access or grants permissions to make changes. Anyone can join the consensus process and validate data, fostering a network of unknown participants.

Features

Transparency: Transactions are completely transparent to all users due to the open network.
Open Source: The platform is open-source, allowing users to access and modify it as needed.
Anonymity: While not providing complete anonymity, participants have a degree of privacy when making changes.
Decentralized: Lacks central authority, enabling unrestricted participation.
Token Incentives: Utilizes tokens and digital assets as incentives, promoting efficiency and effectiveness in operations.

Un-permissioned blockchains are pivotal in fostering open, transparent ecosystems where decentralized consensus and participation are paramount. They facilitate many applications, including cryptocurrency transactions, decentralized finance (DeFi), and decentralized applications (dApps), leveraging token incentives to drive network activity and engagement.

Advantages and Limitations of Permissioned Blockchain

Advantages

Incremental Decentralization allows multiple businesses to participate in a controlled manner, reducing the risks associated with highly centralized models.
Enhanced Privacy: Access permissions ensure that only authorized parties can view transaction details, enhancing confidentiality.
Customizability: Enables tailored configurations and integrations to suit specific business needs, fostering flexibility and innovation.
Improved Performance and Scalability: Fewer consensus and transaction verification nodes result in faster processing times and enhanced scalability.

Limitations

Increased Risk of Corruption: With fewer participants, there is a higher risk of collusion or malicious behavior among those controlling the network.
Consensus Vulnerability: Owners and operators can change consensus rules, potentially compromising immutability and integrity.
Limited Transparency: The closed nature of permissioned blockchains restricts visibility to outside parties, potentially reducing trust and oversight.

Advantages and Limitations of Un-Permissioned Blockchain

Advantages:

Broader Decentralization: Un-permissioned blockchains allow more participants to join and contribute to the network without permission.
High Transparency: Transactions are visible to all participants, promoting trust and accountability across the decentralized network.
Resistance to Censorship: The decentralized nature and broad participation make it difficult for any single entity to censor transactions or control the network.
Strong Security: Distributed consensus mechanisms and the inability to manipulate most nodes ensure robust security against attacks.

Limitations:

Poor Energy Efficiency: The extensive computational resources required for network-wide transaction verification contribute to high energy consumption.
Lower Performance and Scalability: Processing transactions across a vast network can strain computing resources, leading to slower transaction speeds and limited scalability.
Less Privacy: While transactions are pseudonymous, they are transparent and accessible to all participants, which may compromise user privacy.

Where Can Permissioned and Un-Permissioned Blockchain Be Used?

Both permissioned and un-permissioned blockchains exhibit distinct architectural characteristics suited to different types of applications. Here’s how they can be effectively utilized:

Permissioned Blockchain

Permissioned blockchain restricts access to data, making it suitable for applications requiring privacy and restricted access. It is beneficial in:

Supply Chain Tracking: Ensuring transparency and accountability in logistics and distribution.
Claim Settlements: Facilitating efficient and secure processing of insurance claims.
Identity Verification: Providing a secure platform for verifying identities and credentials.

These applications rely on restricted access to maintain data integrity and privacy.

Un-Permissioned Blockchain

Un-permissioned blockchain is ideal for building robust financial platforms based on decentralized principles. It finds application in:

Digital Trading: Facilitating secure transactions without centralized oversight.
Donation and Crowdfunding: Enabling transparent and accountable fundraising efforts.
File Storage: This is a decentralized and secure medium for public data storage.

Since Un-Permissioned blockchain imposes no restrictions on access, it offers broad accessibility to users.

Conclusion

The choice between permissioned and un-permissioned blockchain hinges on specific business needs. Permissioned blockchain offers robust privacy and controlled access, suited for applications like supply chain tracking and identity verification. In contrast, un-permissioned blockchain excels in decentralized financial platforms and transparent data storage. Scalability, privacy requirements, and token utilization are pivotal in determining the optimal blockchain solution for enhancing operational efficiency and meeting organizational goals.

In Celebration of July 5’s Workaholics Day, Let Enterprise Search Take Over Some Heavy Lifting

Contributor

June 29, 2024

by Elizabeth Thede, director of sales at dtSearch

As any current, recovering or aspiring workaholic knows, the hardest part of an assignment can be finding the data you need to get started. That’s where enterprise search comes in. It can automatically index all your enterprise data, letting you—and everyone else in your organization—simultaneously and instantly find anything in the full-text or metadata across terabytes of files, emails, etc.

Even workaholics can hear the word “indexing” and shudder at the thought that this might represent more work for them. But indexing is only an effort for enterprise search. Just point to the folders to index and enterprise search will take it from there. All software is different, but using dtSearch® as an example, here is a list of things that even the most diehard of workaholics can relax about.

Don’t worry if your organization has a mix of local and cloud-based files like Office 365, SharePoint attachments, Dropbox items, etc. So long as files, local or cloud-based, appear as part of the Windows folder system, the enterprise search indexer can work with them automatically.

Rest easy: you won’t need to identify individual file types.

The indexer can on its own determine the correct file type of each item through the binary format. Even files with mismatched file extensions like a PDF with a PowerPoint extension and an Access database with an Excel extension will not trip up the indexer.

Nested file formats are also not a matter of concern.

Emails can have ZIP or RAR attachments that themselves contain multiple formats, like a Word file with an Excel spreadsheet embedded recursively inside, and the indexer will cover all that.

Don’t fret that your organization has too much data for enterprise search indexing.

A single index can hold up to a terabyte of text, and there are no limits on the number of indexes that the software can create and end-users can instantly and simultaneously search.

Data updates are no problem.

Enterprise search can automatically update its indexes as often as you want to account for new, deleted and modified files. Such updates will not affect ongoing concurrent searching.

Don’t sweat that searching will slow down at peak times.

The indexes themselves can support multiple concurrent search threads across a network or in an online environment, where each search thread can operate independently with no impact on other search threads.

Be confident that you’ll have the right search options for each project.

Over 25 different search features cover everything from “I don’t want to think too hard about this search request” natural language searching to highly structured full-text and metadata phrase, Boolean (and/or/not), proximity, concept, date / date range, number / numeric range and other search refinements. The software offers multiple possibilities for relevancy-ranking. After a search, view full copies of retrieved items with highlighted hits for convenient browsing.

As a workaholic, you would never mistype anything.

But don’t lose sleep about other’s TYPOGRAPHICKGAL and OCR errors either. Fuzzy searching adjusts from 1 to 10 to sift through these.

Lastly, multilingual text is not an issue.

Unicode support automatically covers hundreds of languages, including European languages, right-to-left languages like Arabic and Hebrew, and double-byte character text like Chinese, Japanese and Korean. A single item can switch back and forth among multiple different languages, and Unicode and enterprise search will follow all of that.

Why Workaholics Day comes the day immediately after the fireworks and cookouts of July 4 U.S. Independence Day is anyone’s guess. But even if you wouldn’t be caught dead slacking off the morning after you stayed up too late with such festivities, consider lightening the load with enterprise search. You’ve earned it!

Elizabeth Thede is director of sales at dtSearch. An attorney by training, Elizabeth has spent many years in the software industry. At home, she grows a lot of plants, and has a poorly behaved but very cute rescue dog. Elizabeth also writes technical articles and is a regular contributor to The Price of Business Nationally Syndicated by USA Business Radio, with current articles on the USA Daily Times and The Daily Blaze.

How To Improve Your Time Management Skills With 5 Effective Tips

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June 27, 2024

by Suman Agarwal, co-founder of Image Consulting Business Institute

Time management is the process of organizing and planning how to divide your time between specific activities effectively. It involves setting goals, prioritizing tasks, allocating time for each task, and using techniques to work more efficiently. It’s necessary to develop time management skills for enhanced productivity, reduced stress, and a balanced work-life.

5 Best Time Management Techniques

Being one of the most essential soft skills to learn, time management is something everyone should master without fail. Here are six of the best time management techniques to help you get better:

1. Time Blocking.

An age-old technique for developing time management skills is time blocking. Here, you can assign a fixed time period to all the tasks. This helps you avoid distractions while performing the activities or tasks and fully enables you to focus on one task at a time, which in turn is great for completing tasks on time.

Further, this effective time management technique sets boundaries by doing one task at a time, promoting efficiency, and eliminating procrastination.

2. Prioritising.

Prioritization is not just a classic time management technique; it’s a powerful tool that can significantly boost your productivity and reduce procrastination. Focusing on the most important tasks first ensures that you’re making the most of your time and achieving your goals more effectively.

Complete the most important tasks from your to-do list first. It’s ideal to pick the tasks that stand tall on the priority list for meeting deadlines. Prioritising will reduce the burden of doing important tasks at the last minute and help you improve your performance.

3. Soft Skills Activities.

Many soft-skill activities involve prioritizing tasks or activities based on their importance and urgency. While some soft-skill activities involve planning and scheduling to achieve specific goals or objectives, improving your time management skills. Here are some ways in which these activities can contribute to the development of time management skills:

Team-building exercises: Engaging in team-building activities fosters collaboration and strengthens relationships among team members, leading to smoother workflow and efficient task delegation.
Communication workshops: Effective communication is essential for clear task delegation, minimizing misunderstandings, and maximizing productivity. Workshops focused on communication skills can improve time management by streamlining information exchange.
Conflict resolution training: Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, but learning how to handle it constructively through training programs can prevent time wastage on unnecessary disputes and promote a positive work environment.
Mindfulness practices: Mindfulness activities, such as meditation and breathing exercises, cultivate focus and reduce stress, enabling individuals to manage their time more effectively by staying present and attentive to tasks.

4. Pomodoro Technique.

The Pomodoro Technique is about breaking down huge tasks into shorter and more manageable ones to complete them easily. Ideally, the task is broken down into 25-minute intervals with five minutes of break between them. After four such five-minute breaks, the interval of the break time is increased.

With this time management technique, your brain is trained to stay focused on the given task without causing it to burn out.

5. Eisenhower Matrix.

The Eisenhower Matrix, also known as the Eisenhower Box or Eisenhower Decision Matrix, is a time management tool that helps prioritise tasks based on their urgency and importance. It’s named after Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States.

In this time management technique, there are four categories:

Urgent and Important: These tasks are urgent and essential, requiring immediate attention. They are usually deadlines or important tasks that you cannot postpone.
Important But Not Urgent: These are tasks that are important for your long-term goals, personal development, or the success of your projects, but they are not urgent.
Urgent But Not Important: Tasks in this quadrant are urgent but contribute little to your long-term goals or priorities. They are often distractions, interruptions, or tasks that can be delegated or eliminated.
Not Urgent and Not Important: These tasks are time-wasters, trivial activities, or distractions that provide little or no value. Hence, they should be eliminated.

Plan Daily.

Time management skills are essential to develop not only to reduce your workload but also to bring a sense of peace to mind, helping you be stress-free. These skills are necessary to help you outshine in your career as well as your personal life.

Apart from the above effective tips, it is also important to spare a few minutes of your morning to plan your entire day’s activities and tasks. This gives you a clear agenda and helps lower stress.

Suman Agarwal is an award-winning image management professional. She has helped students, home-makers, women on sabbatical as well as people seeking second career alternatives to explore Image Management and Soft Skill Training as a vibrant professional choice. She frequently writes blog posts about the urgent need of image consulting professionals and soft skill trainers in the 21st century and loves guiding people in exploring lucrative career options. Write to her at sumanagarwal@imageconsultinginstitute.com to seek advanced career guidance.

Exploring Careers With A Degree In Business Management

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June 26, 2024

With an average of 1.1 million openings projected every year from 2022-2032, business management occupations are said to increase significantly in the coming years. So, getting a degree in business management will open a gateway of opportunities in different industries. Be it finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, or human resources, this degree holds all the foundational knowledge and skills to pursue a professional managerial career. Being a versatile degree, you can choose any professional domain easily. This guide will provide you with a detailed understanding of the diverse career paths after completing a business management degree.

Let us get started with the basics of a business management degree.

Overview of Business Management Degree

A business management degree covers different subjects to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills to manage and lead businesses effectively.

Curriculum

1. Management principles and strategy management: Introduction to the fundamental concepts and practices of management and planning and implementation of business strategies.

2. Marketing: Basics of marketing principles, strategies, and consumer behavior.

3. Financial Accounting: Understanding different financial statements, balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow analysis.

4. Business Law and Ethics: Understanding business legal issues with contracts, employment law, and intellectual property. Learning about ethical considerations and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

5. Economics: Microeconomics and macroeconomics principles that affect business operations.

6. Human Resource Management: Managing personnel effectively, including recruitment, training, and performance evaluation.

7. Operations Management: Techniques for managing production processes, supply chain management, and quality control.

8. Entrepreneurship: Creating and managing new ventures, innovation, and business planning.

Skills

A business management degree helps in developing critical business skills, such as:

Leadership: development of interpersonal skills including conflict resolution, and effective communication.

Strategic Thinking: The ability to analyze complex business situations and create strategic plans.

Analytical Skills: Subjects like economics, statistics, and data analysis develop strong analytical skills, to make data-driven decisions.

Financial management: Learn skills in budgeting, financial analysis and investment decision-making.

Communication: Effective communication skills in business writing, presentation skills, and negotiation techniques.

Teamwork: Working in teams fosters skills in cooperation, coordination, and project management.

Traditional Corporate Careers

Completing a degree in business management opens several traditional corporate careers. Let us have a look at some of them.

Management Roles:

Example 1: Business Analyst

You can become a business analyst after completing your management degree. Business analysts play a vital role in any organization where they identify the custom business needs and determine solutions to the issues. They analyze the collected data to get deep insights and evaluate the impact of all the new solutions. You need to have solid communication with proper problem-solving skills to excel in this role.

Example 2: Project Manager

The role of the project manager is another potential corporate career option after completing the management degree. The project managers oversee all the projects from beginning to completion. They make sure that everything is aligned with the pre-defined scope and that the project is delivered within the timeline and budget. You will need excellent organizational, leadership, and multitasking abilities to handle the complexities of various projects across different industries.

Example 3: Marketing Manager

Marketing management is another potential corporate career option. The marketing managers have to develop and execute new marketing strategies to grow the brand further. They have to conduct proper market searches to create new plans and manage the existing campaigns for the organizations. Moreover, they have to analyze the performance of all the marketing initiatives and work on the weak aspects to improve them.

So, you have to be creative and possess solid communication skills to fill the shoes for this role. Moreover, you should have strategic thinking and an analytical mind to grow the brand’s profits.

Specialized Career Paths

You can even follow some specialized paths in specific industries after completing a degree in business management.

Finance Sector:

Financial Analyst

The financial sector is another booming sector that has several roles for individuals who have completed a business management degree. A financial analyst is a promising role where one has to help with the financial performance of the organization. They have to guide the organization to make data-driven decisions while progressing forward. You have to analyze the data to prepare reports and predict future financial trends.

So, it is necessary to have a strong understanding of all the financial principles with analytical thinking to deduce complex financial data for deep insights. Moreover, you have to use these insights to create financial strategies and make proper investment decisions.

Human Resources:

HR Manager

Human resources is another lucrative industry where you can grab the role of HR manager. HR managers have to oversee all the aspects of the existing human resources practices and deploy new ones for better overall productivity. They have to manage the employee relations, recruitment process, training and development of all the employees, performance management, and compliance with all the laws.

You must have a proper understanding of HR policies and procedures with the temperament of managing the company’s workforce efficiently.

Operations:

Operations Manager

You can dive into the operations sector of the organization and become an operations manager. The operations managers have to make sure that all the operations in the organization are running effectively with proper efficiency. They have to oversee the overall production and manage all the supply chains. Moreover, they have to deploy strategies to optimize the processes for higher productivity and lower costs.

So, you must possess a proper understanding of all the business processes with solid leadership skills to create a career in this role.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

A degree in business management opens several entrepreneurial ventures that you can pursue and create a successful career.

Starting a Business:

Small Business Owner

You can start your own small business and become its owner. You have to establish and manage the entire business. You have to be responsible for all aspects of the business that will include planning, financing, marketing, and operations. So, you have to be versatile, proactive and resilient. You must have a strong vision to establish and grow your business. Moreover, you should have an adaptable nature to adapt to the dynamic market conditions of the corporate market.

Startup Ecosystem:

Startup Consultant

If you don’t wish to start a business you can explore the consultancy sector and strive for the role of startup consultant. The startup consultants offer expert advice and support to rising entrepreneurs who are new in the industry and are looking forward to growing their businesses. They help startups secure proper funding to grow, develop solid business plans for the future, and counter the challenges of the specific industry.

So, you must have a proper understanding of the startup market with problem-solving skills to help the startup deal with potential issues and grow to the next level.

The Final Verdict

By now, you must have understood the potential of a business management degree. It is truly a well-rounded education that prepares graduates to grab any role in the business world. The best part is its unique blend of both theoretical and practical skills that help in grabbing different management and leadership roles. It is time to enroll in a business management degree today!

How AI Is Shaping The Future Of eCommerce: 5 Predictions For 2024

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June 25, 2024

Welcome to 2024, where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a tech jargon but a crucial element driving the evolution of ecommerce. If you’re an ecommerce business owner, manager, or just a tech enthu, it’s time to get excited. AI is transforming how we operate, market, and serve our customers.

Here are five exciting ways AI is reshaping the ecommerce landscape this year and what it means for your business.

1. Hyper-Personalised Customer Experiences.

In 2024 and beyond, personalisation is no longer going to be a luxury—it’s a necessity. How AI improves CX in ecommerce, you ask? Well, AI’s advanced data analytics capabilities allow businesses to create highly personalised shopping experiences for each customer.

By analysing browsing history, past purchases, and even social media behaviour, AI helps businesses predict what customers want before they even know it themselves.