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Protocol-Owned Liquidity: A Sustainable Path For DeFi

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permissioned blockchain

permissioned blockchain

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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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?

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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

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)

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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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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?

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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 WatalEd 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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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)

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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!

 

julie bee

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 A Marketing MBA Can Help You Pivot To A New Industry

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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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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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permissioned blockchain

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

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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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time management

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

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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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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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.

Why it matters for your business:

To start with, the majority of consumers, about 70%, anticipate personalization and may become frustrated if it’s absent. Personalised experiences drive customer loyalty and boost conversion rates. When customers feel understood and valued, they’re more likely to return and recommend your store to others. Implementing AI-driven personalisation can significantly increase your sales and customer retention.

2. Optimised Inventory Management.

Managing inventory effectively is one of the most challenging aspects of running an ecommerce business. AI has taken the guesswork out of inventory management. Having constant access to your inventory levels empowers you to make more informed purchasing choices. Approximately one out of every four companies utilises AI to achieve this real-time inventory management.

Advanced algorithms analyse a wide range of data — seasonal trends, historical sales, and even social media activity — to predict demand with remarkable accuracy.

Why it matters for your business:

Optimising inventory means you can reduce holding costs, avoid stockouts, and minimise waste. This leads to higher efficiency, lower operational costs, and better cash flow management. AI-driven inventory management ensures that you always have the right products available at the right time.

3. Embracing Voice Commerce.

Voice commerce is set to become a major player in ecommerce this year. With the rise of smart speakers and voice assistants, customers are increasingly using voice commands to search for and purchase products. AI’s advancements in natural language processing make it possible to optimise your online store for voice search.

Why it matters for your business:

Adapting to voice commerce means capturing a growing segment of tech-savvy consumers who value convenience. By ensuring your products are easily found through voice queries, you can tap into a new revenue stream and stay ahead of the competition.

4. Enhancing Customer Service with AI Chatbots.

Customer service is critical in ecommerce, and AI chatbots are revolutionising the way businesses handle customer interactions. In 2024, AI chatbots are smarter, more intuitive, and capable of understanding complex queries. They provide instant, accurate responses and can handle multiple customer interactions simultaneously.

Why it matters for your business:

AI chatbots can significantly reduce the burden on your customer service team, offering 24/7 support without the need for a large staff. This leads to faster response times, higher customer satisfaction, and fewer abandoned carts. Efficient customer service means happier customers and more sales.

5. Leveraging Visual Search Technology.

Visual search is becoming a game-changer in ecommerce. AI-powered visual search tools allow customers to upload images and find similar products in your catalogue instantly. Whether it’s a fashion item they saw on Instagram or a gadget from a friend’s house, visual search makes it easier for customers to find exactly what they want.

Why it matters for your business:

Implementing visual search can enhance the shopping experience, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates. It caters to customers who prefer visual discovery over traditional text-based searches, helping you capture more sales and stand out in a crowded market.

Conclusion

As we navigate through 2024, AI is set to revolutionize e-commerce in unprecedented ways. From hyper-personalized shopping experiences and optimized inventory management to voice commerce, advanced chatbots, and visual search, AI is enhancing every aspect of the business.

By embracing these AI-driven innovations, your ecommerce business can improve efficiency, increase sales, and provide a superior customer experience. The future is here, and it’s powered by AI. Let’s seize these opportunities and lead the charge into this exciting new era, ensuring your business stays ahead of the curve and continues to thrive in the competitive ecommerce landscape!

 

The Rise Of CNG Cars In India

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CNG car

CNG carIn recent years, India has witnessed a significant shift towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions, with compressed natural gas (CNG) emerging as a popular alternative to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. More drivers are shifting towards CNG cars for their eco-friendly credentials and cost-saving benefits.

Let us explore the rise of CNG cars in India, highlighting their advantages, growing popularity and the importance of road safety education and reliable car insurance coverage in promoting a safer and greener driving experience.

The environmental imperative

India’s rapidly growing population and urbanisation have led to alarming levels of air pollution in many cities across the country. Vehicular emissions, particularly from petrol and diesel cars, are a significant contributor to air pollution, increasing health issues and environmental degradation. Recognising the urgent need to curb emissions and combat climate change, policymakers and consumers alike are turning to cleaner alternatives such as CNG.

Advantages of CNG cars

CNG cars offer several compelling advantages over traditional petrol and diesel cars, making them an attractive choice for environmentally conscious drivers:

  • Lower emissions: CNG vehicles produce significantly fewer emissions compared to petrol and diesel vehicles, helping to reduce air pollution and reduce the impact of vehicular emissions on public health and the environment.
  • Cost savings: CNG is a more cost-effective fuel option compared to petrol and diesel, offering substantial savings on fuel expenses over the long term.
  • Fuel availability: With the expansion of CNG infrastructure across India, including refuelling stations in major cities and along key highways, accessing CNG fuel has become increasingly convenient for drivers.
  • Engine performance: CNG engines are known for their smooth and quiet operation, offering comparable performance to petrol and diesel cars while minimising noise pollution.

Importance of car insurance

Securing third-party car insurance coverage is essential for all drivers in India, regardless of the type of car they drive. Kotak General Insurance offers a range of car insurance plans to fulfill to the diverse needs of Indian drivers, including CNG car owners.

Key benefits of car insurance coverage include:

  • Protects against financial losses arising from accidents, theft and third-party liabilities.
  • Provides peace of mind and reassurance knowing that you are adequately protected against unforeseen risks and uncertainties on the road.
  • Fulfilling legal requirements by ensuring that your car is adequately insured as mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act.

Conclusion

The rise of CNG cars represents a significant step towards reducing air pollution and promoting environmental sustainability. Drivers can enjoy the benefits of CNG vehicles while ensuring a safer and greener driving experience for themselves and future generations. With Kotak General Insurance’s comprehensive car insurance plans, CNG car owners can drive with confidence, knowing that they are prepared for whatever lies ahead on India’s roads.

 

IndusInd Bank: Growth Trajectory In Last 5 Years

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indusind bank l

IndusInd Bank is one of the front runners in the Indian banking sector. The bank offers a myriad of services ranging from issuing loans and offering forex services to wealth management, online services to ensure maximum customer convenience and more. Additionally, the bank has also gained popularity among NRIs as it allows money transfer and has investment products like international deposits and mutual funds and enables online share trading.

Owing to all these services, IndusInd Bank has shown upward growth in all spheres. Read on to learn more about its growing profits and more.

IndusInd Financial Analysis

The market cap of Rs 1,17,152.72 crores makes IndusInd Bank one of the biggest banks in the country.

For the quarter ending in March 2024, the Net Interest Income (NII) grew by 15% annually. It increased from Rs 4,669 crores to Rs 5,376 crores showing improved profitability and an efficient management of interest rate spreads.

The table below mentions the financial details that show the growth of the company that has happened from 2019 to 2024.

Category (Yearly) March 2024 (In Crores) March 2019 (In Crores)
Total Income 55.136.06 27,907.87
Net Profit 8,949.78 3301.10
Basic Earnings Per Share 115.19 54.90

IndusInd Share Price

The following IndusInd Bank share price chart will further explain the growth trajectory of the bank over the past 5 years.

indusind bank financials on dhan

Although there has been a 3.59% decrease in IndusInd Bank share price in the past 5 years, the bank witnessed a 60.99% increase in its share price over the last 3 years.

Currently, the shares are trading at Rs 1,5050+. The 52-week high of IndusInd Bank is around Rs 1690 whereas the 52-week low is Rs 1,065.

Is It Smart to Invest in IndusInd Bank in The Current Scenario?

When it comes to who holds equity in this private sector bank, here is the answer. 40.25% of the shareholding is with Foreign Institutional Investors  (FII), 16.4% is with promoters, 14.78% is with public shareholders and 28.58% is with Domestic Institutional Investors (DII).

This investment trend suggests that there is a positive market sentiment among people for the bank. Based on the financial metrics including the increase in NII and the past stock performance, the bank is demonstrating a bullish trend. This makes it a favorable option for long-term investors as well as short-term investors.

However, doing your own research before investing is a must to make sure that investments align with your financial goals.

Conclusion

Over the past 5 years, the bank has demonstrated robust growth and a consistent upward performance. Investments done by foreign and domestic stakeholders add to the credibility of the bank as well and serve as a positive indicator for prospective customers. IndusInd Bank has recorded an increase in its assets, profitability, and customer acquisition, and the steep increase in share price also adds to the reputation of the bank.

To invest in stocks, download the Dhan app.

 

Save Time, Save Money, Save Sanity: Your Guide To A Cost-Effective Long-Distance Move

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moving boxes

moving boxes

Moving long distances can be overwhelming, but using the appropriate tactics may make the process go more smoothly and be less stressful. Careful planning is vital whether you’re relocating for a job, family, or a fresh start.

This guide includes helpful advice for a hassle-free long-distance move, ensuring you have all the information you need to make the transition seamless.

Plan for a Successful Move

The success of your move largely depends on how well you plan. Start by creating a moving checklist outlining every step you need. From organizing your belongings to finalizing your new home’s address, a detailed plan will help you stay on track. Make sure to give yourself enough time to complete each task thoroughly. Planning also includes notifying utility companies of your move, setting up forwarding with the post office, and organizing any necessary travel arrangements. The more comprehensive your plan, the less likely you’ll encounter unexpected challenges. For those looking for professional help, engaging out of state movers can be a game-changer in making your move efficient and safe.

Declutter Before You Pack

Before you start packing, take time to declutter your home. It means reviewing your belongings and deciding what to keep, donate, or sell. This will not only help to organize packing better, but it will also reduce the amount of stuff you have to move. Decluttering can be a therapeutic and great way to refresh your living space. Consider sorting your items into categories: what to keep, donate, and discard. Give in excellent-shape stuff to nearby organizations, and hold a garage sale to remove things you no longer need. This not only makes your move easier but can also make it more economical, as you may need fewer packing materials and a smaller moving truck.

Consider Eco-Friendly Packing Solutions

Although moving might produce a lot of garbage, You can reduce the damage you do to the ecosystem. Use eco-friendly packing materials like biodegradable bubble wrap and recyclable boxes, and repurpose old newspapers for wrapping fragile items. Avoid using single-use plastics and opt for reusable containers. Many moving companies also offer rentable plastic bins, an excellent alternative to cardboard boxes. Additionally, consider packing your belongings in items you already own, such as suitcases, laundry baskets, and storage bins, to reduce waste further.

Insurance and Safety Measures

When moving long distances, the safety of your belongings should be a top priority. Consider getting moving insurance to protect your items during transit. Additionally, ensure that valuable and fragile items are securely packed and clearly labeled. This little action might help you avoid much trouble and potential losses. Many moving companies offer different insurance or valuation coverage levels, so be sure to discuss these options when getting a quote. Consider taking high-value items with you rather than loading them on the moving truck. Before the move, inventorying your possessions and recording their condition is a good idea. This will come in handy if you ever need to make a claim.

Stay Organized on Moving Day

On moving day, staying organized is critical. Keep essential items like medications, important documents, and chargers in a separate, easily accessible bag. Have a layout plan for your new home so movers know where to place your belongings. This will save time and effort when you start unpacking. Prepare a moving day kit with snacks, bottled water, and toiletries to keep you comfortable throughout the day. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to so you don’t have to open every box to find what you need.

Being organized on moving day will help everything run smoothly and reduce stress for everyone involved.

 

4 Tips For Choosing The Right Laboratory Supplies

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laboratory equipment

laboratory equipment

Having access to the best equipment is crucial in a laboratory setting. Medicine practices depend on the accuracy and reliability of speedy lab results. As such, it’s critical to know what you’re looking for in your laboratory supplies purchase.

Buying lab supplies can be as important as buying, say, a new car. You need to make sure you’re getting everything you need and more.

Here are a few tips for finding the perfect lab equipment.

1. Identify What You Need.

First, make a list of everything you require for your practice. Keep in mind that there are specific means of operation for each type of equipment you need. Make sure you have room and know what your essential desires are. They may not all come from the same place, so you should begin looking for vendors in your area.

2. Mind Your Budget.

Your budget will help you make an informed decision on your purchase. If you have a strict budget, you can consider buying refurbished equipment. You may be able to find tools that are easy to maintain as well. Regardless, you want to get the most out of your investment. Doing your research for suppliers can help you find the best prices for your needs.

3. Brand and Quality Research.

Reviews and referrals can help you make your decision based on equipment quality. Reviews from different brands will show you if there’s a pattern of users having difficulty with their tools. This same type of research shows you if companies were driven to help users with their issues.

4. Check Warranties and Services.

Many lab equipment manufacturers offer limited warranties on their tools in case you end up with a malfunctioning instrument. Even when these warranties expire, you’ll want to see if they offer training, technical support, or other reliable post-sale assistance.

Are You Ready to Buy New or Used Lab Supplies?

When you’ve thought about these top four circumstances, you may be ready to decide on the perfect lab equipment. Always remember to take your time and research lab equipment suppliers and brands to get the most out of your money.

 

Finding Consensus Without Sacrificing Innovation

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by Min Basadur, Michael Goldsby and Rob Mathews, authors of “Design-Centered Entrepreneurship, Second Edition“

Just as it takes an open mind to effectively develop new ideas, so it takes an open mind to effectively evaluate new ideas. The process of evaluating the potential for taking a useful solution around which you can develop a practical business can be relatively simple or relatively complex.

For example, determining which of three franchises to open requires nothing more complicated than talking to existing franchisees and doing some background market research. A more challenging task is to evaluate, say, a new form of healthcare.

It’s more difficult to make these decisions when you lack a single, simple yardstick or scale to measure the relative worth of the choices. Franchises have proven track records that can be compared relatively easily, whereas a new healthcare business will have to address numerous legal, technical, and economic factors.

Usually the more innovative the business idea, the more thought that will be needed in determining how to evaluate its potential. You have to use more than a single criterion in choosing. Selecting the appropriate “yardsticks” or criteria themselves is an important and often tough job.

Think about buying the right car from among a few models. You wouldn’t base your decision on only one criterion. While price may or may not be important to you, so might gas mileage, roominess, style, and array of features available. Your final choice will be based on several of these yardsticks. Similarly, you can’t often evaluate possible solutions to a customer problem by using only one criterion.

When you belong to a team making the evaluation, it can be difficult to agree on which criteria to use. What’s important to one person might be less important to another. Your first step in evaluation is to create a list of potential criteria for measuring your selected ideas. As you do so, suspend judgment and logic. You’ll find some of the best criteria will come to you further down your list. Only after creating this list should you exercise judgment to select the most important few criteria — perhaps through discussions with other people, such as potential customers, subject matter experts, the founding team, and other company stakeholders. In any case, taking the time to develop and select useful, comprehensive criteria is a must.

An entrepreneur must give great thought to what will really determine the future success of the new product or service, and then make business decisions based on those criteria. No matter the number of criteria you use, the idea is to carefully and open-mindedly examine each of your selected customer solutions.

Consensus is vital when it comes to evaluation in a team. Without it, implementation is in jeopardy because there will be a drop-in commitment. Some members will begin to feel like outsiders.

To arrive at the most thoughtful innovative solutions, keep these consensus-finding tips in mind:

1. View differences in perception as constructive.

Differences in perception are a good thing — not a bad thing. If five different people have expressed five different facts about the same issue (some even apparently conflicting), this is not an obstacle to slow us down, but an opportunity to get smarter. Let’s clarify what we know and what we don’t know and move on. Don’t worry about small differences, just build on the big things on which you agree.

2. Listen carefully to what others say about an option.

Listening carefully to other people not only builds clarity and understanding but also builds trust. Remember, we are here to solve a problem — not to debate.

3. Give unusual options a good hearing.

It’s important to not shy away from unusual options. Try to avoid playing it safe. Someone needs to step up and say, “Why aren’t we considering this option over here? Let’s talk about it to see if we might take the riskiness out.”

4. Focus on making good selections — not protecting turf.

Good consensus skills in a team means its members are able get beyond protecting their own personal interests and work for the overall organization’s benefit.

5. Work toward full group participation.

Teams must work at getting everyone involved and saying what’s on their mind. Unfortunately, some people will shrink into the woodwork when it’s time to start choosing.

6. Say what you think.

What if there are seven people in the room and you have something to say, but the other people are going in a very different direction? What you must avoid thinking is, “Well, there’s something obviously wrong with me, I’ll go along with them and not say anything.” You might as well not be on the team because you may be the only one with an insight that is a game changer. Do not contribute to what is known as “groupthink.”

7. Don’t let higher status or more vocal people sway the group.

The team must also work hard at not letting higher status people sway the group. If you happen to be the boss, your special skill is not to act like one. You must be extra skilled at just being one of the team members.

Sometimes the evaluation process doesn’t lead directly to the implementation phase. Instead, it can actually point teams in new directions. This spontaneous surge of idea building can lead to a much different and better business opportunity. You can encourage these results by deferring judgment as you evaluate — just remember to keep an open mind.

 

Min Basadur is Professor Emeritus of Innovation at McMaster University, Canada, and founder of Basadur Applied Creativity. Michael Goldsby is Stoops Distinguished Professor of  Entrepreneurship and Chief Entrepreneurship Officer at Ball State University. Rob Mathews is Executive Director of the Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at Ball University. Their new book, “Design-Centered Entrepreneurship, Second Edition” (Routledge, 2022), provides a research-driven, step-by-step approach to creative problem-solving. Learn more at https://elprofile.com/. 

 

Revolutionizing Alzheimer’s Care: How Young Blood Institute’s Early Detection Model Is Changing The Game

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by Mark Urdahl, Chairman & CEO of Young Blood Institute

Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating diagnosis for anyone to hear, especially because most people are aware that there is no cure for it. Watching someone we love forget who we are, become increasingly confused, and eventually lose all ability to care for themselves can be terrifying and heartbreaking.

For decades, researchers have searched for solutions and treatments that would slow the progression of Alzheimer’s or even stop it in its tracks. Recently, these experts have turned their attention to the role of amyloid beta levels in the development and onset of Alzheimer’s. Amyloid βeta (Aβ) is a protein fragment that has been identified as a key player in the formation of plaques, which are abnormalities often found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.

Groundbreaking research in Alzheimer’s research

In the past few years, the Young Blood Institute (YBI) discovered through research that a large percentage of cognitively normal people have excessive Aβ levels. YBI also found that therapeutic plasma exchange was successful in clearing excess Aβ peptides, consistent with prior research findings by Grifols.

After her work with the YBI and Grifols, I met the plasmapheresis manager Gloria Simpson and brought her onto AmβARI Healthcare as Chief of Nursing Ops. I was immediately impressed by her brilliance and the results that she had achieved.

“We saw people’s reductions in Amyloid Beta levels in cognitively normal subjects, opening up the possibility for [Alzheimer’s] prevention,” Simpson told me. “I saw this at AMBAR, then I saw at YBI that we could clear Amyloid Beta [levels] for cognitively normal subjects, and now it’s time to commercialize this and make it available.”

We have people who saw people recover their memories, which a scant few in the entire Alzheimer’s research industry can say they’ve ever seen. Fortunately, therapeutic plasma exchange has been an FDA-approved therapy for many decades. 

Commercializing a treatment for Alzheimer’s

However, despite Simpson’s success with Grifols and the YBI, this solution is still not well-known. There’s so much noise in the system and so much other information floating around, including proposals. Even though Grifols spent $150 million over 14 years and had a 61% success rate with Alzheimer’s, it’s a measly drop in the bucket compared to the $3 billion worth of research the industry spends each year.

After working with Simpson, I had the opportunity to meet with the acclaimed neurologist Mercé Boada at the ACE Alzheimer’s Center in Spain. Boada confirmed Simpson’s findings and went on to commercialize this treatment in Spain, but this only begs the question: if they’re doing it in Spain, why can they not do it here, in the United States, too?

We have reached a significant moment in time where decades of research into AB testing, as well as decades of research into the use of plasma exchange for Alzheimer’s treatment and AB prevention, have culminated. Now, we have the opportunity to work together and commercialize an available treatment for Alzheimer’s.

I’ve been in the business of commercializing technology for all my life. Too often, ideas get stuck in the research phase forever and never make their way to market, keeping them from helping the people whose lives they could change. Here, we have a documented case of something that works and is widely available — it’s just a matter of expanding this commercialization to the rest of the world.

Early detection and treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is not just another mere medical innovation. It offers a ray of hope for a disease that often brings nothing but sorrow, allowing people to hope for a better tomorrow and an eventual future free of the disease. Let’s make this treatment available to people commercially so that we can slow or even stop this terrifying disease.

 

mark urdahlMark Urdahl, Chairman & CEO of Young Blood Institute first started the institute as a non-profit Clinical Research Organization to study new potential indications for Therapeutic Plasma Exchange. In 2022, he established AmβARI Healthcare to develop a platform to commercialize Grifols research and commercial translation, utilizing the YBI study model and its findings, for private care clinics across the country.

 

Video Marketing In The Era Of Short Attention Spans: Crafting Compelling Stories In 60 Seconds Or Less

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by Torrey Tayenaka, co-founder and CEO at Sparkhouse

With the massive amount of data and tools at our disposal, it’s hard to believe that marketers used to be able to craft compelling ad copy by just knowing the customer. But there were fewer ads, consumers had limited options, and everyone knew when they had a winning strategy.

Now, virtually every business has to gain an edge on dozens – if not hundreds – of competitors to reel in the customer. They’re not only competing with other businesses for attention, but with entertainment, creator content, and a ton of other internet noise.

To make things harder, the average human attention span has declined over the past decade to a mere 8.25 seconds. That’s lower than a goldfish, the poster child for low attentiveness. It’s not enough to have excellent copy and captivating visuals anymore.

Enter video marketing. Videos in general are having a moment on the internet and social media, cutting through the clutter of search results pages and crowded social media news feeds, and holding the viewer’s attention.

When it’s done right, social media video and commercial video can transform your marketing strategy and capture the attention of your audience – no matter where you’re trying to reach them. And if you can not only capture their attention but deliver your entire message in under 60 seconds, you can create maximum impact without viewers clicking away.

Marketing used to be based on intuition and creativity. Marketers relied on their instincts and trial and error to capture the attention of prospective customers and make the sale. Now, with competition growing and customer expectations becoming increasingly challenging, holding the audience’s interest requires more than guesswork.

Benefits of Video Marketing

With the explosion of platforms like TikTok during the pandemic, video has had a steady rise to popularity for all types of digital content, including marketing and advertising. Video has a unique edge over other formats in that you can create an emotional, creative, and impactful message – no matter how complex your topic – that reaches the viewer in a matter of seconds.

Here’s what gives video its unique power:

Visual Appeal.

Most of us prefer to digest information in engaging visual forms. That’s why many people will watch a movie adaptation of a novel instead of reading the novel itself. We’re naturally drawn to visual stimuli, and better yet, we process that information 60,000 times faster than text.

Creating a video with dynamic and immersive visuals allows you to capture the attention of your viewers more than you ever could with a text caption, long-form article, or static image. This is especially true if your topics are complex or dry.

Social media users scroll through their newsfeeds, which often contain text-only posts from their friends and family members. Among all that black and white, they see a few images that may stop their scrolling – but a video is even more engaging. Even if they aren’t sure what it’s about, they’re more likely to stop and watch the first few seconds than read the first few lines of a long post. That’s when you can show your stuff and get them to stick around for the whole video.

Breaking Down Complex Information.

Some products or brands are more difficult to explain simply, especially in the B2B space. For example, promoting the benefits of a technology tool is often more challenging than promoting fashion or homewares.

Videos help you establish your products unique value propositions and real-world benefits in a quick, simple, and appealing way. You can discuss complex processes, complicated data, and highly technical features with images, diagrams, and narration, rather than relying only on explaining through text or a sole image.

Creating Emotional Appeal.

Video content is one of the best ways to elicit an emotional response from your viewers. Unlike a story or a still image, video can use a mix of verbal and non-verbal cues to humanize customer stories or benefits in a way that resonates with the viewer.

For example, small touches like a change of tone, subtle facial expressions, and emotional background music can turn a static story into a conversation that tugs at the heartstrings, inspires empathy, or makes the viewer laugh or cry – all leading to a message that sticks in the viewer’s mind for a while.

It works outside of marketing as well. Many people recall moments in movies, television shows, or commercials that made them feel something, but it’s not nearly as often as with an article or book. The same is true of video marketing.

Better Brand Retention.

We’re visual creatures. People remember 95% of what they see in a video compared to a mere 10% of what they read. This shows how important it is to deliver your message in a video format instead of text-based content.

Make no mistake – an excellent copy will stick with a customer if it’s read. The difference with video, however, is that they retain it better. The video captures their attention, and they recall it more easily, so your brand stays top of mind when they’re looking to solve a problem related to your products or services.

Improved SEO.

It’s not just brands realizing the power of video. Google knows it, too. Video content is preferred by search engines because of its popularity. As more users consume video content, Google will prioritize it over article content.

In addition, embedding a video on your website’s landing page can mean you’re 53% more likely to get on the first page of the search engine results. Having videos embedded on your pages can also increase your conversion rate by about 80%.

Based on the insights in the Video Marketing Guide, having videos on your social media account can increase your chances of a share by 1200%.

The Catch? You Have to Capture Attention within Seconds.

Video marketing has numerous benefits, but you have to get the viewer’s attention in the first few seconds. Otherwise, they may simply scroll on.

Your first few seconds have to make a connection instantly and tell the viewer what they have to gain by continuing to watch. What problem will you solve? What offer will they be rewarded with?

It’s important to walk the line between teasing attention and click-baiting your viewers, however. You have to show them what they have to gain if they give you a minute or less of their time, and you have to deliver. Make your introduction captivating and build that connection to get them to stick around.

How to Make Videos That Resonate

Your video introduction is your hook, then you have 60 seconds or less to keep that momentum. Here’s how to do it:

Plan Your Message.

Plan your video in advance. You have to have a clear, targeted message or concept. If you make your topic too broad, your viewers won’t know what’s in it for them or what they have to gain. If you have different audience segments, make sure to craft a message that’s specific to each of them, which brings us to the next point.

Understand your Audience.

No matter what type of content you’re creating, the audience is key. You have to understand their pain points, their interests, the challenges or stress they experience every day that they’re looking to solve. Understanding what your audience wants allows you to speak directly to them through your video and promote your brand’s value.

Create Compelling Visuals.

Part of the video’s appeal is visual appeal. Don’t skim on this part! You not only have to share your message, but you have to do so in a way that’s interesting, exciting, and engaging. Use animations, cutaways, stitches, smooth transitional editing, sound effects and high-quality photos or graphics that maximize your 60 seconds.

Avoid the Clutter.

60 seconds isn’t a lot of time, so you may be tempted to cram as much information as possible into your video. While video is an easier medium to digest, it’s still possible to go overboard with the clutter and weaken your message. Keep it simple and focused on the key message.

Refine Your Hook.

The hook is what you’ll use to capture the attention of your viewers within the firsts few seconds. This is what gets them to stop scrolling and start watching. You can do this any number of ways, depending on your audience, including making a bold statement, asking an intriguing question, or stating an impactful statistic, as long as it aligns with your message.

End on a Strong Note.

The intro matters, but so does the call to action (CTA) that prompts your viewers to take the action you want, whether that’s signing up for a service, completing a purchase, or subscribing to a list. Like the intro, your CTA should be short, snappy, and persuasive to maximize results.

Incorporate Video into Your Marketing Strategy

Video content is the hottest trend in marketing – because it works. Using video correctly can improve your SEO, boost brand recognition, drive conversions, and build emotional connections with your audience. With these tips, you can get started with compelling video content that draws in short attention spans and holds them from start to finish. 

 

Torrey Tayenaka

Torrey Tayenaka is the co-founder and CEO at Sparkhouse, an Orange County based commercial video production company. Sparkhouse is known for transforming video marketing and advertising into real conversations. Torrey has also founded the companies Eva Smart Shower, Litehouse & Forge54.

 

 

Steve Streit On The Future Of Crypto, DeFi & The Blockchain

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Seasoned entrepreneur and investor Steve Streit has been enthusiastic about the potential of decentralized finance (DeFi) for years. His firm, SWS, is a high-conviction investor in several protocols and companies in the space, and he’s pleased to see that the wider world of finance is increasingly bullish on it as well.

Streit and other crypto-industry backers know that the sector’s growth won’t happen on a smooth curve, and that future “crypto winters” will test the conviction of some in the space. However, he believes the long-term prospects are strong, and that DeFi and the blockchain technology it’s built on have the power to transform the value chain for the better.

Here’s what Streit and his peers see as the most important trends driving the next phase of DeFi’s evolution.

“TradFi” Is Getting “DeFi”-Curious

DeFi companies have a better sense of what traditional finance companies want from the blockchain these days, and they’re getting more sophisticated about the solutions they deploy to attract them.

For example, Solana recently debuted 13 new token extensions in an effort to draw more transitional finance institutions “onchain,” DLNews reports.

“A growing number of enterprises are interested in the benefits of blockchain, but want to ensure that they can adopt the technology in a responsible way that adheres to their internal compliance processes,” Amira Valliani, policy head at the Solana Foundation, explained.

Streit and his peers believe traditional finance companies may continue to become more comfortable with DeFi, adopting decentralized protocols (or developing their own) over time.

Retail Investors Are Less Skeptical of Crypto Today

The “TradFi” trend intersects with another important development that’s advancing the crypto, blockchain and broader DeFi industry: retail investor enthusiasm.

A certain retail subgroup has always been bullish on crypto, but until recently it was made up mainly of early adopters whose belief in DeFi was more philosophical in nature. The newer, larger group of interested retail investors believes in DeFi for even simpler reasons: namely, that it’s profitable.

The release of the first Bitcoin ETFs could be the start of a transformational wave of activity in mainstream markets. In the not-too-distant future, the lines between “crypto investing” and “equities investing” may be much blurrier.

Falling Interest Rates Could Bode Well for the Industry in the Coming Years

Although the correlation is not perfect, DeFi tends to benefit from low interest rates. This is not only due to the fact that DeFi startups have an easier time raising money when rates are low, but because low interest rates can spark inflation and raise concerns about the stability of government-led central banks (the bedrock of the “TradFi” system). 

It’s possible, although not assured, that interest rates will fall in the next one to two years. Depending on the trajectory of inflation and overall economic performance in developed economies like the U.S. and Europe, they could remain low for even longer. This could prove to be a lasting tailwind for DeFi.

Regulation May Be a Good Thing in the Long Run

Much has been made of the apparent crackdown on risky, unregulated crypto activity. Truth be told, there’s less to this than meets the eye, as many of the highest-profile legal moves have been aimed at instances of outright fraud or theft.

In fact, many DeFi proponents believe that sensible government regulation is a good thing for the industry in the long term. A stable regulatory environment offers predictability for companies currently operating in the space and those planning to enter it. It may also give mainstream consumers the confidence needed to explore opportunities here.

AI and Crypto Are Complementary, Not Competitive

Until about two years ago, crypto was the darling of the tech industry. Today, that crown rests with AI. 

Is that a bad thing for DeFi? Perhaps not. Many DeFi advocates believe that crypto and AI are complementary rather than competitive, and that AI can help unlock new uses for decentralized tokens and blockchain protocols. AI could also help solve the industry’s energy problem by making crypto mining operations more efficient. 

What’s Next for DeFi?

Experienced investors like Steve Streit believe the decentralized finance industry may look very different in a few years than it does today.

They believe it will be bigger, more profitable, more impactful, and capable of solving a much wider range of problems.

Some might go so far as to say that they believe DeFi is the future of traditional finance.

Based on recent history, betting against this vision of a more democratic financial future seems risky. But only time will tell what’s next.

 

Unearthing The Truth: The Ravaging Impact Of Deforestation On Our Planet

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mining vehicles

mining vehicles

by Ralph Bianculli, CEO and Founder of Emerald Ecovations

An intricate web sustains diverse life and ecosystems on our planet, and at its heart lies the world’s forests. These lungs of the Earth are vital players in the global climate system and bastions of biodiversity. Despite their clear importance, these critical sanctuaries are under threat. Deforestation unravels the very fabric of life, with consequences rippling across climates, species, and communities.

As an executive in the paper and pulp industry, deforestation began to nag at my conscience. Sometime in the late ‘80s, I began investigating the material and chemical makeup of all the household items we produced, from tissues to toilet paper. What I found was disheartening. We used virgin tree fibers and drove deforestation in our manufacturing when we didn’t need to.

Timber, trade, and tragedy at the root of deforestation

Deforestation is a global crisis. According to recent estimates, the world loses an area of forest equivalent to the size of a football field every six seconds. This relentless assault has profound implications, not only for the ecosystems directly involved but for the entire planet.

The persistence of deforestation is primarily driven by a complex interplay of economic, social, and political factors that outweigh conservation efforts in many regions around the globe. Economically, deforestation is driven by the global demand for timber and agricultural land. Forests are often cleared for cash crops such as palm oil, soy, and cattle ranching. The financial incentives for landowners and governments to convert forests into agricultural or developed land are significant and offer immediate economic benefits that, in the short term, supersede the long-term ecological costs. This economic rationale is particularly compelling in developing countries, where agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy and a critical source of livelihood for a large portion of the population.

Social and political factors also play a crucial role in continuing deforestation. In many cases, governance issues, such as lack of enforcement of environmental regulations, corruption, and land disputes, undermine efforts to combat deforestation. Additionally, the global nature of supply chains means that the consumption patterns of developed nations drive deforestation in distant countries, disconnecting consumers from the environmental impact. Despite increasing awareness and concern, the political will to address these root causes of deforestation often lags behind, hampered by competing economic interests and the globalized nature of the problem.

Felling our future despite the clear-cut connection between forests and climate change

Forests act as carbon sinks. That means they absorb more carbon dioxide than they emit, which is critical in mitigating climate change.

Up to 1.8 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide emissions were linked to primary forest loss in 2019. That is comparable to 400 million cars’ annual emissions.

About 30 percent of the carbon emissions we generate as we burn fossil fuels are absorbed by forests. When a tree is cut down, two disastrous things occur. The tree’s sequestered carbon dioxide is released, and the tree can no longer absorb carbon dioxide in the future. It’s a one-two punch to the planet that is not sustainable.

Biodiversity leaves with the trees

Forests are diverse habitats. In fact, tropical forests harbor 62% of the planet’s land-dwelling vertebrates, twice the amount that calls any other terrestrial biome home.

Forests don’t grow overnight; they take centuries to mature. It is in these mature forests that wildlife thrives.

Deforestation significantly impacts the planet’s biodiversity, with one of the most unfortunate consequences being the loss of habitat for millions of species. When forests are cleared, it disrupts the ecological balance, affecting vital parts of an ecosystem such as pollination pathways, freshwater supplies, seed dispersal, and climate regulation. This habitat destruction dramatically reduces species diversity and abundance, pushing many species towards endangerment or extinction. According to a report by the Science Panel for the Amazon, more than 10,000 species of plants and animals are at high risk of extinction due to the destruction of the Amazon rainforest.

The social impact of deforestation: How tree loss affects people and communities

The ravages of deforestation directly impact human societies, particularly those living in and around these wooded areas. Many indigenous communities rely on forests for their livelihood, culture, and survival. The depletion of these environments threatens their way of life, leading to conflict, displacement, and the loss of cultural heritage.

Furthermore, deforestation has direct implications for global food security. Forests play a crucial role in regulating water cycles; their destruction affects rainfall patterns and water availability for agricultural purposes.

Additionally, Forests are home to a vast array of plants and animals, many of which are vital for pollination, pest control, and maintaining soil fertility. Deforestation disrupts these ecological services, affecting crop yields and food diversity. Furthermore, clearing forests for agricultural expansion often involves cultivating a narrow range of crops, which can lead to soil degradation and a decrease in land productivity over time. This shift affects not only the quantity and quality of food available but also the nutritional diversity of diets, particularly in rural areas where people rely heavily on forest resources for their dietary needs.

Turning over a new leaf to reverse deforestation trends worldwide

Deforestation is a worldwide problem requiring global solutions. The most viable strategies involve deforestation regulation, changing consumer buying habits, and new technologies that allow Tree-Free products to be produced at scale.

From a regulation perspective, the UN is part of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests to stop deforestation globally. Significant changes like this also often start with government regulation and intervention to enhance these changes.

To change consumer buying habits, we need to educate. Most consumers don’t realize that it takes 32 million trees annually to make our coffee cups or that 27,000 trees are felled daily for our toilet paper consumption in the US alone. What is even more important to know is that we don’t need trees to make paper. We can use grasses like bamboo and miscanthus, as well as agricultural byproducts like bagasse from sugar cane. Once consumers realize the impact their choices of everyday essentials have on the environment, legacy players will be forced to choose alternative solutions.

The scourge of deforestation is an urgent environmental crisis with far-reaching impacts on climate, biodiversity, and human societies. Its continuation spells disaster for the global ecosystem and the delicate balance that sustains life on Earth. However, through concerted efforts encompassing policy changes, conservation initiatives, and shifts in consumer behavior, there is hope. By unearthing the truth about deforestation, we can sow the seeds for a greener, more sustainable future for our planet.

 

ralph bianculli

Ralph Bianculli is the CEO and Founder of Emerald Ecovations. Established with a vision to reduce waste and promote environmental consciousness, Emerald Ecovations has been at the forefront of the green movement for over a decade.
With a passion for creating a positive impact on the environment, Ralph has dedicated his career to promoting sustainable practices within the business world.

Managing Inventory: Maximise Cash Flow With These 7 Best Practices

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by Peter Kingma, author of “CASH IS KING“ 

No matter what business you’re in, market demand for your company’s products will never be constant. That’s why managing inventory effectively is essential. Getting caught with too much or too little inventory can be disastrous. Too little inventory means that you can’t fill customers’ orders. On the other hand, if you have too much inventory, you may be creating a dangerous cash drain.

In my work advising clients, I often see leaders who understand the importance of cash for their businesses, but fail to pay attention to how inventory impacts cash flow. I recognize that inventory management can be complicated and can trip up even the best companies. But there are ways to simplify the process. In this article, I provide best practices for implementing a successful inventory management system. These concepts should be embraced by everyone in your organization.

Managing inventory wisely

Obviously, if you run a company that makes products, you need inventory. You need  raw materials. You need spare parts to fix equipment, and you need finished goods to sell. However, inventory is very expensive and can tie up a lot of precious cash. It’s important to acknowledge that every dollar invested in inventory has equal value with unequal returns, meaning, investing in inventory that sells quickly and at a high margin produces more favorable returns on the investment than inventory that sits around unused.

Let’s start with some basic descriptions of inventory. There are essentially four categories:

  • Raw inventory. This consists of the materials that enter your plant, such as rolls of aluminum, plastic fasteners, circuit boards, and so on. These are components that will be used in the production process. Raw materials may arrive from suppliers all over the world. The receiving process varies greatly depending on the materials and your contractual arrangements.
  • Work in progress (WIP). This is the inventory within your plant as it flows through the production process. The amount of WIP varies greatly from company to company, depending on the process of production. Some products like batteries require a curing process after lead and acid are combined. Sometimes WIP can grow if there are shortages in raw materials. In the past few years, there was a global microchip shortage. Almost-finished automobiles piled up in lots outside factories, awaiting the installation of the critical chips. This is often referred to as trapped inventory. It can become a very costly problem, tying up precious cash at the same time as sales plunge because a company can’t sell half-finished goods.
  • Finished goods. These have completed the production process but remain in your plant and on the company books awaiting final distribution. Processes such as packaging and documentation requirements can cause this inventory to build up. But there might be intentional reasons to pile up finished goods inventory. Perhaps there is a known seasonal pickup in sales so you must prebuild in anticipation.
  • Maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) MRO inventory is a classification for products such as spare parts for machinery in the factory. It also includes anything required for day-to-day maintenance and operations.

Material requirement planning (MRP) software can help calculate optimal inventory levels, taking into consideration all sorts of drivers such lead times, batch sizes, and so on. These applications are powerful tools, but they do require continuous updates and trust.

Inventory Stocking Categories

There are five key inventory stocking categories to monitor:

  • Cycle stock. This is the amount of inventory needed to meet current demand. For example, your forecast calls for you to produce 25 electric motors each day. You need 5 units of a certain type of fastener for each motor. So, every day the cycle stock for that fastener is 125 units. But do things hold constant? Are there no fluctuations in demand? No disruptions in supply and delivery? Hardly! So, you need to account for those scenarios by holding safety stock.
  • Safety stock. This is your hedge against fluctuations. Safety stock is calculated based on historic variations in factors such as demand and lead times. On most days you needed 125 units, but sometimes demand surged and you needed 150 units. Or your lead time fluctuated a day or two, so you didn’t always have the 125 units you needed on hand. Looking at those historic fluctuations you can then calculate how much you need, based on your desired service level.
  • Pipeline stock. This is the inventory that is in transit from the supplier to the plant. Delivery times, minimum order quantities, batch sizes, and so on can affect how much you need to have in transit to meet your cycle and safety stock requirements. Sourcing from low cost, yet distant countries might not always be the best option if it means you end up with more inventory (that you own) on boats trying to get to your plant. Understanding the economic trade-offs is very important.
  • Prebuild stock. You might elect to prebuild ahead of seasonal demand surges or in anticipation of plant shutdowns. Anticipating these periods, you would schedule some prebuilds to offset for the decreased production capacity.
  • Merchandising stock. This is the stock of finished goods required to meet sales demand. This can increase if service level commitments have been made with customers.

Seven Best Practices

With these categories in mind, here are seven best practices to follow:

  1. Pay close attention to safety stock calculations. If you have invested in MRP tools, make sure your team is using the full capability. Avoid one-off calculations and deviations from established planning processes.
  2. Examine pipeline stock and look for opportunities to shorten transportation windows while also decreasing minimum order requirements. A steady flow of material at a constant pace is easier to work with versus erratic schedules and large quantity requirements. Implement economic trade-off processes. Be sure to account for total costs including the cost of investing in extra inventory when considering sourcing.
  3. Review prebuild assumptions. When possible, build up to the point of greatest flexibility. For example, if you know the Volt Minnie as a product family will increase in demand, but you are not yet sure of the demand for customized features, build to the base-level requirements and then add or modify later as needed.
  4. For made-to-order inventory, there should be little to no merchandise stock on hand. If there is, challenge those assumptions and decisions that drives the need to hold that inventory.
  5. Implement and follow standard planning processes such as monthly Sales & Operations Planning and weekly Sales & Operations Execution processes. Document the decisions made so that you can review add adjust as needed.
  6. Pay close attention to maintenance schedules and be thoughtful about scheduling them, recognizing that each time a line goes down there will likely be a prebuild of inventory.
  7. Treat inventory dollars invested as equal to dollars invested in capital equipment or research. This brings great clarity and forces good decisions. Tying up cash in slow-moving or excess inventory is wasteful and makes for poor investments.

Impact

Inventory can have a tremendous impact on a business. Make sure that everyone in your organization understands this and is willing to follow established processes that allow precious capital to be deployed to its best use. Sticking to these best practices will help ensure the success and longevity of your company.

 

peter kingma

Peter Kingma, author of “CASH IS KING“, is the Americas Working Capital Leader for EY Parthenon. Working across a variety of sectors including automotive, aerospace, defense, healthcare, retail, and consumer products, he advises business leaders on how to optimize the management of cash.  His work has led to well over 25 billion dollars of value creation for his clients. You can learn more at peterkingma.com.

 

Moments Of Truth: How To Navigate Unexpected Events In Business And Life

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by Stan Rose, PhD, author of “Can’t Tame a Mongoose: Memoir of a Genomics Entrepreneur“

I’m a longtime serial entrepreneur in biotech, specializing in DNA and genome analysis. I’m also a two-time kidney transplant recipient. These two sides of my life have gone hand in hand for the past two decades. In 2000, the first company I cofounded was acquired in a deal that returned over 10x to shareholders. Two years later, with no warning, I was diagnosed with a kidney-destroying genetic disease. I received a transplant thanks to a very generous friend and colleague who donated a kidney. After recovering I went on to lead multiple other companies to successful outcomes. Then, during the COVID19 pandemic, my donated kidney unexpectedly started to fail.

Facing an uncertain future yet again, I thought about what I wanted to leave behind, and that was wisdom. I could help rising entrepreneurs by sharing my knowledge. Many had asked me how I was able to succeed multiple times when 90% of new technology-based businesses fail in their first 5 years.

After much consideration I had an epiphany: one thing that really made a difference was how I dealt with unexpected events. While the nature of events that cause businesses to fail is well-catalogued, what’s underappreciated is how unanticipated events have an impact. They may not be expected, but they occur with enough frequency to be considered inevitable. In business and in life, they may be challenges and they may be opportunities, but they’re always a clear moment of truth.

There are certain values, skills, and approaches that, if practiced regularly, can increase the likelihood of navigating through these events to successful outcomes. Reflecting on my own experience, I realized that whether in business or in life, they work the same way. Just as a business is suddenly thrown into a crisis, so was I; in a short period of time, I had to decide which doctors to work with, find out where to have the transplant performed, and most importantly, find a donor.

Here’s what counted in that moment of truth:

1. Focus on Relationships.

Always keep building, tending to, and leveraging relationships. You never know whose talent, skill, possession, or network you may suddenly need. Stay proactive, resourceful, open to new ideas, and leave no stone unturned. To find a living kidney donor I cast a very wide net, from family to complete strangers. I tapped into my professional connections in healthcare, asking physicians to connect me with colleagues at hospital transplant programs. Even though my second kidney donor was a relative, it was many months before I knew that would be the case. While searching, I built relationships with multiple living donor advocacy groups.

2. Keep Considering Options.

Given the frequency with which businesses fail, it’s helpful to keep thinking of alternative paths forward, especially if an unexpected challenge arises, or a new opportunity emerges. Sometimes there is no way to know in advance which path will lead to a successful outcome. In the case of a kidney transplant, typically the source for a donated kidney is a complete unknown. Living donors must be compatible (at the blood type level), as well as suitable (meaning that the risk to themselves of donating one of their two kidneys is minimal). Kidneys may also be obtained from deceased donors, although the need far exceeds the supply. To increase the likelihood of receiving a deceased donor kidney, some patients are able to get into multiple transplant programs in different regions of the US. If none of these paths work out, dialysis can provide a bridge to buy more time.

3. Stay Persistent.

It’s easy to get down when an unexpected challenge emerges. Not only must you fight this resistance, you must also conduct your affairs with a sense of urgency and persistence (focused and determined, but not reckless). Things don’t always go as planned, so it’s key to learn from every setback and build up resilience. In the case of my transplant, I had developed a strong support network of family, friends, and physicians. As in business, I benefited from building strong teams of people with diverse perspectives and complementary skills. At some point actions needed to be taken to make my need more broadly known, so I engaged a professional marketing team with experience creating campaigns to raise awareness for those in need of kidney transplants.

3. Confidence is Key.

Handling these unexpected situations requires self-confidence, as well as confidence in your team, whether your business colleagues or, in the case of my transplant, the physicians, nurses, coordinators, and members of my personal support team. At one point, I got uncharacteristically down and reached out to a lifelong hero of mine for some words of inspiration. NBA legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier responded to my request for a pep talk. He and his partner Patricia have continued to support me.

No matter your intelligence, planning or vetting, unexpected events will happen. It’s inevitable – in business and life. How you respond in these moments of truth will often determine success or failure. Preparation is critical, as is practicing these skills. They can turn a moment of truth into a milestone in your personal or professional growth.

Stan Rose

Stan Rose, PhD is an MIT biologist turned life sciences executive and entrepreneur who has created and led multiple businesses in the emerging fields of DNA analysis and genomics. His firm, Rose Ventures, Inc., works with early-stage companies developing innovative, high-impact life science products and services. His new book is “Can’t Tame a Mongoose: Memoir of a Genomics Entrepreneur“. Learn more at roseventures.net.

 

Budgeting Techniques For Small Businesses Looking To Cut Costs

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Effective budgeting is crucial for the sustainability and growth of any small business. For businesses looking to cut costs, careful planning and strategic allocation of resources are essential.

This article outlines several budgeting techniques that small businesses can adopt to reduce expenses without compromising on quality or service.

Understand Your Financial Situation

The first step in budgeting is to gain a clear understanding of your financial situation. This involves a thorough analysis of your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. By reviewing your financial statements, you can identify patterns and areas where costs can be reduced. Regularly updating your financial records ensures that you have accurate data to make informed decisions.

Prioritise Essential Expenses

It is important to differentiate between essential and non-essential expenses. Essential expenses are those that are necessary for the day-to-day operation of your business, such as salaries, rent, utilities, and inventory. Non-essential expenses, on the other hand, include items that can be reduced or eliminated without significantly impacting your business operations, such as subscriptions, travel expenses, and office perks.

Implement Cost-Saving Measures

One of the most effective ways to cut costs is to implement cost-saving measures. This can include negotiating better deals with suppliers, switching to more affordable service providers, and reducing energy consumption. For instance, switching to energy-efficient lighting and equipment can result in significant savings on utility bills. Additionally, adopting digital tools and automation can streamline operations and reduce labour costs.

Monitor and Control Cash Flow

Maintaining a healthy cash flow is vital for any small business. To achieve this, it is important to regularly monitor your cash flow and ensure that your expenses do not exceed your income. Implementing strict credit control measures can help prevent overdue payments from customers, thereby improving your cash flow. Additionally, consider offering incentives for early payments to encourage customers to pay promptly.

Leverage Technology

Technology can be a powerful ally in reducing costs. There are numerous software solutions available that can help you manage your finances more effectively. Accounting software, for instance, can automate many of the tasks involved in bookkeeping, reducing the need for manual input and minimising errors. Cloud-based services can also provide cost-effective alternatives to traditional IT infrastructure, reducing the need for expensive hardware and maintenance.

Fuel Cards

For businesses that rely on transportation, fuel costs can be a significant expense. One effective way to manage and reduce these costs is by using a fuel card. Fuel cards offer several advantages over traditional payment methods. They provide detailed reports on fuel usage, enabling you to track and control fuel expenses more effectively. Additionally, fuel cards often come with discounts at participating fuel stations, which can result in substantial savings over time. By setting spending limits and restricting the types of purchases that can be made with the card, you can further control costs and prevent misuse.

Evaluate Staffing Needs

Labour costs are typically one of the largest expenses for small businesses. Evaluating your staffing needs and optimising your workforce can lead to significant savings. Consider whether all positions are essential and if some tasks can be automated or outsourced. Flexible working arrangements, such as part-time or freelance contracts, can also reduce costs. Moreover, investing in staff training and development can improve productivity and efficiency, leading to cost savings in the long run.

Reduce Waste

Minimising waste is another effective way to cut costs. This can involve anything from reducing paper usage to implementing a recycling programme. In a manufacturing setting, it may involve streamlining production processes to reduce material waste. Conducting a waste audit can help identify areas where resources are being wasted and implement measures to address these issues.

Review and Adjust Regularly

Budgeting is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. It is important to regularly review and adjust your budget to reflect changes in your business environment. This can include changes in market conditions, customer behaviour, or new regulations. By staying flexible and adapting your budget as needed, you can ensure that your business remains financially healthy.

Seek Professional Advice

If you are struggling to manage your budget, consider seeking professional advice. Accountants and financial advisors can provide valuable insights and help you develop a comprehensive budgeting strategy. They can also assist with tax planning and identify opportunities for cost savings that you may have overlooked.

Conclusion

Effective budgeting is essential for small businesses looking to cut costs and improve their financial health. By understanding your financial situation, prioritising essential expenses, implementing cost-saving measures, and leveraging technology, you can develop a budget that supports your business goals. Additionally, leverage on tools such as fuel cards to help manage specific expenses more effectively. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your budget, along with seeking professional advice when needed, will ensure that your business remains on a solid financial footing.

By adopting these budgeting techniques, small businesses can navigate financial challenges and achieve long-term success.

 

What Does It Mean To Be An Accredited Investor?

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Investment assets like venture capital, hedge funds, and startups are seemingly unavailable to your average investor. This is mostly due to companies having exemptions from regulations and policies that protect investors from unwanted or unnecessary risks. An accredited investor invests in these types of unregulated securities. They have a reputation for possessing capital and the knowledge to handle the risks in unregulated investment assets.

In this article, we’ll cover exactly what an accredited investor is, requirements, the assets they can buy, and their relationships with startups, venture capitalists, and hedge fund companies.

Defining an Accredited Investor

It refers to a person or an entity investing in private securities that are unregistered or unregulated by the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission). The SEC defines an accredited investor based on the following requirements:

Income

An accreditor investor has a minimum income of $200,000 or $300,000 (joint income with a spouse). Investors should maintain their income level every year.

Net Worth

An accredited investor must have a net worth of $1 million or more, independently or jointly with a spouse. The net worth should exceed the total value of the primary residence.

Skills

The accredited investor should be a knowledgeable employee holding a series of 82, 65, or 7 licenses.

Such strict parameters protect the investors who might fail to accumulate cash reserves to handle the significant losses. SEC believes that investors with less experience might fail because such offerings demand a minimum investment. It doesn’t mean that hedge fund companies and early-stage companies lose money because of the strict criteria. Unregulated investments are risky because they disclose information to their investors,

Assets that Accredited Investors Buy

An accredited investor invests in:

  • Angel investments
  • Venture capital
  • Hedge funds
  • Real estate investment funds
  • Private equity funds
  • cryptocurrency

Such entities selling investors’ securities offerings are Regulation D offerings or private placements. The private placements exempt some securities from SEC guidelines and policies. The company registering with Regulation D offerings should submit basic details like location, staff, and offerings. Any extra info investors receive depends on the company or organization issuing the private placement offerings.

How Companies Verify Accredited Investors?

The parameters for becoming an accredited investor are strict but need a well-defined federal verification process. It depends on the organizations to verify the status of potential investors before allowing them to invest capital. Companies seek skills, net worth, and income verifications, like investment and bank statements, proof of employment, licensing, employment, and tax returns. A potentially accredited investor shouldn’t include primary residence value towards his net worth requirement.

Investing in Startups

Accredited investors have multiple options for investing in startups. They accomplish this through a VC (Venture Capital) firm or by leveraging the opportunities of an online marketplace and sourcing private placement offerings. With VC firms, accredited investors become the investors in the fund, and the VC firm invests capital in startups. Startups should understand that there is a liquidity limit in the VC fund and be mindful of the risks. The online marketplaces connect investors with investment scopes across multiple platforms, and due diligence is pivotal.

Investing in Hedge Funds

The primary motive of hedge funds is to give positive ROIs, irrespective of the market conditions. Investing in a hedge fund is challenging and cannot be done through a brokerage (online) or by calling a hedge fund company. There must be someone at the company, and the vetting process isn’t easy. Similar to VC investments, there is low liquidity, and the investment minimum amount is high.

Other Fund Investments

Accredited investors invest in funds that mimic the variegation of mutual funds, known as funds of funds. The fund invests in several other hedge or mutual funds. The fees for such funds are similar to those of hedge funds. Their performance can be benchmarked and monitored using the online Funds of Funds Index.

Conclusion

Along with net worth and income, an accredited investor should be cautious about investment opportunities. Every investment comes with risks, but accredited investors should be more careful as securities offerings demand higher upfront financial commitments. If investors want to explore the available options, reaching out to financial advisors is wise.

 

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