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Tag: Business Solutions

  • How Threads Fumbled Its Product Launch (and 4 Social Media Fails It Resembles) | Entrepreneur

    How Threads Fumbled Its Product Launch (and 4 Social Media Fails It Resembles) | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In November 2022, Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, received a late-night call from Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta (Instagram’s parent company), while on a family vacation in Italy to discuss a plan to build the “Twitter-killer.”

    A month after Elon Musk’s tumultuous $44 billion acquisition of Twitter, Mosseri found himself speaking softly to avoid waking his sleeping wife as he, Zuckerberg, and a few other Meta executives discussed Twitter-like features they could add to Instagram until Zuckerberg said that he had a different idea: “What if we went bigger?”

    On late July 5, 2023, Meta launched a new app called Threads, a standalone Twitter competitor based on Instagram’s account system. Within 2 hours of its launch, Threads had two million downloads, and within five days of its launch, the Twitter (now referred to as X) competitor soared to more than 100 million users. It took Twitter 17 years to reach 368 million active users.

    Related: ‘We’re Not There Yet’: Meta Focuses on User Retention for Threads Amidst Significant Drop in Engagement

    What is the Threads app? Here’s the description according to Meta:

    • Threads is a new app built by the Instagram team for sharing text updates and joining public conversations.
    • You log in using your Instagram account, and posts can be up to 500 characters long and include links, photos and videos up to 5 minutes in length.
    • We’re working to soon make Threads compatible with the open, interoperable social networks that we believe can shape the future of the internet.

    Why can Threads be seen as a more attractive alternative to Twitter?

    • Twitter is more toxic than Threads — Users have reported a friendlier atmosphere.
    • Twitter has an inferior verification system.
    • Twitter users want better options — a recent study has found that 25% of current Twitter users are expected to leave within a year.

    However, after becoming one of the fastest-growing apps ever, Threads lost over half its 100 million users just ten days after its launch.

    What seems to be missing on and with Threads?

    • Chronological feed.
    • Search functionality.
    • Trending hashtags.
    • Direct messages.

    But perhaps even more importantly, Threads has had a pretty underwhelming product launch from a marketing standpoint. What’s made Twitter exciting for the past 17 years was seeing and hearing the blue bird logo with “follow me @twitterhandle” on every TV, news show, radio or podcast, resulting in billions of impressions and traffic to the site.

    Outside of the generic press release by Meta, there’s not been much marketing or advertising done to promote the launch of the new social media platform. While I’m hopeful that Threads will find creative ways to attract and retain users, let’s explore four social media companies that failed due to unsuccessful launches.

    Related: If You Don’t Start Using Threads You Will Fall Behind — Here’s Why the New Tech is a Game Changer For Entrepreneurs

    1. Google+: Circles that never fully connected

    In June 2011, Google launched Google+ with high hopes of competing with Facebook. The platform introduced the “Circles” concept, allowing users to group their connections into different categories. However, Google+ failed to resonate with users primarily because it was introduced as an invitation-only service.

    This exclusivity created a perception that it was not easily accessible, and users didn’t find a strong incentive to switch from established platforms like Facebook. Google+ struggled to find its identity and eventually shut down in 2019.

    Lesson: Accessibility is key. Social media platforms must be open and easy to join to attract a broad user base.

    Related: How to Make Your Social Media Channels More Accessible to Everyone

    2. Friendster: First but not the last

    Friendster was one of the earliest social media platforms, launched in 2002. It allowed users to connect with friends, play games and share content. However, its launch was plagued with technical glitches and server issues, leading to frequent downtime. As competition from other platforms emerged, Friendster’s slow response to user feedback and inability to handle its growing user base resulted in a rapid decline in popularity. It eventually closed down in 2011.

    Lesson: Reliability and scalability are crucial for any social media platform to thrive.

    3. Vine: A six-second wonder

    Vine, a short-form video hosting service, gained popularity with its six-second looping videos. Basically TikTok before TikTok. However, despite its initial success, Vine failed to capitalize on its unique format and lacked effective monetization strategies. Additionally, when Instagram and other platforms introduced similar video features, Vine faced tough competition. Twitter, which acquired Vine in 2012, eventually shut down the service in 2017.

    Lesson: Innovation alone isn’t enough; sustainable monetization plans are essential for long-term success.

    4. Ello: The ad-free promise that fell flat

    Ello gained attention in 2014 for its promise of being an ad-free social network, catering to users’ growing concerns about data privacy and intrusive advertising. However, its launch was marred by severe technical issues, limiting users’ ability to invite friends and connect with others. Moreover, Ello struggled to maintain user interest due to its limited features and lack of engaging content. As a result, it failed to build a critical mass of active users and gradually faded away.

    Lesson: Deliver on promises and provide compelling features and content to retain users.

    Social media platforms’ history is filled with success stories and cautionary tales. The platforms mentioned above serve as reminders that a strong launch is critical to establishing a user base and gaining momentum. Accessibility, reliability, scalability, innovation and sustainable monetization strategies are key to achieving social media success.

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    Kevin Kaminyar

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  • How the QR Code Will Transform Brand Experiences | Entrepreneur

    How the QR Code Will Transform Brand Experiences | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Welcome to the new, new thing. Some say it’s the new television or radio. Some say it is the new out-of-home experience. Others call it the new way to experience a brand.

    There is certainly no shortage of steroid-injected, turbo-charged descriptions for this amazing, revolutionary technology. So, just what is this radical disrupter, this global game-changer that we’re talking about here?

    Ladies and gentlemen, drum roll, please! It’s the humble cereal carton, a can of soda, a box of washing powder.

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    Gabe Miller

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  • How to Be Proactive (Instead of Reactive) in Shaping PR Narratives | Entrepreneur

    How to Be Proactive (Instead of Reactive) in Shaping PR Narratives | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    The world we live in is a constant dance of change and adaptation, and no industry knows this better than public relations (PR). But in an era where information moves at the speed of light, PR professionals cannot simply react; they must anticipate. They must ‘futurecast.’

    Futurecasting, a blend of data analysis, expert opinion and intuition, offers an innovative path forward for PR professionals. It’s not about predicting exact outcomes; instead, it’s about identifying trends and potential scenarios as well as providing strategic foresight to shape an organization’s PR narrative proactively.

    What futurecasting entails

    The ever-evolving digital world necessitates a shift from traditional PR methods. Instead of crafting stories solely based on past events or current situations, we must incorporate a forward-looking lens. We must weave narratives that not only inform about the present but also illuminate possibilities for the future.

    This is not a simple task. It requires keen observation, in-depth research, strategic creativity and an understanding of socio-cultural dynamics. It means monitoring various fields — from economics to technology to politics to the environment — and discerning how emerging trends could influence public perception and behavior.

    For instance, as climate change takes center stage globally, companies and organizations must be prepared for increased public scrutiny about their environmental footprint. A futurecasting PR approach might involve creating a narrative about the company’s commitment to sustainability before any controversy arises. By doing so, they establish themselves as proactive leaders rather than reactive entities scrambling in the face of criticism.

    To successfully futurecast, PR professionals need to foster a culture of continuous learning, foster strong networks across various fields and become adept at distilling complex information into compelling, future-oriented narratives.

    Analytics tools are essential, but they need to be coupled with human insight. Futurecasting requires us to understand the data but also to interpret what it implies about our shared future. We must consider how various factors — from global economic trends to local cultural shifts — might intersect to shape the public’s perception of an organization or issue.

    Collaboration is also key in futurecasting. PR professionals must work closely with experts from diverse fields to gain a multi-dimensional perspective. In this light, the PR expert becomes not just a communicator but also a facilitator of dialogues, a catalyst for cross-disciplinary insights that fuel future-oriented narratives.

    How to integrate futurecasting into your PR toolkit

    While the concept of futurecasting is inspiring, the application can seem overwhelming. How do we bring the lofty ideals of futurecasting down to earth, incorporating it into everyday PR practice? Here are some practical strategies to help integrate futurecasting into your PR toolkit.

    1. Embrace interdisciplinary collaboration: In order to anticipate future trends, PR professionals need to understand a wide array of fields. Building strong relationships with experts in areas such as technology, climate science, sociology or economics can provide valuable insights that inform your futurecasting efforts. Attend cross-industry events, participate in online forums, and engage in conversations outside your comfort zone.

    2. Integrate data science: Futurecasting isn’t about gazing into a crystal ball, it’s about interpreting data to predict potential trends. Learn the basics of data science, or work with data scientists to understand how various pieces of information can come together to form a bigger picture. Leverage machine learning algorithms to process large amounts of data and uncover trends that might not be apparent at first glance.

    3. Cultivate a culture of continuous learning: Futurecasting requires an ongoing commitment to learning and curiosity. Encourage your team to stay informed about the latest news, research and developments in various fields. This could involve setting up internal knowledge-sharing sessions, subscribing to relevant publications or providing training in new areas.

    4. Practice scenario planning: One of the key techniques in futurecasting is scenario planning, where you create various plausible future situations and devise strategies for each. This exercise encourages innovative thinking and helps your team become more comfortable with uncertainty.

    5. Harness the power of storytelling: Futurecasting is as much about crafting compelling narratives as it is about analyzing trends. Once you’ve identified potential future scenarios, work on creating narratives around these. These stories should resonate with your audience and align with your organization’s values and vision.

    6. Prioritize agility: The future is unpredictable, and while futurecasting can give us a sense of direction, we need to remain flexible. Cultivate a culture of agility within your team, emphasizing quick decision-making and adaptability.

    7. Ethical considerations: As PR professionals, we have a responsibility to use futurecasting ethically. It’s not about creating fear or exploiting uncertainties, but about fostering understanding and empowering audiences to navigate the future.

    By integrating these strategies, PR professionals can shift from being reactive to being proactive, charting a course through uncertainty and shaping the narrative of tomorrow. Remember, the goal isn’t to predict the future with perfect accuracy. Instead, it’s about broadening our perspective, staying agile and keeping our narratives relevant in a rapidly changing world.

    When successfully implemented, futurecasting offers a competitive edge. By staying a step ahead of trends and public sentiment, organizations can better shape their narratives, strengthen their reputations and build stronger connections with their audiences.

    In conclusion, futurecasting represents an exciting frontier in PR. It challenges us to rethink our strategies, sharpen our insights and deepen our understanding of the world around us. As we look ahead, we must remember that the ultimate goal of PR is not just to react to change, but to be a part of it — to help shape the narratives that guide us into the future.

    In a world where change is the only constant, the most successful PR professionals will be those who can not just keep up with the pace of change but stay one step ahead. Futurecasting is the tool that allows us to do that. It’s not just about responding to the winds of change but setting our sails to navigate and influence the direction of those winds. And in doing so, we chart the uncharted in public relations.

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    Hanna Shanar

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  • Why Businesses Should Go Passwordless as Soon as Possible | Entrepreneur

    Why Businesses Should Go Passwordless as Soon as Possible | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In the privacy-driven business environment, passwords are gradually becoming obsolete. Did you know that the first digital password debuted in the 1960s? Until then, passwords had remained the same over time, despite several improvements to digital identification and verification.

    Certainly, passwords are a holdover from the era before when cyber crime and password-based attacks became a serious and pervasive issue. With the proliferation of technology and user accounts, major challenges have emerged due to passwords, including the need for users to remember numerous passwords, support expenses and — most importantly — the security concerns posed by stolen credentials. As a result, the reason for eliminating passwords from the authentication process becomes more compelling every day. This is where passwordless authentication comes to the rescue.

    Related: Here’s Why It’s Time to Move Away From Passwords

    What is passwordless authentication?

    Passwordless authentication eliminates the need for a password by allowing users’ identities to be verified by their biometrics or other possessions, thereby minimizing security vulnerabilities. Backing this statement, Microsoft claims that combining biometrics and possession authentication reduces account security risks by 99.9%.

    Considering the vulnerabilities of password-based authentications, businesses must take the necessary actions to implement passwordless authentication as soon as possible to secure their users’ data and identities. In light of that, I’ll explain why this is the ideal time for businesses to use passwordless authentication.

    Witnessing current technological advancements, it is evident that authentication techniques have also advanced significantly since former times, providing us with safer and more beneficial alternatives for authentication. Why do we still secure our data using old and ineffective techniques like password-based authentication?

    However, fortunately, businesses are now quickly evolving to replace passwords since technology and its users continue to grow along with the demand for branding, visibility and application efficiency, thereby leading to enhanced data privacy and security.

    Considering the potential dangers and inconveniences involved with using passwords, many businesses are now moving on from passwords eventually and switching to more secure authentication methods like passwordless authentication. Furthermore, given the surge in cyber attacks and credential theft, abandoning passwords is highly advantageous, and when done correctly, it increases security and convenience.

    Related: Here’s Why Passwordless Authentication Is Better for the Business Environment

    Why businesses should consider going passwordless right now

    When businesses adopt passwordless, they must first identify the drawbacks of using passwords and feel the benefits of a passwordless future. In that context, it is essential to consider security, authenticity and applicability. The critical justifications for businesses to take the passwordless route are outlined in the list below.

    Get rid of exhausting password management:

    For users, it’s easy to mistype or forget passwords for their accounts. They eventually develop weak passwords like p@ssw0rd or Password*12345 to make them easier to remember. Moreover, many users tend to write them down on sticky notes or save them in a computer document, compromising critical information security.

    However, there are no passwords to remember with passwordless authentication since they only involve authentication factors like email or SMS OTP, magic links and biometrics. Also, businesses can save users’ time by eliminating the need to hunt up the right passwords or frequent password resets, thereby making the user experience seamless.

    Reduce the cost of IT support:

    According to Forrester research, businesses spend up to $1 million annually on equipment and personnel to handle password resets. Fortunately, password-related expenditures, including password storage and administration costs, can be drastically reduced with passwordless authentication.

    Decrease the likelihood of password-based attacks:

    Businesses are becoming increasingly susceptible to password-based attacks, but only a few are equipped to defend against them. Passwords are highly vulnerable to cyber attacks, which can be deceptively subtle and take various forms. However, by using passwordless authentication, this risk is minimized. Going passwordless necessitates an initial infrastructure investment, but it can eventually lower the cost of password management.

    Users’ information is safer when passwords are eliminated:

    Years of experience have made it easy for cyber criminals to guess, steal or acquire passwords. For instance, Microsoft reported that 44 million accounts were at risk of account takeover due to stolen or compromised passwords.

    Also, a Google poll revealed that 65% of users repeat passwords across numerous accounts or websites. Given these statistics, it is probable that passwords have already caused threats and will continue to do so to the detriment of businesses and their users. Businesses cannot fully influence users’ behavior, but by going passwordless, they may decrease the likelihood of a cyber attack.

    Passwordless authentication increases conversion rates:

    Businesses that make login processes more seamless for users get higher conversion rates. When logging in with passwords, users often give up halfway through the procedure since they find it too difficult or time-consuming to complete. For instance, VTEX, a cloud-based ecommerce platform, claims that getting rid of password-based logins that reduce login friction can increase conversions by up to 54%.

    Related: Passwords Are Scarily Insecure. Here Are a Few Safer Alternatives.

    The aforementioned reasons are some critical aspects that should drive businesses to adopt passwordless as soon as possible.

    Since the risks associated with passwords continue to rise, businesses must swiftly move on from passwords in preference for efficient passwordless multi-factor authentication systems. Businesses that implement it correctly will increase security while enhancing user comfort for authentication. The decision to start a passwordless journey depends on your business model and needs.

    Going passwordless is more likely to be an evolutionary rather than a revolutionary process. Even though it won’t happen overnight, businesses can gradually transition to a passwordless future by carefully planning their strategy and roadmap toward the end vision. And businesses aware of all the considerations and standards will be in a good position to design a passwordless journey to prevent identity threats, provide excellent digital experiences and increase brand exposure.

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    Deepak Gupta

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  • This AI Resume Tool is Only $29.97 So You Can Make Job-Hunting Easier | Entrepreneur

    This AI Resume Tool is Only $29.97 So You Can Make Job-Hunting Easier | Entrepreneur

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    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    Zippia reports that there are more than 70 million freelancers in the U.S. alone. If you run your own freelance business or agency, that’s a lot of competition for the best clients, and any lost time might mean a lost job.

    A new AI tool may help you streamline your outreach process and improve your chances with new clients. Resoume is an AI-powered assistant that can write resumes, help revise your CV, and even connect to major job boards. During the Back-to-School Sale, a lifetime subscription to Resoume is also only $29.97, and that one-time investment comes with no subscription fees or recurring costs of any kind.

    Use AI to streamline your client outreach process.

    Whether you’re a content writer, designer, or other type of freelancer, your first impression to a new client is the professional documentation you send to them. That means it’s up to you to clean up your resume, show off all the work you’ve done in your CV, and make your portfolio work for you. Resoume can help with all of that.

    All you have to do is connect Resoume to your LinkedIn account. Then, you can import your personal information into pre-build resume templates. You can still manually edit each document, but Resoume’s AI does the initial drafting almost instantly.

    Make sure to get feedback on your CV, too. Use a few of your 5,000 AI credits to get detailed notes about how you can improve your CV before sending it to a potential client.

    Don’t send out applications blindly. Use Resoume to create your own application hub online and track the analytics on each resume and website view.

    Save big on this highly rated AI job application tool.

    It’s not surprising that Resoume has rave reviews, with one verified buyer writing, “Everyone should get this one. Great templates and easy to use. Make professional grade resumes in [a] very short time.”

    Freelancers and agency managers may be able to streamline their outreach with this AI tool.

    Until August 13 at 11:59 p.m. PT, get a lifetime subscription to the Complete Resoume AI Assistant Resume Writer for just $29.97 with no coupon necessary.

    Check out this deal and others included in the Back-to-School Collection.

    Prices subject to change.

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    Entrepreneur Store

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  • Learn to Program an AI Chatbot for Your Business in This $30 Course | Entrepreneur

    Learn to Program an AI Chatbot for Your Business in This $30 Course | Entrepreneur

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    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    Tools like ChatGPT may seem exciting, but there’s so much more a clever entrepreneur can do with AI. A recent McKinsey survey found that AI has the potential to improve business efficiency by up to 40% and reduce operational costs by 30%. However, it may take some rigorous study to access those savings.

    Back-to-school season is a chance to re-evaluate your business fundamentals and see how AI fits there. If you want to learn how to create your own AI chatbot that you can use to automate simple tasks and streamline processes, then start studying the 2023 Ultimate AI ChatGPT and Python Programming Bundle while it’s marked down for the Back-to-School Sale. Get it for life for $29.97. No coupon needed.

    Incorporate AI in your business

    This AI programming bundle is suited to beginner programmers, so you don’t need to be a tech expert to learn from it. Learners can start with a 15-lesson crash course in Python before moving onto dedicated courses showing you more advanced coding and cybersecurity skills.

    Courses are taught by seasoned professionals like Dr. Chris Mall. Dr. Mall holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science, a Masters in Information Technology, and he has years of experience as a mobile developer.

    Once you feel confident in your coding skills, you can start the 12-hour deep-dive into Computer Vision and Deeper Learning with OpenCV and Python. That’s where you’ll build 15 different projects, and you might even be able to apply them to your business.

    Study Python and use AI to streamline your business

    AI might be able to help you save time, labor, and money, but first you have to study, and the Back to School Sale is the time to do it.

    Until August 13 at 11:59pm Pacific during the Back-to-School sale, get the 2023 Ultimate AI ChatGPt and Python Programming Bundle for $29.97.

    Check out this deal and others included in the Back-to-School Collection.

    Prices subject to change.

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    Entrepreneur Store

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  • Get Schooled on Chat GPT with This Four-Course Training Bundle on Sale for $20 Ahead of Back to School | Entrepreneur

    Get Schooled on Chat GPT with This Four-Course Training Bundle on Sale for $20 Ahead of Back to School | Entrepreneur

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    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    Writing has always been an integral part of running a business. But with the need for things like a social media presence and online stores, it’s more important than ever to have the skills to create content for your business to keep up.

    With the technological advances that came from AI, it’s easier than ever to amp up your writing efforts. ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence writing tool — and there’s a craze over it for good reason. During this Back-to-School sale, we’re offering The Complete ChatGPT Open AI Training Bundle for just $19.97 to help you grow in this ever-changing world. But this price is only available until August 13 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.

    There are so many ways to use this writing tool to help you write content and gather information quickly to prompt writing ideas, no matter what your industry. This bundle scores you four courses to get you up to speed in ChatGPT.

    Here’s what the courses look like:

    • ChatGPT for Beginners includes 22 lessons taught by Mike Wheeler, a Salesforce and ChatGPT trainer with a 4.5/5 instructor rating.
    • ChatGPT: Artificial Intelligence (AI) that Writes for You includes 12 lessons taught by Alex Genadinik, a business, entrepreneurship, SEO, marketing, and Amazon coach with a popular business and marketing channel on YouTube and a 4.4/5 instructor rating.
    • Create a ChatGPT A.I. Bot with Tkinter and Python includes 23 lessons taught by John Elder, founder of Codemy, with a 4.4/5 instructor rating.
    • Create a ChatGPT A.I. Bot with Django and Python, also taught by John Elder.

    ChatGPT can help you create all types of content within seconds, from blog copy and YouTube content to product descriptions, marketing materials (even poetry), and more. And this training bundle will give you hands-on experience using ChatGPT to generate text that is coherent and natural.

    It’s worth knowing as much as possible to utilize this AI tool for your business.

    Don’t miss this back-to-school price drop on The Complete ChatGPT OpenAI Training Bundle, now just $19.97 (reg. $52) through August 13, with no coupon needed.

    Check out this deal and others included in the Back-to-School Collection.

    Prices subject to change.

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    Entrepreneur Store

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  • This Is the New ChatGPT Trend That Will Enhance Your Business | Entrepreneur

    This Is the New ChatGPT Trend That Will Enhance Your Business | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Just like revolutionary technologies such as the internet, computers/laptops, iPads, iPhones and many more, generative AI is the new technology in the era of 2023, changing everything around us at an exponentially fast pace. Generative artificial intelligence has enormous potential to revolutionize various aspects of our lives even faster than the internet or the iPhone did. It impacts our lives in numerous ways: the way we work online, study and learn, conduct business, communicate, write or express ourselves, create art or videos, analyze data, make informed decisions, discover drugs or conduct research and manage patients in hospitals and clinics, to name a few.

    Similarly, the expectations are changing in terms of how entrepreneurs enhance their businesses and their ability to engage customers using generative AI. This includes using useful and meaningful ChatGPT prompts or getting trained to incorporate ChatGPT into their workflows or business enterprise in the form of a new feature called a ChatGPT plugin.

    While large enterprises like Microsoft, Salesforce, Bain and many more are adopting ChatGPT within their workflows to improve the performance of their workforce, the enterprises that have taken the lead in developing plugins to attract customers include but are not limited to: Expedia, FiscalNote, Instacart, Kayak, Klarna, Milo, OpenTable, Shopify, Slack, Speak, Wolfram and Zapier.

    Related: 2023 Is the Era of Generative AI Like ChatGPT. So What’s in it for Entrepreneurs?

    What are ChatGPT plugins?

    Let’s take a step back and understand what a ChatGPT plugin is and how it impacts the organization, app or product that gets plugged into ChatGPT.

    ChatGPT plugins are new add-ons to an individual’s ChatGPT interactions. These are essentially beta features within ChatGPT developed by OpenAI and third-party vendors (startups/entrepreneurs).

    Designed as an add-on, ChatGPT plugins can be seamlessly integrated into the interactions with the AI chatbot. Its primary purpose is to furnish users with supplementary information on topics that pique their interest during chatbot sessions. For instance, if someone finds themselves in need of a last-minute flight, the inclusion of either Expedia or Kayak plugins within their ChatGPT browser enables them to solicit the chatbot’s assistance in locating a flight tailored precisely to their individual requirements.

    These plugins utilize data from an organization, product or app to generate texts based on customers’ specific needs or inquiries. While ChatGPT itself is trained on a dataset dating back to the year 2021, using data from these plugins allows it to generate responses that are recent and up-to-date.

    Thus, with these recent ChatGPT plugins, data can be fetched from the internet in real-time, allowing users to inquire about the weather in their area on the same day. There are currently around eighty ChatGPT plugins available for users within their own ChatGPT accounts through the plugin store. However, there is a limitation of using only three plugins at a time, as the plugins are still in their early testing beta stage.

    Related: The Top 3 Do’s and Don’ts of Integrating ChatGPT into Your Business

    3 potential ways ChatGPT plugins can be beneficial for business enterprises

    In the generative AI intelligent chatbot and ChatGPT market, the latest trend for entrepreneurs and business enterprises is to develop ChatGPT plugins (add-on features) for their business products.

    1. Enhance business operations and boost productivity. An illustrative example is the implementation of a ChatGPT plugin in the domain of grocery shopping by Instacart. By incorporating a ChatGPT plugin, the process of ordering groceries online has been markedly expedited and simplified. Customers can now enjoy personalized meal recommendations and the add-on automatically generates a new order for the customers. As a result, it ultimately lead to improved business operations and heightened productivity.

    2. Enterprises can effectively engage a larger customer base. Take, for instance, Khan Academy, established in 2006 with the noble purpose of delivering free, world-class education to all students. With the passage of time, their user base skyrocketed to nearly 20 million per month, primarily because of their provision of concise online videos and an engaging and effective teaching approach. Recently, they introduced ChatGPT as an add-on to their platform — a customized AI tutor called Khanmigo. This innovative AI tool not only assists students in efficiently navigating online videos and practicing exams but also actively engages teachers by aiding them in designing new, innovative teaching lesson plans. Consequently, the customer base expanded from students to include teachers.

    3. Give enterprises a competitive advantage in the market. These chatGPT plugins offer significant benefits to business owners or enterprises that encounter fierce competition in the market, particularly in domains like online shopping assistants, virtual assistants, etc. As shopping apps such as Klarna and Shop’s ChatGPT plugins were among the first to be included in the ChatGPT plugin list, there is a higher likelihood that customers will use these plugins, providing these apps with a competitive edge over their market rivals.

    Related: What Does ChatGPT Really Mean For Businesses?

    However, it’s important to note that with benefits, there are also associated risks that can potentially lead to harm. Here are a few to keep in mind, acknowledging that there can be many more that can be added to this list:

    1. If any misinformation, hallucination or glitches occur in ChatGPT, that could give customers a negative perception of the plugins.
    2. There are concerns regarding the safety, privacy and potential bias in the responses generated by ChatGPT plugins as well as the lack of regulation.

    All of the above concerns are particularly relevant considering that ChatGPT plugins are still in their beta version, and there is room for improvement.

    At the end of the day, amid the prevailing stress and uncertainty in life, we all yearn for business enterprises or startups that can simplify and enrich our lives through engagement with generative AI applications. These ChatGPT plugins, even in their beta phase, possess the potential to bring about positive transformations in human lives and thus could lead customers toward a future that is more efficient, convenient and productive.

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    Sahar Hashmi, MD-PhD

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  • Is Cryptocurrency the Future of Real Estate Transactions? | Entrepreneur

    Is Cryptocurrency the Future of Real Estate Transactions? | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Cryptocurrency has made significant advancements in terms of functionality, applications and security. These developments have sparked interest across various industries, including real estate.

    Firstly, let’s discuss how cryptocurrency has transformed various industries. Its decentralized nature and ability to facilitate secure and fast transactions have revolutionized sectors such as finance, supply chain management and healthcare. The adoption of cryptocurrency has proven its value in providing efficiency and transparency.

    However, these benefits are not limited to technology-based industries. The use of blockchain and cryptocurrencies have also had a positive impact on real estate.

    Related: 5 Ways Cryptocurrency Will Change the World of Commercial Real Estate

    Cryptocurrency’s influence on the real estate industry

    Real estate, being an asset-heavy industry, has also embraced cryptocurrency. The integration of blockchain technology has streamlined property transactions through the elimination of intermediaries, reducing costs and time.

    The use of blockchain technology has also helped reduce fraud and data tampering. The recent implementation of smart contracts, which are self-executing, can be used as a legally binding document to ensure that both parties fulfill their obligations.

    Notable successes of cryptocurrency in other industries

    To give a better idea of how cryptocurrency can be used in real estate, it’s important to examine its successes in other sectors.

    For instance, businesses have successfully raised funds through Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) to finance projects and developments. This innovative approach has democratized investment opportunities, allowing small investors to get in on the action.

    Businesses have also started using cryptocurrencies as a payment method, thereby reducing transaction costs and increasing transparency. For instance, Tesla Inc.’s CEO, Elon Musk, announced on Twitter that he would be accepting Bitcoin for purchases of the company’s cars.

    Advancements and applications in real estate

    Moving on, let’s explore the advancements of cryptocurrency in the real estate industry.

    One notable blockchain-enabled implementation is tokenization. It enables more individuals to invest in real estate with greater flexibility by allowing them to own a portion of the asset rather than buying it outright.

    Smart contracts can perform many of the functions that a traditional rental agreement does, such as ensuring timely payments and reducing disputes.

    The use of blockchain can also increase transparency and efficiency by making the data on real estate transactions easily accessible to all parties. Blockchain technology is also being used in land registries to improve how property ownership is recorded. This is a big deal because it enables the government to track who owns what property and how it changes hands.

    The technology also makes it harder for people to forge documents or hide ownership information from authorities. If a government decides that blockchain should be used for land registry, then all local governments will have access to the data in real time.

    Related: Omar Kassim’s Esanjo Uses Blockchain To Reimagine Real Estate Investment

    Addressing counterarguments

    While blockchain technology has the potential to bring innovation and efficiency to the real estate industry, there are several challenges and problems that the industry must overcome in order to incorporate blockchain technology successfully. Here are some of the most common issues:

    1. Lack of standardization: There is a lack of standardization in the real estate industry, making it difficult to develop uniform blockchain solutions that fit all parties. The real estate industry includes diverse groups of stakeholders, from investors to buyers, sellers, agents and government agencies, and each has its own unique processes, requirements and data.

    2. Data privacy and security: Privacy and data security are critical for real estate transactions, and blockchain technology aims to create secure and private transactions. However, blockchain transactions are still vulnerable to privacy risks if proper measures are not taken. For instance, a blockchain network’s confidentiality may be compromised if a malicious actor gains control over 51% of the network’s computing power.

    3. Cost and complexity: Implementing blockchain technology requires significant investment, time and expertise. Its integration would require significant IT infrastructure and staff expertise, which may be a challenge for some companies that do not have the required resources.

    4. Limited adoption: The real estate industry is traditionally slow to adopt technology, resulting in a lack of blockchain awareness across the industry. Therefore, many industry players are skeptical of blockchain’s potential benefits and reluctant to adopt new technology.

    5. Legal and regulatory frameworks: The uncertainty surrounding regulatory and legal frameworks at national or international levels makes it challenging to implement blockchain technology into the real estate industry. Because the regulations governing cryptocurrencies and their use in real estate transactions vary widely from one country to another, it can be difficult to make blockchain technology a standard adoption in the industry.

    The integration of blockchain technology into the real estate industry faces various challenges related to standardization, privacy, cost, complexity and industry adoption. Overcoming these challenges will be essential for driving innovation and improving efficiency in the real estate industry.

    My final thoughts

    Cryptocurrency has undoubtedly brought convenience and efficiency to the real estate industry. Its potential to streamline transactions, enable fractional ownership and ensure transparency has garnered significant attention.

    However, we must be aware of its limitations, such as solving non-financial real estate issues and the environmental impact of blockchain technology. While cryptocurrency shows promise, it may not be the sole future of real estate transactions.

    A hybrid approach, combining the benefits of cryptocurrency with traditional practices, might be the way forward. Continual exploration and innovation will shape the future of real estate transactions, ensuring efficiency, transparency and sustainability.

    Related: Blockchain Technology is Revolutionizing the Real Estate Industry

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    Roy Dekel

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  • What Logistics Providers Should Consider Before Investing in Electric Vehicles | Entrepreneur

    What Logistics Providers Should Consider Before Investing in Electric Vehicles | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    With brands and consumers increasingly seeking out more sustainable shipping options, logistics leaders have started to explore making large-scale investments in electric vehicle (EV) fleets. Another driver is cost. Research, including reports from McKinsey and PwC, show EVs are becoming more economical, with battery electric vehicles on track to outperform their internal-combustion-engine (ICE) counterparts by 2025.

    With U.S. and Canadian zero-emissions regulations on the rise, EVs are poised to become the future of logistics. This raises the question: Is your company prepared to invest in, launch and operate an electrified fleet?

    There’s a lot that goes into creating a successful EV-powered logistics operation. Here are five things to consider before going all in on electric:

    Related: Paving the Way For Electric Mobility In Logistics

    1. There’s no such thing as plug-and-play EV fleets

    EVs take up a fraction of the commercial vehicle market today, so this is an opportunity for early adopters to embrace EVs and reap the benefits before the competition does. However, purchasing a fleet of EVs is one thing. Operating and maintaining a successful fleet is a complex, long-term investment, and companies must determine if it’s a commitment they are willing to make.

    It requires having the right infrastructure in place beforehand — including EV charging stations, driver training and maintenance plans. If EVs are part of your future plans, now is the time to set the wheels in motion and map out an implementation plan.

    2. Getting started depends on what you want to electrify

    You might be asking: Where should we even begin? A great place to start is clearly identifying what you are looking to electrify. Do you want to electrify last-mile deliveries? Or are you planning to use EVs to move inventory between warehouses? Similar to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, there are various different classes of EVs available — from parcel vans to big rigs — so zeroing in on the purpose you want EVs to serve is foundational. From there, you’ll need to identify reliable partners — the automotive OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) — who are developing the appropriate vehicles to fulfill your electrification needs.

    3. Spend time learning about how EV range will impact routing

    Once you know the application you want to fulfill, and you have OEM partners in mind, the focus turns to ensuring your processes and systems can accommodate EV constraints and capabilities. Since the public charging infrastructure is limited, and recharging takes much longer than refueling, an electric vehicle’s range needs to be a key consideration in routing. A route that could typically be completed by an ICE vehicle may need to be adjusted to optimize the range of the EV or available charging stations along/close to the route. If an on-route charge is required, the time it takes to complete the charge needs to be considered when estimating arrival times. Dig in to learn if your processes and systems are flexible or if you’ll need to redefine your operation.

    Related: This Startup Is Electrifying Businesses By Providing EV Fleets

    4. All drivers need to be retrained for EVs

    To leverage the full potential of an EV’s range and reliability, logistics providers next need to consider their driver training and retention efforts. While battery health and the climate in which you operate play major roles in an EV’s range, the same bad driving habits that reduce fuel economy also negatively impact EVs. Driver behavior, including excessive speeding, braking and acceleration, all use up additional energy, resulting in shorter EV range capabilities. When electrifying, it’s key to identify your top drivers and get them up to speed on EV best practices.

    5. Lastly, it’s important to develop a long-term charging and maintenance plan

    When it comes to running and maintaining an electrified fleet, it is vital to identify a charging plan. Will you go the public or private charging route? If you opt into utilizing public charging stations, you’ll need to know how busy the depot gets and if you can reliably charge up your EVs when you have planned to charge them. On the other hand, the private charging route guarantees consistent charging access but may require working with a landlord for permission and the municipality for permitting and infrastructure upgrades, both of which can take a significant amount of time. Then you need to consider the actual maintenance of your fleet. Remember that, unlike gas vehicles, EVs require mechanics with an understanding of the evolving technology and software that powers your vehicles.

    EVs are the route forward for logistics providers, especially as consumers, brands and governments increasingly prioritize sustainability and accelerate zero-emissions regulations. But it’s important to remember there’s no such thing as plug-and-go fleets. Embracing EVs takes planning, commitment and diligence. Fortunately, there’s never been a better time for logistics providers to map out their electrification plans to ensure a smooth rollout and long-term success of EVs.

    Related: Powering Last-Mile Delivery With An EV and A Charger

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    Mark Ang

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  • Why Your Business Must Prioritize Its Network Health | Entrepreneur

    Why Your Business Must Prioritize Its Network Health | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    As the world becomes increasingly connected through the web, your customers come to expect a healthy network when they do business with you. When your network cannot deliver a seamless customer service experience, your company loses income. In fact, companies in the United States lose over $75 billion a year due to poor customer experiences. While not all of those are related to network downtime, the cost of network downtime has recently grown to about $9,000 per minute.

    The cost of a poor customer experience is clear. Yet what can you do to improve the customer experience? One thing to focus on is a healthy network with reliable connectivity.

    Related: How to Bulletproof the Internet Connectivity in Your Office

    A strong network supports customer journeys

    Your customers rely on your network in a number of ways along their customer journey. For example, if they’re researching your business, they’re going to want to visit and explore your website. If your server is down, they can’t — a barrier to entry.

    Perhaps a customer is ready to make the move from research to purchase. They start an online chat with one of your customer service representatives. They finally get to a human after going through the chatbot, only to find that the network crashes, and they have to start over.

    While these things might seem like small frustrations, they can derail your customer’s journey, leaving you with lost revenue. You need a strong network to guide your customer from interest to purchase.

    A strong network protects your customer experience investments

    If you’re a savvy business owner, you already know the importance of a positive customer experience. In fact, you probably have invested quite a bit into your CX tech. The average organization will spend over half a million dollars on this technology. While your budget may be smaller or larger than the average, it’s still a significant amount of your overall spending.

    You need to protect it.

    If your CX tech is internet-dependent, like it is for most organizations, you need to know that you have network connectivity at all times. Without it, you’ve wasted your investment.

    A strong network enhances contact center experiences

    You need a strong network if your business has a contact center to connect with your customers. Not only will the network quality impact the quality of the voice experience, allowing your customers to clearly hear the customer service representative they are speaking with, but it also ensures that they can reach someone quickly. In addition, if you have any conversational AI you’re bringing into your contact center experience, then you will need a network to keep it operating.

    Related: How to Protect Your Business From Internet Brownouts

    Potential causes for connectivity issues

    Internet outages and brownouts have several potential causes. Finding the cause will help you find the right solution. These causes include:

    • Congestion: The more people that utilize the network, the more challenging data transmission becomes.

    • Infrastructure problems: An outdated infrastructure, both internally and from your ISP, can hurt your connectivity.

    • Power outages and other natural disasters: When the power goes out or a storm hits your area, you may lose internet.

    • Maintenance: When the ISP performs maintenance, your server may go out.

    • Cyber attacks: When criminals attack your network, it may go down.

    Solutions to network problems

    So, what is the solution to these common problems? Your customers require access to your business, and network downtime hurts that accessibility. Here are areas to invest in to ensure your network stays up and active:

    1. Network backup plan

    A network backup plan is the best way to avoid most of the risks. If you lose Internet access due to maintenance, a power outage or too much congestion, you can continue to deliver a positive customer experience to those who visit your business. One of the best ways to create a network backup plan is to partner with a third party that can step in when your network fails to ensure you always stay connected.

    2. Cybersecurity

    Prevent hacks and cyber attacks with a solid cybersecurity plan that includes firewalls, virus protection and internal password protection.

    3. The right ISP

    Your internet service provider (ISP) will go far in protecting your network connectivity. Ask detailed questions about the ISP’s backup plans, customer service and downtime averages, and choose one with a good reputation.

    4. The right connectivity

    Finally, find a network that has the right connectivity. For example, switching to 5G can increase transmission rates and decrease the congestion you experience. Likewise, adding a second connection can safeguard against a network outage by re-routing and prioritizing data traffic. Talk to your ISP about their network connectivity, and ensure it’s enough to keep up with your demand.

    When you have network connectivity issues, you lose money. A poor customer experience is a good example of this. For your customers to trust you, you need trustworthy network connectivity. Invest in the right technology to keep your network up, and watch as your customer experience numbers increase as a result.

    Related: A Strong Network Can Be Your Business’s Best Safety Net

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    Greg Davis

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  • Streamlining Your Tech Stack to Unleash Maximum Efficiency | Entrepreneur

    Streamlining Your Tech Stack to Unleash Maximum Efficiency | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Amid escalating economic uncertainty due to inflation and a potential downturn, companies are increasingly gravitating toward cost-cutting measures and investment reduction. However, a more sustainable solution could lie in streamlining processes and bolstering operational efficiencies.

    Most businesses look to reduce spending, with the software and digital technology sectors heavily targeted. But this isn’t the only option. Rather than reducing your investments in this area, you could look more closely at your current activities in the digital arena, to first identify and then address inefficiencies. With this approach, you could reduce costs without actually hampering your capacity to serve your customers’ needs or scale up operations.

    Related: This Tech Leader Breaks Down How You Can Avoid Business Disaster With This Often-Overlooked Tactic

    Completing your tech stack audit

    Your tech stack audit should classify each technology according to use:

    • Marketing
    • Sales
    • Customer success
    • Ops and analytics

    This type of breakdown will facilitate a more organized approach to testing and evaluation. This necessary audit helps determine the overall return on your investment of each tool and how it contributes to the company’s operations, seamless internal and customer communication and objectives.

    Furthermore, the data you collect and analyze should shed light on the most important metrics, such as sales velocity and conversion rates.

    Your tech stack includes the software, web applications and tools needed to construct functional websites — for your customers and you.

    To deliver great results, your digital interfaces and applications should be fast, well-organized and straightforward. One or two poorly chosen technologies can hinder performance by introducing inefficiencies that can cost both time and money, and by making it more difficult to complete sales, or collect and process essential data.

    Greater diversification in the tasks required by their users have caused tech stacks of today to become increasingly byzantine in their structures, resulting in an increase of both the types of digital devices needed to access online portals and in the volume of data that sites are now required to process. Businesses with an online presence are expected to do more in the digital environment than before..

    This increases the likelihood of inefficiencies developing due to incompatibilities with software that doesn’t integrate smoothly with other technologies in your stack. For optimum efficiency and integration, your first step should be to evaluate each technology.

    Your tech stack audit should classify each technology according to whether it’s used for marketing, business development, analytics, customer support or sales. This type of breakdown will facilitate a more organized approach to testing and evaluation, as your evaluators go through each category one at a time.

    Finding the inefficiencies that sabotage your business

    There may be multiple inefficiencies hidden deep within your tech stack. In your relentless efforts to uncover obstacles that might negatively impact profitability, here are some critical aspects of your business operation you should be evaluating.

    Related: Your Tech Employees Are Your Most Potent Reputational Tool as Your Firm Recruits

    Data collection

    You can choose a set of tools that functions in a perfectly coordinated manner, but it doesn’t benefit you if the right data are not being collected, analyzed and communicated.

    The data you collect and analyze should shed light on the most important metrics, such as sales velocity and conversion rates. If you aren’t getting actionable data that helps you streamline your operations or strengthen your relationships with your customers, you may need to eliminate some tools from your stack or replace them with newer technologies.

    Business processes

    If you haven’t already done so, you should add software to your tech stack that can automatically calculate prices for the customized products and services you provide. Trying to handle CPQ (configure-price-quote) responsibilities the old-fashioned way, via human calculation, will take too much time and increase the chances of miscalculation.

    Customer retention services

    You need to differentiate your strategic customers (your most loyal and active supporters) from those who are less committed. While the customer service you provide should be diversified and personalized to meet the needs of both constituencies, you shouldn’t waste time and money on services aimed at low-value customers — a negative return on investment is highly likely.

    Marketing

    You need to analyze your current marketing efforts carefully and with a skeptical, even critical eye. You need to know if you’re getting an acceptable return on investment, which means reaching your targeted audience with a message that resonates. If your ROI is lacking, your present marketing strategies should be sent packing.

    CRM capabilities

    Your customer relationship management (CRM) platform is the hub of your operations, and as such, you can’t afford to choose or keep a product that doesn’t fully support the implementation of your business plan.

    You shouldn’t assume that any CRM platforms like HubSpot, Salesforce or Zoho are automatically right for everyone. And while one, all three or others may very well be, you should carefully evaluate the strengths and the weaknesses of your current CRM choice and be prepared to switch to another option with capabilities that are more closely aligned with your unique and vital needs.

    Scalability

    Your technology ecosystem should always be scalable, no matter how rapidly your growth occurs. Your software should be able to accommodate increases in customer engagement and sales volume without creating logjams or bottlenecks that require technological additions, subtractions or substitutions.

    Related: Want Tech Workers to Stick Around Longer? Think 30 Years — Not 3.

    Greater efficiency will give you the edge

    The kind of exhaustive tech evaluation proposed here is not for the faint of heart. It’s a meticulous and comprehensive process that will take time, effort and extraordinary attention to detail, whether you hand the responsibility over to an in-house vetting team or contract outside experts to perform the job for you.

    What you’re really doing when you undertake such a process is signaling a revolution in your way of thinking. A comprehensive review of your technology choices can help you refine, retool or redevelop your go-to-market (GTM) strategies without cutting your investment in your business, which you now realize is the best way to survive difficult times. The changes you make afterward will give you a leg up on the competition, providing you with a real opportunity to scale up while others are only thinking about scaling back.

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    Catherine Mandungu

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  • How to Use AI and Automation to Boost Your Business Goals | Entrepreneur

    How to Use AI and Automation to Boost Your Business Goals | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Hold on to your hats, folks! The business landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, and AI coupled with automation is the catapult launching businesses to new horizons. But what’s all the hubbub about? In this article, we’ll dive headfirst into the deep end of automation. We’ll explore everything from the basics to expert strategies, and by the end, you’ll be raring to take the bull by the horns!

    Combining AI with business process automation is like having your cake and eating it. AI brings brainpower, while automation brings the muscle. Together, they streamline operations, enhance decision-making and make customers happy.

    Understanding the power duo

    Harnessing the power duo of AI and automation (BPA), we can liken AI to a virtual Sherlock Holmes within your business, deducing patterns and making intelligent decisions. At the same time, automation acts as the Road Runner, swiftly completing tasks that would otherwise take humans a considerable amount of time. Integrating these two technologies is as harmonious as peanut butter and jelly. AI’s intellectual prowess amplifies BPA’s capabilities, and reciprocally, BPA ensures the swift implementation of AI’s recommendations, creating a seamless and efficient system.

    Related: Automation Is Becoming a Business Imperative: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

    Identifying the areas for integration

    If you’re wondering where to begin integrating AI into your business, look no further. Start by identifying sluggish business processes that could benefit from AI, such as customer service. Modern chatbots, continually learning and improving, can swiftly respond to customer inquiries, maintain engagement and even handle order processing. AI and automation can also revolutionize your supply chain and inventory management. They enable you to predict and preempt disruptions.

    Setting realistic goals

    While lofty dreams can be inspiring, it’s crucial to ground ourselves in reality when setting business goals. Understanding how AI and BPA can contribute to these objectives is a key step in prioritizing what’s truly important. It’s equally essential to recognize the boundaries of AI and BPA.

    Setting realistic and achievable targets that consider these limitations is a wise approach. Lastly, remember that success often comes from an iterative implementation process. By gradually introducing AI and BPA into your operations, you can optimize, learn and grow, embodying the principle that slow and steady wins the race.

    Related: How to Use Automation (and Avoid the Pitfalls) as an Entrepreneur

    The financial aspect

    The financial aspect of implementing AI and BPA is crucial, but it doesn’t have to be a bank-breaking endeavor. It’s about finding cost-effective solutions, keeping in mind that every penny saved contributes to your earnings.

    Moreover, it’s essential to consider the return on investment (ROI) when investing in these technologies. Ensuring you’re getting your money’s worth involves taking the time to calculate the expected ROI, thereby maximizing the financial benefits of your investment.

    Real-world applications

    The proof of real-world applications of AI and BPA is evident in numerous businesses that have embraced these technologies and are now enjoying the benefits. Amazon, a titan of efficiency, employs AI and BPA to enhance everything from customer recommendations to delivery routes, functioning like a well-oiled machine.

    Similarly, Netflix, the empire of binge-watching, utilizes AI to seemingly predict your viewing preferences, offering a personalized user experience. These examples demonstrate the transformative power of AI and BPA in the business landscape.

    Related: A Guy Is Using ChatGPT to Turn $100 Into a Business Making as Much Money as Possible. Here Are the First 4 Steps the AI Chatbot Gave Him.

    Legal and ethical considerations

    Navigating the legal and ethical landscape of AI and BPA is akin to staying on the straight and narrow, where exercising great power demands great responsibility. It’s crucial not to throw caution to the wind but consider the implications of data privacy.

    Transparency with customers about their data usage is paramount in this digital age. Furthermore, the game of AI must be played by the rules, ensuring fairness and avoiding bias. It’s essential to scrutinize AI algorithms to prevent discrimination and maintain a fair and unbiased digital environment.

    Don’t reinvent the wheel! Learn from industry experts like Elon Musk. Where do we even start with this guy? He’s like a real-life Tony Stark. Elon believes in pushing the boundaries but with caution. He often stresses the importance of understanding and controlling the risks associated with AI.

    Be bold but not reckless. When implementing AI and BPA, ensure you have safeguards in place. Regularly review the ethics and implications of your AI applications.

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    Gajura Constantin

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  • 5 Free AI Tools to Help Take Your Content to the Next Level | Entrepreneur

    5 Free AI Tools to Help Take Your Content to the Next Level | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    As a multi-decade entrepreneur across various sectors — including marketing, finance and technology — I’ve spent most of my career bootstrapping companies without the assistance of artificial intelligence technologies. While I certainly leaned on my invaluable friends, professional network and mentors, I can’t say I ever had ChatGPT or an AI program to help me out.

    But I wish I had! Today’s entrepreneurs don’t know how easy they have it by comparison. Nowadays, I leverage a multitude of cutting-edge AI technologies —many of which are totally free to use — to help me develop my companies and provide excellent customer satisfaction.

    A recent IBM survey found that 35% of businesses are using AI, and an even larger share are exploring the possibility of using AI technologies. If you want to stay competitive in tomorrow’s entrepreneurial landscape, it’s about time you get on board with AI, too.

    In this article, I’ll share my favorite AI technologies (that aren’t ChatGPT) to help you take your entrepreneurial projects to the next level.

    Related: 8 Reasons Using AI Will Improve Your Content Creation Process

    1. Gen-2 by Runway

    My personal favorite AI technology of the day is Gen-2 by a lab called Runway Research. This isn’t a single technology, but rather a massive suite of AI-powered tools that can totally transform your creative output. Here is just a brief glimpse at what Gen-2 is capable of doing for your business, instantly and at the click of a button:

    • Text-to-image generation

    • Text-to-video generation

    • Instant photo colorization

    • Instant audio transcription into English

    • Text-prompted image correction

    The best use cases for Gen-2 are as follows:

    • Creating lifelike or cartoon-style videos for marketing campaigns

    • Creating social media-friendly images for social marketing posts

    • Generating human-like text for written marketing projects

    • Transcribing audio recordings of meetings or interviews into written text to save time

    Personally, I use Gen-2 almost every day. As a marketer or creative worker, it’s virtually indispensable.

    2. Stable Diffusion and ControlNet

    If you want mind-blowing images to use in your marketing materials, social profiles or banner ads, I highly recommend the magic of Stable Diffusion. In my opinion, this tech is probably the best text-to-image AI service on the internet, but it comes with a far steeper learning curve — especially if you use its add-on, ControlNet, which expands its possibilities.

    I use Stable Diffusion for super lifelike images, which, in my opinion, is always a better option than relying on stock images. From an SEO perspective, stock images (especially common ones that have been used in thousands of other pieces of content) can have harmful effects on your search engine rankings. That’s why I prefer to use totally original image content generated with Stable Diffusion rather than stock image services.

    3. Quilbot

    This one is a lightweight Chrome extension that anyone can use without any prompt engineering skills. Quilbot is a terrific paraphrasing tool that can take any text and rewrite it near-flawlessly in a matter of seconds.

    Now, it’s important that you don’t use this tool to plagiarize or steal someone else’s ideas. Rather, this tool is best used for two legitimate purposes:

    1. As a Grammarly replacement that spellchecks and fixes tone and grammar

    2. As an SEO tool to refresh or rephrase old content

    Google’s PageRank algorithm favors content that is frequently updated. I use Quilbot to rewrite portions of old blog posts or pages, and fairly often, the result is that the content sees an SEO ranking boost within a week or two of the new content going live.

    Related: The Complete Guide to Effectively Using AI Writing Tools in Content Marketing

    4. Surfer SEO

    Surfer SEO has been around for years — long before ChatGPT kicked off the consumer AI revolution last year. However, it’s only now getting the praise it rightly deserves. Basically, Surfer SEO is an optimization tool to ensure that your on-page elements (i.e., text, metadata, titles, formatting and images) are perfectly utilized to improve your search engine performance.

    This tool is quite affordable, and many savvy SEO specialists have used it since 2019. I can personally attest that this tool is the real deal, and I run every blog post I publish through Surfer SEO’s Content Editor before it’s released. Be warned, however, that Surfer SEO does tend to “over-optimize” in some cases, so don’t feel tempted to apply all of the tool’s recommendations to each and every blog post you write.

    5. GraphMaker

    Any written or social content provides way more value if there are charts, tables and graphs that help visualize numerical data. The problem is that it’s a pain to create original graphs and charts, especially if you’re not exactly a math whiz.

    Fortunately, GraphMaker makes it way easier for me to quickly whip up visually captivating graphs that add a ton of value for my readers. For example, if you plug in inflation rates over time alongside, say, the U.S. exchange rate against the British Pound Sterling, you’ll get a wonderful line chart that depicts how inflation impacts the strength of the U.S. dollar.

    It’s one thing to tell your readers about the subject at hand — but it’s far superior to show them. I recommend using this tool to help show and demonstrate numerical phenomena to your readers, which is always a great idea for captivating their attention.

    Related: Top 5 Ways AI Can Enhance Your Content-Creation Process

    Diversify your AI tech

    If you think a simple OpenAI account and a knack for prompting ChatGPT will cut it in tomorrow’s market, think again. Your competitors are using a diverse variety of AI technologies, and I suggest you adapt to these changing circumstances if you want to stay afloat as well.

    My advice is to use the technologies I’ve listed above as a mere starting point in your journey. New AI tools are being released every day, so I recommend staying abreast of the industry and experimenting with new AI software as they come out. The early adopters of these technologies will, more often than not, find themselves at a competitive advantage in their industry.

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    Amine Rahal

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  • 7 Affiliate Marketing Strategies for Entrepreneurs | Entrepreneur

    7 Affiliate Marketing Strategies for Entrepreneurs | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    We’ve all been there. You invest hours into crafting your brand, diligently expanding your audience, yet your revenue isn’t reflecting the time and effort you’ve put into your platform. All major brands utilize partner marketing, which is significant in growing brands and gaining revenues.

    Partner and affiliate marketing play a crucial role in brand growth by leveraging the influence and reach of trusted partners. Companies can tap into new audiences by collaborating with them, increasing brand awareness and driving customer acquisition. This strategic approach allows brands to benefit from the credibility and expertise of their partners, resulting in expanded market reach and ultimately higher revenues.

    Below are seven things to remember while working with marketing partners for your company.

    1. Redefining high-earning potential

    The commonly held belief that fashion and beauty are the most lucrative sectors in affiliate marketing is becoming obsolete. While these areas maintain a significant market share, the high competition they attract can make differentiation challenging.

    Special events are also worth considering. During Black Friday 2022, for instance, event tickets, various online services and PC and mobile games claimed the top three positions based on our data. These niche sectors have vast potential for affiliates willing to explore them.

    Related: Start an Affiliate Marketing Side Hustle to Bring in Passive Income

    2. Fostering niche communities for greater profit

    Traditionally, the recipe for maximum income in affiliate marketing revolved around maintaining a wide audience with high engagement. The landscape has evolved today, with the biggest profit potential now lying within fast-growing niche sectors.

    Growth of partner sales in niche segments worldwide in 2022 demonstrates this shift, with niches like Console and PC Games seeing a 35% growth, Mobile Services and IT services growing by 95%, and even Movies & Music growing by 33%, according to ConvertSocial data.

    Such trends indicate you can unlock significantly greater profits by building a loyal, engaged community in a specific niche.

    Related: How to Effectively Beat Your Direct Competition in a Niche Market

    3. Engagement is the new currency

    Engagement has emerged as the new currency in the digital space, outweighing the importance of audience size. Our report shows that even creators with smaller audiences can earn significant sums, provided they maintain high engagement levels. For instance, one of our client’s Telegram channels, with around 200,000 users focused on gadgets, earns $2,000 monthly.

    In contrast, another fashion-focused channel with only 8,200 subscribers made a whopping $6,400 in the same period. This underscores that an actively engaged audience, regardless of its size, is the cornerstone of a successful affiliate marketing strategy.

    These statistics demonstrate that the affiliate marketing landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, opening up new avenues for profit and engagement. As we step into this new era, it’s essential to adapt our strategies to these changing dynamics. After all, success in affiliate marketing is no longer just about casting the widest net — it’s about casting the right one.

    Related: 3 Tips to Get Started with Affiliate Marketing

    4. Monetizing blogs — Quality over quantity

    While monetizing a blog can seem daunting, it’s far from impossible. The key lies in focusing on creating and delivering real, valuable content that goes beyond mere advertising. This approach builds a loyal readership and makes your blog more appealing to advertisers looking for high-quality, engaging platforms to showcase their products or services. Rather than churning out countless low-value posts, invest time and effort into producing fewer but high-quality, insightful articles that resonate with your audience.

    Related: 3 Tips to Get Started with Affiliate Marketing

    5. Fair revenue share — the new norm

    In the early stages of content creation as a recognized profession, creators often found themselves at the short end of the stick when it came to revenue generation. The platforms hosting the content usually claimed the lion’s share of profits, leaving creators with a meager sum for their efforts. This imbalance in revenue distribution made it incredibly challenging for creators to generate a significant income, often stifling their creative potential and enthusiasm.

    Today, major content hosting platforms have introduced improved revenue-sharing models. These new agreements often involve a higher percentage of ad revenue allocated to creators, more monetization opportunities, and even bonuses based on engagement or view counts.

    Such changes have helped boost creators’ income and created a more appealing industry for content creators. By recognizing and rewarding quality content creation, platforms invest in a future where creators can thrive, producing richer and more diverse content. This progressive move has thus set the stage for a new era of content creation, characterized by fairer revenue distribution and a greater focus on quality.

    Related: 12 Myths and Misconceptions of Affiliate Marketing

    6. Data diving for sales success

    The key to future sales success lies within the depths of audience and demographic data. By identifying your audience’s preferences, behaviors and habits, you can tailor your content and marketing strategy to better align with their interests, consequently boosting your sales. Engagement data is your key to sales success.

    7. Branding relationships are more than money

    There’s more to a brand relationship than just monetary compensation. Influencers can leverage these partnerships to garner additional coverage and audience reach. Plus, a host of intangible perks and networking opportunities are only available to creators with robust relationships with these brands.

    Brands are also recognizing the value of investing in top creators. For instance, GoPro hosts a large-scale creators summit with all expenses paid and makeup brand Tarte sent a brigade of their creators to the Turks and Caicos for an “influencer retreat.” This recent collaboration with brands and their creators garnered significant attention, demonstrating how strategic brand relationships can yield benefits beyond financial gains.

    A shift is taking place in the partner marketing space. New, more effective methods replace old strategies prioritizing quality content, audience engagement and a deeper understanding of data. It’s time to adapt and tap into the rich potential of this new era. To build a successful brand means to build a mutually beneficial alliance that can amplify your reach, enhance your reputation, and generate greater opportunities in the future.

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    Ksana Liapkova

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  • Design AI-Generated Images With This Lifetime Service for Only $39.99 | Entrepreneur

    Design AI-Generated Images With This Lifetime Service for Only $39.99 | Entrepreneur

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    Of the 33.2 million small businesses running in the U.S., 27.1 million of them are run by a single owner with no employees, according to Forbes. If that sounds familiar to you as an entrepreneur, and you’re used to wearing multiple hats, you know how thrilling it can be to find a way to make one aspect of your business flow a little more smoothly.

    If you’re in need of images for your website, social media, or marketing purposes, AI image generators can be a big help. The only drawback is they’re typically difficult to work with, which is where Pixilio, the Ultimate AI Image Generator, comes in. A lifetime subscription to help you create stunning imagery is available now for just $39.99 (reg. $360) for a limited time.

    Even if you have no prior design experience, Pixilio helps you tap into your creative side and make customizable AI-generated images. This easy-to-use generator creates high-quality images according to your direction for your business’s various needs right on your device, without needing to be intimidated by artificial intelligence technology.

    Create the right images to represent your brand with Pixilio…all in seconds. Just put in your parameters and let the program get to work, then enjoy these 100% original images and use them however you like as the owner. Ultimately, it helps you save both time and money as you don’t have to scout and source stock images or hire a graphic designer.

    Create your own images with a lifetime subscription to Pixilio: The Ultimate AI Image Generator for just $39.99 (reg. $360) for a limited time.

    Prices subject to change.

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  • Make ChatGPT Work For You With This Course Bundle, Now Only $29.99 | Entrepreneur

    Make ChatGPT Work For You With This Course Bundle, Now Only $29.99 | Entrepreneur

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    As an entrepreneur who is likely stretched thin, ChatGPT seems to be a tool that sounds too good to be true. The only problem? You need to know how to work with it, and artificial intelligence technology can be intimidating.

    If you’d like to better understand AI and ChatGPT, you don’t have to head back to the classroom. With The Complete ChatGPT Artificial Intelligence OpenAI Training Bundle you can get an education from the comfort of your couch…all for just $29.99 (reg. $52) for a limited time.

    This bundle comes packed with four different info-packed courses, all offering instruction on how to make artificial intelligence technology work for you. Do it on your own time from your device with no prior knowledge required. Your education can kick off with ChatGPT for Beginners. This course, taught by Mike Wheeler, schools you on the fundamentals of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. You’ll see how to best utilize the tool, from writing computer code to streamlining your daily workflow.

    And you’ll get more hands-on ChatGPT experience with courses like ChatGPT: Artificial Intelligence (AI) That Writes for You. This one is taught by instructor Alex Genadinik, who guides you through using ChatGPT to create marketing content, blog posts, social media captions, and more to ensure you’re reaching all potential customers.

    Entrepreneurs can discover all the ways ChatGPT can work for them with The Complete ChatGPT Artificial Intelligence OpenAI Training Bundle, now just $29.99 (reg. $52) for a limited time.

    Prices subject to change.

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  • 5 Strategies for Navigating a Looming Recession as a Founder | Entrepreneur

    5 Strategies for Navigating a Looming Recession as a Founder | Entrepreneur

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    As a founder, you must know that a recession can come whether you expect it or not. It is essential to prepare yourself beforehand to have a cushioning effect when it comes. Waiting until it is full-blown before trying to figure out how to survive the recession may be detrimental to both your wellness and the survival of your business.

    To say the least, navigating a looming recession as a founder can be challenging. With careful planning and strategic actions, you can position your business for resilience and even growth during tough economic times. When recession strikes, it will be tough to continue operations, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the company will be headed for doom.

    This article highlights five of the best tactics that founders can use to navigate a recession from the onset.

    Related: Worried About a Recession? Do This to Prepare Your Company.

    1. Assess your business and financial health

    Often, founders have a hard time separating themselves from their business. This can cause your finances to get muddled up. The first thing you should do as a founder, recession or not, is to separate your finances from those of your business and assess them independently.

    To begin, you need to review financial statements and projections on both personal and business accounts. This is important because a poor condition in one will affect the stability of the other.

    As a founder trying to navigate a looming recession, you should thoroughly analyze your cash flow, profit and loss and balance sheet. You have to ensure that you won’t be leaning heavily on your business for survival and vice versa.

    Also, you need to analyze your business’s financial health. Done properly, your analysis can reveal risks and weaknesses that could threaten your chances of survival when the economy comes crashing. Some of the red flags to look out for are:

    • Overdependence on specific customers or markets: You should try getting more customers or diversifying your market. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that your biggest client brings lower than 10% of your total revenue.

    • High debt levels: During a recession, people don’t generally have much money to spare. So, it might sting when you’re not closing enough deals to offset loans.

    • Inefficient operations: It’s good business to achieve good results with minimal resources. So, if you’re spending more than necessary on operations, you might want to review your processes.

    2. Develop a contingency plan

    Developing a contingency plan is crucial to navigating a recession as a founder. It helps you prepare for potential challenges and uncertainties, enabling your business to weather the storm and come out of the recession in one piece.

    Although it’s unlikely you will predict how things will play out, you can start by estimating how bad things can get. It’s not meant to discourage you. Rather, you should use your estimation of the worst-case scenario to develop a plan to avoid it.

    No matter what your predictions of the future are, it’s good practice to build a cash reserve. One way to do this is by reducing non-essential expenses and negotiating better deals with suppliers and vendors. You might also want to consider moving your workforce to a remote environment to save on property rental.

    While having a robust cash reserve will increase your business’s chances of survival, you need to also make sure that your business cash flow doesn’t take a big hit.

    Related: 9 Smart Ways to Recession-Proof Your Business (Fast)

    3. Monitor and adjust your strategy

    Regularly review and update your financial forecasts to align with changing market conditions.

    Track key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to your business, such as sales metrics, profitability ratios and customer acquisition and retention rates.

    Gather feedback from customers and employees to identify areas for improvement and understand changing needs. Be agile and ready to pivot your strategy, if necessary, based on the evolving economic landscape.

    Related: How to Talk About Company Finances with Your Team

    4. Seek support and expert advice

    As you plan your way out of the recession, you must be intentional about your network. Join business associations or networking groups to access resources, knowledge and support. Engage with mentors or industry peers who have experience navigating economic downturns.

    You can also consult with financial advisors or consultants who can guide you through financial planning and risk management. The government may also create palliative measures that founders can explore during the recession.

    5. Maintain a positive mindset

    The mindset of the founder will greatly affect how everyone in the company reacts during difficult times. This is why staying calm at all times is one of the qualities that successful entrepreneurs share.

    Be sure to cultivate a calm spirit and positive mindset. It’s important to start building this quality early — you don’t need to wait until there’s an economic downturn before you try to exercise calmness and positivity. At the time, it might be difficult for you to even realize that you’re being reactive.

    Related: 3 Key Strategies That Helped My Business Grow During a Recession

    For your business to survive, you have to meticulously and realistically evaluate your chances. You should begin by drawing a vivid line between your business and personal finances. With a clear view of your business’s financial state and projections, you can make contingency plans and keep track of your survival and growth strategies.

    Importantly, successful entrepreneurs have a solid network of supporters and advisors. It will be smart to connect with them and exchange ideas that might be helpful for navigating a recession. And keep in mind that a positive mindset is worth a million tons of gold. Other entrepreneurs want to associate with people who make them believe that everything is figure-out-able.

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    Judah Longgrear

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  • The Importance of Cyber Resilience for Small and Medium Businesses | Entrepreneur

    The Importance of Cyber Resilience for Small and Medium Businesses | Entrepreneur

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    In the dynamic digital realm of the 21st century, one term has risen to prominence among businesses of all sizes and sectors: cyber resilience. This concept encapsulates an organization’s ability to resist, respond to and recover from cyber threats while ensuring the continuity of operations. Although applicable to all businesses, the role of cyber resilience becomes particularly crucial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

    As these businesses venture deeper into the digital world to meet their operational, marketing and customer service needs, they inevitably expose themselves to a multitude of cyber risks.

    Related: Combating Cyber Crime: Your Company Needs To Be Resilient

    Understanding cyber risks for small and medium businesses

    Contrary to the common assumption that cyber criminals primarily target large corporations, recent studies suggest that nearly 60% of all cyber attacks are directed at SMEs. Unfortunately, these businesses often lack the robust defenses of their larger counterparts, making them attractive targets for malicious actors seeking easy prey.

    The fallout from such cyber attacks can be severe, even catastrophic. These may include immediate financial losses, prolonged downtime, regulatory penalties, loss of customer trust and long-lasting reputational damage, all of which can potentially lead to the failure of a business.

    Elements of cyber resilience

    While the terminology may seem complex, cyber resilience is essentially about assembling the right pieces into a cohesive whole. It is the integration of strategies and measures into an overarching framework that collectively acts as a bulwark against cyber threats.

    1. Cybersecurity strategy definition

    Every journey begins with a roadmap, and in the realm of cybersecurity, this roadmap is the cybersecurity strategy. A well-defined cybersecurity strategy provides a holistic view of an organization’s security posture, addressing its unique threat landscape, identifying critical digital assets and outlining protective measures. Crucially, an effective cybersecurity strategy must be comprehensive, flexible and adaptable, considering the constantly evolving nature of cyber threats.

    2. Cyber risk assessment

    A vital part of any cybersecurity strategy is an in-depth and regular cyber risk assessment. This proactive exercise allows an organization to identify potential threats, vulnerabilities within its digital ecosystem and evaluate the potential impacts of various cyber incidents. Regular risk assessments are fundamental for maintaining an updated understanding of an ever-changing risk landscape and formulating appropriate responses.

    3. Proactive cybersecurity

    Here, proactive security measures take center stage, preemptively fortifying the cyber defenses and transforming potential vulnerabilities into strengths. Each action taken, from regular system patches and updates to employee training and regular security testing, is akin to a proactive chess move, strategically positioning the business several steps ahead of potential cyber adversaries. It’s a narrative not of reactive firefighting but of anticipating, preparing and mitigating, thereby underscoring the importance of proactive measures in the grand story of cyber resilience. Prevention is invariably better than cure, and in the cybersecurity context, this translates into proactive security measures such as:

    • Attack surface management: This component is about reducing opportunities for cyber criminals to exploit. Businesses can manage their attack surface by limiting system exposure to the internet, implementing secure configurations and regularly updating and patching systems.

    • Cybersecurity testing: This procedure evaluates the effectiveness of the security measures in place. It involves various exercises such as security audits, red teaming (simulated attacks by an internal team) and blue teaming (defensive measures and responses).

    • Vulnerability management: This activity involves the systematic identification, classification, prioritization and resolution of the vulnerabilities within a system.

    • Penetration testing: This is a practical exercise where cybersecurity professionals launch simulated attacks on the business’s own systems to identify unaddressed vulnerabilities and fix them before real cyber criminals exploit them.

    3. Reactive cyber defense

    Despite the best efforts, no system can be entirely foolproof, which brings us to the last line of defense in cyber resilience: detection and response.

    • Defensive measures: Utilizing tools like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems allow businesses to identify potential threats rapidly and respond in real time.

    • Security Operation Centers (SOCs): SOCs serve as an organization’s central command post for managing cybersecurity issues. They monitor and analyze the organization’s networks, databases and other digital assets around the clock, detecting unusual activity that might signal an attack.

    Related: 10 Cyber Security Best Practices for Your SMBs

    Benefits of cyber resilience for small and medium businesses

    The narrative of cyber resilience is one of strategic foresight and proactive preparation. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), it unfolds as a story of empowerment, enabling these businesses to weave a tapestry of benefits into their operational fabric. These benefits range from safeguarding their digital assets and bolstering customer trust, to ensuring regulatory compliance and realizing financial savings. With a robust cyber resilience framework in place, SMEs are not just defending against potential cyber threats but are actively shaping their future — a future where business continuity, data security and reputational integrity are not mere aspirations but achievable goals. Cyber resilience offers several benefits for SMEs such as:

    • Business continuity and minimum disruption: Cyber resilience enables an SME to minimize downtime during a cyber incident and quickly resume normal operations, ensuring business continuity.

    • Protection of sensitive information: Cyber resilience measures help protect the sensitive information of both the business and its customers, reducing the risk of costly and damaging data breaches.

    • Enhanced customer trust and brand reputation: Businesses known for robust cybersecurity are more likely to earn and retain customer trust, enhancing their brand reputation and competitiveness.

    • Compliance with data protection and cybersecurity laws: Many jurisdictions have implemented strict data protection and cybersecurity regulations. SMEs with robust cyber resilience measures are better equipped to ensure compliance and avoid legal and financial penalties.

    • Financial savings: The cost of dealing with the aftermath of a cyber breach, including remediation, legal penalties and loss of business, often far outweighs the investment in cybersecurity, making cyber resilience a smart financial decision.

    Implementing cyber resilience in small and medium businesses

    Implementing cyber resilience in an SME requires a systematic approach that aligns with the business’s unique needs, resources and risk tolerance. The process starts with defining a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, followed by regular cyber risk assessments. Next, businesses need to implement proactive cybersecurity measures, including ongoing system updates, patches and employee training. An effective detection and response system is also crucial, with tools such as EDR and SIEM, and possibly even establishing a SOC.

    Role of professional cybersecurity services

    Given the complexity and rapidly evolving nature of the cyber threat landscape, many SMEs opt to engage professional cybersecurity service providers. These firms offer expertise and resources that most SMEs cannot maintain in-house. They can manage all or part of the cybersecurity function, providing peace of mind and freeing up the business to focus on its core functions.

    Related: Cybersecurity for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses — How to Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment

    Future of cyber resilience in the context of small and medium businesses

    The cyber threat landscape is in constant flux, necessitating continual adaptation and evolution of cyber resilience strategies. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, are increasingly integrated into cybersecurity solutions, offering enhanced threat detection and response capabilities. However, regardless of the technologies employed, the key to effective cyber resilience remains an ongoing commitment to security and continuous improvement.

    In our increasingly digital world, cyber resilience is not a luxury but a necessity for SMEs. With the exponential growth of cyber threats, it is imperative for SMEs to invest in developing robust cyber resilience strategies to protect their critical assets, maintain customer trust, comply with regulatory requirements, and ultimately, ensure their survival and growth.

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    Jim Koohyar Biniyaz

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  • PC and Mac Owners Can Simplify Work Life with This Microsoft Office License for Just $30 | Entrepreneur

    PC and Mac Owners Can Simplify Work Life with This Microsoft Office License for Just $30 | Entrepreneur

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    According to CNBC, self-made millionaires believe you need to work 14 hours a day to be successful. Busy entrepreneurs know all too well how much work goes into their businesses and appreciate anything that can help them work more efficiently and effectively.

    There’s a reason the Microsoft Office apps have been depended upon for decades — they offer classic apps that can help you tackle your to-do list a whole lot easier. But if it’s been a while since you had an active license for these go-to staples, you’re in luck. You can snag a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home and Business 2021 for Mac or Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows at a crazy low one-time price during our answer to Prime Day, for just $29.97, now through July 17.

    Both Mac and PC devotees will find the fleet of Microsoft Office apps helpful in both work settings and in their personal life. If you work primarily on a Mac and have updated to Version 11 Big Sur, you can purchase Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021. It lets you take advantage of all the Office favorites you know and love, plus some new ones. It includes old standbys like Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel while featuring newer additions like Teams and OneNote.

    Prefer working on PCs? You can snag this same deal for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows, which is also packed with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote, but with two more additions — Publisher and Access. Just make sure you’ve updated to Windows 10 or 11.

    Act fast to snag this deal during our answer to Prime Day, with no coupon code required, through July 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT:

    • Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License, on sale for $29.97 (reg. $219)
    • Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License, on sale for $29.97 (reg. $219)

    Prices subject to change.

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