New startups are created every day –  each with fresh ideas and solutions.

However, the reality is stark: up to 90% of startups fail, with the average failure rate for the first year standing at 10%.

But as time progresses, the odds get even more challenging. In the span from the second to the fifth year, a staggering 70% of new businesses crumble. With such daunting statistics, it’s clear that maintaining a startup becomes an uphill battle for founders without the right foundations.

With so many startups facing a tough journey right from their inception, the pressing question becomes: How does one successfully navigate the tech industry? The key lies in having a groundbreaking idea and understanding the broader tech landscape and the forces shaping it.

Understanding the Tech Startup Landscape

The tech industry today is a mixed bag of opportunities and obstacles. Rapid advancements in areas like AI, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) bring forth new possibilities. Yet, navigating this landscape requires more than just a unique product or service.

Rise of Global Tech Hubs

An exciting shift in recent years is the emergence of new technological hubs across the globe. While Silicon Valley remains iconic, cities from Bangalore to Berlin are making names for themselves as hotbeds of tech innovation. This global expansion means startups now have a wider array of ecosystems to choose from, each with its unique advantages, resources, and challenges.

The Venture Capital Influence

The role of venture capital (VC) has become increasingly prominent in shaping the tech startup scene. The infusion of VC funds can catapult a startup to new heights, providing the necessary resources to scale and innovate. However, with this financial backing comes heightened investor expectations. Meeting growth metrics, achieving profitability, and ensuring a substantial return on investment are now integral parts of the startup journey. It’s a double-edged sword: while VC can fast-track growth, it also brings with it the pressure of constant performance.

The Founder’s Journey

To truly succeed, a founder needs resilience, a consistent capacity to innovate, and the agility to adapt to an ever-changing market. The terrain of the tech landscape keeps evolving, and only those startups that can both anticipate and adeptly respond to change will endure and prosper.

So, what are the key strategies that can help a startup beat the odds and thrive in this challenging landscape?

7 Tips for Successfully Growing Your Tech Startup

Given the complexities of the tech environment, a strategic approach is vital. Here are seven essential tips to help your tech startup not only survive but thrive in this dynamic industry:

• Embrace Innovation

Being innovative isn’t just about new ideas, but also about effectively addressing market needs. A shining example of this is AdTech Holding’s project, Applabz.com. Positioned as an expert mobile development team, Applabz turns conceptual ideas into tangible, cutting-edge mobile solutions. From custom app development to effective mobile marketing strategies, they embody the spirit of innovation. With a diverse suite of apps like JAX VPN and Brushly — and their commitment to a personalized approach, Applabz showcases how innovation, combined with meeting market demands, can elevate a brand’s stature in the industry.

• Know Your Target Audience

Understanding your audience is fundamental. It’s not just about demographics but recognizing their pain points, preferences, and aspirations. Tools like audience analytics and surveys can offer invaluable insights, helping startups tailor their offerings more effectively.

• Diversify Revenue Streams

Relying on a single income source can be risky. By exploring various monetization strategies, startups can ensure a steadier cash flow and greater financial security. Whether it’s through in-app purchases, subscriptions, or affiliate marketing, diversification is key.

• Build a Strong Team

The backbone of any successful startup is its team. Hiring individuals who are not only skilled but also align with the company’s vision is vital. A motivated team, driven by a shared goal, can propel a startup to unparalleled heights.

• Focus on Customer Satisfaction

Word of mouth travels fast. Positive reviews can boost a brand, while negative feedback can just as quickly tarnish its reputation. It’s essential to value user feedback and implement strategies prioritizing customer satisfaction.

• Optimize Marketing Strategies

While it’s tempting to splurge on marketing, startups must remember the importance of ROI. Leveraging data-driven marketing can ensure that every penny spent yields results. From SEO to social media ads, effective marketing is about targeting the right audience with the right message.

• Stay Updated with Industry Trends

The tech industry is characterized by rapid change. One significant trend in recent years is the rising interest in machine learning. With its potential to revolutionize various sectors, from healthcare to finance, staying updated with such trends is essential. Startups should be ready to leverage new technologies and trends to remain competitive. Regularly attending tech conferences, following industry news, and engaging in continuous learning can help keep a startup at the forefront of innovation.

Expert Insights

After understanding and using these critical growth tips, drawing from those who’ve walked the same path is beneficial. Insights from industry leaders provide not just inspiration but real-world context to these tips. Let’s hear from some tech veterans about their experiences and the importance of robust growth strategies.

“When we began with Applabz, we faced numerous hurdles, just like any startup. But our commitment to understanding our audience and continuously innovating kept us ahead of the curve. Our growth journey wasn’t just about scaling but learning and adapting at every step.” – Ilya Pasyuk, Senior Frontend Developer at Applabz

“At AdTech Holding, we’ve learned that the technology industry waits for no one. Rapid innovation is crucial, but without a clear strategy, even the most revolutionary products can get lost in the noise. It’s our focus on understanding market needs and adapting with agility that has anchored our success. Growth isn’t just about scaling; it’s about making informed, strategic decisions every step of the way.” — Alex Vasekin, CEO, AdTech Holding

Learning from these industry leaders offers invaluable insights. Now, let’s reflect on what all this means for startups striving for success

Navigating the Path to Tech Startup Success

Startups are frequently presented with immense opportunities but face equally daunting challenges. As we’ve discussed, the key to thriving amidst this dynamic landscape is multifaceted.

Startups must prioritize innovation, deeply understand their audience, diversify their revenue streams, build strong teams, focus on customer satisfaction, optimize marketing efforts, and remain attuned to industry trends. These aren’t just strategies; they’re necessities in today’s tech ecosystem.

The insights from industry leaders further cement the importance of a strategic approach to growth. For every tech startup out there aiming to defy the odds, remember: growth and innovation are intertwined. Embrace them, and you’re already on the path to success.

About AdTech Holding

Founded with the vision of revolutionizing the AdTech and MarTech landscapes, AdTech Holding has consistently stood at the forefront of technological innovation. With a diverse portfolio of projects and services, the company is committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored for brands, tech enthusiasts, investors, and business owners worldwide. Rooted in a culture of excellence and driven by a passion for innovation, AdTech Holding is not just a leader in the industry; it’s a beacon for those striving to make a mark in the world of technology.

For more information, visit AdTech Holding’s website.

Featured Image Credit: Provided by the Author; Thank you!

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Accounting and bookkeeping are crucial parts of any business. They require the right tools in place to make our lives a whole lot easier. If you had previously handled accounting tasks by manually inputting numbers on paper sheets, you might already feel good about how technology has revolutionized the way we handle our finances.

A significant advancement in the world of accounting software has been the evolution of hosting methods. Traditionally, software like QuickBooks was installed or hosted on local servers, which meant managing financial data on-site, maintaining the infrastructure, and keeping a check on data security. However, with the rise of cloud computing, a new contender – cloud hosting, has entered the ring to offer a whole different ball game.

This blog post will explore the key differences between hosting QuickBooks on a local server and hosting QuickBooks in the cloud. If you haven’t yet introduced cloud technology to your business on a large scale, the information here is highly relevant for you. Let’s start with the basics.

What is QuickBooks Hosting?

QuickBooks hosting refers to the practice of hosting your licensed QuickBooks software on remote third-party cloud servers. Instead of installing QuickBooks on your local server or computer, you host it externally and access it through a secure Internet connection. Here, the hosting service provider does all the heavy lifting related to the infrastructure setup, while you enjoy the benefits of using QuickBooks remotely.

Now, let’s compare it with traditional local hosting –

In the past, when we talked about hosting software, it meant installing the software directly on your own servers or computers. All the data, files, and software were stored and managed on-site. This setup required you to have the necessary infrastructure, including servers, storage, and networking equipment, to handle the software and its associated data.

The key difference between QuickBooks hosting and traditional local hosting lies in where the software and data are stored and managed. With QuickBooks in the cloud, the responsibility of maintaining servers, ensuring security, and managing backups rests with the cloud providers. They take care of the technical aspects while you focus on using the software. On the other hand, traditional local hosting puts the onus on you to handle all these tasks internally.

In a nutshell, QuickBooks hosting offers flexibility, scalability, and the peace of mind that comes with professional server management. Now, let’s find out how QuickBooks cloud accounting is beneficial in the long run in terms of the commonly asked questions.

3 Questions You Might Have in Mind About QuickBooks Hosting

Here are three things you might want to know before switching to cloud-hosted QuickBooks:

Is QuickBooks Online Cloud-Based?

QuickBooks Online is indeed a cloud-based accounting solution. It is designed to be accessed and used entirely through a web browser, eliminating the need for local software installation. However, there are differences between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks hosting, including:

• Accessibility

QuickBooks Online is entirely web-based, which means you can access your accounting data from anywhere, at any time, using any preferred device. It offers the flexibility to work remotely or collaborate with team members without any geographical limitations. On the other hand, while still cloud-based, QuickBooks hosting requires connecting to a third-party server managed by a cloud provider to access the software and your data.

• Infrastructure and maintenance

With QuickBooks Online, you don’t need to worry about managing servers or any technical aspects. Intuit, the company behind QuickBooks, handles all the infrastructure, server maintenance, backups, and software updates. In contrast, QuickBooks hosting involves relying on a third-party hosting service to manage your servers, security, backups, and updates.

• Customizability

QuickBooks Online offers a standardized set of features and functionality that are accessible to all users. While it provides a great range of capabilities for most SMBs, it may have limitations specific to industries or business requirements. QuickBooks hosting, on the other hand, allows more customization and flexibility. Since you have direct access to the server and software, you can install additional plugins and integrate them with QuickBooks.

 How secure is QuickBooks cloud accounting application?

When it comes to maintaining the security of QuickBooks data and software files, QuickBooks in the cloud offers several advantages over traditional hosting methods. Here’s how:

• Enhanced data protection

QuickBooks data hosted on the cloud is typically stored in highly secure Tier 4+ and Tier 5 data centers that employ advanced security measures. These data centers have robust physical security protocols, including surveillance systems, access controls, and 24/7 monitoring. This provides a higher level of protection compared to traditional hosting, where the responsibility for physical security rests on you.

• Data encryption

Cloud hosting providers prioritize data encryption to protect your QuickBooks data. This involves encrypting data both during transit (when it’s being transmitted) and at rest (when it’s stored on the servers). Encryption ensures that the data remains unreadable and unusable even if unauthorized individuals gain access.

• Advanced security measures

Cloud hosting providers like Ace Cloud invest in robust security measures to protect against cyber threats. This includes implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software to prevent unauthorized access, malware, and other malicious activities. These security measures are often more comprehensive and regularly updated compared to what a small or medium-sized business might be capable of implementing with traditional hosting.

Is QuickBooks hosting a cost-effective solution?

Assume you run a small accounting firm with four-five accountants who need access to QuickBooks software and data. In a traditional hosting setup, you must invest in your own server infrastructure. This includes servers, networking equipment, storage devices, and backup systems. You would also need to hire IT staff or consultants to set up and manage the infrastructure, handle software installations, security configurations, backups, and maintenance.

The costs associated with traditional hosting can quickly add up. Besides this, you have to consider the initial capital expenditure for buying hardware and software licenses, ongoing maintenance and upgrade costs, energy expenses, and the salaries of IT personnel. Moreover, if your business grows and you need to scale up your infrastructure to accommodate more users or data, you’ll have to incur additional costs.

With QuickBooks hosting, you can eliminate the need for a substantial upfront investment in the IT infrastructure. Instead, you can choose a hosting provider specializing in hosting QuickBooks and pay a monthly or annual fee based on the users or resources you require. The hosting provider takes care of managing the servers, hardware maintenance, security, backups, and software updates.

Overall, QuickBooks in the cloud can work much better than in a local-hosted environment. You will only get to know the difference by making the required transition.

Featured Image Credit: Cottonbro Studio; Pexels; Thank you!

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2023 is seeing Small and Medium Businesses thrive; the most significant contributor seems to be adopting the latest technologies. These emerging technologies enhance efficiency, customer engagement, and more. By integrating these technologies into software applications, businesses easily automate routine tasks, optimize operations, and make data-driven decisions. Some of the latest technologies that are transforming the way an enterprise functions are:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

Intelligent computers, objects( IoT), and tools equipped with Machine learning techniques are a boon to modern man. Machines imparted with artificial intelligence help businesses undergo digital transformation, reinvent customer experiences, optimize operations, and make data-driven decisions. AI software development further reduces staff requirements, thus saving organizations time and money.

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants

Chatbots and virtual assistants help growing businesses handle more customer inquiries, assist with online shopping, and provide 24/7 support, improving customer service without needing to employ extra personnel.

Blockchain

Distributed ledger, more commonly known as Blockchain technology, is proving to be another great asset for SMEs. Decentralized transactions provide extra security to applications owned by enterprises at no extra cost. Blockchain technology enhances transparency and security in financial transactions, supply chain management, and data sharing.

5G Technology

5G technology is another digital revolution that is bound to benefit the SMBs to a large extent. The rollout of 5G networks has enabled faster and more reliable internet connections, encouraging seamless communication, IoT devices, and real-time data processing.

IoT (Internet of Things)

IoT, or the Internet of Things, refers to the collective network of connected devices and technology communicating within themselves. IoT is extremely popular these days. From Smartwatches to Smart cars and household appliances, many intangible objects are connected via the internet today. SMBs can leverage IoT for inventory management, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and creating innovative products/services.

Edge Computing

Edge computing is another trend that is bound to help SMBs grow. Edge computing is a distributed computing methodology that aligns computation processes and data storage to keep them closer to the data sources. This further improves response times and saves bandwidth, improving data delivery on all fronts. It further reduces latency and enables real-time analytics for AR/VR applications, robotics, and IoT.

Cybersecurity Solutions

With more and more businesses undergoing digital transformation, the threat of cyberattacks has only increased. This is why SMBs can benefit greatly from advanced cybersecurity solutions provided by AI-driven threat detection and zero-trust security models.

Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing may as well be the greatest gift technology has given to mankind. Cloud computing is a recent technology that ensures on-demand availability of resources, data storage, and computing power by hosting everything on the cloud which is accessed via the internet.

Besides being cost-effective solutions, Cloud services are extremely scalable and reliable solutions for storage, data analytics, software development, and remote work collaboration. SMBs can benefit significantly from these advantages.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Augmented and Virtual Reality adds digital elements to our surroundings and is quite a viral trend amongst users, gamers, and enterprises. AR and VR can enhance customer engagement through immersive experiences, training simulations, and product demonstrations.AR/VR helps enterprises help their clients visualize products better without spending on physical mockups, demos, and products.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

RPA is software technology that allows robots to emulate human action with the help of a set of instructions in preprogrammed software. RPA not only brings out digital transformation for the business that employs it but also takes care of repetitive menial tasks that take up extra manpower. The technology also helps streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency.

Biometric Authentication

As the name suggests, Biometric authentication is a cybersecurity process that authenticates and allows access only when the unique biological traits of each individual are verified. This type of authentication is way more secure than traditional forms of multi-factor authentication.
SMBs can implement these to enhance security and user experience with biometric authentication methods like fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, or voice recognition.

Collaboration Tools

The new-age collaboration platforms are all worth the hype. Examples of digital collaboration tools include ProofHub, Filestage, GanttPRO, Nuclino, Basecamp, Asana, etc. Small and Medium-sized enterprises can invest in these platforms to facilitate remote work, communication, and project management at a fraction of the cost.
The choice of technologies that will benefit different SMBs also depends on the industries they belong to, business goals, and resources they have access to. It is also essential to assess your business needs carefully and consider how these emerging technologies can be integrated into your operations to drive growth and competitiveness.

Benefits of using emergent technologies for small businesses

Small businesses have a variety of technologies to choose from when it comes to digital transformation. Each emerging technology future proves these businesses in many ways.
A few advantages of using the latest technologies by SMBs are:

Improved Efficiency: New tech automates repetitive tasks and streamlines processes while mitigating risks. This boosts employees’ efficiency and helps organizations focus on higher-value tasks, ultimately increasing productivity.

Cost Savings: Even though implementing these emergent technologies can be pricey, businesses can expect a higher ROI in the long run. Reduced labor costs and operational expenses further help organizations save huge amounts of resources, money, and manpower.

Enhanced Customer Experience: By providing hyper-personalization to customers, SMBs elevate their customer experiences, which helps them stay ahead of the competition. Customers are bound to remember a brand that offers unique, unforgettable interaction experiences. Chatbots and social media platforms further help design and promote a brand identity.

Competitive Advantage: Incorporating the latest technologies helps SMBs up their brand game. It allows them to offer innovative products and services, adapt to changing markets and offer innovative products or services. This, in turn, helps gain newfound businesses and SMBs gain a competitive advantage.

Data-Driven Decision-Making: SMBs gain crucial insights and information from cutting-edge analytics technologies and data-collecting techniques. Making educated decisions, spotting market trends, and optimizing development plans are benefits of emergent technologies.

Flexibility and Scalability: Software Development services like cloud computing and SaaS provide flexibility and scalability by making it easy to modify IT infrastructure and applications to meet evolving business demands.

Remote Work Capabilities: SMBs can easily accommodate remote work using cloud-based collaboration tools, video conferencing, and project management software. These tools simplify recruiting and retaining employees and adjusting to changing work conditions.

Improved Marketing and Customer Outreach: As mentioned earlier, digital marketing tools and social media platforms assist SMBs in reaching wider audiences, targeting specific demographics, and measuring the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns.

Innovation and Adaptation: Staying current with the latest technology trends imbibes and encourages organizations to innovate and adapt. SMBs who adapt to emerging market demands explore new business models more easily.

Conclusion

By understanding the latest technologies, SMBs unlock growth opportunities and provide personalized customer experiences, ultimately positioning themselves for long-term success in instantaneously evolving business markets. Once a business implements the latest technologies, the next step is to pick the right development partner. Many companies’ software development services include AI software development, IoT application development, and blockchain development services.

However, not all companies can be relied on, and businesses must look for development companies that can provide quality solutions. OpenXcell is a credible software development company with a rich portfolio of successful software products integrated with the latest emergent technologies. Visit their website to learn all about high-end software development.

Featured Image Credit: Ali Drabo; Pexels; Thank you!

The post XII Emerging Technologies that are Helping SMBs Grow in 2023 and Beyond appeared first on ReadWrite.

Every business depends on the type of internet connection it needs. Your search for an internet service provider (ISP) starts here. Not all service providers provide similar packages or offerings. Therefore, conducting thorough research on the options available at your location is essential.

You need to start the process at home first. Assess what type of internet and what offerings will suit you and your business better. The budget you have to support an ideal internet connection, your priorities, and where you see your business expand in the long term. So, finding the right partner is also essential to support your business in the future.

Next, search to discover the ISP provider possibilities in your

Begin Your ISP Lookup

We have identified nine common factors that businesses (especially small to medium-sized organizations) should consider when beginning their search for an ISP, even though each firm may order its priorities differently.

Have you given the following any thoughts?

Internet Connection Type

Which choices are accessible to you may depend on your firm is location. The most cumbersome is dial-up.

Although this form of connection was common in the early days of the internet, your firm today has unquestionably more advanced and modern options.

A satellite may be an option if you reside in a distant location with a sizable open area and a clear view of the sky.

Buildings located further into the forest will need to consider alternate choices.

Cable and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) transport signals via coaxial cable TV lines and telephone landlines, respectively. Although they first gained popularity 20 years ago, these internet connection types are still readily available. Compared to dial-up or satellite, DSL and cable are unquestionably faster and can be suitable for small businesses.

Fiber-optic internet is frequently referred to as fiber. The current quickest connection is this one. Your neighbor might or might not have access to fiber. (Ask your neighborhood service providers.) About 43% of the country already has access to fiber internet, but this option is gradually spreading, even into smaller towns and rural areas.

Accessibility

Does your company operate from one location or several? Do they all reside in the same region or does your company operate in other states? When deciding which option is the ideal ISP for your company, answers to questions like these could lead you in the right route. ISPs vary in how much of the world they serve.

Speed and Bandwidth

Fast and dependable internet access will keep your clients (and staff) satisfied. The alternative would be a sluggish and inconsistent internet connection for business, which can irritate your clients and lower your potential sales volume.

Often, larger expense equates with faster speeds. For this reason, it’s crucial to assess your company’s requirements and budget for the bandwidth you’ll need regularly. Smaller companies won’t require as much as larger ones.

The Security Needs You Have

Cyberattacks can take many different forms. Making proactive preparations now could spare your company from major problems and reduce the possibility of damage. No matter how tiny, any company may be vulnerable to a cyberattack. Do not minimize your danger. Otherwise, there may be repercussions for your data and your company.

Your security plan will include your selected ISP. Working with a managed IT services provider can also help you keep your network safer. Fend off cyberattacks.

Dependability and Annual Average Downtime

Ask local ISPs how much downtime they experience on average each year. Is it 97, 98, or 99 percent or higher? Including a Service Level Agreement in your contract could help you. This clause will ensure to give you a rebate or discount if the internet providing company cannot offer you service for a more extended period.

Flexibility

Your needs may be met by the ISP you selected today, but where do you see your company in five years? Maybe ten years? You may avoid future hassles by selecting an ISP that can expand with your company today. You should therefore start your study right away.

The location of your personnel and how it might vary as your company expands are additional factors to consider. Your future workforce: Will it be distributed? Or will they operate on a fixed schedule? Be ready by assessing your remote technology, evaluating a virtual desktop architecture based in the cloud, and choosing an ISP ready to grow with your expanding company.

Customer Support

Before your service is cut off, be aware of your choices for contacting your ISP. Can you call them on the phone? Does their website offer a live chat option? Also, will your ISP offer technical support around the clock? Learn how you can contact customer support or submit a service request. Also, find out if the ISP has local technicians in your area if you require on-site assistance. ISPs and their customer service are not all the same.

Length of Contract

Although most business ISP agreements are for two years, several ISPs also offer various term lengths. Longer term durations could offer savings for your company. Additionally, read the small print to understand the conditions of service, including any penalties for breaking the contract early.

Your Budget

Make sure to analyze your selections while considering your budget and the price of the ISP’s services. For a business, having a quick connection is crucial, but keep an eye on your spending. Your business will thrive if you keep an eye on your shifting needs!

Technology Advice from a Pro for a Fraction of the Cost

Outsourcing your IT requirements may be a wise strategic and economic decision if you are a small to medium-sized organization attempting to expand. Every business might benefit from expert guidance on how to match technology with specific business requirements. Still, smaller companies sometimes lack the funding to employ a full-time internal Chief Information Officer (CIO).

However, you can consult a CIO without bringing on a full-time executive to your team. A virtual CIO (vCIO) is what it is. This specialist is your ally, providing strategic vision and laying out a technology strategy for your expanding company. To stay on track and ensure success, a CIO can support your company in developing a proactive approach to your long-term technology budget, offer a comprehensive view of technology, and support your company in managing change and sustainable growth.

The 5 Best Internet Providers for Business in the US

Most individuals are familiar with residential internet when it comes to purchasing online. However, many internet service providers, or ISPs, now provide business internet, which comes with several benefits that may be tailored to suit the needs of organizations of various kinds.

A strong business internet plan can significantly impact how efficiently your operations work, whether you’re just starting out or wanting to grow an already established company. We’ve explained everything there is to know about business internet and identified the ISPs that provide the top internet plans in terms of speed, cost, availability, dependability, and reputation to assist you in making the best choice for your company.

Below listed are a few options for you to choose from:

• Best for customer satisfaction: AT&T Business
• Best for availability: Comcast Business
• Best for no contracts: Spectrum Business
• Best for rural: Viasat Business

Featured Image Credit and Inner Image Credit: Provided by the Author; Thank you!

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In the world of e-commerce, you need to have the right online marketplace to support your business. It doesn’t matter whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey; selecting the right platform will make the difference.

In this content, you will delve into the top 10 best e-commerce platforms and their features to identify the right platform for you to make informed decisions.

1.  eWorldTrade: Connecting Global Buyers And Suppliers

Overview: eWorldTrade is one of the leading B2B platforms that provide outstanding trading facilities to global buyers and suppliers. It strongly emphasizes international markets and enables the business to expand its reach and introduce itself to a new and vast network of potential customers and partners.

Features Of eWorldTrade

• An extensive directory of global suppliers
• Real-time communication tools
• Safe and secure payment options
• Well-organized order management
• Personalized solutions for trading

2.  Global Sources: Sourcing From Asia’s Leading Suppliers

Overview: Global Sources is the perfect platform for businesses looking for reliable suppliers from Asia; it is a go-to-e-commerce platform for various reasons. The primary focus of Global Sources is Asian suppliers and it provides them with a wide range of products at a very competitive price, which makes it the ideal choice for the business that wants to source from this region.

Features Of Global Sources

• Wide selection of Asian suppliers
• Vetting procedure and quality control
• Testing reports and product certifications
• Product-specific insights into the industry
• ODM and OEM services

3.  Amazon Business: Powering B2B E-commerce

Overview: Amazon has extended its expertise to the B2B sectors, with Amazon Business as a giant in e-commerce. The platform provides a variety of business-focused features and benefits, which makes it a one-stop solution for all your B2B needs.

Features Of Amazon Business

• Quantity discounts and business-only pricing
• Multi-user business accounts
• Analytics and reporting tools
• Tax-exempt purchasing
• Reliable and fast shipping options

4.  EC Plaza: Bridging Global Trade

Overview: EC Plaza is one of the most comprehensive marketplaces, which helps to connect global traders by developing international trade and business growth. It is a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for users to find products and a vast array of products to choose from. EC Plaza attracts buyers and sellers from all around the world.

Features Of EC Plaza

• Variety of product categories
• Multilingual platform support
• Safe online transactions
• Exhibition updates and trade shows
• Community forums for global trades

5.  EC21: Your Global B2B Platform

Overview: EC21 is the prominent B2B platform that allows businesses to expand their global presence and connect with various suppliers and buyers. It has over 2 million users registered with itself and serves as a bustling hub for global trade.

Features Of EC21

• Verified suppliers’ listings
• Product posting and promotion tolls
• Trade inquiries and opportunities
• Escrow payment protection
• Targeted marketing services

6.  Made In China: Sourcing from China with Ease

Overview: Made In China is a leading B2B platform for those who are looking to source products from China. It is focused on Chinese manufacturers and suppliers, and this platform also offers a wide range of products at very competitive pricing.

Features Of Made In China

• Services related to quality control and inspection
• Direct communication with suppliers
• Supplier verification services
• Escrow payment security
• Product personalization options

7.  HKTDC: Your Gateway to Hong Kong Trade

Overview: HKTDC, or Hong Kong Trade Development Council, serves as the vibrant landscape of Hong Kong. It is a comprehensive platform that offers a variety of products to select from Hong Kong-based suppliers. This is why it is an excellent choice for businesses who want to dropship high-quality products from this region.

Features Of HKTDC

• Verified suppliers from Hong Kong
• Product exhibitions and trade fairs
• Business matching services
• Industry-specific market insights
• Trade publications and reports

8.  Alibaba: The E-commerce Powerhouse

Overview: Alibaba is known as a household name in the e-commerce industry because of its vast product selection and global reach. As one of the largest B2B platforms, it offers unparalleled opportunities for businesses to source and sell products worldwide.

Features Of Alibaba

• Massive directory of supplier
• Trade assurance and secure payment methods
• Product inspection and certifications
• Customer support is available 24/7
• Integrated logistics solutions

9.  Ali Express: Your Retail Dropshipping Solution

Overview: Ali Express is a part of Alibaba Group and caters to the needs of businesses, especially new and small ones. The platform has millions of products available at very affordable prices. It helps users to start their online business of dropshipping with ease.

Features Of Ali Express

• Budget-friendly products selection
• Buyer Protection and simple escrow payment system
• Direct shipping to customers
• Real-time order tracking
• Diverse shipping options

10.  SaleHoo: Your Reliable Wholesale Directory

Overview: SaleHoo is another mind-blowing platform known as the best dropshipping solution that provides a comprehensive wholesale directory for businesses. It is a good option for those who want to connect with authentic suppliers. The platform aimed to provide verified and trustworthy wholesalers and work as an asset for businesses aiming to buy products in bulk.

Features Of SaleHoo

• Large database of wholesalers
• Market research and analysis tools
• Supplier vetting and performance data
• Money-back guarantee
• Educational resources and support for businesses

How To Choose The Dropshipping Companies And Suppliers

Above, you get to know the top 10 dropshipping companies and suppliers. Each one of them is the best and has its own demand. But to find the right option, here are some things that will help you choose the right dropshipping company or supplier.

Understanding the Dropshipping Business Model

You need to grasp the fundamentals of dropshipping before choosing a platform. As a drop shipper, you work as an intermediary between customers and suppliers. Rather than stocking an inventory, you should transfer the customer’s orders and shipment details to the suppliers, who will then fulfill the order. Your role will involve marketing, customer service, and online store management.

Key Attributes Of Reliable Dropshipping Companies

When you evaluate dropshipping companies, you must have the key attributes in mind. You must go for the companies or platforms that offer high-quality products with a diverse range to cater to the needs of various types of customers. Look for suppliers with efficient order processing systems and reliable shipping methods.

Moreover, you should choose a company with sufficient stock levels to avoid prolonged backorders or stockouts. Also, check for platforms with excellent communication support to maintain any issues and keep the relationship smooth.

Thorough Supplier Research

Check online reviews, forums, and testimonials from previous users of the -platform to know about their status among the users. You can also ask for product samples to assess their quality, as many platforms provide this facility. Don’t forget to compare multiple suppliers’ pricing and fees to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Order Processing And Integration

Look for suppliers with automated order processing systems or the ability to integrate with your e-commerce platform. It will streamline the order fulfillment process. More to this, choose the dropshipping companies that offer real-time inventory updates so you can avoid selling out-of-stock products. Ensure that the suppliers provide tracking information and shipment notifications to keep your customers informed about the status of their orders.

Scalability And Growth Potential

You will need reliable partners to accommodate the increased order volume as your business expands. You have to choose suppliers with scalable capabilities to grow alongside your business.

Dropshipping Company Policies

You have to carefully review those dropshipping companies’ return and refund policies to understand their procedure in case of product defects or customer dissatisfaction. Properly analyze the shipping policies and associated costs to avoid unpleasant surprises and offer accurate shipping estimates to your customers. Also, read and understand the companies’ terms of service to ensure alignment with your business practices and policies.

Transparent Communication

You have to establish open and transparent communication with your potential suppliers. For this, you can ask questions, seek clarifications, and discuss expectations to build a strong working relationship based on mutual understanding for the benefit of both parties.

Avoiding Scams And Middlemen

If you are new to the business, you must stay aware of scams and middlemen who pose as dropshipping companies. Legitimate suppliers will never charge any excessive upfront fee or demand sizeable minimum order quantities.

Assessing Customer Support

You should also consider the level of customer support these dropshipping companies provide. There should be a responsive and helpful support team that can assist with order inquiries and resolve issues promptly, enhancing the customer experience.

Conclusion

So, find dropshipping companies and suppliers for your e-commerce store. All of these platforms are best in their own way. And if you don’t know how to choose the right one, there are also tips mentioned above to help you.

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Today, running an IT firm is the most tricky task that requires continuous efforts to get global clients. Satisfying the client’s needs and retaining them for the long run is way more complex. Moreover, with an expansion of your business, it becomes essential to hire talented and best resources.

Usually, the demand for developers is always at a high peak. And why not? After all, developers have technical skills that help build software and applications for clients’ businesses. Although IT firms already have in-house resources, there have been times when a client wants to hire dedicated developers for their projects’ specific requirements.

Therefore, they need to hire remote, in-house, or contract-based developers. Besides that, businesses outsource developers to create their websites or apps. So, in this post, you will get an overview of the developers, their types, factors, and technologies.

Who are Developers?

The developers are the persons who look after the whole procedure of creating either the software, applications, or websites. From determining the wireframes, design part, writing codes, managing programming, testing, and deployment, developers constantly work to accomplish each stage of the development process.

Generally, a developer can be denoted as a software developer, app developer, web developer, computer programmer, etc. One of the recognized job designations of developers is a software engineer.

However, the job role and knowledge of developers vary based on their specialization. There are usually three types of developers. They are as follows;

• Software Developers- Software developers design and develop software products or computer programs that can be used on mobile devices and desktops. Nowadays, these developers work on building artificial intelligence software.

• Mobile App Developers- They are responsible for building concept, wireframes and developing applications that allow users to access mobile devices. The mainstay mobile app development solutions are Android, iOS, and Flutter.
• Web Developers- They ensure the delivery of effective technical solutions for writing programming languages, designing UI/UX, integrating content, and tackling functionality-related issues. Utilizing .NET and PHP solutions for web development is preferable.

Initially, you should have clarity on the project requirements; accordingly, you can decide on the right developer. This decision leads the business to attain the benefits such as;

• Boosts brand visibility
• Increases customer engagement
• Build a unique digital presence
• Improves ROI in the long run

So, you can enjoy the benefits optimally only if you have hired the right people based on your favorable factors. Let’s dig into them.

Which are the Prominent factors you should consider while hiring developers?

Hiring dedicated developers for your project is not at all a cakewalk task. You have to scrutinize each and every aspect thoroughly. Before finalizing on developers, remember that you have to work and build long relationships with them. So, it’s necessary to pick the best and right developers that serve your needs.

Here is the list of factors you should consider while hiring developers for your dream project.

• Technical knowledge

The primary task of developers is to build robust applications and websites. It requires technical skills such as coding, familiarity with programming languages, etc. It is essential to consider the knowledge of the developers.

In any app development process, it goes through stages from ideation to design, development, and deployment before reaching the final consumer.

Developers are the main pillars who oversee the whole procedure and ensure the accuracy of each step. Typically, the following skills should be looked for in the right developer;

• Proficiency in programming languages
• Database management
• Testing process
• Debugging
• Knowledge of data structures, etc.

Therefore, you should prioritize the technical expertise of the developers and select them accordingly. It makes you shortlist the right developer quickly.

Pro tip: Prefer looking for certified developers, e.g., If you are looking for Android developers, choose the Android Certified Application developer.

• Experience

Apart from having relevant knowledge, having enough experience in delivering projects is also important. Basically, the experience factor is determined by 3 major things;

• Number of Projects delivered
• Client satisfaction rate
• Technology worked with

All of these help in making the right choice for the developer. You should make a questionnaire for the candidates while interviewing and mention their experience-related questions.

Developers with extensive experience delivering timeline projects for different industries can make your project successful. So, you can select the ideal one based on their previous work experience or assign them practical tasks.

• Excellent Portfolio

Even after having hands-on experience as a developer, building an impressive and appealing portfolio is necessary. The portfolio reflects your expertise and professionalism. It should consist of all the skills and knowledge you carry.

The portfolio is the single solution that displays your background, experience level, and projects delivered. You can get a brief idea about the candidate. Moreover, you can evaluate their skills and your project requirements as well.

• Pricing factor

Now comes the most significant factor, which is price. Deciding on the price of the developers takes many considerations. You need the resource that fits your budget and meets your requirements too. So, you should have clarity on the budget when hiring developers.

Usually, the developers’ price depends upon their work experience and skills. However, you can negotiate the prices by showcasing your project needs and their knowledge of the technology.

So, determining the right developer requires you to allocate and finalize the budget well in advance. It reduces the hassle in the hiring process and shortlists the candidates based on the predetermined price.

• Turnaround time

Meeting the client’s deadline is also one factor affecting the selection procedure. The portfolio helps you examine how the developer has completed their previous projects, the actual turnaround time per project, etc.

As mentioned earlier, you can assign them a project and ask them to finish it in a determined time. This way, you will get an overview of time consumption per project. Hence, you should make a proper analysis of the turnaround time for your project and decide accordingly. It eliminates troubles in the future with process and deployment time.

• Support & Maintenance

After the project’s successful completion, the developer’s job won’t end there. Maintaining the website or app with new features, advanced integrations, and the latest versions is equally essential. Choosing the developer that ensures to provide support and troubleshoot errors in the near future is required.

You should portray your demands clearly in front of the developer about the post-deployment support service. So, you can remain rest assured about the website’s performance.

Which technologies will be in high demand in 2023?

Since the factors impact the decision harder, selecting the right technology also makes a significant difference. Your final outcome may bring out to be higher than what you have expected. Selecting the developers specialized in booking technology these days gives you a competitive edge in the industry.

• Flutter: With best-in-class software solutions, you can build cross-platform applications with a single code base. It is the best pick for mobile app development projects. So, you can hire Flutter developers for your project.

• Full-Stack: Full-stack developers have proficiency in both backend and front-end technologies. It makes them deliver a full-proof website that eliminates the drawbacks of software.

• Machine Learning: Today, machine learning is flourishing in the market and is an AI solution. It requires extensive technical expertise to build applications for machine learning. So, if you are looking for developers to build software that helps computers learn, then finalize on experienced software developers.

The Bottom-line

In conclusion, the demand for skilled developers has also been rising with increasing technology trends. You should consider that developers should encompass the skill set based on your(client’s) projects. The above-listed solution assists you in onboarding the ideal candidate.

Apart from that, offering your clients a choice of technologies is advisable. Modern software solutions and flexible solutions take less time and have a higher success rate. Therefore, developers with versatile knowledge and a better understanding of different technologies are beneficial.

So, what are you waiting for? Start your market research, evaluate developers’ capabilities, and shake hands!

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In the rapidly evolving B2B landscape, effective lead generation is crucial for business growth. B2B leaders must navigate complex payment preferences and O2C systems– to stay ahead of the competition. The digital transformation of recent years has accelerated the automation digitalization of O2C (order-to-cash)processes, offering merchants new opportunities to expand their presence and reach. However, with a well-managed payment strategy, the entire process can continue. This article will explore how optimizing O2C processes can drive successful B2B lead generation, foster customer loyalty, streamline operations, and unlock business growth.

Embracing Customer-Centric Payment Experiences

One of the critical considerations in B2B lead generation is providing B2C-like purchasing experiences. Buyers today expect seamless payment options and immediate gratification. However, by offering multiple convenient payment methods and streamlining the purchasing process, merchants can improve customer satisfaction and transaction speeds and ultimately increase business success.

In a Forrester study, “Optimize Your Payment System to Seal the Deal,” more than 90% of respondents stated that improving payment options for B2B customers would enhance customer satisfaction, transaction speeds, and overall business success. To meet these expectations, merchants must provide painless purchasing experiences that mirror the ease and convenience of B2C transactions. This includes offering multiple payment methods, such as credit cards, electronic funds transfers, and digital wallets, with the ease of one-click purchasing.

Streamlining O2C Processes for Improved Cash Flow

Automation is pivotal in transforming O2C processes. Automated systems eliminate manual tasks, reduce errors, and expedite invoicing, credit decisions, and reconciliation processes. Merchants can remove complexity and improve cash flow by integrating comprehensive B2B payment solutions with existing platforms, such as P2P and ERP systems.

Manual processes can be time-consuming, error-prone, and hinder cash flow. Businesses can achieve significant cost savings and operational efficiencies by automating order creation, invoice generation, and payment reconciliation. According to the Boston Consulting Group, companies implementing automation in order creation processes can achieve cost savings ranging from 15% to 30%. However, industrialization also improves the customer service experience, leading to more loyal clients and reduced non-payment risk.

In addition, implementing automation technology facilitates instantaneous cash flow monitoring, allowing enterprises to make informed judgments and enhance their working capital management. By streamlining O2C processes, companies can free up resources, reduce administrative burdens, and allocate more time and effort to strategic activities that drive lead generation and revenue growth.

Leveraging Instant Decisioning and Credit to Drive Sales

Offering trade credit and establishing dedicated financial relationships can significantly impact B2B lead generation. Buyers tend to spend more when provided with favorable payment terms and credit lines. By enabling fast decision and credit evaluation, merchants can attract new customers, increase sales, and cultivate a loyal buyer base.

By providing flexible payment options and efficient credit evaluation, merchants can cater to diverse buyer preferences and increase their sales potential. Research shows that 15% of B2B buyers spend more when offered trade credit. Moreover, 82% of buyers would choose a vendor that provides invoicing at checkout with extended payment terms over competitors.

Instant decision-making systems leverage data analytics and technology to assess buyers’ creditworthiness in real-time.

This enables businesses to offer appropriate payment terms and credit lines based on individual customer profiles, mitigating non-payment risk. However, by simplifying the purchasing process and providing attractive credit options to buyers, merchants can differentiate themselves from competitors and secure a larger market share. Fast decisions help attract new customers, nurture repeat business, and build long-term customer loyalty.

By leveraging instant decisions and credit capabilities, merchants can offer personalized payment options tailored to each buyer’s needs. This flexibility enhances the purchasing experience, encourages larger order sizes, and promotes customer satisfaction. Additionally, with dedicated financial relationships and credit lines, buyers are more likely to choose a particular vendor over others, leading to increased sales and market share.

Unlocking Sales Growth and Efficiency through O2C Transformation

Transforming O2C processes can yield significant benefits for B2B businesses. Dynamic pricing, streamlined orders, faster payments, and automation drive sales growth, cost savings, and process transparency. However, these enhancements increase customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and a stronger b2b lead generation foundation. Here’s how to choose the right B2B lead generation company for your business.

A well-optimized O2C process enables merchants to offer dynamic pricing and promotions to attract buyers. Moreover, by automating pricing calculations and integrating them with customer data, businesses can provide personalized pricing strategies that optimize revenue while meeting customer expectations.

Streamlined order experiences are essential for driving lead generation. Moreover, by automating order processing, merchants can reduce manual errors, ensure order accuracy, and expedite fulfillment. These results in improved customer satisfaction, faster order delivery, and increased chances of repeat business.

Real-time complaint resolution and fewer disputed invoices are critical for maintaining strong customer relationships. However, by implementing automated systems that enable quick and efficient issue resolution, merchants can address customer concerns promptly, build trust, and foster loyalty.

Merchants can proactively communicate order status, provide real-time updates, and maintain open lines of communication, resulting in a positive customer experience and increased customer loyalty. Moreover, increased process transparency allows merchants and buyers to see the entire O2C journey. This transparency builds trust, reduces disputes, and fosters smoother collaborations.

Optimizing B2B Lead Generation: O2C Process Transformation Guidelines

To optimize B2B lead generation through O2C process transformation, follow these essential guidelines:

1. Understand Customer Expectations: Gain insights into your B2B customers’ payment preferences and expectations through research and feedback. This understanding will guide your O2C transformation strategy.
2. Embrace Automation: Leverage technology and automation tools to streamline O2C processes. Integrate payment systems with existing platforms to eliminate manual tasks, reduce errors, and expedite cash-related processes.
3. Offer Multiple Payment Options: Cater to diverse buyer preferences by providing a range of payment methods, including credit cards, electronic fund transfers, and digital wallets. Simplify the purchasing process with one-click options.
4. Implement Real-Time Decisioning: Utilize data analytics and technology for instant decision-making on creditworthiness. Tailor payment terms and credit lines based on customer profiles to increase sales potential and mitigate non-payment risk.
5. Communicate Transparently: Maintain open communication channels with buyers, providing real-time updates on order status, shipping details, and payment confirmations. Also, address customer concerns promptly to foster trust and satisfaction.
6. Continuously Optimize: Regularly evaluate O2C processes and monitor performance. Also, make necessary adjustments to improve efficiency, customer experience, and lead generation.

By following these guidelines, businesses can enhance lead generation capabilities, strengthen customer relationships, and drive growth in the B2B landscape.

Conclusion

In today’s rapidly changing B2B landscape, optimizing O2C processes is essential for successful lead generation, business growth, and customer satisfaction. Customer-centric payments, automation, and efficiency help enterprises thrive in the digital era.

Optimizing O2C (Order-to-Cash) procedures enhances operational efficiency and establishes a strong foundation for building lasting customer relationships. Businesses can unlock their full potential in b2b lead generation and achieve sustainable growth by prioritizing a seamless end-to-end payment strategy and leveraging digital tools.

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NOW is the time to safeguard your business against the perils of the economic downturn.

Once the economy begins to decline, it might be too late to take action and steer your business toward survival and growth in the face of worsening conditions.

“Recession-Proof Businesses Are Those That Continually Evolve, Identifying New Opportunities, And Adapting to Changing Market Conditions.”  -Gary Vaynerchuk

According to International Monetary Fund Chief Kristalina Georgieva, it is estimated that one-third of the global economy will experience a recession in 2023. Three of the world’s biggest economies, “The US, China, and Europe,” show signs of weaker growth, and the overall global economy seems to be reaching close to a recession.

As the economy heads into a recession, businesses will face a challenging landscape characterized by reduced consumer spending, declining demand, and financial uncertainties. So, they must adapt their strategies, manage costs, and explore new opportunities to navigate the downturn and emerge stronger on the other side.

Rosenblum motivates business owners to elevate their game by focusing on five crucial aspects:

• Refine and clarify your messaging
• Target and attract your ideal clients
• Implement a profitable business model to monetize your skills and knowledge
• Secure financing in advance for your business before you need it
• Lead your team and entire business

By any definition, recessions cause contraction in the economic output as consumer spending and business investment slump.

How Does Recession Impact Small Businesses?

A recession is a period of temporary economic decline characterized by a significant contribution to economic activities. These activities include declining customer spending, rising unemployment rates, and reduced business investments. According to a survey, nearly 75% of multinationals strongly agreed that an economic crisis is considered while planning advertising and marketing expenditures for 2023.

During a recession, small businesses face several other challenges that can significantly impact their operations and success. Here’s how a recession can affect small businesses:

• Reduced Consumer Spending:

During the time of recession, as uncertainty looms, consumer behavior undergoes a significant shift. With financial uncertainty, people exercise caution in their spending habits. This change in consumer mindset puts forth a challenge for small businesses that offer non-essential products and services.

• Decrease in Sales and Revenue:

As the number of consumers decreases, small businesses face the harsh reality of declining sales and revenue. This challenging scenario can be far-fetching, making it difficult for businesses to meet their expenses and generate a profit.

• Cash Flow Issues:

In times of economic downturn, larger businesses face financial struggles, often delaying payments to their smaller suppliers. Unfortunately, it can damage small businesses, leading to severe cash flow problems.

As the bills pile up and employees rely on timely wages, it becomes difficult for small businesses to make payments.

• Increased Competition:

Due to economic hardships, large businesses reduce prices or offer more competitive deals to attract customers. While this strategy may work in their favor, it can put small businesses at a disadvantage as they may struggle to compete with these bigger players.

• Employee Layoffs:

During the recession, small businesses often have to cut costs to stay afloat. Regretfully, one of the measures they may resort to is reducing their workforce through layoffs. This unfortunate turn of events can lead to job losses and profoundly impact the morale and well-being of the affected employees.

Strategies to Recession-Proof Your Small Business

Don’t be afraid to seek advice or help if you need it!

Many resources are available to small business owners, from mentorship opportunities to government programs. Businesses can survive and thrive during challenging economic times by taking advantage of these resources.

Follow these tips on how to recession-proof your business and survive in economic crises:

1. Build a Strong Financial Foundation

To safeguard your small business from the impact of a recession, it is essential to implement key strategies. Building an emergency fund, reducing debt, and maintaining cash reserves create a financial safety net.

Effectively monitoring and managing cash flow and investing in financial planning and forecasting offer valuable insights and enable proactive decision-making. Additionally, exploring business insurance options provide added protection.

2. Diversify Your Customer Base

An impactful approach to recession-proofing your small business involves diversifying your customer base. By expanding your target market to encompass various demographics or industries, you can reduce reliance on a single customer segment.

This strategic move mitigates the potential impact of economic downturns, ensuring a more consistent revenue stream. Broadening your reach and catering to different customer segments enhances resilience, enabling your business to weather challenging times. And maintain stability in the face of market fluctuations.

3. Focus on Customer Retention

A vital strategy to recession-proof your business is nurturing strong relationships with your existing customers. You can enhance customer satisfaction and foster repeat business by delivering exceptional customer service, personalized experiences and implementing loyalty programs.

Investing in these efforts boosts customer retention rates, creating a stable base of patrons who continue to support your business during the economic downturn.

4. Expand Your Product or Service Offering

Expanding your product or service offering is a powerful strategy to recession-proof your small business. You can tap into new markets by analyzing market trends, identifying gaps, and developing new offerings aligned with the target audience.

With this strategy, you can attract a broader customer base and generate additional revenue streams, strengthening your business’s resilience during challenging times.

5. Embrace Digital Transformation

Small businesses can seize opportunities to enhance operations, expand reach, and optimize marketing in the digital landscape. Adopt digital transformation by establishing a robust online presence, investing in e-commerce, engaging customers on social media and forming app development partnership.

This enables quick adaptation to changing customer behaviors and ensures business continuity. The digital realm empowers small businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving market, connecting with a broader audience and capitalizing on the benefits of technology-driven solutions.

6. Implement Cost-Saving Measures

During a recession, effective cost management becomes extremely vital. You can identify areas for expense reduction without compromising on quality. And then streamline processes, negotiate with suppliers, and explore cost-effective marketing strategies.

By optimizing your cost structure, you can enhance profitability and bolster business endurance in challenging times. Embracing cautious cost management ensures financial stability while maintaining the value and integrity of your offerings.

7. Foster Strategic Partnerships

Collaborating with other businesses through strategic partnerships can yield mutual benefits in challenging economic times. You can seek out partnerships that can align with your goals and objectives. By pooling resources, sharing expertise, and accessing new markets, you can enhance business sustainability and create additional revenue streams.

Strategic partnerships can unlock opportunities for growth and innovation, fostering a competitive edge in the marketplace. These partnerships can help you navigate through uncertain times and spread your horizons across the globe.

8. Invest in Employee Development

Your employees are invaluable assets, and their development holds immense potential, particularly during a recession. You enhance their skills and knowledge by providing training programs, cross-functional opportunities, and a clear career path. Engaged and empowered employees are catalysts for your business’s success, playing a vital role in handling challenging times.

Investing in their growth and creating a supportive work ambiance cultivates a dedicated workforce ready to overcome obstacles and drive your business toward new heights.

9. Stay Agile and Innovative

Recession-proof businesses thrive on adaptability and innovation. Keep a finger on the pulse of market trends, customer preferences, and emerging technologies. Foster a culture of innovation that encourages employees to propose creative solutions and new ideas.

You can seize opportunities and conquer challenges in an ever-evolving business landscape by remaining agile, open to change, and adopting technology to grow. Adopting adaptability as a core principle empowers your business to navigate turbulent times, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

10. Monitor and Plan for Economic Indicators

Lastly, maintaining a vigilant watch over economic indicators and forecasts is crucial to stay informed about industry trends, market conditions, and potential policy changes affecting your business. Regularly review and update your business plan to align with the evolving economic landscape.

A keen awareness of the economic climate ensures your business remains robust and well-positioned to maneuver through dynamic market dynamics.

Conclusion

When business is booming, owners often get caught up in managing the day-to-day operations, neglecting the essential details. However, a slowdown presents a chance to reevaluate and tackle inefficiencies that accumulate over time.

Regardless of the economic conditions, small businesses must prepare for uncertainties. Practicing wise financial habits establishes a strong business foundation and ensures its viability in both challenging and favorable market conditions.

Implementing these proven strategies empowers your small business to emerge from the depths of a recession like a phoenix rising from the ashes. With strength, adaptability, and foresight, your business can thrive in any economic climate.

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Every year, millions of employees across the United States complete job-related courses in compliance, soft skills, upselling, product training, and more. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, companies are reinvesting in training practices. This is especially prevalent among small businesses and large companies, who are investing on average 600 more dollars a year in training than midsized companies.

How Do You Properly Measure the Value of Corporate Learning in Your Business?

Measuring the return of investment, or ROI, of learning and development programs is incredibly important to making visible the impact of these programs. Revenue and profit are two classic indicators of a successful ROI.

Post-coronavirus, new metrics like employee confidence, increased sales, and employee engagement levels are feeling more indicative than pre-covid metrics such as training attendance, travel for learning and development, and webinar completion. One problem is that 92% of companies do not track learning and development ROI at all, which means that they are missing out on valuable information to the success of their company.

The basic formula for ROI is simple: learning and development benefit, minus the cost of learning and development, divided by the cost of learning and development multiplied by 100. Expenses of ROI include time (including corporate learning material development), effort (training time per employee) and money (including transportation, venue, catering, speakers, and equipment).

On average, having an in-person training session could end up costing upwards of $40,000. This number is also missing another major cost, which is the total a company may spend on an employee being trained. When basing on a salary of $15 an hour, a company could be spending over 1k based on 71 hours of training.

It may seem worth it for a company to outsource their training, but alternative and online models are not always as money saving as they would appear to be. These outsourced options still include costs for content libraries, course authoring tools, communication tools, third-party consultants, course marketing tools, and learning record stores.

While some of these options can be found from trusted sources such as LinkedIn and Mailchimp the investment may overall still be more than a company finds proportionally worth it.

Some are Worried About Outsourcing their Corporate Learning Programs Outside of the Organization

Unfortunately, when asked about their experiences many employees reported mixed outcomes. A quarter of employees surveyed said they forgot learning and development material immediately. 1% less said that the training wasn’t relevant to their position, and another 21% of employees said the material was out of date.

Out of the organizations surveyed, 35% of them felt they did not have access to the training content they would want for their employees. This cumulatively leads to major losses in learning and development– only 10% of money spent on traditional learning and development delivers real results. Ineffective training leads to a loss of $1.35 million per 1,000 employees.

Accurately measuring ROI is key to turning the major loss into new potential for the company. When tracking an increase in revenue, a direct correlation was found that for each $1 spend on L&D there was a $4.70 revenue increase. This correlation shows that the key to revenue increase is finding the best tool to use to measure your L&D ROI. Arist is a new company that describes itself as a “science-backed microlearning platform.” It is used by 15% of Fortune 500 companies.

Bringing it All Together

Arist attaches value to modern key performance indicators like confidence life and employee retention, which can be hard to quantify or consider in a traditional framework. Arist also costs less time, money, and energy.

Arist takes 195% less time than traditional modules, saves $96 annually per learner, and can alleviate 82% of the energy learning and development teams have to spend on course creation.

This boosts ROI and revenue along multiple avenues, and increases the adoption of learning by 90%. Arist is a very effective tool for companies attempting to clarify their ROI in learning and development. See more in the infographic below.

Published First on ValueWalk. Read Here.

Featured Image Credit: Pexels; Thank you!

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As the digital landscape evolves, so do the tools and strategies needed to make businesses succeed online. Search Engine Optimization itself, as a business marketing strategy, has had its ‘death’ declared so many times because it felt like it was no longer relevant. Yet, it’s still here, more strongly than before.

More so, consider the AI revolution that’s currently taking place. Does that mean you should throw away all your old tools and start using AI for everything? It would have been cool if it were that easy.

However, managing a business is not. And search engine optimization is not easy either. That’s why we have reviewed five different categories of tools that your business must invest in to hit your SEO goals and enhance your presence online. Beginner or expert, these tools will make your life easier and your results better.

Keyword Research

Paying for Google Search ads is the fastest way to appear on top of the search engine’s results for relevant queries (if you have enough money). However, the most valuable way to get to the top and remain there is by organically matching the content on your website to the most common terms searched by users.

Data from keyword research tools are organized into lists of the most common keywords relevant to your website. Hence, they are great resources for finding new content ideas, connecting with your audience, and improving traffic.

When choosing a tool for keyword research, you should be okay with free tools such as Google Trends or Google Keyword Planner. However, they each have their limitations. Google Trends is geared toward general knowledge and shows you nothing besides trendiness. Google Keyword Planner, on the other hand, lies within the Google Ads system and is geared towards paid ads, rather than organic search.

As far as free tools go, you can’t do much more than data coming from Google itself. But paid tools take you steps further with improved results, clear insights, and seamless automation. Popular paid tools such as Ahrefs and Moz sit on the high end, costing upwards of $100 for subscriptions. More affordable ones include the Eye10 Keyword Planner, which starts at $39 and includes everything you should expect from a keyword tool: ideas and suggestions, monthly search volume, difficulty level, and the ability to export results.

Analytics

Search engines have an incentive to ensure that their top search results are relevant to the user. But this is not a static process and several (hundreds of) factors come into play.

When your business relies heavily on traffic coming from search engines, you can’t help the occasional jolting feeling when the search engine updates its algorithm such that your efforts seem obsolete. At other times, your efforts are indeed obsolete and you must have been doing something wrong once you notice that your ranking and traffic have taken a hit.

The point here is that, as far as SEO goes, there is always something to improve upon. Always. And how would you know that if you don’t have the right tool to analyze what’s happening? Sometimes, the website itself is the problem; at other times, user behavior may be shifting towards what your website is not yet optimized for. Still, search algorithms may just be doing their thing and it’s affecting you negatively.

Google is, by far, the most popular search engine. So, its Search Console tool is, without a doubt, the best free tool for monitoring your site’s presence in search results. It helps you troubleshoot any issues you might have and ultimately make informed decisions to enhance your website presence.

Content Creation

Everywhere you turn, there is a proliferation of blogs, podcasts, newsletters, videos, webinars, etc. Basically, it’s the content creation revolution and there is an emerging work field of ‘creators’, professionals who apply their creativity in crafting digital content that resonates with their audience.

The most popular creators are individuals, such as MrBeast and Khaby Lame but many businesses have found themselves increasingly locked into content creation because it is a great way to market their brands. Whether it’s a blog or a newsletter, ebooks, or whitepapers, creating content is the order of the day. What you should be thinking about is how to make it better. And there is a solid toolkit for that.

For creating written content, Grammarly is the defacto spelling and grammar checker although others such as the Hemingway Editor and ProWritingAid are excellent alternatives. Canva leads in the graphic design aspect as a highly user-friendly tool for creating social media posts, videos, infographics, presentations, and much more.

Capcut, Descript, Audacity, Buzzsprout, YouTube Studio, etc. are useful for editing, preparing, and distributing your video and audio content for your audience. And any collaborative task manager or workspace tool will help you easily manage your content calendar.

Link Building

Link building is a top-three tactic for getting ahead in SEO. Over the years, Google has developed an immense capacity at detecting and penalizing websites determined to manipulate its algorithm via unethical practices such as link farming and link spamming. The best way to build links today is to earn the backlinks as well as the authority that comes with them.

Ethical link-building opportunities abound but going at it manually can be daunting and frustrating, given the tough competition in the industry. Even something as ‘simple’ as requesting a guest blogging opportunity requires that several moving parts are working without friction. First, you have to publish linkable content, then conduct outreaches, optimize your links and anchors, find broken links and unlinked brand mentions, and monitor competitors. The whole time, you still have to track the effectiveness of your link-building efforts.

As far as link building is concerned, there is no all-in-one tool. It is more likely that you’d be using a combination of various tools to achieve different purposes. For finding link opportunities, SEMrush and Ahrefs offer very useful features. Pitchbox, Buzzstream, and JustReachOut help you to reach out to and collaborate with influencers. Eye10 Backlink Monitor is great for analyzing your backlinks to determine their impact and find issues.

Social Media Management

For many customers today, especially those of the younger generation, a business that lacks a social media presence is as good as not existing. Businesses have responded likewise, by not just establishing their presence on social media but assigning whole teams to control the narrative about their business online.

But social media is not just a PR or a communications tool; it boosts your SEO too when managed strategically. For instance, sharing links to your website increases brand exposure and provides extensive content distribution. Social media might not be an element of SEO ranking, but its benefit such as enhancing your brand recognition and reputation online can contribute immensely to your website traffic.

The entire cycle of creating, publishing, and monitoring content on social media requires strategic workflows, and there are tools that would help you save time and make it less overwhelming, particularly through automation. Buffer, Hootsuite, and Sprout Social help you manage several social media accounts in one platform, including scheduling your posts and accessing comprehensive analytics data. And for building simple landing pages, Linktree is hands-down the most popular tool.

Conclusion

Staying ahead of the competition in a field like SEO takes a lot of hard work. Plus, sustainability is hardly guaranteed; one wrong turn and your website and business are sinking. But these tools can help you to stay afloat when used properly. These are the aspects of SEO you should focus the most of your attention upon.

The post 5 Must-Have Group of Tools for Every Business and SEO Specialist in 2023 appeared first on ReadWrite.

With the world still battling the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, conferences and workshops are being canceled or postponed until further notice. If you were organizing an event for your company and don’t know how to continue, contact a virtual keynote speaker.

With modern technology, video conference calls are easy to set up and can be done remotely if necessary, with all of the same benefits. This means you can now make your conference or workshop with a virtual experience for your audience. There are many keynote speakers who are already accustomed to this channel, often participating in webinars, Facebook Live events, podcasts, and YouTube presentations.

This article will provide you with the top 28 virtual speakers and what distinguishes them from other speakers. You can also learn about what to look for in a virtual speaker as well as discover how to create a successful online conference or workshop.

Best Virtual Speaker Overview

1. John Hall

Best personable virtual speaker with timely topics on trust and relationship building.

2. Brian Solis

Best seasoned virtual speaker and author as well as in-demand data analyst.

3. Lena Requist

Best motivating virtual speaker for startup audiences and enterprises.

4. Erik Huberman

Best virtual speaker for engaging stories.

5. Rory Vaden

Best virtual speaker with track record of speaking awards.

6. Tracey Grace

Best virtual speaker for workplace diversity and training.

7. Andrew Thomas

Best virtual speaker for empowerment and startup launch strategies.

8. Chris Dyer

Best virtual speaker with their own podcast.

9. Nir Eyal

Best virtual speaker for learning about attention management and productivity.

10. Jon Vroman

Best virtual speaker with a nonprofit background.

11. Chris Schembra

Best virtual speaker for a passionate delivery about people and relationships.

12. Bob Glazer

Best virtual speaker for small business success and recognition.

13. Eli Schwartz

Best virtual speaker on transition from paid channels to organic growth.

14. Brittany Hodak

Best virtual speaker for topics focused on customer loyalty and brand advocates.

15. Jeff Winters

Best virtual speaker for virtual sales conferences and topics about lead generation.

16. Tiffani Bova

Best virtual speaker for global conference and industry expertise.

17. Jonathan Keyser

Best virtual speaker for motivational success across commercial real estate and the general business environment.

18. Ashleigh Dilello

Best virtual speaker with an intriguing background as a chronic illness survivor, professional dancer, and innovative health specialist.

19. John Ruhlin

Best virtual speaker for sales, networking, and relationship-building topics.

20. Shep Hyken

Best virtual speaker with a humorous delivery and focus on the customer experience.

21. Sarah Hill

Best virtual speaker for technology, including virtual and augmented reality.

22. Joel Goldberg

Best virtual speaker for culture-building and storytelling subjects.

23. Matt Bertram

Best virtual speaker for generating inbound leads.

24. Shama Hyder

Best virtual speaker for marketing and selling in the digital age.

25. William Arruda

Best motivational virtual speaker for engaging top talent.

26. Richard Lorenzen

Best virtual speaker on global entrepreneurship.

27. Lorraine K. Lee

Best virtual speaker for professionals looking to hone their virtual presentation skills and boost their visibility on LinkedIn.

28. Jeff Fromm

Best virtual speaker for the intersection of sustainability, marketing, and youth culture.

Here are the top virtual keynote speakers you’ll ever hear:

1. John Hall

John Hall is unique in that he’s very personable in his keynotes, which is important when looking for a virtual keynote speaker. He wrote the bestselling book Top of Mind, and his subjects are timely, given how important building trust and remaining top of mind are for customers, partners, and other business stakeholders working remotely.

2. Brian Solis

Few people understand the impact that technology has had on business and society more than Brian Solis. Thirty years of experience have led to seven bestselling books and heavily sought-after skills as a digital analyst. His work, along with a popular online video series called “(r)evolution,” has garnered a loyal online fan base topping 700,000.

3. Lena Requist

From a startup to a multi-million-dollar enterprise, Lena Requist is in the perfect position to talk to businesses of all sizes. As president of Ontraport, her company has grown 5,000% and was named one of Forbes’ “Most Promising Companies in America.” She believes in an inside-out approach to business, and she attributes Ontraport’s success to this perspective. She explores how team development leads to company success, aiding both the business and the individual. She is one of our top virtual keynote speakers for her experience and motivation on stage.

4. Erik Huberman

A storyteller at heart, Erik Huberman’s insights into entrepreneurship will prove to be unique and memorable. He is the co-founder and CEO of Hawke Media, an agency valued at more than $60 million after only six years in business. He was named one of Forbes’ “30 under 30” and has the composure of a seasoned veteran.

5. Rory Vaden

The World Championship of Public Speaking hosts 10 contestants from a pool of 25,000 from more than 90 different countries. Rory has made that exclusive cut not once, but twice, including a World Champion first runner-up finish. On top of his speaking prowess, his book Take The Stairs is a No. 1 bestseller on multiple platforms. He believes in ultra performance and teaches that focus is the most important thing you can have. He works especially hard to customize every presentation for each audience.

6. Tracey Grace

The president and CEO of IBEX has received numerous awards for her professional work. Tracey Grace has more than 20 years of experience in the training and information technology industry and is a pioneer of diversity in the workplace. When speaking about her success, she says, “It’s the people and ideas that I allowed into my inner circle that determined my life direction; it is my insatiable curiosity that impacted my ultimate success.”

7. Andrew Thomas

Andrew Thomas promises to be candid and authentic with his speaking. His main source of experience comes from co-founding SkyBell, one of the first video doorbell companies. There, he drove over $100 million in revenue as its chief revenue officer. He’s spoken for a variety of news channels and companies, sharing the stories of his successes and failures, as well as what he learned from those experiences. His true desire is helping to empower others to identify their dreams and pinpoint how they can accomplish them.

8. Chris Dyer

The podcast “TalentTalk” has more than 3.65 million downloads, giving you many reasons to listen to its host, Chris Dyer. He was named one of Inc.’s “10 Leadership Speakers That Can Help Your Company Culture” and has spoken all over the world, lending insight into how performance can be driven through company culture. An incredibly adaptable speaker, Dyer has a number of messages he can share that get to the heart of what your company needs.

9. Nir Eyal

A behavioral designer by trade, Nir Eyal’s goal as a speaker is to help people protect their attention from the negative effects of technology. The author of two bestselling books, Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products and Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life, Eyal’s work draws from research on how we get distracted, as well as his own attention management tactics.

10. Jon Vroman

Jon Vroman is the mastermind behind the Front Row Foundation, a charity that helps those with life-threatening illnesses attend their dream events. The name stems from his mantra, “Make moments matter.” As a highly successful keynote speaker, his goal is to help others adopt that mindset and “live life in the front row.” He is also a bestselling author who’s been requested to speak at more than 750 venues over the past decade.

11. Chris Schembra

Chris Schembra’s passion for people makes him an unforgettable speaker. He is the founder and chief question asker of 7:47, an organization committed to sparking connections among people at small dinner parties. Schembra also wrote Gratitude and Pasta: The Secret Sauce For Human Connection, a book that explains how to deepen relationships with others through gratitude and sharing a meal. During a time of social distancing, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

12. Bob Glazer

You know you’re doing something right when you’re ranked the No. 2 small business CEO on Glassdoor. Bob Glazer is also one of Forbes’ “20 Speakers You Shouldn’t Miss” and one of Entrepreneur’s “11 Amazing and Unforgettable Speakers.” His passion is helping companies and individuals develop high-performing cultures. He has personally been one of the best virtual speakers I’ve ever heard.

13. Eli Schwartz

Eli Schwartz works with large-scale growth companies on building products poised for hypergrowth. As an SEO expert and digital marketing consultant, Eli has assisted world-renowned B2B and B2C companies like WordPress, Quora, Blue Nile, and Shutterstock with strategies designed to grow organically. He is also the former director of growth at SurveyMonkey, building organic search from the ground up. Eli is a regular speaker at marketing events throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia, as well as serves as a guest lecturer at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, Singapore’s Civil Service College, and the Founder’s Institute.

14. Brittany Hodak

If you’re looking at building a loyal fan base for your brand, look no further than Brittany Hodak. Co-founder of The Superfan Company, she has been instrumental in creating successful ad campaigns for the likes of Disney and Amazon. This Billboard “30 under 30” member has all the tools you’ll need to create customer loyalty for your company. I saw a virtual keynote Brittany gave last week and I was impressed.

15. Jeff Winters

The president of Sapper Consulting, lead generation is Jeff Winters’ expertise. Taking a human approach to lead generation has helped his company triple its growth three different times. His approach has been highlighted a number of times in places such as Forbes and Entrepreneur, and some have claimed it’s 300% more effective than traditional methods. You’re sure to learn something new and innovative when listening to Winters.

16. Tiffani Bova

Tiffani Bova’s résumé is almost too extensive to be summarized. The growth and innovation evangelist of Salesforce is a highly sought-after keynote speaker who has given more than 500 presentations in every corner of the globe. She excels in business innovation and uses her analytical prowess to develop bold strategies for growth.

17. Jonathan Keyser

Jonathan Keyser has more than 20 years of commercial real estate experience under his belt, and he’s sharing the biggest secret to his success as a keynote speaker. In his own words, “I used to be ruthless. Transforming to selflessness skyrocketed my success. Now, I teach others to do the same.” He preaches selfless service instead of the cutthroat approach that has been so prevalent in his industry, and he wants to show others how making the change leads to big benefits. He is known online as a top virtual motivational speaker because of how much he cares.

18. Ashleigh Dilello

At the young age of 13, Ashleigh Dilello was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease that changed her path. She has since become a professional Broadway dancer and has appeared on shows such as “Dancing with the Stars.” She wants to share her personal experience with others who are struggling with their bodies and help them recognize and embrace their self-worth. Her secret to success is what she calls Bio Emotional Healing, which she explains makes all the difference.

19. John Ruhlin

Cutco, the company specializing in knives and kitchenware, has more than 1.5 million representatives and distributors in its ranks. John Ruhlin closed the biggest deals of all of them. He’s now asked to speak across the country to teach sales and relationship-building techniques. His book, Giftology, highlights his particular method of gift-giving to build trust and close sales like never before. His virtual keynote presentations focus on strengthening relationships to help you stand out and drive more sales than ever.

20. Shep Hyken

Shep Hyken is an inductee of the National Speakers Association Hall of Fame, a testament to his dazzling career as a keynote speaker. He specializes in customer service; Shepard Presentations, his company, has worked with hundreds of companies on improving their customer experience. Prepare to be amazed as Hyken is known for adding humor and magic for an unforgettable presentation.

21. Sarah Hill

Sarah Hill is the CEO of Healium; she’s a virtual and augmented reality expert. She created a technology that’s powered by a customer’s heart rate and brainwaves. After 20 years as a reporter covering trauma, she has unique insight into the world of virtual and augmented reality that will inspire most groups. Hill developed Healium for herself, as well as for the 41 million others who struggle with anxiety.

22. Joel Goldberg

Joel Goldberg heads Joel Goldberg Media, where his nearly three decades of experience in television and sports media give him unique insight into building relationships and brands. He’s been part of the Kansas City Royals’ broadcast team for FOX Sports for 12 years and does play-by-play TV broadcasts for the Kansas City Mavericks. His years of experience with professional sports have developed his networking prowess and helped him learn what builds successful teams. As a speaker, he focuses on growth, building trust, and developing meaningful relationships.

23. Matt Bertram

Matt Bertram is the head of digital strategy at EWR Digital & CMO for Oil & Gas Global Network (OGGN), specializing in teaching enterprise sales teams how to generate inbound leads through online positioning, personal branding, podcasting and content marketing strategies.

24. Shama Hyder

Shama Hyder is a trailblazing, award-winning entrepreneur who has built a global audience and is known for helping brands succeed in the digital age. She is the bestselling author of The Zen of Social Media Marketing, now in its fourth edition, and Momentum: How to Propel Your Marketing and Transform Your Brand in the Digital Age. An acclaimed keynote speaker, Shama has delivered keynotes in more than 20 countries and spoken for recognized brands including Movado, Chase, Tupperware, and the Inc. 5000.

Richard Lorenzen is an American entrepreneur, investor and the CEO of Fifth Avenue Brands, a New York-based public relations firm. He speaks on entrepreneurship, foreign policy and the economy at the United Nations, TEDx, universities and corporate forums. Richard is regularly cited as one of America’s most influential millennial entrepreneurs and has been featured in Forbes, CNBC, Fox News, Entrepreneur Magazine, AdWeek, PRWeek and more. Entrepreneur Magazine ranked him one of the top 50 people in digital marketing and Inc. Magazine named him one of the top inspirational entrepreneurs.

27. Lorraine K. Lee

Lorraine Lee draws from her extensive experience at both Prezi and LinkedIn to help professionals transform how they present over video. Lorraine created and hosted one of LinkedIn News’ most popular video series, and now routinely wows audiences with compelling virtual presentations that teach attendees new ideas and inspire them to take action. Her personable and approachable style draws sizable audiences across Fortune 500 companies, tech firms, and top-ranked universities.

28. Jeff Fromm

To fully grasp how to effectively market to younger generations, you’d probably need to conduct groundbreaking research, author or co-author at least a handful of books, and attend the London School of Economics. Jeff Fromm’s got you covered. His insights into youth marketing can be tailored to the specific needs of your next virtual event, and his humorous approach serves to drive home his unique strategy paradigms. Jeff is a forward-thinking trends consultant, who provides innovative best practices to a wide array of clientele.

Other Top Speakers For Your Virtual Event

Looking for a few top speakers for your next event. Here are a few other top speakers we’ve found:

• Blockchain Speakers
• Futurist Speakers
• Marketing Speakers
• Leadership Speakers
• Reputation Risk
• Virtual Keynote Speakers

Guide to the Best Speakers

A few other guides to finding the best speakers:

• Find a Keynote Speaker

When looking for the best speakers for your virtual conference or workshop, there are some key traits that can make all the difference with all well your virtual event goes.

How to Create a Successful Online Event

Having the right speaker or speaker lineup is just one of the many factors that go into hosting a successful online event or virtual industry conference. Here are some other critical components:

Focus on Video

A virtual conference needs video of the speakers and/or panel to engage your online audience. No one wants to just look at a screen share of a PowerPoint presentation. Instead, seeing the speaker’s body language and facial expressions personalizes the experience and adds to their message.

Since webinar platforms support videoconferencing, having video should be fairly easy to showcase for your virtual event. Have your speakers practice using video conferencing tools prior to the event, especially if they are new to this technology.

Decide on Audio

Like video, the audio you use for your virtual conference can make or break your event. Your conference is live, so the audio must be flawless because there is no time to tweak it or address poor sound quality. Your audience doesn’t want to wait and watch you struggle with the speaker’s microphone, the audio platform, or the network you are using to transmit your event.

Test out various audio options during the event preparation process. Look for services that deliver audio quality, including those recommended by other event hosts.

Plan Unique Content and a Compelling Agenda

Take the time to develop the content and agenda with your speakers. Their input and your understanding of the target audience can create a world-class virtual conference. If it goes well in terms of delivering a unique experience, then you will be more likely to attract a larger audience and parlay that into future events.

Focus on Interactive Features

To keep your audience engaged and enhance what the virtual speaker talent offers, look for ways to add interactive features to your online event. For example, have a Q&A session where viewers can send in questions. You can also consider adding a poll during a specific session to get audience input on the speaker’s topic.

Conduct Virtual Session Run-throughs

Just like you would have done when hosting an in-person conference, your virtual conference should have a few run-throughs so that speakers can go over their presentations and panels can agree on how they will run their session.

Also, this is the opportune time to test and re-test all audio and video equipment. Your audio/video quality, Internet connection, equipment, screen sharing, host-to-speaker private messaging, and interactive features must be flawless.

Have a Contingency Plan For Tech Issues

No matter how often you check and re-check, there are bound to be technical issues. Make sure your audio-visual technicians are ready to take on any tech issue that could possibly impact your virtual conference.

One of the biggest things to go wrong with an online conference is network connectivity. You need to be prepared for bandwidth and how many people may sign on to view your online conference. While you want the most people possible, you also don’t want the platform you are using to crash.

Make sure your tech talent has contingency plans in place to address the loss of connectivity, audio or video glitches, or lost speaker presentation files. The larger your risk assessment and planning process, the more likely you are to minimize any technical issues from impacting your audience’s overall experience.

Implement a Marketing and Publicity Plan

You want to attract the most people to your online conference as possible, so that means creating a marketing and publicity strategy just for your virtual event. Explore your options for the channels and content that can reach your intended audience. For example, use sites like LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook to create events. You can also create an email blast and website landing page. Or, if possible, designate and develop an entire online event website with links for registration. Another option is to Develop and feature a blog post about the event.

Don’t deliver all the news about your online event at once. Provide teasers that reveal some news leading up to the event, such as revealing a featured virtual speaker each week prior to the event date. This provides an opportunity to continue contacting your audience and reminding them about the event. The approach can also help generate more buzz around your virtual conference.

Decide on Takeaways and Post-Event Marketing Tactics

During and after your online event, you have more opportunities. While you can’t recreate the “experience” associated with in-person events like networking opportunities and dinners, you can do other things to enhance the experience and add value.  Ideas include an event summary download, a digital coupon for a virtual speaker’s book, or a discount for products and services featured at the online event.

Find ways to get more marketing ROI through post-event tactics. For example, you could feature video excerpts on various social media channels or panel and keynote summaries. You can use these to generate online discussions and blog posts that repackage and expand on the ideas presented throughout your virtual conference or workshop.

Also, don’t forget to conduct a survey among online attendees to find out what they liked and what could have been better. Ask them what they would like to see from future virtual conferences so you can start planning for those.

Virtual Speakers and Planning Create Memorable Virtual Events

The world of virtual conferences is just getting started. Despite turning the conference and events industries into a tailspin, technology and innovative planning, combined with forward-thinking speaker talent, have the opportunity to shape and grow an entirely new channel for virtual conferences, trade shows, training courses, and workshops.

This post was updated on June 18th, 2023.

The post 28 Top Virtual Keynote Speakers appeared first on ReadWrite.

There are enormous gains still to be had in sales performance. I am sure you agree; salespeople are athletes. For instance, everyday salespeople step into a world where all that matters is performance. If an elite athlete such as Tiger Woods labeled his tools as short of very effective and said that he only spent 23% of his time was spent on golf-related activities, there would likely be a massive shake-up in his environment. Our startup *Touch is on a mission to transform the status quo.

Two staggering statistics make it clear that there are issues in the sales field. We need to get salespeople back into flow.

1. Just 15% of salespeople describe their sales tools as very effective.
2. 77% of a salesperson’s day is spent not selling.

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How can we expand sales performance?

First, it really helps to understand peak performance before you aim to make improvements.

Peak performance is a state that is also known as apeak experience, the zone of optimal functioning and flow. (Brain performance center – a literature review.)

Secondly, there are a few useful questions leaders and salespeople should start asking themselves. It’s critical to become curious about creating a peak performance environment for salespeople:

• Where and with whom can we observe this state being accessed most often?
• What are the conditions and factors that create this state?
• What is currently blocking salespeople from reaching this state?

Understanding and implementing the conditions for peak performance in your own life — in particular the concept of flow — will help your sales ability and many other business related issues.

Observe elite athletes that understand flow.

Tiger Woods and other elite athletes describe the state or experience of flow (or being in the zone) extremely well.

Tiger Woods, Golfing Legend describing being in the zone – watch a video.

“I tend to have these blackout moments when I don’t remember, I know I was there, but I don’t actually rememberperforming the golf shot. The mind gets so entrenched at the moment; I guess my subconscious takes over.”

“Who knows what the terminology is, but there are many putts or many shots where I don’t remember hitting. I remember the ball flight, I remember preparing for the shot and once I hit the shot I don’t remember the ball leaving. It’s a weird sensation. The more intense the situation gets the more calmer I feel the more things slow down. For some reason, the last few holes take forever, but they may be happening a lot faster. A lot of times I don’t hear the noise, I don’t hear anything. I become so enthralled in that particular moment, hitting a shot, performing a task being mentally prepared for that shot. It’s almost as if I get out of the way.”

It is likely after watching this video or reading the transcript you can wind back to times where you experienced this state in your career, hobbies, or social life.

Athletes have long known being in flow is the key to their performance, and we should learn what we can from them.

Delving deeper into the concept of Flow.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is known as the ‘The godfather of flow’ and describes the state as follows:

A state in which people are so immersed in an activity that nothing else matters. One is so happily absorbed in what they are doing, that their thoughts and actions flow freely.

Interestingly, his research and findings led him to see that flow seems to occur most frequently in athletes. Other researchers like Jackson and Marsh (1996) further describe the flow state as:

A situation where personal skills equal or exceed the required challenges of the sport, and this experience is perceived as enjoyable, free from distractions, and typically leads to overall good performance.

In the Sales Industry with much talk of positive thinking — obscenely large goal setting, and forcing action (The 5 am club) in Salespeople to achieve results — generally — this concept flies in the face of the concept of flow.

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Flow is critical to sales performance.

There is an enormous variance of performance in sales — much like sports. Sport is an industry that has high failure rates and requires deep psychological resilience. And like Al Pacino reminds us in the film Any Given Sunday, it’s “the inches that make the yards.”

Marginal gains can be the difference between the average and the elite increases in sales, as well.

Achieving the state of flow consistently has the potential to unlock massive positive changes in Salespeople. In general, humans are all inclined toward experiences that promote happiness, creativity, and productivity; achieving a flow state just represents a natural objective of life.

One thought that arises, with the amount of money spent on self-development and growth within the Sales Industry, it’s surprising how few out there talk about the concept of flow.

Sales leaders need to understand the Challenge/Skills Matrix.

Consider great mentors of elite athletes like Butch Harmon, Pep Guardiola, and Phil Jackson. Is it likely to hear them draw focus on wild goals or focus on one game/shot at a time? To focus on just trying harder or increasing the efficiency of the body and equipment?

At the core of the principle of achieving flow is the Challenge/Skill balance. Leaders of top athletes understand the challenge and skill balance. It is far more subtle than most sales ideologies that encourage you to set or attract wild goals.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi has discovered from his 40 years of study how the skills/challenge matrix affects performance and flow. If you are presented with a highly mismatched challenge with the skill set, see below the results of this.

(source –https://uxdesign.cc/getting-into-the-flow-what-does-that-even-mean-58b16642ef1d)

Take some time to look at this and think about the goals you or your sales team have in mind.

Sales leaders and salespeople need to think of the Skills/Challenge matrix as a critical mechanism for achieving flow. Achieving goals then becomes a byproduct of being in flow more consistently. We need to make sure we move sales teams away fromfeelings of anxiety and boredom and towards those associated with flow.

The 3 pre-requisite conditions for being in flow.

Thankfully, due to the extensive research, tools and learning are available for salespeople to understand the conditions to access the flow state:

1. Clarity of goal and immediate feedback.
2. A high level of concentration on a limited field.
3. The balance between skills and challenge.

If a salesperson is in flow, they experience these beautiful benefits.

1. Effortlessness – The greatest athletes look effortless and so should salespeople. Over time every unit of energy poured in should produce additional output.
2. The Feeling of Control – A state of security and relaxation in the sales environment. Confidence that you will take the right action in any situation presented.
3. An altered perception of time – The prefrontal cortex, parts of the brain associated with time, inner voice, ego become less active. This creates the time distortion experienced when in a state of flow.
4. The union of action and consciousness – Feeling at one with your sales performance, there is no thinking involved, the inner voice quiets, and you trust actions to take place.
5. Love of the process – You will love the process of seeking the goal as much as the achievement of the goal itself.

Here are the 4 principles that you need to adapt to perform like an elite athlete.

Principle 1 – An immersive sales stack

The definition of IMMERSIVE is – “characterized by deep absorption or immersion in something (such as an activity or a real or artificial environment).”

The term “immersive experience” refers to pulling a person into a new reality, enhancing their everyday life (by making it more engaging or satisfying) via technology.

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High performers are in immersive environments. Unfortunately, the salesperson is removing themselves from flow and peak performance as their sales stack may not be fit for purpose.

There are 3 major factors that are taking almost all salespeople out of flow on a daily basis:

• Some salespeople hate CRM’s as they can reduce speed and efficiency.
• The explosion in the requirement for data entry/CRM hygiene from management.
• Managing multiple communication and productivity software applications.

The average salesperson spends most of the day not, approximately 77%. Thus, it’s critical to spend time procuring your sales stack to optimize for immersion.

Principle 2 – Find and remove distractions.

To create immersion, you first to remove distractionsions. From many research bodies into the subject of focus and productivity, it’s clear distractions lower the quality of work and increase the error rate. To reach a state of flow, you need digital minimalism.

A salesperson needs access to all tools instantly. Currently, salespeople work from multiple channels, the CRM and productivity apps creating too much distraction in their day.

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Leaders need to make sure that salespeople clearly know what the next action is in every workflow and it’s accessible instantly. Investing time, money, and training to ensure that the sales stack enables superfast workflows with minimal energy expended is a priority.

Principle 3 – Find a way to measure flow.

Measuring if their salespeople are in a state of flow should be a part of the performance management process. From this measure and an understanding of the factors that affect the state of their teams’ flow, they can then tweak levers. This allows salespeople to achieve the state more often.

Many flow-based questionnaires offer an assessment of how often you are accessing the state of flow. I am a fan of the Flow Genome Project and their questionnaire; you can use it to understand your flow profile and implement steps to access the state faster.

From this critical information, you will naturally brainstorm ideas to adjust your sales stack, environment, and culture to optimize for flow.

Principle 4 – Focus on Jobs-to-be-done (JTBD) speed.

What is JTBD?

Jobs-to-be-done was a concept created by Clayton Christensen back in 2003 and has become refined by Anthony Ulwick in a more recent book, surprisingly titled“Job to be Done.”

Ulwick defines a job-to-be-done as a task, goal, or objective a person is trying to accomplish — or a problem they are trying to resolve. These jobs can be functional, emotional, or associated with product consumption.

The efficiency in how a person completes a JBTD is critical to their performance.

Watching Athletes at the highest level, whether that’s Roger Federer playing tennis, David Beckham taking a free-kick, or Tiger Woods driving, you will notice the effortless efficiency. Extreme amounts of force and power are generated, pushing the limits of what the human body is capable of.

Thinks as an F1 engineering team does for their driver.

Being efficient is essentially “taking the shortest path toward attaining the desired goals.” Two, in other words, it describes the number of outputs gained from a given input.

Efficiency = output/input

If you increase your efficiency, you get more output for every unit of energy you spend. Here is our definition:

The time it takes to complete a workflow, without any sacrifice of quality at all.

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This is JTBD speed and it’s critical to access or remain inflow. All workflows related to your performance should feel almost instantaneous, but this is not the case right now for most Salespeople.

Conclusion

It’s time to bring flow to the world of salespeople. There is a natural and deep-seated need for humans to experience happiness, creativity, and productivity and flow is the way to meet this need.

Whether you are a salesperson or a salespeople leader, it’s critical to understand the issue of flow further. When you gain a deeper understanding, you can not only transform sales performance of yourself and your company — but you will change the entire experience of any task you decide to undertake in your life.

Top Image Credit: fede roveda; pexels

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Business owners and managers are always looking for ways to boost productivity in the workplace. A company can’t succeed unless everyone is motivated and willing to work hard to achieve shared goals. Being hyper-critical and micromanaging your team often backfires and makes employees feel more stressed and resentful.

Instead, you should work toward creating a happy workplace, relaxed environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Happiness and productivity are known to go hand in hand. So, if you want to see revenue increase and goals met at a faster pace, don’t just look at the bottom line but also consider the attitudes and mindset of your team. Here are a few tips to help you do so.

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Give Colleagues Positive Feedback 

When a colleague does something that makes your day, be sure to let them know. Everyone loves to feel appreciated, yet far too many people neglect the simple acts of kindness that make others feel like their effort is being valued. It could be work-related or any simple gesture that helped you out. They may have offered to chip in on a project to help you meet a deadline or met their work goals for the month. Any positive action, no matter how small, should be acknowledged with positive feedback to encourage similar behavior in the future. If it’s something small, a simple thank you may suffice, but if it’s more significant, you may consider sending them a card or a modest gift. Just be sure to be specific about what they did and how it affected you.

Congratulate Colleagues on Their Wins

In addition to providing positive feedback, you should also congratulate colleagues on any wins or achievements. No one wants to feel like their hard work is going unacknowledged, especially in the workplace. So, take the time to give recognition for employee achievements – large or small. Maybe they exceeded their monthly sales goals or brought in a new client.

No matter what the victory, make sure to acknowledge it and encourage them to keep it up. A simple email may suffice, or if possible, congratulate them in person. You may even consider hosting a regular meeting to acknowledge staff accomplishments. But don’t sandwich it in between feedback and requested improvements – let the kudos stand on their own and find a different way to address improvement if necessary.

Create Shared Plans

Humans are social creatures, and we thrive when working in groups. So, make an effort to create shared plans and communicate goals and expectations. Employees can quickly become frustrated and stressed out if they feel they need a clearer sense of what is expected from them, or they can’t effectively communicate with colleagues and management. So, creating shared plans helps to ensure employees aren’t wasting time trying to figure out how to best serve the company or team. It also helps encourage teamwork and collaboration so that no one feels isolated or left out of the decision-making process.

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Encourage an Open Dialogue

Communication is essential to a happy, productive workplace, so encourage open dialogue between employees, management, and other key partners. Have regular conversations about the team’s progress and get feedback on what works well and what can be improved.

Set aside time at your regular staff meetings to answer a few questions:

• How can we help each other use time more efficiently
• What are our biggest time wasters as a group? (Email, chatting?)
• What types of breaks are essential to help us focus longer?

Keep in mind that email and conversation are essential aspects of a healthy work-social life, but too much socializing can reduce focus. Also, remember that breaks are scientifically proven to improve focus in the long run. However, you must be strategic about when and what types of breaks you employ to improve productivity and avoid creating unnecessary distractions.

When creating this open dialogue, try to center it around how the group can improve and not single out particular individuals. That will make it easier to provide constructive criticism without feeling like you’re chastising anyone in particular.

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Set Clear Goals for Productivity AND Happiness  

Finally, you should also prioritize discussing goals for productivity and happiness in the workplace. While it’s essential to set objectives related to earning or completing tasks to keep everyone on track, this shouldn’t be your only concern. Also, discuss ways you can improve the workplace’s overall happiness and comfort level by eliciting feedback from your staff.

You could set a goal of hosting one pizza party per month or regularly recognize one person in the office for their hard work. Once you realize that happiness and productivity go hand in hand, you’ll start making a consistent effort to improve the mindset and well-being of your team. Everyone will be more productive if they feel their personal source of happiness is being recognized and fed.

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Search engine optimization (SEO) is the art and science of making your website or web page stand out in the organic search results of a search engine. It helps you attract more visitors and potential customers who are looking for what you offer. 

SEO is vital for online businesses because it helps them attract more traffic, leads and customers from their target audience. But SEO is not a static or simple process. It is constantly evolving and becoming more complex as search engines use advanced technologies to provide better user experience and deliver more accurate and personalized results. 

One of the most influential technologies that are shaping the future of SEO is artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). You must be wondering: HOW is this possible? Well, let me explain…

How AI and ML are used by search engines

Search engines use AI and ML to constantly improve their search algorithms and ranking factors. These are the rules and signals that determine how relevant and useful a webpage is for a given query. Search engines also use AI and ML to provide better user experience and deliver more accurate and personalized results. They do this by understanding the user’s intent, context and behavior behind a query. Furthermore, search engines use AI and ML to enhance their search features and formats, such as featured snippets, knowledge graphs, image search, video search, etc. These are the elements that appear on the search engine results pages (SERPs) to provide quick and rich answers to user queries.

The evolution of search algorithms and ranking factors

Search engines use AI and ML to improve search results constantly. These are the rules and signals that determine how relevant and useful a webpage is for a given query.

Search algorithms have evolved from using simple keyword matching to using more sophisticated natural language processing and semantic analysis. This means that search engines can understand the meaning and intent behind a query, not just the words.

Ranking factors have also changed over time, from using basic metrics like page speed and backlinks to using more complex ones like user behavior and content quality. This means that search engines can measure how well a webpage satisfies a user’s needs, not just how well it matches a query.

Some examples of how AI and ML have influenced search algorithms and ranking factors are: Google Panda, Google Penguin, Google Hummingbird, RankBrain, BERT, etc.

The role of AI and ML in understanding user intent, context and behavior

Search engines use AI and ML to provide better user experience and deliver more accurate and personalized results. They do this by understanding the user’s intent, context and behavior behind a query.

• User intent is the goal or purpose of a query. It can be informational (seeking knowledge), navigational (seeking a specific website), transactional (seeking to buy something), or commercial (seeking to compare products or services). Search engines use AI and ML to classify queries into different types of intent and provide relevant results accordingly.
• User context is the situation or environment of a query. It can include factors like location, device, language, time, history, preferences, etc. Search engines use AI and ML to tailor results based on the user’s context and provide more relevant results accordingly.
• User behavior is the action or reaction of a user to a query or a result. It can include factors like click-through rate, dwell time, bounce rate, pogo-sticking, etc. Search engines use AI and ML to monitor and analyze user behavior and provide more useful results accordingly.

The impact of AI and ML on search features and formats

Search engines use AI and ML to enhance their search features and formats, such as featured snippets, knowledge graphs, image search, video search, etc. These are the elements that appear on the search engine results pages (SERPs) to provide quick and rich answers to user queries.

• Featured Snippet
  Featured snippets are the boxes that appear at the top of the SERPs that provide a direct answer to a user query. Search engines use AI and ML to extract relevant information from webpages and display it in a concise and structured format.
• Knowledge Graphs
  Knowledge graphs are the panels that appear on the right side of the SERPs that provide comprehensive information about a person, place, thing, or concept. Search engines use AI and ML to collect and organize data from various sources and present it in a visual and interactive way.
• Image Searc
  Image search is the feature that allows users to search for images related to a query. Search engines use AI and ML to analyze the content and context of images and provide relevant results. They also use AI and ML to enable reverse image search, which allows users to upload an image and find similar or related images.
• Video Search=
  Video search is the feature that allows users to search for videos related to a query. Search engines use AI and ML to index and rank videos based on their title, description, tags, thumbnails, captions, etc. They also use AI and ML to provide video previews, suggestions, and filters.

How AI and ML are used by SEO professionals

SEO professionals use AI and ML to optimize their websites and content for search engines and users. They use AI and ML to automate and enhance various SEO tasks, such as keyword research, content optimization, link building, technical SEO, etc. They also use various tools and platforms that leverage AI and ML to assist them with their SEO tasks.

The benefits of AI and ML for SEO tasks

SEO professionals use AI and ML to optimize their websites and content for search engines and users. They use AI and ML to automate and enhance various SEO tasks, such as:

• Keyword research: finding the best keywords to target based on user intent, search volume, competition, etc.
• Content optimization: creating and improving content that matches user intent, provides value, and follows SEO best practices.
• Link building: finding and acquiring high-quality backlinks from relevant and authoritative websites.
• Technical SEO: fixing and improving the technical aspects of a website, such as site speed, mobile-friendliness, crawlability, indexability, etc.

The tools and platforms that use AI and ML to assist SEO professionals

SEO professionals use various tools and platforms that leverage AI and ML to assist them with their SEO tasks. Some of these tools and platforms are:

• SEMrush: a comprehensive SEO platform that uses AI and ML to provide keyword research, content analysis, competitor analysis, site audit, rank tracking, backlink analysis.
• Moz: a popular SEO platform that uses AI and ML to provide keyword research, site audit, rank tracking, backlink analysis, domain authority score.
• Ahrefs: a powerful SEO platform that uses AI and ML to provide keyword research, content analysis, competitor analysis, site audit, rank tracking, backlink analysis.
• MarketMuse: a content intelligence platform that uses AI and ML to provide content strategy, content optimization, content creation, content quality score.
• Frase: a content creation platform that uses AI and ML to provide content research, content optimization, content briefs, content generation.

The best practices and tips for using AI and ML for SEO effectively and ethically

SEO professionals can use AI and ML for SEO to gain a competitive edge and improve their organic performance. However, they should also follow some best practices and tips to use AI and ML for SEO effectively and ethically, such as:

• Understand your goals and audience: Before using AI and ML for SEO, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and who you want to reach. You should also define your key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure your success.
• Choose the right tools and platforms: There are many AI and ML tools and platforms available for SEO, but not all of them are suitable for your needs. You should do your research and compare the features, benefits, costs, and reviews of different options before choosing the ones that fit your goals and budget.
• Use data wisely: Data is the fuel for AI and ML, but not all data is reliable or relevant. You should use data from trusted sources, such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, etc., and ensure that your data is accurate, complete, and up-to-date. You should also respect the privacy and security of your data and your users’ data.
• Test and optimize: AI and ML are not magic bullets that can solve all your SEO problems. You should always test and optimize your AI and ML solutions to ensure that they are working properly and delivering the desired results. You should also monitor the performance of your AI and ML solutions regularly and make adjustments as needed.
• Follow the guidelines and ethics: AI and ML are powerful technologies that can be used for good or evil. You should always follow the guidelines and ethics of search engines, such as Google’s Webmaster Guidelines, Google’s AI Principles, etc., and avoid using AI and ML for SEO in ways that are deceptive, manipulative, or harmful to users or other websites.

How AI and ML are creating new opportunities and challenges for SEO

AI and ML are not only changing the existing SEO landscape, but also creating new opportunities and challenges for SEO with emerging trends and technologies. These include natural language processing, voice search, conversational AI, and more. These trends and technologies can help SEO professionals reach new audiences, improve user experience, and increase engagement. However, they also come with implications and risks, such as data privacy, algorithm updates, and competition. SEO professionals need to be aware of these opportunities and challenges and adapt their strategies accordingly.

The emerging trends and technologies that are driven by AI and ML

AI and ML are not only changing the existing SEO landscape, but also creating new opportunities and challenges for SEO with emerging trends and technologies. Some of these trends and technologies are:

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

NLP is the ability of AI and ML to understand and generate natural language, such as text and speech. NLP can help SEO professionals create and optimize content that matches user intent, provides value, and follows SEO best practices.

Voice Search

Voice search is the ability of users to search for information using voice commands instead of typing. Voice search can help SEO professionals reach new audiences, especially mobile users, who prefer convenience and speed. Voice search also requires SEO professionals to optimize their content for conversational queries, long-tail keywords, and local SEO.

Conversational AI

Conversational AI is the ability of AI and ML to create natural and engaging conversations with users, such as chatbots and virtual assistants. Conversational AI can help SEO professionals improve user experience, increase engagement, and generate leads. Conversational AI also requires SEO professionals to optimize their content for natural language understanding, sentiment analysis, and personalization.

The implications and risks of AI and ML for SEO

AI and ML are not without their implications and risks for SEO. Some of these implications and risks are:

Data Privacy

Data privacy is the right of users to control how their personal data is collected, used, and shared by online platforms. Data privacy can affect SEO professionals who rely on data from various sources, such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, etc., to optimize their websites and content. Data privacy also requires SEO professionals to comply with data protection regulations, such as GDPR, CCPA, etc., and respect the preferences of their users.

Algorithm Updates

Algorithm updates are the changes that search engines make to their search algorithms and ranking factors to improve their search quality and user experience. Algorithm updates can affect SEO professionals who have to constantly monitor and adapt to the changes in order to maintain or improve their organic performance. Algorithm updates also require SEO professionals to follow the guidelines and ethics of search engines and avoid using black-hat or spammy techniques.

Competition

Competition is the rivalry among online platforms for attracting and retaining users. Competition can affect SEO professionals who have to compete with other websites or platforms that use AI and ML for SEO or offer similar or better products or services. Competition also requires SEO professionals to differentiate themselves from their competitors by offering unique value propositions, creating high-quality content, and building trust and authority.

The skills and strategies that SEO professionals need to adapt to the changing SEO Industry

SEO professionals need to keep up with the rapid changes and developments in AI and ML and how they affect SEO. They need to acquire new skills and strategies to stay relevant and competitive in the SEO industry. Some of these skills and strategies are:

Technical SEO Skills

Technical SEO skills are the foundation of any successful SEO strategy. They involve optimizing the technical aspects of a website, such as site speed, mobile-friendliness, crawlability, indexability, security, etc. Technical SEO skills are essential for ensuring that a website is compatible with AI and ML technologies and can perform well on search engines.

Content Creation and Optimization

Content creation and optimization skills are the core of any successful SEO strategy. They involve creating and improving content that matches user intent, provides value, and follows SEO best practices. Content creation and optimization skills are crucial for ensuring that a website can rank well on search engines and satisfy user needs.

Social media marketing: Social media marketing skills are the complement of any successful SEO strategy. They involve promoting and distributing content on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Social media marketing skills are important for ensuring that a website can reach new audiences, increase engagement, and generate traffic.

Communication and Collaboration

Communication and collaboration skills are the glue of any successful SEO strategy. They involve working effectively with other SEO professionals, developers, designers, content writers, marketers, etc. Communication and collaboration skills are vital for ensuring that a website can benefit from the collective expertise and experience of different teams and stakeholders.

Data analysis and Interpretation

Data analysis and interpretation skills are the fuel of any successful SEO strategy. They involve collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data from various sources, such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, etc. Data analysis and interpretation skills are essential for ensuring that a website can measure its performance, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and make data-driven decisions.

AI and ML Literacy

AI and ML literacy skills are the edge of any successful SEO strategy. They involve understanding the basics of AI and ML technologies and how they work, such as natural language processing, voice search, conversational AI, etc. AI and ML literacy skills are crucial for ensuring that a website can leverage the opportunities and overcome the challenges of AI and ML for SEO.

Conclusion

AI and ML are transforming SEO and creating new opportunities and challenges for SEO professionals. They are changing how search engines rank websites and how users search for information. They are also changing how SEO professionals optimize their websites and content for search engines and users. To succeed in the age of AI and ML, SEO professionals need to acquire new skills and strategies and adapt to the changing SEO industry. AI and ML are not threats to SEO, but rather tools that can help SEO professionals achieve their goals and deliver better results. The future of SEO is bright with AI and ML, and you can be part of it. Are you ready?

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The Evolution of Magento

Back in 2007, Magento was introduced by Varien Inc. The original purpose of this e-commerce platform was to be flexible and customizable. Supported by the open-source system, developers could customize the software to match specific company needs. Along with the evolution of ecommerce, business owners started looking for ways to easily adapt their e-commerce platforms accordingly, and Magento turned out to be a good option.

In 2011, eBay bought out Magento Inc., solidifying its status as a go-to provider of e-commerce services. Under eBay’s regime, Magento consistently innovated and improved its features resulting in advanced abilities that are now seamless when integrated into businesses’ systems. No wonder every entrepreneur is looking for the best Magento development services, to optimize their workflow.

The main reason why the majority of businesses choose Magento is due to its unique flexibility and adaptability. From an excellent range of design templates to various modules allowing full customizations from product catalogs down to checkout processes – using Magento can make your web store look fantastic while catering specifically to all different industry requirements keeping your customers happy whilst you keep your quality products available online with ease!

Scalability and Performance

For businesses intending to expand, their e-commerce platforms must be designed to handle higher traffic and transaction volumes. Fortunately, Magento has the capability of scaling up reliability and performance to match those needs; thus making it an ideal choice for companies in need of a stable platform. Magento’s architecture can withstand thousands of products with complex inventory management as well as concurrent user interactions without compromising speed or reliability.

With its robust infrastructure, Magento could serve businesses handling few daily orders as well as those handling thousands and ensure both provide a seamless shopping experience for customers.

Extensive Feature Set

Magento offers an extensive variety of features that can enhance the functionality of online businesses and help them survive the troughs of ecommerce. The components include advanced product management, flexible pricing options, integrated payment gateways, and multi-language support. These features equip business owners with what they need to excel in the ecommerce space on a global scale.

Additional Business specific needs are met through Magento Marketplace; therein lies further integrations and extensions that enable you to enhance your website’s functional capacity using new tools that directly benefit your company.

Advanced Marketing and Analytics Capabilities

Magento is an excellent tool for e-commerce businesses, offering advanced marketing and analytics capabilities that help them to optimize strategies. Incorporating these features can enhance customer engagement, drive sales, and provide valuable insights into customer behavior that can inform strategic decisions. Businesses that use Magento gain a wealth of information about their customers. With the platform’s outstanding analytical tools, they get reams of data to interpret which gives them a significant competitive advantage in shaping strategies.

Adapting to Changing Market Trends with Magento

In the fast-moving world of e-commerce, businesses must adapt to changing market trends if they want to stay relevant. The agile approach of Magento empowers online-based businesses to keep up with customer demand and respond to shifting market landscapes. Magento enables companies to respond quickly and efficiently to these changes.

1. Rapid Deployment of Updates and Features

Magento’s updates help keep up with emerging trends and developments in the industry. They vary from performance improvements and security upgrades to the introduction of additional features. So, investing in an update is a smart move for businesses looking to take advantage of these innovations.

2. Extensive Marketplace for Extensions and Themes

Magento ecommerce platform offers an abundant selection of themes and extensions created by third-party vendors. This extensive ecosystem empowers businesses to effortlessly incorporate new features and design elements in order to enrich their store’s functions, and considering the tips for a successful ecommerce website can allow them to take their platform to a new level. Magento helps businesses enhance their websites by introducing social media integrations, quickly implementing mobile-responsive themes, or offering innovative checkout options that cater to varied customer preferences.

3. Responsive and Mobile-First Design

Magento was one of the first e-commerce platforms to recognize this trend, offering options for responsive design and mobile-first themes so that anyone could have a great shopping experience, regardless of their device. If a business wants to succeed in such a climate, it would need to keep up with these trends by ensuring that its e-commerce business is optimized for mobile devices as well.

4. Integrations with Emerging Technologies

The Magento platform proudly provides seamless integration with futuristic technologies such as AR, VR, AI, and voice assistants. Their presence makes it possible for businesses and their consumers to interact with one another. This creates immersive shopping experiences which engage customers in unprecedented ways while also showcasing top-notch trends. You can read this article and see that digital innovation capabilities play a huge role in boosting sales.

5. Community Collaboration and Feedback

Magento thrives on the contributions of its users, developers, and agencies who share their insights and feedback toward its growth. Magento has developed a collaborative ecosystem that not only facilitates the exchange of ideas but also provides an avenue for problem-solving. This approach ensures that Magento remains agile and responsive to meet market demands.

Magento empowers businesses to stay ahead of their competitors by adopting the agile approach, allowing for innovation and adaptation to changing market trends that cater to evolving customer needs and ecommerce trends. With regular updates, significant marketplace offerings, mobile-first design strategies, and integration with emerging technologies, Magento provides flexible tools for businesses to remain adaptable in the dynamic ecommerce industry.

Conclusion

In the world of digital sales, e-commerce is a dog-eat-dog space. It always demands robust and customizable solutions to create an impressive online presence. This is where Magento comes into play. It has markedly revolutionized the industry by offering businesses powerful tools and features. They can cater to their needs while making stores highly scalable.

So, what’s really cool about the Magento ecosystem?

Magneto’s ecosystem has grown incredibly diverse over time. Additionally, Magento’s core commitment revolves around empowering businesses to take full control of their online storefronts from end-to-end which makes it one-of-a-kind in the market.

Magento provides enterprises with everything they need for creating engaging online storefronts that are responsive, mobile-ready, and fit for purpose. Today, when this shift massively happened from physical brick-and-mortar stores to mobile & desktop devices shopping-powered stores like Magneto have become crucial for retailers looking to thrive digitally.

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“Better Performance” is the best-informed priority of every organization; however, it will mean different things to different companies. Some organizations might prioritize improving productivity, while others quality of outcomes, speed to market, increasing revenue, and many more. Easy fixes are unlikely as hard constraints on funds and time persist in the real world. The impact of data analytics is often manifested by many brands to accomplish their priorities.

According to a report by Dresner Advisory Services, 64% of businesses report that data analytics has helped them improve their decision-making speed, while an HBR study reveals, data analytics can help companies to inform their decision-making 5 times faster than their competitors

The Power of Data Analytics

• A well-known Canadian bank uses data analytics to increase campaign response rates by 600%, cut customer acquisition costs by 50%, and boost campaign ROI by 100%.
• A large state university predicts whether a student will enroll in its courses or not by applying predictive models to applicant data and admissions history.
• A renowned research group at a leading hospital combined data and text analytics to improve its ability to classify and treat pediatric brain tumors.
• An airline leveraged data analytics to increase revenue and customer satisfaction, by better estimating the number of passengers who won’t show up for a flight. This helped in reducing the number of overbooked flights that require re-accommodating passengers as well as the number of vacant seats.

There are typically three types of data analytics: descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive.

• Descriptive Analytics: Descriptive analytics is the most basic form of data analysis. It describes the past and present data to uncover trends and patterns in data sets. This type of analytics is useful for businesses to understand what has happened in the past and what is happening currently.
• Predictive Analytics: Predictive analytics is a type of analytics that uses statistical algorithms and machine learning techniques to analyze past data and make predictions about future outcomes. This type of analytics can help businesses to identify trends and patterns that might not be immediately apparent from just looking at the data.
• Prescriptive Analytics: Prescriptive analytics is a type of analytics that uses machine learning algorithms to make decisions about future outcomes based on current data. This type of analytics is useful for businesses to identify potential problems before they occur and to take corrective action to prevent them from happening.

Each of these types of analytics has its own strengths and weaknesses, and businesses may choose to use one or more types depending on their specific needs and goals.

Top of Form

The Business Value

In today’s fast-paced business environment, the ability to make quick, informed decisions is critical to success. This is where data analytics comes in. Here’s how data analytics can accelerate your business decisions.

• Identify trends and patterns

One of the main advantages of data analytics is its ability to identify trends and patterns in large data sets. By analyzing historical data, businesses can identify patterns and make predictions about future trends. For example, a retailer might use data analytics to identify which products are selling the most and at what times of the year. This information can help the retailer to make informed decisions about inventory management, pricing, and marketing strategies.

For example, a retailer could use data analytics to identify which products are selling well during specific seasons or which products are most popular among certain customer segments. This information could be used to optimize inventory levels, adjust pricing strategies, and improve marketing efforts.

• Optimize operations

Data analytics can also help businesses optimize their operations. By analyzing data from different parts of the business, businesses can identify areas where they can improve efficiency and reduce costs. It can also help to identify potential risks and mitigate them before they become major issues. By analyzing data in real-time, businesses can identify patterns and trends that may indicate potential risks, allowing them to take preventative measures.

For example, a manufacturer could use data analytics to identify the root cause of production delays or quality issues. This information could be used to optimize the production process, reduce waste, and improve product quality.

• Improve customer experience

Data analytics can also be used to improve the customer experience. By analyzing customer data, businesses can identify trends and preferences, and use this information to tailor their products and services to better meet the needs of their customers. For example, a hotel might use data analytics to identify which amenities are most popular with guests and use this information to improve the guest experience.

• Make informed decisions

Perhaps the most important benefit of data analytics is its ability to help businesses make informed decisions. By providing insights into customer behavior, market trends, and operational performance, data analytics enables businesses to make data-driven decisions that are based on facts, not guesswork. This can help businesses to reduce risk and make more profitable decisions.

For example, an online retailer could use data analytics to identify which products are frequently purchased together or which products are frequently viewed by customers who have purchased a particular item. This information could be used to make informed decisions about product recommendations and marketing strategies.

• Respond to market changes quickly

Another advantage of data analytics is its ability to help businesses respond to market changes quickly. By analyzing real-time data, businesses can identify changes in customer behavior or market trends and respond quickly with new products, services, or marketing strategies. For example, a retailer might use data analytics to identify changes in customer preferences and adjust its product offerings accordingly.

• Identify new opportunities

Data analytics can also help businesses identify new opportunities. By analyzing data from different sources, businesses can identify gaps in the market or new customer segments that they can target. For example, a financial services company might use data analytics to identify new customer segments that are underserved by the market and develop new products and services to meet their needs.

For example, an e-commerce business could use data analytics to predict which products will be popular during specific seasons or which customer segments are most likely to make a purchase. This information could be used to adjust marketing efforts, optimize product offerings, and improve customer experiences.

• Improve financial performance

Finally, data analytics can help businesses improve their financial performance. By analyzing financial data, businesses can identify areas where they can reduce costs or increase revenue. For example, a manufacturing company might use data analytics to identify areas where it can improve efficiency and reduce waste, resulting in cost savings and improved profitability.

Data to Action

Some of the common applications of data analytics in various industries:

• Retail: pricing optimization, inventory management, personalized marketing, customer behavior analysis
• Finance: fraud detection, risk management, credit scoring, investment analysis, regulatory compliance
• Healthcare: patient diagnosis and treatment, medical research, population health management, resource optimization
• Manufacturing: supply chain optimization, quality control, predictive maintenance, process optimization, inventory management
• Marketing: customer segmentation, campaign optimization, sentiment analysis, social media analytics, website analytics
• Sports: player performance analysis, team strategy optimization, injury prevention, fan engagement
• Transportation: route optimization, predictive maintenance, logistics optimization, fuel consumption optimization, traffic management
• Education: student performance analysis, curriculum optimization, student retention analysis, resource optimization, online learning analytics

Certainly! While the benefits of using data analytics for business decision-making are numerous, there are also some other important aspects to consider:

Data Privacy and Security: With the increasing use of data analytics, it’s important to ensure that sensitive data is protected from unauthorized access or theft. Organizations must comply with data privacy regulations, implement robust security protocols, and ensure that the data is handled ethically.

Data Quality: The effectiveness of data analytics depends largely on the quality of data used. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that data is accurate, complete, and reliable. Organizations must have a data governance framework in place to maintain data quality.

Data Integration: Data analytics requires combining data from various sources to derive meaningful insights. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that data is integrated correctly to avoid errors or inconsistencies. Integration can be challenging due to the variety of data sources and formats.

Talent: Effective data analytics requires skilled professionals who can analyze and interpret data correctly. Organizations must invest in hiring or upskilling data analysts, data scientists, and other professionals with expertise in data analytics.

Data Visualization: Data visualization plays a critical role in conveying insights to decision-makers. It’s essential to choose the right visualizations that are easy to understand and communicate insights effectively.

Data analytics is not just for big businesses, in fact, many SMEs (especially those deep into digital processes for sales, customer interactions, or supply chain) need to manage and leverage data to fuel their sustainability and growth.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start leveraging the power of data analytics for your business.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems have become synonymous with regenerative efforts that aim to help business owners streamline their operations and assist marketers with developing more foolproof strategies to garner attention from the right target audience.

Over the last decade, and perhaps more so within the last several years, AI systems have rapidly become an implementation for businesses looking to take better advantage of newer and more advanced technologies.

Research by Gartner Inc from 2018 found that AI implementation grew 270% between 2015 and 2019. The results showed that organizations across different industries have applied a variety of AI system applications, but at the time of the research tech-talent shortages remained a major headwind for them.

Moreover, the average number of AI system capabilities used by organizations has doubled between 2018 and 2022 according to a McKinsey report on The state of AI in 2022.

The sudden boom in AI’s core-value offering comes as no surprise given the role it played during the height of the pandemic.

A separate State of AI 2020 Report by Appen indicated that around 41% of companies increased their AI strategies during the start and height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Accelerating advancements in recent years has meant that AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Natural Language Processing (NLP) have moved away from being considered a replacement for mundane and monotonous tasks.

Instead, it’s now taken a seat at the corporate table, looking to improve employee productivity and efficiency and help develop more dynamic strategies for both business owners and marketers.

Considering the outputs delivered by AI, ML, and NLP, now is perhaps the most exciting time for business owners and marketers to be part of the technological revolution, and start looking to embrace what it can do, and how it can help your business grow.

AI In The Business Sphere

There’s recently been a lot of conversations surfacing over whether AI will replace humans in the workplace.

While we already see how AI has replaced mundane tasks and activities with robo-advisors, chatbots, and even deep machine learning; there’s a better chance that this technology will help improve our performance in the workplace, rather than fully replace it, says David Stewart, founder and CEO of Guide To Europe, an online travel aggregator.

Instead of being left behind, and playing catch-up in the coming years, here’s a look at what business owners can do to make better use of AI in the workplace and develop AI strategies that can benefit the business, employees, and the bottom line.

Understand The Many Facets Of AI

AI has for years been clouded in stereotypes that reflect a traditional view of what technology is and how it will transform our human abilities in the near future.

Real-world applications of artificial intelligence are already present in our everyday lives. From the cars we drive, the smart devices we use, and even the content we interact with online or on social media – most of these systems are operated using some form of AI.

With so many uses for AI, and seeing widespread adoption thereof across multiple industries, it becomes a challenge to fully understand what AI is, how it works, and what it can do for your business.

At a minimum, it’s essential that as a business owner, you learn the basic principles of AI genetic makeup. Although these systems can become increasingly complex and hard to understand at first, it’s best to become comfortable with AI and how it can be a beneficial adoption within your business.

Get More Comfortable With AI Applications

The truth is, AI is here to stay, and it’s only going to start picking up more momentum in the coming years, as development and investment for these systems grow even faster.

As a business owner, it’s about being more flexible and open to the idea of bringing AI on board. Seeing what AI can do for your competitors and realizing that it might work in your company only further highlights how far AI has come since its inception.

Be willing to change or bring change about where needed. AI is more than a machine that reads data or analyzes information. The complexities of AI mean that businesses can see an improvement in employee productivity, engagement, and overall growth in technical applications.

Getting comfortable with AI in the workplace comes from minor things, such as using it to generate or respond to emails, automating content publication, or customer outreach surveys. Analyzing and monitoring shopping trends, or using them for customer correspondence.

These and other systems are already being applied, and although it has replaced some human activity, it’s managed to increase productivity and allow employees more time to focus on other responsibilities.

Try Out Existing Tools

Another way business owners can get comfortable with AI, in the long run, is to start experimenting with existing AI tools. Instead of overwhelming yourself, consider how these tools can help you with day-to-day activities, or perhaps improve your schedule by automating several tasks throughout the day.

As a start, you can use Otter.ai to help record meetings. This system will also help write notes and make summaries of each meeting. This ensures that all important information has been captured, stored, and sent to all the appropriate employees to review at a later stage.

Another easy-to-use application is Jasper.ai, which creates outlines for blog content including introductions, and conclusions, or generates text-based input for blogs and service pages. Although it may seem more generic than writing the articles yourself, Jasper.ai helps to capture metadata to effectively create text-based articles or blog posts on a variety of topics.

Then there is Infobip, a comprehensive chatbot that helps users build and deploy fully customized chatbots. These chatbots can help to deliver around-the-clock customer service and help minimize the need to answer or respond to customer queries. In essence, these chatbots help lower operational costs, while at the same time increasing customer engagement.

Dozens of similar AI platforms and systems can help business owners maximize their time, while at the same time improving overall productivity.

Business owners can utilize these tools more effectively in a way that lowers costs, increases productivity, and helps build more automated systems within the business.

Build Personalized Experiences

For consumers, personalization is one of the most important aspects of supporting new businesses and becoming loyal customers over time.

Research shows that roughly 80% of consumers are highly likely to support or buy from a business that offers them some sort of personalized experience.

Even more, figures from Statista revealed that about 90% of American consumers find personalized marketing efforts more appealing.

With this in mind, we get a better picture of how important customization and personalization have become in the value chain, especially considering the consumer base.

These efforts filter through to several facets of the business and are not only confined to the marketing or product aspects. These efforts should entail business operations, customer engagement, and even outreach emails.

With the use of artificial intelligence, it becomes increasingly possible for business owners to better understand their target market, and how to engage with them in a more personalized way.

AI can help gather the information or data required to build more personalized ads, marketing strategies, or social media content. This enables business owners to directly engage with their target audience without spending too much time and resources finding viable solutions to their digital problems.

To Finish Off

Artificial intelligence is more than simple digital systems that help improve the way we live and work. These systems have become increasingly complex, and ever so dynamic, bringing better and more reliable solutions to the forefront, and helping business owners realize the potential technology can have within the workplace.

There is however still a lot we need to learn and understand when it comes to AI, and for business owners who are willing to learn and adapt, to avoid getting left behind, now is perhaps the best time to become more comfortable with AI and its continuously evolving capabilities.

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Finding the right employees for the job has perhaps never been more of a headache for small to medium-business owners in the current economic climate and tight labor market conditions.

A ManpowerGroup Talent Shortage Study found that roughly 77% of employers have reported finding it difficult to fill roles, a nearly 17-year high.

What’s more, a survey by the NFIB Research Foundation of small business owners reported 44% of respondents said they currently had little to no qualified applicants for open jobs.

Yet, with inflation still high and corporate companies seemingly laying off thousands of employees each week, several workplace trends are keeping workers out of the workforce and further fueling tight labor market conditions only further hurting small businesses.

A Closer Look

The pandemic was the catalyst that completely changed the American labor market, and the effects that followed are still being felt by some.

The onset of workplace trends such as The Great Resignation, among several others, saw millions of employees quit their jobs, as many looked to improve work-life balance, better compensation, and an overall strong company culture.

In 2022 alone, more than 50 million workers left their jobs, all of them looking for something more fulfilling, swiftly changing The Great Resignation into The Great Reshuffle.

While many workers are quitting their jobs, a lot of them are getting re-hired, as indications of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce show that hiring rates have steadily outpaced quit rates since November 2020.

Several industries including leisure and hospitality; wholesale and retail trade; professional and financial activities; and durable goods manufacturing are among the sectors that have experienced persistent and ongoing labor shortages.

Businesses in these industries were among those that lost the highest number of employees at the start of the pandemic, now almost three years later, some are still struggling to fill vacant positions. The manufacturing industry still sees more than 800,000 open jobs as of January 2023, while leisure and hospitality lost around one million employees in the same month.

A closer look reveals that employees are seeking better work opportunities that can offer them more flexibility and workplace autonomy.

Though some industries have been less impacted by labor shortages, many are seeking alternative solutions for increased demand in remote and hybrid work, a workplace benefit millions of employees are looking for when changing jobs.

In a Gallop study, around 91% of U.S. workers said they hope to continue working some of their workweeks from home. The same study showed that 3 in 10 workers said they would quit or seek new employment if they are recalled to the office.

While the benefits of remote work are plentiful, both for workers and employers, recent indications show that an increasing number of companies are requesting to have their workers back in the office some or all days of the week.

Ongoing friction between what employees need to thrive in the workplace, not only having remote or hybrid working conditions, among other things, has made it harder for employers to attract and retain the right talent for open positions.

Demands from workers are often harder to meet for small and medium enterprises, even more so for younger businesses.

A lack of resources, finances, and operational experience is often seen as the root cause of these issues, yet it can take smaller organizations several months if not years to attract and retain qualified talent in a tight labor market if they’re unable to provide employees with attractive benefits.

Winning Over Top Talent

In a time where labor shortages continue to be a persisting problem for companies, especially for smaller and less established firms, and where big corporations are constantly scooping up top talent, business owners and entrepreneurs are required to be more savvy and forward-thinking than ever before.

Think More Strategic

One of the first ways for small companies to win over more qualified talent is to have more strategic planning during the hiring process. Being more flexible in what they can offer potential employees can help them be more dynamic and garner top talent for open positions.

Having a strategic blueprint will help business owners see what they can offer employees, both in terms of compensation and workplace benefits, but also whether they can provide them with suitable compensation that meets their workers’ financial needs.

Employers need to understand what the business needs and how the right people will fulfill these desired needs, both in the short and long term. From this point, employers should look at the roles they have available, and consider what the right candidate will look like and how they will be able to contribute to the overall company culture.

Understand The Need For Flexibility

Since the start of the pandemic, and perhaps sometime before that, many employees and those actively seeking employment were looking for improved flexibility in their day-to-day schedules.

The introduction of remote and hybrid work helped employers realize how much their workers valued autonomy. This ensured that although employees are working away from the office either full-time or partially, many of them remained highly productive and engaged.

Companies that have been able to provide their employees with remote and hybrid working conditions have seen a significant increase in productivity, and improved project collaboration.

After all, some research has indicated that 67% of employees who were allowed more and improved flexibility in the workplace felt a greater sense of empowerment since the start of the pandemic.

Though these conditions might not be reflected across all industries, flexibility can mean something different for every company and its staff. But in the bigger scheme of things, it shows that those companies who were more active innovators with workplace flexibility noticed a significant improvement in their employees’ overall performance and collaborative spirit.

Establish A Company Culture

One thing that smaller businesses might not have over their larger and more established counterparts is having an established company culture. The traditional understanding of company culture has over time evolved to become an important element of any business that hopes to grow and attract top talent.

Following a 2019 Glassdoor study that polled more than 5,000 workers from several developed nations, more than 77% of respondents said that company culture is one of the first considerations they think of before seeking a new job.

What’s more, the same survey found that 56% of respondents said that having a positive and inclusive workplace culture was more important than their salary.

Another facet of a strong company culture is the fact that many employees seek out jobs at organizations that align their values with their own personal values.

This would mean that smaller enterprises and startups would need to consider how their current values align with those of the talent they’re trying to attract. If they are unable to provide a positive, inclusive, and developing environment to potential candidates, employers could find it harder to meet their employment needs.

Offer Nurturing Benefit

Traditionally, some companies offer their employees benefits that include medical and life insurance; retirement plans; or paid time off. While these remain important attractions for potential employees, some employers are now looking to introduce several innovative benefit offerings to attract top talent.

For starters, some have been helping employees with childcare and child-centric benefits, which are stretched to all employees.

Research by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that America’s working parents are more stressed than ever before about their household income, financial position, and childcare responsibilities.

Even more importantly, a different study from KinderCare showed that 18% of working parents have cited childcare benefits among the top three most important reasons why they have stayed at their current employer.

Across most industries, and businesses of various sizes, childcare benefits, and support structures are becoming increasingly important for many working and soon-to-be parents.

Allowing better access to childcare services, and helping them to have improved work-life balance can eliminate barriers for small businesses that are seeking to fill vacant positions.

Not only is this helping these companies widen their hiring pools, but it’s helping employees apply for jobs that meet their requirements and work for companies that align themselves with their personal values.

Establish Groundwork For Further Development

In more recent years, studies have shown that younger employees, those categorized as Millennials and Generation Z were more determined to apply for a job or stay at their current employer if they offered them skills development opportunities.

No longer is the workplace simply an environment where employees are confined to their current level of education and knowledge, as many of them are now seeking jobs that can further grow their skills, and help them remain employable in the coming years.

One study, in particular, found that 29% of both Millennials and Gen Z workers ranked learning and development opportunities among the main reasons for staying at their current employer.

Employees that are only now starting to enter the workforce, or have done so in more recent years want to have better career advancement opportunities from their jobs.

This would mean that companies, including smaller businesses, should establish an environment where employees will be able to learn on the job, upskill themselves and further grow their current level of skills for the future of the workforce.

Create Jobs With A Sense Of Purpose

Then there is the fact that many employees are looking for jobs that are more purposeful, not just in terms of what a job can offer them, but also the difference it can make in the broader scheme of things.

Employees want to do jobs that make a difference such as helping to combat climate change or working to narrow the inequality gap between employees of different races and genders.

Workers want to see a difference in the work they do, and the companies they do it for. And as a small business, this would mean that the work you do should be meaningful, and should have a bigger purpose than simply improving the bottom line or turning a profit.

While financial growth and well-being are crucial to a company’s existence, looking further shows that many employees want to do work that is fulfilling, but will be able to make an ongoing difference in their communities and help find valuable solutions to wider issues.

The Takeaway

Finding the right talent has become harder these days, and tight labor market conditions have made it even more challenging for smaller businesses and startups to attract and retain the right pool of workers.

Smaller businesses and startups might not have the necessary resources and structures to provide qualified employees, but taking it as a learning curve and seeing how these benefits can be included will help widen the hiring pool for many.

Employees are no longer simply looking for good pay and flexibility, and this would mean that new employers will need to be more savvy and innovative if they want to build a strong, yet dynamic team of workers.

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Technology continues to catalyze transformations around the globe in every vertical. Given the momentum at which technology is evolving in these uncertain times, enterprises must plan ahead, keeping track of the trends and innovation. This applies to every technology function in businesses, including product information management.

Product information management (PIM) has advanced remarkably. It has come a long way since its early days when only large organizations could afford to invest in advanced analytics tools to boost productivity and manage product data and data syndication. According to recent research by MarketsandMarkets, the PIM market is expected to grow from $12.2B to $23.8B by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.3% during the forecast period.

The rising need to manage increasing volumes of product data owing to steady growth in e-Commerce and retail businesses has resulted in the growing adoption of advanced PIM systems. It’s fair to say that as technology continues to evolve, it will be critical for enterprises of all sizes to stay abreast with the latest PIM trends.

Here are the key PIM trends that can help product information management

• More Personalized Product Experience Management

Customers today have access to a pool of information and data that can help them make better purchasing decisions. And as they become more connected digitally, customer expectations for a personalized experience are rising—proactive service, personalized interactions, and connected experiences across digital channels.

Unlike a few years, how customers interact with products is changing, making personalization the center of customer experience. From tailoring the content customers see on a business website to providing customized product recommendations, the need for personalization has paved the way for product experience management (PXM).

Product experience management (PXM) may be a relatively new term in the business world, but it’s quickly gaining traction. PXM is the practice of using customer data to create personalized experiences for individual users. In the coming years, enterprises will delve more into PXM to provide customers with a personalized, dynamic, and targeted experience — enhancing the experience and better managing store variations of items and product descriptions.

In addition, enterprises will further enrich product information with automation, so their customers get an idea of the product, its use, and how it can benefit them. More enterprises will deploy automation across different channels and platforms that customers might use to find products, enhancing the personalization capacity.

The future PIM systems will be analytics-enabled, making it easy to centralize, manage, and distribute product information, enabling businesses to deliver compelling and satisfying product experiences.

• Intelligent PIM Will be More in Demand

Today’s consumers expect companies to provide them with product information quickly and update it in real-time. However, providing that information to customers can be challenging if the product information is locked within files, spreadsheets, and other disconnected repositories.

Cloud-based PIM systems are a great asset to businesses that seek to manage an extensive product portfolio while adhering to the latest retail and e-commerce trends. More companies will be adapting cloud-based PIM platforms — deploying intelligent solutions to make better decisions and strategies at all stages of creating and managing a product catalog. The need to migrate to intelligent cloud-based PIM will be in a rapid phase in the coming year.

Intelligent product information management is like a database

Intelligent product information management is like a database with an advanced interface that allows businesses to enrich simple descriptions with precise characteristics and images if a company connects its solution to a PIM or digital asset management (DAM) tool. Such solutions make it easier to decide what information is needed and where data is required. Then enterprises can distribute the structured data to all their eCommerce channels with the help of in-built algorithms.

At the same time, a spreadsheet could be a simple table of an unstructured or semi-structured data source. Leveraging cloud-based intelligent product information management solutions can empower businesses to improve customer experience, save time and effort, and gain better revenue. In the coming days, enterprises must deploy cloud and automation to optimize business, creating an intelligent product data ecosystem.

• Increased Demand for AI/ML in PIM Data Management

The PIM industry is wrapping its head around the idea that AI/ML will upend the legacy data management and distribution practices completely — this is a good thing. The technology has been available for decades but has only recently become affordable. Deploying AI/ML-powered PIM systems will not only allow enterprises to centralize large volumes of data but also helps improve the quality of information to make it publish-worthy across channels.

The advanced technology will be seen revolutionizing the legacy PIM paradigms by bringing in accuracy and reliability. Moreover, leveraging AI/ML will help businesses to track customers’ search patterns and journeys and collect the data. Companies will use the tech to analyze the data to understand how customers consume the product information from the different touchpoints, allowing them to improve product information for different target groups and channels.

Implementing AI/ML helps enterprises get a bigger picture of customer needs and behavior, optimizing online business visibility and various sales and marketing methods more effectively. Delivering high-quality product information to customers will remain a top priority for organizations. AI/ML-enabled PIM solutions will be crucial for enterprises to achieve better insights and a competitive edge.

The confluence of automation, AI/ML, and conversational commerce is shaping new possibilities for businesses and revolutionizing how they manage and enrich product information. These PIM trends can change how brands optimize product information and automate operations, omnichannel distribution, and brand experience.

• Next-level Data Visualization and Product Data Analytics

Data visualization is an integral element amid the efforts to become data-driven. This ability to turn raw data into clear, comprehensive insights is helping businesses exceed competition with tangible business outcomes. With the development of modern techniques for analyzing large data sets, data visualization and product data analytics have become increasingly crucial in PIM.

To make sense of the vast amount of available data, data visualization and product data analytics are essential tools for making informed decision-making. These tools are more than just charts and graphs; they are the ways to find hidden insights and the key to making better-informed decisions. Data visualization and product data analytics can help reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction and loyalty by digging for customer behavior insights and patterns.

In the years to come, enterprises will be more focused on leveraging these visualization and analytics tools to understand trends, identify opportunities, and make decisions. In a nutshell, by understanding how to use these tools, enterprises can gain insights into product data they never thought possible. A business can track product performance, understand customer behavior, and make better product development and marketing decisions.

• More Complementary to Product Data Management

The role of PIM in product data management (PDM) has been and will remain central to the business. Even though PIM and PDM are separate systems designed to manage product information, the tools and processes they use to manage product information are changing along with it. As companies are still figuring out how to make the best out of their data, they see much value in combining the two to improve their workflows and meet their business goals.

As PIM and PDM combine they will bring out new integrated systems and capabilities that will allow the two systems to be used together more efficiently while encouraging best practices that help productivity and efficiency. One major trend the PIM industry will see in the next year is a shift towards more PIM-PDM integration, fastening the product development process, leading to faster time-to-market and cost reduction.

Product information management will become more complementary to product data management, a standard capability that often is part of or incorporated into the product life cycle management (PLM) market.

• A More Comprehensive Range of Master Data Domains

eCommerce data is nuanced and complex, originating from many upstream and downstream systems and sources. However, the data amassed around products, suppliers, locations, and customers are connected. Understanding these connections unlocks incredible intelligence that can be leveraged in transformative ways.

When companies deploy a single-domain solution, they will likely sign up for added cost, resource strain, and fragmentation later. That’s because the need to scale and evolve is inevitable. In the coming years, enterprises will be implementing multi-domain approaches, giving businesses scalability with a long-term solution to manage their data and add additional domains as their needs change.

PIM will start supporting a more comprehensive range of master data domains and related use cases to expand the scope of PIM beyond the core use case of catalog management to include master data domains such as customer, vendor, and product.

Exploring and Keeping Up with the PIM Trends

Technology is rapidly evolving; by understanding the potential impact of relevant trends in PIM, businesses can create a roadmap to help achieve strategic goals. Whether an established player in the industry or a startup, enterprises can chart a course aligned with these trends to become more relevant.

In days to come, the future of PIM will be more rooted in technologies like advanced analytics, AI/ML, and big data automation, playing a significant role in predicting customer behavior and enhancing personalized experiences.

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In many organizations, security risks can arise from nearly any digital transaction and communication in today’s ultra-complex world of cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Hackers and fraudulent entities typically monitor an establishment’s business protocols and patterns and search for vulnerable avenues to target. It’s especially common for bad actors to pursue financial pathways to infiltrate a company. Financial fraud can take many forms and touch almost every department in a company. One of the more common vulnerabilities that have become significantly more prevalent in companies of all sizes is payment fraud arising from vendor impersonation.

As the threat of vendor impersonation continues to rise, and the underlying technology becomes more sophisticated, it’s important to know how to identify these vulnerabilities in your organization and take steps to mitigate them. In this article, you’ll learn about these security risks and how vendor impersonation can harm a company. You’ll also gain insight into technologies that can decrease your security risks, including financial automation tools.

What Is Vendor Impersonation?

Vendor impersonation, in the simplest terms, occurs when a fraudulent actor attempts to impersonate a company with the purpose of defrauding that company’s clients. When a bad actor impersonates a vendor, the goal is to send fraudulent emails to that vendor’s clients in an attempt to update the payment or banking information that the client has on file for paying that vendor’s invoices. As a result, when the legitimate vendor sends genuine invoices to that client in the future, the client’s payments automatically send to the fraudulent account.

In recent years, technology has become increasingly sophisticated to allow fraudulent actors to send emails from fake email addresses that look almost identical to the legitimate email addresses of the same company. In some instances, the addresses cannot be discerned from each other. Called Business Email Compromise (BEC), it developed to become highly advanced.

One highly convincing email that is seemingly sent from an impersonated vendor asking to update the direct payment information that they have on file to a new (fraudulent) account can allow a bad actor to siphon away payments on all future, legitimate invoices that the vendor sends to its client until the fraud is detected.

“While fraudulent email requests appear legitimate and harmless, one malicious email can severely damage the organization if an employee completes a fraudulent request,” said Nasser Chanda, CEO of Paymerang, one of the leading financial automation platforms that helps companies prevent and detect payment fraud.

Vendor impersonation can happen to companies of any size, scope, or specialty. But, small businesses without strong security features will likely fall victim to such threats.

How Does Vendor Impersonation Affect Business Owners?

Vendor impersonation can negatively impact business owners, regardless of their specific industry. But as mentioned, it’s more probable that small companies lacking adequate security controls and anti-fraud measures will fall prey.

Having financial processes that are solely manual for processing invoices and requests from vendors can also create a security vulnerability. Human error can never be fully mitigated by itself. This is why many companies have equipped their finance teams with automated technology. It helps reduce risks of error and detect red flags sooner.

“When the size of a company is considered, smaller businesses appear to be more susceptible to fraud because they lack the employees or resources needed to protect themselves from an attack,” Chanda explains.

How Can Your Company’s Employees End Up Victims of Fraud?

Educating an organization’s finance team on the constantly-evolving threats that exist in the cyber landscape has become a critical part of a company’s financial strategy. Learning about the most common fraud threats and vendor impersonation scenarios and how to spot red flags in emails and other communication is necessary on an ongoing basis. Additionally, it’s imperative for your employees to verify the identities of those they correspond with via email.

The Tools to Protect Your Company from Security Threats and Vendor Impersonation

Basic email security tools are often inadequate in preventing financial fraud. Phishing tools and the like are sometimes evaded by the most sophisticated BEC technology.

Adopting a financial automation platform for managing accounts payable and receivable, invoicing, and fraud detection has become an integral tool for startups and conglomerates alike.

An intrusion detection system will also help detect emails with company names similar to those of your actual vendors in the address. Make sure your staff members know to flag emails in which the “reply” address differs from the original sender’s address.

You should also have two-factor authentication protocols in place when changing vendor payment locations. Likewise, phone verification is critical when confirming requests for fund transfers.

Instruct your staff not to call the phone numbers in the email. Instead, verify vendors using their phone numbers. Essentially, your team must make a habit of reading emails carefully whenever they include any banking information updates or transfer of fund requests.

Financial automation tools can also play a major role in protecting your organization from vendor impersonation.

Can You Recover Lost Funds?

If you believe your company has fallen to a scam like vendor impersonation, make it a point to alert local law enforcement and your bank or other relevant financial institution, as well as the legitimate vendor. Keep in mind, however, that getting the money back may be difficult or impossible.

“Unfortunately, businesses may never be able to recover funds because fraudsters are often untraceable,” Chanda says. “That’s why it’s so important to remain vigilant against fraud.”

Financial Automation Can Help

Payment and invoice automation tools can help your company avoid falling for scams from vendor impersonators. Or falling for fraudulent fund transfer requests.

Financial automation tools make it possible to pay vendors quickly using a simple automated process. Your staff will become much more discerning of email requests for fund transfers. This is especially true when they know their vendors have a straightforward and secure payment automation system.

Consider implementing financial automation systems to protect your business from fraud and vendor impersonation.

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