Conquering Obstacles: Key Steps to Overcoming Common Sales Challenges in Today’s Market

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Conquering Obstacles: Key Steps to Overcoming Common Sales Challenges in Today’s Market

Sales challenges are part and parcel of doing business. Every salesperson and marketer — even the most experienced — encounters obstacles when trying to close a deal. Overcoming them is essential to driving revenue and establishing a solid foothold in your industry. Discover the sales challenges in modern companies and how to overcome them.

Sales Challenges to Look Out For

Enterprises encounter many sales challenges in their pursuit of success. Here are several key obstacles in today’s market:

• Buyers expect personalized content: A TELUS survey found 43% of customers prefer personalized interactions in the buyer journey. This is a challenge for businesses, especially those who use a one-size-fits-all approach to lead generation and nurturing. People clamor for a personalized touch in a follow-up email and deal offers. The more they connect with the product or service, the better the chances they will hit that “buy” button.
• Longer sales cycles: Long sales cycles are part of the sales process. It is a challenge every brand faces, especially those that require high initial investments. Long sales cycles require more resources, and significant time and effort from sales and marketing teams. Buyers now have more power over the sales process than ever. Many prefer to research product features, benefits and reviews on their own until they are ready to purchase.
• AI concerns: Early adoption of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and automation can be costly for many businesses. They require significant investment in tools, staff training, progress tracking and more. Enterprises that refuse to ride the wave will be left out by those who do. Of course, using AI in business has many caveats firms should also consider.
• Social selling: Social selling is making waves in the industry. LinkedIn data shows 78% of salespeople outsell their peers who do not use social media in their sales processes. Consumers are everywhere, especially on social networking sites. Sales teams can generate and nurture leads by engaging consumers directly through their mobile devices.
• Sales and marketing disconnect: Marketing and sales go hand in hand. Both departments should align to make effective campaigns, pass high-quality leads and close deals. A disconnect between the two can create many challenges for everyone in the organization. Improving sales and marketing alignment can drive growth and generate revenue for any company.

Tips on How to Overcome Business Obstacles and Close the Deal

Organizations should look at sales challenges and see opportunities for growth instead of just obstacles. Here are some tips to overcome them.

Leverage Tools

Improving sales and marketing alignment can help overcome sales challenges in one fell swoop. Companies should invest in tools to help their teams work better together. Customer relationship management (CRM) systems offer intuitive features that help boost sales and marketing collaboration and consumer engagement.

Equipping workers with the right software and information can improve their performance and ability to close deals. A good CRM can show sales and marketing teams relevant data about existing campaigns, and help them derive actionable insights. Since CRMs have communication functions and scheduling systems, they can build rapport with prospects and send personalized follow-up emails to hot leads right on time.

Prioritize Personalization

Customer preferences change quickly, especially now that they have more resources at their disposal to research relevant information about a product or service they are interested in. Personalized marketing will play a massive role in nurturing leads and closing deals, so brands should tailor their sales approach depending on the type of lead they are pursuing.

Use surveys to study behaviors and create relevant buyer personas to make personalized reminders via multiple channels. Staying close to prospective consumers while being unintrusive can help sales teams react quickly when buying signals reveal themselves. The process is largely emotional — connecting with consumers is an excellent way to make them feel seen and understood, leading to more verified sales and revenue.

Build Trust and Shorten the Sales Cycle

Consumers can be indecisive, even the interested ones. Companies that use the traditional sales funnel may need to adjust their strategies to make the buying process as frictionless as possible. Marketing teams must work harder to build authority and consumer trust by providing more valuable information through content marketing and other engaging channels. Adopting a user-centered approach to sales also makes users feel more important in their buying journey.

Long sales cycles are detrimental to any firm, so it is essential to see which interactions work and which do not. Tracking key performance indicators, user engagement, lead scores and other metrics can help businesses devise stronger strategies and shorten the sales cycle. Enterprises should also consider making more enticing deals and offering multiple price tiers for products and services that fit different consumer budgets. Highlighting these high-value offers can help get people to take action faster.

Supercharge Different Functions With AI

Early AI adoption can help brands overcome sales challenges by maximizing their augmenting capabilities. Instead of fighting against AI and other technologies, sales and marketing teams should use them to make quick work of labor-intensive tasks.

AI tools can help organizations stay on top of their lead generation and nurturing processes by identifying prospects in a sea of visitors and interested users. Marketing teams can also derive valuable insights from user analytics and behavioral patterns to create personalized recommendations and reminders. Emerging technologies are here to stay — the quicker firms realize their potential in overcoming sales challenges, the faster they can react to changing conditions.

Implement Social Selling

While selling an excellent product is a sales tactic itself, supplementing it with good social interaction and engagement can help secure leads and close deals. Consumers yearn for a human touch whenever they need to decide whether to make a purchase. Integrating social selling into sales can help catch consumers’ attention and influence positive purchase decisions.

Sales and marketing teams should leverage social networks — whether B2B or B2C — to improve brand visibility and recognition. An excellent product will sell itself, but it also helps if brilliant salespeople attract attention and pique people’s interest. Treating social media as a valuable resource can be the deciding factor between a successful product launch and lackluster sales.

Conquering Sales Challenges Drives Business Growth

Organizations must constantly adapt to the evolving business environment. Part of that means catering to people’s ever-changing needs and preferences. Any company that wants to secure its future must pour time, effort, and resources into its sales and marketing strategies to conquer obstacles and turn them into business opportunities.

Conquering Obstacles: Key Steps to Overcoming Common Sales Challenges in Today’s Market
Brian Wallace

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FTC Cracks Down On Intuit’s ‘Free’ Tax Service

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FTC Cracks Down On Intuit’s ‘Free’ Tax Service

The Federal Trade Commission has ordered Intuit to stop advertising its “free” tax service, saying the company “engaged in deceptive practices.”

Under US law, taxpayers that earn less than $69,000 per year can file their taxes free. While Intuit technically offers a free option, the company has faced ongoing accusations that it makes its free option difficult for users to find, thereby unfairly charging users who shouldn’t be paying.

The FTC has weighed in, upholding a decision by Chief Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), D. Michael Chappell “that Intuit has engaged in deceptive advertising in violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act and said that the defenses that Intuit raised lack merit.”

Under the FTC’s order, Intuit will not be allowed to market its services as “free” without significant changes to its current practices.

The Commission’s Final Order prohibits Intuit from advertising or marketing that any good or service is free unless it is free for all consumers or it discloses clearly and conspicuously and in close proximity to the “free” claim the percentage of taxpayers or consumers that qualify for the free product or service. Alternatively, if the good or service is not free for a majority of consumers, it could disclose that a majority of consumers do not qualify.

The order also requires that Intuit disclose clearly and conspicuously all the terms, conditions, and obligations that are required in order to obtain the “free” good or service. If the advertisement is space constrained and not displayed on any TurboTax website, app, email or other company owned or controlled platform, Intuit is not required to include all the terms and conditions in the advertisement itself but must disclose either that a majority of consumers do not qualify for free (if true) or the percentage that do as well as provide a link in such space-constrained online ads that details all the terms and conditions, according to the Commission order.

The order also prohibits Intuit from misrepresenting any material facts about its products or services such as the price, refund policies or consumers’ ability to claim a tax credit or deduction or to file their taxes online accurately without using TurboTax’s paid service.

FTC Cracks Down On Intuit’s ‘Free’ Tax Service
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What is Passport Verification? Complete Guide to Online Passport Verification

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What is Passport Verification? Complete Guide to Online Passport Verification

Passport verification is a critical component of the identity verification (IDV) process, utilizing an individual’s passport to confirm key details such as identity, age, or citizenship. Traditionally performed at border crossings and hotels through in-person inspection through passport reader SDK, modern organizations have embraced digital passport verification to streamline identity confirmation online.

How Does Online Passport Verification Work?

Diving deeper into the realm of online passport verification unveils a meticulous process designed to harmonize efficiency with precision. As a contemporary evolution of traditional identity confirmation, this digital methodology fuses technological prowess with the inherent security of passport documents. Here’s a closer look at the detailed steps that orchestrate the symphony of online passport verification:

1. Collect a Picture of the Passport:

In this foundational step, individuals seamlessly capture and upload a snapshot of their passport’s data page, encompassing the vital details that encapsulate their identity. The process extends to optional front and back images when deemed necessary, ensuring a comprehensive data set for scrutiny.

– Pre-processing Vigilance:

To fortify the verification process, pre-processing tools rigorously analyze the uploaded image. They meticulously scan for potential pitfalls such as glare, blur, or any subtle indicators of tampering. This preemptive measure sets the stage for a reliable examination of the passport’s authenticity.

2. Optional Selfie Verification:

Introducing an optional yet impactful layer, the selfie verification step adds an extra dimension of security. Leveraging liveness detection, individuals may be prompted to submit a photo, a series of photos, or a brief video. The ensuing comparison with the passport’s headshot serves as a dynamic deterrent against fraudulent attempts.

– Dynamic Fraud Prevention:

The comparison of submitted images to the passport’s headshot is a strategic move to thwart potential fraud. The incorporation of liveness detection elevates the verification process, ensuring a real-time and dynamic assessment of the individual’s authenticity.

3. Extract Information from the Image:

Enter the realm of digital extraction, where Optical Character Recognition (OCR), pattern recognition, or other cutting-edge methods come into play. These technological marvels meticulously decipher the nuances of the passport image, extracting a wealth of information vital for identity confirmation.

– Rich Data Extraction:

The extracted information reads like a comprehensive dossier, encompassing critical details such as name, date of birth, date of issuance, gender, address, expiration date, nationality, and the unique passport number. This trove of data forms the backbone of the subsequent verification steps.

4. Compare Extracted Data:

Harmony in data is paramount. Extracted information undergoes a meticulous comparison with details provided in the individual’s application or other pertinent documents. Mismatches are flagged, serving as vigilant indicators for potential fraud, typos, or errors in the verification process.

– Flagging Anomalies:

The comparison stage functions as a vigilant gatekeeper. Any deviations or mismatches trigger a flagging mechanism, prompting a closer inspection to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the verification process.

5. Validate the Passport:

Validation unfurls through a series of checks that scrutinize fonts, holograms, and images embedded in the passport. This multi-layered assessment seeks assurance that the uploaded image remains untarnished, fortifying the overall integrity of the passport verification.

– Safeguarding Legitimacy:

The scrutiny extends to intricate details, including fonts and holograms, fostering confidence in the legitimacy of the passport. Assurance against alterations is a pivotal facet, securing the verification against potential manipulations.

6. E-passport Verification:

Embracing cutting-edge technology, passports equipped with Near-Field Communication (NFC) chips, colloquially known as e-passports, introduce an additional layer of security. This verification modality entails a seamless interaction, holding the passport’s NFC chip in proximity to an NFC-enabled device.

– Secure Identity Unveiled:

The proximity-driven connection establishes a secure channel, facilitating the download of pertinent identity and document elements. This symbiotic interaction not only accelerates the verification process but also bolsters security through encrypted communication.

In the intricate dance of online passport verification, each step contributes to an orchestrated symphony of identity confirmation. From the initial capture of passport data to the dynamic checks of selfie verification and the fortification brought by e-passport NFC technology, this process exemplifies the fusion of technological prowess and stringent security measures. Join us as we delve deeper into the benefits and drawbacks, unraveling the nuances that define the landscape of online passport verification.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Passport Verification for Businesses

Online passport verification is a crucial element of the identity verification (IDV) process, offering a digital means to confirm key details such as identity, age, or citizenship using an individual’s passport. The traditional in-person verification process, commonly seen at border crossings and hotels, has evolved into a streamlined digital procedure for modern organizations.

Benefits:

• Alternative to Other IDs: Passport verification is valuable when customers lack other government IDs, such as driver’s licenses.
• Industry Expectations: In certain sectors like travel and hospitality, passport verification aligns with industry expectations.
• Faster and Secure E-passport Process: E-passport verification offers a faster and more secure alternative, with face verification sestem enhancing the customer experience and reducing drop-offs.

Drawbacks:

• Limited Commonality: Passports are less common than other identification documents, potentially limiting their practicality.
• Risk of Forgery: As seen in spy thrillers, passports can be forged, posing a risk even with NFC verification.
• Device Limitations: Not everyone possesses an NFC-enabled device, and users may be unfamiliar with establishing the required connection.

Key Takeaways:

• Online passport verification utilizes digital tools to streamline the confirmation of identity, age, or citizenship.
• E-passports with NFC chips provide enhanced security and a faster, scalable verification process.
• While practical in certain scenarios, passport verification may pose limitations compared to more widespread IDs like driver’s licenses.
• Organizations can tailor online verification processes, including step-up verifications, to balance security and user experience.

How Online Passport Verification Functions:

Online passport verification, an integral facet of modern identity validation processes, has transformed the paradigm of confirming critical details like identity, age, and citizenship. From capturing passport data through images to the optional yet impactful selfie verification, and delving into the realm of e-passports with near-field communication (NFC) chips, this exploration demystifies the mechanisms fueling the validation of one of the most coveted identification documents. 

1. Capture Passport Image:
   1. Users photograph and upload their passport’s data page, with the option to include front and back images as needed.
   2. Advanced pre-processing tools scrutinize the image for issues like glare, blur, or potential tampering.
2. (Selfie Verification – Optional):
   1. Employing selfie verification with liveness detection, submitted photos or videos are cross-checked with the passport’s headshot to thwart fraudulent attempts.
3. Extract Data from Image:
   1. Optical character recognition (OCR) or pattern recognition is utilized to extract essential data from the passport image.
   2. Extracted details encompass name, date of birth, date of issuance, gender, address, expiration date, nationality, and passport number.
4. Compare Extracted Information:
   1. Extracted data undergoes a meticulous comparison with the details provided in the individual’s application or other documents, with mismatches flagged for further review.
5. Passport Validation:
   1. Rigorous checks, encompassing scrutiny of fonts, holograms, and images, validate the authenticity of the passport.
   2. Measures are taken to ensure the uploaded image remains unaltered.
6. E-passport Verification:
   1. For passports equipped with near-field communication (NFC) chips (e-passports), the NFC chip is utilized for secure identity verification.
   2. Proximity of the passport’s NFC chip to an NFC-enabled device initiates a secure connection to download pertinent identity and document elements.

Conclusion:

Online passport verification provides a digital solution for identity confirmation, offering enhanced security measures and streamlined processes. While advantageous in specific scenarios, it may pose limitations compared to more widespread IDs like driver’s licenses. Organizations can tailor their online verification processes, incorporating step-up verifications, to balance security and user experience effectively.

What is Passport Verification? Complete Guide to Online Passport Verification
Brian Wallace

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Hybrid Work Has Won As CEOs Accept the Paradigm Shift

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Hybrid Work Has Won As CEOs Accept the Paradigm Shift

Hybrid work appears to have won the battle for the future of the workplace, with the majority of CEOs accepting the new normal.

In the wake of the pandemic, many employees were reluctant—or outright hostile—to the idea of returning to work full-time. While some companies have remained fully remote, many have insisted on a hybrid option, leading many employees to fear their bosses would eventually demand a full-time return to the office. According to Axios, those fears are largely unfounded.

In fact, according to the outlet, just 6 of 158 US CEOs surveyed by The Conference Board plan to push for full-time in-office work in 2024.

“The battle is over,” said Diana Scott, human capital center leader at The Conference Board. “There are so many other issues CEOs are facing.”

The conclusion appears to be echoed by other institutions.

“Remote work appears likely to be the most persistent economic legacy of the pandemic,” write Goldman Sachs economists in a recent note, according to Axios.

Hybrid Work Has Won As CEOs Accept the Paradigm Shift
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Companies to Watch In 2024

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Companies to Watch In 2024

The tech industry experienced fundamental shifts in 2023, with the rise of AI and increased tech regulation being two of the biggest trends, with 2024 poised to build on those changes.

As a result of these changes in the industry, there are several companies to watch as 2024 progresses.

OpenAI

Few companies are poised to have more impact on the tech industry, as well as countless others, as OpenAI. The company has been on the forefront of the AI revolution, developing the popular ChatGPT AI. The company had a tumultuous 2023, ousting CEO Sam Altman before bringing him back and replacing most of the board responsible for the coup.

Interestingly, one of the things that may have played a role in Altman’s initial ouster was concerns over the company’s next-gen AI model, Q* (pronounced Q-Star). Researchers were reportedly worried about the potential dangers Q* might pose.

As 2024 develops, all eyes will be on OpenAI’s innovations, both for what they can accomplish and for the potential risks they bring.

Microsoft

Microsoft has led the charge toward AI adoption, going all-in on its Copilot initiative, powered by OpenAI’s tech. The company has incorporated it in Bing and Office, as well as its enterprise software.

The company has bet big on AI’s ability to help it challenge Google’s search dominance, although initial data suggests that bet may not pay off. In fact, Bing’s market share reportedly rose less than 1% as a result of AI integration. Nonetheless, Microsoft has the talent, money, and motivation to continue trying to chip away at Google’s lead.

Yahoo

Speaking of search, Yahoo is reportedly preparing to re-enter the search market it helped pioneer in early 2024. While Yahoo inked a deal with Microsoft to power its search years ago, and lost the battle to Google years before that, the company remains one of the most popular destinations on the web. As a result, a return to its search-based roots could be more successful than some may think at first glance, especially if the company can deploy a capable product and leverage its existing 

Yahoo’s search re-entry could also be aided by increased anti-competitive regulation, regulation that could reign in Google’s dominance of the market.

Google

Few companies stand to lose more in 2024 than Google. The company is facing legal and regulatory challenges on all sides, and is currently the subject of a landmark antitrust case in the US. Everything from the company’s search dominance to its control over Android and the Play Store are regulatory targets around the world.

A point of particular interest to many regulators is the control Google has over the web: having the dominant search engine, the dominant web browser, and the dominant web advertising platform. That combination gives Google an unhealthy level of control over the future of the internet, with competitors powerless to field any meaningful challenge.

If Google loses its antitrust case in the US, it will no doubt result in significant remedies, including the possibility of breaking up the company’s various businesses.

Apple

Like Google, Apple has faced increasing criticism for its control of its ecosystem, especially the App Store. Once lauded as a revolutionary way for developers to make money, the App Store has been a growing source of contention as developers tire of paying Apple’s tax.

Various legislative efforts around the world have resulted in a weakening of Apple’s grip, but the company largely won its biggest challenge in the form of Epic Games’ lawsuit against. As a result, Apple’s dominance control remains largely intact, although any number of regulatory efforts could pose a challenge.

Simultaneously, Apple’s Vision Pro has arrived, with reports indicating the company may have sold as many as 180,000 units. The Vision Pro could well be on its way toward taking its place alongside the iMac, PowerBook, iPod, and iPhone in the long list of revolutionary products Apple has released. For the industry at large, the Vision Pro could help spur an adoption of mixed reality tech that has yet to take place, despite the efforts of Meta, Microsoft, and others.

Companies to Watch In 2024
Matt Milano

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WhatsApp Preps AirDrop Competitor

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WhatsApp Preps AirDrop Competitor

WhatsApp is preparing to launch a feature that competes with AirDrop, making it easier to share files.

WhatsApp is the world’s most popular messaging app, but it appears to be taking inspiration from Apple with the latest feature it is developing. According to WABetaInfo, the company is working to implement an AirDrop competitor.

WhatsApp is now exploring additional functionalities designed to enable users to share files with ease. Specifically, thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.2.20 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a new file sharing feature with people nearby, and it will be available in a future update of the app!

As the outlet points out, this feature should help users, providing a way to share large files quickly and easily, especially in cases where the available cellular network may not be up to the task.

The feature will debut first on Android.

Credit: WABetaInfo

WhatsApp Preps AirDrop Competitor
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JetBrains Announces RustOver, a Dedicated IDE for Rust Devs

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JetBrains Announces RustOver, a Dedicated IDE for Rust Devs

JetBrains, makers of the popular IntelliJ IDE, have announced RustOver, a new IDE aimed specifically at Rust development.

Rust is growing in popularity as a result of several key features and advantages the language provides. JetBrains already offers a plugin to enable Rust development in IntelliJ, but the company is going all-in on a dedicated IDE.

JetBrains says the new IDE will offer code completion, code generation, on-the-fly analysis and fixes, as well as smart refactoring and live templates.

RustRover allows you to write code faster by completing relevant names everywhere in your code, adding details such as missing fields, imports, or trait methods, and generating typical constructs with live templates.

While you type, RustRover applies a set of inspections to your code and suggests quick-fixes to resolve any problems automatically. RustRover offers many refactorings that work across the whole codebase.

The new IDE is available as a preview.

JetBrains Announces RustOver, a Dedicated IDE for Rust Devs
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B2B Influencer Marketing Adds Up To Nurture and Ultimately Conversion

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B2B Influencer Marketing Adds Up To Nurture and Ultimately Conversion

“We co-create content with (B2B Influencers) in concert with brand messaging,” says TopRank Marketing CEO Lee Odden. “So now instead of people just ignoring the press release we actually have storytelling happening with these different voices. You have this intersection of one or two or three or four influencers talking about this topic and those audiences intersect and cross. Your customer is hearing this credible message not only from the brand but also from people that they trust in different channels. That all adds up to yes. That all adds up to nurture and ultimately conversion.”

Lee Odden, CEO of TopRank Marketing, discusses how B2B influencer marketing can be a highly effective force in driving leads and conversions for companies. Lee was interviewed by Tim Washer at the 2019 Content Marketing World Conference & Expo:

Influencer Marketing Is Powerful Because Of Influence Itself

Influencer marketing is powerful because of influence itself, not about the people. Influence has always been a factor in being persuasive and being effective as a communicator, as a marketer, and really being able to tap into the dynamics of that. The psychology and sociology of that is something that is everlasting, it’s evergreen. While there are trends in terms of tactics that come and go, there’s this consumerization of B2B. B2C influencers are misbehaving and have fake followers, etc. and some of that’s leaking over into B2B. But I think that’ll reconcile a little bit and kind of clean itself out. In the future brands are going to be looking at influence as a really key component of their holistic marketing strategy internally and externally.

A lot of people when they think of influencer marketing they think of a Kardashian or some people think of something like Baddiewinkle, a 90-year-old woman who wears hip-hop clothes and now has her own makeup line on Sephora versus someone like Tamara McCleary interviewing an executive at Dell about the right IT infrastructure for doing edge computing. That’s really what it’s about in B2B.

B2B Influencers Actually Have To Have The Main Expertise

One of the big differences between B2B and B2C influencers is that in B2B you actually have to have the main expertise. You actually have to be knowledgeable and have a depth of that expertise in what it is that you’re influential about. It’s also important to have a network for distribution and a place to publish your content. It’s great to have a personality and that’s less common in B2B, where you have charisma. Well, lack of personality is a form of personality I suppose. 

The good thing is that we’ve figured out ways to coach folks that have that domain expertise and an active following but they’re not necessarily used to being social. We are coaching them in how to activate themselves and to pull out the best of what they have to share in a way that’s very promotable. Many of them start to open up a little bit after we show them how to do it.

B2B Influencer Marketing Adds Up To Nurture and Conversion

In the planning stages (with a client looking to promote something) we’ll look at the topics that are important around the announcement and how it affects customers and how customers will think of that news and how it’ll affect or change their lives. Those topics are then what we want to be influential about. We’ll use those keywords or topics to search our network using influencer marketing software to find who is influential around those topics, who’s publishing content, who self-identifies around that topic, and whose audience is actually activated around that topic. We find those people who have trusted voices with an active community and we invite them to collaborate on content and give their opinion about the announcement. 

We co-create content with them in concert with brand messaging. So now instead of people just ignoring the press release we actually have storytelling happening with these different voices. You have this intersection of one or two or three or four influencers talking about this topic and those audiences intersect and cross. They intersect across channels too. Your customer is hearing this credible message not only from the brand but also from people that they trust in different channels. That all adds up to yes. That all adds up to nurture and ultimately conversion.

B2B Influencer Marketing Adds Up To Nurture and Conversion – TopRank Marketing CEO Lee Odden

B2B Influencer Marketing Adds Up To Nurture and Ultimately Conversion
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Reasons Small Businesses Shouldn’t Ignore Digital Marketing

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Reasons Small Businesses Shouldn’t Ignore Digital Marketing

Most small businesses focus on getting their first customers when starting out. As such, most rely on traditional marketing methods, such as coupon mailers, outdoor advertising, and print ads, to reach out to the local audience. While these marketing methods can work for brick-and-mortar businesses, they are ineffective for businesses that need a global audience.

Fortunately, digitization has made it possible for small businesses to reach out to prospects online in the global marketplace. Businesses shouldn’t overlook the importance of digital marketing, regardless of their size. Besides learning various effective digital marketing methods, small businesses should keep tabs on digital marketing trends to remain competitive. Below are a few reasons small businesses shouldn’t overlook digital marketing strategies.

1.  Target Online Customers

Unlike before, modern shoppers begin their search for brands, products, and services online. In the current digital age, prospects expect businesses to have a strong social media presence and a website. There’s a lot that potential customers look for before reaching out to brands for business. For instance, parents might want to know how to transfer a car title from parent to child before buying car insurance.

Small businesses should leverage this opportunity to reach such customers. Your website should be mobile responsive, reflect your brand image, and have solid reviews. Most online customers start by reading reviews to learn what other customers say about your business. For instance, 87% of online customers check online reviews before reaching out to local businesses.

2.  Learn What Your Competitors are Doing

Small businesses should pay attention to their competitors for business success. Digital marketing methods can help businesses monitor and learn from their competitors. For instance, regardless of your niche, if your competitors have a better-performing web presence, you can begin by evaluating their content strategy. Do they use blogs or visual content?

Conducting thorough competitor research is the best way to learn about your competitors. Identify their preferred platforms, focus keywords, influencers, and other important pointers. Excellent tools for competitor research include:

• Ahrefs – Best for discovering competitor’s linked content
• SEMrush – Best for finding ranking keywords
• BuzzSumo – Used to track performing content types
• Moz – Keyword ranking platform
• Google Alerts – Used to track competitor mentions

You should also explore other consumer insights tools to boost your content marketing strategy.

3.  Improve Accessibility to Customers

You should strive to position your small business in front of potential customers, which is majorly the online space. As mentioned, modern customers start searching for products online. Businesses without an online presence miss many opportunities and cannot compete equally, especially if competitors have a strong online presence.

Small businesses should leverage digital marketing to position their brands in front of prospects. Besides creating a strong website, digital marketers should learn search engine optimization to outrank competitors on Google searches. Keywords (both long and short tail) are important, and you should understand how to use them to rank your website.

An online presence creates an environment where customers can reach out day and night. Prospects and customers can send emails, schedule appointments, and purchase products or services anytime. You can also visit WebmastersHall to learn more about improving your digital marketing efforts for enhanced accessibility to customers.

Endnote

Digital marketing is beneficial to small businesses in many ways. Unlike other marketing strategies, digital marketing is affordable, making it suitable for small businesses with limited marketing budgets. Businesses that haven’t ventured into the digital space miss a lot of customers and business opportunities.

Reasons Small Businesses Shouldn’t Ignore Digital Marketing
Brian Wallace

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Implementing AI in Healthcare: Cost & Benefits

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Implementing AI in Healthcare: Cost & Benefits

In an era marked by technological innovations, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as a game-changing technology, particularly in the field of healthcare. AI in the healthcare market is growing exponentially, increasing at a CAGR of 37% from 2022 to 2030. According to Statista, AI in the healthcare market was valued at $11 billion in 2021 and is expected to hit $187 billion by 2030.

This massive growth in AI adoption indicates that the technology is remarkably transforming the way how hospitals, medical providers, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare software development company, and others in the industry perform their day-to-day operations.

The potential of AI in healthcare is enormous, ranging from increased efficiency, better decision-making, time-saving, cost deduction, streamlined medical records, and automated operations to minimal strain on overworked healthcare staff. Furthermore, the importance of AI can be seen in the form of improved patient care, faster drug development processes, virtual nursing assistants, efficient diagnosis, and so on. Undeniably, AI in healthcare is redefining the entire industry. 

This article is a comprehensive guide on the cost and benefits of leveraging AI in healthcare. Let’s dive in.

Benefits of AI in Healthcare

AI is rapidly reshaping the healthcare landscape, offering many benefits that span across the sector and redefining every aspect of the medical world. Let’s delve into the various advantages that AI brings to the healthcare industry.

Early Detection of Diseases

AI excels in analyzing vast datasets, enabling early detection of potential health issues. For instance, machine learning (ML) algorithms can detect subtle patterns and anomalies in medical images, allowing for the early diagnosis of fatal conditions like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders.

Precision Medicine

AI facilitates the development of personalized treatment plans by analyzing individual patient data, including genetic information, medical history, etc. This tailored approach ensures that treatments are specifically designed to suit the unique demand of each patient, maximizing efficacy and minimizing side effects.

Remote Patient Monitoring

AI analyzes patient data to identify the most effective treatment options based on individual characteristics. AI-powered devices enable continuous monitoring of patients outside traditional healthcare settings. This is particularly beneficial for identifying medical issues at early stages and managing chronic conditions efficiently. AI-powered sensors and gadgets provide healthcare providers with real-time patient data, allowing for timely interventions and adjustments to treatment plans.

Streamlined Administrative Tasks

One of the key benefits of AI in healthcare is automating repetitive and mundane administrative processes, such as data entry, billing, and record-keeping. Furthermore, AI-driven systems can automate appointment scheduling, considering various factors such as physician availability, patient preferences, and the urgency of medical conditions. This results in improved patient satisfaction and efficient use of healthcare resources. Also, this reduces the burden on healthcare staff and minimizes the risk of human errors.

Cost Savings

By automating administrative tasks, AI helps healthcare institutions cut down on labor costs associated with manual paperwork, data entry, and other routine activities. Also, as AI contributes to preventive healthcare by analyzing patient data to identify potential health risks, this proactive approach allows for early intervention. Thus, AI reduces the need for expensive treatments associated with advanced-stage diseases.

Accelerated Drug Discovery and Development

AI expedites the drug discovery process by rapidly analyzing vast datasets, identifying potential drug candidates, and predicting their efficacy. This accelerates the discovery of new treatment plans, paving the way for the development of targeted therapies. This personalized approach is a game-changer for patients with chronic conditions that have traditionally been challenging to treat.

Virtual Nursing Assistants

AI virtual nurse assistants, such as AI-driven chatbots, applications, or other interfaces, provide continuous monitoring of patients, offering real-time updates on vital signs and potential emergencies. They serve as valuable support in addressing medication-related inquiries, sending reports to medical professionals, and ensuring a prompt response to changes in a patient’s condition.

In addition to monitoring, virtual nursing assistants deliver personalized health information to patients, enhancing their understanding of medical conditions, treatment plans, and lifestyle modifications. This contributes to better patient engagement and adherence to healthcare recommendations.

Cost of Implementing AI in Healthcare

While AI in healthcare offers multifarious advantages, its successful implementation involves significant investment. This encompasses various factors, including initial setup, the complexity of the project, app/software development, security measures, location of the artificial intelligence development company, ongoing maintenance, and so on.

While developing AI healthcare solutions is a one-time investment, ensuring its uninterrupted performance is an ongoing expense. Ongoing expenses include regular updates, cybersecurity measures, compliance with healthcare regulations, and continuous staff training to keep up with evolving AI technologies.

On average, the cost of implementing AI in healthcare ranges between $30,000 to $200,000 or more, depending on your unique project requirements. To get a more precise estimate of cost and timeline, you can connect with a reputed healthcare software development company.

Final Thoughts

The benefits of implementing AI in healthcare are far-reaching, encompassing improvements in diagnostic accuracy, operational efficiency, patient care, and beyond. As technology continues to advance, AI will redefine the future of industry, making it more personalized, efficient, and accessible for all.

Implementing AI in Healthcare: Cost & Benefits
Brian Wallace

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Supply Chain by Amazon Provides Sellers End-to-End Supply Chain Services

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Supply Chain by Amazon Provides Sellers End-to-End Supply Chain Services

Amazon has expanded its seller offerings, introducing Supply Chain by Amazon to provide end-to-end supply chain services.

Amazon has been increasing the amount of services it provides sellers, greatly simplifying the logistics involved in running an online store. The company’s newest expansion of services is one of its biggest yet and will help sellers ship faster at lower costs:

Sellers can now benefit from Amazon’s advanced logistics, warehousing, distribution, fulfillment, and transportation capabilities to keep products in stock, ship faster and more reliably, and significantly lower costs.

The company says Supply Chain by Amazon will help sellers focus on what they do best while leaving the logistics to Amazon:

With Supply Chain by Amazon, Amazon will pick up inventory from manufacturing facilities around the world, ship it across borders, handle customs clearance and ground transportation, store inventory in bulk, manage replenishment across Amazon and other sales channels, and deliver directly to customers—all without sellers having to worry about managing their supply chain. The new solution allows sellers to spend more time building great products, delighting customers, and growing their business, while Amazon handles the logistics, improves delivery speed, and reduces costs for sellers.

In combination with Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), the service will allow sellers to rely on Amazon for inventory replenishment:

In addition to the cost savings through AWD, sellers will now have the opportunity to leverage Amazon’s advanced machine learning and supply chain optimization capabilities to automatically replenish inventory into the optimal Amazon fulfillment centers. This better supports expected customer demand, and allows sellers to benefit from even faster speeds from FBA and deliver customer orders for off-Amazon channels through Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF). Placing sellers’ products in the right quantities at the right locations to meet customer demand increases the potential for Same-Day Delivery and Next-Day Delivery speeds, which in turn drives an average 15% increase in FBA unit sales.

Sellers can learn more on the Supply Chain by Amazon page.

Supply Chain by Amazon Provides Sellers End-to-End Supply Chain Services
Matt Milano

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Flexport Lays Off 20% of Staff Following CEO Purge

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Flexport Lays Off 20% of Staff Following CEO Purge

Flexport is laying off 20% of its staff just weeks after its CEO left and the company purged his hires.

Flexport is a supply chain startup that had hired 23-year Amazon veteran Dave Clark as its CEO. After barely more than a year on the job, Clark resigned, citing differences with founder Ryan Petersen. Petersen took over as CEO following Clark’s departure, and immediately began firing executives Clark had hired and rescinding existing job offers.

The company is now laying off some 20% of its staff. Petersen sent an open email to employees Thursday to announce the layoffs were coming, although staff would have to wait till Friday to know exactly who was impacted.

“Today I have a difficult decision to share: We will reduce the size of our global team by approximately 20% with the process starting tomorrow, Friday, October 13,” Petersen wrote.

Petersen emphasized the company’s strong position moving forward, saying the move would help it return to profitability.

“With more than $1 billion in net cash, following this change, Flexport is now in a great position to take advantage of the opportunities in front of us to return to profitability as soon as the end of next year,” Petersen added. “I’ve spoken to more than 100 of our top customers in my first month back as CEO, and hope to talk to hundreds more in the months to come. It’s clear that our customers want us to be a profitable company they can rely on to solve important problems in their supply chain.

“With today’s change, we’ll be able to get back to profitability without raising prices or placing our fortress balance sheet at risk. Instead, our path to profitability runs through delivering outstanding global logistics and technology solutions that solve customer problems. We will continue to relentlessly focus on the quality of our services as measured by on-time execution, quote to invoice accuracy, shipment milestone accuracy, direct customer feedback and net promoter scores.”

Flexport Lays Off 20% of Staff Following CEO Purge
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Driving Innovation: How A1 Auto Transport is Revolutionizing the Auto Shipping Industry with Cutting-Edge Technology

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Driving Innovation: How A1 Auto Transport is Revolutionizing the Auto Shipping Industry with Cutting-Edge Technology

A1 Auto Transport stands as a testament to how technological innovation can propel an industry into a new era of efficiency and customer satisfaction. The auto shipping industry, historically laden with logistical complexities and customer anxieties, is being revolutionized by A1 through the adoption of cutting-edge technology. This transformation is not just enhancing operational effectiveness; it’s redefining the very contours of the auto transportation service landscape.

The car transportation services industry is constantly changing.

Innovation 

Central to A1’s innovative streak is the integration of advanced GPS tracking systems. Such technology ensures that customers can monitor their vehicle’s journey with real-time updates. This transparency alleviates the stress of uncertainty that car owners often feel when their vehicles are in transit. GPS technology, moreover, assists A1 in optimizing routes. By analyzing traffic patterns and road conditions, A1 can adjust the routes in real-time, ensuring that vehicles are delivered efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and improving delivery times.

Furthermore, A1 Auto Transport has embraced the power of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline their operations. AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of data to predict fluctuations in demand and identify the most cost-effective transport solutions. This predictive analysis enables A1 to mobilize its fleet more effectively, ensuring that trucks are fully utilized, reducing the number of empty miles driven, and consequently minimizing the carbon footprint of each transport.

Pioneering spirit 

The company’s pioneering spirit is also reflected in its customer service approach. Utilizing chatbots and AI-driven customer service platforms, A1 offers 24/7 assistance, ensuring that customers have access to information and support whenever needed. These platforms can handle a multitude of customer inquiries simultaneously, from providing quotes to addressing post-service feedback, thereby significantly enhancing customer experience.

The use of blockchain technology for transaction management and documentation has set A1 apart as well. This innovative step guarantees the integrity of the transaction records, making the entire process from booking to delivery seamless, secure, and transparent. Blockchain’s immutable ledger means that all parties can trust in the accuracy of the records and histories of the transported vehicles.

A1’s commitment to innovation is also seen in its approach to fleet maintenance. With the implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors on their carriers, A1 can monitor the health of their fleet in real-time. This proactive maintenance can predict when a vehicle may need service before a breakdown occurs, ensuring reliability and avoiding delays.

Moreover, A1 has not ignored the shift towards sustainability. The company is at the forefront of incorporating electric and hybrid vehicles into its fleet. This move not only prepares A1 for an inevitable future where such vehicles will dominate the market but also signals to consumers and industry peers alike their commitment to eco-friendly business practices.

Conclusion 

A1’s innovative approach demonstrates a visionary understanding of the symbiosis between technology and customer service. Their pioneering use of GPS tracking, AI, automation, blockchain, IoT, and green technology is more than a mere business strategy; it’s a comprehensive transformation of the auto shipping paradigm. It is these strides in innovation that promise to keep A1 Auto Transport at the vanguard of the industry, delivering not just vehicles, but trust, reliability, and unparalleled service excellence.

Driving Innovation: How A1 Auto Transport is Revolutionizing the Auto Shipping Industry with Cutting-Edge Technology
Brian Wallace

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Linux Distro Reviews: LMDE

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Linux Distro Reviews: LMDE

LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edition) is a backup distro maintained by the Linux Mint team, offering a similar experience as mainline Linux Mint, but with some notable differences. How does it stack up to the mainline edition and should you use it?

What Is LMDE?

As the name suggests, LMDE is Linux Mint based on Debian instead of Ubuntu. Mainline Linux Mint is one of the most popular Ubuntu-based distros, which we reviewed here. The Mint team goes to great lengths to mitigate some of Ubunut’s more controversial decisions, such as removing snaps in favor of flatpaks. Mint also defaults to the project’s own Cinnamon desktop environment (DE), which is often praised as one of the easiest DEs for Windows users to switch to. Ultimately, Mint manages to build on Ubuntu’s ease of use and surpass it in many areas.

If mainline Mint is so successful, why create an alternative version of Mint that is based on Debian, the same distro that Ubuntu is based on? In short, LMDE is an insurance policy for the Mint team in the event that something happens to Ubuntu or, more likely, if Ubuntu becomes too difficult to work with.

Canonical’s (Ubuntu’s parent company) continued embrace of snaps could eventually be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Firefox and Chromium are already only available in the Ubuntu App Center as snaps, meaning the Linux Mint team has to bundle a non-snap version of both apps. With the upcoming Ubuntu 24.04 release, Canonical is taking snaps further with plans to ship the CUPS printing service as a snap rather than a DEB package. As a result, the Mint team will need to package the DEB version of CUPS themselves, like they do with Firefox and Chromium.

Eventually, many believe Ubuntu’s move to snaps will make it prohibitive to continue using it as a base for mainline Mint. Project lead Clément (Clem) Lefèbvre hinted at the possibility in a recent blog post:

Last but not least we’re keeping an eye on Ubuntu, their increased focus on Snap, the quality of their 24.04 package base and what this means for us going forward.

In one of the replies to the post announcing the release of LMDE 6 (the latest version at the time of writing), Clem made clear that the team wants to continue using Ubuntu as a base as long as possible, thanks to the many advantages and features it brings to the table:

I’ve nothing bad to say about 22.04. I hope Ubuntu continues to be as good going forward and doesn’t neglect its APT package base. If we don’t have a reason to transition we won’t. Ubuntu is still the best APT package base out there in our opinion. LMDE is there as a potential solution, but it is not a goal in itself.

Only time will tell if Ubuntu remains a suitable base for mainline Mint, or if Canonical’s actions will force the team to abandon it in favor of making LMDE the mainline option.

LMDE Advantages

Although LMDE may be a backup option, the distro still comes with its own advantages.

• Speed. LMDE is generally considered to be slightly faster than mainline Mint thanks to the Debian base. The latest version is based on Debian 12 “Bookworm,” and benefits from that distro’s optimizations. Debian generally has fewer processes running in the background than Ubuntu, resulting in a slightly leaner distro.
• Cleaner. This advantage is somewhat ambiguous, but LMDE is a bit “cleaner” than mainline Mint, in terms of being free of Ubuntu. Just because the Mint team undoes some of the most controversial Ubuntu decisions doesn’t mean they are able to undo all of them. For example, if you try to install the MS Core Fonts on mainline Mint, Ubuntu has made its ubuntu-advantage-tools and other Ubuntu-specific packages a hard dependency, despite their having nothing to do with fonts. In contrast, LMDE simply installs the Microsoft Core Fonts without any unnecessary dependencies.
• Fewer Major Point Updates. Each major release of Linux Mint is updated every six months. For example, Linux Mint 21.3 is in the process of being released at the time of writing, the third major update to the Linux Mint 21 release. In contrast, there are no major point releases to LMDE. LMDE 6 was released at the end of September 2023, and it will remain LMDE 6 until LMDE 7 is released roughly two years later. That does not mean, however, that LMDE does not receive new features along with mainline Linux Mint (see below).
• Updated Cinnamon DE and Apps. While LMDE may not receive point release updates like mainline Mint, that doesn’t mean it stagnates for two years. Whenever there is a point release update to mainline Mint, the team ports those changes over to LMDE as well. For example, Mint 21.3 includes the all-new Cinnamon 6.0 with experimental Wayland support and updates to the X-Apps, the project’s in-house apps that it develops and maintains. LMDE 6 will receive those updates, bringing its front-end current with the latest mainline Mint. 
• Debian Stability. Debian is renowned for its stability, often being described as one of the most stable and reliable Linux distros available. While Ubuntu has come a long way toward rivaling Debian’s stability, it’s hard to argue that Debian still has an edge. LMDE benefits from this.
• A Community Distro. Linux Mint is already a community-driven distro, as opposed to a corporate-backed one. In the case of mainline Linux Mint, however, it is based on a corporate-driven distro in the form of Ubuntu. LMDE, on the other hand, is a community-driven distro that is based on one of the most respected community-driven distros in existence. This can be a major factor for users who prefer community-driven projects over corporate-backed ones.

LMDE Disadvantages

Despite its advantages, LMDE does have some disadvantages.

• No Device Manager or Kernel Tool. One of the things mainline Mint is known for is its Driver Manager and kernel tools, GUI tools that allow the user to easily install proprietary Nvidia drivers and manage Linux kernels. Neither of these tools is available for LMDE, making it a bit more difficult to manage these aspects, especially for newer users.
• Debian Base Can Become Stale. At the time of writing, LMDE’s Debian 12 Bookworm base is newer than the Ubuntu 22.04 LTS base of mainline Mint. As a result, many of the applications in the repos are newer for LMDE than mainline Mint. Once Linux Mint 22 comes out, based on Ubuntu 24.04, the situation will be reversed. What’s more, Ubuntu routinely updates the kernel, Mesa graphics drivers, and many popular apps every six months or so, while Debian does not. As a result, toward the end of its two-year life cycle, a Debian-based distro can feel a bit long in the tooth.
• Cinnamon Is The Only Preinstalled DE. Unlike Linux Mint, which is offered with Cinnamon, Xfce, or Mate as the DE, LMDE only comes with Cinnamon. Of course, a user is free to install whatever DE they want, but if a user wants Xfce or Mate, there is an extra complication that is not present with mainline Mint.
• Notification Bug. One unusual bug in the current version of LMDE is that notifications do not respect the “Don’t show this message again” option. As a result, connecting to a WiFi network will always show a notification, regardless of how many times you ask it not to.

LMDE Misconceptions

One common misconception regarding LMDE is that it falls behind the version of Debian it is based on. For example, much like mainline Mint, Debian will release point upgrades to a major release. At the time of writing, Debian is currently on version 12.4, while LMDE is still just LMDE 6.

It’s important to note, however, that this does not mean LMDE is falling behind. The 12.4 Debian version refers mainly to the ISO images that are built for people to download. Rather than make people download 12.0 and then download a bunch of updates to bring it current, Debian’s maintainers occasionally rebuild their ISOs with all the latest updates included. These updated ISOs are the 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, and 12.4 releases.

In contrast, LMDE does not build new ISOs until the next major release of the distro, built on the next major release of Debian. So when a user downloads LMDE 6, they are essentially downloading Debian 12.0. Upon running the first update, however, they will bring their system current with the very latest Debian, in this case, 12.4 as of the time of writing.

Another misconception is that LMDE becomes stale just because it’s based on Debian. Like mainline Mint, LMDE includes Flatpak support by default. Between the Mint team regularly updating Cinnamon and the X-Apps, and Flatpak being available for most other apps, it’s entirely possible to have a rolling or semi-rolling front-end on top of the incredibly stable Debian backend.

Who Should Use LMDE?

LMDE is an excellent option for anyone who values stability, reliability, ease of use, and a community-driven experience. It’s especially ideal for anyone who appreciates mainline Linux Mint but would prefer to have an Ubuntu-free experience.

The distro is also good for Debian and Cinnamon fans who want a pre-configured Debian with the latest and greatest Cinnamon experience. A user could easily install Debian and choose Cinnamon as the DE, but the version of Cinnamon that comes with Debian will be whatever version was available at the time of that major Debian release, and it will remain that version until the next major release. In contrast, each version of LMDE will continue to receive updates to Cinnamon throughout its life cycle.

LMDE also smooths out some of Debian’s rough edges. Debian is a wonderful distro, but can sometimes be challenging for the newest of users. LMDE benefits from the same ease of use that Linux Mint has always been known for and smooths out some of those issues.

How I Use LMDE

Since reviewing Linux Mint last year, the distro has become my daily driver, although there were some things pertaining to the Ubuntu base that I was unhappy about. As a result, when LMDE 6 was released I switched over to it and have not looked back. I now run the distro on both of my machines and can’t imagine using something else.

I have extensively used openSUSE Tumbleweed, Fedora, Manjaro, KDE Neon, Pop!_OS, and Tuxedo OS, but LMDE offers a unique blend of a solid Debian base with the ease of use that comes with Cinnamon and the other tools the Linux Mint team provide.

With very few exceptions, I try to install flatpaks where possible, ensuring that my DE and apps are updated on a regular basis, while still benefiting from Debian’s stability. I have found this to be an incredible combination for writing, development, gaming, and general computing.

In short, LMDE has supplanted mainline Mint as my favorite Linux distro, and I foresee using it for many years to come.

Rating

5 out of 5 stars.

Download

https://linuxmint.com/download_lmde.php

Linux Distro Reviews: LMDE
Matt Milano

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Venerable Mac Text Editor BBEdit Adds ChatGPT Support

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Venerable Mac Text Editor BBEdit Adds ChatGPT Support

BBEdit, the venerable Mac text editor that has defined the category for over 30 years, has added ChatGPT support in the latest version.

The company released version 15, adding a number of new features. One of the biggest is full ChatGPT support:

BBEdit 15’s joins BBEdit’s unique “worksheet” interface to ChatGPT, so that you can have conversations with ChatGPT right in BBEdit itself — no application switching or awkward copy/paste from a web browser. Each chat worksheet that you create maintains its own history, so that you can easily refer back to past conversations, or keep a conversation going across an extended period of time.

In addition to ChatGPT, the new version includes a new Minimap:

A new Minimap palette shows a high-level overview of the active text document. This facilitates visualization of the document’s overall structure, as well as navigation within larger documents.

Version 15 also includes expandable “cheat sheets”:

Building on the concept of the Grep Cheat Sheet used in its Find windows, BBEdit 15 introduces the ability to create and use your own Cheat Sheets, which are functional references for text markup and editing. Included are cheat sheets for basic Markdown syntax and for BBEdit’s clippings placeholders.

The new version includes a slew of other improvements and bug fixes, as new versions of BBEdit usually do. Learn more here.

Venerable Mac Text Editor BBEdit Adds ChatGPT Support
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The Next Decade Of Edtech: What We Can Expect To See From The Booming Industry In The Coming 10 Years

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The Next Decade Of Edtech: What We Can Expect To See From The Booming Industry In The Coming 10 Years

While broader economic challenges continue to put a damper on the wider information technology industry, following a series of unprecedented layoffs, lower-than-expected earnings, and overall slower investment deals – many remain hopeful that the education technology sector (ed-tech) could rise to prominence on the back of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart classroom capabilities. 

With many positives over the potential of an edtech boom in the near future, others are more concerned over the sharp decrease in funding the sector has received from venture capital deals throughout last year, and during the first quarter of the year. 

Venture capital investors poured roughly $4.2 billion into U.S.-based ed-tech companies in 2022. However, this marked a nearly 50 percent decline from the year before, with more than $8.3 billion invested in 2021. 

Even more worrisome is the roughly $2.2 billion secured during the first quarter of the year, a far cry from analysts’ expectations. 

The sharp decline marks the beginning of what many claim to be K-12 schools tightening their purse strings amid economic difficulties, taking up less interest in advanced and smart classroom products. 

As it stands, it seems funding might be steadily drying up for tech companies, prompting many to consider the potential future of the industry, and whether these companies could come back with the same prowess as what they entered the decade with back in 2020. 

What is the future of ed-tech?

On a linear scale, it’s hard to determine how the ed-tech industry will unfold in the coming years. However, the advancement, and seemingly rapid development of commercial generative AI tools could potentially be a stronghold for the industry, allowing startups and entrepreneurs to ride out challenging conditions. 

Personalized Learning Experiences 

A development that could help reshape the way educators teach and operate their classrooms is the advancement of personalized learning. The use of AI-backed software tools and Machine Learning (ML) could allow educators to create more personalized, or one-on-one experiences for students. 

The development of these tools could seemingly be integrated with other digital capabilities such as virtual reality (VR), whereby educators can now develop plans and learning sessions based on student’s needs, and abilities, and find more adequate solutions, rather than using generalized methods and strategies. 

Integrated Systems 

There’s a good chance that ed-tech tools will become more integrated with existing digital infrastructure, allowing schools and educators to utilize advanced software capabilities more frequently within the classroom setting. 

We could see more ed-tech-based tools being used with ordinary tools, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. This could lead to some advanced tools becoming more accessible to a bigger number of schools and systems. 

Instead of seeing a minority of advanced, and more affluent schools having access to basic ed-tech software and infrastructure, new teaching models can now be shared among an array of classrooms, regardless of financial and economic implications. 

Neuroscience and Cognitive Processes 

Researchers within the tech and educational fields are continuously uncovering more understanding of the neuroscientific properties, and how cognitive development could be integrated within the advancement of edtech tools.

While there is still a lot to learn, advancements in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are further increasing the understanding of how ed-tech-based tools can be used to enhance the learning outcomes of students. 

Measuring brain activity, and collecting cognitive data processes would help researchers form more fundamental educational tools that are designed for student-specific uses, and would further optimize in-person and virtual learning experiences. 

Virtual Learning 

During the onset of the pandemic, classrooms and lecture halls moved into the virtual learning ecosystem, prompting both educators and students to become more accustomed to what could potentially be the future of teaching and learning. 

However, since then, the majority of educational activities have resumed as normal, relying on antiquated structures. 

The coming years would potentially be a breakthrough period for virtual classrooms. Instead of relying on traditional methods, which see students participating in person, eLearning and derivatives could help educators reach remote learners, further making learning opportunities more accessible to a larger majority of the global population. 

Not only will classrooms become more advanced, and tech-based, but higher research and academic institutions will see greater improvements in the sharing of resources among students, even outside of their proximity. 

There are still big opportunities within the eLearning ecosystem, and further developments would help make education, and basic learning materials more democratized for a bigger share of the disproportionately displaced population. 

Growing Competition

As with any industry that still poses a tremendous amount of opportunities, growing demand could affect the landscape undergoing a dynamic shift in the number of new companies and startups all competing to develop the next big thing in ed-tech. 

A sense of competition among companies could further drive accessibility, and furthermore, affordability to the forefront of the argument. Allowing more educators, students, and schools to have access to the best ed-tech-based tools. 

Whichever way the pendulum may swing, ed-tech still has an encouraging future, even as the industry experiences a decline in available funding and investment opportunities. 

While there may be a decline in interest coming from both public and private investors, growing demand, not only from K-12 schools and institutions could help push ed-tech into the next frontier of education and help revolutionize the way we understand, teach, and interact with students in the classroom.

The Next Decade Of Edtech: What We Can Expect To See From The Booming Industry In The Coming 10 Years
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Exploring the Latest Trends in Custom Software Development

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Exploring the Latest Trends in Custom Software Development

The landscape of software technology in 2023 is a vibrant and evolving space, marked by several key trends that are shaping the industry. 

While the United States remains the chief world leader in this field, there are signs that both China and India may soon overtake Uncle Sam in this strategic area. Both countries are sending thousands of students abroad to learn the latest developments in software. And then having them return home to bolster national research and development.

Custom software development, which ranges from advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning to the growing importance of cybersecurity, are not just influencing how software is developed and deployed, but also how it’s integrating into every aspect of our lives.

The overview

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI and ML continue to be at the forefront of software technology trends. In 2023, we are seeing these technologies becoming more sophisticated, with increased capabilities in natural language processing, predictive analytics, and automated decision-making. AI is being integrated into a variety of applications, from customer service chatbots to advanced data analytics tools, making processes more efficient and offering new insights.

2. Increased Focus on Cybersecurity: As the digital landscape expands, so does the need for robust cybersecurity measures. In 2023, there’s a heightened emphasis on developing software that’s secure by design. This includes the integration of advanced encryption techniques, regular security updates, and the use of AI for threat detection. Companies are also focusing on educating their employees about cybersecurity to mitigate risks.

3. Cloud Computing and Edge Computing: Cloud computing continues to dominate, but there’s a growing trend towards edge computing. Edge computing involves processing data closer to where it’s generated rather than in a centralized data-processing warehouse, which reduces latency and improves speed. This is particularly important for IoT devices and applications that require real-time processing.

4. The Rise of Quantum Computing: Quantum computing, although still in its nascent stages, is starting to make more substantial strides in 2023. With its potential to process vast amounts of data at unprecedented speeds, it promises to revolutionize areas such as cryptography, materials science, and complex system modeling.

5. Sustainable and Green Software Development: With increasing awareness of environmental issues, there’s a growing trend in developing sustainable and green software. This involves optimizing software for energy efficiency, reducing resource consumption, and considering the environmental impact of development and deployment processes.

6. The Expansion of Blockchain Technology: Beyond cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology is finding applications in various sectors including finance, supply chain management, and healthcare. Its ability to offer secure, transparent, and tamper-proof record-keeping is being leveraged to improve processes and create new business models.

The results 

7. Remote Work and Collaboration Tools: The shift to remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to influence software development in 2023. There’s an increasing demand for collaboration tools that facilitate efficient remote work, including project management software, real-time communication platforms, and virtual workspace solutions.

8. Increased Use of Low-Code and No-Code Platforms: Low-code and no-code platforms are democratizing software development, allowing individuals without extensive programming knowledge to create applications. This trend is empowering more people to develop software, leading to innovation and rapid prototyping.

9. Advancements in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): VR and AR technologies are becoming more sophisticated and accessible, finding applications in training, education, entertainment, and retail. These technologies are not only enhancing user experiences but also creating new avenues for interaction and engagement.

10. Focus on User Experience (UX) Design: There’s a continued emphasis on UX design in software development, with a focus on creating intuitive, user-friendly interfaces. Good UX design is increasingly seen as a critical factor in the success of a software product.

11. Growth of Internet of Things (IoT): IoT technology is expanding rapidly, with more devices being connected to the internet. This trend is leading to the generation of large amounts of data and the need for sophisticated software to analyze and utilize this data effectively.

12. Software for Social Good: There’s a growing trend of developing software aimed at addressing social and global challenges, such as healthcare accessibility, education, and environmental sustainability. This reflects a broader shift towards socially responsible technology development.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the software technology trends of 2023 reflect a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry. From the integration of AI and ML in various applications to the focus on cybersecurity and sustainable development, these trends are not only shaping the way software is developed but also how it’s transforming businesses and impacting society at large. As we move forward, these trends will likely continue to evolve, offering new challenges and opportunities in the world of software technology.

Exploring the Latest Trends in Custom Software Development
Brian Wallace

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AWS Receives $1 Billion Tax Break to Fund Oregon Expansion

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AWS Receives $1 Billion Tax Break to Fund Oregon Expansion

Amazon Web Services has received tax breaks to the tune of $1 billion to build five new data centers in Oregon.

According to CRN, the tax breaks will help AWS expand its presence in the Morrow County area, where the company already has several data centers. The company will reportedly pay as much as three-quarters less property tax than other businesses in the area.

“We’ve been an active member of the eastern Oregon communities since 2011, investing more than $15.6 billion while supporting thousands of local jobs,” Amazon said in a statement. “Investments like these create and support high paying, highly skilled jobs in local communities, and projects that benefit local education, healthcare, public services and more.”

AWS Receives $1 Billion Tax Break to Fund Oregon Expansion
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A Quick Start Guide to Naming Your LLC

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A Quick Start Guide to Naming Your LLC

As the global economy slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, entrepreneurs are getting inspired to start their dream companies. In November 2023, the Census Bureau recorded roughly 464,838 business applications.

Entrepreneurs establishing their own startups are also seeing the crucial benefits of a limited liability company (LLC) business structure. However, before you can reap these benefits, you must first complete your registration. This process starts with thinking of a unique name for your new business.

What You Need To Know When Naming Your LLC

There are guidelines you must remember when naming your new LLC. Typically, the business name must end with the terms “limited liability company,” “company,” or “limited.” You can also use abbreviations like LLC, Co., or Ltd.

The terms above are necessary to clarify that the entity is an LLC and not a corporation or another business type. The following examples are some of the ways you could name your LLC:

• AAA Limited Liability Company
• AAA Limited
• AAA Limited Liability Co.
• AAA LLC
• AAA Ltd.
• AAA L.L.C.

Avoid terms that may mislead your clients or customers. You must not add anything that falsely implies that your business is a corporation, insurance firm, bank, or other type of enterprise that it is not. This means you cannot use words like “incorporated” or “corporation” as they can be misleading.

Moreover, you cannot use terms that imply your company is founded for any reason other than its permitted use. If you want to include words like “attorney” or ”medical,” you may have to file additional paperwork to prove a licensed professional operates under your business.

The state agency responsible for handling business applications in your location will have to approve the name you choose. In most states, the Office of the Secretary of State gives the approval. However, the approving authority varies in some areas in the US.

For example, in states like California and Texas, you must file your articles of organization to the Office of the Secretary of State. Meanwhile, a detailed guide for forming a New Jersey LLC will tell you that you must file a public records filing and Certificate of Formation to the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.

How To Know if Your Business Name Is Taken

You cannot choose a name for your LLC that is too similar or the same as the name of an existing company in your state. In some cases, you will not get approval if the business name you chose is already operating in other states or internationally.

To ensure approval, you must first confirm whether the name you want is available. There are two simple ways to check if an LLC name is already used in your state.

If you hire a lawyer to form the LLC, they can help you check the name’s availability before you file the articles of organization.

Another way is to look for the name in a business name database on the Secretary of State’s website. However, this method will only show you the businesses registered in your state, so it cannot guarantee that your LLC’s name is truly unique.

In certain states, the Office of the Secretary can perform the search for you for a fee before you can file the relevant documents. This way, you will know whether the name will be rejected before submitting your business application. This advantage helps entrepreneurs avoid rejection and restart the overall filing process.

To be safe, you should determine whether the name you want is not in use, even outside your state. Type the business name you want on Google and see whether anyone, anywhere, is using it or an iteration of it.

You can also use the Thomas Register of Products and Services or SuperPages to see trade and corporate names online. These pages allow you to look at active business names without paying any fees.

Tips To Remember When Naming Your Business 

Beyond meeting the basic legal requirements for LLC names, you must also consider other factors when choosing a name for your business.

For example, your domain name can be as crucial as your business name. When establishing your startup, you will likely need to set up a website with a domain name representing or matching your entity name. 

Before choosing a name, check that the domain you want is not in use and see how expensive it is to buy. There are different online resources with a directory of reliable registrars where you can find public domain names. 

Aside from that, you should also be forward-looking when coming up with a name for your business. Choose words that still stand out even as your company grows. 

For example, if you are operating the business independently, you may use your name for your LLC. However, once you decide to scale and hire new staff, a business name like “April Smith Coaching LLC” may confuse customers who expect to interact with you.

Similarly, if you are offering a product, avoid using that product name as your brand so that you do not have to worry once you expand your product lines.

These are some things to consider when choosing a name for your new LLC. By keeping these pointers in mind, you can establish a modern brand that can grow with your business.

Make Your Brand Memorable With a Unique Business Name

Picking a name for your new company is only one of several crucial business decisions you must make as you begin a new venture. Spending time to ensure your name suits your business and sets you apart from the competition will undoubtedly pay off in the future. If you are worried about the legal implications of choosing a name for your LLC, you can always seek professional advice from expert lawyers.

A Quick Start Guide to Naming Your LLC
Brian Wallace

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