WebProNews

Author: Brian Wallace

  • Kim Kardashian is Launching a Private Equity Firm

    Kim Kardashian is Launching a Private Equity Firm

    One of the best ways to build wealth is through making critical investments in the proper fields and at the right time. Furthermore, it doesn’t matter what background you have, as long as you have the drive and passion to see your strategies through. In recent decades, celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Ashton Kutcher, and Serena Williams have joined the venture capital industry and are trying their hands out in different outfits.

    Another notable name throwing her hat in the VC ring is Kim Kardashian, with her newly formed SKKY Partners, alongside Carlyle group veteran Jay Sammons. They aim to make capital investments or take a controlling stake in media and consumer niche start-ups, as Kim posted in a tweet. But before we get on with what Kim is up to, and you would like to also invest in your own capacity, use the link to read more here.

    What are SKKY Partners?

    Although not much about SKKY Partners is known other than what Kim Kardashian has shared on her Instagram and Twitter. We can already tell that it’s a private equity firm that will be making key investments in companies in the consumer, hospitality, digital, and media sectors. Kim founded the company with her business partner, Jay Sammons, who has been in the industry for a while and has had a hand in brands such as Supreme, Vogue, and Beats by Dr Dre.

    If that wasn’t impressive enough, Kim’s mom, Kris Jenner, who many credit for creating the Kardashian empire, will be joining them as a partner in the firm. An impressive lineup of business acumen and influential figures indeed. But to understand Kim’s current move, you have to take a step back and look at some of her other investments.

    In 2019, Kim successfully launched her own line of shapewear, SKIMS and a skin care products line called SKKN. Not to mention her younger sister Kyle had also launched a very successful cosmetics brand, even though she has since sold it off. The point is that the Kardashians are quickly growing in the skincare and beauty sector, and SKKY Partners may be a front to kill the competition before they even become competitors.

    Or the Kardashians have big hearts as their family is and are seriously going to help young entrepreneurs find the same success they have. As we had mentioned earlier, we really don’t have much information on the new venture, and only time will tell.

    In addition, neither Kim nor the company’s website has shared anything about how they will raise their capital or if they will be funding the venture themselves. But if we know one thing about Kim, both options are a viable possibility, and her business drive will more than likely mean something will come out of SKKY Partners.

    What is a Private Equity Firm?

    A private equity firm is a company that invests in private companies that have not yet gone public. In some instances, they can enter into a partnership with the owners to run and manage the companies, while in others, they prime them for repackaging and reselling. However, they are not just limited to private companies and can also acquire public ones for the same reasons.

    Most private equities run-off funds pooled together from institutional and accredited investors who earn dividends. Furthermore, private equities operate similarly to venture capitals and hedge funds and are an alternative form of investment for investors and founders. Therefore, positioning SKKY Partners as a force to be reckoned with in the investment industry and potential creators of the next most significant companies in their areas of interest.

    Bottom line

    The saying, make hay as the sun shines, may mean the same to us but might be more significant if you’re a celebrity. Everyone in this field understands that there will come a time when your star doesn’t shine as bright as it used to, and it’s essential to have a plan B for when that time arrives. The more challenging question then becomes what to invest in to secure a great future. Fortunately, many celebrities have found success investing in industries such as VCs and hedge funds. Kim Kardashian is the latest entry with her private equity firm, and we wish her the best of luck as she endeavors in this next chapter of her life.

  • How Health Insurance Card Scan Trends Are Evolving

    How Health Insurance Card Scan Trends Are Evolving

    Did you know that 25% of health care expenditures in the United States come from administrative overhead? Some of the most common causes are inaccurate patient information, changing facts on insurance benefits, entering lapsed policy information, or basic errors when capturing patient intake information. While some of these mistakes may seem simple to fix, it can actually cost thousands of dollars for medical office staff to correct and can waste valuable work time.

    The Cost of Insurance Errors

    When errors occur in patient insurance input, everyone involved is affected. Patients miss out on more than $16.3 billion in savings every year due to their insurance benefits being incorrectly input. Global providers lose up to $30 billion per year from fraudulent and error-ridden work, and sometimes these mistakes can even lead to fraud cases. While errors in information alone can lead to this loss of money, there are other problems that can arise when information is left unverified. 

    Unverified insurance information can lead patients to believe they are receiving coverage for services they do not qualify for. This has most recently been a problem with the rise in telehealth services. Pre-pandemic, Medicare only covered telemedicine for rural patients who had limited access to medical services. Now, 1 in 4 Medicare beneficiaries have telehealth visits, but not all of them are covered by their insurance plans. 

    What can make this confusing for patients is that telehealth visits do not have front office staff to help verify their insurance information. This can lead to patients receiving larger bills than they expected and leads to more time being spent trying to solve the issues after the initial visit. 

    Insurance Card Scan Tech is Here to Improve Productivity

    To avoid the loss of productivity and money in solving insurance errors, many offices are transitioning to automated solutions. Automated health insurance card scan, capture, and verification is the solution to curb the inaccuracies that both patients and providers experience. Manual entry and evaluation can lead to mistakes, but AI-powered solutions are fast and efficient with much higher accuracy rates. Verifying information manually typically means calling payers or visiting insurance websites, but automated systems can verify information in seconds, allowing medical office staff more time to complete their other daily tasks.

    Automating processes not only benefit medical office staff by increasing productivity and decreasing errors, they also benefit patients. With more accurate insurance capture, patients are able to view accurate cost and pricing models. In fact, many automated systems provide real time price estimates that are more accurate than manual estimates.  This can enable better decision making when it comes to patients’ medical treatment, and can even provide access to potential savings they may not have been aware of. 

    Summary

    Overall, AI-powered insurance capture and verification is the solution to insurance input errors. These errors can cost medical offices billions of dollars in revenue as well as countless hours of wasted time. Using these solutions can allow medical office staff to spend their time taking care of other tasks, and can help provide patients with the care they deserve. You can learn more about the benefits of automated processes in the medical field in the infographic below:

    Insurance Capture & Verification Automation Matters More Than Ever
    Source: OrbitHC
  • 6 Criteria to Choose The Right Payment Gateway For Your E-Commerce Business

    6 Criteria to Choose The Right Payment Gateway For Your E-Commerce Business

    It is just as crucial, if not more so, to choose the appropriate payment gateway for your online store as it is to design the site itself. Customers expect having a pleasant experience; thus, having a payment gateway that annoys them while they are trying to check out might cause a significant increase in the number of carts that are not completed.

    You aren’t sure how to choose the payment gateway, are you?

    How Does Payment Gateway Function?

    Payment gateways make it possible to make transactions even when a physical credit card is not available, which is why they are an essential component of any e-commerce platform. (Companies like Stripe, Square, and CardPointe are examples of those)

    When a customer enters their credit card information for online payments, the gateway immediately establishes a safe, encrypted connection with the card-issuing bank. After that, the bank does a verification check and verifies the purchase. The ideal situation is one in which customers simply see a straightforward checkout form.

    1. Security Capabilities of the Payment Gateway:

    Encryption of data occurs when a user’s web browser reads and displays the data. When this occurs, the transaction details are sent from the gateway to the payment processor that is used by the gaining bank for the seller. But the security dimension is critical for a payment gateway. Why you ask? Because it needs to fulfill all the steps below for a secure transaction.

    Responding To The Inquiry:

    The payment request that pertains to the merchant and the client is sent to the payment gateway for authorization by the processor. After the portal has received this answer, it will then send it to the site or interface that will handle the processing of the payment.

    Checking The Delivery Address:

    The payment gateways conduct a comparison between the delivery address provided at the payment gateway and the one listed in the database.

    Checks using the AVS system:

    These are carried out by the payment gateway in the event of transactions using virtual cards. Checks using the Address Verification Service (AVS) are used in the fight against online fraud. When a user’s billing address and bank address do not match, the Automatic Verification System (AVS) will not work properly.

    Analysis Of Velocity Patterns:

    It is a method for detecting fraudulent activity that is used by payment gateways. The recurring transaction patterns are reviewed within a set period as part of the Velocity pattern analysis. This is done to either prevent the same patterns from occurring again or, if they do, warn the card’s owner.

    Tracking Geolocation:

    It is another function of payment gateways that enables you to monitor locations of transactions and report any that seem to be erroneous.

    2. Payment Methods Accepted:

    Do you think it would be beneficial for your company to accept cryptocurrencies? What about currencies that are used all around the world? How many different types of credit and debit cards do you want your customers to use to pay for their purchases at your store? Do most of your clients use electronic checks as a method of payment? What about gift cards and certificates? If your company operates based on subscriptions, having reliable recurring billing capabilities is going to be very crucial to you.

    Finding out which kinds of payments are required can help you choose the payment gateway that is most suitable for your website.

    3. Technical Capabilities for Integrations

    Certain web platforms interface with certain payment gateways in a more frictionless manner than others. The vast majority of online merchants whose preferred platform is WordPress, for example, use WooCommerce as the foundation for their online shop. For the card processors that are conducting the transactions on your cards, WooCommerce enables an open source to be used. This gives you the ability to compete for the best prices on your online purchases by bidding with several merchants. It’s possible that your company already makes use of accounting software that may be easily integrated with a certain payment gateway.

    4. User Experience

    The majority of clients these days choose to use mobile applications rather than desktop software. Therefore, it is important to choose the e-commerce payment gateway that performs admirably across both the mobile and the online interfaces.

    5. Accepted Throughout The World:

    While countries capitalize on the benefits of the global market, you should make sure that the payment gateway you use is compatible with businesses in other countries. Your customers might come from any part of the world. Therefore, you ought to make universal payments possible.

    6. Costs:

    The fiscal repercussions of your decision should be given almost equal weight to its technical implications. Before making a final choice, it is important to investigate all the potential routes (multiple gateways and varied service plans provided by a single provider), as this will help you choose the best option.

    Check to see that there aren’t any hidden costs or limits to the plan that might require you to spend more than you intended. Commission or transaction fees are often charged by most online payment gateways. In addition to this, there is a possibility that some may want a set-up charge besides a monthly or yearly membership price.

    Conclusion:

    If you are familiar with the requirements of your company, selecting the payment gateway and putting it into action won’t be nearly as challenging or expensive as you would think. You can have an instant and excellent influence on your client’s knowledge, just as you can have an immediate and positive effect on your revenue and productivity if you do it properly. Before deciding on the best payment gateway, all you need to do is do thorough research and consider the factors that have already been covered.

  • What is USDT and How to Invest in it?

    What is USDT and How to Invest in it?

    USDT is a cryptocurrency that operates as an exchangeable token for US dollars. It was created in 2014 and currently sits at number eight on Coinmarketcap’s list of top cryptocurrencies by market cap (though its popularity has decreased over time). Many investors see this coin – which can be traded worldwide without relying on any third-party service provider like Coinbase or Gemini-as having more stability than other coins due to its relation with fiat currency rather than just being worth one Bitcoin per unit made up only of pure crypto nerd points. In this article, we will go over how to invest in USDT.

    How to purchase USDT
    There are other ways to buy USDT, but exchanges are the most popular methods. Exchanges like Binance and Kraken offer USDT trading pairs, so you can buy the currency using either fiat currency (like USD) or cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin). Another alternative is to buy usdt directly from a provider like Tether.io. This can be done using either fiat currency or cryptocurrency, and it’s a great option if you like to avoid the hassle of dealing with an exchange. Whatever technique you choose, ensure that you do your research first and only purchase USDT from a reputable source.
    How to store USDT
    There are a few different ways to store USDT, but the most important thing is to ensure that it is stored securely.

    1. Keep it on an exchange, which means there is a risk of the exchange being hacked or going bankrupt.
    2. Store it in a wallet on your computer or a dedicated hardware device. This is generally considered to be the most secure option, as long as you take care to keep your wallet safe from physical and digital threats.
    3. Store USDT offline by printing out the private keys and storing them in a safe location. This is only recommended for experienced users, as they risk losing the keys if they are not stored properly.

    Whichever option you choose, ensure you understand the risks before storing any significant amount of USDT.
    Why USDT?
    There are many reasons why people purchase USDT, but the most common reason is to hedge against cryptocurrency price volatility. As a result, it can be utilized to buy and sell cryptocurrencies without worrying about sudden price changes. In addition, USDT can be used to store value in times of market uncertainty. While USDT is not immune to price fluctuations, it is much less volatile than most other cryptocurrencies. As a result, it can provide a measure of security for investors who are looking to protect their portfolios from downside risk. For these reasons, USDT has become one of the most popular cryptocurrencies in the world, with a market capitalization of over $4 billion.
    Benefits of investing in USDT
    ● One of the biggest benefits of investing in USDT is that it’s a very stable coin. Unlike different cryptocurrencies, which can be highly volatile, USDT stays pegged to the US dollar. This produces a good investment for those who want to avoid the volatility of the crypto market.

    ● Another benefit of investing in USDT is that it’s a very liquid coin. It’s easy to buy and sell USDT on most major exchanges, and there is always a large amount of USDT available for trading. This makes it a suitable choice for investors who want to trade frequently or convert their USDT into other assets quickly.

    ● Investing in USDT can also be a good hedge against the US dollar. If the value of the US dollar falls, the value of USDT will usually rise. This makes USDT a good investment for those worried about the US economy’s future.
    Risks of investing in USDT
    While USDT is a very stable coin, some risks are still associated with investing.
    A risk to consider is that any physical asset does not back USDT. This means that if something happens to Tether, the company that issues USDT, there is no guarantee that investors will be able to redeem their tokens for US dollars. This makes USDT a risky investment for those worried about Tether’s stability.

    It’s important to remember that USDT is still a relatively new coin. It has only been around for a few years and is not yet as widely accepted as other cryptocurrencies. This means that there is still some risk associated with investing in USDT.

    Despite these risks, many investors still choose to invest in USDT because it is a stable coin. In general, USDT is a good investment for those looking for a coin not subject to much volatility. However, potential investors should be aware of the risks before investing.

    Now that you know all there is to know about USDT, it’s time for you to make a decision. Do you want to buy some tokens and hold them as a store of value? Or do you want to invest in projects that use the USDT token as their currency? Remember, while there are risks associated with any investment, there are also great benefits to be had by investing in USDT. Please make sure you research before making any decisions, but we believe this cryptocurrency is here to stay.

  • Baby Boomer Business Retirees: The Future of Small Business

    Baby Boomer Business Retirees: The Future of Small Business

    Baby boomers are undeniably the generation that built America it stands today, for better and for worse. And there is no aspect of society where this holds as true as it does in the realm of business. Today a third of all Americans rely on baby boomer businesses for income, businesses that total to over 2.3 million in America. 2.3 million small businesses, 75% of which are profitable and 35% of which have been operating for over ten years.

    Boomers are Retiring in Full Force

    These are impressive statistics to say the least, but it does seem this era is coming to an end. Today 10,000 baby boomers retire daily. Meaning thousands of businesses are having their owners retire month after month. This isn’t inherently such a bad thing, but it does become a bit more worrying when considering that 58% of small businesses have no transition plans. Times have changed from the American family business, most millennials today simply have no interest in taking over the family business. 

    Instead, future generations are defined by their disdain for the nine to five, defined by the desire for flexibility. It simply isn’t appealing anymore to work at the same shop one grew up in, instead setting one’s own path and creating one’s own meaning has become a defining cry for future generations.

    So for many baby boomers, when the time comes to retire, the time comes to sell their businesses and make some retirement cash. Cash that is of extreme value when considering the fact that 45% of all baby boomers have no retirement savings. And even those with savings are going to have a hard time due to the steady inflation the U.S has faced for years.

    Who Will Pick Up the Slack

    The process of selling also keeps the country’s economy afloat. While closing a business just leaves a deficit in the market, selling it brings new blood into the business and a new perspective. Millennials now more than ever are looking to own their own businesses and set their own schedules. While they don’t want to take over the family business, that doesn’t mean they don’t want to buy one, and starting from the base of a baby boomer business is nothing to scoff at. 

    These businesses are good investments, with high profitability, loyal customers, and typically great locations. This is just one way that baby boomers are transferring their wealth and setting the stage for the next few generations. As the baby boomer generation nears its end, there’s an estimated $68 trillion that will be transferred to their children alone.

    In Conclusion

    Another big chunk in the baby boomer transfer comes in the form of charities. $11.9 trillion is expected to go to charities as baby boomers move on. This is the boomers’ chance to really make a difference in the country they’ve created. Be it charity, business, or by trusting in their children. The wealth they’ve amassed has to go somewhere, and as they retire and see their time end, it can only be hoped the transfers are positive. 

    The Boomer Business Bomb
    Brought to you by: MBAStack.org
  • Why College Mergers are Increasing

    Why College Mergers are Increasing

    The United States has thousands of colleges and universities. Some colleges were founded before American independence while others sprang up this century. For most of the nation’s history, population growth and expanded access to education has encouraged more institutions to enter the market. Now, the number of unique colleges and universities in the United States is falling. In the past 4 years, there were 95 college mergers. For many, these mergers are the only way to keep doors open. Bar major shifts in trajectory, as many as 500 4-year colleges are at risk of closure in the next few years. 

    Why are Colleges Merging?

    The main reason college numbers are dropping is because undergraduate enrollment has fallen. Nearly 1.4 million fewer students are in college today than were there prior to the pandemic. Up to 40% of prospective students (high school seniors and recent graduates, mostly) are delaying college plans due to financial strain or a desire for colleges to return to “normal.” Potential students value the online learning universities were forced to resort to during lockdown less than they do the traditional college experience. 

    Some people value higher education overall less than did generations in the past, and that was a trend even before the pandemic. In 2013, 70% of US adults considered a college degree “very important” to success; by 2019, only 51% did. While the general trend of college graduates making more money than high school graduates still holds, exceptions are growing more common. Even after working 10 years, 1 in 6 college grads earn less than high school grads in the same cohort. During the pandemic, more people took advantage of online certifications to break into high skilled job fields. These certifications are often cheaper to obtain than a college degree, but may provide the same employment results. 

    Mergers Can be a Good Thing

    Given that colleges nationwide are serving a smaller pool of students, fewer institutions can flourish on their own. Consolidation between 2 or more schools can help streamline operations and reduce competition for students. This year, Connecticut’s community colleges plan to merge into a single college with a dozen campuses. At the 4 year level, Pennsylvania has a similar plan; 6 of their public institutions will merge into 2 new universities. Mergers are most likely to happen at the local level because nearby mergers bring economies of scale and help campuses expand locally. While Northeastern University and Mills College made headlines for their cross-country being sued by Mills alumni, their story is the exception and not the rule.

    In Conclusion

    While college mergers can keep the doors open for institutions that otherwise would have closed, the process has its drawbacks. Smaller schools are at a greater risk of closure, but many offer unique student experiences that can’t be replicated at larger universities. Minority students, for example, often lose out in the merger process because equity is easily overlooked when planning a merger. Merging into a larger university may also dilute the voices of students and faculty leaders with that of strangers to the campus.

    The College Merger Explosion: Why Colleges are Failing
  • How to Start Trading BTC

    How to Start Trading BTC

    If you want to start trading BTC but don’t know how to, this post is for you. You will be able to learn all the basics and start trading efficiently by the time you finish reading this article. We’ll talk about how Bitcoin mining works and what it means for Bitcoin traders, ways of trading it, and tips on not losing money in the market. It is one essential read for anyone starting.

    What is Bitcoin?

    Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency, also known as a digital currency or crypto. It’s money that only exists electronically in the form of cryptographic codes. During the economic breakdown, Bitcoin was invented by an anonymous group of developers back in 2009. The idea behind Bitcoin was to build a global money system outside the control of governments and banks.

    How to Start Buying BTC?

    Choose A Crypto Trading Service Or Venue

    There are many different cryptocurrency trading platforms, also called exchanges, where you can start trading. There are usually two ways of buying Bitcoin: with fiat money or another cryptocurrency. In most cases, there are different fees for each of these options. Bitstamp and Coinbase have meager fees and good reputations, so we’ll use them as examples for the following sections. We’ll also use BTC as the currency to buy Bitcoin since it’s the most common cryptocurrency.

    The easiest way to buy BTC with fiat money is to go to a Bitcoin exchange. You can find many of them on Bitstamp.com, Coinbase, Kraken, and ShapeShift. The best idea is to read their terms and conditions, so you know the ins and outs of each service. Most of them also have a verification process, which usually includes proof of ID, an address, and a phone number; some even require proof of residence or other documentation.

    Connect Your Exchange to a Payment Option

    To make buying BTC easier, you must connect your exchange account to a payment option. It is usually done through an API or other form of integration. If you don’t know how it’s done, ask the support on your exchange service. It’s usually straightforward and takes just a few minutes. This method allows you to deposit money in your exchange account and immediately trade crypto for crypto, which we’ll discuss below.

    Many exchanges offer both fiat deposits and bank transfers. You can deposit through your bank’s website and instantly start trading. Depending on the payment method, you usually have to wait until the money gets into your account. Linking your exchange to a payment method might take a few days.

    Place An Order

    You’re ready to place an order once you’re done with the transaction.

    Place a buy order by specifying the amount of BTC you want to buy and the price at which you think the price will go up in the future. Remember that when placing an order, Bitcoin is usually volatile, and prices change rapidly. Orders are usually submitted for funding on Bitstamp, so there is no fee for placing them. However, there are fees for placing a limited order, which is the fee you pay when you get filled by your order. Usually, this fee is 0.3%, but it can sometimes be higher. For example, if the price of Bitcoin goes down, it’s better to sell BTC quickly to avoid losing money on orders with a high fee.

    Safe Storage

    Once you buy Bitcoin, it’s essential to keep it safe. Bitcoin transactions are irreversible: you can’t take back your money if you lose your private key. On the other hand, once your private key is stolen/hacked, you can’t do anything about losing BTC. It’s essential to store your crypto securely in a wallet that allows cold storage, a “cold wallet.” A cold wallet isn’t connected to the internet, so it’s harder for hackers to access it.

    Many cryptocurrency services allow you to store your BTC on their servers.

    Hot Wallets: If you keep your funds on an exchange, your funds are at risk when the exchange goes bankrupt. In that case, you will lose all your crypto. If you keep funds in a hot wallet and it is hacked, you lose only the amount of BTC on top of the current market price. It is usually relatively small, and it isn’t bad news if you lose a few thousand USD worths of crypto.

    You can access hot wallets from any device. It is a good option if you want to use the same wallet on your computer and smartphone. If you have a lot of crypto on your hot wallet, it’s a great idea to set up 2-factor authentication to access the wallet.

    Cold Wallets: As stated earlier cold wallet is a wallet that isn’t connected to the internet. Your crypto is stored offline and on a hardware device that isn’t easy to access. Again, these are very hard to steal because hackers must break into your hardware wallet to steal your crypto. The best hardware wallets are Trezor and Ledger Nano S. You can store up to six cryptocurrencies on both devices, including BTC. Yes, it’s possible.

    If you want to know more about this topic, I recommend reading online wallet reviews and hardware wallet reviews before making your choice.

    Bottom Line

    Buying Bitcoin is not complicated, but it does require some research and experience. Learning how to buy BTC is important since this will enable you to know how to trade crypto for crypto, so you can start trading. The best option is to buy a small amount first. Starting slow and getting used to the trading process is always better. The process described above is simple, safe, and secure. It’s easy to understand and can help you start your adventure in the BTC world.

  • Top 5 Investment Apps in 2022

    Top 5 Investment Apps in 2022

    As smartphones become more and more of a part of our everyday lives, we find ourselves doing pretty much anything on them. Today smartphones are used for much more than just calling or texting. In fact, you could argue that out of all the things that we now do on our smartphones, calling and texting are the least significant.

    One of the biggest things that smartphones have made easier for us is our ability to invest. Thanks to investing apps, trading stocks and keeping up with the market in real-time have never been easier. 

    If you are considering starting an investment portfolio or looking for an app to make it easier to manage your current portfolio, keep reading to learn about some of the best investment apps available in 2022.

    Betterment

    Betterment is one of the largest and most popular robo-investing apps currently available. Don’t just take our word for it though. It has been named the best overall investing app by some of the top investment publications, including CNBC and Forbes. 

    Betterment provides its clients with professionally managed portfolios consisting mostly of lost-cost, diversified ETFs. For their digital service, there is no minimum balance required. For those interested in their premium service, they do require a $100,000 minimum.

    Invstr

    If you are someone who is new to investing or looking to learn more about the market, then Invstr is a great app. Named the best app for education by Bankrate, Invstr provides helpful tools to teach you more about investing. It even offers a “fantasy” stock game where you can pick real stocks to invest in. This allows you to learn more about investing without having to risk any real money while learning. 

    For those looking to invest real money, Invstr+ is the company’s investing service and is free for adults to invest. Invstr+ allows you to trade stocks, ETFs, and even crypto commission-free. All that’s required is a $5 minimum investment.

    The company also recently launched Invstr Jr, a trust account to help kids learn how to bank, manage their allowance, and invest. The new service is available for $6.25 a month.

    Robinhood

    Robinhood completely changed the game by offering 0 commission for buying and selling stocks. By doing this, it allows investors to build their portfolios exactly how they want them. Investors can easily buy, sell, and trade not just stocks but options, ETFs, and cryptocurrency as well. Robinhood is ideal for the person who has done their own research, knows what they want, and doesn’t want to spend money on commission fees.

    Binance.US

    Cryptocurrency has become one of the hottest new things to invest in, especially amongst millennials and younger investors. Binance.US is an app specifically for buying and selling crypto. It was recently named the best cryptocurrency exchange by Forbes because it provides its clients with access to countless crypto options including Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as dozens of lesser-known cryptocurrencies.

    Ellevest

    Many people are looking for ways to help businesses and people who are looking to make our world a better place. While charitable contributions are always a way to give back, you can also invest in socially responsible companies as well.

    Ellevest has made finding and investing in these companies easier. While they specialize in working with women investors, anyone interested in socially responsible investing can start an account. 

    Those investing with Ellevest can allocate up to 53% of their portfolios in ESG or social impact funds. These funds invest in companies that have women leaders, support affordable housing and community services, and have higher standards for sustainability. 

    FAQs

    Are Investing Apps Safe?

    While there is a risk when it comes to investing, using an investing app is as safe as using a traditional brokerage firm. Your money is insured by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation for up to $500,000.

    How Do I Pick The Right App For Me?

    The right investing app for you is the one that provides services for whatever it is you are looking for. Before selecting an investment app, think about what it is you want to do and what you want the app to do. From there, you can narrow your search down based on any fees or commissions the app may take and select the right one for you.

    How Much Money Do I Need To Open An Account?

    Most investment apps these days have no minimum requirements. Even the ones that do typically offer tiers that require a very minimal balance. Before selecting an app it’s important to read all the rules and make sure if they do require a minimum balance that you can meet that requirement. 

    Want To Know More About the Best Investment Apps of 2022?

    At the end of the day, the best investment app is the one that best fits you and your needs. That app could be one of the ones listed above, or it could be one that we didn’t even discuss. Before choosing an investment app it is important to do your homework and make sure that the company has the services you are looking for and can match your needs. 

  • Why Is Appealing To Human Emotions In Branding Campaigns Important?

    Why Is Appealing To Human Emotions In Branding Campaigns Important?

    Marketing is a multi-dimensional business entity and is crucial for any company’s development. Companies use various methodologies to run their campaigns, depending on their goals. One of the most common strategies companies are now using is Emotional Branding.

    What is Emotional Branding?

    As the name suggests, emotional branding is a branding technique that tries to trigger various emotions in people. Happiness, love, and peace are the main emotions we think of when we talk about positive emotional branding, but they aren’t the only branding emotions you will find.

    Experts believe that positive emotions extend from these basic feelings to more complicated ones. A full spectrum of positive emotions would include:

    • Euphoria
    • Happiness 
    • Inspiration 
    • Joy
    • Kindness to pride
    • Optimism
    • Satisfaction
    • Serenity, interest
    • Awe 
    • Relief 

    Understanding Emotional Branding and its Benefits

    A wider range of emotions in branding provides companies with the tools to run more diversified branding campaigns and get the desired results. Emotional branding is a successful branding technique that the world’s leading brands follow. 

    For example, Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign revolved around emotional branding. Their bottles had the most common names worldwide printed, and the company asked their customers to post their names on social media. The campaign was a major hit and increased Coca-Cola’s brand reputation.

    Emotional branding has much more to offer, and campaign runners should know the full benefits of this branding technique. We’ve listed down some of these benefits for you, so have a look.

    Conceptualize Every Strategy

    The main purpose of using emotional branding is to elevate and enhance any business-related change you wish to make. It adds more ground to your business decisions and helps people connect with you better. 

    Many companies also use social incidents as an inspiration for their branding methods. A common example is Umber’s renowned anti-racism billboard which said:

    If you tolerate racism, delete Uber. Black people have the right to move without fear.

    The company tapped into the emotions around the “Black Lives Matter” movement and helped people feel valued. Yes, some people may have also deleted the application, but the overall result was still in Uber’s favor.

    Creates more Usability

    Such a diverse range of emotions can be challenging for brands to utilize in their campaigns. Fortunately, adding emotional branding to their marketing campaign helps brands get actionable insights in their campaigns too.

    It can show you how the visitors on your website interact with the platform and help you advance with future tactics accordingly.

    Provides better Storytelling

    The emotional narrative of any branding strategy needs to connect with the brand’s target audience. 

    A successful example of good storytelling is Heineken’s ‘Worlds Apart ‘, which revolves around the idea that despite differences among different countries, we still unite as one. The campaign helped their audiences see others differently and resonated pretty well with the audience. 

    This kind of branding technique merged with an advanced video advertising solution can help reap better results. 

    Improves the Product Design 

    The best way to improve your product design is to create the one that the audiences love. Identifying the right product design is challenging since it won’t reflect well on your brand if you do not understand the audience’s requirements. The product design options are virtually limitless, making it pretty challenging for companies to find the right one.

    Improving the product design requires understanding the customer’s expectations from the brand and delivering accordingly. Nike is one of the few brands that quickly mastered emotional branding and the right approaches. 

    Their “Just do It” campaigns are among the most well-renowned emotional branding campaigns. It focuses on athletes that have suffered injuries and how they have bounced back from these challenges. 

    Stand out with your Social Media

    Social media is one of the most viable tools for brands wishing to better connect with their audiences. It allows direct engagement, content sharing, collecting real-time feedback, and much more with your target audience. 

    However, branding your products through social media doesn’t always have to be direct. The “Unsung Hero” by Thai Life Insurance is a perfect example of this technique. It doesn’t mention the product directly, but it discusses the importance of human belief in values.

    Social media allows brands to connect with their audiences personally, increasing the number of conversions towards their brand without direct advertising. 

    Creates Experience Dialogue

    Working on your emotional branding technique can help increase dialogue around your campaign. People have more things to say about your brand, and if these responses are good, they will improve how the industry sees your company as a whole.  

    The more people talk about your brand, the more they know. Customer feedbacks are one of the simplest types of dialogues that you can advertise on your websites too.

     Mistakes to Avoid in Emotional Branding

    Running an emotional branding campaign is great for a company’s brand reputation and overall stature in the industry. However, there are some mistakes you need to avoid, while emotional branding can be counterproductive for you. These include:

    • Focusing on the features of your business instead of the values behind it
    • Trying to address the audience in a technical or tactical language
    • Failing to tell a compelling story to the audience
    • Thinking of emotional branding as academic alone
    • Trying to replicate what others may be doing with their brands
    • Failing to launch a new product or brand internally may lead to inconsistencies within the company.
    • Compromising on the branding budget 

    Bottom Line

    Emotional branding is a simple yet effective technique for resonating with audiences. It lets companies connect with their target groups on a more personal level and help them achieve better results. 

    Emotional branding campaigns vary for each brand, and so does the message they want to put across. Some companies consider social movements as their primary emotional branding, while others may consider success stories or battling struggles their main selling point. Nevertheless, the fact remains that you can use emotional branding to effectively change the customers’ perception about your brand. 

  • The Potential Threats of Cyber War

    The Potential Threats of Cyber War

    Before Russia began their assault, Ukraine suffered from a new malware designed to erase data. More than 150 cyberattacks were launched against Ukraine in the first few weeks of 2022 with hackers disabling about 70 government systems and the FBI asking companies in the U.S. to let them know of “any increased (cyber)activity against Ukraine or U.S. critical infrastructure.” In fact, the world was hit by more than 6 billion potential cyberattacks happening in a single 24-hour period in March. 

    Russia was hit by 61% of the cyberattacks while Ukraine experienced 23% of the attacks, the most out of all the countries targeted. For Russia particularly the war with Ukraine is possibly providing the country a way to test their next generation of cyber weapons. Ukraine’s limited resources to aid in a counter-attack make the country a good testing ground. 

    Increasing Threats of Cyber Attacks

    The number of cyberattacks have significantly grown over the years. In 2015, Russian hackers disrupted 230,000 Ukrainian’s electricity source while in 2016 a similar attack was carried out on the Ukrainian government agencies and financial establishments. These incidents have led the U.S. and the E.U. to provide support to increase Ukraine’s cyber defenses. However, cyberattacks are predicted to not stay within its borders, so another option for support is tpo have pro-Ukraine hackers attack websites in Russia instead of important infrastructure to create chaos internally.  

    Within the U.S., 32% of tech executives are emphasizing the seriousness of creating a national cybersecurity protocol for protection. With cyber and physical assets gradually getting more connected, risks are increasing in terms of network and physical infrastructure security. The pandemic has only made us more vulnerable to cyberthreats as more of our information enters the cloud and a handful of services continue to be provided digitally. 

    The Scale of Cyber War

    If we experience a cyberattack today, it probably won’t be as devastating as a cyber war as they are mainly used to test new cyberweapons. Nonetheless, cyberattacks can still cause electrical grids to shut down, power infrastructures to explode, and technology to be destroyed.. The effect could even be magnified if an attack successfully disrupts multiple targets at one time. 

    A cyber war instead has the potential to impact everyone on the level of a natural disaster. An act such as destroying the power grid could cause great damage due to burst pipes, loss of essential water, food, and electrical sources,  disruption to everyone’s lives, and ultimately more than 200 deaths. In the U.S., more than 90% of citizens are afraid of a cyber war breaking out even though many people believe the U.S. is the most protected against cyber war attacks. 

    Expert Witness Perspective

    “Besides obviously providing a mechanism for attacking military targets, cyberwar offers nations the ability to surreptitiously interfere with the lives of civilians living in opponents’ domains. Cyberwar lets warring nations inflict power failures or Internet outages, disable payment processing networks, and/or cause mass transportation and traffic control failures, all of which may not only offer attackers plausible deniability, but, may simultaneously cause the populations of adversarial nations to grow increasingly frustrated with their own leaders and less supportive of continuing the relevant conflict.” said Joseph Steinberg, cybersecurity expert witness.

    In Summary

    Cyberattacks can still pose a serious threat as 90% of attacks are distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, which cause people to lose access to resources such as finances, running water, internet, and fresh food. Americans have actually begun to take measures to protect themselves from a potential cyber war. This involves actions like backing up their electronics and important documents as well as updating all computer and mobile software. 

    It’s never too late to build a strong cyber defense. 

    Next Gen Cyber Warfare
  • Digital Recruitment Technologies and Trends 2022

    Digital Recruitment Technologies and Trends 2022

    The workplace is continuously changing, and over the past years, a new era in how businesses run and how we work has begun. As a result, there are certain changes in how talent is hired. To close significant skills shortages, recruitment specialists must stay current with hiring trends. 

    The better prepared they are to deal with challenges, hire top talent, and maintain competitiveness in 2022, the more willing they are to reconsider old habits and comprehend contemporary trends. Whether you’re healthcare executive recruiters or insurance recruitment agencies, these trends will help you get on top of the game. 

    Automating the Hiring Process

    Automation and AI will continue to grow in 2022 after a significant increase in the second half of 2021. Task completion is a significant advantage when adding automation into the hiring process. Recruiters can locate, attract, and convert potential candidates into applications with the aid of integrated technology solutions. 

    These resources will aid in accelerating and streamlining the hiring procedure. These tools are being utilized by recruitment agencies frequently. According to a survey, there is a 125% increase in businesses using AI for applicant sourcing, candidate screening, and interview scheduling. This indicates that the practice may continue to rise through 2022.

    Conducting Virtual Interviews

    As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, employers were looking for fresh approaches to hiring. As technology advances, recruiters are focusing on virtual meetings as part of the hiring process. There is no longer a geographic restriction, as there was in the past. Today, the majority of businesses use and support remote work, and hiring practices are no exception. 

    On the other hand, virtual recruitment is advantageous to both job seekers and companies, and this development is likely to persist in the foreseeable future.

    Using Social media 

    The most likely demographics to use social media to look for new jobs are millennials and Gen Z. The employment process is made simpler for the brand when it has a strong online presence. Social media aids in the dissemination of information about job openings and gives potential candidates a peek into corporate culture. These days, employer branding is essential.

    It has been demonstrated that today’s job candidates consider factors other than pay, and a strong brand will draw in top talent. Social media profiles now serve as the business’s public face.

    Using Chatbots 

    14 hours per week are lost by recruiters to manual labor. One such responsibility is responding to candidates’ fundamental inquiries. Additionally, if there isn’t any reply within two weeks, half of the candidates give up.

    AI chatbots are useful in this situation since recruiters’ hands are typically full. By answering all the fundamental questions just like people, chatbots with natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) save time for both the candidates and HR. 

    Additionally, it improves the candidate experience by speeding up the process. According to a poll, 23% of businesses already employ chatbots, and that number is expected to rise in 2022.

    Scanning Resumes With AI 

    A business job posting typically receives hundreds of resumes. Even if it just takes one minute to swiftly review one resume, it would still take more than two hours to go through all of the resumes. Next comes setting up interviews, following up, and creating offer letters (don’t even get us started on the counter offers). Any resume screening program can aid in shortening this stage.

    Software used for resume screening scans resumes and shortlists the best applicants. Advanced software using AI, ML, and NLP tracks common criteria including educational background, skills, work experience, and personality qualities using potent algorithms. This trend of employing AI in scanning resumes is expected to increase in 2022.

  • Small Businesses Need A Cybersecurity Plan, Too. Here’s Where To Start

    Small Businesses Need A Cybersecurity Plan, Too. Here’s Where To Start

    43% of all data breaches involve small and medium businesses. Small businesses need a robust cybersecurity plan, as cyber attackers often target them, assuming their cybersecurity strategy will be weak.

    So, how can small businesses reinforce their cybersecurity strategy?

    Keep reading for the ultimate guide to small business security. This guide will help you build a security strategy that will help you meet GDPR compliance and avoid a data breach.

    Train Your Employees On Data Protection Policies

    Human error is one of the leading causes of data breaches. Experiencing a data breach can put your company’s reputation in the balance and cause significant financial losses. It’s in your best interest to provide employees with adequate training on data protection policies, eliminating the risk of human error leading to a data breach.

    Your employees need to know about your data protection policies, and you should teach them about GDPR and the expectations they must meet to ensure compliance.

    When you train your employees on data protection policies, you should also cover the following cybersecurity topics:

    • Password creation – you should instruct your employees on the importance of setting unique passwords for each company account. Your data protection training should also cover how to create strong passwords and why weak passwords create vulnerabilities in your cybersecurity strategy.
    • Software updates – you should train your employees to regularly update any software on their devices. If they are operating with older software versions, this could put your data at risk. Older software versions often have vulnerabilities not present in newer versions of the software, and a cybercriminal may take advantage of this vulnerability to access your data.
    • How to spot phishing scams – malware attacks and phishing scams are the main factors that lead to human error, causing a cybersecurity breach. You should train your employees to spot phishing scams and malware attacks. You should also cover the importance of not sharing any sensitive information with an unverified source.

    Install A Firewall

    Firewalls are an invaluable element in any cybersecurity strategy. Without a firewall, traffic can enter your network freely without any checks or safety measures. A firewall acts as a barrier around your network, monitoring the incoming and outgoing traffic to ensure that only trusted sources are allowed to access your network. Since small businesses are often more vulnerable to cyberattacks, investing in a firewall is necessary, as it provides your network with an additional layer of protection.

    Encrypt Your Company Data

    In addition to securing your network with a firewall, you must also consider the benefit of encrypting your company data. Encryption is where your company data is scrambled and made unreadable to those who do not have the cipher to decode the information. So, even if a cyber attacker managed to get past your firewall and access company data successfully, the information they accessed would be unreadable and thus useless – protecting your business from breaking GDPR compliance.

    Ensure Employees Use A VPN When Working Remotely

    Many small businesses are implementing remote working models to give their employees a better work-life balance while improving productivity. However, with remote work comes the fear of data exposure from compromised employee networks and devices.

    To ensure remote working does not interfere with your data security, you should implement a policy that requires employees to use a VPN when accessing company information from home. A VPN makes it more difficult for cyber attackers to find your employees’ IP addresses, allowing them more anonymity online. It also creates an encrypted tunnel through which your data travels when you send and receive information. Implementing a VPN can reduce data vulnerability when employees work remotely.

    Implement A Zero-Trust Cyber And Physical Security Strategy

    Zero-trust is a cybersecurity policy designed to not only protect government organizations but also businesses from the threat of an internal security breach. Should an employee device or network become compromised, a cyber attacker may be able to gain access to a wide range of company data. However, with a zero-trust policy in place, your employee will only gain access and permissions for the data they need to carry out daily tasks. So, even if their device or account is breached, the hacker will only gain access to a limited amount of information.

    Zero-trust isn’t just for your cybersecurity policy, either. If a visitor, interviewee, or contractor enters your office building, does this mean they should be able to access your server rooms and rooms housing sensitive data? 

    You need to enforce your cybersecurity policies regarding physical security and ensure that your server rooms are protected from internal and external threats to data security. You can install cloud-based card access control systems on areas housing servers and devices that host sensitive company information, protecting your data from physical and digital threats.

    If you converge your cybersecurity with physical security and also implement cloud security, you are giving your business the best protection from any potential threats.

    Summary

    Small businesses aren’t immune to cybersecurity threats. Cyber Attackers often target them assuming that their cybersecurity strategy will be weak. By implementing these cybersecurity strategy tips, you can ensure your data is protected and avoid the consequences of breaking GDPR compliance regulations.

  • Pneumatic Tubes: Keeping Health Systems Running Smoothly

    Pneumatic Tubes: Keeping Health Systems Running Smoothly

    The COVID pandemic may be basically over. In year three, the effects of the disease are still widespread. This is in many more ways than just those felt by individuals suffering long term effects of the illness. Pneumatic tubes have had a role to play, let’s explore below.

    COVID Changed Our Processes

    COVID caused us to take a closer, and often more painful, look at how we function. The processes we use in virtually everything from production, to shipping, to services performed, and especially to medical procedures and standard hospital operations. 

    Hospitals and other medical facilities have been under extreme pressure and strain due to many COVID related issues, such as staffing shortages and added standard practices to prevent exposure and infection. 

    Other issues plaguing hospitals have to do with procurement of necessary drugs, and instruments such as pipettes and sterile water for lab testing. Staffing shortages also affect the supply shortage as there may not be enough time for some staff to stop patient care to transport temperature and/or time sensitive items within the allowed time allotment. Failure to transport labs or blood quickly means that blood is no longer usable or labs need to be re-done, resulting in wasted supply and wasted time. 

    Hospital staff are constantly running at full speed and their expertise is much more needed in hands-on patient care, rather than being used as courier for labs, blood, or drugs. However, this certainly doesn’t stop the need for these important items to receive speedy transport. 

    How Pneumatic Tube Systems Help Hospital Efficiency

    This is where a pneumatic tube system could be invaluable to any large medical facility, especially hospitals. 

    The pneumatic tube system has been around since its invention in the early 19th century, and we are quite familiar with the system when it comes to banks or some pharmacies. Carriers are transported through tubes via the use of vacuum pressures, which make each transport extremely fast and efficient. There is a need for frequent transport given the time constraints. The installation and use of a pneumatic tube system seems like an obvious solution for any large medical facility. 

    The system can be installed within the walls of any hospital. Centralized stations throughout the facility provide efficient and safe transport. They move blood, drugs, labs, and other frequently transported items to any location within the facility. Even from the farthest points in the hospital, this transport via pneumatic tube carrier, would take less than 5 minutes. One hospital which has a fully operational pneumatic tube system, reports transporting upwards of 7,000 carriers every single day. 

    In Conclusion

    The necessity of in-facility transport is such a common concern. Also, time sensitivity and temperature sensitivity of some transported items. With a serious staffing shortage, the installation of the pneumatic tube system makes sense for large medical facilities. Trained staff are no longer couriers and can use their important skills for actually treating patients. It frees up transportation time and provides a safe, sterile, and speedy transport, and saves on wasted supplies.

    Medical Facilities Need Operational Technology More Than Ever
    Source: Swisslog Healthcare
  • All About Cloud Infrastructure Entitlements Management (CIEM)

    All About Cloud Infrastructure Entitlements Management (CIEM)

    Since its inception, cloud computing technology has come a long way. In the past, the cloud was just limited to offering some resources like storage and servers to companies that needed them. Nowadays, however, the cloud is a complex space with numerous features, vendors, and offerings. With the rise of this complexity, a new solution called cloud identity arose, which centrally manages which users have access and authority regarding specific resources.

    However, cloud identities aren’t easy to manage, which is why cloud infrastructure entitlement management (CIEM) is needed. Although CIEM might sound complex, it simply refers to the process of using tools to manage the previously mentioned cloud identities. Namely, companies use this type of management to track users’ permissions and resource access, ensuring that only authorized personnel can use the cloud. In fact, using CIEM together with CSPM is probably the best thing you can do for the security of your cloud. Now, with the basics out of the way, let’s dive deeper into the world of CIEM.

    The Main Role of CIEM In Cloud Security

    The primary purpose of CIEM is to give businesses more visibility and control over their cloud environment. It also allows them to manage and monitor user activity, significantly enhancing security. Moreover, businesses can quickly respond to security breaches by identifying the root cause. It’s also worth noting that CIEM provides a way to automate the management of identities and permissions, which further reduces the risk of human error.

    Regarding the specifics, CIEM tools work by integrating with a company’s identity management system. This integration provides a single point of control for all users and permissions. Moreover, CIEM tools can also be used to monitor user activity and detect any potential security threats. This way, businesses can make sure that only the right people have access to sensitive data and that all activity is being monitored.

    Types of CIEM Solutions

    There are three main types of CIEM solutions:

    ●  On-Premise Solutions: On-premise CIEM solutions are installed and managed on a company’s internal servers. This type of solution is ideal for businesses with strict security requirements that need full control over their data. However, it’s worth mentioning that on-premise solutions tend to be more expensive than other types of CIEM solutions like cloud-based ones.

    ●  Cloud-Based: Cloud-based CIEM solutions are managed by the provider and delivered through the Internet, and they’re the most popular type of CIEM solution. Namely, these CIEM solutions are perfect for businesses that don’t want the hassle of managing an on-premise CIEM solution. As we said previously, these CIEM solutions are the most popular ones, as they are more scalable and flexible than on-premise ones, in addition to being cheaper.

    ●  Hybrid: Hybrid CIEM solutions are a combination of on-premises and cloud-based solutions. This type of solution is ideal for a business that needs the flexibility of a cloud-based solution but also needs to maintain absolute control over its data. They take the best of both worlds and provide a perfect combination. Keep in mind that they’re usually more expensive than cloud-based and on-premise solutions, as they have more features.

    Benefits of CIEM

    There are many benefits that businesses can reap by using CIEM tools. The most notable ones include:

    Increased security

    By using CIEM tools, businesses can gain better visibility into their cloud environment. This enhanced visibility helps them quickly identify any potential security threats and respond to them accordingly. With a CIEM solution, your business will always have clear oversight regarding the permissions everyone has, so you’ll know that everyone has only the necessary privileges they require.

    Improved compliance

    In addition to improved security, CIEM tools can also help businesses meet compliance requirements with much less work. This is because CIEM tools are almost always automated, ensuring that all user activity is monitored and no rules are broken. So, when the time for an audit comes, your company will be fully prepared and compliant.

    Reduced costs

    CIEM tools can help businesses save money in several ways. Namely, by automating the management of identities and permissions, CIEM tools can help businesses reduce the number of manual processes. Handling processes manually is not only expensive but incredibly time-consuming too. When processes are handled automatically, businesses can save money on audit and compliance-related costs.

    Improved efficiency

    CIEM tools can help businesses improve their overall efficiency by automating the management of identities and permissions. This automation can free up a lot of time for business owners to focus on more important tasks other than managing the cloud, like developing marketing strategies and keeping clients satisfied.

    Conclusion

    All in all, we think that CIEM solutions offer a plethora of benefits to businesses, the most notable ones being increased security, improved compliance, and reduced costs. Regardless of the type of solution you require, you’ll likely enjoy plenty of benefits. Still, consider doing some research to find out what type of CIEM solution might work best for your business and cloud model.

  • Web3 Promises to Improve the Future of Work Life Balance

    Web3 Promises to Improve the Future of Work Life Balance

    It’s been nearly twenty years since we’ve seen an updated version of the web. Web2 came out in 2004, and it was a great improvement to Web1 as it enabled greater interaction and user participation with things like Facebook and YouTube. However, it quickly became the property of big tech, giving little control to the common user. 

    The Why Behind Web3

    Web users (which is virtually the entire global population) are ready for a change to the status quo. The ideals behind Web3 seem like they would greatly benefit every user by putting the ownership back into the hands of the people. However, some are concerned that the payment for Web3 decentralized apps would effectively give control back to big tech anyway. 

    For instance, many of the Web3 apps being developed are paid for through cryptocurrencies owned by big tech. It stands to reason that whomever pays for the development of Web3 will hold the power over it. Nevertheless, it’s not all bad news. 

    Currently, 16% of Americans have invested in crypto of some kind. With the growth of crypto, payment for Web3 development will inevitably become more dispersed. 

    How Web3 Can Impact the Workplace

    With any new technology, there are obviously concerns, criticisms, and challenges to work out, yet despite all of this the promises of Web3 are lofty and exciting to anticipate. 

    One of the most highly anticipated and appealing aspects of Web3 is the very foundation of its development; decentralization. This decentralization means that users themselves own and govern portions of the internet rather than everything being owned by companies like Google and Facebook. 

    Nobody Wants to be Tracked

    Decentralization also brings back anonymity to users. Rather than tracking activity to a physical person and location, the activity tracked would lead to that person’s owned portion of the web. Another aspect of this lack of physical location associated with users is that users would be able to work from anywhere in the world for companies and individuals anywhere in the world. 

    Geographical borders are no barrier to getting or giving employment on Web3. While currently, in Web2, 85% of workers hate their jobs, Web3 would give everyone much more freedom to search the entire world for exactly the kind of job they want, and tech jobs would expand at a rapid rate. Adding to this the fact that there are more than 18 thousand borderless digital currencies. It’s easy to see how the possibilities for employment are virtually endless with Web3. 

    Overall, most people are very optimistic about Web3 and all the possibilities within it. In fact, 81% believe that Web3 will improve their happiness and wellbeing. The majority of Americans wish to be self-employed. It’s already a rapidly growing status, and Web3 creates many more avenues for doing just that. 

    In Conclusion

    Naturally, there will be downsides and things that need to be resolved when Web3 finally launches. After nearly two decades, this web upgrade promises to be the best yet and solves many of the current problems associated with Web2. It’s exciting to see just how far Web3 will take us on a global scale. The wait may be over as soon as this year. Learn more about how the future of work goes hand in hand with Web3 in the infographic below:

    Web 3, Sovereignty, and the Future of Work
    Source: Opolis.co
  • Burnout, Dissatisfaction, and Employee Engagement in the Workplace

    Burnout, Dissatisfaction, and Employee Engagement in the Workplace

    From the great resignation to quiet quitting, it seems that more and more employees around the world are throwing in the towel. Whether it’s from burnout, boredom, or not enough financial compensation for the time they spend at work, more people than seemingly ever before are reporting low engagement with their jobs.

    High employee engagement is vital for productivity, with companies that report an above-average level of engagement coming in with 22% higher productivity across all departments. Yet, as more and more are expected of workers without further financial compensation, many are doing the bare minimum at work just to get by.

    Over the past year, 77% of workers have reported feeling burnt out at work, with this only looking worse over the next few months. But, what exactly is going on in the world of work that’s caused such widespread dissatisfaction?

    In this article, we’ll explore employee engagement, documenting its decline, marking the main signs of burnout, and touching upon how you can increase job satisfaction at work. Let’s get right into it.

     

    Why Is Employee Engagement Decreasing?

    Across the world, inflation is reaching peak figures, with the USA currently reporting an inflation rate of 8.6%. Employees that have been working for the past year without any form of raise to compensate for inflation are now doing exactly the same job for 8.5% less purchasing power. With the cost of goods and services on the rise, this leads to resentment, with employees deserving more for their work.

    This isn’t to mention the vast difference between CEO pay increases and minimum wage increases over the last 50 or so years. The pay increase of an average worker grew by 18% between 1978 and 2020. When you compare this to the CEO pay increase, which clocked in at 1,322%, you can instantly see that those earning the most have enormously benefited, while the vast majority have been left behind.

    Alongside the unfair financial structures in place, employees are also expected to be available almost around the clock. While a job is often advertised as 9-5, this is now rarely the case, with workers having to be on call or available after hours to keep up with deadlines. Especially considering the ease of connecting into work emails and instant messaging via a mobile phone, it’s almost impossible for modern employees to totally disconnect from work.

    With all of this considered, it’s unsurprising that employee engagement is decreasing. People are expected to work more for less money all while having fewer prospects than those they’re working for. The average American corporate worker has a tough deal, with many rebelling against this by mentally clocking out from work.

    What Are the Signs Of Employee Burnout?

    ●  Decreased Output – While everyone goes through peaks and troughs of how much work they can produce in any given week, a noticeable drop-off could be a sign that an employee is starting to feel burnt out at work.

    ●  Disengagement – A classic sign is a lack of enthusiasm or interest in the workplace, ongoing projects, or new developments in your field.

    ●  Emotional or physical exhaustion – Often, the first signs that show up are physical, mental, and emotional tiredness. As employees pull late nights to finish more work, they’ll slowly become more and more tired, leading to physical and emotional burnout.

    ●  Isolation – If employees rarely communicate with the team, they might have already reached the end of their cord in terms of how much energy they are putting into their work.

    ●  Sensitivity To Feedback – If an employee is feeling an immense amount of pressure at work, then feedback can often feel like a direct attack on them. Increased sensitivity to feedback could be an indication that the employee is currently struggling.

    If you begin to spot these characteristics within members of your team, then you should assess how much work they’re currently taking on. Although there is no instant fix to burnout, reducing the workload of that person can often help alleviate a lot of their problems and give them more time to focus on recovering their spark.

    What Can Employers Do About Employee Dissatisfaction at Work?

    Alongside lowering the number of tasks that you’re setting for employees, there are a range of ways that you can actively combat dissatisfaction at work and reduce the likelihood of burnout.

    There are three common tactics that you should attempt to incorporate into your business structure:

    ●  Communication – In your business, you should have an all-in-one HR platform that allows you to communicate and track your employees. Having this centralized location where employees can discuss their workload, their current mood, and how they’re coping with work can be a wonderful way of helping them to offload pressure. Whenever an employee is starting to struggle, a supportive HR team can help them get to the root of their issue, either delegating the work to more people or restructuring the task. Communication is the absolute best tool to help with dissatisfaction, and one that can preemptively put a stop to workplace burnout.

    ●  New Tools – As the workplace becomes even more advanced and driven by technology, looking into B2B or SaaS solutions that benefit your business can be a fantastic way of lessening the load you place on your employees. Are there any tools that could automate a time-consuming part of their job? Talk to your team and see where they could use some extra technical support.

    ●  Compensation – When push comes to shove, a bonus or raise is one of the most effective ways of improving the mood of any employee. This could be the extra push they need to reignite their passion for the role.

    Using one or a combination of these three tactics will help to increase workplace satisfaction and keep your employees engaged while at work.

    Final Thoughts

    With the current economic crisis facing the majority of countries around the world, this era of workplace burnout is, unfortunately, only just beginning. But, as economic hardships increase, HR teams and managers can work to make their workplace as positive as possible.

    To best support your team, focus on creating a workplace that facilitates easy communication. The ability to speak about feeling burnt out without shame or repercussions is vital when constructing a healthy work environment. Alongside this, focusing on incorporating HR structures that help employees at work can go a long way.

    If all else fails, seriously consider the financial side of your business – as inflation continues to get worse, a blanket raise is a phenomenal way of keeping the peace.

  • Latest SEO Trends You Need to Know About

    Latest SEO Trends You Need to Know About

    In the digital age, it’s becoming harder and harder to not only attract customers but get their attention in the first place. The truth is, as much as the consumer has more access to more options than ever before, they are also being bombarded with more and more advertisements. Because of this, consumers are developing better skills at understanding what an advertisement is which makes customer conversion even harder.

    For marketing and advertising departments, it’s not just about getting in front of a potential customer – it’s about convincing a potential customer that they should invest. This is where the power of effective SEO can come into play. There are two styles of SEO that companies can use, organic and paid SEO.

    SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, and it does exactly this. SEO focuses on optimizing the experience a customer has to interact by connecting to the particular brand through a search engine like Google. This in itself is a challenge when you look at the fact that average queries in Google’s search engine can have literally millions of results.

    The job of effective SEO is to present a brand to a potential customer by giving it a higher ranking in Google’s search engine. There are paid SEO schemes where brands can purchase a better ranking, and then there is organic SEO. Organic is typically seen as the more successful, however, it takes considerably more work.

    Organic SEO is a process by which a brand enriches its online presence raising its value in Google’s search algorithm. The more valuable that Google views brands the higher ranking that brand will receive in related search results.

    SEO Trends to be Aware of

    SEO is constantly changing and evolving because it is closely tied to the development of technology to allow greater access to consumers. As a consumer’s relationship to information evolves, so does SEO and its best practices. Here are some of the most important trends to be aware of in SEO.

    Always Create Relevant Content

    SEO revolves around the concept of what it takes to become valuable in Google’s algorithm, and this is part of what makes SEO such a profitable endeavor. To increase in value, there have to be a lot of factors in place. For example, on-page optimization connects keywords and phrases to the related engine searches for that particular market. Written content, like blogs, provides more content for potential customers to find when Googling questions that relate to a given service or good.

    The great thing about organic SEO done right is that it not only increases Google’s ranking, but it creates valuable content that customers appreciate. For example, a company that services beekeepers would benefit from SEO content that looked like several blog-style articles that related to common concerns beekeepers have. With the proper keywords and backlinks, these articles will be recognized by Google, but they will also help service a targeted audience.

    Cell Phone Compatibility

    Cell phone compatibility is becoming a very important part of having quality SEO. With more and more people using their cell phones to do everything from paying their bills to shopping for common household items, cell phone compatibility is no longer negotiable. The good news is that most website developers or even out-of-the-box options like Squarespace or Wix offer cell phone compatibility as a service.

    Long Content is Good

    Remember, SEO is about being recognized as quality by Google’s search engine, and one factor that Google observes is written content. Longer form content that is good quality will not only be appreciated by potential customers but also potentially shared. All of these interactions are recognized by Google’s algorithm and play an important role in SEO.

    Images and Video

    While SEO content can be a variety of different things from PR content to long form articles, to on-page optimization, video and images are beginning to play an important role. High-quality video and image content are an indicator of quality assurance for potential customers, and high-quality media that can help improve SEO.

    Video in general is becoming more and more popular as access to creating quality content is growing and expanding. Social media platforms like TikTok and massive video creation platforms like YouTube are proof that this market works. By adding high-quality images and videos to your SEO campaigns, you won’t just win over potential customers who recognize this as a sign of brand quality, but you will improve your ranking as well.

    Conclusion

    SEO is one of the most beneficial tools that a business can invest in when it comes to furthering its marketing and advertising. The good news is that you don’t have to do this alone if you lack the knowledge or expertise. Using a Google Ads agency to help you understand the differentiation between more traditional advertisements and the power of SEO can help to boost your company toward your goals.

  • Top Challenges And Opportunities For Fleet Management In 2022

    Top Challenges And Opportunities For Fleet Management In 2022

    Fleet and safety management today can be viewed from two different angles. On the one hand, operations are being disrupted by rising prices and a lack of new, readily available vehicles. In addition, leaders struggle to attract and keep the next generation of drivers. On the other side, improvements in fleet and safety technologies are fundamentally altering the sector. Fleets of all sizes are becoming more efficient and growing faster thanks to tools like AI and analytics. Right now, opportunities and difficulties are interacting in never-before-seen ways.

    Therefore, what strategic areas ought fleet leaders concentrate on when the number of high-level issues gets longer and longer? A planned, intentional approach may ensure that your fleet organization focuses on the trends and opportunities that will have the most significant impact.

    Technology and Security

    Fleets are essential to success in many different businesses, including landscaping, construction, and utilities. Customers’ needs are met and exceeded by drivers and the vehicle assets themselves. They do, however, carry a danger by nature. Fleets and their products are at the mercy of safe driving circumstances. Therefore, one accident could affect your company and other drivers that share the road with your staff. In fact, safety issues have gotten so bad that it seems increasingly likely that laws will force national fleets to ban all non-emergency smartphone use in commercial vehicles.

    Nevertheless, safety technology can offer a significant chance to boost productivity in 2022. Many fleets now in use lack basic features that could save lives and increase profits. For instance, multiple lane departure sensors, rear cameras, and seat belt sensors have become standards in consumer vehicles and lower the accident rate. However, fleets today don’t all have the same level of safety equipment. 

    Fleet managers can perform their duties more dependably by taking the technological lead in enhancing incident prevention in commercial vehicles. The firms that put off updating their safety strategy will be the first to suffer high-impact losses from an increase in accidents, insurance costs, and problems with driver retention.  Fleet managers should review how many vehicles are needed for fleet insurance and make sure they get the best protection.

    AI Strategic Implementation

    Deploying an AI solution into fleet management has been shown to provide advantages, such as enhancing the driving experience or intelligently anticipating client wants to increase operational flexibility. Nevertheless, each organization is different. Knowing exactly what’s best for your fleet can seem difficult, considering that AI is at the center of a complex ecosystem that includes machine learning, predictive analytics, and various other technological advancements.

    For instance, contemporary in-cab video solutions with an AI foundation may intelligently spot risky driving tendencies, remedy the situation, and provide coaching for real-world behavior. Applying to a complete fleet can raise the overall driver community’s average performance ratings. Safer and happier drivers are more likely to stay on the job. In addition, AI can help those who are performing at lower levels to do better. Furthermore, this technology can draw in new employees who perceive the sophisticated in-cab coaching support as a chance to enhance their driving game. 

    Controlling Supply Chain Breakdown

    Sustained supply chain disruption, a problem in recent years, will be a major problem for fleets in 2022. Consumers and fleets have seen how microprocessor shortages are shaking the auto industry and how material costs are growing as important transit routes are exposed to Covid-related lockdowns. Everyone is feeling the impact across industries. Although these problems will probably persist over the course of the upcoming year, fleet managers and executives can take steps to lessen their impact.

    In other words, you will increase operational efficiency by focusing more on the parts of the business you can control in the face of uncontrollable external events. For instance, you might bring in technology to improve route assignments or possibly completely do away with some human operations. In the latter scenario, fleet managers may lower human error for a healthier, more accurate look into their business by automating administrative activities like time sheets. Therefore, leaders can adjust to changing conditions more flexibly when as little as possible is left to chance.

    Reasons for Hope

    Despite persistent difficulties for large and small fleets, today’s environment is full of opportunity. The pieces are in place for fleets to enhance their organization and provide better experiences to consumers and staff alike. This is largely due to technological advancement and rising demand. Therefore, by seizing the chance provided by intelligent operations, 2022 might turn out to be a successful year for future fleets.

  • How Businesses Are Helping Employees Repay Student Loans

    How Businesses Are Helping Employees Repay Student Loans

    When you have a growing list of other financial obligations, it can be challenging to balance student loan payments. However, some businesses are going the extra mile to provide assistance. 

    According to figures from the Federal Reserve, the total amount of student loan debt in the United States has risen to an all-time high of $1.75 trillion. In answer to this, employers are increasingly providing aid as American workers find it harder and harder to make their student loan payments.

    What Has Changed in the Field of Student Loan Benefits

    A recent poll found that only a small percentage of businesses were giving help with repaying private student loans as a bonus. However, recent changes have brought to light just how much student debt affects regular Americans. A provision to halt payments, interest charges, and collections on federal student loans held by the Department of Education was part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act when it was passed in March 2020.

    The CARES Act also allowed companies to exempt up to $5,250 in annual student loan payment help from their employees’ income and offer it to their workers. The Consolidated Appropriations Act put an extension on that clause’s deadline from the end of 2020 to 2025.

    In response, a recent study found that the proportion of employers providing student debt repayment aid as a benefit has more than doubled. Furthermore, there are more companies planning to do so.

    Here are some innovative strategies employers use to show you how businesses are assisting their workers.

    1. Allowing staff to exchange unused vacation time for payments on student loans.

    Staff members carry over unused paid time off (PTO) each year. Under this program, employees are able to convert a certain number of hours of carryover PTO into a student loan payment. Some employees pay off as much as $1000 or $2000 a year on such a program. 

    2. Offering a signing bonus that can be used to pay off student loan debt.

    In addition to this signing bonus, some companies offer a second incentive for the same purpose once employees have worked for the company for five years.

    3. Linking 401(k) contributions to student loan payments

    Paying off student loans has greatly hampered the ability of recent college graduates to save for retirement. A recent study found that 73% of student loan borrowers aren’t making the most of their retirement resources. Some companies are providing a solution to this problem

    More specifically, companies provide a 5% contribution to each employee’s retirement plan, provided that the employee makes student loan payments equivalent to or greater than 2% of their qualified earnings.

    Furthermore, employees are not required to make retirement plan contributions in order to receive the matching contribution. Even the IRS grants special authorization to provide the benefit.

    4. Providing student loan payments.

    There are private banks and asset management companies introducing their initiatives to help with student loan repayment. These organizations provide monthly payment perks like other private employers do, however, they are not limited to recent college graduates. These banks also provide aid to parents who got student loans to pay for their children’s education.

    These employees receive a monthly amount to put toward their school loans during their first year of employment, whether they are a parent, graduate, or undergraduate. This amount increases each year until the loan is repaid.  

    5. Exchanging student loan payments for company stock.

    Employees with a certain number of years of employment could be made eligible for company stock awards each year, which they could sell to pay off student loans. 

    Conclusions

    These and other programs are part of a growing trend of businesses helping employees pay off student debt. As these businesses become more creative and innovative, it’s likely that in the future, job-seekers may see this as one of the most important benefits to look for in a company. 

  • How to Start Investing When You’re Broke

    How to Start Investing When You’re Broke

    For a long time, investing money seemed out of reach for the average person. Even today, many assume that one needs thousands of dollars to begin their investment journey. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case, courtesy of online investment services and robo-advisors!

    What are robo-advisors?

    Robo-advisors are online automated investment advisors (such as Acorns or Betterment). Their exact capabilities and duties vary per platform. Still, a robo-advisor will generally automatically manage the money you provide it with. Once it places your money into an ETF (Exchange-traded fund), your funds will be instantly diversified amongst all the stocks in that particular ETF. Most robo-advisors offer multiple ETF portfolios for you to choose from, which may differ by:

    • Risk (the overall volatility of the stocks contained within the ETF)
    • Purpose (e.g., retirement, savings, or cash flow)
    • Social causes (e.g., sustainable energy)

    The exact options available will largely depend on the robo-advisor platform you decide to use. However, it’s important to note that you can only choose the ETF: you can’t select the individual stocks! This differs from alternative investment methods, which often give you precise control over your investments. Still, robo-advisors do all the work for you. They don’t require much beginning capital, making them ideal for those with limited investing experience.

    The “Hands-On” Approach

    If the idea of using a robo-advisor doesn’t sound appealing to you, don’t worry. There are other options available that allow you to control exactly where your money goes. True, higher-end investment opportunities like AcreTrader or  First National Realty Partners may require a large upfront deposit. However, many online services allow you to begin investing for as little as $5!

    How It Works

    Services that allow you to trade stocks (like Robinhood) will enable you to invest even small amounts of money. For $10, you’ll be able to purchase entire shares of some stocks. However, some stocks cost hundreds of dollars. Services like Robinhood allow you to buy partial shares, making it possible to invest in major companies despite not being able to afford total shares!

    Many of these services allow you to purchase ETFs and crypto as well. Similarly, you’ll be able to buy percentages if you can’t afford the entire investment. These services are an excellent way to diversify your portfolio by yourself, but the downside is you’ll need to know what to invest in. Managing a successful portfolio on your own will be more time-consuming than using a robo-advisor. Still, if done correctly, it could also be more lucrative!

    Costs and Fees

    Most platforms will require payment at some point. Although commission-free trading is common online, there are still a variety of costs you could incur. Here are a few of the costs to consider when selecting a trading platform:

    • Monthly membership fees
    • Maintenance fees
    • Commission fees
    • Regulatory transaction fees
    • Trading activity fees
    • ADR (American Depositary Receipt) fees

    Setting Realistic Expectations

    Although it is certainly possible to become rich overnight, this is unlikely to become a reality for most people. Doing so would require making hazardous investments, a lot of luck, and perfect timing. As such, you should set realistic expectations for your investing endeavors.

    Fortunately, that doesn’t mean investing is a waste of time. Quite the contrary: you can generate high returns over time! Many people simply place their money into savings accounts, but these accounts offer a very low APY (Annual Percentage Yield) and can quickly be outpaced by inflation. Let’s take a quick look at how a savings (X%APY) would perform over 10 years.

    Savings Account

    Initial investment: $10,000

    APY: 0.13%

    Balance after ten years: $10,130.85

    As you can see, the return will be abysmal with a savings account, even after a decade! On top of that, inflation rates generally reduce your return’s value by 2-3% each year. Although you will technically have more money, your purchasing power will be reduced! Of course, this is better than leaving your money in a non-interest earning account, but it’s not the best option. 

    Next, let’s compare the same capital ($10,000 for ten years) invested in the stock market. Generally, the stock market has a 10-11% return, averaging a 7% APY after adjusting for inflation.

    Stock Market

    Initial investment: $10,000

    APY: 7% 

    Balance after ten years: 20,136.16

    As you can see, the stock market is a much better investment opportunity than simply using a savings account! However, just because—based on historical data—your funds should grow doesn’t mean your funds will grow. Unfortunately, loss is part of investing, so it’s essential to factor risk into your investments.

    Determining the Appropriate Risk Level

    Online robo-advisors will generally allow you to choose a portfolio based on the “risk factor.” Investing in individual stocks means you’ll have to assess the risk factor yourself. Essentially, the “risk factor” equates to volatility. Investments with higher volatility offer greater returns but also increase the chance of losing your money. Investments with lower volatility offer lesser returns but are less likely to depreciate in value.

    Generally speaking, high-risk investments are suitable for younger investors with time to recover from losses. Low-risk investments are the preferred option for older investors who won’t have time to recover from losses.

    Investing for Your Future

    The best time to start investing was yesterday; the second-best time to start investing is today! However, you should never begin investing without doing some research first. Compare different options, analyze the risks, and weigh the potential outcomes before taking your first step to a better financial future.

  • How to Promote Decarbonization and Reduce Carbon Footprint

    How to Promote Decarbonization and Reduce Carbon Footprint

    Decarbonization in business

    A decarbonized economy (also known as a low-carbon economy) is an economy with low greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sources. The benefits of this are cleaner air and a planet with a longer life. It is now more important than ever that businesses take decarbonization seriously and start applying it to their practices. It should also be seen as an opportunity to enhance old methods in a way that benefits both business and the environment.

    Unfortunately the act of decarbonization is not simple. It can be time consuming to reimagine an entire business model and it certainly comes with a price. However, this should be no reason to shy away from the process. Despite costs and strategy conversations, this should be a priority for all businesses. A decarbonization platform is therefore highly advantageous in making the first necessary adaptations in order to achieve this. This is where Dassault Systèmes comes in. Their 3DEXPERIENCE Platform involves a variety of tools to help your business’ journey towards a more energy efficient and eco-friendly mode of production. This may involve but is not exclusive to: optimizing product life to minimize waste and promote reusability, analyzing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and exploring disruptive technologies that positively contribute to the circular economy.

    Our individual digital carbon footprint

    Although the practices of businesses are extremely significant, it’s also important to be aware that our actions and behavior as individuals are equally as vital for the process of decarbonization. Most of us have heard of the concept of our “carbon footprint” but how much do we really know about reducing our digital carbon footprint? You may believe that it requires a lifestyle change but in actual fact, small changes and additions in habit can make a large difference to your digital carbon footprint. Something as simple as turning off your devices when they’re not in use will make enough of an impact to make that small extra action worth it. In the same strain, we shouldn’t be leaving our devices plugged in for longer than they need to charge. So perhaps it’s time to stop charging your phone overnight as it is spending a lot more time plugged in than it needs.

    Another easy way to reduce your carbon footprint is to regularly clean out your inbox of emails. This is because these emails have to sit in data centers which in turn uses energy. To reduce your efforts, it may be worth unsubscribing from those automated emails that you never read or don’t need. This may come as a surprise but each email uses CO2 to reach you (and stay in your inbox) and so the less arriving in the first place, the better.

    One more subtle lifestyle change for reducing your carbon footprint is avoiding streaming anything when you’re away from home. It’s much more energy efficient to download files to watch/listen to as opposed to streaming them. Alternatively, you could listen to CDs or the radio when you’re driving. If you want to go one step better, reduce your streaming all together even when at home.

    Conclusion

    These are just a few of the things we can do to minimize our carbon footprint and therefore our negative impact on the planet. The more we do, and the more we care, the closer we get to a low-carbon economy.