Cracking the question of what factors will best lead you to success can help you focus on the right areas of your personal development and make you more successful in your career, business, and life in general. After all, you don't have a lot of time. You want to focus your efforts where you can have the most impact.
We've been conditioned to believe that smart people who work hard are bound to succeed. In fact, if you're super smart, you should be able to write your own ticket, so to speak.
But is intelligence really the most critical success factor?
Not necessarily.
In fact, research suggests that intellect may not define success nearly as much as we've thought. Being smart can take you far, but emotional intelligence may be even more important than an exceptional intellect.
Dr. Arthur Poropat, senior lecturer at Griffith University, conducted reviews on the "Big 5" personality factors: conscientiousness, openness, emotional stability, extraversion, and agreeableness. People with high levels of these traits were more likely to achieve high grades than people with high IQs.
Other research from the Carnegie Institute of Technology found that emotional intelligence is a far more important success factor than standard intelligence when it comes to your financial success. In fact, 85 percent of financial success comes from people skills and just 15 percent comes from technical knowledge.
viernes, 26 de febrero de 2016
10 Must-Read Startup Blogs to Feed the Entrepreneur in You
For an entrepreneur, reliable information is the biggest strength. Over the course of running a startup, everyone is guaranteed to go through thousands of websites, books, blogs and podcasts to get answers to umpteen questions. But the fact remains that most of the readily available sources just offer reworked information without any practical advice.
Certain big names like INC and Entrepreneur are common among budding and experienced business owners for giving vital information while few try to hog attention by tagging each of their posts as a billion-dollar idea. This post however sheds light on certain blogs that are ‘different’. Following are ten blogs that develop highly useful content for startups, particularly the tech based.
New leaders and visionaries are often born after garnering inspiration from established ones. For any entrepreneur, it is crucial to remain motivated, educated and empowered. Foundora is one such blog, which offers its readers interviews, views and opinions of startup founders and helps you develop significant viewpoint on the latest trends. This immaculately conceived website covers success stories of VCs, Founders, and CEOs of several startups.
Certain big names like INC and Entrepreneur are common among budding and experienced business owners for giving vital information while few try to hog attention by tagging each of their posts as a billion-dollar idea. This post however sheds light on certain blogs that are ‘different’. Following are ten blogs that develop highly useful content for startups, particularly the tech based.
1. Foundora.com
New leaders and visionaries are often born after garnering inspiration from established ones. For any entrepreneur, it is crucial to remain motivated, educated and empowered. Foundora is one such blog, which offers its readers interviews, views and opinions of startup founders and helps you develop significant viewpoint on the latest trends. This immaculately conceived website covers success stories of VCs, Founders, and CEOs of several startups.
What Google Learned From Its Quest to Build the Perfect Team
Like most 25-year-olds, Julia Rozovsky wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her life. She had worked at a consulting firm, but it wasn’t a good match. Then she became a researcher for two professors at Harvard, which was interesting but lonely. Maybe a big corporation would be a better fit. Or perhaps a fast-growing start-up. All she knew for certain was that she wanted to find a job that was more social. ‘‘I wanted to be part of a community, part of something people were building together,’’ she told me. She thought about various opportunities — Internet companies, a Ph.D. program — but nothing seemed exactly right. So in 2009, she chose the path that allowed her to put off making a decision: She applied to business schools and was accepted by the Yale School of Management.
When Rozovsky arrived on campus, she was assigned to a study group carefully engineered by the school to foster tight bonds. Study groups have become a rite of passage at M.B.A. programs, a way for students to practice working in teams and a reflection of the increasing demand for employees who can adroitly navigate group dynamics. A worker today might start the morning by collaborating with a team of engineers, then send emails to colleagues marketing a new brand, then jump on a conference call planning an entirely different product line, while also juggling team meetings with accounting and the party-planning committee. To prepare students for that complex world, business schools around the country have revised their curriculums to emphasize team-focused learning.
When Rozovsky arrived on campus, she was assigned to a study group carefully engineered by the school to foster tight bonds. Study groups have become a rite of passage at M.B.A. programs, a way for students to practice working in teams and a reflection of the increasing demand for employees who can adroitly navigate group dynamics. A worker today might start the morning by collaborating with a team of engineers, then send emails to colleagues marketing a new brand, then jump on a conference call planning an entirely different product line, while also juggling team meetings with accounting and the party-planning committee. To prepare students for that complex world, business schools around the country have revised their curriculums to emphasize team-focused learning.
Think You Know What It Means to Be an Entrepreneur? Think Again.
Join us in a city near you at Entrepreneur’s Accelerate Your Business event series kicking off Feb 23. View cities and dates »
While coming up with the next billion-dollar entrepreneurial blockbuster is at the top of everybody’s to-do list in hopes of becoming filthy rich, the chances of actually doing so are slim. Really slim.
Not to burst anybody’s bubble here -- I’m all for hopes and dreams -- but when those hopes and dreams aren't grounded in reality, then winning the entrepreneurial lottery becomes a long shot.
The good news is that being an entrepreneur doesn’t have to necessarily mean starting a company with dollar signs as the target. Yes, it would be nice, but you can be rich without being wealthy. At its core, what being an entrepreneur really means is pursuing a purpose that delivers value -- with a little bit of risk, of course. That’s it.
Now, most entrepreneurs display their entrepreneurial spirit through innovation, which puts them at the top of the organizational -- and financial -- hierarchy if their company comes to fruition. However, this isn’t the only way to becoming personally rich.
While coming up with the next billion-dollar entrepreneurial blockbuster is at the top of everybody’s to-do list in hopes of becoming filthy rich, the chances of actually doing so are slim. Really slim.
Not to burst anybody’s bubble here -- I’m all for hopes and dreams -- but when those hopes and dreams aren't grounded in reality, then winning the entrepreneurial lottery becomes a long shot.
The good news is that being an entrepreneur doesn’t have to necessarily mean starting a company with dollar signs as the target. Yes, it would be nice, but you can be rich without being wealthy. At its core, what being an entrepreneur really means is pursuing a purpose that delivers value -- with a little bit of risk, of course. That’s it.
Now, most entrepreneurs display their entrepreneurial spirit through innovation, which puts them at the top of the organizational -- and financial -- hierarchy if their company comes to fruition. However, this isn’t the only way to becoming personally rich.
How the Internet of Things is becoming the 'Internet of Commerce’
The 29th Mobile World Congress is in full swing, and amid the flurry of new device announcements, the main conversation piece in Barcelona has been the evolution of the Internet of Things.
Of course, the topic as a whole is nothing new — in fact, it's been the most important phrase in technology for the better part of the decade — but this year's IoT discussions have a new focus: Commerce.
The maturation of mobile payment services combined with the proliferation of IoT-capable devices has created a perfect storm of innovation that's seeing our money going places it never could, both securely and conveniently. And thanks to innovators like MasterCard, the Internet of Things is moving from pure connectivity, to all-out functionality.
Consider this: When the world was first introduced to IoT, it was "enough" to fantasize about controlling objects around you, like programming your home's thermostat from your phone. But control only scratches the surface.
Of course, the topic as a whole is nothing new — in fact, it's been the most important phrase in technology for the better part of the decade — but this year's IoT discussions have a new focus: Commerce.
The maturation of mobile payment services combined with the proliferation of IoT-capable devices has created a perfect storm of innovation that's seeing our money going places it never could, both securely and conveniently. And thanks to innovators like MasterCard, the Internet of Things is moving from pure connectivity, to all-out functionality.
Consider this: When the world was first introduced to IoT, it was "enough" to fantasize about controlling objects around you, like programming your home's thermostat from your phone. But control only scratches the surface.
jueves, 25 de febrero de 2016
Two Digital Myths That Trip Up the C-Suite
Most executives I talk to understand very well that digital technologies are permeating nearly every function of nearly every business. And yet many fall prey to two harmful myths.
Myth #1: You will die without a digital strategy. This myth is generally accompanied by scary stories, such as how Amazon devoured Sears. But digital technologies are no more strategies than electric power, telephone communications, or any other advanced technology. They are powerful tools that deserve prominent placement in the toolbox. But they should not replace all the other tools — or the skilled strategists who know where and how to use them.
Myth #1: You will die without a digital strategy. This myth is generally accompanied by scary stories, such as how Amazon devoured Sears. But digital technologies are no more strategies than electric power, telephone communications, or any other advanced technology. They are powerful tools that deserve prominent placement in the toolbox. But they should not replace all the other tools — or the skilled strategists who know where and how to use them.
Richard Branson: How to talk to investors about social impact
When starting a business, many entrepreneurs want to have a positive social impact. But how do you deal with investors who are only interested in making a profit? Richard Branson has some advice…
“The best way to address people’s biases and preconceived notions is head-on, reframing the debate,” the Virgin Founder says in a recent blog. “In this day and age, if some entrepreneurs and business leaders still consider the benefits of making a positive social impact to be difficult to qualify or impossible to quantify, or see that goal as an unwanted distraction from turning a profit, I beg to differ!”
He says that it’s important that you are confident when talking about your concept. “You have an advantage over many of your competitors: the excitement and goodwill of customers who will support your ideas.”
Here are three points Richard says it’s important to emphasise when approaching investors:
He says that it’s important that you are confident when talking about your concept. “You have an advantage over many of your competitors: the excitement and goodwill of customers who will support your ideas.”
Here are three points Richard says it’s important to emphasise when approaching investors:
miércoles, 24 de febrero de 2016
Lanzamiento de Fintech Latam
Digital Bank LATAM anuncia el lanzamiento de fintechlatam.net, la plataforma de estudio y difusión de las soluciones fintech de Latinoamérica.
Digital Bank Latam, la plataforma de innovación Fintech más importante de Latinoamérica, anunció hoy el lanzamiento del Portal Fintech Latam, como parte de los esfuerzos de difundir las soluciones para la industria financiera, desarrolladas por las empresas Latinoamericanas.
Este Portal permitirá la conexión entre:
Empresas Fintech
Bancos
Compañías de Seguro
Proveedores tradicionales de la Banca
El Portal contará con noticias relacionadas el mundo Fintech, resumen de las soluciones de las empresas de la región, columnas de opinión y nuevas tecnologías provistas por los proveedores tradicionales de la industria financiera.
Digital Bank Latam, la plataforma de innovación Fintech más importante de Latinoamérica, anunció hoy el lanzamiento del Portal Fintech Latam, como parte de los esfuerzos de difundir las soluciones para la industria financiera, desarrolladas por las empresas Latinoamericanas.
Este Portal permitirá la conexión entre:
Empresas Fintech
Bancos
Compañías de Seguro
Proveedores tradicionales de la Banca
El Portal contará con noticias relacionadas el mundo Fintech, resumen de las soluciones de las empresas de la región, columnas de opinión y nuevas tecnologías provistas por los proveedores tradicionales de la industria financiera.
lunes, 22 de febrero de 2016
The Amazing Life of One of America’s Earliest Black, Female Entrepreneurs
Though not everyone may know her name, Madam C.J. Walker helped invent what have become staples of our modern country and economy: national sales forces, corporate social responsibility, and, yes, even basic haircare. Orphaned at age 8, married at 14, and widowed at 20 with a daughter to raise, Walker went on to become a millionaire entrepreneur in the Deep South at the turn of the century, against all odds. Professor Nancy Koehn describes Walker’s inspiring real life story of making good on her own unique American dream.
Listen to the full story here:
https://soundcloud.com/harvard/the-amazing-life-of-one-of-americas-earliest-black-female-entrepreneurs
NOTE CREDIT: http://www.hbs.edu/news/articles/Pages/madam-walker.aspx?cid=sf44414375+sf44414375
Listen to the full story here:
https://soundcloud.com/harvard/the-amazing-life-of-one-of-americas-earliest-black-female-entrepreneurs
NOTE CREDIT: http://www.hbs.edu/news/articles/Pages/madam-walker.aspx?cid=sf44414375+sf44414375
4 Pearls of Wisdom From Business Thinker Jim Collins
Join us in a city near you at Entrepreneur’s Accelerate Your Business event series kicking off Feb 23. View cities and dates »
Jim Collins is one of my favorite business writers. He wrote the business classic Good to Great and has developed and coined ideas and terms that have been embraced and used widely in the business world.
Here are four pearls of his wisdom that I think can help entrepreneurs and business owners tremendously:
Jim Collins is one of my favorite business writers. He wrote the business classic Good to Great and has developed and coined ideas and terms that have been embraced and used widely in the business world.
Here are four pearls of his wisdom that I think can help entrepreneurs and business owners tremendously:
It’s all about 20-mile marches.
In his most recent book, Great by Choice, Collins tells the story of two groups of hikers who trekked from California to Maine. One group walked 20 miles every day. It didn’t matter whether the ground was flat, rocky or hilly, or if the weather was sunny, rainy or freezing -- they still walked 20 miles every day.Entrepreneurs are Everywhere Show No. 21, Part 1: Kathy Ku and Orin Herskowitz
Research done by professors and their grad students in U.S. universities labs are being turned into commercial products and life saving drugs and devices thanks to an act of Congress – and the efforts of technology transfer offices in schools like Stanford and Columbia.
How this research is transferred outside the university, and why this “tech transfer” process is important was the focus of an interview with two of the latest guests on Entrepreneurs are Everywhere, my radio show on SiriusXM Channel 111 (airing weekly Thursdays at 1 pm Pacific, 4 pm Eastern).
The show follows the journeys of founders who share what it takes to build a startup – from restaurants to rocket scientists, to online gifts to online groceries and more. The program examines the DNA of entrepreneurs: what makes them tick, how they came up with their ideas; and explores the habits that make them successful, and the highs and lows that pushed them forward.
How this research is transferred outside the university, and why this “tech transfer” process is important was the focus of an interview with two of the latest guests on Entrepreneurs are Everywhere, my radio show on SiriusXM Channel 111 (airing weekly Thursdays at 1 pm Pacific, 4 pm Eastern).
The show follows the journeys of founders who share what it takes to build a startup – from restaurants to rocket scientists, to online gifts to online groceries and more. The program examines the DNA of entrepreneurs: what makes them tick, how they came up with their ideas; and explores the habits that make them successful, and the highs and lows that pushed them forward.
Why investors love spin-off startups
The Hottest Startup Sectors In 2016
Which of the 16 major start of categories in information technology will reap disproportionate share of investment dollars in 2016? And which sectors are closely guarded secrets shielded by seed investors, that may have their breakout year this year?
Using Crunchbase data, I analyzed share of dollars commanded by each of these 16 categories over the last five years to understand the trends in both the seed and series A fundraising markets. The chart above contrasts the pace of investment across the two markets by sector measured by % of total dollars invested anually. Seed investment is marked blue, and series A investment is marked red.
Using Crunchbase data, I analyzed share of dollars commanded by each of these 16 categories over the last five years to understand the trends in both the seed and series A fundraising markets. The chart above contrasts the pace of investment across the two markets by sector measured by % of total dollars invested anually. Seed investment is marked blue, and series A investment is marked red.
10 Ways to Learn About Your Target Audience
It astonishes me how many businesses don’t have a clue who their target market is. Sure, if you ask the head of sales who the target audience is, he or she may have an answer, but does this sales exec know why this is the target market? What problems this market faces? What this market trusts and distrusts? What its members love and loathe, fear or anticipate?
Unless you’re intimately familiar with the psychology of your target market, any demographics you claim are mere semantics. If you want your messaging to be effective and your brand to be enticing, you need to go a step further and get to know your customers better. How do you do that? Here are 10 ways to know your target audience:
Unless you’re intimately familiar with the psychology of your target market, any demographics you claim are mere semantics. If you want your messaging to be effective and your brand to be enticing, you need to go a step further and get to know your customers better. How do you do that? Here are 10 ways to know your target audience:
jueves, 18 de febrero de 2016
IRISH BUSINESS LEADERS TELL WHY DATA ANALYTICS MATTER
“Today, there simply is no customer experience of any value without data analytics. It’s what informs every progressive business in pursuit of winning and retaining new customers. Post- recession, the marketing landscape has changed utterly and now it’s about mining data to develop insights that make your brand or experience compelling enough to purchase. The challenge now for business is getting the process and function of data analytics right and matching the right talent to that need.” That’s according to Charley Stoney, Managing Director, The Alternatives Group (www.alternatives.ie), Ireland’s No. 1 marketing customer and commercial talent house which hosted a breakfast meeting on the theme of Data Analytics (DA), in association with(www.idiro.com) who provide advanced analytics to clients in Europe, Asia and the US from its HQ in Dublin.
A panel of speakers comprising Olivier Van Parys, Head of Analytics, Bank of Ireland, Richard Harris, Head of Online Marketing and Customer Intelligence, Paddy Power Betfair and Ronan Brennan, Insights Manager, LinkedIn offered their expert insights on the so-called data analytics “journey” from those businesses just embracing this function to those where it is an embedded part of the business culture. The meeting addressed the 5 most significant questions in data analytics.
For Richard, joining Paddy Power from American Express was something of an eye-opener, both being highly information driven and data hungry businesses and marketing organisations but at very different stages of maturity as regards how they were organised around the resourcing and provision of data analytics and modelling capability to the business. Rapid growth and development had almost outstripped the development of analytics within the business as a competitive weapon to inform strategy and drive better marketing decisions, the symptom being vast swathes of reports upon reports but little insight. However, in 2016 Paddy Power is in a very different place with disciplined and well-structured teams operating in conjunction with the marketing teams to drive informed choices around strategy and planning and the associated measurement of those choices.
At Bank of Ireland, Olivier feels that data analytics really helps to customise the customer experience and provide timely, relevant and valuable engagement. “Putting customers at the core of everything we do and leveraging data to help our customers to better manage their finances is simply good business which benefits everyone.” For him, there is no opt out when it comes to Data Analytics – it’s essential for every organisation, not an optional extra.
Ronan believes that when it comes to D.A. there are two types of business – those like Linked In where it is absolutely central to the operation of the service to those where data is on the periphery. According to him: “DA is evolving rapidly – those who don’t embrace it fully will be left behind – it’s that simple. So, for competitive edge and to plan for a successful future, it’s all about expanding the use of real insights and analytics to generate increased revenues.”
While Bank of Ireland is very data driven, Olivier had some interesting thoughts to offer other businesses based on this experience at Google. “Walk before you run is not a cliché in this context – it’s true. Also, avoid jumping steps or moving too quickly. To have full engagement with DA, have senior management buy-in and, perhaps most of all, respect the culture – change in any form takes time to develop and that’s why it’s also important to demystify DA”
For Richard, what’s needed in effective DA is an understanding that Data for Data’s sake is a waste of time and resources. “Before the DA process begins have a very firm view of what the data needs to answer. Context is critical and allows the analyst to provide insights that otherwise might get left behind. Also, don’t be afraid to make a decision based on the best data available. The notion of “Perfect Data” is an expensive fallacy”. The materiality of the decision you are looking to make should inform the sweat equity ratio of the risk at hand. “How good does the analysis need to be?” and “Do you really need to cut the data in a number of different ways?” – have the courage of your convictions and be prepared to make a decision.
Drawing on his experience across many industries, Olivier learned that it’s important to be collaborative.
“No one gets to live in an Ivory Tower. For DA to be viewed throughout the organisation as worthwhile, it needs to be seen to add value. It needs to demonstrate why it’s an essential part of the commercial operation. Patience is an important virtue to build a successful DA operation within a business. For DA, “success has many fathers” and customer facing staff are a key part of the delivery process.”
According to Richard; “Knowing how to ask the right questions is important. Saying No for instance, to directionless requests for data becomes important. In the case of our newly merged business, it’s essential for us to be open to the possibilities that two distinct customer data sources – one from Paddy Power, the other from Betfair, offers us.”
Ronan says: “I’ve learnt that it’s important to evangelise DA within an organisation, communicating the depth and scope of the possibilities it offers: – endorsement from senior management is a vital component. Also, sharing the success of DA is paramount – the DA process is a collaborative one and embraces many functions within the organisation to be successful. Crucially, Predictive modelling is important in the process of giving you data that you’re happy with. And I believe that a centralised approach to DA is the optimal approach in many organisations.”
Aidan Connolly of Idiro Analytics said: “From the outset it’s important to have a single view of the customer to give shape to your DA journey. Also, don’t underestimate how long it can sometimes take to get your data right.”
According to Olivier Van Parys: “At Bank of Ireland, DA is an evolving process and a key enabler into putting the customer into the core of everything we do Recruiting the right talent is essential and we have a lot to offer data scientists with a curious and future orientated mind-set. Such an outward looking way of thinking is critical as the world of data science is evolving so rapidly.”
For Ronan: “At LinkedIn we see ourselves as data driven story tellers. Identifying what clients need and why they need it remains an exciting challenge. Finding the right talent – with the right blend of commercial acumen and technical expertise – is a challenge in a marketplace like ours.”
For Richard the challenge is simple. “There is always a danger that teams and or individuals become over reliant on centralised analytics teams to create and churn out reports with precious time suddenly becoming biased towards the adhoc and tactical as opposed to the strategic and value creating. Organisations need to think about how “self-serving” of consistent and standard Executive reports and KPI’s is embedded across teams. All marketing is becoming increasingly digital and data driven and the hybrid marketer who blends communications, creativity, technical and analytical skills will continue to be in short supply.”
The panel all agreed that finding the right DA talent to match corporate needs is an issue with the market at the moment. As a result, outsourcing has become a viable – and valuable – option. For instance, the type of solution that Alternatives/Idiro provides where there’s a “marrying” of the Artists (marketers) with Scientists (data analytics) to provide project teams for setup or isolated projects is gaining in popularity.
But even here there are learnings to be observed.
For Olivier, knowledge transfer and co-creation is essential and the commercial imperatives of privacy apply.
Richard’s perspective is that outsourcing works if it’s fully collaborative with a shared view of what’s needed and how that knowledge transfer and retention is subsequently managed. It’s essential to have a vision for success that everyone can work towards. Meanwhile, Ronan’s take is that going the outsourcing route is all about scale and efficiencies, delivering DA needs on time and within budget.
Charley Stoney believes that an organisation with DA needs – regardless of where they are on the journey, needs to implement a cost benefit analysis and have a clear willingness to match resources to deliver a robust DA capability.
NOTE CREDIT: http://irishtechnews.net/ITN3/irish-business-leaders-tell-why-data-analytics-matter/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=socialnetwork
A panel of speakers comprising Olivier Van Parys, Head of Analytics, Bank of Ireland, Richard Harris, Head of Online Marketing and Customer Intelligence, Paddy Power Betfair and Ronan Brennan, Insights Manager, LinkedIn offered their expert insights on the so-called data analytics “journey” from those businesses just embracing this function to those where it is an embedded part of the business culture. The meeting addressed the 5 most significant questions in data analytics.
Q1. Why does data analytics exist for your business? What is the business imperative?
At Bank of Ireland, Olivier feels that data analytics really helps to customise the customer experience and provide timely, relevant and valuable engagement. “Putting customers at the core of everything we do and leveraging data to help our customers to better manage their finances is simply good business which benefits everyone.” For him, there is no opt out when it comes to Data Analytics – it’s essential for every organisation, not an optional extra.
Ronan believes that when it comes to D.A. there are two types of business – those like Linked In where it is absolutely central to the operation of the service to those where data is on the periphery. According to him: “DA is evolving rapidly – those who don’t embrace it fully will be left behind – it’s that simple. So, for competitive edge and to plan for a successful future, it’s all about expanding the use of real insights and analytics to generate increased revenues.”
Q2 .Where are you on the analytics journey at the moment?
While Bank of Ireland is very data driven, Olivier had some interesting thoughts to offer other businesses based on this experience at Google. “Walk before you run is not a cliché in this context – it’s true. Also, avoid jumping steps or moving too quickly. To have full engagement with DA, have senior management buy-in and, perhaps most of all, respect the culture – change in any form takes time to develop and that’s why it’s also important to demystify DA”
For Richard, what’s needed in effective DA is an understanding that Data for Data’s sake is a waste of time and resources. “Before the DA process begins have a very firm view of what the data needs to answer. Context is critical and allows the analyst to provide insights that otherwise might get left behind. Also, don’t be afraid to make a decision based on the best data available. The notion of “Perfect Data” is an expensive fallacy”. The materiality of the decision you are looking to make should inform the sweat equity ratio of the risk at hand. “How good does the analysis need to be?” and “Do you really need to cut the data in a number of different ways?” – have the courage of your convictions and be prepared to make a decision.
Q3. What have you learnt along the journey?
“No one gets to live in an Ivory Tower. For DA to be viewed throughout the organisation as worthwhile, it needs to be seen to add value. It needs to demonstrate why it’s an essential part of the commercial operation. Patience is an important virtue to build a successful DA operation within a business. For DA, “success has many fathers” and customer facing staff are a key part of the delivery process.”
According to Richard; “Knowing how to ask the right questions is important. Saying No for instance, to directionless requests for data becomes important. In the case of our newly merged business, it’s essential for us to be open to the possibilities that two distinct customer data sources – one from Paddy Power, the other from Betfair, offers us.”
Ronan says: “I’ve learnt that it’s important to evangelise DA within an organisation, communicating the depth and scope of the possibilities it offers: – endorsement from senior management is a vital component. Also, sharing the success of DA is paramount – the DA process is a collaborative one and embraces many functions within the organisation to be successful. Crucially, Predictive modelling is important in the process of giving you data that you’re happy with. And I believe that a centralised approach to DA is the optimal approach in many organisations.”
Aidan Connolly of Idiro Analytics said: “From the outset it’s important to have a single view of the customer to give shape to your DA journey. Also, don’t underestimate how long it can sometimes take to get your data right.”
Q4. How is your organisation structured around analytics?
For Ronan: “At LinkedIn we see ourselves as data driven story tellers. Identifying what clients need and why they need it remains an exciting challenge. Finding the right talent – with the right blend of commercial acumen and technical expertise – is a challenge in a marketplace like ours.”
For Richard the challenge is simple. “There is always a danger that teams and or individuals become over reliant on centralised analytics teams to create and churn out reports with precious time suddenly becoming biased towards the adhoc and tactical as opposed to the strategic and value creating. Organisations need to think about how “self-serving” of consistent and standard Executive reports and KPI’s is embedded across teams. All marketing is becoming increasingly digital and data driven and the hybrid marketer who blends communications, creativity, technical and analytical skills will continue to be in short supply.”
The Talent Dilemma and the solution
But even here there are learnings to be observed.
For Olivier, knowledge transfer and co-creation is essential and the commercial imperatives of privacy apply.
Richard’s perspective is that outsourcing works if it’s fully collaborative with a shared view of what’s needed and how that knowledge transfer and retention is subsequently managed. It’s essential to have a vision for success that everyone can work towards. Meanwhile, Ronan’s take is that going the outsourcing route is all about scale and efficiencies, delivering DA needs on time and within budget.
Charley Stoney believes that an organisation with DA needs – regardless of where they are on the journey, needs to implement a cost benefit analysis and have a clear willingness to match resources to deliver a robust DA capability.
NOTE CREDIT: http://irishtechnews.net/ITN3/irish-business-leaders-tell-why-data-analytics-matter/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=socialnetwork
How Airbnb Used Design To Break Through Its Biggest Challenge
Opening your house to a total stranger — it’s the basic bargain behind every Airbnb transaction. And just a few years ago, the idea of starting a business based on that bargain would have seemed preposterous.
“We’ve been taught as kids that stranger and danger go hand in hand,” Joe Gebbia, Airbnb’s co-founder and chief product officer, said Tuesday during a talk at the annual TED conference in Vancouver. “We were aiming to building Olympic trust between people who had never met.”
“We’ve been taught as kids that stranger and danger go hand in hand,” Joe Gebbia, Airbnb’s co-founder and chief product officer, said Tuesday during a talk at the annual TED conference in Vancouver. “We were aiming to building Olympic trust between people who had never met.”
What Richard Branson, Elon Musk and Other Top Execs Ask During Job Interviews
"What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?"
Savvy CEOs and executives know that interview questions like, “What’s your biggest strength?” and, “What’s your biggest weakness?” aren’t as telling as they seem.
That’s why they steer clear of these cliché queries and instead ask more meaningful ones.
Many top execs have their one favorite go-to question that reveals everything they need to know about a job candidate.
Here are 24 of them.
“What didn’t you get a chance to include on your résumé?”
Billionaire Virgin Group founder Richard Branson explains in his book The Virgin Way: Everything I Know About Leadership, that he isn’t a fan of the traditional job interview, reports Business Insider’s Richard Feloni.
Savvy CEOs and executives know that interview questions like, “What’s your biggest strength?” and, “What’s your biggest weakness?” aren’t as telling as they seem.
That’s why they steer clear of these cliché queries and instead ask more meaningful ones.
Many top execs have their one favorite go-to question that reveals everything they need to know about a job candidate.
Here are 24 of them.
“What didn’t you get a chance to include on your résumé?”
Billionaire Virgin Group founder Richard Branson explains in his book The Virgin Way: Everything I Know About Leadership, that he isn’t a fan of the traditional job interview, reports Business Insider’s Richard Feloni.
miércoles, 17 de febrero de 2016
How to Make Your Company Attractive to Investors
So you didn’t get accepted into an accelerator? Do this instead.
One of the questions I get asked regularly by founders is what they have to do to raise a Series A round of investment in the $3-$10 million range. I always encourage them to consider applying to an accelerator program since one-third of all Series A rounds in 2015 were in companies that graduated from accelerators. But what about the companies that don’t get accepted into accelerator programs? The acceptance rate is fairly low (Techstars accepts 1% of all applicants), so startups should have a backup plan when it comes to securing Series A.
One of the questions I get asked regularly by founders is what they have to do to raise a Series A round of investment in the $3-$10 million range. I always encourage them to consider applying to an accelerator program since one-third of all Series A rounds in 2015 were in companies that graduated from accelerators. But what about the companies that don’t get accepted into accelerator programs? The acceptance rate is fairly low (Techstars accepts 1% of all applicants), so startups should have a backup plan when it comes to securing Series A.
How to Build a Passionate Company
Executives have begun to understand that to build a great business, companies need a larger goal, one that transcends the traditional bottom line. The best and brightest talent are attracted to organizations that offer a broader purpose. But simply defining a purpose is not enough. It’s just a first step, your organization’s ante to get into the game. What sets companies apart, the companies where people love to work, is passion. People want to be passionate about what they do, and they want to be surrounded by people who are also passionate about what they do.
Unfortunately, the challenge for leaders is that there is no formal management theory for how to build, leverage, and measure the level of passion in your employees. It essentially falls into that ambiguous category of “you’ll know it when you see it.”
Unfortunately, the challenge for leaders is that there is no formal management theory for how to build, leverage, and measure the level of passion in your employees. It essentially falls into that ambiguous category of “you’ll know it when you see it.”
lunes, 15 de febrero de 2016
Unicorn apocalypse: Has the value of mobile Internet companies peaked?
With a flurry of exits by mobile Internet companies in Q4 2015, and a slowdown in venture capital investing behind us, now may be the time to look in the rearview mirror. Did we just pass the top of the market? Going forward, will it be all downhill for the values of these companies?
Patience Is the Secret to Boosting Your Profits
It’s no surprise that we live in a fast-paced society where most of us crave instant results and gratification. Consider your toe-tapping impatience when a web page takes several seconds to load instead of appearing instantly, or how your anxiety levels rise when the car in front of you doesn’t budge when the traffic light turns from red to green.
Why are we all in such a big hurry?
Thanks to the rapid advancement of modern technology, we’re becoming trained to expect instantaneous results, and are experiencing an increasing inability to tolerate discomfort. We want what we want, and we want it now.
Patience is a form of control over our world, and this skill should be fostered. Learning to wait, without becoming anxious or annoyed, will help you be successful in all areas of your life.
By practicing patience, you will reap the following benefits.
Why are we all in such a big hurry?
Thanks to the rapid advancement of modern technology, we’re becoming trained to expect instantaneous results, and are experiencing an increasing inability to tolerate discomfort. We want what we want, and we want it now.
Patience is a form of control over our world, and this skill should be fostered. Learning to wait, without becoming anxious or annoyed, will help you be successful in all areas of your life.
By practicing patience, you will reap the following benefits.
Think You Know What It Means to Be an Entrepreneur? Think Again.
Join us in a city near you at Entrepreneur’s Accelerate Your Business event series kicking off Feb 23. View cities and dates »
While coming up with the next billion-dollar entrepreneurial blockbuster is at the top of everybody’s to-do list in hopes of becoming filthy rich, the chances of actually doing so are slim. Really slim.
Not to burst anybody’s bubble here -- I’m all for hopes and dreams -- but when those hopes and dreams aren't grounded in reality, then winning the entrepreneurial lottery becomes a long shot.
The good news is that being an entrepreneur doesn’t have to necessarily mean starting a company with dollar signs as the target. Yes, it would be nice, but you can be rich without being wealthy. At its core, what being an entrepreneur really means is pursuing a purpose that delivers value -- with a little bit of risk, of course. That’s it.
While coming up with the next billion-dollar entrepreneurial blockbuster is at the top of everybody’s to-do list in hopes of becoming filthy rich, the chances of actually doing so are slim. Really slim.
Not to burst anybody’s bubble here -- I’m all for hopes and dreams -- but when those hopes and dreams aren't grounded in reality, then winning the entrepreneurial lottery becomes a long shot.
The good news is that being an entrepreneur doesn’t have to necessarily mean starting a company with dollar signs as the target. Yes, it would be nice, but you can be rich without being wealthy. At its core, what being an entrepreneur really means is pursuing a purpose that delivers value -- with a little bit of risk, of course. That’s it.
5 FAST WAYS TO INCREASE SALES AT YOUR STARTUP
Increasing sales at your startup may not be as simple as you think it’s going to be. Consumers are more educated, and there’s a ton of competition in just about every marketplace.
Even if you’re providing a revolutionary new product or service, it’s most likely going to get replicated very quickly. This is why it’s important that your startup strikes while the iron is still hot, and while your product or service is still unique to the marketplace. It’s important to have your startup gain as many free subscribers, as well as paid users, as fast as possible.
To help you rapidly increase sales at your startup, follow the 5 fast and simple steps listed below.
Create Customer Profiles
Run Smart Email Campaigns
Segment Your Database
Create a “Feature” vs. “Price” Guide
Target Your “Free” vs. “Paid” Users
Here’s a little more explanation into each of the steps that will help you increase sales fast.
Even if you’re providing a revolutionary new product or service, it’s most likely going to get replicated very quickly. This is why it’s important that your startup strikes while the iron is still hot, and while your product or service is still unique to the marketplace. It’s important to have your startup gain as many free subscribers, as well as paid users, as fast as possible.
To help you rapidly increase sales at your startup, follow the 5 fast and simple steps listed below.
Create Customer Profiles
Run Smart Email Campaigns
Segment Your Database
Create a “Feature” vs. “Price” Guide
Target Your “Free” vs. “Paid” Users
Here’s a little more explanation into each of the steps that will help you increase sales fast.
El nuevo reto de Elon Musk: un avión eléctrico
El avión eléctrico de Elon Musk ya está pensado. No es la primera vez que el mediático emprendedor habla de este concepto.
El transporte es uno de los sectores que está cambiando a marchas forzadas por insistencia de la tecnología, no solo por la introducción de sistemas conectados y la robótica sino también por la incidencia de nuevas fuentes energéticas. Elon Musk, que de transporte sabe algo después de haber fundado Tesla y SpaceX, continúa con la mente inquieta de un emprendedor en serie (como se diría en Silicon Valley) y está mirando hacia el avión eléctrico.
El transporte es uno de los sectores que está cambiando a marchas forzadas por insistencia de la tecnología, no solo por la introducción de sistemas conectados y la robótica sino también por la incidencia de nuevas fuentes energéticas. Elon Musk, que de transporte sabe algo después de haber fundado Tesla y SpaceX, continúa con la mente inquieta de un emprendedor en serie (como se diría en Silicon Valley) y está mirando hacia el avión eléctrico.
25 FinTech Startups That Expanded Globally Despite Regulations & Other Problems
Borderless innovation is a broad topic, which includes global expansion, global networking, cross-country laws, global business opportunities and partnerships and a lot more. A few FinTech startups have been successful in global expansion. Unlike startups in other fields such as taxi aggregators (think Uber) or productivity apps that expanded very quickly across the globe, it is difficult for FinTech companies to do the same. Since technological advancements allow companies to operate globally even while being physically located in one country, it presents a great opportunity to grow revenues through global expansion.
Looking for Inspiration? These 10 Articles Will Ignite Your Entrepreneurial Spark.
Watch out, Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. There’s no telling what you might be inspired to accomplish when you are through with this piece.
We culled Entrepreneur’s 10 most popular posts about inspiration published in 2014. It’s a list of the most inspiring of the inspiring. The creme-de-la-inspirational-creme.
These stories include top tips on what to read and watch, who to follow on social media and how to make the most of your mornings. Read on, be inspired, go forth, and conquer.
We culled Entrepreneur’s 10 most popular posts about inspiration published in 2014. It’s a list of the most inspiring of the inspiring. The creme-de-la-inspirational-creme.
These stories include top tips on what to read and watch, who to follow on social media and how to make the most of your mornings. Read on, be inspired, go forth, and conquer.
You Can't Makes Progress While Waiting for Inspiration to Begin
Doing your best work isn't easy. No way around it.
Sometimes, coming up with a good idea feels a bit like pushing a giant boulder uphill.
It. Just. Won’t. Move.
If we’re being real, creation can be downright painful sometimes.
But nothing numbs the pain of doing your best work like a little shot of inspiration.
Ahh, sweet nectar of motivation, let me sip thee!
I think the world is addicted to inspiration. Look on Instagram. Look on YouTube.
The majority of the material on these platforms is palliative in nature. It makes us feel good about what we’re doing. Even if we’re not doing much.
Why?
Sometimes, coming up with a good idea feels a bit like pushing a giant boulder uphill.
It. Just. Won’t. Move.
If we’re being real, creation can be downright painful sometimes.
But nothing numbs the pain of doing your best work like a little shot of inspiration.
Ahh, sweet nectar of motivation, let me sip thee!
I think the world is addicted to inspiration. Look on Instagram. Look on YouTube.
The majority of the material on these platforms is palliative in nature. It makes us feel good about what we’re doing. Even if we’re not doing much.
Why?
What to do when everything goes wrong with your business
Some of us will have a fantastically successful 2016, others will look back on it as one big failure. If you already find yourself slipping into the latter category then there’s no need to despair, it could be the best thing that’s ever happened to you.
One of the most exciting projects we’ve come across in recent years is that of Detroit SOUP, you can find out more about why they’re so great right here. 2015 was a wildly successful year for Detroit Soup and their inspirational founder Amy Kaherl, which was quite a turnaround from the struggles experienced in 2014. In the interest of demonstrating what can be snatched from the jaws of defeat, and that failure is nothing to be ashamed of, we asked Amy to share her story…
One of the most exciting projects we’ve come across in recent years is that of Detroit SOUP, you can find out more about why they’re so great right here. 2015 was a wildly successful year for Detroit Soup and their inspirational founder Amy Kaherl, which was quite a turnaround from the struggles experienced in 2014. In the interest of demonstrating what can be snatched from the jaws of defeat, and that failure is nothing to be ashamed of, we asked Amy to share her story…
10 Little-Known Books to Add to Your Entrepreneur Bookshelf
The famous philosopher William Godwin said, “He that loves reading has everything within his reach,” including wealth, success and happiness. But plenty of the book lists out there suggest the same great business titles over and over again.
So, give yourself an edge. Read this list of little-known but extremely powerful books on business, self-improvement and entrepreneurship. These under-appreciated gems have helped entrepreneurs transform their lives and reach success.
Failure is an unavoidable obstacle on the road to success. According to author John C. Maxwell, the difference between those who stray or stay on the path is how those in the latter group deal with failure.
So, give yourself an edge. Read this list of little-known but extremely powerful books on business, self-improvement and entrepreneurship. These under-appreciated gems have helped entrepreneurs transform their lives and reach success.
1. 'Failing Forward'
How we use digital media is changing our lives
Ever feel helpless and anxious without your mobile? You're in good company: millions of consumers of digital media, entertainment and information have found their lives revolutionized by the power at their fingertips.
Half of us believe that increased use of digital media has improved our lives, according to recent World Economic Forum research. From social networking to how we work, digital media is now integrated in much of what we do, improving our productivity and facilitating how we interact and communicate.
Half of us believe that increased use of digital media has improved our lives, according to recent World Economic Forum research. From social networking to how we work, digital media is now integrated in much of what we do, improving our productivity and facilitating how we interact and communicate.
viernes, 12 de febrero de 2016
Yes, Artificial Intelligence can be Profitable, Says Artificial Intelligence Startup
Diffbot claims it can structure data on the Web and make money doing so.
You can say this for Diffbot: It’s not shying away from a big challenge.
The San Francisco startup, which just closed $10 million in Series A investment, wants to scrape all the data on the web (all of it) to put it into a structured format, which thus makes it useful for all sorts of business purposes.
And perhaps more to the point, the five-year-old company became profitable last year, according to founder and chief executive Mike Tung. Of course that isn’t really verifiable from the outside, but it’s worth noting especially as far larger companies are struggling to find a good business model for AI or cognitive computing or whatever the next name for this self-teaching technology will be.
You can say this for Diffbot: It’s not shying away from a big challenge.
The San Francisco startup, which just closed $10 million in Series A investment, wants to scrape all the data on the web (all of it) to put it into a structured format, which thus makes it useful for all sorts of business purposes.
And perhaps more to the point, the five-year-old company became profitable last year, according to founder and chief executive Mike Tung. Of course that isn’t really verifiable from the outside, but it’s worth noting especially as far larger companies are struggling to find a good business model for AI or cognitive computing or whatever the next name for this self-teaching technology will be.
miércoles, 10 de febrero de 2016
Advantage Audit
BCG’s Advantage Audit asks important questions to uncover hidden company capabilities and positions.
The audit asks crucial questions to evaluate the sources, durability, and extendibility of an organization’s competitive advantage. These questions include:
The audit asks crucial questions to evaluate the sources, durability, and extendibility of an organization’s competitive advantage. These questions include:
- How well do our products perform along relevant dimensions?
- What is our perceived value versus our competitors’?
- How available is our product?
- How easy is it to switch to or from our brand?
- Where are we positioned on the industry scale curve?
- How do our cost components compare to the competition’s?
- What percentage of our innovation is first to market?
- What information is critical in our industry, and how good are we at processing it?
- Are we winning in recruitment?
- As our customer or competitive environment changes, will our advantages intensify or become obsolete?
Constructive Feedback – A positive approach to behaviour change
We have previously discussed the importance of expressing feelings, and encouraging repetition of desirable behaviour, using positive feedback. Sometimes the behaviour you witness is not the behaviour you wish to see. In these instances you could easily get angry and frustrated with the other person. But, this is only likely to result in friction and stress in the relationship; leading to a further dip in performance levels. Constructive feedback offers a stress-free approach to dealing with these situations. Rather than taking an aggressive approach to the situation; constructive feedback requires you to adopt a positive and assertive approach.
The fascinating story of how 2 brothers went from running a failing business out of a van to building a $100 million company
What are we going to do with our lives?
That's the question Bert and John Jacobs were trying to answer when they decided to take a seven-week road trip from California to Boston in 1988.
The brothers — 20 and 23 at the time — say that the trip forever changed their lives.
John, who has since founded the Life is Good apparel company with his brother, tells Business Insider that it was during the road trip that he and Bert decided to pursue a new — and less traditional — career path: selling T-shirts.
They initially named their company Jacob's Gallery, and tirelessly traveled up and down the East Coast selling shirts to college kids out of their used Plymouth Voyager. But the business struggled, and at one point the brothers has just $78 in the bank.
But everything changed when they added an optimistic message to their shirts in 1994.
That's the question Bert and John Jacobs were trying to answer when they decided to take a seven-week road trip from California to Boston in 1988.
The brothers — 20 and 23 at the time — say that the trip forever changed their lives.
John, who has since founded the Life is Good apparel company with his brother, tells Business Insider that it was during the road trip that he and Bert decided to pursue a new — and less traditional — career path: selling T-shirts.
They initially named their company Jacob's Gallery, and tirelessly traveled up and down the East Coast selling shirts to college kids out of their used Plymouth Voyager. But the business struggled, and at one point the brothers has just $78 in the bank.
But everything changed when they added an optimistic message to their shirts in 1994.
IF THERE WASN’T A WAY BEFORE, IT DOESN’T MEAN THERE NEVER WILL BE
"Quality questions create a quality life. Successful people ask better questions, & as a result, they get better answers." ~Tony Robbins
"To succeed, one must be creative and persistent." ~John H. Johnson
When we try to make improvements or implement a new process there will be times where we discover that there are certain obstacles that legitimately prohibit us from moving forward. In many instances that can mistakenly create a perpetual roadblock where we don’t reassess the obstacles in the future. Instead we say, “Well we tried that before and it won’t work.” But in this ever changing business environment that is often not the case. I am positive that there have been a number of changes in your organization, and there’s a good chance that some of those affect those obstacles you ran into before.
"To succeed, one must be creative and persistent." ~John H. Johnson
When we try to make improvements or implement a new process there will be times where we discover that there are certain obstacles that legitimately prohibit us from moving forward. In many instances that can mistakenly create a perpetual roadblock where we don’t reassess the obstacles in the future. Instead we say, “Well we tried that before and it won’t work.” But in this ever changing business environment that is often not the case. I am positive that there have been a number of changes in your organization, and there’s a good chance that some of those affect those obstacles you ran into before.
5 refugees who changed the world
When the news first broke of the terror attacks in Paris, the world’s immediate response was one of solidarity. Facebook profiles were changed to the French Tricolour, #prayforparis trended on Twitter, and buildings around the world lit up in blue, white and red. But those noble sentiments quickly gave way to fear, anger and defensiveness.
In the search for scapegoats, people have started pointing the finger at the refugees fleeing exactly the same violence France fell victim to. In the US, for example, politicians are attempting to slam the doors shut. And in the UK, a recent poll found that public support for resettling Syrian refugees has fallen after the attacks.
In the search for scapegoats, people have started pointing the finger at the refugees fleeing exactly the same violence France fell victim to. In the US, for example, politicians are attempting to slam the doors shut. And in the UK, a recent poll found that public support for resettling Syrian refugees has fallen after the attacks.
5 Metrics digital businesses must track to get ahead
After recently revealing net revenue of $10m for 2015 – and an ambition to double that figure – we caught up with Erik Mikisch, VP Marketing, Performance Horizon on some key metrics that digital businesses should be tracking
In today’s tech-centric world, ‘digital business’ is a bit redundant, as all companies have some sort of digital presence. For most businesses, metrics have become increasingly important when it comes to determining success. This is especially true for early stage and startup tech companies working hard to balance growth and profitability while navigating the competition.
When it comes to metrics, there are countless things a company can measure, but measuring everything leads to analysis paralysis, where objective-based decisions are clouded by too much information. This includes a glut of metrics across all digital channels, properties and platforms including social, email, search, display, e-commerce portals, smartphones, tablets, etc.
In today’s tech-centric world, ‘digital business’ is a bit redundant, as all companies have some sort of digital presence. For most businesses, metrics have become increasingly important when it comes to determining success. This is especially true for early stage and startup tech companies working hard to balance growth and profitability while navigating the competition.
When it comes to metrics, there are countless things a company can measure, but measuring everything leads to analysis paralysis, where objective-based decisions are clouded by too much information. This includes a glut of metrics across all digital channels, properties and platforms including social, email, search, display, e-commerce portals, smartphones, tablets, etc.
10 Marketing Strategies Your Company Needs in 2016
With each new year, businesses look for great techniques to add to their marketing strategies. Each year brings new trends and to remain competitive, business owners know they should pay close attention to what savvy marketers are doing. As you build your 2016 marketing strategy, here are ten things to consider adding to your campaigns.
You’ve likely worked hard to perfect your content marketing efforts through writing for external sites and adding content to your own blog. But many businesses have neglected their on-site SEO. This includes making sure your titles, tags, and META descriptions are optimized, as well as using Google Sitelinks to boost your search rankings.
Onsite Content
You’ve likely worked hard to perfect your content marketing efforts through writing for external sites and adding content to your own blog. But many businesses have neglected their on-site SEO. This includes making sure your titles, tags, and META descriptions are optimized, as well as using Google Sitelinks to boost your search rankings.
15 Surprising Things Productive People Do Differently
I recently interviewed over 200 ultra-productive people including seven billionaires, 13 Olympians, 20 straight-A students and over 200 successful entrepreneurs. I asked a simple, open-ended question, “What is your number one secret to productivity?” After analyzing all of their responses, I coded their answers into 15 unique ideas.
Average performers default to hours and half-hour blocks on their calendar. Highly successful people know there are 1,440 minutes in every day and there is nothing more valuable than time. Money can be lost and made again, but time spent can never be reclaimed. As legendary Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller told me, “To this day, I keep a schedule that is almost minute by minute.” You must master your minutes to master your life.
Secret #1: They focus on minutes, not hours.
Average performers default to hours and half-hour blocks on their calendar. Highly successful people know there are 1,440 minutes in every day and there is nothing more valuable than time. Money can be lost and made again, but time spent can never be reclaimed. As legendary Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller told me, “To this day, I keep a schedule that is almost minute by minute.” You must master your minutes to master your life.
Secret #2: They focus only on one thing.
How technology is utterly ruining your mind
Like all newfangled things, any number of alarm bells have been sounded about how our habit of staring at a little screen is turning our minds to goo.
There is plenty of research out there to suggest all our fancy gadgets are changing the way both our minds operate and how we interact with one another, so take a look at this infographic and read up on the research if you feel it’s a cause for concern.
There is plenty of research out there to suggest all our fancy gadgets are changing the way both our minds operate and how we interact with one another, so take a look at this infographic and read up on the research if you feel it’s a cause for concern.
What’s wrong with the lean startup methodology?
For the uninitiated, the Lean Startup methodology is a practice for developing products and businesses based on ‘validated learning’, getting customer feedback quickly and often. The process was proposed by Eric Ries in 2011. The objective is to eliminate uncertainty in the product development process. This practice has transformed the way companies are developed.
Instead of building in isolation from users, startups regularly expose the product to customers throughout the development cycle. In doing so, teams are able to make more informed decisions about what to build, from core product functions to what colour a button should be. This sounds sensible, common sensical and is very practical in the making of a digital businesses.
Instead of building in isolation from users, startups regularly expose the product to customers throughout the development cycle. In doing so, teams are able to make more informed decisions about what to build, from core product functions to what colour a button should be. This sounds sensible, common sensical and is very practical in the making of a digital businesses.
martes, 2 de febrero de 2016
Top 15 Companies to Watch in 2016
Watch List Startups come and go. And while some make an immediate splash and disappear almost as quickly, others captivate and succeed in keeping our attention as they grow. Here are 15 companies that have the potential to turn heads well into 2016 and beyond.
23andMe Co-founded by Anne Wojcicki, this Google-backed human genome testing service allows users to study their ancestry, genealogy, and inherited traits. The Mountain View, Calif., firm recently won FDA approval to market 35 tests for diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
Betterment Co-founded by Jon Stein in 2010, this startup is an online investment platform geared toward Millennials, offering financial advice for fees that can be less than $3 per month. The New York City company has raised more than $100 million in funding.
23andMe Co-founded by Anne Wojcicki, this Google-backed human genome testing service allows users to study their ancestry, genealogy, and inherited traits. The Mountain View, Calif., firm recently won FDA approval to market 35 tests for diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
Betterment Co-founded by Jon Stein in 2010, this startup is an online investment platform geared toward Millennials, offering financial advice for fees that can be less than $3 per month. The New York City company has raised more than $100 million in funding.
lunes, 1 de febrero de 2016
Venture capital: It's not all gloom and doom in 2016
In 2015, we saw wearable technology reach the next level, online lending and marketplaces take center stage, and virtual reality come out of the shadows to give us a peek into the future. Acquisitions heated up in almost every sector to make 2015 the biggest M&A year ever —from online education (acquisition of Lynda.com by LinkedIn) to the enterprise (acquisition of EMC by Dell).
It´s not about what you do: It´s about why you do it
Why does your organization exist? No, really: why does it exist? I don’t mean what are your business goals, or what products do you make, or what services do you provide, or how much money would you like to make. I mean why do you do what you do? Why is it important, essential, or different? Why does it matter? What do you believe?
Think about the brands and products you love, the ones you’re fiercely loyal to. Your loyalty doesn’t grow because you like the color selection of the products, or because you thought the print ad used a nice font, or they have good shipping costs. You are loyal to the brands and products you love because you identify with their ethos. Because they have an ethos, a belief system. Those organizations have a compelling, emotional, and pervasive answer to the question: why do you do what you do?
Think about the brands and products you love, the ones you’re fiercely loyal to. Your loyalty doesn’t grow because you like the color selection of the products, or because you thought the print ad used a nice font, or they have good shipping costs. You are loyal to the brands and products you love because you identify with their ethos. Because they have an ethos, a belief system. Those organizations have a compelling, emotional, and pervasive answer to the question: why do you do what you do?
50 Thoughts That Can Motivate You to Do Anything
Motivation can be hard to come by, especially in the face of challenges or difficult work. When you’re thinking about implementing that new idea, or starting that new company or beginning that new regimen -- this is the new year, after all -- it’s easy to talk yourself into procrastinating. Or worse, avoiding your goal altogether.
Thoughts are powerful, and negative thoughts can prevent you from achieving your goals. The flip side is that positive thoughts can be just as powerful. The next time you feel unmotivated, use any of these 50 positive thoughts to reenergize yourself. Really: They work!
Thoughts are powerful, and negative thoughts can prevent you from achieving your goals. The flip side is that positive thoughts can be just as powerful. The next time you feel unmotivated, use any of these 50 positive thoughts to reenergize yourself. Really: They work!
15 Netflix Documentaries Every Aspiring Entrepreneur Should Watch
These films will teach you how to turn your vision into the next big thing.
Here's a quick and fun way to enrich your business knowledge: streaming documentaries on Netflix.
The online movie and TV service has a vast cache of business and tech documentaries that anyone with a subscription can watch instantly. The topics range from profiles of great innovators like Steve Jobs and Henry Ford to the psychology behind human behavior.
Here's a quick and fun way to enrich your business knowledge: streaming documentaries on Netflix.
The online movie and TV service has a vast cache of business and tech documentaries that anyone with a subscription can watch instantly. The topics range from profiles of great innovators like Steve Jobs and Henry Ford to the psychology behind human behavior.
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