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Nourishing the Entrepreneurial Soul: Insights with Felicite Moorman & Jasper Lloyd

The following is a summary of the EntrepreNourish Podcast’s first episode aired on February 20, 2024. Listen to the Podcast below by clicking on the Spotify link or view the Youtube video at the bottom of the page. Also find EntrepreNourish wherever you listen to Podcasts. We Do NOT Eat a Frog in This Episode! Welcome to the EntrepreNourish podcast, where entrepreneurship meets creativity and collaboration. In this episode, we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey with Felicite Moorman, an entrepreneur and software technologist, alongside her long-time creative partner Jasper Lloyd. Join us as we uncover valuable insights, share experiences, and explore the essence of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about the hustle; it’s about nourishing the entrepreneurial soul. As Felicite and Jasper embark on their seventh year of collaboration, they reflect on their journey from marketing to design, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and creative synergy in their work. With their near-psychic connection and shared vision, they’ve mastered the art of anticipation, easing the stresses of the entrepreneurial path. Their latest project together, BOSS.Tech, embodies their commitment to empowering entrepreneurs worldwide. BOSS.Tech is poised to revolutionize business operations, offering a comprehensive suite of tools to streamline accounting, marketing, communication, scheduling, and more. With a focus on time management, money management, and growth, BOSS.Tech aims to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. In this episode, Felicite and Jasper tackle some burning questions from their audience, ranging from daily habits to career lessons. They share insights on maintaining balance, prioritizing health, and embracing the unpredictability of startup life. Felicite’s “PLEASE” acronym encapsulates the essence of self-care, reminding entrepreneurs to prioritize their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. One key takeaway from their conversation is the importance of embracing uncertainty and seeking creative solutions outside the traditional funding model. While venture capital may seem like the holy grail for startups, Felicite challenges this notion, advocating for bootstrapping and strategic partnerships as viable alternatives. By focusing on outward-facing solutions and nurturing meaningful relationships, entrepreneurs can pave their path to success. As the episode comes to a close, Felicite and Jasper leave listeners with a powerful message: every interaction matters. Whether it’s a chance encounter or a strategic partnership, cultivating genuine connections can open doors and propel entrepreneurial ventures forward. By staying adaptable, resilient, and community-focused, entrepreneurs can navigate the highs and lows of the journey with confidence. Join us next time for another empowering conversation on EntrepreNourish, where we continue to nourish the entrepreneurial soul …one episode at a time.

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Guardians of the Digital Age: A Comprehensive Guide to Enterprise Cybersecurity and Maturity levels

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is of paramount importance for enterprises of all sizes. With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, protecting sensitive data and maintaining business continuity have become critical concerns. In this article, we’ll explore the key aspects of cybersecurity and provide practical insights to help enterprises fortify their defenses. Cybersec Principles Firstly, cybersecurity is divided into three pillars: Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability. It’s known as the cybersec triad. Confidentiality: Concept: Confidentiality ensures that sensitive information is kept private and accessible only to those who have the proper authorization to access it. Integrity: Concept: Integrity ensures that data remains accurate and unaltered during its storage, transmission, or processing. Availability: Concept: Availability ensures that systems and data are accessible and functional when needed by authorized users. Sometimes we hear some kind of “buzz words” such as web applications firewalls, application security, encryption, network security and others, but the enterprise doesn’t have the maturity level to implement these solutions, but, in order to explain this concept, is important to know about the based model to start designing and implementing a cybersecurity strategy. People, Technology and Process… Yes, if we are thinking about cybersecurity in companies, we must take in count the people, maybe with high priority before investing in technology. Is a lifecycle process between people, technology and the process into the company and continuous integration to increase the maturity level. Have clear concepts and well-structured training lay the groundwork for a culture of cybersecurity awareness within an organization. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this awareness extends beyond just knowing the basics of cybersecurity; it involves ingraining these principles into the daily operations of the enterprise. This is where the implementation of policies comes into play. Cybersecurity policies act as the guiding framework that transforms awareness into action. These policies delineate how employees, from executives to front-line staff, should interact with technology and data. They provide clear guidelines on acceptable technology usage, access control, data classification, and incident response procedures. By integrating these policies into the organization’s fabric, a culture of security becomes second nature, reducing the likelihood of human errors or lapses that can lead to cyber incidents. Therefore, the process of cybersecurity awareness should seamlessly flow into the implementation and enforcement of policies, reinforcing good cybersecurity practices at every level. Maturity Level There are so many frameworks that can help us to improve our cybersecurity. The concept of maturity level in cybersecurity is defined by the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) is: “A Crawl/Walk/Run-style set of characteristics, practices, or processes that represent the progression of capabilities in a particular discipline and tool to benchmark current capabilities and identify goals and priorities for improvement.” Before to implement this framework, we must to define the next points and questions: For example, the NIST provides one of the best frameworks called Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model (C2M2) and Cybersecurity Framework for incident response. The model contains more than 350 cybersecurity practices which are grouped by objective into 10 logical domains. Each practice is assigned a maturity indicator level (MIL) that indicates the progression of practices within a domain. Each domain is a high level implementation in each cybersecurity pillar (availability, confidentiality and integrity of the data). And in each domain we have three levels of maturity: There are other frameworks and all of them provide us the way to implement a cybersecurity maturity level in our organizations such as: Conclusion: In the digital age, where the reliance on technology is paramount, cybersecurity stands as a critical pillar for enterprises of all sizes. Protecting sensitive data, ensuring business continuity, and fortifying defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats are now top priorities. This comprehensive guide has explored the fundamental principles of cybersecurity, focusing on the triad of Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability, which underpin all cybersecurity endeavors. Understanding that cybersecurity is not solely about technology but also involves people and processes is essential. Building a culture of cybersecurity awareness within an organization is foundational. It involves instilling the principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability into the daily operations of the enterprise. The implementation of well-structured policies plays a crucial role in translating awareness into action, providing clear guidelines for technology usage, access control, data classification, and incident response. This integration of policies into the organizational fabric ensures that security practices become second nature, reducing the risk of human errors that can lead to cyber incidents. Moreover, the concept of maturity levels in cybersecurity, as defined by NIST, offers a structured approach to assess and enhance an organization’s cybersecurity posture. To embark on this journey, organizations must answer key questions, ranging from their current cybersecurity practices and business objectives to the selection of appropriate maturity models and resources. The maturity model provides a roadmap for progress, encompassing domains related to the three pillars of cybersecurity: availability, confidentiality, and integrity. Each domain consists of practices that evolve across three levels of maturity, representing the progression of capabilities within that domain. By implementing maturity models like NIST’s Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model (C2M2) and frameworks like NIST Cybersecurity Framework or ISO 27001, organizations can systematically elevate their cybersecurity posture, adapting to an ever-evolving threat landscape. Cybersecurity is a multifaceted discipline that involves not only technology but also people, policies, and processes. It is imperative for enterprises to adopt a holistic approach to cybersecurity, fostering a culture of awareness and continuously advancing their maturity levels to protect their digital assets and uphold the principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. References:

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The Quiet Strength: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of Introverts in a Noisy World

In today’s fast-paced society, where the loudest voices often dominate the room, we may underestimate the value and power of the quieter individuals among us—introverts. In a world that often rewards extroversion, it’s easy to overlook the unique skills and talents that introverts bring to the table. Let’s dive into the hidden potential of introverts and why it’s time to give them the recognition they deserve. The Myths about Introversion There are several misconceptions about introverts: that they’re shy, antisocial, or not as effective leaders as their extroverted counterparts. These myths, however, couldn’t be further from the truth. Introverts are not necessarily shy; they simply find social interactions draining and prefer a more subdued environment. Likewise, they can excel in leadership roles, particularly when leading a team of self-starters who value autonomy and independence. The Value of Deep Work In a world addicted to multitasking and the constant buzz of notifications, introverts excel at “deep work,” a focused, intense form of work that allows for the solving of complex problems or the mastery of difficult skills. Deep work requires an environment free from distractions—a setting in which introverts thrive. Their natural propensity for deep work makes introverts invaluable in roles that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and a high level of focus. Emotional Intelligence While extroverts may excel in group dynamics, introverts often possess a high level of emotional intelligence. They’re keen observers, attuned to the nuances in behavior and speech that others might overlook. This makes them excellent in roles that require negotiation, empathy, and understanding multiple perspectives. Creativity Flows in Solitude Many of the world’s great artists, writers, and thinkers are introverts. Why? Because solitude often sparks creativity. The quiet space allows for reflection, daydreaming, and the kind of focused work that results in groundbreaking ideas and solutions. In a corporate setting, introverts can be the driving force behind innovative products, efficient systems, and transformative policies. The Need for Balance This is not to say that one personality type is superior to the other. Both introverts and extroverts offer unique skills and perspectives that are valuable in different contexts. The key is to recognize these traits and place individuals in roles where they can maximize their natural abilities. For example, while an extrovert might thrive in a client-facing role that requires a lot of social interaction, an introvert might excel in a research and development role that allows them to work independently. Recognizing these strengths and leveraging them effectively can create a balanced, productive work environment. Conclusion It’s time to move beyond stereotypes and appreciate the unique qualities that introverts bring to our professional and personal lives. From their ability to engage in deep work to their emotional intelligence and creativity, introverts offer a range of skills and abilities that are not only valuable but essential to the success of any endeavor. By creating environments where introverts can shine, we enrich our workplaces, our communities, and our own understanding of what it means to be successful.

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Igniting the Creative Spark: A Force Capable of Transformation

There is an inexhaustible force called creativity behind innovation, artistic expression, and human development. As the years have passed, creativity has been the driving force behind significant societal advances. We must be clear that creativity is not exclusive; it is within reach for all of us. We will explore the incredibly creative world, its importance, and ways to nurture it to unleash its full potential. What is Creativity? Creativity, in a few words, is the ability to generate new ideas, concepts, and solutions. We can be creative in art, science, technology, and many other areas. For something to be considered creative, it is necessary to bring ideas into reality, materialize them, and share them; simply leaving them in imagination is not enough. Creativity involves embracing divergent thinking and exploring new perspectives to discover novel answers. The Creative Process Creativity is not about going from A to B; it doesn’t follow a straight line. It is a fluid and sometimes even chaotic process. At times, the creative process is incredibly simple, while at other moments, it takes prolonged periods of intense work. Creative success relies on diverse ideas and overcoming the fear of failure. The creative process is different for each person and is filled with various elements: observation, experimentation, questioning, and perseverance. Why is Creativity Important? Creativity is vital for progress and evolution. It has driven scientific discoveries, inventions, works of art, and technological advancements; it has been a driving force throughout human history. With a touch of creativity, complex problems can be solved, we can adapt to change, and enhance our quality of life. Creativity allows us to communicate emotions and experiences in a unique way. Realms of Creativity Challenges in Creativity Despite being such a positive trait, creativity currently faces challenges in modern society. Lack of time and routine limit our opportunities for creative exploration. Fear of failure diminishes expressive creativity and can lead us to conformism. How Do We Cultivate Creativity? There are different ways to nurture creativity, try the following: In conclusion, we can say that creativity is an inexhaustible force that resides within us. It is indispensable for progress and the expression of our identity. Through art, science, education, and conflict resolution, creativity has contributed to human history. Cultivating our creative spark requires dedication and courage, but it is entirely worth it when we receive impactful results. Let’s embrace creativity and let everything we do be infused with a different tone, one that can improve the world.

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Discover the power of Data Governance and Data Democratization with BOSS.Tech!

At BOSS.Tech, we understand the importance of having a solid strategy to manage your data, by ensuring its quality, security, and privacy. We believe in empowering all members of your organization with access to that data, so they can make informed decisions and drive innovation. In this blog we will answer the following questions about Data Governance and Data Democratization: Get ready to transform the way your company utilizes data! I. Data Governance: The key to data quality and security! 🔒 Imagine your data as a treasure, and Data Governance as the map that ensures its integrity and reliability. The only way to access data is to follow the map correctly. It is essential to establish an effective data governance structure that defines roles, responsibilities, and clear policies to ensure the quality and value of the data used in the organization. Wong, P. (2023). Data Governance Illustration Cathy O’Neil, author of the book “Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy,” emphasizes the importance of ethical and responsible data governance. According to O’Neil: “Data governance is not just about managing data internally, but also about ensuring that the algorithms and models used do not generate bias or discrimination. It is necessary to establish data governance practices that promote transparency, fairness, and accountability in the use of artificial intelligence” (O’Neil, 2016). For BOSS.Tech, these are the pillars of Data Governance and how they form the foundation of our successful data management: Wong, P. (2023). Data Governance Master Data is like the solid foundations on which the entire structure is built, and upon which all other data and processes depend, ensuring the integrity and quality of data throughout the organization. This data often includes critical information that needs to be precise, up-to-date, and consistent across all systems and applications in your organization. Having a solid foundation of Master Data enables more informed decision-making, improves process efficiency, ensures greater consistency and reliability in business operations, and builds a strong and reliable organizational structure to drive your company’s success. Build your success on a solid foundation! Proper data modeling enhances the performance of query and operation systems, making them more efficient and optimized. Adequate data modeling also facilitates data analysis and report generation. The right design is the key to building a solid database! By consolidating data from different sources into a single access point, you can establish rules and processes for data cleansing, normalization, and enrichment. Additionally, members of your organization can access and use data more quickly and easily, without having to search for information across different systems or perform multiple queries. Connect the dots and unleash the power of information! Data architecture encompasses various aspects such as designing data storage infrastructure, planning connectivity and system integration, defining security and privacy policies, and implementing data flow processes. Build a solid data building to drive your success! Data storage is fundamental to protect and optimize your treasure (data). By having an efficient storage system and performing agile and precise operations, you can make informed decisions, provide exceptional customer experiences, and optimize your internal processes. Optimize your data and take your business to the next level! Data quality is essential for the success of any company. With accurate, complete, and reliable data, you can improve operational efficiency, deliver exceptional customer experiences, make decisions that drive growth, and be on the right path to success in the competitive business world. Quality is the key to intelligent decisions and solid results! Data security refers to the measures and practices implemented to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information stored in your system. To build an impenetrable fortress for your data, you need to take various security measures. Some of them include: Data security is an ongoing process as threats and attack techniques constantly evolve. It is crucial to stay updated on the latest trends and adopt new security measures as necessary. Protecting data is essential to maintain customer trust, comply with privacy regulations, and prevent financial losses and reputation damage. Build an impenetrable wall for your data and keep your valuable information secure! The Data Warehouse and Business Intelligence Tools are your allies to transform information into strategic actions. Transform your data into powerful strategic actions! According to John Ladley, author of the book “Data Governance: How to Design, Deploy, and Sustain an Effective Data Governance Program,” Data Governance refers to a set of policies, processes, and controls established to ensure the quality, integrity, security, and availability of data within an organization. Ladley states: “The successful implementation of a Data Governance program enables the establishment of a solid structure for data management and control. This ensures the quality and reliability of information used for decision-making, as well as compliance with regulations and standards related to data protection” (Ladley, 2012). Data governance is a fundamental pillar for organizations that aim to fully leverage the potential of their data, guaranteeing its integrity and responsible utilization. II. Data Democratization: Imagine data is like a pizza, and data democratization is when we slice it into pieces and give each person in the company a fair portion. Wong, P.(2023). Data Democratization Illustration “The democratization of data is a game changer. By allowing access to data at any level of your organization, it empowers individuals at all levels of ownership and responsibility to use data in decision making” Marr, B. (2017). By promoting data democratization, organizations empower all team members to have access to the information needed to make data-driven decisions and actively contribute to the continuous improvement of the company. Democratizing data is like giving everyone the power to make informed decisions and fully leverage the value of data, eliminating information silos and fostering a data-driven culture. Everyone can contribute their expertise and unique perspectives, enriching decision-making and problem-solving. It encourages collaboration, transparency, and innovation within an organization, generating new ideas, uncovering opportunities, and optimizing processes. It’s time to democratize your data and unleash the potential of your organization! Conclusion According to Andrew Ng in

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DevOps at BOSS.Tech

The DevOps basically works in the infrastructure area, taking care of creating automated deployments for each component, ensuring cloud operations, stability, and continuous functioning of running services and applications. Infrastructure as Code at 100%, one of our missions 🦸‍♂️. Strict monitoring detects functionalities with problems, ensures better functioning of integrations between different components, helps to make the necessary adjustments in the infrastructure to improve performance and optimize the use of resources. All this ensures early detection of problems in such a way that many of them are detected and solved before reaching a customer-facing environment. At BOSS.Tech we manage an effective alerting system that integrates infrastructure with our task management system, so that each alert issued by an application functionality or by a service in the infrastructure arrives immediately, notifies and can be reviewed by the DevOps team. Capture of some alerts triggered from our infrastructure Once alerts are reviewed they can be treated as incidents, assigned as tasks and our team gets to work on their immediate resolution. Capture of some incidents created from alerts This mechanism is expanded to each component of BOSS.Tech, so that the management of alerts and incidents covers various repositories, responsible parties, components and functionalities. Incidents are automatically categorized based on error codes, making their analysis and assignment more effective, helping in a more agile solution of each incident. Our goal is to maintain as much coverage as possible over everything that runs and functions in our infrastructure, gradually increasing iteration after iteration the scope and capacity to observe and respond quickly to any problem. It is a mission that involves work between different teams (but that is not a problem at BOSS.Tech) and from which DevOps, Frontend & Backend developers benefit. One of our dashboard with some alarms triggered

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QR Code Dos: 6 Best Practices To Implement Now

Whether you use them as a business card or in place of physical menus at a restaurant, QR codes are a great way to deliver a lot of information in a small space. These simple, scannable codes can be placed on posters, flyers, conference tables, and more in order to drive engagement with you and your business. Like with any marketing strategy, there are best practices. We’ve covered some QR code don’ts, but what about QR code dos? 6 QR code dos to help strengthen your marketing strategy 1. Give people a reason to scan: Wherever you place your code, you need a call to action. Why should they scan it? They should know what the QR code is taking them to before they scan it. Make sure the call to action is easy to see and understand. A QR code destination should never be a surprise. 2. Link to shortened URLs: QR codes are essentially a shortcut to a webpage or a file like a PDF. When linking to a webpage, it’s best to use a URL shortener and link to that shortened URL. This will help with scan and load times, making for a better user experience. Many QR code generators will shorten the link for you if you are making dynamic QR codes, but it’s best to double-check. 3. Use dynamic codes instead of static ones: Speaking of dynamic QR codes… There are two types of QR codes: Dynamic and static. Each has its own benefits, but for marketing purposes, dynamic QR codes are usually the best choice. Dynamic codes do not store information in the code itself, whereas static QR codes do. Because dynamic ones don’t have the information in the code design, this allows them to be updated, branded, and the size can be changed. They can also track analytics, where static QR codes cannot. Unless you are creating QR codes for a single-use purpose where the information never needs to be updated and you don’t need to track things, dynamic codes are going to be your best choice. 4. Incorporate branding: These days, QR codes can, to some extent, be customized to meet your branding needs. You can change the colors of the code, as well as add a logo or maybe an app icon (if you want them to use it to download an app.) However, as we mentioned in the QR code don’ts blog, you don’t want to go overboard. Ensure the code is still easy to see and can be scanned without issue. 5. Track the analytics: Don’t you want to know how many people are scanning your QR codes? Of course you do! You need to know how effective they are. Most QR code generators offer analytics tracking in some way, so take advantage of it! You use data and analytics in other aspects of your marketing strategy, so why not with this? 6. Keep it updated: The beauty of dynamic QR codes is that you can keep them updated without worrying about producing a new code. Swap out links, update your menus, and replace documents whenever you need to and don’t worry about printing out new ones. This makes it easy to continue to track analytics for different parts of a campaign, and keep things more sustainable!

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QR Code Don’ts: Avoid These 7 Mistakes

QR codes are an easy and effective marketing tool that exploded in popularity during the pandemic. Although they’ve been around since the 90s, the need for contactless information exchanges during the COVID-19 pandemic brought them back in a big way. However, the boom in usage also brought to light some common QR code don’ts you’ll want to avoid. QR codes aren’t just for menus. They have many uses and can be a great tool to have in your marketing arsenal. QR code business cards are a more sustainable way of sharing your business information, and they can be an easy way for customers to learn more about a product or service. A small QR code can hold much more information than a simple flyer or product description. And with their ability to be edited and altered without changing the code themselves, it’s a great way to ensure your customers get the most up-to-date information possible. Like with anything, there are best practices to keep in mind when launching your QR code campaign. So before you launch into your QR code era, make sure to avoid these don’ts. Easily Avoid These 7 QR Code Don’ts 1. Make it too small: A great thing about QR codes is they can hold a lot of information in a small space. And they can be printed fairly small and still work! But they can be too small. Remember the context your customers will be scanning them in and if it’s big enough to be effective. If it’s too small, they might not notice it. And worse? It might not work. 2. Have it link to a webpage that isn’t optimized for mobile: QR codes are meant to be scanned by a smartphone. If you direct people to desktop pages that haven’t been optimized for mobile, you give them a bad user experience. They likely won’t stay on the page very long, rendering your QR code campaign ineffective. 3. Put them where people can’t scan them: Up high, on billboards, inside a fish tank. Okay, that last one was a joke, but you get the point. The beauty of QR codes is that they can be incredibly accessible if they are used correctly. Keep in mind how easy it is to reach the code with a smartphone when placing them. 4. Over customize: These days, QR code generators usually offer some creative freedom. Allowing you to do things like change the colors and add a logo. This is great, especially for branding purposes, but it’s very easy to render the QR code unscannable. Darker colors scan better than lighter colors, and if you add a logo, try to keep it small so it doesn’t interfere with the code itself. 5. Put too many in one place: Sometimes you may need more than one QR code in the same place. For instance, a restaurant may have one for the drinks menu and one for the food menu. You may have one on your marketing flyer that goes to your website and one that allows people to download an app. If you need more than one in the same place, be sure to clearly label them and spread them out so there is no confusion on what code goes where. 6. Flash them quickly: If you are putting a QR code in a digital ad like on TV or on a screen in a stadium, make sure they are up long enough for people to pull out their phones, open the camera app, and scan them. If they flash too quickly, no one can use them. 7. Forget to test it first: Before you put your QR codes on your business cards or marketing materials, make sure you test them. More than once. Use different kinds of phones, and put them in places with various levels of Wi-Fi access and phone service levels. Be 200% sure that most people will be able to scan your code before putting it out into the world.

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How Community-Led Growth Can Benefit Investors

Community-led growth (CLG) is a powerful way to grow a business. People who are enthusiastic about your company and what you have to offer are an invaluable tool. Harnessing that enthusiasm can help with customer acquisition, retention, brand sentiment, expansion, and more. But you (and your company) are not the only ones who can benefit from community-led growth. It can benefit your investors as well. What is community-led growth? Here’s a quick recap. It’s a business strategy that leverages a company’s community of users, customers, and fans to drive growth and engagement. At its core, it’s an evolution of the growth strategies that preceded it: Sales-led and product-led. A successful community-led growth strategy centers around building a community that not only contributes to your goals as a company but your users as well. 89% of responders in the 2022 Community Index Report agreed that community iscritical to their company’s mission. 79% said that community has had a positive impact on their organization’s objectives, and 62% said that their organization will be increasing their investment in community. 7 benefits of CLG that impact investors 1. Increased revenue growth: While communities take time and effort to build, the energy is worth it. Community-led growth can drive customer acquisition and retention, leading to increased revenue growth and stronger financial performance. 2. Higher customer lifetime value: Customer lifetime value is an important metric that helps indicate the total revenue that a company can expect from a single customer throughout their relationship with the company. It’s a valuable metric because it allows you the power to leverage the value of every single customer throughout their journey. Because CLG can result in higher levels of customer engagement and loyalty, this can lead to a higher customer lifetime value. 3. Improved margins: By being engaged with your most enthusiastic customers, you can get direct feedback from them. Feedback on the customer experience, directly from your customers can lead to a more cost-effective acquisition process, improving margins. 4. Stronger brand: Building a strong community of loyal customers can increase your brand sentiment. Word of mouth is a powerful tool, and the larger and stronger your community grows, so does your brand. Positive brand sentiment reflects well on investors as well as the company. 5. Better returns: By focusing on building a strong community, CLG can lead to better returns for investors as the company’s financial performance improves and its market position strengthens. 6. Increased customer loyalty: Connection is important, especially when it comes to creating loyal, lifelong customers. Community-led growth can lead to increased customer loyalty, as users feel a strong sense of connection and community with the product or brand. 7. Reduced customer churn: This growth strategy can reduce customer churn, as customers are likelier to stick around and continue using the product due to their involvement in the community. A strong customer base is appealing to investors. Happy and engaged customers are loyal customers, so why not build an entire community out of them, right?

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Easily Avoid These 9 SMS Marketing “Dont’s”

If you’ve added SMS marketing (aka bulk texting) to your marketing strategy, you’ve likely done a lot of prep work already. You’ve weighed the pros and cons of texting vs. emailing your customers, you’ve identified the benefits, and you’re ready to send out that first mass text blast. Congrats! But, before you take the plunge and fire off your first round of messages, make sure you’re not doing one of these easily avoidable “don’ts” and alienating your customers before you have the chance to hook them. So when rolling out SMS marketing, make sure you don’t… 1. Send messages after hours: While this is a common courtesy (you want to keep your customers happy, after all), it’s also a violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA.) If you haven’t familiarized yourself with the TCPA, it’s a good idea to do that before you send your first message so you stay in compliance and don’t end up with some hefty fines. Under the TCPA, businesses may only call or send text messages to subscribers between 8 A.M. and 9 P.M. in their timezone in the United States. You might have subscribers from all over the country, so factoring that into your automation will be key. If you have an international audience, make sure you are compliant with those countries as well. 2. Make people opt out instead of opt in: In order to text customers, you need to receive their consent (another TCPA stipulation). This consent can come in a few ways. Texting a keyword, filling out an online or paper form, or checking a box on your website are all ways to obtain consent. Just remember, they have to opt in not opt out so this box can’t be pre-checked. 3. Only offer a one-way street: This isn’t a TCPA compliance requirement but a recommended best practice. By making your SMS marketing a two-way communication, you can facilitate customer feedback. This can strengthen your consumer-brand relationship and can lead to better brand sentiment and customer retention. By having an easily accessible and responsive channel for feedback, you can foster more customer loyalty. The catch? This can take more time and energy, so don’t encourage two-way communication if you don’t have the bandwidth to respond promptly and thoughtfully. 4. Write the next great American novel: Keep it simple! You might write lengthy texts to friends and family, but text messages are meant to be a short-form marketing communication tool. Don’t forget that while people have opted in to receive your messages, depending on their phone plan there might be messaging rate associated with receiving your texts. The last thing you want is an angry customer contacting you because you racked up their phone bill. By keeping them short and the number of messages low, people will be less likely to feel like you are spamming them. However, you don’t want to cut corners and use a bunch of shorthand or emojis. If you absolutely have to, keep the acronyms to a minimum and only use well-known ones. Writing effective copy for text messaging is hard! But, as Shakespeare said, “Brevity is the soul of wit.” And speaking of those messaging rates… 5. Leave off the disclaimer Never assume your customers are aware of fees. Even if those fees are coming from their own phone plan. Tack on a disclaimer to the opt-in message that clearly states standard message and data rates may apply to the text messages they’ll receive from you. This will help you avoid any backlash down the road, and it shows you’re conscientious of your customer’s needs. 6. Forget your call to action As we mentioned earlier, you want to keep your messages short and to the point. And the best way to make your short copy as effective as possible? A call to action. The five Ws will be your friend here: Who, what, where, when, and why. Couple it with a “how,” and you have yourself a great call to action. Let the recipient know why you’re messaging them: You’re having a sale, and you’re offering them a discount code. Great start. Then, make sure to add on how they can redeem that code (or how they can receive it if it’s not in the initial message.) 7. Make it difficult to stop receiving messages: Of course, the last thing you want is for people to unsubscribe, but it will happen. The best thing you can do? Make it easy for people to do so. In their initial opt-in message, tell them how they can unsubscribe (usually by texting STOP or another keyword) and remind them often when you’re sending out your blasts. By making unsubscribing easy, your customers won’t feel like you’ve locked them into something. 8. Forget to introduce yourself You’re likely not the only brand someone receives messages from on any given day. By clarifying who you are upfront, your texts will be better received and feel more engaging to the recipient. And don’t just say who you are in the initial text! Make sure you remind them every time you send a message. Don’t assume your customers have saved your number to their contacts. This will also make sure your messages don’t get mistaken for spam they didn’t sign up for. 9. Over-communicate Play it cool. The sweet spot for how many messages you send and how frequently you send them will vary by your customer demographics and industry. However, regardless of industry, it’s easy to over-communicate with your customers. It may take some trial and error to find the right cadence, so be sure to listen to customer feedback. If a few people reach out saying you’re sending too many messages, chances are they’re not the only ones who think that.

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