PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 07: In This Photo Illustration, Social Media, Instagram and Threads … [+]
Here are five tech things that happened this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1 – Threads – Instagram’s Twitter competitor – is released.
The popular photo and video sharing platform Instagram has just released an app called Threads. Threads, Instagram’s iteration of Twitter, was rated as a strong contender prior to launch. One of the main benefits is that users can migrate their Instagram followers to Threads. From a branding point of view, the timing is ideal, as Twitter has run into some not-so-user-friendly issues — (for example) Musk’s rate limit conditions. As for Threads, the near future looks promising. Now available on iOS. (Source: TechCrunch)
Why this is important for your business:
Other than personally following some hilarious accounts, I have no presence on Instagram and most of my interactions are on Twitter. But every entrepreneur – myself included – should keep a close eye on the new social platform Threads. If I feel people – my clients and community – are embracing it, then I’m going to move there too.
2 – The top 7 ways you can use Google Bard.
From debugging code to organizing travel logistics, technical expert Vinayak G detailed a list of tasks that Google Bard can help you with. Developed by Google, Bard – “your creative and helpful collaborator” – can create an itinerary based on your interests and chosen destination, plus any other recommendations you may have overlooked. (Source: Use)
Why this is important for your business:
According to the article, Bard can also suggest your next content creation project (marketing campaigns, website copy, etc.) and will refine that content based on your target audience or customer. If you’re interested in learning code, Bard has you covered. The AI is now able to “generate code from scratch” and can teach you what each code means. It will also remove any bugs. Data analysis, email composition and article summaries are among the seven mentioned.
3 – McAfee launches a powerful new online protection solution for small businesses.
Security software provider McAfee has announced McAfee Business Protection – developed for the needs of small business owners. As described on the Company website – “[it] protects your employees’ devices and data so you can run your business without worrying about data theft and hacking.” (Source: iTWire)
Why this is important for your business:
Working with Dell Technologies, the aim is to address a common need of small business owners burdened with IT tasks, as MacAfee found from its business survey. It quoted 80 percent describing themselves as “self-managed” in security matters – with more than two-thirds unable to commit more than an hour a week. McAfee noted that the product is in beta testing for Dell users. If your business relies on Dell products, this security offering is something you should seriously consider.
4 – Entrepreneurs are poised to invest more in technology.
Financial expert and marketing manager Scott Cryton published an article about where SMEs make remarkable investments. With regard to technology, small and medium-sized businesses will spend “$10,000 more on tech solutions” this year compared to 2022. Citing data from a small business survey conducted by Intuit, business owners will invest more than 140 thousand – maximum – in tech products that help drive growth. Included is their assessment of AI, as SMBs are actively seeking technology that provides a sharper view of “financial performance.” As Cryton reports, “SMBs are already planning to spend more on AI-based technology. 32% of entrepreneurs plan to invest in AI tools in the coming year…” (Source: CPA Practice Advisor)
Why this is important for your business:
I agree with Cryton’s perspective: My clients are gearing up to invest more in technology this year, spurred on by both the promise of AI and the need to control the workforce, especially in these tight labor times . Hopefully, you are considering the same for your business.
5 – Microsoft and LinkedIn are teaming up to empower employees with free generative AI courses and certification for essential career needs.
Microsoft and LinkedIn are collaborating on a project called the “AI Skill Initiative” which will offer free introductory courses on generative AI. Now that AI is in the collective conscience, it begs not only for consciousness, but also for knowledge. For those professionals who want to stay ahead – they need to sharpen their skills by adding AI to that list – as Microsoft and LinkedIn exemplify by offering the program. Once participants complete the program, they will receive a “Career Essentials” certificate that will verify their literacy and proficiency in generative AI – an increasing demand in today’s job market. (Source: Mint)
Why this is important for your business:
Two reasons why this is important. For starters, if you’re considering AI investments, you’ll need experienced IT people to help evaluate, deploy, and maintain these tools, so training them is critical. This certification also seems like a good way to determine if a potential employee has the experience needed to contribute to your organization.
