Meta today introduced new generative AI features to help businesses create more engaging ad content across Facebook and Instagram.
The big picture. Meta’s latest update will allow advertisers to automate parts of ad creation using brand products and guidelines to inspire the creations.
Why we care. Automating the ad-creation process frees up time for advertisers to work on other parts of account management tasks that can’t be automated.
Key updates. This update comes in two parts:
Image Generation: Advertisers can now create complete image variations inspired by their original ad creative, including different backgrounds, text overlays and adjustments to products shown.
Text Generation: Meta’s AI will suggest ad headlines and body text tailored to an advertiser’s brand voice and key selling points from previous campaigns.
Advantage+. By centralizing its generative AI tools under Advantage+ creative, Meta is streamlining the ad creation journey from ideation to optimization, promising faster workflows and better results for advertisers.
Availability. The company plans to roll out the new features globally by year-end as it doubles down on AI to improve ad relevance and performance across its apps.
“Google is not about blue links. It’s about organizing the world’s information,” according to former executive chairman and CEO of Google Eric Schmidt, speaking earlier today on CNBC.
Schmidt was asked about the “blue link economy,” and all the brands and businesses that have benefited from Google Search. But Google is changing. In the new world, AI will provide answers, not a list of websites for people to click on and find the answer for themselves.
Why we care. While Schmidt is no longer in a leadership role at Google, he knows better than most what Google is likely to look like in the next few years. Meanwhile, current Google CEO Sundar Pichai has indicated search as we’ve known will substantively change within the next decade – including most recently when he said it is evolving toward Search Generative Experience.
AI and advertising. Schmidt believes Google will be able to monetize AI answers and AI will improve advertising:
“What better tool than the arrival of AI to do that better? Do you think you can monetize that? You betcha. Much of the early work that I did when I was there was using early versions of advertising AI to make the advertising more effective. Unless you think advertising is going to go away, which I don’t think, AI makes it more powerful, not less powerful.”
AI underhyped. Also of note, the arrival of a non-human form of intelligence is almost here. Schmidt thinks AI is actually “underhyped”:
“It’s coming, it’s here, it’s about to happen. It happens in stages. … We used to say 20 years. Now within five,” Schmidt said.
The interview. You can watch the full interview here.
The question that is asked so many times by many business owners is – how do I bring in more revenue to my business? Bringing in a good amount of income is so important to every business as the more money you are turning over the greater profit you will be bringing in. You can then use that profit to reinvest to grow your business even more. And how you reinvest the money, is likely to be one of the 12 suggestions made in the guide below.
So how do you bring in more revenue for your business? There are so many different ways that you can bring in more money. You can improve your website, invest in your staff members, purchase advertising slots such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads as well as invest in your email marketing. Other methods that business owners may turn to are entering different markets, offering discounts or creating bundle packages – for example, McDonald’s will do a value meal which is cheaper than if you were to purchase all the items on their own.
To help you improve your business and bring in more money, read the below guide on 12 ways to bring in more revenue for your business. Hopefully, this guide gives you some inspiration to make some changes on your end.
Work on Your Website
You can’t run a successful business without having a great website. As a business owner who is striving to bring in more revenue, it’s important you dedicate a set amount of time each week to improve your website. Ways to improve your website include publishing regular blog posts, improving the site speed, optimising your images for the web, ensuring it’s mobile friendly, and that any call to action is clear amongst other things.
Invest in Video Content
Have you considered investing in video content? Video content can be used on social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok and is a great way to show off your offering. You will find that engagement is higher on video content as well as conversion, when compared to other types of content such as images. No matter the type of business you run, there will be a way to create interesting, creative videos that can be used for your marketing.
Consider Advertising
There are so many ways that you can advertise your business. You can do it through paid media, such as Facebook Ads or Google Ads, you could pay for a shout-out on a radio channel or work with a Youtuber or Blogger to mention you when launching one of their videos. The amount you will need to spend on advertising will vary depending on the route you go down.
Improve Staff Morale
Your staff is the heart of the business, we can bet that without them you wouldn’t be able to operate as well. For this reason, it’s important to look after them and ensure they are happy – it’s been proven that the happier your staff members are, the more motivated they will be. By being more motivated, they will work harder to succeed which will hopefully lead to more revenue coming in. To improve staff morale you could look to offer bonuses, consider giving pay raises, offer promotions, take your staff members out for a meal or buy them gifts which align with their interests – plants for someone who likes gardening, football tickets to a sports fan or an espresso martini gift set for someone who likes cocktails.
Look into Email Marketing
Email marketing is where you reach out to your customers through their email addresses. A lot of companies collect emails through their website, running competitions or ads like Facebook ads. By collecting emails, you can then put together a weekly newsletter targeting them, sharing news and information about your offering. It’s a very effective way to make a few extra sales each week as you can add your special offers to your email marketing campaign that week.
Increase Your Prices
A really simple thing you can do to bring in more revenue is to increase your prices. Each year you will see companies raising their prices slightly so that they can bring in more revenue and profit – A great example is Apple. In 2007 they were selling their iPhone for $499, now it is going for over $1000! Have a look at what your competitors are pricing themselves at and see if you can increase your prices slightly. Remember not to go too high as this may cause your customers to go elsewhere.
Ask for Customer Feedback
Just like your staff members being the heart of your business, so are your customers which is why it’s important you listen to them and get feedback. Create a feedback form on your website and ask customers to give you feedback on your offering. You can email out this form to customers and ask them to fill it out when they are speaking to your customer service team. Once you have got responses from your customers, apply these changes as this shows you listen and care about what your customers say helping them feel more valued.
Train Your Staff
Instead of spending money on advertising methods, why not invest in your staff members? You could offer training programs that will improve their strengths or weaknesses and by improving them, they will then perform better at work, bringing you in more revenue. There is a whole myriad of training sessions that you can sign up your employees for, from sales courses to marketing programs. Some courses will be offered online whilst others will be face-to-face programs – often the online courses will cost less to send your staff members on.
Offer Discounts
Some companies thrive by using a discount method to drive sales. Each month you can set up a different discount offering to help entice your previous customers and new customers to work with you. The discounts you offer can vary depending on the type of business you are. For example, you can offer 10% off to customers who have just shopped with you or if you need people to sign up for your services, create a 20% discount code for new customers. You will find people love to have savings when buying things.
Enter New Markets
Is there a new market that you can start attacking and thrive in? As a business owner, you must be always trying to develop your business and a way to do this (and bring in more money at the same time) could be through entering a new market that is similar to yours. Examples of this include Uber offering transfer services and then selling train tickets. Clothes brands will often add a different type of clothing to their collection, whilst a builder could extend their offering to include something like painting or flooring.
Reward Loyalty
Everyone loves a loyalty program! There is nothing more satisfying than when you have collected your 10 stamps and can get your free cup of coffee or haircut when you next fancy one. Loyalty programs are a great way to convince your customers to continue working with you and not shopping with your competitors. They can also be a way to convince new customers to shop with you as they want to be part of the reward program you are offering. McDonald’s has recently launched their rewards program where you can collect points and get a free meal once you have enough.
Upselling
Upselling is another way you can bring in more revenue for your business. Whenever interacting with customers and making sales, see if you can upsell a product or service that is linked to what they are buying. For example, you will often see shoe companies trying to upsell their shoe cleaner when buying a pair from them. Barbers will often try to sell you wax or gel, whilst clothing stores will try to upsell socks or accessories when you are buying clothes. It’s a very effective way to bring in some more money whilst also a way to introduce new products to your customers that they may find useful.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are so many different methods that you can try to bring in more revenue for your business. Our advice would be to concentrate on one, two or three of the examples and see if that works for you. You can then apply one or two more of the tips once you feel like you have the time available to you. Remember, it’s important to not make too many changes at once as this is where you might be juggling too much and struggle to make the changes a success.
What tips would you suggest to someone who is looking to increase their revenue as a business owner? Which of our above suggestions do you think is most useful? Is there anything that you think is missing in our guide that we should add? Let us know in the comment box below, we would love to hear from you.
Newark, NJ – In a significant boost for entrepreneurs and small and home-based businesses, Phone.com launches AI-Connect, a cutting-edge conversational new AI service designed to enhance phone interactions without the need for extensive administrative support. Announced on May 8, 2024, AI-Connect integrates advanced technologies like natural language processing (NLP), understanding (NLU), and large language models (LLM) to streamline call handling and appointment scheduling for a variety of industries including retail, hospitality, and real estate.
AI-Connect is particularly tailored for small and micro-businesses that face the challenge of managing a high volume of calls and appointments with limited resources. This service eliminates the need for a traditional call center by using AI to engage in natural, free-flowing conversations with callers. This allows businesses to manage calls more efficiently, from routing to schedule management and answering frequently asked questions.
One of the standout features of AI-Connect is its ability to conduct goal-oriented and fluid dialogues, thanks to its hybrid infrastructure of NLU/NLP and LLM. This technology not only recognizes the intent of the caller accurately but also provides detailed analytics and custom recommendations based on each interaction.
Ari Rabban, CEO and Co-Founder of Phone.com, emphasized that AI-Connect is more than just a technological upgrade; it’s a strategic asset for small businesses, enabling them to access sophisticated technology that was previously out of reach due to cost and complexity. “AI-Connect demolishes traditional barriers, granting businesses of all sizes access to a realm of efficiency and expertise that would typically demand significant investment and time,” said Rabban.
The service also features advanced call screening capabilities to filter out spam and optimize interactions with genuine prospects, thus safeguarding valuable business time. Its intuitive user experience design ensures easy setup and configuration, allowing businesses to quickly adapt the service to their specific needs.
Alon Cohen, Chief Technology Officer of Phone.com, noted, “It has been 20 years since the FCC’s Pulver Order, which heralded a new era by exempting specific IP-based communication services from traditional regulatory constraints. Now, we stand poised to explore the transformative potential of AI-assisted interactions.”
With a history of 15 years of consistent growth and a client base exceeding 50,000 businesses, Phone.com continues to innovate, providing flexible, reliable communication solutions that resonate across all business scales. Phone.com launches AI-Connect marking a significant milestone for Phone.com and the countless small businesses that will benefit from enhanced communication capabilities in an increasingly digital world.
As president of a company in a male-dominated profession, I have learned that success isn’t solely measured by profit margins or market dominance. It’s also deeply intertwined with emotional intelligence (EQ). For women entrepreneurs, in particular, mastering this emotional terrain often proves to be a strategic advantage that sets them apart in the business world.
EQ — a multifaceted skill set encompassing self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management — is a powerful tool for women entrepreneurs. From fostering empathetic leadership to nurturing transparent communication channels and adeptly resolving conflicts, women entrepreneurs can harness EQ as a strategic advantage that propels their businesses forward.
#1: Empathy in Leadership
The journey to my current position wasn’t about emulation or outdoing others but about staying true to myself. In every step, empathy remained my steadfast companion. As a leader in a sizable corporation, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of empathy in leadership. It’s been my bridge to employees, peers, and clients alike. Empathy, after all, forms the bedrock of emotional intelligence, a cornerstone skill for women entrepreneurs.
Being an empathetic leader means actively listening to my team and valuing their viewpoints, worries, and aspirations. It’s a practice that wasn’t always reciprocated during my climb up the corporate ladder, but one I cultivated for myself and relentlessly honed. Those with empathy extend genuine care and appreciation to their team, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and psychologically secure. Understanding the diverse emotional landscapes of my team has enabled me to tailor my leadership approach to meet individual needs, empowering them to thrive personally and professionally.
I’ve come to understand that adept women entrepreneurs don’t just lead with empathy; they also influence their team’s collective welfare. This means championing inclusive policies, fostering diversity, and prioritizing work-life balance. In doing so, they ignite loyalty, drive innovation, and steer their organizations toward unprecedented success.
#2: Effective Communication
Communication stands as the lifeblood of thriving entrepreneurship, a truth I’ve come to understand through my own journey. As a woman entrepreneur deeply immersed in the realm of emotional intelligence, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of effective communication in fostering cohesive and high-performing teams. I’ve learned that transparent communication channels, marked by clarity, honesty, and openness, are the cornerstone of a flourishing organizational culture.
In my experience, creating environments where every voice is heard and valued has been of the utmost importance. I recall orchestrating regular feedback sessions, where I provided constructive input and recognition to my team members, instilling a profound sense of ownership and accountability. These sessions weren’t just about giving feedback but building trust and empowering my team to contribute to our collective success.
However, effective communication goes beyond words; it encompasses non-verbal cues and active listening. I’ve found that engaging in empathetic listening and showing genuine interest and understanding toward my employees’ viewpoints and emotions is crucial. Through attentive communication, I’ve built strong interpersonal connections, resolved conflicts proactively, and nurtured harmonious relationships within my organization.
#3: Conflict Resolution
Conflict is an unavoidable aspect of any workplace, a reality I’ve encountered throughout my entrepreneurial journey. Yet, as a woman entrepreneur deeply rooted in emotional intelligence, I’ve learned to view conflict not as a setback but as an opportunity for growth and collaboration. Effective conflict resolution, I’ve discovered, isn’t just about putting out fires; it’s about harnessing tensions as catalysts for positive change.
Navigating conflicts with patience, empathy, and a solutions-oriented mindset has been crucial. I’ve created safe spaces for open dialogue within my team, encouraging everyone to express their concerns and perspectives without fear of judgment. By actively listening to all parties involved, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the root causes of conflicts and identified mutually beneficial solutions.
Furthermore, preserving relationships while addressing conflicts has been a guiding principle for me. I’ve recognized the importance of maintaining trust and respect among team members, even amidst disagreements. Through transparent communication and empathetic understanding, I’ve bridged divides, fostered reconciliation, and strengthened the bonds within my organization.
Embracing conflicts as opportunities for learning and growth has been a transformative mindset shift for me. I’ve come to view diverse perspectives as valuable assets that drive innovation and creativity. By reframing conflicts as constructive challenges, I’ve inspired resilience, adaptability, and collaboration among my team, ultimately propelling our organization toward greater success.
By embodying emotional intelligence, women entrepreneurs don’t just navigate challenges; they transform them into opportunities for growth and collaboration. Through empathy, effective communication, and adept conflict resolution, they cultivate environments where individuals thrive, ideas flourish, and teams excel.
As they persist in championing emotional intelligence on their entrepreneurial odyssey, women entrepreneurs illuminate the path for others to follow, fostering inclusive, empathetic, and flourishing workplaces. In today’s ever-evolving landscape, emotional intelligence isn’t just a strategic advantage; it’s a guiding principle that propels women entrepreneurs toward sustained success and impactful leadership.
Emotionally intelligent women entrepreneurs demonstrate that success isn’t merely measured in profits or market share but in the relationships built, the communities empowered, and the legacies created. In championing emotional intelligence, women entrepreneurs redefine the narrative of entrepreneurship, paving the way for a future where empathy reigns supreme, and success knows no bounds.
Maintaining a clean and inviting outdoor space is essential for homeowners who take pride in their property’s aesthetic and functional appeal. A patio, serving as a central hub for family gatherings and social events, demands particular attention. Professional patio cleaning not only enhances the appearance of your home but also contributes significantly to the longevity and safety of the patio surface. In this article, we will explore why investing in professional patio cleaning services is a beneficial choice for homeowners.
Exceptional Cleaning Techniques
Access to Advanced Equipment
Professional cleaning services equip themselves with industrial-grade tools and cleaning solutions that are more effective and efficient than typical consumer products. These tools can include high-pressure washers and specialised cleaning agents that remove dirt, grime, and stains far more effectively than manual cleaning methods.
Expertise in Stain and Damage Treatment
Professionals have a deep knowledge of different patio materials, from paving stones to concrete and wood, and understand the best practices for treating each type. This expertise is crucial in removing stubborn stains while preventing damage that can occur from using incorrect cleaning techniques or chemicals.
Tailored Cleaning Approaches
Professional cleaners assess the condition of your patio and tailor their cleaning methods accordingly. Whether your patio needs a gentle wash or a deep clean, professionals can adjust their techniques to meet specific needs, thus ensuring an optimal outcome.
Extended Durability and Maintenance
Prevents Weeds and Deterioration
Regular professional cleaning helps remove not just dirt but also weeds that can start to grow between the slabs or bricks of your patio. These weeds, if not addressed, can cause significant damage as they widen the gaps and allow moisture to seep in, potentially leading to displacement and instability.
Protective Treatments
Beyond cleaning, professionals often apply sealants and protective coatings that help to extend the life of the patio materials. These treatments prevent water absorption, resist stains, and protect against UV damage, particularly beneficial for wood and stone patios.
Regular Maintenance Advice
Professional services don’t just clean; they provide valuable advice on how to maintain your patio throughout the year. This advice can include how often to clean your patio, what products to use, and tips to prevent damage.
Enhancing Safety and Health
Slip Hazard Reduction
A clean patio is safer to walk on, particularly when wet. Algae and moss, which can be slippery when moist, are effectively removed with professional cleaning, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
Allergen Removal
Outdoor patios can accumulate pollen, mould spores, and other allergens that can be harmful, especially to those with allergies or respiratory issues. A thorough cleaning eliminates these potential health hazards, making your outdoor space safer for everyone.
Increased Property Value and Aesthetic Appeal
Boosts Curb Appeal
A well-maintained patio enhances the overall look of your property. Whether you’re entertaining guests or planning to sell your home, a clean, attractive patio can make a significant positive impression.
Improves Property Value
Investing in professional patio cleaning can improve the valuation of your home. Potential buyers often look for homes that are well-kept with minimal need for immediate maintenance, and a pristine patio can play a pivotal role in their assessment.
Cost-Effectiveness
Long-term Savings
While there is an upfront cost to hire professionals, regular maintenance can save homeowners money in the long run by preventing costly repairs or replacements due to negligence.
Time Efficiency
Hiring professionals frees up personal time that you would have spent cleaning. This time can instead be invested in other important activities or simply enjoying your clean patio.
Conclusion
Investing in professional patio cleaning is a decision that offers numerous benefits ranging from improved aesthetic appeal to increased safety and extended longevity of your patio. Professional cleaners provide an unmatched level of care and maintenance that can significantly enhance not only the appearance of your patio but also its functional life. Furthermore, the cost of hiring a professional service is often offset by long-term savings and enhanced property value. With all these benefits, professional patio cleaning clearly stands out as a wise investment for any homeowner.
How does anyone document the amazing force for good that was Mark Irvine in a way that captures all that he was and all that he did for everyone?
Mark would often call me his unpaid PR team, but what he didn’t realize is that he “paid” for it with his warmth, kindness and wit.
When I was asked to write this…I was stuck. It was so easy to talk about how amazing Mark was when he was standing right there…but now all the words feel like shadows to the bright light he represented to me and so many who knew and loved him.
Fair warning…I wrote a lot. So if you want the bullet points, here’s my best attempt:
A mentor: Mark understood the world and how to win within its parameters better than anyone. He invested so much time in helping others hone public speaking chops, as well as how we interact with people.
A friend: One of the greatest gifts Mark could ever give was his friendship. Knowing that he was a safe space to laugh, indulge in the fruits of one’s labors, rage over the injustices of the world…only to laugh about them later, and cheer on the other’s triumphs was worth more than gold.
An award winning marketer: Mark has been winning awards for his work since 2015. Check out his bio on Search Lab for the full list.
An ally: Mark always made time to empower those around him and intentionally stepped aside to ensure marginalized speakers/professionals could shine.
A teacher: Mark taught so many people PPC and was an international instructor and blogger.
Mark was a husband to his best friend and partner Bobby Maine. A son to Virginia Hall and Curt Brimblecom. Brother to Jeff, David, and Nicole Irvine. Uncle to Trinity Irvine. He was also a friend, teacher, and inspiration to hundreds if not thousands of people touched by his work and his wit.
Mark and the love of his life and husband, Bobby Maine.
I was very lucky to get to know Mark while working at the same ad tech company. He was the one responsible for training all the new hires, and I was the annoying Hermione complex.
I remember sitting in one of the trainings, and he looked at me with one of those trademark “Mark smiles” and said, “You’re going to know this – do you want to actually listen to me tell you things you know already?”
Punching unicorns – one of the few pictures we took together that sums up our friendship better than anything else could.
That was the beginning of our very special friendship.
We might have been the same age and had comparable work/life experiences, but I always looked at Mark like a big brother. Mark knew how I functioned and I knew how he functioned. We both cared deeply about the other’s happiness, yet we very rarely voiced it to each other.
Both of us have/had a bit of a shy streak. We might have exchanged five hugs in all the years we knew each other, and I would give anything to be able to hug him right now. To tell him how much his friendship meant to me. How much he improved my life.
Mark humoring me given his love of plushy sharks.
When I think about Mark, it’s hard not to think about industry events and work travel, because that’s where so much of our time was spent. But there were other moments too, and to paint the full picture of Mark Irvine, it’s useful to look at his bodies of work (of which there are many), what he meant to the digital marketing industry, and selfishly, what he meant to me.
I also want to acknowledge how much it means to me that I was asked to write this. There were many who knew and loved Mark, and I did my best to factor in their takes on what was shared. That said, if Mark meant something special to you and you feel like there’s something missing from this piece, please reach out/comment. We’ll do what we can to add in those missing pieces.
Mark’s achievements
Mark was a data magician. He was able to find the story in any data set, and was able to make any industry interesting. Between breaking down the data on industry benchmarks, quality score analysis, and account structure analysis, Mark’s impact on the marketing world is deep and profound.
Part of what made Mark so incredibly special is that he was equally at home in the world of sports (he did quite a bit of data analysis for sports teams and absolutely geeked out over hockey), reality TV (one of Mark’s biggest dreams was to get on “Big Brother” and we all knew that if he got on, he’d go far) and “traditional nerdy stuff” (Mark was absolutely a gamer). This ability to be at home in multiple passion projects is part of what made him so gifted in crafting data sets.
Fun fact: Mark LOVED penguins.
When you think of Mark’s marketing story – most folks think about the brilliant speaker, blogger and team leader. I got to work directly with Mark at an ad tech company that granted both of us a lot of data, but also the opportunity to forge really meaningful relationships with Google and Microsoft.
Mark was the golden child in partnership conversations with ad platforms. His brilliant mind and keen sense of how to motivate people at a human level were second to none.
When an ad platform wanted to understand if a thing was viable – Mark was brought in to test it. If a thing needed to be monetized, Mark was the one to work through how it could be rolled out and scaled.
He won the Microsoft Advertising Influencer of the Year in 2019 and has been on the PPC Hero Top 25 Influencer list since 2015 (claiming the #1 spot in 2019 and will always be my PPC King). He was also on the recent Top 50 list that TrueClicks and partners rolled out.
Mark spoke on the international speaking circuit and was loved for his wit and wisdom in equal measure. He had an uncanny knack for getting even the most stoic audience to laugh at themselves as well as openly acknowledge how much they were learning.
I often would joke with him that I could tell if he was in a good mood or not based on how he delivered his trademark opening: “talking about his favorite subject – like all other marketers…himself!”
Mark rocking out a brilliant point and the room begging for encore questions.
Whether he was talking about local, analytics, ad creative, budgets, shopping, or the building blocks of PPC, Mark knew how to command a room and ensure everyone walked away feeling smarter and empowered to act.
Mark enjoying a very well-deserved cocktail after winning Microsoft Influencer of the Year.
Part of why I loved Mark is that he firmly advocated for the deserving to get pampered (something he knew I struggled with). Many folks who worked with Mark got to enjoy really special experiences he wouldn’t let himself experience because of his leadership tag.
The misfit toys: Greg Hermann, Mark Irvine, Zina Kayylai, Navah Hopkins and Chris Pierce.
Mark’s final years were spent building and scaling a successful PPC offering for Search Lab. He went from the Paid Lead to VP of Paid Search. He oversaw a team of seven and helped Search Lab win several awards for PPC excellence.
Search Lab Exec team.
What Mark meant to the industry
There are hundreds (if not thousands)of professionals who owe their industry knowledge and leadership skills to Mark Irvine.
Several current Google, Microsoft and Facebook employees started off as Mark Irvine’s students.
Brand leaders at major consumer brands cut their teeth on PPC under Mark Irvine’s guidance.
Investors consulted Mark before making investment decisions on ad tech or the viability of a market.
Mark being his informative self at SMX.
When the news broke of Mark’s passing there was an immediate gut punch felt across the digital marketing spectrum. I’ve pulled some comments from posts I’ve seen and will link to them so you can read all the comments.
Here are the links to some of the social posts I’ve come across + mine:
Note, out of respect for privacy, I haven’t linked to Mark’s family posts. That said, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time. If they share that they’re willing to have their posts included, we can update the post.
What Mark meant to me
Back in 2016 I presented at my first Pubcon Vegas (my first big talk). It was at the end of the day and my co-speaker was muttering comments about how she shouldn’t have to present with some new girl. I was feeling kind of deflated, but Mark was in the audience cheering me on. He stayed to walk back with me and let me know I did well (while also good heartedly making fun of how much extra time I spent after the session answering questions).
It was at that moment I knew that I had a true friend in Mark Irvine. Up until that point we were work colleagues and, due entirely to my personality, occasional rivals. Yet when I was alone, and needed someone in my corner, Mark was there.
Mark would always be there.
There really was nothing like having Mark Irvine in your corner.
I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about how good of an ally Mark was. He made a point to show up for women and offer opportunities for growth that he could have very easily kept for himself. He would claim “but then I’d have to do it” (if you knew Mark, you can hear that voice playfully egging on the person to just do the thing). At least 20 women (including myself) got to explore thought leadership thanks to Mark.
Fast forward to 2018. We both had established ourselves as powerhouses in our own rights, and we were invited to SMX Munich. I remember Mark making fun of me for making the rookie mistake of staying at the conference hotel instead of staying in the city.
This was a pattern with us. I’d stay at the cheaper/less exciting spot, and Mark would laugh at me going out of my way to save money for a company. He likely was right (especially given my track record of shady locations and getting locked out – all of which he was there to help me out of).
During that Munich trip we talked a lot about what we both wanted and why we wanted it. I remember staying up till 2 a.m. drinking Pilsners with him at his hotel. I don’t remember what we talked about, just that it was one of the happiest conversations I’ve ever had.
We also walked around the Olympic stadium discussing how we were balancing work travel (which was fun), with being good lovelies. Bobby was never far from Mark’s mind or heart when he traveled and being a safe space for each other to talk through whether we were being kind to our partners was a true treasure.
Mark, Purna Virji, Joe Martinez, and I giggling our way across Munich while also sharing insights on PPC.
I think what made that trip so memorable was it felt like I had finally become worthy enough to sit with Mark as an equal. To laugh at the world with him. There was so much sadness and stress, and he had this uncanny ability to just shut out the negative and laugh. A big mechanic of our friendship was knowing what was going on and giggling to ourselves about how “X” was actually a red herring, or that “Y” was setting up for ABC.
Mark would often tell me to “do less” and at the time it felt like a silly thing to focus on. Yet it came from a place of love.
Mark’s default personality was to do so much for everyone and to let others take advantage of his giving personality. Thinking back on the years we worked together (and even after we both went on to do other things), almost every decision he made was to ensure others could enjoy a great time/get the limelight.
He encouraged me to own my power in every way, and I know I’m a better professional and person because I knew him.
After the pandemic when we both had moved on from the ad tech company that brought us together we would make a point to catch up at conferences. Mark started sitting up front with me, and I’d sit in the back with him. We’d gossip about what was going on in PPC, in life, and whether the session was actually good. He absolutely brought out the snark in me.
I’ll miss my conference buddy. I’ll miss my safe snark space. I’ll miss the sense of home Mark represented when we traveled abroad (and the meals we’d treat each other to because they legitimately were work expenses).
I’ll miss you, Mark, but I know you have an eternity of pumpkin spice lattes and Big Brother: Heaven Edditon to enjoy. Thank you for investing your care in me and for all the good you did for everyone touched by your amazing perspective.
Thank you for helping me “do less”.
Mark’s socials if you want to connect with his work:
A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for Mark’s official celebration of life. If you’d like to contribute to the event costs, please do so here. Any remaining funds will be donated in Mark’s name to his beloved penguins at the New England Aquarium.
Google has started its enforcement of the new site reputation abuse policy by deranking or deindexing portions of websites from the Google Search index. This seems to have launched in the past hour or so, where sites as large as CNN, USA Today, Fortune, and LA Times are seeing their coupon directories no longer ranking for coupon-related keyword phrases.
We were expecting the enforcement to begin this week, we posted a reminder last week. Google told us this change was coming in March, when Google announced multiple search enhancements, which also included the March 2024 core update.
Google said today. Google’s Search Liaison said on X today, “It’ll be starting later today. While the policy began yesterday, the enforcement is really kicking off today.”
Google informed us after this story that these are manual actions, not algorithmic actions. Meaning sites impacted by this site reputation abuse policy should have received notifications of these penalties in their Search Console profiles.
Danny Sullivan from Google told me, “we’re only doing manual actions right now. The algorithmic component will indeed come, as we’ve said, but that’s not live yet.”
Examples of enforcement. Laura Chiocciora and Glenn Gabe posted screenshots of some sites that were impacted by this update. They include CNN, USA Today, and LA Times. These sites all did not block these directories from being indexed or ranked by Google and tonight found those sections removed from Google Search.
You're right. I'm seeing the same thing. USA Today, CNN, and LA Times are gone for "subway coupons" and other queries. Sure seems like the update is underway. 🙂 First screenshot is now and second is as of yesterday. pic.twitter.com/f46B5h2ccP
Some other sites, like Forbes, Wall Street Journal and others manually blocked these directories from Google’s spiders before enforcement of this new policy began.
This is just a sampling of some of the enforcement.
What is site reputation abuse? When third-party sites host low-quality content provided by third parties to piggyback on the ranking power of those third-party websites. As Google told us in March:
“A third party might publish payday loan reviews on a trusted educational website to gain ranking benefit from the site.”
“Such content ranking highly in Search can confuse or mislead visitors who may have vastly different expectations for the content on a given website.”
Under Google’s new policy, site reputation abuse is defined as “third-party content produced primarily for ranking purposes and without close oversight of a website owner” and “intended to manipulate Search rankings” will be considered spam.
The new Google Search spam policies about reputation abuse was announced by Google over here and and the updated policies are over here.
But. Not all third-party content will be considered spam, as Google explained:
“Many publications host advertising content that is intended for their regular readers, rather than to primarily manipulate Search rankings. Sometimes called ‘native advertising’ or ‘advertorial,’ this kind of content typically wouldn’t confuse regular readers of the publication when they find it on the publisher’s site directly or when arriving at it from Google’s search results.”
Why we care. Many SEO have been complaining about the harm and unfairness that comes from parasite SEO. With so many complaints about the quality of Search results lately, this may help with some of those complaints.
It’s interesting to see how various workplaces design the offices their staff are part of. Of course, some of those decisions have been ceded to remote workers who invest their own money (or perhaps a staff stipend) in renovating their own home office space. But within offices, it’s true that a fairly uniform approach, with further options being available the more you raise the ranks, is key.
Some companies just go all out and have a free-flowing approach to office and workspace design, be that Google which is known to have ball pits and other wacky options for creativity, or cutting-edge Valve Software providing one of the best staff canteens known to man.
Of course, there are two essential measures to get right when designing your home office, inspired by the workplace of the past. Productivity and comfort. The former, because what’s the point of an office you can’t work well in? The latter, because who would want to occupy a stuffy home office that feels unpleasant to work in?
Now, you may have read a few home office guides before this. The advice is usually the same – buy good, ergonomic furniture, get a standing desk, add locks to your doors for those special conference meetings with your sector lead, or invest in a good webcam and microphone setup. All of that is fine. But what about the trimmings and details around this?
In this post, read an unconventional but entirely necessary home office setup guide, considering the extraneous details that make such a difference:
Your Office Needs Artwork & Greenery
You are probably a more creative individual than you give yourself credit for. You are perfectly capable of working with some vibrant aesthetics surrounding you, and perhaps even more so. In offices, your surrounding space can be rather uniform, to the point where it feels like you’re limited to a specific aesthetic of dullness.
But this is your professional space. Regardless of the client or employer, you’re working for at the moment, you deserve to make it inspiring. Perhaps by hanging some excellent Wall Art by Pat, you can liven up your walls. You can also proudly display small ferns or other plants on your shelves or in freestanding pots depending on the space you have in the room, and even enjoying flowers that bloom can give you comfort throughout the summer.
This home office setup guide tip ensures your office feels less stuffy and less tiresome. It becomes less like a box you consign yourself to from morning to night as you try to work on general problems. It’s well known that those who live within a half-mile of a local park tend to feel happier and more relaxed in their day-to-day routine. But if you bring the park inside, who knows how productive you could be?
You Can Work Outside, Too
If you own a garden, you might stare longingly at it from inside your home office while working on a boring client brief number #442. But no one says you have to work inside, aside from when you conduct a remote meeting in which good acoustics and lighting are key.
Setting up a comfortable seat outside with armrests, a good surface to work on, while facing the breeze just right can be key. You might even invest in small boosts like a small outside radio, a french press kit you can bring outside, or just a relaxing seat cushion to keep your lumbar in check while away from your usual indoor office chair.
Soft Lighting Helps
Have you struggled to make your lighting situation both comfortable for the eyes, and flattering when you’re about to engage in a long video conferencing call? You might have a lamp in the room that gives soft light but doesn’t illuminate the space too much, or a harsh desk light that casts sharp shadows behind you. Neither is ideal.
A soft light can be a great place to start. You might have this slightly above and in front of you, and control the dimming and temperature of the light thanks to its LED functionality. This way, you can cast a gentle soft light that makes you look like the most angelic Zoom attendee in the world, while also being angled such that bright monitors don’t cause any eye strain throughout the day. Both of those measures can be excellent to get right.
Use That Footrest!
It can be helpful to use a footrest to help you sit more comfortably in your seat, and also prevent the constant up-and-down leg twitching that many of us get into, which is a bad habit to repeat over time. A footrest can also allow harder seats to feel more comfortable because it means the pressure coming from the weight of your legs is reduced.
Your footrest doesn’t have to be so large, just a soft rest you can place your feet on is helpful. If you have a cat, this can also deter them from sleeping on the warmth of your feet. You may just have to fight them for keyboard space, instead. Speaking of keyboards:
Invest In The Best Keyboard You Can
As a professional working on a computer for large portions of the day, your keyboard is likely to be used for most of it. Typing up reports, writing emails, putting together spreadsheets, it’s all quite an intensive focus, and while it takes little physical effort, it could take more out of you than you think. Much like a tradesman ensuring they have proper, quality equipment, you’ll want to invest in a high-performance keyboard suited to your needs and preferences. Mechanical keyboards are best because they have key switches that click, which means you have tactility and don’t have to press so hard to activate each key. You also make fewer mistakes with that model.
If you have limited hand mobility, you could spring for an ergonomic split model with a wrist rest. You can also select key switches based on audio – perhaps you’re not that happy with a super clicky keyboard while you’re trying to give a team presentation. This home office setup guide encourages that a good model now can help you prevent issues like repetitive strain injuries.
Curate That Music Playlist & Invest In Good Speakers For Ambient Backing
Admittedly, this one’s more of a luxury than a necessity for some. But if you spend hours a day working in that home office, having quality ambient music playing softly in the background can work wonders for your mood and productivity levels. It’s rude to have headphones in all day at the office, but at home, you get to decide your soundscape, and it’s a lot better than listening to office politics or gossip.
Curate some playlists that fit whatever feeling you’re going for – some chilled instrumental beats for writing sessions, energetic music to power through busywork well, 80’s hits to spark nostalgia and inspiration, it all counts. Match it with a decent speaker setup that provides clear audio without being disruptive, remember just a gentle background ambiance that calms you is more than enough. What’s best is that if you have a second monitor, you can also use the “jazz cafe ambiance with rain” videos constantly uploaded to YouTube to chill out, and pretend you’re working in a beautiful Parisian cafe, even if you’re just in a small home office.
There’s no shame in romanticizing your work, you’re at home, after all!
With this home office setup guide, you’re sure to enjoy your home office that much more. From getting outside when you can to using the best tools and relaxing into your productivity, sometimes, you just need to focus on what works best for you.
Hey there! So, it’s time to chat about something super critical but in a fun way: effective team building. Envision a work environment that feels more like a gathering of companions getting together to do amazing stuff. Sounds cool, right? If you’re curious about how to make that happen, just click here and you’ll discover a bunch of activities that are all about sparking that team magic.
Now, why is this team building thing a big deal? Well, in an insane active world where everybody is hustling to be the leader, having a group that clicks together can truly make a contrast. It’s like finding your tribe at work where everybody fair gets each other, and that’s when the enchantment happens: way better chats, epic teamwork, and a vibe that fair feels right.
There are a ton of ways to urge your group to vibe. Think about fun challenges where you solve puzzles together or games that get you all talking and trusting each other more. And don’t forget the casual hangouts! Getting lunch, sharing snacks at a potluck, or chilling together after work can turn associates into work pals.
But here’s the key: it’s not one-size-fits-all. Your team is unique, and the bonding stuff should be too. Pick things that everyone will be into, stuff that matches what your team is all about. Once you hit the sweet spot, you’ll see the enchantment in how everybody works together and that’s a win-win for both the individuals and the place where they work.
Strategies for In-Person Effective Team Building
Okay, now plunge into the magnificent world of bringing groups together, in face-to-face fashion! There’s something super special about really hanging out with your colleagues and there are several ideas up the sleeve that allow that to happen:
So, picture this: you and your work team are in an escape room. The clock’s ticking, puzzles are all over, and you’ve gotta connect powers to break free. It’s a wild ride and, believe me, you’ll learn a ton about who’s the cool-headed perplexing ace and who’s the thought machine.
Or how about a scavenger hunt? You’re dashing around, tackling conundrums, and chasing for treasures like modern-day privateers. It’s an impact and a half, and you’ll see your team’s genuine colors sparkle as you race to the wrap up line. Ever attempted a trust fall?
Ever tried a trust fall? Correct, it’s precisely what it sounds like. You’re literally falling backward into your team’s arms. Talk about a trust-building workout!
Now, for a change of pace, think picnics, improv classes, or cooking up a storm together. These are the chill times when everyone just kicks back, laughs, and creates those “remember when…” moments.
Don’t forget about getting your learning on with some professional development workshops. Whether it’s sharpening those decision-making skills, getting super tight on teamwork, or getting all deep and meaningful about your team’s vision and values, these workshops are like the secret sauce for a killer team dynamic.
Each of these ideas is like a little team-building gem, ready to help you guys bond, grow, and become the workplace squad everyone wants to be a part of. So, what do you say? Ready to take your team from meh to amazing?
Fostering Team Cohesion in Remote Environments
Hey team! It’s time to talk about making remote work feel a little less remote and a lot more like a cozy, connected community. With more people dialing in from home offices, we gotta get creative to keep the team spirit alive and kicking!
First up, virtual team building – it’s like a virtual high-five for your team’s vibe. Picture this: you’re all laughing and guessing during a game of two truths and a lie, or maybe getting all tangled up in a digital version of the human knot game. It’s all about the giggles and the “aha!” moments that make everyone feel like part of the crew.
How about mixing up your lunch routine with some brain food? Host a “lunch and learn” where you all chow down and share cool stuff you know. It’s like a mini masterclass with your favorite colleagues, and you all come away with more than just a full belly.
Presently, building a remote work community – that’s a genuine game-changer. Envision your group coming together to volunteer for a cause you’re all enthusiastic about. It’s doing good and feeling good, all while strengthening your bond.
Don’t forget the fun stuff, like virtual happy hours where you can kick back, sip your favorite drink, and just chat. Or get your creative juices flowing with a hack day or a friendly “shark tank” style competition. It’s all about showing off your skills and cheering each other on.
So, even though your team is apart, these ideas can help people feel right at home in your remote work family. Now, make your virtual office a place where everyone feels included, valued, and ready to rock their workday!
FAQ
Why is effective team building important?
Group bonding is just like the sauce that changes a gathering of people into a powerhouse of efficiency. It’s all approximately making those associations that offer assistance to everybody to work together consistently. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sprinkle a little joy into the workday!
What are some quick team building activities for busy days?
Got a jam-packed schedule? No worries! Quick activities like two-truths-and-a-lie or a speedy round of ‘would you rather’ questions can spark laughter and conversation faster than you can say “team spirit”!
Can team building activities really improve productivity?
Absolutely! When teams bond, they communicate better, trust grows, and barriers crumble. This magical mix leads to a smoother workflow and, you guessed it, a boost in productivity.
What’s a creative way to bond with a remote team?
Virtual escape rooms are the ticket! They whisk your group off on an enterprise right from their domestic workplaces, challenging everybody to work together to fathom puzzles and riddles. It’s group bonding with a twist!
How often should we do team building activities?
Consistency is key! Point for at least once a month to keep the team’s soul lively and kicking. It’s like a normal dosage of vitamin C for your team’s morale.
Any ideas for team building with a small budget?
Nature’s got your back! Organize a team walk or an outing within the park. Fresh air, great company, and an altar of view can do wonders for group vibes, and it’s kind to your wallet too.
Keep in mind, that group building is all approximately making an upbeat, trusting, and collaborative environment. So, keep it light, keep it fun, and watch your team soar!
Conclusion
Now, bring it all home with a small recap on the enchantment of effective team building. It’s the mystery sauce that flavors up your work life, making sure everyone’s in tune and paddling in the same direction. A sprinkle of icebreakers here, a sprint of team-building recreations there, and maybe even a gathering experience out within the wild – it’s all around creating those perfect moments where everybody clicks.
Keeping the group soul burning and shining implies hitting the rehash button on those holding exercises. It’s like keeping the coals gleaming for that warm, toasty campfire vibe all year circular. This way, we’re continuously prepared to handle modern challenges, cook up new thoughts, and keep the working environment buzzing with vitality and smiles.
So, keep the great times rolling and observe your group take off to new heights, all while making an impact together!
