#Conference Data Analytics

[bigdatasummitcanada]

Big Data And Data Analytics

Big Data And Data Analytics

A thriving community of Data and Analytics leaders from across North America dedicated to the advancement of data and analytics strategies as well as harnessing rapid developments in AI, machine learning and more.

Big Data Summit Canada stand at the forefront of innovation, hosting the critical discussions that envision Canada's path forward in technology and society. Our community is the heartbeat of this movement, a place where professionals across sectors come together to explore the possibilities that lie at the intersection of data and progress.

Website: https://www.bigdatasummitcanada.com

Customer Care: customercare@strategyinstitute.com

Sponsorship: mitch@strategyinstitute.com

Phone : 1-866-298-9343 ext. 200

Conference Address: Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre, 801 Dixon Rd, Etobicoke, ON, M9W 1J5

[jcmarchi]

French initiative for responsible AI leaders - AI News

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/french-initiative-for-responsible-ai-leaders-ai-news/

French initiative for responsible AI leaders - AI News

ESSEC Business School and Accenture have announced the launch of a new initiative, ‘AI for Responsible Leadership,’ which marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the role of Chair at ESSEC, titled the ESSEC Accenture Strategic Business Analytics Chair.

The initiative aims to encourage the use of artificial intelligence by leaders in ways that are responsible and ethical, and that lead to high levels of professional performance. It aims to provide current and future leaders with the skills they require when faced with challenges in the future; economic, environmental, or social.

Several organisations support the initiative, including institutions, businesses, and specialised groups, including ESSEC Metalab for Data, Technology & Society, and Accenture Research.

Executive Director of the ESSEC Metalab, Abdelmounaim Derraz, spoke of the collaboration, saying, “Technical subjects are continuing to shake up business schools, and AI has opened up opportunities for collaboration between partner companies, researchers, and other members of the ecosystem (students, think tanks, associations, [and] public service).”

ESSEC and Accenture aim to integrate perspectives from multiple fields of expertise, an approach that is a result of experimentation in the decade the Chair has existed.

The elements of the initiative include workshops and talks designed to promote the exchange of knowledge and methods. It will also include a ‘barometer’ to help track AI’s implementation and overall impact on responsible leadership.

The initiative will engage with a network of institutions and academic publications, and an annual Grand Prix will recognise projects that focus on and explore the subject of AI and leadership.

Fabrice Marque, founder of the initiative and the current ESSEC Accenture Strategics Business Analytics Chair, said, “For years, we have explored the potential of using data and artificial intelligence in organisations. The synergies we have developed with our partners (Accenture, Accor, Dataiku, Engie, Eurofins, MSD, Orange) allowed us to evaluate and test innovative solutions before deploying them.

“With this initiative, we’re taking a major step: bringing together an engaged ecosystem to sustainably transform how leaders think, decide, and act in the face of tomorrow’s challenges. Our ambition is clear: to make AI a lever for performance, innovation and responsibility for […] leaders.”

Managing Director at Accenture and sponsor of the ESSEC/Accenture Chair and initiative, Aurélien Bouriot, said, “The ecosystem will benefit from the resources that Accenture puts at its disposal, and will also benefit our employees who participate.”

Laetitia Cailleteau, Managing Director at Accenture and leader of Responsible AI & Generative AI for Europe, highlighted the importance of future leaders understanding all aspects of AI.

“AI is a pillar of the ongoing industrial transformation. Tomorrow’s leaders must understand the technical, ethical, and human aspects and risks – and know how to manage them. In this way, they will be able to maximise value creation and generate a positive impact for the organisation, its stakeholders and society as a whole.”

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

See also: Microsoft and OpenAI probe alleged data theft by DeepSeek

Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Keir Starmer appoints Jeff Bezos as his “first buddy”

Picks and Shovels is a new, standalone technothriller starring Marty Hench, my two-fisted, hard-fighting, tech-scam-busting forensic accountant. You can pre-order it on my latest Kickstarter, which features a brilliant audiobook read by Wil Wheaton.

Turns out Donald Trump isn't the only world leader with a tech billionaire "first buddy" who gets to serve as an unaccountable, self-interested de facto business regulator. UK PM Keir Starmer has just handed the keys to the British economy over to Jeff Bezos.

Oh, not literally. But here's what's happened: the UK's Competitions and Markets Authority, an organisation charged with investigating and punishing tech monopolists (like Amazon) has just been turned over to Doug Gurr, the guy who used to run Amazon UK.

This is – incredibly – even worse than it sounds. Marcus Bokkerink, the outgoing head of the CMA, was amazing, and he had charge over the CMA's Digital Markets Unit, the largest, best-staffed technical body of any competition regulator, anywhere in the world. The DMU uses its investigatory powers to dig deep into complex monopolistic businesses like Amazon, and just last year, the DMU was given new enforcement powers that would let it custom-craft regulations to address tech monopolization (again, like Amazon's).

But it's even worse. The CMA and DMU are the headwaters of a global system of super-effective Big Tech regulation. The CMA's deeply investigated reports on tech monopolists are used as the basis for EU regulations and enforcement actions, and these actions are then re-run by other world governments, like South Korea and Japan:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/10/an-injury-to-one/#is-an-injury-to-all

The CMA is the global convener and ringleader in tech antitrust, in other words. Smaller and/or poorer countries that lack the resources to investigate and build a case against US Big Tech companies have been able to copy-paste the work of the CMA and hold these companies to account. The CMA invites (or used to invite) all of these competition regulators to its HQ in Canary Wharf for conferences where they plan global strategy against these monopolists:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cma-data-technology-and-analytics-conference-2022-registration-308678625077

Firing the guy who is making all this happening and replacing him with Amazon's UK boss is a breathtaking display of regulatory capture by Starmer, his business secretary Jonathan Reynolds, and his exchequer, Rachel Reeves.

But it gets even worse, because Amazon isn't just any tech monopolist. Amazon is a many-tentacled kraken built around an e-commerce empire. Antitrust regulators elsewhere have laid bare how Amazon uses that retail monopoly to take control over whole economies, while raising prices and crushing small businesses.

To understand Amazon's market power, first you have to understand "monopsonies" – markets dominated by buyers (monopolies are markets dominated by sellers – Amazon is both a monopolist and a monopsonist). Monopsonies are far more dangerous than monopolies, because they are easier to establish and easier to defend against competitors. Say a single retailer accounts for 30% of your sales: there isn't a business in the world that can survive an overnight 30% drop in sales, so that 30% market share might as well be 100%. Once your order is big enough that canceling it would bankrupt your supplier, you have near-total control over that supplier.

Amazon boasts about this. They call it "the flywheel": Amazon locks in shoppers (by getting them to prepay for a year's worth of shipping in advance, via Prime). The fact that a business can't sell to a large proportion of households if it's not on Amazon gives Amazon near-total power over that business. Amazon uses that power to demand discounts and charge junk fees to the businesses that rely on it. This allows it to lower prices, which brings in more customers, which means that even more businesses have to do business with Amazon to stay afloat:

https://vimeo.com/739486256/00a0a7379a

That's Amazon's version, anyway. In reality, it's a lot scuzzier. Amazon doesn't just demand deep discounts from its suppliers – it demand unsustainable discounts from them. For example, Amazon targeted small publishers with a program called the "Gazelle Project." Jeff Bezos told his negotiators to bring down these publishers "the way a cheetah would pursue a sickly gazelle":

https://archive.nytimes.com/bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/22/a-new-book-portrays-amazon-as-bully/

The idea was to get a bunch of cheap books for the Kindle to help it achieve critical mass, at the expense of driving these publishers out of business. They were a kind of disposable rocket stage for Amazon.

Deep discounts aren't the only way that Amazon feeds off its suppliers: it also lards junk-fee atop junk-fee. For every pound Amazon makes from its customers, it rakes in 45-51p in fees:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/29/aethelred-the-unready/#not-one-penny-for-tribute

Now, just like there's no business that can survive losing 30% of its sales overnight, there's also no business that can afford to hand 45-51% of its gross margin to a retailer. For businesses to survive at all on Amazon, they have to jack their prices up – way up. However, Amazon has an anticompetitive deal called "most favoured nation status" that forces suppliers to sell their goods on Amazon at the same price as they sell them elsewhere (even from their own stores). So when companies raise their prices in order to pay ransom to Amazon, they have to raise their prices everywhere. Far from being a force for low prices, Amazon makes prices go up everywhere, from the big Tesco's to the corner shop:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/25/greedflation/#commissar-bezos

Amazon makes so much money off of this scam that it doesn't have to pay anything to ship its own goods – the profits from overcharging merchants for "fulfillment by Amazon" pay for all the shipping, on everything Amazon sells:

https://cdn.ilsr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AmazonMonopolyTollbooth-2023.pdf

Amazon competes with its own sellers, but unlike those sellers, it doesn't have to pay a 45-51% rake – and it can make its competitor-customers cover the full cost of its own shipping! On top of that, Amazon maintains the pretense that its headquarters are in Luxembourg, the tax- and crime-haven, and pays a fraction of the taxes that British businesses pay to HMRC (and that's not counting the 45-51% tax they pay to Jeff Bezos's monoposony).

That's not the only way that Amazon unfairly competes with British businesses, though: Amazon uses its position as a middleman between buyers and sellers to identify the most successful products sold by its own customers. Then it copies those products and sells them below the original inventor's costs (because it gets free shipping, pays no tax, and doesn't have to pay its own junk fees), and drives those businesses into the ground. Even Jeff "Project Gazelle" Bezos seems to understand that this is a bad look, which is why he perjured himself to the American Congress when he was questioned under oath about it:

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58961836

Amazon then places its knockoff products above the original goods on its search results page. Amazon makes $38b selling off placement on these search pages, and the top results for an Amazon search aren't the best matches for your query – they're the ones that pay the most. On average, Amazon's top result for a search is 29% more expensive than the best match on the site. On average, the top row of results is 25% more expensive than the best match on the site. On average, Amazon buries the best result for your search 17 places down the results page:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/03/subprime-attention-rent-crisis/#euthanize-rentiers

Amazon, in other words, acts like the business regulator for the economies it dominates. It decides what can be sold, and at what prices. It decides whose products come up when you search, and thus which businesses deserve to live and which ones deserve to die. An economy dominated by Amazon isn't a market economy – it's a planned economy, run by Party Secretary Bezos for the benefit of Amazon's shareholders.

Now, there is a role for a business regulator, because some businesses really don't deserve to live (because they sell harmful products, engage in deceptive practices, etc). The UK has a regulator that's in charge of this stuff: the Competition and Markets Authority, which is now going to be run by Jeff Bezos's hand-picked UK Amazon boss. That means that Amazon is now both the official and the unofficial central planner of the UK economy, with a free hand to raise prices, lower quality, and destroy British businesses, while hiding its profits in Luxemourg and starving the exchequer of taxes.

The "first buddy" role that Keir Starmer just handed over to Jeff Bezos is, in every way, more generous than the first buddy deal Trump gave Elon Musk.

Starmer's government claims they're doing this for "growth" but Amazon isn't a force for growth, it's force for extraction. It is a notorious underpayer of its labour force, a notorious tax-cheat, and a world-beating destroyer of local economies, local jobs, and local tax bases. Contrary to Amazon's own self-mythologizing, it doesn't deliver lower prices – it raises prices throughout the economy. It doesn't improve quality – this is a company whose algorithmic recommendation system failed to recognize that an "energy drink" was actually its own drivers' bottled piss, which it then promoted until it was the best-selling energy drink on the platform:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/20/release-energy/#the-bitterest-lemon

There's a reason that the UK, the EU, Japan and South Korea found it so easy to collaborate on antitrust cases against American companies: these are all countries whose competition law was rewritten by American technocrats during the Marshall Plan, modeled on the US's own laws. The bedrock of US competition law is 1890's Sherman Act, whose author, Senator John Sherman, declared that:

If we will not endure a King as a political power we should not endure a King over the production, transportation, and sale of the necessaries of life. If we would not submit to an emperor we should not submit to an autocrat of trade with power to prevent competition and to fix the price of any commodity.

https://pluralistic.net/2022/02/20/we-should-not-endure-a-king/

Jeff Bezos is the autocrat of trade that John Sherman warned us about, 135 years ago. And Keir Starmer just abdicated in his favour.

Check out my Kickstarter to pre-order copies of my next novel, Picks and Shovels!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/01/22/autocrats-of-trade/#dingo-babysitter

Image: UK Parliament/Maria Unger (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Keir_Starmer_2024.jpg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

--

Steve Jurvetson (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jeff_Bezos%27_iconic_laugh.jpg

CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

[mysticworks]

Still I rise ~ Lewis Hamilton

Reader comforting Lewis, after a disappointing qualifying session.

Word Count 1.2k

Genre: Angst

------------------------------------------------------------

His helmet lay strawn on its side, as if tossed to the floor with anger and frustration. 

The changing room door was ajar, the sliver of light from outside piercing a fraction of the darkness within.

From it, you could only just make out the flash of yellow - what seemed to be Lewis’ shoes - the neon, bright in the darkness.

The moment you’d seen his post qualifying interview, you’d known; the sadness in his perfectly practised smile, the tension in his furrowed brow, the unfocused eyes as he spoke of his session to the reporter questioning him.

“At some point you start wondering if it's the car or just you, y’know.” 

He’d shrugged his shoulders in an attempt to diffuse his answer to the question, the biting on his lip holding in a tremour only you could notice.  

After a viciously challenging start to the season, you’d seen the confidence that Lewis usually carried himself with, slowly begin to deflate, and this practice session in Japan seemed to be the absolute breaking point for his positive spirit. 

The situation was taxing, understandably, and the Mercedes crew had spent much of the season heads down, working on new improvements to make - yet somehow, progress seemed slow.

Lewis seemed to be blaming himself much more these days, longer hours in the gym, harsher dieting; absolute eternities he’d spend rewatching clips of his race and memorising data the analytics team sent across.

He was disappointed in himself. Torn apart from self-doubt and worry. 

And now, post qualifying interview, he seemed to have gone missing. 

You’d spent the past however long looking from him; pacing the entirety of the paddock to the Mercedes garage, even peeking into the press conference green room where you’d bumped into a very confused Max- having to squeak a quick “sorry,” before rushing back on your mission to hunt Lewis down. 

Yet here he was, confining himself to the darkness of his changing room, burying himself in wavering self -confidence.

Sucking in a deep breath, you took a ginger step towards the door, lightly giving it a quick knock to signal your entrance. The light flooded in from outside, and from the doorway you caught sight of Lewis - your heart crumbling as you took in the sight of him.

Oh you poor, poor thing.

He was sat on the floor in the far corner of the room curling into himself. Head in his hands, his knees drawn up to his chest. You saw his body tremble in a tremendously suppressed sob, one you could only wonder how long he’d been holding in.

It didn’t take you a second longer to reach him, falling to the floor in front of him. It was then you noticed just how violently his hands were shaking, and you reached out, tenderly taking them into your own.

Lewis responded to your touch immediately, his head lifting to meet your eyes. 

In an attempt to soothe him, you rubbed circles into the back of his hands, eyes locking with his bloodshot ones.

You broke the silence first, in a whisper, soft but firm. “You’re going to be okay.”

He gave you a tight smile through his tears - sad and forced. “I’ve lost it. I’ve lost it all.”

His voice gave him away, cracking 2 words into his sentence and his eyes filled with fresh tears. They spilled out onto his face and he tore his hands away from yours to wipe them away.

Lewis had always been the type to keep his emotions in control - and this time he’d reached breaking point.

“Lewis,” you reached out for his face, forcing his eyes to meet yours again. There was defeat in them. Like the hope and passion to fight for wins had been sucked out and replaced with tonnes and tonnes of self-doubt. 

“You haven’t lost anything.”

Rubbing the tears off his cheeks you pulled him into an embrace, and in moments his arms were tight around you, his head resting on your shoulder and soaking it as he let out the frustration, the pressure, the anger, the pain.

“It’s not the car. It’s me.”

You shook your head, determined to let him know that this was no fault of his own. He curled further and further into you, and you held him tighter, cradling his quivering body in your arms in an attempt to take the pain away. 

Lewis had always been physically bigger than you being the athlete he was; taller, bulkier, stronger. 

Yet in your arms he seemed so small. So vulnerable. As if needing your protection to shield him from scrutiny. 

You rubbed his back, shushing him with words of affirmation. 

He was stronger than this. He was a fighter. He was a champion. And that's what he needed to know. 

How he’d conquered years of championships and podiums. How he’d brought it home on only 3 wheels at Silverstone. How he’d stolen the show in his rookie years, being only a point behind the season winner. 

But also how he was so much more than just a formula one driver. 

A motivator, justice seeker. An inspiration, role model for thousands and thousands if not millions. Someone passionate to right wrongs, unafraid to condemn the world for its immorality. 

“One failure doesn’t set you back Lewis,” His sobs had quietened down, and he gave a small sniffle in reply, “A bad qualifying isn’t a bad race. A bad race isn’t a bad season. A bad season isn’t a bad career.” 

You wanted him to see what so many saw in him. What you saw in him. His eloquence, charisma, humility. 

And so you tightened your hold against him, giving him a gentle squeeze on his palm, to let him know, it would all be okay.

A small smile erupted on your face when you felt him give a small squeeze back. One that showed he acknowledged what you’d said. 

You pressed a kiss against his forehead, before leaning against it so your breaths intermingled. “You’re a fighter, Lewis. So get up and fight for this.”

—---------------—----------------------------------------

Race day:

Lewis zipped up his race suit, adjusting his ear piece before picking up his helmet and striding towards his car. 

He felt a new found confidence surge into him today - his breakdown less than 24 hours prior to this race lifting a huge weight off his chest he didn't know he'd been holding onto. 

It was as if his faith had been restored, by someone letting him know that it was okay to fall. It was okay to hit hurdles, as long as he picked himself up and fought through it. 

Lewis found your face in the crowd of engineers - not that you'd been hard to find - you stuck out like a sore thumb in the sea of Mercedes team uniforms.

“Ready?” You let warmth fill your eyes, closing the gap between you until the chaotic bustle of the paddock drowned away - becoming no more than a background buzz. 

“Ready.” Lewis’ voice was low, yet it held certainty. You rested your palms against his solid torso, eyes locking with his, through the visor of his helmet.  

There were no signs of yesterday's doubts; no question of ability; the tears of vulnerability dissolved from the fire that set ablaze in his orbs of gold. 

He was ready to make a statement.

Lewis flashed you a smile, cocking his head to the side with the charisma you'd fallen so in love with.  

“I am a fighter, and I will fight for this. I am a fighter, so I will rise.”

[puckpocketed]

MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference 2025 - Decisions on Ice: The Next Frontier of Hockey Analytics (YouTube video. Please be advised you WILL be hearing it entirely from your left ear.)

Arda Ocal is moderating, hear from: Philippe Desaulniers (Habs, makes the tools GMs use to fetch data, reports, anything), Meghan Chayka (Stathletes), and Jeremy Rogalski (Bruins - he does get asked about trade deadlines briefly due to the banger that they had this season LOL)

I liked the diversity of voices here, felt like I was getting an interesting cross-section of the kinds of people who work in analytics & their perspectives. Lots of fun things but the first section was what I found most interesting. They talked about how analytics has changed coaching rooms, players and their relationship to analytics, and give a bit of insight on how that interface all goes nowadays. Transcript of that part below <3

ROGALSKI: Echoing what Phil and Meghan said, like, just the way to describe the game. Y'know, working with a - I started in the coach's room doing video work for them, and watching how, even a pre-scout for a game evolves from, y'know, coaches previously would watch like, three games of video and kind of look for some common trends in that, maybe do a deep dive on the season. But now you can describe, like, how a team breaks out, or how their power play formations are in so much detail that wasn't available 10, 15 years ago to put that together.

[...]

ROGALSKI: It's actually interesting you use the word 'storytelling', too, because I think Meghan's bang-on, I think, about a lot of inquiries coming our way now, which is great! But I think also in terms of, y'know, building a relationship with a coach, understanding what their schedule looks like, what their needs are, where they have windows of time to work through and educate on the data.

But also, I think packaging it in a digestible way, right? You're still, in some ways, doing the same thing with a coach where if there's a point you're trying to make, there is a time for a fact: "This guy's whatever on faceoff percentage," that's a fact, that needs to happen. But sometimes you gotta package it in a narrative that really helps them understand how they can then turn around and use that fact to improve the team or communicate to a player. So there is a component of that storytelling that's needed as well.

DESAULNIERS: To tack on what Jeremy was saying... So, I really see three things mainly that are important in order to have communications flowing between our group and the coaches.

The first thing is, really, it's really great to have a translator. You usually will have, like, someone on the team, or you want to have someone on the team who's able to speak the language with the coaches and who understands on the analytics side.

And so we'll be creating some reports, some setting up the information there so it can be consumed, and then you'll have, you, in our (the Montreal Canadiens') case it's Chris our Director of Analytics, who will be talking with the coaches and knowing what the coaches are expecting and presenting it in a way that they understand. So that's one thing.

The second thing that we found effective is, we've started creating some concepts that we try to keep as simple and as high-level as possible, but that then become part of the vocabulary that we have with the coaching staff.

So just to give an example, we'll be talking about players that are, that have a certain number of pillars, we call them pillars, which are at the bottom. They're metrics, very specific metrics, that we're tracking - you don't need to understand all the details to know that, okay, so this guy has a four pillar, or five pillar, and this way you know, like, where he stands at a very high level without having to dig into it.

The third thing that we do, that we've done, is get the coaches on board, so work on a way of organising the metrics based on what they're looking for, what their understanding of the game is, and organise the information that way. So then when they start digging into it they actually see what they were looking for.

And you get the buy-in from them, too, when you're doing that, because they've worked on it to build that structure.

ROGALSKI: I would add one thing, too, that I thought of. You raise a good point, too. I think visuals are huge here, too, right? Whether it's a heat map or just picking the right graphic or trend, or something that's -

DESAULNIERS: Colours!

ROGALSKI: I mean, reds and greens, like, it helps. It truly does help.

CHAYKA: Not to play your role Arda but I have a question for Jeremy, because you've been through some different coaches. Do you find, like, coaching staffs, as they change... From my work I find some are far more, just, ease of use and understanding and their ability to implement it in their game flow. Works a lot better for some people's style than others, have you seen that change with, like, different coaches?

ROGALSKI: Yes. It's definitely seen a change. Also, I think now you're starting to see coaches have worked with different teams, so. Before it's, you're educating on, "This is what we can offer you," now it's, you're coming in with a set of preferences, or, "This is what I worked with previously, " so.

Y'know, more recently it's been coming in with a set of expectations for, "I know this works for me, is there anything you want to add or change or do whatever?" So, it's definitely, there has been a change.

OCAL: That's a great question, I want to generalise that, like, y'know whether it's a first-time coach like Marty St Louis, whether it's a Jim Montgomery, or a long tenured coach... Let me start with you, Meghan, like, from different experience levels of coaches, in the NHL or otherwise, how have you found their acceptance and how they use that in their daily jobs?

CHAYKA: And I think it can be background, too. You know, you, you're a math grad, you like numbers. Some people come from engineering. People come to coaching in so many different ways, so they have such a different way of approach and understanding and ease with it.

And I think that they can just implement it and know what's assumptions and what's noise and what's actually important to them and their job that they need to do. So I think it's just being realistic about your personnel.

But I will say that I've noticed, doing the Draft a lot, and at ESPN and working with Draft people in the CHL and doing a lot of Junior work, that young people now expect data. They want it, they want to take control of their own, whether it's a coach or a player coming up. So I'm seeing, like, the 25-and-under crowd.

It's not, "Do I, should I use analytics?" it's like, "Why aren't we using analytics? Why isn't my agent doing that for me? Why isn't my team doing that for me?"

And I think that, too, both empowers people working in tech but also empowers, like, the person who that data is being used to dictate their career, right? Giving them some control and oversight and insight into what they actually have to improve. So it's kind of, like, flipping it on the head a little bit.

OCAL: The paradigm is changing!

CHAYKA: Correct.

[selfiesandwinepics]

This “Randy in an airport” photo (god my UK English speakers must have to think this through) is brought to you by the United Club around C42 in the Houston Intergalactic Spaceport. There was a time I looked at the fees for United club membership and I said “holy god I could never!” And now I can’t imagine not paying for it. Perspective.

Anyway it’s off to Orlando for a few days for the Gartner Data Analytics conference where I’ll do a stage panel discussion on “Leveraging AI for Smart Operations Optimization” which sounds like a word salad of bravo sierra but is really just about leveraging ML on the shop floor. Rest of the time will be meeting attendees in our booth and client and prospect dinners and side meetings.

Decided to take the gaming laptop this trip—got my Cataclysm Druid build going and I’m missing the Shroud of Whatever mythic chest piece so I’m gonna mindlessly grind the seasonal activity and Uber bosses to make it drop or get enough materials to craft it. I’m short one Bac rune.

If the previous paragraph was unintelligible to you, don’t worry—it hurt me as much to write it as you to read it.

[posttexasstressdisorder]

CNN 5/28/2025

Walmart, Target and other companies warn about growing consumer boycotts

By Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN

Updated: 7:00 AM EDT, Wed May 28, 2025

Source: CNN

Companies are warning investors about the risks of becoming the next target of angry customers.

Corporate America is required to disclose risks to their businesses in their annual regulatory filings. This year, Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Corona-parent Constellation Brands join an increasing number of companies advising investors about customer and legal backlash to their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies and environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. They’re also giving notice of the risks of rolling back these programs.

Businesses typically warn shareholders about economic downturns, data breaches, natural disasters, and tax code changes. But companies are adding new risk disclosures in response to the intense political divide over corporate efforts to increase diversity in the workplace, promote LGBTQ rights and slow down climate change, corporate governance and risk management researchers say.

“Companies face a Catch-22 situation,” said Kristen Jaconi, director of the Peter Arkley Institute for Risk Management at USC. “Consumers may be dissatisfied if a company takes a particular position on a social issue or if a company takes no position at all.”

Consumer brands are trying to avoid damaging boycotts like those against Bud Light, Tesla, and Target. They are also reacting to opposition to DEI on the right, including the Trump administration’s threats to investigate companies with “illegal” DEI programs, conservative lawsuits and activist shareholder proposals against companies, and right-wing activists like Robby Starbuck targeting companies with DEI programs.

“The heightened debate on DEI and climate, in particular, has driven the inclusion of these disclosures in the last few months,” said Matteo Tonello, the head of benchmarking and analytics at The Conference Board.

‘Conflicting expectations’

Many companies are warning about consumer boycotts from both the political right and left, stoked on social media platforms.

“Strong opinions continue to be publicly expressed both for and against diversity, equity and inclusion and ESG initiatives,” Walmart said in its annual report released in March.

Walmart, which ended some of its diversity programs earlier this year, said it and other companies’ positions are “subject to heightened scrutiny from consumers, investors, advocacy groups and public figures, potentially leading to consumer boycotts, negative publicity campaigns, litigation and reputational harm.”

Target said in its annual report in March that expectations from shareholders, customers and employees over whether it should offer certain products or pursue ESG and DEI goals are varied, and at times conflicting.

“We have previously been unable to meet some of those conflicting expectations, which has led to negative publicity and adversely affected our reputation,” Target said.

Target noted backlash to its merchandise selection during Pride Month in 2023. That year, a boycott from the right over some of Target’s LGBTQ-themed merchandise led to a drop in sales and lawsuits from Republican-aligned legal groups.

Conversely, Target also noted “adverse reactions from some of our shareholders, guests, team members, and others” over its decision to end some of its diversity programs this year. Target’s sales fell last quarter, driven in part by customer backlash to Target’s retreat on DEI.

Target said any future changes to its policies could result in a negative reaction from some customers. The company also warned that it could face litigation and investigations from states and federal agencies that assert diversity programs violate the law, but said its initiatives were legal.

Anti-ESG backlash

Target is not alone in signaling that the Republican legal assault and right-leaning consumer backlash against diversity policies, in particular, could pose a big risk to business.

Abercrombie & Fitch, Kroger, PVH Corp. and other companies warn they could be hurt by the Trump administration’s anti-DEI and anti-ESG crackdown.

“There is some indication that sustainability goals are becoming more controversial,” Kroger said in its annual filing last month. “The recent change to the United States administration and changes in investor perspectives could also affect our ability to pursue our sustainability goals and could lead to increased criticism and associated reputational harm.”

PVH, the owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, said in its annual filing last month that it could be “subjected to negative responses by governmental actors (such as anti-ESG legislation or retaliatory legislative treatment) or customers (such as boycotts or negative publicity campaigns) that could adversely affect our reputation.”

It’s notable that companies are now anticipating boycotts, said Lawrence Glickman, a historian at Cornell University who studies consumer activism.

“Often, boycotts catch companies by surprise,” he said. “Recent boycotts have been successful enough that (companies) are worried about them.”

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[tinywitchdraws]

Modern AU head-canons for these Dune characters:

Feyd Rautha

Glossu Rabban

Piter de Vries.

ohh okay this is interesting. I am not really that used to headcannons/ AUs, as I'm honestly new to engaging with fanfic in general so my apologies in advance if it doesn't totally fit, but here are my headcannons and ideas for how I'd do a modern AU with these characters.

Feyd Rautha:

Feyd Rautha is the heir apparent to a large spice mining company- in this case, you could substitute an oil or mining company for modern AU. The company culture is highly toxic, but Feyd likes that. He's known to churn through interns and keeps a non-existent sleep schedule.

His overall dynamic is finance bro meets basically any character from succession (think a slightly more financially literate Roman Roy). He buys luxury items just to fit in, however he has just enough taste so that it actually works. He considers most of these purchases a waste of money, but also his right and/or part of the job as heir.

As part of the Baron's inner circle, he has knowledge of most of the company's inner workings and takes great personal pride in digging up as much information as possible on the people he doesn't already control. He will often go to conferences and events just to get a read on competition. He secretly longs for someone to take that kind of an interest in him, but no one has just yet- many still think that he's too young and unpredictable to inherit.

After all- there is that rumor that he tried to kill the Baron.

Glossu Rabban

If Feyd is the more of a Roman Roy, Rabban is Conor. He had ambitions at the company which ended in failure, and has been reassigned to lobbying. Rabban is attempting to trade off of his industry connections to get into politics, if he can. He's aware his current position is tenuous at best and that he might need to make his own career. As the family industry is regulated, everyone basically hates this pipe dream of a career ambition. His moves are too obvious and clumsy, and he often tries to influence someone only to find that Feyd has already discussed the business with them. He's not a total failure, but his family just doesn't appreciate any success outside of financial success.

Piter de Vries

Piter is a math genius that works in data modeling and analytics. The Barron and Feyd love that he makes them money, however he's abrasive personality wise. He's known to use a myriad of drugs recreationally and at work, just because solving the same problems sober is too boring for him. The company has tried to hire assistants that can help him or at least explain his reports palatably, but he insists on doing the work himself and his own data models for fun in C. Not C++, C. The entire department rests on his shoulders and the Baron is weighing if Piter is worth putting up with. He gets the work of a department done on one salary, but also insists on making MILF jokes about lady Jessica basically any time she's within his zip code.

Would love to know your thoughts <3 Thanks for this ask!

[agileseen24]

"From Passion to Profession: Steps to Enter the Tech Industry"

How to Break into the Tech World: Your Comprehensive Guide

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the tech industry is thriving and full of opportunities. Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or someone passionate about technology, you may be wondering, “How do I get into the tech world?” This guide will provide you with actionable steps, resources, and insights to help you successfully navigate your journey.

Understanding the Tech Landscape

Before you start, it's essential to understand the various sectors within the tech industry. Key areas include:

Software Development: Designing and building applications and systems.

Data Science: Analyzing data to support decision-making.

Cybersecurity: Safeguarding systems and networks from digital threats.

Product Management: Overseeing the development and delivery of tech products.

User Experience (UX) Design: Focusing on the usability and overall experience of tech products.

Identifying your interests will help you choose the right path.

Step 1: Assess Your Interests and Skills

Begin your journey by evaluating your interests and existing skills. Consider the following questions:

What areas of technology excite me the most?

Do I prefer coding, data analysis, design, or project management?

What transferable skills do I already possess?

This self-assessment will help clarify your direction in the tech field.

Step 2: Gain Relevant Education and Skills

Formal Education

While a degree isn’t always necessary, it can be beneficial, especially for roles in software engineering or data science. Options include:

Computer Science Degree: Provides a strong foundation in programming and system design.

Coding Bootcamps: Intensive programs that teach practical skills quickly.

Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity offer courses in various tech fields.

Self-Learning and Online Resources

The tech industry evolves rapidly, making self-learning crucial. Explore resources like:

FreeCodeCamp: Offers free coding tutorials and projects.

Kaggle: A platform for data science practice and competitions.

YouTube: Channels dedicated to tutorials on coding, design, and more.

Certifications

Certifications can enhance your credentials. Consider options like:

AWS Certified Solutions Architect: Valuable for cloud computing roles.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Great for cybersecurity.

Google Analytics Certification: Useful for data-driven positions.

Step 3: Build a Portfolio

A strong portfolio showcases your skills and projects. Here’s how to create one:

For Developers

GitHub: Share your code and contributions to open-source projects.

Personal Website: Create a site to display your projects, skills, and resume.

For Designers

Design Portfolio: Use platforms like Behance or Dribbble to showcase your work.

Case Studies: Document your design process and outcomes.

For Data Professionals

Data Projects: Analyze public datasets and share your findings.

Blogging: Write about your data analysis and insights on a personal blog.

Step 4: Network in the Tech Community

Networking is vital for success in tech. Here are some strategies:

Attend Meetups and Conferences

Search for local tech meetups or conferences. Websites like Meetup.com and Eventbrite can help you find relevant events, providing opportunities to meet professionals and learn from experts.

Join Online Communities

Engage in online forums and communities. Use platforms like:

LinkedIn: Connect with industry professionals and share insights.

Twitter: Follow tech influencers and participate in discussions.

Reddit: Subreddits like r/learnprogramming and r/datascience offer valuable advice and support.

Seek Mentorship

Finding a mentor can greatly benefit your journey. Reach out to experienced professionals in your field and ask for guidance.

Step 5: Gain Practical Experience

Hands-on experience is often more valuable than formal education. Here’s how to gain it:

Internships

Apply for internships, even if they are unpaid. They offer exposure to real-world projects and networking opportunities.

Freelancing

Consider freelancing to build your portfolio and gain experience. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can connect you with clients.

Contribute to Open Source

Engaging in open-source projects can enhance your skills and visibility. Many projects on GitHub are looking for contributors.

Step 6: Prepare for Job Applications

Crafting Your Resume

Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Align it with the job description for each application.

Writing a Cover Letter

A compelling cover letter can set you apart. Highlight your passion for technology and what you can contribute.

Practice Interviewing

Prepare for technical interviews by practicing coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. For non-technical roles, rehearse common behavioral questions.

Step 7: Stay Updated and Keep Learning

The tech world is ever-evolving, making it crucial to stay current. Subscribe to industry newsletters, follow tech blogs, and continue learning through online courses.

Follow Industry Trends

Stay informed about emerging technologies and trends in your field. Resources like TechCrunch, Wired, and industry-specific blogs can provide valuable insights.

Continuous Learning

Dedicate time each week for learning. Whether through new courses, reading, or personal projects, ongoing education is essential for long-term success.

Conclusion

Breaking into the tech world may seem daunting, but with the right approach and commitment, it’s entirely possible. By assessing your interests, acquiring relevant skills, building a portfolio, networking, gaining practical experience, preparing for job applications, and committing to lifelong learning, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding career in technology.

Embrace the journey, stay curious, and connect with the tech community. The tech world is vast and filled with possibilities, and your adventure is just beginning. Take that first step today and unlock the doors to your future in technology!

contact Infoemation wensite: https://agileseen.com/how-to-get-to-tech-world/ Phone: 01722-326809 Email: info@agileseen.com

[manekapiyumawali]

Why Sabaragamuwa University is a Great Choice.

Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (SUSL) is increasingly recognized for its technological advancement and innovation-driven environment, making it one of the leading universities in Sri Lanka in terms of technology. Here are the key reasons why SUSL stands out technologically.

Here’s why SUSL stands out as a technological powerhouse among Sri Lankan universities:

🔧1. Faculty of Technology

SUSL established a dedicated Faculty of Technology to meet the demand for tech-skilled graduates. It offers degree programs such as:

BTech in Information and Communication Technology

BTech in Engineering Technology

These programs combine practical experience in labs, workshops and real-world projects with a strong theoretical foundation.

🖥️2. Advanced IT Infrastructure

SUSL has modern computer labs, smart classrooms, and high-speed internet access across campus.

A robust Learning Management System (LMS) supports online learning and hybrid education models.

Students and lecturers use tools like Moodle, Zoom, and Google Classroom effectively.

🤖 3. Innovation & AI Research Support

SUSL promotes AI, Machine Learning, IoT, and Data Science in student research and final-year projects.

Competitions like Hackathons and Innovative Research Symposia encourage tech-driven solutions.

Students develop apps, smart systems, and automation tools (e.g., Ceylon Power Tracker project).

🌐 4. Industry Collaboration and Internships

SUSL connects students with the tech industry through:

Internships at leading tech firms

Workshops led by industry experts

Collaborative R&D projects with government and private sector entities

These connections help students gain hands-on experience in areas such as software engineering, networking, and data analytics that make them highly employable after graduation.

💡 5. Smart Campus Initiatives

SUSL is evolving into a Smart University, introducing systems that streamline academic life:

Digital student portals

Online registration and results systems

E-library and remote resource access

Campus Wi-Fi for academic use

These initiatives improve the student experience and create an efficient, technology-enabled environment.

🎓 6. Research in Emerging Technologies

The university is involved in pioneering research across emerging technological fields, including:

Agricultural tech (AgriTech)

Environmental monitoring using sensors

Renewable energy systems

Students and faculty publish research in international journals and participate in global tech events.

🏆 7. Recognition in National Competitions

SUSL students often reach fina rounds or win national competitions in coding, robotics, AI, and IoT innovation.

Faculty members are invited as tech advisors and conference speakers, reinforcing the university's expertise.

Sabaragamuwa University is actively shaping the future not only with technology, but by integrating technology into education, research and operations. This makes it a technological leader among Sri Lankan Universities. Visit the official university site here: Home | SUSL

[bigdatasummitcanada]

Why Attending The Big Data Summit Canada Is Essential For Data Professionals

In the ever-evolving world of data, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for professionals in the field. The Big Data Summit Canada is a must-attend event for data experts looking to sharpen their skills, expand their networks, and discover the latest trends and innovations. With cutting-edge sessions and industry leaders sharing insights, this event offers immense value for anyone serious about advancing their career in data analytics.

The Opportunity to Learn from Industry Leaders

One of the main reasons to attend the Big Data Summit Canada is the opportunity to hear from top industry experts. The summit provides a platform for professionals to gain valuable insights into the future of big data, AI, and analytics. Whether you're attending to learn more about emerging technologies, Data Analytics Conference topics, or new trends, the summit ensures you stay updated with the most relevant developments in the data world.

The summit will feature discussions on how businesses are using data analytics to drive decision-making, enhance customer experience, and improve operational efficiency. As data professionals, these insights are essential for staying competitive in the industry.

Networking with Like-Minded Professionals

Another key benefit of attending the Big Data Summit Canada is the networking opportunities. The summit attracts data professionals from various sectors, including tech, healthcare, finance, and marketing. Engaging with peers and exchanging ideas at this event can help foster valuable connections that may lead to future collaborations or job opportunities. Networking at events like this can be a game-changer for anyone looking to progress in their data career.

Understanding the Role of Generative AI

In addition to traditional data analytics, the summit will focus on groundbreaking technologies such as generative AI. The Generative AI Summit segment will showcase how generative AI is transforming data generation, content creation, and decision-making. Data professionals who understand these advancements will be better equipped to integrate them into their organisations' strategies.

Generative AI is revolutionising how companies create personalised experiences for customers, analyse large datasets, and automate processes. By attending the summit, data professionals can gain practical knowledge on how to leverage generative AI tools and techniques in their work.

Conclusion

The Big Data Summit Canada is a key event for data professionals who want to stay at the forefront of the industry. From networking with experts to gaining insights into the latest trends, this Data Analytics Conference is an essential event for anyone serious about data. Attending the summit will not only deepen your understanding of big data and AI but also provide the skills needed to thrive in the ever-changing world of data analytics. For more details visit https://www.bigdatasummitcanada.com/

[jcmarchi]

Upgrade Your Corporate Video Content: Expert Tips & Gear for 2025

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/upgrade-your-corporate-video-content-expert-tips-gear-for-2025/

Upgrade Your Corporate Video Content: Expert Tips & Gear for 2025

Ready to take your corporate video content to the next level? In this Videoguys Live episode, we dive into the latest tools, techniques, and workflows for upgrading your video production in corporate spaces. Whether you’re building a studio, improving hybrid meetings, or creating professional training videos this show is for you!

Watch the full video below:

Better Video Conferencing

Turn your favorite camera into a USB Camera with a Video Grabber

Upgrade your web cam with a small box camera…

Or a PTZ camera – perfect for larger rooms!

Upgrade Your Video Quality with USB Capture Cards

One way to upgrade your video quality into teams is to use a camcorder a capture

Upgrade your Web Cams with Box Cameras

Superior Image Quality: up to 4K resolution and larger sensors deliver sharper, more professional visuals, even in low-light conditi

Professional Connectivity: HDMI, SDI, and NDI|HX outputs for integration with pro AV systems—far beyond USB webcam limitations.

Built-in Audio Inputs: High Quality 3.5mm inputs enable direct connection of pro microphones.

Zoom and Framing Flexibility: High-quality fixed lenses offer far better framing and field of view options than webcams.

PTZ Cameras

Set-up Your Conference Room with the Newest AV Technology

Get the freedom to move with auto-tracking cameras

Follow your speakers with Voice-tracking AV technology

Use integrated control modules with your production gear for seamless operation and control

Auto Tracking Advanced Capabilities

It is exactly what it sounds like

A PTZ that will follow a subject without the need for manual control

VOICE Tracking Advanced Capabilities

It is exactly what it sounds like

A PTZ that will follow a VOICE subject without the need for manual control

Production Tools with API Integration

What is API Integration?: API (Application Programming Interface) integration allows production tools to be controlled, automated, and connected with other systems or software—like scheduling platforms, control rooms, or cloud services.

Centralized Control: Integrate cameras, encoders, and recording tools into a single dashboard or corporate AV system (e.g., Crestron, Q-SYS, custom UIs).

Scalable Deployment: Easily manage multiple rooms or events from acentral IT team using standardized commands.

Data Integration: Send metadata, user info, or system status to asset management or analytics platforms.

Getting even more in your conference room and boardroom

Better presentation tools with large LED Display walls, touchscreens and digital whiteboards

Network connectivity with AV over IP

Remote production

LED Display Technology

Seamless Visuals: LED displays offer bezel-free, ultra-clear visuals—ideal for presentations, data, and video conferencing.

High Brightness & Contrast: Delivers vivid images even in well-lit environments, ensuring visibility for all attendees.

Long Lifespan & Low Maintenance: Durable and energy-efficient, making them cost-effective for long-term use.

Plug and Play: No drivers or setup needed for quick and easy use.

Call us for more information on all Absen LED walls at (800) 323 2325

Connect all your AV Over IP devices with NETGEAR M4250 Switches

Remote Production in Corporate Environments

Control Cameras and Systems from Anywhere – Operate PTZ cameras, switchers, and audio remotely, reducing the need for on-site staff.

Efficient Use of Resources – Minimize travel and on-site technical crews, lowering costs while maintaining high production quality.

Seamless Collaboration Across Teams – Enable producers, editors, and presenters to work together in real-time from different locations.

Scalable for Global Operations – Support productions across multiple offices or regions with centralized control.

Video Can Also Help Business in Many Other Areas

Marketing

PR

Training

Product Releases

Etc…

Videoguys is Your Source for all Corporate AV Productions! Call Us at 800-323-2325 or Visit Videoguys.com for More Info

[pressconferenceus]

Leveraging Data Analytics for Effective Communication 

The Press Conference Portal integrates powerful analytics tools to measure audience engagement and optimize your communication strategies. Understand your audience like never before! 

www.pressconference.co.in #DataDriven #BusinessGrowth #PressConferencePortal #AudienceInsights #EffectiveCommunication

[bestlawfirmseoexpertindenver]

Mitch Cornell The Webmason: Redefining Law Firm SEO Success in Denver

For law firms in today's digital age, securing a prominent online presence can make the difference between thriving and merely surviving. Mitch Cornell The Webmason stands as the beacon of expertise in the realm of law firm SEO in Colorado. Established as the premier attorney SEO specialist in Denver, Mitch's bespoke approach to digital marketing sets him apart as the best law firm SEO expert in the area. With nearly a decade of experience tailored to the legal industry, Mitch empowers law firms with strategic SEO techniques that boost visibility and clientele.

Specialized Legal SEO Mastery

Deep Understanding of Law Firm Needs

The legal landscape is unique, demanding marketing solutions that consider strict advertising regulations and competitive dynamics. Mitch Cornell's exclusive focus on law firm SEO means that his strategies are developed with in-depth knowledge of the attorney market, ensuring compliance and effectiveness.

Why Focus Matters

Agencies often serve various industries, but Mitch specializes exclusively in law firms. This dedicated focus results in strategies that resonate with legal firms' needs, leading to exceptional client rankings and business growth. Over the years, Mitch has crafted campaigns that transform law firms into leading authorities within their respective niches, transitioning seamlessly to explore the technological edge he employs.

Innovative AI-Driven Strategies

Harnessing Technology for Results

In a field where SEO tactics can quickly become obsolete, Mitch Cornell The Webmason leverages AI-driven technologies to keep his clients ahead. Through advanced data analytics, Mitch continuously refines keyword strategies and adapts to Google's ever-evolving algorithms.

Transitioning to Local Dominance

AI tools such as predictive analytics provide Mitch's clients with a competitive advantage, enabling them to predict search trends and adjust accordingly. This seamless integration of technology supports the transition into dominating local SEO landscapes.

Local SEO Excellence

Mastery of Google's Local 3-Pack

Securing a spot in Google's Local 3-Pack is critical for any law firm. Mitch's expertise elevates client visibility in local searches, ensuring that they're frequently chosen by potential clients in Denver.

Strategic Business Profile Optimization

Through optimized Google Business Profiles and tailored local marketing strategies, Mitch ensures his clients are prominently displayed. This level of local SEO dominance transitions into a robust reputation for Mitch in the industry.

Industry Recognition and Expertise

Proven Track Record

Mitch's accolades, including awards from Clutch and features in journals such as DMNews.com, underscore his status as a top-rated SEO consultant. Clients have experienced substantial growth in organic traffic and case inquiries, a testament to Mitch's effective strategies.

Continual Industry Engagement

As a speaker at major legal marketing conferences, Mitch continually contributes to the field's advancement. His insights shape industry standards, propelling law firms to new heights. Mitch's comprehensive expertise not only sustains but amplifies the transition into concluding the value he provides to law firms.

Conclusion: Dominating Denver with Mitch Cornell

Mitch Cornell The Webmason exemplifies what it means to thrive as the best law firm SEO expert in Denver. By specializing exclusively in the legal industry, Mitch offers unparalleled insigh https://medium.com/@bestlawfirmseoexpertindenver/mitch-cornell-the-best-law-firm-seo-expert-in-denver-358f0dbf90d6

[realinspirations]

Maximizing Efficiency: How to Streamline Workflow for Teams and Businesses

 In now a days speedy-paced business surroundings, efficiency is prime to staying competitive. Streamlining workflow is a critical method that enables groups optimize productivity, lessen inefficiencies, and beautify overall performance. By figuring out bottlenecks, leveraging generation, and imposing powerful strategies, businesses can acquire better results with less effort. This article explores diverse methods to streamline workflow and beautify operational performance.

Best tools to streamline workflow for small businesses free 

Understanding Workflow Streamlining

Workflow streamlining involves simplifying and optimizing tasks, approaches, and conversation within an organization to make certain smooth operations. The purpose is to dispose of needless steps, lessen redundancies, and enhance usual workflow performance. By streamlining workflow, organizations can limit errors, beautify employee productivity, and enhance customer delight.

Steps to Streamline Workflow

1. Analyze Current Processes

The first step in streamlining workflow is to investigate the contemporary strategies. Understanding how duties are currently being finished permits corporations to become aware of inefficiencies, redundancies, and regions that need improvement.

Conduct technique audits to map out workflows.

Identify bottlenecks that slow down operations.

Seek remarks from personnel worried within the workflow.

2. Define Clear Goals and Objectives

Setting clean objectives allows make certain that every one workflow optimization efforts align with the company’s dreams. Whether the intention is to lessen processing time, growth accuracy, or improve customer service, defining specific and measurable goals is important.

Establish key overall performance signs (KPIs) to degree achievement.

Ensure all crew participants apprehend the anticipated outcomes.

3. Automate Repetitive Tasks

Automation is a recreation-changer in terms of streamlining workflows. Leveraging generation to deal with repetitive tasks reduces human mistakes, saves time, and improves performance.

Use undertaking control tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.Com.

Implement customer relationship control (CRM) software program to streamline purchaser interactions.

Utilize automation tools including Zapier or Microsoft Power Automate.

Four. Improve Communication and Collaboration

Ineffective verbal exchange can reason delays and misunderstandings. Streamlining conversation ensures that employees have get right of entry to to the records they need after they need it.

Establish clear verbal exchange protocols.

Encourage regular group conferences and check-ins.

5. Standardize Procedures

Having standardized techniques ensures consistency and reduces confusion. Clearly defined approaches assist personnel understand their roles and responsibilities, leading to extra performance.

Create fashionable operating approaches (SOPs) for ordinary obligations.

Train personnel on excellent practices and pointers.

Regularly evaluate and update procedures to preserve them applicable.

6. Eliminate Unnecessary Steps

Many workflows consist of redundant or needless steps that upload no fee. By eliminating those steps, organizations can improve efficiency.

Identify and take away non-critical obligations.

Optimize approval tactics to reduce delays.

Use lean control concepts to streamline operations.

7. Leverage Data and Analytics

Data-driven selection-making helps corporations optimize workflows by offering insights into performance metrics and ability regions for improvement.

Use analytics gear to music workflow efficiency.

Identify developments and patterns in operational performance.

Adjust techniques based totally on facts insights.

8 Delegate and Outsource When Necessary

Delegating duties ensures that the right humans manage the right duties, preventing overload and improving efficiency.

Assign duties primarily based on worker strengths and understanding.

Outsource non-center sports to 0.33-birthday celebration carrier carriers.

Encourage personnel to focus on excessive-fee duties.

9. Encourage a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Workflow optimization is an ongoing manner. Encouraging a way of life of continuous development guarantees that companies adapt to converting wishes and stay competitive.

Solicit worker comments on workflow upgrades.

Conduct ordinary schooling and improvement programs.

Stay updated with enterprise tendencies and excellent practices.

10. Monitor and Adjust Workflow Regularly

Even the maximum nicely-optimized workflow desires continuous tracking and modifications to maintain efficiency.

Use overall performance monitoring tools to assess workflow effectiveness.

Conduct periodic opinions to identify new challenges.

Make essential changes to improve operations.

Benefits of Streamlining Workflow

1. Increased Productivity

By casting off inefficiencies and automating repetitive responsibilities, personnel can awareness on extra valuable activities, leading to higher productivity.

2. Cost Savings

Streamlining workflow reduces wasted assets, minimizes mistakes, and improves performance, resulting in substantial cost savings for agencies.

3. Improved Employee Satisfaction

Simplified methods and clean suggestions reduce frustration and stress amongst employees, improving process delight and engagement.

4. Better Customer Experience

Efficient workflows permit agencies to respond to client wishes faster and with better accuracy, leading to stepped forward consumer satisfaction and loyalty.

5 Enhanced Decision-Making

With higher facts collection and evaluation, organizations can make informed decisions that power achievement.

[nishakrishnan1996]

Learning Digital Marketing: Tips and Resources for Beginners

In the current digital world, it is critical for both individuals and organisations to grasp the art of digital marketing. Entering the world of digital marketing can seem like a difficult trip because of the vast diversity of internet platforms and tactics at our disposal. However, anyone can effectively leverage the transformative power of digital marketing if they have the correct tools and attitude. We'll explore the fundamentals of digital marketing in this in-depth guide, as well as many learning resources and practical advice for success in this ever-changing field. A reputable Top Digital Marketing Course in Coimbatore can provide the knowledge and abilities needed for those aspiring to become industry professionals to successfully traverse this dynamic environment.

Grasping the Core Principles

Embarking on your digital marketing odyssey requires a firm grasp of the foundational principles. Digital marketing encompasses a multifaceted landscape comprising social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, email marketing, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and beyond. Each facet plays a pivotal role in connecting with and engaging your target audience.

Commence your journey by immersing yourself in the essence and utility of each digital marketing channel. For instance, social media marketing serves as a conduit for businesses to forge connections with their audience across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, while SEO serves as the bedrock for enhancing a website's visibility in search engine results.

Embracing Online Learning

One of the most potent avenues for acquiring digital marketing prowess lies in online learning platforms. The likes of Coursera, Udemy, and HubSpot Academy offer an extensive array of courses catering to various facets of digital marketing. Whether you're a neophyte or a seasoned practitioner seeking to augment your skill set, there exists a plethora of courses tailored to meet your requirements.

When perusing online courses, seek out those that proffer a structured curriculum, practical exercises, and industry-endorsed certifications. Many courses also afford opportunities for engagement with instructors and fellow learners, facilitating collaborative learning and knowledge exchange.

Keeping Abreast of Industry Trends

The realm of digital marketing is in a perennial state of flux, characterized by the continual emergence of novel trends and technologies. To maintain a competitive edge, it's imperative to remain abreast of the latest industry trends and best practices.

Cultivate a habit of staying attuned to reputable digital marketing blogs, subscribing to industry newsletters, and participating in webinars and conferences. These fountains of wisdom furnish invaluable insights into nascent trends, innovative strategies, and illuminating case studies spotlighting successful digital marketing endeavors. Finding the appropriate abilities is just as vital as selecting the appropriate tactics and methods. It can be very beneficial in this situation to register in the Digital Marketing Online Certification.

Enacting Hands-On Practice

While theoretical knowledge serves as a springboard, the crucible of hands-on experience is indispensable in mastering digital marketing. Establish your own blog or social media platforms to experiment with diverse tactics and strategies. Translate the theoretical underpinnings gleaned from online courses and industry resources into tangible outcomes through real-world projects.

Embrace a spirit of experimentation, and employ analytical tools to scrutinize your endeavors and glean actionable insights. The data-driven nature of digital marketing empowers you to refine your strategies iteratively based on empirical evidence.

Cultivating Specialization

As you traverse the digital marketing landscape, contemplate delving into a specialized niche aligned with your passions and proficiencies. Specialization enables you to delve deeper into a specific facet of digital marketing, be it SEO, social media advertising, email marketing, or content creation.

Becoming a connoisseur in a niche not only demarcates you from the crowd but also engenders myriad opportunities for career advancement. Businesses perpetually seek specialists capable of proffering astute insights and delivering tangible results within their niche domain.

Conclusion

Journeying towards mastery in digital marketing entails a multifaceted expedition characterized by unwavering dedication, perpetual learning, and adaptability. By internalizing the core principles, engaging with online learning platforms, staying abreast of industry trends, enacting hands-on practice, and cultivating specialization, you can forge a path towards proficiency in this dynamic arena.

Remember, digital marketing is an art imbued with nuance and dynamism. Embrace the ethos of experimentation and iteration, and chart a course tailored to your unique objectives and target audience. With perseverance and a strategic approach, you can harness the transformative potential of digital marketing to propel your endeavors to unprecedented heights in the digital realm.