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Showing posts from January, 2025

8 Smart Ways to Save on Air Travel: Tips from Travel Experts

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Air travel has become a popular mode of transportation for people around the world. However, the cost of airfare can often be a significant expense, especially for those who travel frequently. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to save money on air travel without sacrificing comfort or convenience. In this article, we will explore eight smart ways to save on air travel. One of the best ways to save on air travel is to be flexible with your travel dates. Traveling during off-peak times can often result in significant savings. Additionally, booking your flight several months in advance can also result in lower prices. Another way to save money on air travel is by being open to alternative airports. Smaller airports may offer lower fares than larger, more popular airports. Another way to save on air travel is to take advantage of loyalty programs and credit card rewards. Many airlines offer frequent flyer programs that allow you to earn points or miles for each flight you ta...

Marketing 101: The sales multiplier tactic

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At the beginning of my marketing career, I was introduced to a very effective marketing idea. I call it the  sales multiplier tactic . It’s spectacularly powerful and there are several ways YOU can benefit from it. Here’s how it works. The core idea is extremely simple. If you want a business that grows quickly, design your business so that when someone uses your services, they get more value from it if their contacts also use your services. This was how LinkedIn grew. Early users asked their contacts and clients to join, so they could connect. TikTok did the same. It’s also how every hit TV show becomes a hit. The first viewers tell their friends about it, so they can chat about the show with them or share in-jokes, which only fellow viewers would understand, etc. However… What if you already have a business and it doesn’t have the sales multiplier tactic built in? After all, the vast majority of business owners are in this posi...

The Evolution of Credit Cards: A Brief History of Payment Methods

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Credit cards have become an integral part of modern-day society. They have revolutionized the way people shop, travel, and spend their money. However, the concept of credit cards is not new, and their evolution over the years has been quite remarkable. The history of credit cards can be traced back to the 1920s when oil companies and hotel chains issued their own proprietary cards to their customers. These cards were primarily used for purchases within their respective establishments and were not widely accepted elsewhere. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the first universal credit card, Diners Club, was introduced. This card allowed customers to make purchases at a variety of establishments and pay a single bill at the end of the month. Since then, credit cards have come a long way. Today, there are countless credit card companies offering a range of products with different features and benefits. The evolution of credit cards has been driven by advancements in technology, ...

Needed

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Today, I’m going to show you how to grow your business, build your reputation, keep your customers or clients happy and generate extremely valuable referrals. Better still, all it takes is one adjustment to the way most small businesses operate. When I share this idea with business owners, I use the following example. Think about some of the most powerful commercial logos. Apple, Chanel, McDonald’s, Adidas, IBM, Google and Target, etc. All of these designs look simplistic. A child could reproduce any of them in a few seconds. Now, imagine for a moment what happens when a business owner hires a great designer to create their logo. The designer then gets back to the client with exactly what the client needs… a powerful, extremely effective, yet brilliantly-simple design. Like one of the world-class examples I just mentioned . Because the client is not a design professional, they want MORE for their money. So, they demand changes. More detail. ...

Self Worth and Social Media for Young Adults and Teenagers

In an age where curated content dominates our screens, young people are increasingly feeling the weight of digital life. Social media, often a source of entertainment and connection, is also proving to be a double-edged sword, impacting teenagers’ mental health and self-worth. A study by the Pew Research Center highlights the emotional toll social media takes on teens. Approximately 45% of teens report feeling overwhelmed by the drama unfolding on these platforms, while 40% admit they feel pressured to curate posts that attract likes, comments, and approval from their peers. Alarmingly, 26% of teens say social media negatively impacts their self-esteem, leaving them feeling worse about their own lives. With social media so ingrained in daily life, solutions must move beyond simply telling teens to log off. Linsey Lunny , CEO and Founder of Hidden Strength , believes the answer lies in adapting to the reality of digital dependence.  “It’s clear that social media i...

How Kentucky Is Boosting College Graduation

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In Kentucky, over 1.4 million adults entered the workforce without a post-secondary credential . Of these 1.4 million, a whopping 66% do not have a single college credit. Unfortunately, this is only to their detriment. By 2031, over 60% of Kentucky jobs will require postsecondary education and these college graduates will be earning around $40,000 more compared to non-graduates. Despite these benefits, nearly 45% of Kentucky residents are without a degree. So what are some factors that are holding these adult learners back? Firstly, prior commitments are a major hurdle for priority adult learners. Being an adult means having to pay bills, going to work, and taking care of your family. Not only are childcare centers difficult to find, but when you are able to get one, they can cost upwards of $6,000 annually as of 2023. Similarly, universities and technical colleges require tuition and book expenses, while most adults also have rent, electricity, and water bills as well. With al...

Marketing 101: Creativity works better than money

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Ever wondered why I never write about how or where to spend your marketing money ? Well, today I spill the beans. And it can save you, and make you, a fortune. There are a lot of ways you can spend money on marketing. Advertising and promotion is available via thousands of providers. It’s so easy. You pay them your money. They say they’ll get your message in front of X number of prospective clients or customers. Hopefully, a percentage of these will contact you. And a percentage of that percentage, could spend money with you. So far so good, right? It would be, if your competitors didn’t have the exact same options. But they do. Buying attention is overrated Obviously, your competitors advertise to the same marketplace as you… otherwise they wouldn’t be your competitors. So your ads are always competing against their ads. Whoever spends most money, gets the most attention. This is equally true wh...

When people say you’re too expensive, do this!

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When you ask why they didn’t buy from you, prospective customers or clients often say that your prices are too high. And it could be true. However, it usually isn’t. Here’s what you need to know. Your prices are seldom the problem Let’s start with some far more likely reasons for their decision. Your marketing could be suffering from Toxic Complexity . This is dangerous and extremely common. You might be marketing to the wrong people . You could be contacting them at the lowest point of their cash flow cycle . You could be asking people to make a decision before they have all the information they need. Your marketing could be failing to clearly demonstrate enough value , making your price seem higher than they expected. Your marketing promises could be too similar to those offered by your lower priced competitors. Your payment terms may not be flexible enough for them. Your branding could be positioning you as a lower...

Shared Media in the PESO Model: The Key to Driving Engagement and Amplifying Your Message

The PESO Model —Paid, Earned, Shared, and Owned media—is a cornerstone framework for modern communication strategies. Each component plays a crucial role, but in the age of social media dominance, the Shared component is arguably the most dynamic and influential. Shared Media thrives on interaction, collaboration, and the ability to reach audiences at scale through platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. For brands and businesses, Shared Media is not just about maintaining a presence on these platforms. It’s about leveraging them strategically to create meaningful engagement, amplify messaging, and build loyal communities. This article dives deep into the Shared component of the PESO Model, examining its role, benefits, challenges, and strategies for success. What is Shared Media? Shared Media refers to the content and conversations that are distributed and amplified through social channels. Unlike Paid Media, where exposure is purchased, or Ear...

Reject the masses. Here’s why

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Here’s a very straightforward, proven way to build a successful service-based business. I’m going to suggest you reject the mob . All right. That’s the intro finished. Let’s go! Depending on the service you provide and your location, there are thousands, maybe tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of prospective clients. Except, they’re not really your prospective clients at all. No. Whilst you may be able to provide a degree of service to some of them, for the vast majority you won’t be exactly what they’re looking for. You can’t possibly be. None of us can. After all. Some will want a more local provider. Some will demand the lowest priced provider. Some will insist on the absolute premium, and happily pay the maximum to ensure it. Some will need a provider that speaks a certain language. Some will be looking for a provider from one of their networking groups. Some will want a pro...

Take their attention to the bank

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So, you want to get your products or services noticed? Of course you do. You work hard, your business is excellent and more people need to know about what you do. However, before you start working on how to get noticed , you’ll need to put some foundations in place. Otherwise, you’ll blow a ton of money, waste your time and miss out on some potentially great opportunities. With this in mind, be sure to check the following. Do you have an accurate way to measure the number of prospective customers or clients who notice you? Have you determined the number of people you need to notice you, in order for your business to flourish? Are you able to accurately track whether you are getting noticed by the right people, or just a poorly targeted mix? When people notice you for the first time, do your *touchpoints build an image of trust ? *Touchpoints are the places where a new prospective encounters you, such as your website, Linkedin, your newslette...

Unleashing IT Superpowers with IT Hero

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A fun new campaign from digital signage software leaders ScreenCloud will brighten your day. IT Hero is a superhero inspired character fighting his way through the more mundane world of tech support and IT – and tackling challenges as familiar as fixing broken internet connections ans answering basic questions. But all hell breaks loose when his arch nemesis decides to roll out a new infrastructure upgrade. Can he save the company…and his family? IT: The unsung heroes of the workplace ScreenCloud’s CEO Mark McDermott says, “The IT team are often the unsung heroes of the workplace, keeping everything running smoothly and often doing all the hard work without anyone noticing. It’s also often the IT team that reaches out to ScreenCloud first, hunting for secure, scalable digital signage solutions”. Digital signage has come to be seen as a powerful tool when it comes to both internal communications and connecting various parts of business operations. Whether its...

8 Social Media Trends to Watch for in 2025

As businesses continue to leverage social media to connect with their audiences, staying ahead of the curve is essential. In 2025, the social media landscape will evolve with new technologies, shifting consumer behaviors, and emerging platforms. Here are eight trends to watch that will shape how businesses engage online this year. 1. AI-Generated Content Becomes Standard The rise of generative AI tools is transforming content creation. Businesses are adopting AI to generate posts, captions, and even video scripts faster than ever before. In 2025, expect AI-driven personalization to reach new heights, delivering tailored messages based on user preferences, habits, and demographics. However, authenticity remains crucial—successful brands will find a balance between AI efficiency and human touch. 2. Short-Form Video Dominates, but the Long-Form Strikes Back Short-form videos, popularized by TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, will remain a staple for businesses. Howeve...

Reimagining Plastic: The Story Behind @PlasticReimagined

In the modern age, where environmental consciousness drives innovation, education, and business, the Instagram account @PlasticReimagined stands out as a beacon of knowledge and action. A digital extension of ALPLA’s sustainability mission, this account aims to reshape how we view and interact with plastics in a world that urgently needs sustainable solutions. A Global Responsibility Launched by ALPLA, a leader in innovative packaging solutions, Plastic Reimagined serves as a resource to educate and inspire. The initiative goes beyond ALPLA’s business of producing recyclable and reusable packaging. It takes a broader view of plastic’s role in a sustainable future. ALPLA’s commitment is embodied in their “Design for Recycling” ethos and investments in cutting-edge recycling technologies. The world can no longer afford to see plastic as disposable. Through initiatives like Plastic Reimagined, ALPLA advocates for a circular economy where every piece of plastic serves a purpo...

Master Your Financial Goals With A Lumpsum Calculator

Financial planning is essential to achieve long-term stability and growth. Understanding how your investments grow over time is crucial if you’re saving for retirement, building an emergency fund, or planning a major purchase. One of the major one of the most effective tools for this purpose is a lumpsum calculator . By helping you visualise the potential returns on a one-time investment, this tool empowers you to make informed financial decisions. Source: Shutterstock Why should you use a lumpsum calculator? Using a lumpsum calculator offers several advantages for investors planning to invest in mutual funds online. Here’s why it’s an essential tool: 1. Accurate projections A lumpsum calculator provides a clear estimate of the future value of your investment based on the inputs you provide. This helps in setting realistic financial goals. 2. Informed decision-making By comparing different investment scenarios, you can identify the best option for...

Master Your Financial Goals With A Lumpsum Calculator

Financial planning is essential to achieve long-term stability and growth. Understanding how your investments grow over time is crucial if you’re saving for retirement, building an emergency fund, or planning a major purchase. One of the major one of the most effective tools for this purpose is a lumpsum calculator . By helping you visualise the potential returns on a one-time investment, this tool empowers you to make informed financial decisions. Source: Shutterstock Why should you use a lumpsum calculator? Using a lumpsum calculator offers several advantages for investors planning to invest in mutual funds online. Here’s why it’s an essential tool: 1. Accurate projections A lumpsum calculator provides a clear estimate of the future value of your investment based on the inputs you provide. This helps in setting realistic financial goals. 2. Informed decision-making By comparing different investment scenarios, you can identify the best option...