#skinnerschoice

[skinnerschoice]

Looking back at Alan's criteria around digital transformation, I couldn't agree more!

[skinnerschoice]

It's that time of year again – the start of a new year, a time to reflect on the past and make resolutions for the future. As an entrepreneur, it's important to not only set personal goals for the new year, but also to establish good habits and rules to live by in order to help your business grow and thrive, especially during an economic downturn. Here are a few key habits and rules that can make a big difference in the success of your business:

Plan ahead and set clear goals. It's important to have a clear vision of where you want your business to go, and to set specific, achievable goals to help you get there. This might include setting targets for revenue, customer acquisition, or expanding into new markets. Make a plan and stick to it, but also be flexible and willing to adapt as necessary.

Stay organized and manage your time effectively. As an entrepreneur, you likely have a lot on your plate, so it's important to stay organized and manage your time efficiently. This includes effectively using your tools.  Make your office anywhere you have your laptop or phone.   Take the time to setup your calendar, to-do lists, and project management software to stay on top of tasks and deadlines.

Focus on customer satisfaction. Your customers are the lifeblood of your business, so it's important to prioritize their satisfaction. This might include going above and beyond to meet their needs, providing excellent customer service, and continuously improving your products or services.

Build a strong team. As your business grows, you'll need a strong team of employees, contractors, and advisors to support you. Take the time to carefully select and hire the right people, and create a positive, collaborative work environment.

Stay up to date with industry trends and changes. The business landscape is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay up to date with industry trends and changes. This might include staying informed about new technologies, following competitors, and attending industry events and conferences.

Keep an eye on your finances. Managing your finances is a key aspect of running a successful business. This might include keeping track of your expenses, creating a budget, and seeking out financial support or investment when needed.

Take care of yourself. As an entrepreneur, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of running a business. But it's important to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. This might include setting aside time for exercise, getting enough sleep, and finding ways to de-stress.

By following these habits and rules, you can help your business grow and thrive in the new year, even during an economic downturn. Remember to be proactive, stay focused, and stay true to your values, and you'll be well on your way to a successful and fulfilling year.

[skinnerschoice]

As we enter 2023, it's clear that artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic technology. It has already made significant strides in a variety of industries, from healthcare and finance to transportation and education. But as AI continues to advance, it's beginning to have a more tangible impact on the everyday lives of ordinary people. Here are just a few examples of how AI is expected to make a difference in 2023:

Personal assistants: AI-powered personal assistants like Amazon's Alexa and Apple's Siri are becoming more common in homes around the world. These assistants can perform a wide range of tasks, from setting reminders and answering questions to controlling smart home devices and playing music. In 2023, we can expect to see even more advanced personal assistants that can understand and respond to natural language with greater accuracy and speed.

Healthcare: AI is already being used in the healthcare industry to analyze medical images, assist with diagnosis, and predict patient outcomes. In 2023, we can expect to see even more applications of AI in healthcare, including the development of virtual assistants that can help patients manage their health and provide personalized recommendations for treatment.

Transportation: Autonomous vehicles are one of the most talked-about applications of AI, and in 2023 we can expect to see them become even more widespread. Self-driving cars and trucks are already being tested on roads around the world, and in 2023 we can expect to see more of them on the roads, improving safety and efficiency in transportation.

Education: AI is also being used in education to personalize learning experiences and provide students with customized recommendations for coursework. In 2023, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of AI in the classroom, such as virtual tutors and personalized study plans.

Overall, it's clear that 2023 will be a year where AI really starts to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people. Whether it's through personal assistants, healthcare, transportation, or education, AI is poised to revolutionize the way we live and work.

[skinnerschoice]

Thank You Veterans and those who serve us today!

[skinnerschoice]

Vegas Baby!  

[skinnerschoice]

“At Some Point You Have to Go Down the Hill”!  

I had the opportunity (and a great time) to play in our 1st of the year golf scramble this past Saturday and with 4 other (yes fivesomes) fine gentleman.   Al, who was in my cart, was by far the finest golf attire dressed gentleman in the tournament.   He had the a classy version of Payne Stewart going on complete with tie and vest.   As we had a long time to chat many things were discussed (Al is a very talkative guy).   At one point when I was commenting on Al’s wardrobe he told a story of a friend who was a skier and when they would go to high end resorts and see the skiers dressed to be be seen.   But his friend would say “at some point you have to go down the hill”.    As I thought about that over the last 24 hours I thought about how much that statement applies to.  In business there are many opportunities to “dress up”, to show off, to create the best powerpoint, to talk about winning vision or strategy, but at some point “you have to go down the hill” and do something.   Action beats show, doing beats showing, for innovation, progress, growth to occur it is action that is essential.     The same goes in life, many times we are faced with opportunities and challenges and the only way to move forward and deal with those situations, is to go down the hill.   

In life, in business, and in fun look good but remember you have to go down the hill. !   

[skinnerschoice]

Come join us at Direct Marketing Association of Detroit Fast Forward Event June 13th!  https://dmad.wildapricot.org/event-3298427

[skinnerschoice]

This was a fun trailer created at the Adobe Summit 2019 by the Cognizant company Mustache.   It has been fun to see how much a fun little video can stir up interest.   Many Co-workers and friends have commented.   Video is becoming the majority share of engagement.