Snapchat Introduces New AR Lenses, Platform Features, and Spectacles Capabilities | Small Business Trends

November 20, 2024November 19, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Snapchat has unveiled a series of new Lenses, platform features, and tools aimed at enhancing augmented reality (AR) experiences for developers and users alike. The updates are part of the Snap OS v5.58 release, which introduces innovative capabilities for Spectacles, Snap’s AR-enabled smart glasses, along with expanded tools for developers to create and experiment with AR applications.

New Lenses: Piano Tutor and Ball Game

Snapchat’s new Lenses demonstrate the power of the Spectacles camera and SnapML, Snap’s machine learning technology.

Piano Tutor Lens: Designed to bring a personal piano instructor to users, this Lens uses custom machine learning models to identify and track a variety of pianos. It overlays notes onto the keys in real-time, helping users familiarize themselves with the keyboard layout and practice coordination. The Lens also evaluates performance, providing real-time feedback for continuous improvement.

SBA Encourages Shoppers to Support Local Businesses on Small Business Saturday with “Gift Big, Shop Local” Campaign | Small Business Trends

November 20, 2024November 19, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the kickoff of its Season of Small Business holiday campaign, beginning with the 15th annual Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2024. The event, founded by American Express, encourages consumers to support local small businesses during the holiday season. This year’s theme, “Gift Big, Shop Local,” emphasizes the importance of shopping small and supporting entrepreneurs nationwide.

“Small Business Saturday has become America’s call to action to support the backbone of our economy and heart of our communities – our small businesses,” said SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “America’s incredible entrepreneurs create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen our communities, shaping the unique character of neighborhoods across America. This year, as we continue to enjoy an unprecedented Small Business Boom, I encourage everyone to Gift Big and Shop Local by supporting local businesses and the millions of hardworking Americans behind them.”

Watch this stunning aurora captured from space | Digital Trends

November 19, 2024November 18, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Stunning footage from the International Space Station (ISS) shows a glorious-looking aurora shimmering above our planet.

Captured last month and shared by the ISS on X over the weekend, the footage (below) begins with a faint green tinge on Earth’s horizon as seen from the space station some 257 miles up. But as the video continues, the green tinge develops into something far more spectacular, all against a gorgeous star-filled backdrop.

“The International Space Station soars above an aurora blanketing the Earth underneath a starry sky before orbiting into a sunrise 257 miles above Quebec, Canada, on October 30, 2024,” NASA said in a message accompanying the 60-second video.

Michael Polk Shares How Smaller Companies Can Offer Big Leadership Development Opportunities | The Startup Magazine

November 18, 2024November 17, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

For experienced large company executive Michael Polk, the decision to serve as an executive of a smaller private company was a significant choice. Polk has decades of experience driving change and transformation at large public companies, with an illustrious career working at Procter & Gamble, Kraft Foods, Unilever, and Newell Brands, where he was CEO from 2011 to 2019.

While Polk believes he grew tremendously as a leader and executive in his over 35 years in large public companies, he believes the growth one can get in smaller, private companies can be equally rewarding and the challenges test leaders in different ways earlier in one’s career.

Polk came out of retirement in 2020 to lead the transformation of Private Equity firm Berkshire Partners’ portfolio company, Implus LLC. Implus is a leading Fitness Accessories Portfolio company with 16 brands in the portfolio and a multi-national footprint.

The Landlord’s Guide to Raising Rent | Entrepreneur

November 13, 2024November 12, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

It may seem obvious, but raising rent and determining rent pricing strategically is an easy way to increase your rental revenue each month. However, setting the rent price isn’t that easy. Raising rent without doing the proper preparation and market research will chase away potential tenants, and you’ll be worse off than you started.

Here are a few tips to raise your rent prices and some alternatives that will increase your revenue as well.

3 Cybersecurity Mistakes Most Businesses Make and How to Avoid Them | Entrepreneur

November 13, 2024November 12, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Cybersecurity risks get increasingly complex every year, and businesses of all kinds are under attack. Despite their best efforts, many companies face significant cybersecurity challenges due to cybercriminals’ sophisticated tactics — and the tactics are only getting more sophisticated. Attackers are evolving, and even well-prepared organizations can become targets. Rather than focusing on mistakes, it’s important to recognize that businesses are up against skilled adversaries. The key is to continue adapting and strengthening defenses to stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape.

The constantly evolving nature of cyber threats indicates it’s crucial to recognize where businesses must focus. Given this, I suggest focusing on three of the most common cybersecurity errors companies make with actionable advice on safeguarding against them. These observations are meant to help you fortify your defenses, which come from my experience and the developing patterns I have observed over my career.

Homeownership Business Ideas | Cool Business Ideas

November 12, 2024November 11, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

In today’s economy, homeownership isn’t just about having a place to live—it’s also a significant financial asset that can generate income. If you own a house and are looking for ways to turn your property into a profit generator, there are numerous business ideas to consider.

Short-Term Rentals

One of the most popular ways to make money from your home is by listing it on short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb or VRBO. If you have extra rooms or an entire property that you don’t use year-round, renting it out to travelers can be a lucrative option. Make sure your home is well-maintained and offers amenities that guests find appealing, such as free Wi-Fi, clean linens, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Home Services

Home services are essential and often in high demand, making them excellent business opportunities. If you have a knack for handyman tasks, you can offer services like painting, plumbing, or even specialized tasks such as tuckpointing. Tuckpointing involves the repair and finishing of the mortar joints between bricks, and it’s a service that many older homes require to maintain their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. By offering specialized services, you can cater to a niche market and command higher rates.

How Lead Generation Software is Changing the Game for Small Businesses | Cool Business Ideas

November 12, 2024November 11, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

In today’s competitive business landscape, small businesses face the constant challenge of standing out and capturing the attention of potential customers. With limited resources compared to their larger counterparts, it’s crucial for small businesses to leverage innovative solutions to stay ahead. This is where lead generation software comes in, offering a game-changing approach that is revolutionizing how small businesses connect with their target audience.

The Rise of Lead Generation Software

Lead generation software has emerged as a powerful tool, enabling businesses to automate and streamline the process of identifying and nurturing potential customers. By leveraging advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence, these tools help businesses identify leads more effectively and efficiently than traditional methods. Haines offers a great tool for home insurance leads and more! Benefits for Small Businesses

Is a Payment Gateway or Payment Processor Best for You? | businessnewsdaily.com

November 7, 2024November 6, 2024 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Every business that accepts debit and credit card transactions needs the ability to facilitate payments. The world of payment processing can be an arcane and confusing place to those unfamiliar, though. One common source of confusion is the difference between payment gateways and payment processors and which a business might need. This guide will demystify these related, yet distinct, components of credit card processing and help you determine which is right for your business.

What is a payment gateway?

A payment gateway is a software tool that connects a customer’s payment data to a business’s merchant account by way of a payment processor. It can be used to facilitate both online and in-person transactions. The payment gateway is the digital tool that encrypts transaction data to ensure it is secure. It also communicates the success or failure of the transaction.