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Blockchain: The New Frontier In Customer Engagement

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StrategyDriven Customer Relationship Management Article |Customer Engagement |Blockchain: The New Frontier In Customer EngagementBlockchain was supposed to make it easy for businesses and customers to make payments internationally, bypassing the traditional banking system. But that vision is yet to materialize. In the meantime, distributed ledger technology is proving invaluable in the realm of customer engagement. Incredibly, technology is making it easier for brands to connect with their audiences and encourage them to make purchases.

Getting organizations to change, even in the presence of compelling new technologies, is hard. When the internet came along in the mid-1990s, some major brands took ten years to begin exploiting it. And even then, their efforts were half-hearted.

We’re seeing the same phenomenon emerge today with blockchain. Everyone knows that it is a powerful technology, but employees struggle to adapt. They don’t want to do new things that could be difficult. They’d prefer to stick to the humdrum, regular mundane tasks they know.

With that said, blockchain is one of those technologies that firms can’t afford to miss. If they do, then it could mean missing out on better engagement with customers, and expanding in their industry.

Already, pioneers are exploring how to use blockchain to transform business infrastructure. Experts are looking at ways to leverage the new technology to transform how firms do business with each person. The hope is that blockchain will prove so valuable to firms that they use it for everyday transactions.

But how, exactly, could blockchain engage customers?

Smooth Peak EV Energy Demand

The electric vehicle revolution is going to be good for children’s lungs but seriously bad for the power grid. Consumer behavior means that most people charge their electric vehicles when they get home from work, between 5 pm and 7 pm. This means that there is a huge spike in demand around dinner time.

If EV usage continues to grow, existing power infrastructures won’t be able to meet demand. There will be rationing and blackouts around peak times – not what anyone wants.

However, there may be a blockchain-based solution. The idea is to reward consumers with individual tokens, called “sparks” whenever they charge their vehicles outside of peak times, such as in the middle of the night. Owners that do this could then trade their currency for real money, getting a discount on their energy bills.

Such systems are actually superior for energy grids compared to current setups. Energy consumption is notoriously low during the night, but power firms need to keep expensive energy-generation systems on continuously to prepare them for increased load in the morning. Charging EVs at night would result in far better use of energy-generating capital, lowering bills, and improving outcomes for all.

There are also virtual power plant capabilities. The idea here is to make it possible for EV owners to sell their power back to the grid in peak times when power plants need extra supply. If there’s a sudden surge in electricity usage in the morning or evening, suppliers could offer owners higher prices to sell their battery charge back to the grid, instead of relying on expensive booster plants and technologies.


Creating Currencies Around Shared Interests

We’re also witnessing the birth of another new (and somewhat strange) phenomenon that nobody could have predicted: the birth of so-called “fan tokens.” Major organizations from Formula 1 to e-sports teams are all signing up to increase enthusiast engagement globally.

For the uninitiated, fan tokens are a bit like cryptocurrencies, but offer punters a deeper level of interaction within a particular industry. Firms are exploring them fervently to see if they can use them to get consumers more interested in what they do.

As with other crypto technologies, fan tokens sit on the blockchain. However, they are not the same as Bitcoin or other currencies that use the technology. Like cryptocurrencies, they are fungible. But holding tokens provides other rewards, such as being able to vote on club decisions, access merchandise designs, and unique experiences, and earn rewards. You can think of owners as being similar to club stakeholders but without any formal rights other than those defined by the blockchain.

If you’re new to the concept, you can read tips for buying fan tokens here. This article explains what you need to do and what fan tokens are in more detail.

Ultimately, these tokens help to make fans feel more engaged in whatever organization issues the coin. Hence, if you have a business with a cult following, you could potentially use this method to give customers more say over products, services, and the direction your firm takes.

Improving The Payment Journey

Then there is the potential for firms to improve the payment journey. Current payment systems can make some customers feel disengaged, particularly those looking to make purchases from overseas. Customers can find it hard to access traditional banking facilities.

With cryptocurrency transactions on the blockchain, these sorts of barriers become a thing of the past. Merchants and individual consumers can transact with each other trustlessly, without the need for an intermediary, such as a bank. Companies and clients can liaise with ease and set whatever payment terms they like. There are virtually no limits on what they can do.

Perhaps even more promisingly, customers don’t even need to have a bank of their own. The network functions as security for all parties. Therefore, firms can sell to customers who are outside of the formal economy.

There are some crazy applications of app-enabled crypto payments, too. For instance, customers can use apps to trade with each other to get faster services.

Take a busy food court, for instance. In a traditional setup without blockchain, all customers have to wait their turn, regardless of how hungry they are or how much of a rush they are in. There is no simple way to pay other customers to jump the line.

But with blockchain, that’s no longer the case. The technology makes it easy to carry out complex transactions like this so that pricing mechanisms can more closely match each individual’s needs. Even if they seem gimmicky, such systems are likely to engage customers interested in trialing them.

The Amazing Benefits of Forming a Company in Ireland

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StrategyDriven Starting Your Business Article |Forming a company in Ireland|The Amazing Benefits of Forming a Company in IrelandIf you’re looking to expand your company into the international market or you’re looking for a new place to start a new one, then you may want to consider Ireland. It may seem like a strange suggestion at first, but there are plenty of reasons more and more people are considered starting their companies in Ireland.

It’s Easier To Start A Company

Ireland brought the Companies Act 2014 into effect that provides for a number of different company types and makes the Company formation Ireland and incorporation extremely easy. The Act covers everything from management and every day administration, to the winding down and dissolution process of a company. Because everything is laid out, it’s extremely easy to do and individual interests are still protected.

Low Corporation Tax

Ireland is considered to be a pro-business environment, and that’s why it has a low Corporation Tax. The Corporation Tax of Ireland is 12.5%, which is one of the lowest in the world. The company itself is liable for paying corporation tax from the company profits, while the directors themselves are only responsible for income tax. The reason for this separation is because the company is considered a legal entity itself. It is kept separate from the Officers and Directors, so when unpaid debts arise, only the company have legal action taken against it.


Tax Credits

Ireland is considered to be one of the easiest countries to do businesses in, as well as affordable. There are generous amounts of Research and Development tax credits that companies can apply for, employees can acquire shares in the company, and there is a low share capital requirement of about 100 Euros, so even the smallest businesses have a great start.

Greater Protection is Offered

When there is changes in the structure of a business, it may need to be reworked in order to maintain its status. However, in Ireland, the process is made quite simple. Any sudden changes are protected and companies are given something of a grave period to adjust to these changes.

Additional Benefits By Minimizing Corporation Tax

One of the best ways to decrease tax while running a company in Ireland is to maximize your benefits. This can be achieved in a number of ways. One way is to purchase capital equipment to be used in the business, as well as claiming capital allowances. A second way is to ensure that the company is making contributions to employees’ pensions so that they can retire well. Lastly, the maximum amount of expenses should be claimed (or as high as possible) under legislation. These are all great way to help your company grow while also retaining happy employees.

It’s not easy starting a business from the ground up and trying to make it grow. Not only is there legal tape in the way but it’s difficult to get people to take notice. But the air of Ireland promotes the growth of businesses by making it as easy as possible for anyone to hit the ground running and make their business thrive.

Tips in Starting a Construction Company

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StrategyDriven Starting Your Business Article |Starting a construction company|Tips in Starting a Construction CompanyStarting a construction company can be an extremely profitable business venture, but it is not without its share of challenges. If you are thinking about starting your own construction company, here are tips to help you get started on the right foot.

1. Do your research.

Before you start a construction company, it is important that you do your research and understand the industry. There are a lot of things to consider, such as the type of work you want to do, the equipment you will need, the licenses and permits required, and the market for your services.

If you take the time to do your research and plan ahead, you will be much more likely to succeed in starting a construction company.

2. Choose a niche.

Once you have done your research, it is time to choose a niche for your construction company. There are many different types of construction companies, so it is important that you choose one that will be able to meet the needs of your target market.

For example, if you want to specialize in green construction, you will need to make sure that you have the right equipment and training. If you are not sure what type of company you want to start, there are plenty of resources available to help you make a decision.

Once you have chosen a niche, it is time to start planning your business.

3. Marketing your Construction Business

A construction company is only as successful as its marketing. You need to make sure that you are reaching your target market and that they are aware of your company. There are a number of ways to market a construction company, such as online marketing, marketing consulting firms, and word-of-mouth.

The most important thing is to be creative and find a way to stand out from the competition.

If you can effectively market your construction company, you will be well on your way to success.


4. Management of the construction company

The management of a construction company is vital to its success. You need to have a good understanding of the construction industry and how to run a business. There are a number of different aspects to consider, such as project management, safety, and finances.

If you are not sure about something, there are plenty of resources available to help you learn more. The most important thing is to be organized and efficient in your management style.

5. Employees

Your employees are one of the most important aspects of your construction company. They are the ones who will be doing the work, so it is important that you choose carefully. You need to make sure that they are skilled and experienced in the type of work you do.

You also need to make sure that they are trustworthy and reliable. If you can find good employees, they will be a valuable asset to your company.

These are just a few of the many things to consider when starting a construction company. If you take the time to do your research and plan ahead, you will be much more likely to succeed. With a little hard work and dedication, you can build a successful construction company.
Start by doing your research, then choose a niche, market your business well, have a good management style, and hire great employees—and you’ll be on your way to success in the construction industry!

7 ways entrepreneurs can use video for their new business

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StrategyDriven Online Marketing and Website Development Article |Video for new business|7 ways entrepreneurs can use video for their new businessIf you’re an entrepreneur, there’s a good chance you’re always looking for new ways to promote your business. And what better way to do that than to make a video?

Video is one of the most powerful marketing tools available, and it’s only getting more popular. Unlike text, which the brain’s language processing centre reads, video engages both the left and right hemispheres of the brain. The left hemisphere processes verbal information while the right hemisphere processes nonverbal information such as images, colors, and movement.

In addition to engaging more of the brain, the video has several other advantages over traditional marketing methods.

Video is more likely to be shared than text or images, making it an excellent way to build brand awareness and reach new audiences. Video is also more engaging than text alone, making viewers more likely to remember your message.

It is an excellent way to connect with customers and promote products or services and can be used to create brand awareness, show off company culture, or even entertain.

All in all, video can be a powerful marketing tool that helps you reach new audiences and achieve your business goals. That’s why ensuring you’re using video the right way for your business is important.

7 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Use Video For Their New Business

Use Video to Introduce Yourself and Your Business

If you don’t enjoy the idea of being in front of a camera, the good news is that you don’t have to be an on-camera pro to make videos that will help promote your business!

An easy way to use video is to create a short introduction to yourself and your company. This can be a great way to connect with potential customers and give them a sense of who you are and what you do.

Here are some tips for creating an effective video introduction:

  • Keep it short and sweet: Your video should be no more than two minutes long – any longer, and you risk losing your viewer’s attention
  • Focus on your message: Keep your message about yourself and your business clear and concise
  • Be natural: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be authentic and let your personality shine through
  • Smile: This may seem like a small thing, but it makes a big difference as smiling conveys warmth and approachability, both of which are important when you’re trying to connect with potential customers


Use Video To Show Off Your Products Or Services

A video is a great option if you’re looking for ways to show off your products or services. You can create a promo video to give potential customers a tour of your facilities, show off your products in action, or even just introduce yourself and your team.

There are a few things to keep in mind when creating a promo video for your business:

  • Use strong visuals: People are more likely to remember what they see than what they hear, so make sure your video is visually engaging
  • Make it easy to share: include social sharing buttons on your video page or make sure the video file can be easily emailed or downloaded
  • Use an attention-grabbing thumbnail image: This will be the first thing people see when they come across your video, so make sure it’s something that will grab their attention and make them want to watch

Use Videos To Create Tutorial Videos Or How-Tos

Creating a tutorial video is a great way to show off your knowledge and skills while helping others learn something new. There are many different ways to make this type of video, and it is one of the best ways to ensure that your tutorials are clear and easy to follow.

Here are some tips on how to use video to create great tutorial videos:

  • Plan your video before you start recording: This will help you ensure that you cover all of the necessary information and that your video flows smoothly
  • Use a quality microphone and camera: This will help improve the audio and visual quality of your video, making it more enjoyable for viewers to watch
  • Edit your video carefully: This will help remove any unnecessary footage and make sure that your video is clear and concise
  • Add background music or sound effects: This can help set the mood for your video and make it more engaging for viewers

Use Video To Share Customer Testimonials

It means a lot when customers give positive feedback about your product or service. But when that feedback is shared as a video testimonial, it can have an even greater impact on your business.
There are several benefits to using video to share customer testimonials:

  • It allows you to showcase your products or services in use to your potential customers
  • A video testimonial is more personal than written feedback and can be more persuasive
  • Videos can be shared easily online and are more likely to be watched than reading
  • Customer testimonials add social proof to your marketing efforts and help build trust with potential customers
  • Video testimonials can be used again and again, giving you a long-term asset to promote your business

Use Video To Announce Special Events Or Promotions

Video is an extremely powerful medium that can capture attention and convey emotion in a way that text and images cannot match. When done well, a video announcement can grab people’s attention and get them excited about what’s coming.
By releasing a short teaser video in advance, you can generate a lot of excitement and interest that will carry over into the actual event or promotion itself.

It is also an excellent tool for post-event or post-promotion follow-up. By making a recap video after the fact, you can keep the momentum going and ensure that people stay engaged with your brand.

Reaches A Wide Audience

Video is one of the most popular forms of content on the internet. By creating engaging and informative content, businesses can attract new customers and build trust with existing ones.
They can be shared easily across social media platforms, email, and website pages, making them an ideal tool for marketing and communication.

Video Allows Entrepreneurs To Add A Personal Touch To The Announcement

Video is a powerful medium to help entrepreneurs add a personal touch to their announcements. By including a video in their announcement, entrepreneurs can introduce themselves and their business in a more personal and engaging way than text alone.
Including a video in your announcement can also be a great way to build interest and excitement about your business. You can generate buzz and get people talking about your business by giving people a glimpse of what you do and who you are.

Conclusion

Overall, video is an extremely powerful marketing tool that can help new entrepreneurs achieve their goals in several ways. If you’re not already using video for your new business, now is the time to start.

The cursed legacy of Microsoft Project

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StrategyDriven Project Management Article |Project management tool|The cursed legacy of Microsoft ProjectThe idea of having a project management tool completely separated from your processes and task management is, or should be, a thing of the past. For some time now we’ve entered an era of having everything connected and if you’re still on the sidelines, this article is for you.

There are still thousands of companies using MS Project and other, similar tools for their project planning. I blame MSP for the current gap in the understanding of how important it is to connect both project and processes worlds. MSP never expanded beyond its own environment and very few people realized the missed potential. If you’re one of them, imagine this:

  • every task you plan can be immediately assigned to a person, who is notified about this,
  • the task assignee can start working on the task and change its status, thanks to which you get immediate info about the current status of all the tasks in your WBS,
  • the assignee can also report time spent on the task so that you also get instant and accurate info about the task’s progress,
  • all the data can be aggregated and reported,
  • everyone can have access to the project plan,
  • every member of the project team has a personal dashboard with all the upcoming tasks clearly listed.

Does that sound like a fantasy? Of course not! It’s the minimum you should have with the current market trends.

Jira – the most popular tool for handling your processes

Out of many tools available on the market, Jira is the one we recommend the most. With its cloud instance available within just a few clicks it’s probably the easiest one to start with. It’s really a matter of minutes and you can start creating your first Epics, User stories, Tasks, Sub-tasks, or whatever you need.

Jira also has very robust administration capabilities. It’s well designed with complexity on demand built into the tool. You can restrict data access, manage roles for people, group them and make sure that your data is secured on several different levels.

Talking about data, you also can create your own issue types, statuses, workflows, link types, and many more. When it comes to flexibility and accommodating your different needs, Jira is like no other. It’s definitely one of its strongest sides.

But pure Jira is just the beginning. For specific needs and broader applications of its functionalities, Jira also offers thousands of Apps that can be added to your core system. Those Apps allow you to extend the capabilities of Jira even further.

Some of these Apps allow you to extend your project management capabilities. We at Genius Gecko are experts in implementing project management solutions in Jira. We constantly analyze all the tools in this area, so that you don’t have to. We also have our favorites when it comes to creating reliable project management solutions.


BigPicture – a PPM solution for Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid approaches

BigPicture has been available in Jira for many years now and it’s grown into the best tool out there.

It offers a unique way of organizing your projects into programs and portfolios with Boxes, which are its building blocks. Interestingly, you can also use Boxes to break projects into smaller pieces, like Program Increments, Iterations, Sprints, Teams, Phases, Quarters, Months, or whatever you may need.

If you’re working with a waterfall approach, BigPicture has a built-in Gantt chart that has you covered. It also comes with all of the important features like milestones, markers, data aggregation, data grouping, dependencies, unlimited hierarchy, what-if scenarios, and more.

If you’re agile, BigPicture has you covered too. It has a super-functional Board module which allows you to plan your sprints ahead of time for multiple teams at the same time, and later on of course also follow the progress of work, all in real-time.

And here is the best one – if you’re a Hybrid, somewhere in between Agile and Waterfall, BigPicture has you covered as well. It has several features that allow you to connect both worlds and still manage your projects in an effective and user-friendly way (and I mean both project teams and stakeholders).

That’s not all at all, though. BigPicture has a lot more to offer. Because it’s built on top of Jira, it’s reusing all the data that Jira has. Everything you’ll be planning in BigPicture either comes from Jira or will go to Jira (when you create it). This is exactly where the big difference lies. You no longer have a tool for just doing your project planning, you have a tool that seamlessly connects your projects with project teams, stakeholders, project sponsors, dev-ops, IT, marketing, sales, and anyone else involved. All the important information is in one place. You can always revisit it, see all the changes, and notify people when something important happens, or when a new task for John has been added.

You can also manage your resources through BigPicture, and make sure that you have enough people for the job, that they are not overbooked, that they have appropriate skills, and that their workload plans and holidays are taken into account.

You’ll also be able to easily manage risks for your project, create objectives and goals for everyone to follow, and build your own reports.

BigPicture training – a sure way to successful implementation

BigPicture is an amazing tool and it deserves to be looked after. We’ve been working with it from the beginning and based on our experience we can tell that if you want to get the most out of it, make it work seamlessly with your Jira environment, make sure that all the reports are doable, and climb to that next level of project management, it makes sense to have someone help you achieve it.

You’ll be able to:

  • get clarity on your goals,
  • ensure the proper flow of information,
  • make your teams more engaged,
  • manage your resources with short and long-term planning,
  • manage your project risks,
  • build informative and easy-to-read reports,
  • track time for your project items,
  • save time thanks to automation and templates.

We currently have almost 70 companies that we’ve successfully trained or guided through the implementation of BigPicture and we’re constantly getting new prospects interested in working together.

If you want to learn more about our awesome BigPicture training, or:

  • managing projects in Jira environment and have us help you find the best tool for your needs,
  • implementing processes and tools in Jira,
  • working with other PM tools like Structure, Advanced Roadmaps, or any other Jira App

Reach out to us and let’s have a chat!

Be extraordinary!

Tom Pabich

SEO of Genius Gecko