Business

Want Your Small Business or Startup to Close Out 2023 Strong? You’ll Need These 3 Things.

Published

1 year ago

November 7, 2023

This is a guest article by Nicole Zeno.

Q4 is a strange time for many business owners. On one hand, it’s a busy shopping/purchasing time, and for some businesses, it can make up a large percentage of yearly revenue. On the other hand, it’s a time to step back, reflect, and plan for the new year. In large companies, there are teams to accomplish both tasks, but for SMB and startup companies, the teams are often only a handful of people (or even one) trying to do it all. If you are an SMB or startup, here are a few things you can focus on to move the needle and close out Q4 on top.

#1: Focus on process/automation

It is so easy to get into the weeds and stay there when it gets busy, but what often happens is we put ourselves in a vicious cycle. We go heads down to fulfill orders only to come out the other side with no clarity or solution for the next time this happens.

This year, try being mindful of what activities you are doing when “things get busy.” Are you actually being productive, or are you just busy?

Try This:

Documenting your time is the easiest way to answer this question. Using software like Clockify (or a blank document), you can set a timer every time you start a task, end a task, and add notes as to what you did during this time. I know that this sounds like extra work, but stay with me because I am going to explain how this will make you 10x more productive the next time things get busy.

Why This Works:

As you may have already guessed, I would never tell you to try to change processes when you are already busy, but data is power, and knowing exactly how much time you spend on specific tasks/processes will give you insight once the busy season is over. Once you have had a chance to breathe, try these steps:

Review all the data from your timing for any tasks that you spend the majority of time on or that you do multiple times.
Ask yourself: Is there a process I can build/document for the proper way to do this task? Are there parts or whole tasks that can be automated?
Once processes are documented into SOPs (standard operating procedures), you are now freed up to hire and train someone to do this task, even if it’s a seasonal employee.

#2: Look at the data

Have you ever noticed that when you are in a tough situation, it feels like the worst experience of your life, but after time, when you recount that experience, you tend to skip over the terrible parts? If you are a marathon runner, you know exactly what I am talking about. At the finish line, you proclaim, “I am never running a marathon again,” and then somehow, 4 months later, there you are, signing up for another.

In business, this is the equivalent of only looking at big-picture data such as yearly revenue numbers or users. Every year, you start looking at the big-picture numbers, adding 20%, and telling your team to make it happen, only to get to the end of that year, not sure what went wrong. At this point, most SMBs throw money at the situation and start hiring marketing or sales without really knowing what breakdown there was.

Try This:

Once you have a clear idea of what your yearly big-picture goals are, break each of them down into 3 activity goals that have their own KPI (key performance indicator) to success.

For example, if you have a revenue goal and you know that your team signs 90% of all leads that come in, your 3 activity goals could be increasing open opportunities, increasing website traffic, and increasing the number of events you attend/PR.

Why This Works:

When you break down your big-picture goals into smaller task-oriented goals, you are not just giving your team (or yourself) a goal with no plan. Also, you can now see exactly what part of the process didn’t work and fix it for the next time.

#3: Spend the last week of the year planning

It is proven that our brains cannot multitask, no matter what you tell yourself. There are even more scientific studies on how long it takes for our brains to switch from one type of task to another. Setting time to plan not only gives you a leg up when going into the new year, but it allows your brain to know that planning time is coming, and it can focus more on the present tasks at hand.

Try This:

Block off the week between Christmas and New Year’s on your calendar for you and any executive team members. This tends to be a slower time of year for most businesses and can give you some quiet time to reflect.

Don’t just plan the big-picture things; actually, build out a full action plan and answer the questions:

What are our goals as a company?
How are we going to get there?
How are we going to track success?
What do we have to invest to make this happen?

Bonus Tip: Setup Tech

At my company, Clever Cow Media, we do all the above, and we couldn’t run our company without the processes we have built-in ClickUp (Try it Here).

Tech can help you streamline your processes, help build communication, make teams more efficient, and automate small tasks. Finding the right tech for your team can be the difference between success and failure.

Starting, running, and growing a business is hard, but taking steps like these to become a well-oiled machine will make your time as a business owner more enjoyable and more profitable.

Need More Help? Join me for a FREE Masterclass: Building A Marketing/Growth Plan for SMBs & Startups. Register Here.

________________________________________

Nicole Zeno, founder of Clever Cow Media, has built, grown, and run multi 6-7 figure businesses, including exits from three as a founder. Her extensive background and experience have led her to her passion, helping small and mid-size businesses and startups build the processes and strategies to thrive.

Fun Facts About Nicole:

Phoenix Business Journal 40 under 40
Top 100 Marketing Leader (x2)
Nominated for a SXSW Interactive Award
PHX Startup Week Speaker
Arizona Commerce Authority Mentor & AIC Judge
Featured on Fox10 Phoenix, 3 TV, Phoenix Magazine, and more

Business

Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Published

3 weeks ago

December 19, 2024

Hidekel Griffin

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News Social Media Journalist Hidekel Griffin was on hand to cover the grand 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Hispanic Heritage Network (HHN) of Orange County. The highly anticipated event took place on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, drawing prominent community leaders, government officials, and local icons from the Hispanic community to honor the legacy and impact of the HHN.

Event Theme: “Pioneers of Change, Shaping the Future Together”

The event’s powerful theme, “Pioneers of Change, Shaping the Future Together,” set the tone for an evening dedicated to reflecting on the progress made by the Hispanic community and the path forward. The celebration highlighted the rich history, cultural heritage, and significant contributions of Hispanic leaders in Orange County.

Distinguished Guests and Honorees

The celebration welcomed an esteemed roster of local leaders and dignitaries, including:

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings
Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero
Orlando Fire Chief Charlie Salazar
Influential leaders and community icons from Orlando’s Hispanic community

Their presence underscored the value of the HHN’s mission and the widespread support for advancing Hispanic representation and contributions across Orange County.

Special Awards and Recognitions

One of the most memorable highlights of the evening was the presentation of special awards to individuals who have made a significant impact on the Hispanic community. The following honorees were recognized for their outstanding achievements:

Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News

Hispanic Service Award: Ingrid C. Cotto Suriel
- Honored for her selfless dedication to community service and advocacy for Hispanic causes.

Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News

-Masterpiece Maker Award: Emmanuel De Guzman
- Celebrated for his creative brilliance and contribution to the arts, reflecting the beauty and richness of Hispanic culture.

Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News

Hispanic Artist Award: Renesito Avich
- Recognized for his exceptional musical talent as a Cuban singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known as one of the world’s greatest Cuban Tres Guitar players.

Musical Guest Performance

The celebration was elevated by an unforgettable live performance from Renesito Avich, a Grammy-nominated Cuban musician and singer-songwriter. Renesito’s soulful blend of Cuban Son music captivated the audience with rhythms that connected tradition with modernity. As a multi-instrumentalist who has collaborated with musical legends like Oscar de León, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and Willy Chirino, Renesito’s music served as a cultural bridge for attendees, offering an immersive experience in Latin musical heritage.

Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News

About the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County

Founded in 1999 by Orange County Government employees, the Hispanic Heritage Network (HHN) is a volunteer-based, non-profit corporation committed to promoting Hispanic heritage and recognizing the vital contributions of the growing Hispanic population in Orange County. Through cultural events, educational initiatives, and community service, the HHN has become a beacon for Hispanic empowerment in the region.

Impact of the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County

The Hispanic Heritage Network has made significant contributions to the advancement of the Hispanic community in Orange County. Its impact can be seen in the following areas:

Cultural Preservation: HHN’s events honor the legacy, music, and traditions of the Hispanic community, ensuring future generations stay connected to their roots.
Leadership Development: By recognizing and supporting Hispanic leaders, HHN fosters the growth of local talent and encourages future leaders to engage in civic and political initiatives.
Community Engagement: HHN’s grassroots approach brings together community members from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on solutions that impact the entire community.
Education and Awareness: Through programs and workshops, HHN raises awareness about Hispanic contributions to society, advocating for greater visibility and inclusion.
Empowerment and Advocacy: The network’s efforts ensure the Hispanic community’s voice is heard at the local, state, and national levels.

Photo Highlights

Florida National News captured stunning photos of the event, documenting the energy, cultural vibrancy, and emotional moments from the evening’s celebration.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Hidekel Griffin, covers Politics, Faith & Family Lifestyle
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

Business

“GE Appliances Elf-gineers Adapt 100+ Toys for Children with Disabilities This Holiday Season”

Published

3 weeks ago

December 19, 2024

FNN NEWS

“GE Appliances Elf-gineers Adapt 100+ Toys for Children with Disabilities This Holiday Season”
“How GE Appliances Engineers Are Making Play More Accessible for Kids with Disabilities”
“Inclusive Play: GE Appliances’ Elf-gineers Bring Joy to Children with Disabilities”

GE Appliances ‘Elf-gineers’ Adapt Over 100 Toys for Children with Disabilities

LOUISVILLE, Ky.— This holiday season, GE Appliances, a Haier company, introduced a heartwarming initiative led by its innovative team of ‘Elf-gineers.’ These dedicated employees used their engineering expertise to modify more than 100 toys to make them accessible for children with disabilities. The mission: ensure every child can experience the magic of play, regardless of their abilities.

Key Highlights:

Customized Toys for Accessibility: Many children with disabilities struggle to use toys with buttons, sounds, and movement. Adapted toys with special switches and tailored features provide these children with the chance to play independently.
The ‘Elf-gineers’ Workshop: GE Appliances’ mechanical and electrical engineers transformed the company’s air conditioning lab at its Kentucky headquarters into a whimsical elf workshop. Here, they modified over 100 toys to meet the unique needs of local kids.
Community Impact: The adapted toys are being distributed to non-profits and schools across Louisville, including:
- Jefferson County Public Schools
- Visually Impaired Preschool Services
- Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies
Employee Passion in Action: “Our employees have the freedom to explore their passions at work and the ‘Elf-gineers’ choice to use their skills to make a difference for kids in our community is just one way our culture comes to life,” said Rocki Rockingham, Chief Human Resources Officer at GE Appliances.
Ongoing Commitment to Inclusion: GE Appliances’ commitment to inclusion extends beyond holiday efforts. Other impactful initiatives include:
- The Access Kit: A tactile offering for blind and low-vision appliance owners.
- Collaboration with Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast: Revolutionizing milk donation tracking and measurement.

About GE Appliances

GE Appliances, a Haier company, is committed to creating “good things, for life” through innovation and inclusion. Recognized for excellence in diversity and employee engagement, GE Appliances develops a wide range of home products under well-known brands such as Monogram®, Café™, GE Profile™, GE®, Haier, and Hotpoint. The company’s appliances are found in half of all U.S. homes, and it continues to innovate and make a difference in local communities.

For more information on GE Appliances, visit GEAppliancesCo.com.

Business

Helm.ai Unveils GenSim-2: Transforming Autonomous Driving with AI Video Simulation

Published

3 weeks ago

December 19, 2024

FNN NEWS

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — Helm.ai, a leading provider of advanced AI software for high-end ADAS, autonomous driving, and robotics automation, has officially launched GenSim-2, its next-generation generative AI model designed to create and modify video data for autonomous driving. This revolutionary model introduces cutting-edge video editing capabilities, offering automakers a scalable, cost-effective solution to address complex development and validation challenges.

Key Features of GenSim-2:

Dynamic Weather and Illumination Adjustments
- Modify weather conditions like rain, fog, and snow.
- Adjust illumination to reflect day, night, glare, and other lighting changes.
Customizable Object Appearance
- Alter road surface appearances (paved, cracked, wet).
- Customize vehicle types, colors, and appearances.
- Transform the look of pedestrians, buildings, vegetation, and other road objects like guardrails.
Seamless Multi-Camera Support
- Ensure consistency across multiple camera perspectives.
- Maintain realism and self-consistency for a holistic dataset.

Industry Benefits:

Data Enrichment at Scale
- Automakers can generate vast, high-fidelity labeled video datasets tailored to specific requirements.
- This approach helps address the “long tail of corner cases” in autonomous driving.
Reduced Development Costs and Timelines
- Replace traditional, resource-heavy data collection methods with efficient, AI-driven video generation.
- Accelerate development timelines with scenario-specific datasets.

CEO’s Statement: Vladislav Voroninski, CEO and founder of Helm.ai, emphasized the transformative nature of GenSim-2:

“The ability to manipulate video data at this level of control and realism marks a leap forward in generative AI-based simulation technology. GenSim-2 equips automakers with unparalleled tools for generating high-fidelity labeled data for training and validation, bridging the gap between simulation and real-world conditions to accelerate development timelines and reduce costs.”

Revolutionizing AI-Driven Simulation with Deep Teaching™

Trained using Helm.ai’s proprietary Deep Teaching™ methodology and generative deep neural networks, GenSim-2 builds upon the success of its predecessor, GenSim-1. The result is a model that significantly enhances video realism and customization.

How GenSim-2 Outperforms Traditional Data Collection:

Realism: Delivers more lifelike video data for training autonomous systems.
Customization: Allows specific scenario adjustments, including weather, object appearance, and multi-camera synchronization.
Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces the need for costly, time-consuming real-world data collection efforts.

About Helm.ai

Helm.ai, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, is at the forefront of AI software development for ADAS, autonomous driving, and robotics automation. The company’s full-stack, real-time AI solutions include deep neural networks for highway and urban driving, end-to-end autonomous systems, and development and validation tools supported by Deep Teaching™ and generative AI. Helm.ai collaborates with global automakers on production-bound projects, shaping the future of scalable autonomous driving technology.

For more information on Helm.ai’s products, SDKs, and career opportunities, visit helm.ai or follow Helm.ai on LinkedIn.