Adapt Ready is one of the few startups providing solutions to commercial lines insurance, a $900 billion market

Adapt Ready

Photo by on Annie Spratt Unsplash In what may appear as just an introductory philosophy by its nomenclature, it is something that is practiced lifelong, far and wide across hierarchies at Amazon. The day-one philosophy keeps members of the organization in unwavering focus, brings a sense of immediacy, fosters a sense of belief to improve and grow, and plants a predilection for raising the bar of customer service. “Day 2, as Jeff Bezos remarks, is stasis, followed by irrelevance, followed by excruciating, painful decline, eventually followed by death. And that is .” why it is always day 1 What does this mean for other businesses? It signals the necessity to foster a culture that keeps the curiosity, energy, and entrepreneurial agility of the first day in business alive - every day. Let’s deep dive into what the ‘day one philosophy’ is, the soft but impactful disruptions it can make, why it should matter for businesses, especially startups, and how they must leverage it to their advantage. What's the day one philosophy? Fuelled by immense vigor, excitement, and ambition, day 1 connotes energy and enthusiasm in the life of Amazon. The philosophy is deeply rooted in Amazon, and it is this deep-rootedness that enables it to combat challenges, embrace change, employ quick decision-making, and, above all, have an obsession with its customers. For businesses wishful to thrive by embracing growth and innovation, there is much to glean from Amazon's conspicuous "Day 1" philosophy. As coined by Jeff Bezos, the corporate mantra "It's always Day One" embodies the spirit of a start-up – which is characterized by agility, hunger for innovations, openness to ideas, flexibility to adapt, and ready to change at a moment's notice. How can businesses leverage the day one philosophy? Modern-day businesses and keen entrepreneurs have a lot to learn and incorporate from what has catapulted Amazon into the industry giant it is today. They should analyze and dig into the details and see how they fit into their business context. With evolving markets to serve, ravenous consumers to deal with, and a plethora of business challenges to overcome, there cannot be a better mentality for businesses and startups than ‘day 1’ to accommodate. It’s highly business-oriented yet extremely customer-focused. And this combination is precisely what any prudent business would want. Let’s see how day one philosophy can help businesses stay competitively ahead. Cultivate a Day 1 Mindset “If it's in the mind, it’s everywhere. It’s pervasive.” From its origins in Bezos' garage to its current status as a leading ecommerce titan, Amazon has consciously and strivingly stuck to the ethos of a start-up. Day 1, in this context, is more than a temporal marker; it symbolizes an attitude that embraces experimentation through embedded practices, out-of-the-box approach, unreserved innovation, customer obsession, and long-term thinking. To inculcate the Day 1 mindset, as rigorous as it may sound, modern-era businesses must approach each day as if it were the first day of their entrepreneurial journey. This necessitates maintaining an insatiable eagerness to invent, learn from failures, and rebound stronger. It's about prioritizing customers over competitors, devising ways of enhancing customer experience, and pushing the boundaries to disrupt one's own comfort zone. The primacy of customer obsession At the heart of the Day 1 philosophy lies an unwavering focus on the customer. This intimates that businesses should strive to exceed customer expectations at every turn. It's paramount that actions are shaped more by customer needs than by the moves of competitors. principle of customer obsession The key is to become increasingly customer-centric and orchestrate the business strategy around customers' evolving expectations. Differentiation strategy, for instance, may be an easy task to undertake instantly for businesses who believe in remaining agile and on their toes. A prepared and prudent business must start sprinting at the whiff of evolving customer expectations. That’s precisely what agility and responsiveness in the philosophy strongly relate to. For futuristic businesses, this really means being responsive to customer feedback and continuously iterating and innovating based on customers' latent and explicit needs. To do this, businesses need to stay rooted in the domain of their customers while simultaneously earning and retaining their trust. Embrace Innovation and Experimentation Experimenting and innovating should be at the heart of ambitious businesses– something which the day one philosophy resonates with. It mandates a deep-rooted . The easiest way to prolong Day 1 is by fostering a culture that values and encourages experimentation, even at the cost of short-term failure. commitment to innovation Businesses can encourage teams to test new ideas, processes, and products. Realizing that innovation often comes from multiple trials and inevitable missteps is instrumental to maintaining the resilience and agility of a Day 1 venture. Crews should be encouraged to learn, iterate, and pivot based on their failures and successes. Long-term Sustainable Thinking The Day 1 philosophy is not just about the 'now’; it's just as much about 'what’s to arrive.' Businesses must align themselves with the future they aspire to create. Institutionalizing long-term thinking can uncover opportunities that short-term objectives might obfuscate. By making strategic choices to invest time, effort, and resources into profoundly understanding their industry, market trends, and customer behavior, businesses can foresee and shape the future. Long-term sustainable thinking enables businesses to continuously innovate, differentiate themselves, and excel in their respective industries, thereby keeping the freshness of Day 1 alive. Why Innovation Pays Off? Another cornerstone of the Day 1 philosophy is the relentless pursuit of innovation. One may often ask how critical innovation is for adopting a Day One approach. It’s absolutely vital, to be precise. Amazon’s playbook encourages businesses to embed a culture that values experimentation, understanding that failures today can catapult the successes of tomorrow. By empowering teams to learn from iterative failures and successes, enthusiastically futuristic businesses of today can certainly harness the creativity and resilience needed to drive sustained growth. Conclusion Industries are becoming increasingly rivalrous. Businesses ought to behave aggressively. The day one mentality is pressing and yielding, as can be witnessed by the growth of Amazon. If they can adopt the right elements of sustainability, agility & nimble structures, innovation, curiosity, high-velocity decision-making abilities, customer-centrism, and adaptability, they are bound to witness profound growth. They can shepherd businesses into unprecedented territories of success and customer satisfaction. Cultivating that all-important Day 1 mentality, wherein every day is treated as a new beginning, not only promotes agility & resilience but fosters an undying thirst for improvement. Incorporating these principles into your business strategy can provide a competitive edge and show your readiness to adapt and evolve. In the fast-paced, competitive world of business, it's crucial to remember— it's always Day One.

Embracing 'Day One': Amazon's Enduring Philosophy Reshaping Modern Businesses

image credit: (congrats on the LinkedIn [In]ternship!) Aaron Fawzy Old LinkedIn is Dead. ☠️ Gone are the days of checking in every few weeks. We are witnessing the next great tectonic shift in the world of social media and to the surprise of many, it’s the new LinkedIn that’s leading the charge. To most people, LinkedIn was their least-used network, where they would check in only to post their resumes or look for job candidates. It’s still that, but it is poised to become place to be. the Finally! Appealing to a Younger Audience Now at 500 million+ users and , the business graph-focused network is ready to become the front-runner in the hearts and minds of Millennials and Gen Z, who will cautiously enter for 2 main reasons: post-Microsoft’s $26 billion acquisition — Millennials / Gen Z want real jobs instead of their current unemployment / underemployment. We’ll see a huge demographic shift as they come in. 1 — Practicality — Native video and active status messaging are here, not to mention a redesigned desktop UI and mobile app. 2 — Features This is a killer combination — a well rounded personal branding portrayal of the individual. New LinkedIn Becomes Your New Facebook (without the noise) Once you’re on LinkedIn for hours each day, instead of Facebook, you will consume content, share, and make your own content. Native (and eventually live) video will expand this. LinkedIn is all business, and that’s unbelievably refreshing. It’s not a . political cesspool like Facebook How You Can Get Ahead of the Game Make sure you’re ready: adapt your profile to the new environment: Step 1 — fix your profile header Step 2 — fix your profile summary 😂 Step 3 — how to post properly with emojis (yes, emojis) What Should You Share? 👉 LinkedIn native video 👉 Active status / messaging 👉 Long form posts through the LinkedIn publisher platform 👉 Personal storytelling via text based updates Don’t Try to Game the System As LinkedIn evolves, it’s inevitable that some people will try to abuse connections. People are already very sensitive to that. Avoid trying to peddle your services. Instead, let your profile speak for itself, and the value you bring to the conversation will lead people to reach out to you. The only thing you should be actively selling is your credibility. People to Watch (and Why) 1. Michaela Alexis Boldly unique Style: Going against the grain of the LinkedIn old guard, doing selfies and everything people thought was “wrong,” Michaela has gone from ! What to Expect: being fired to CEO in a year Michaela regularly puts out image rich content (coffee is usually involved) and just put out . her first video 2. Oleg Vishnepolsky Old-school text master Style: As the Global CTO for Daily Mail, Oleg has decades of inspirational business stories to share. He’s the master of the text-based post. So if you fancy yourself a writer, check out Oleg. Every day. What to Expect: 3. Josh Fechter Documenting the story Style: Josh runs a huge Facebook group (15k) and has been documenting his journey to the top. Josh isn’t afraid to mince words or tell the . Watch for him to amp up his video game! What to Expect: low points of his story (Yours truly) 4. Brian Wallace This isn’t ego bait. I’m committed to putting out regular content in the form of text-based status updates, native video, and longer form posts on the publishing platform, such as the one you’re reading right now. 😂 What Does Viral Success Look Like on LinkedIn? This. and it is still growing, with more than 845,000 views. I wrote this a week ago Things to Avoid 👉 Don’t tag 100 of your friends. You don’t do that anymore on FB, right? 👉 Don’t beg people to share. 👉 Don’t ask for comments. 👉 Don’t add spam comments. Once your post starts gaining traction, engage your audience with meaningful and insightful commentary. Be ready to respond! What’s Next for LinkedIn? Live Video 🎬 This seems like an obvious next step. Once this happens, expect some major social time funneled away from Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook Live, and Twitter’s Periscope. My friend has a and is mixing up some original content worth giving a look. String Nguyen viral LinkedIn video LinkedIn IRL Meetups 😱 Be on the lookout for Linkedin Meetups. Yes, in person! has been leading the pack on this (and an amazing person to follow), already having successful meetups in NYC and China. Manu “Swish” Goswami Here’s a look at his last NYC meetup. 💡 has been doing . Talk about a global community! Anna McAfee meetups in Australia 💡 has been rolling out at college campuses. Helps like going to the guidance counselor 😂 Rob Humphrey LinkedIn day How do you see the future of LinkedIn? Let me know in the comments! ________________________________________________ Brian Wallace is the Founder of , the top rated infographic agency in the nation. Connect with him on , , and if you’re really into what he does, to chat. About the Author: NowSourcing LinkedIn Twitter Book a time (Special thanks to Jan Winter , Doc Sheldon , and Chuck Hester for contributing to this post. This post originally appeared on LinkedIn .)

Everything You Need to Know About the New LinkedIn 🔮

Luxury and high end experiences always come with one recurring challenge that has plagued high-end consumers and service providers alike: the financial losses incurred from non-refundable bookings. If you’ve seen Taylor Swift in concert, the ability to book a great table at the newest restaurant or asked for upscale accommodations on your last trip, you understand the cost (and risk) these purchases have.  \ Enter Tony Abrams, a visionary leader who has transitioned from the entertainment industry, with shows like The West Wing and Sex and the City, to founding Stellar — a new platform designed to tackle this exact issue. With the Stellar launch, Abrams created a secondhand market for exclusive experiences, ensuring that investments in luxury are both rewarding and risk-free. Your journey from the entertainment industry to founding Stellar is fascinating. Could you share a bit about your background and how it led to the creation of Stellar? Tony Abrams: Absolutely. I started my career in entertainment production, working on shows like The West Wing and Sex and the City. While it was an exciting field, I soon realized my passion lay in creating and curating unique experiences. This led me to establish Four Hundred, an exclusive lifestyle management firm that caters to high-net-worth individuals. The insights and experiences I gained there highlighted a significant pain point in the luxury market: the financial losses due to non-refundable and non-cancelable bookings. This was the spark that ignited the idea for Stellar. Stellar aims to solve a critical issue in the luxury market. Can you tell us more about the platform and its key features? Tony Abrams: Stellar is designed to be the ultimate backup plan for anyone investing in unique experiences. Whether it's a dream vacation, exclusive event tickets, or a high-end dining reservation, plans can change unexpectedly. With Stellar, users can share, transfer, or sell their non-refundable and non-cancelable reservations, ensuring they don't lose their investment. The platform connects sellers and buyers, curates the listings to attract interest, and handles the transaction process seamlessly. What makes Stellar unique compared to other platforms in the market? Tony Abrams: The unique aspect of Stellar is its focus on a secondhand market specifically for high-end, non-refundable experiences. While there are general resale platforms, none cater exclusively to the luxury market. We also prioritize user experience by ensuring the platform is intuitive and reliable.  Additionally, our commitment to social responsibility, through our partnership with the Stars Align Foundation, sets us apart. A portion of every transaction on Stellar supports initiatives focused on children's well-being, women's rights, racial equality, and environmental sustainability. The recent Luxury Experience Insights Report conducted by Stellar revealed some intriguing findings. Can you share some key insights from the survey? Tony Abrams: Certainly. One of the most significant findings was that 30% of luxury consumers have experienced financial losses due to non-refundable bookings in the last two years. This underscores the need for a platform like Stellar. The survey also showed that 80.25% of respondents are comfortable using technology to enhance their luxury experiences, and 55.36% prioritize upscale accommodations when allocating their budget. These insights validate the demand for flexible, tech-driven solutions in the luxury market. With the launch of Stellar, what are your immediate goals and long-term vision for the platform? Tony Abrams: In the immediate term, our goal is to build a robust user base and establish Stellar as the go-to platform for managing high-end, non-refundable bookings. Long-term, we aim to expand our offerings, incorporate more features based on user feedback, and continuously enhance the user experience. We envision Stellar becoming synonymous with luxury experience management, providing unparalleled value to both sellers and buyers. As a leader with over two decades of experience in the luxury market, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter this space? Tony Abrams: My advice would be to deeply understand the needs and pain points of your target audience. In the luxury market, clients expect excellence and exclusivity. Building strong relationships, maintaining high standards, and being innovative are crucial. Always be ready to adapt to changing trends and leverage technology to enhance your offerings. Most importantly, stay committed to your vision and be passionate about delivering exceptional value. Luxury and high end experiences always come with one recurring challenge that has plagued high-end consumers and service providers alike: the financial losses incurred from non-refundable bookings. If you’ve seen Taylor Swift in concert, the ability to book a great table at the newest restaurant or asked for upscale accommodations on your last trip, you understand the cost (and risk) these purchases have.  \ Enter Tony Abrams, a visionary leader who has transitioned from the entertainment industry, with shows like The West Wing and Sex and the City , to founding Stellar — a new platform designed to tackle this exact issue. With the Stellar launch, Abrams created a secondhand market for exclusive experiences, ensuring that investments in luxury are both rewarding and risk-free. The West Wing Sex and the City Stellar Your journey from the entertainment industry to founding Stellar is fascinating. Could you share a bit about your background and how it led to the creation of Stellar? Your journey from the entertainment industry to founding Stellar is fascinating. Could you share a bit about your background and how it led to the creation of Stellar? Tony Abrams: Absolutely. I started my career in entertainment production, working on shows like The West Wing and Sex and the City . While it was an exciting field, I soon realized my passion lay in creating and curating unique experiences. This led me to establish Four Hundred, an exclusive lifestyle management firm that caters to high-net-worth individuals. The insights and experiences I gained there highlighted a significant pain point in the luxury market: the financial losses due to non-refundable and non-cancelable bookings. This was the spark that ignited the idea for Stellar. The West Wing Sex and the City Stellar aims to solve a critical issue in the luxury market. Can you tell us more about the platform and its key features? Stellar aims to solve a critical issue in the luxury market. Can you tell us more about the platform and its key features? Tony Abrams: Stellar is designed to be the ultimate backup plan for anyone investing in unique experiences. Whether it's a dream vacation, exclusive event tickets, or a high-end dining reservation, plans can change unexpectedly. With Stellar, users can share, transfer, or sell their non-refundable and non-cancelable reservations, ensuring they don't lose their investment. The platform connects sellers and buyers, curates the listings to attract interest, and handles the transaction process seamlessly. What makes Stellar unique compared to other platforms in the market? What makes Stellar unique compared to other platforms in the market? Tony Abrams: The unique aspect of Stellar is its focus on a secondhand market specifically for high-end, non-refundable experiences. While there are general resale platforms, none cater exclusively to the luxury market. We also prioritize user experience by ensuring the platform is intuitive and reliable.  Additionally, our commitment to social responsibility, through our partnership with the Stars Align Foundation, sets us apart. A portion of every transaction on Stellar supports initiatives focused on children's well-being, women's rights, racial equality, and environmental sustainability. A portion of every transaction on Stellar supports initiatives focused on children's well-being, women's rights, racial equality, and environmental sustainability. The recent Luxury Experience Insights Report conducted by Stellar revealed some intriguing findings. Can you share some key insights from the survey? The recent Luxury Experience Insights Report conducted by Stellar revealed some intriguing findings. Can you share some key insights from the survey? Tony Abrams: Certainly. One of the most significant findings was that 30% of luxury consumers have experienced financial losses due to non-refundable bookings in the last two years. This underscores the need for a platform like Stellar. The survey also showed that 80.25% of respondents are comfortable using technology to enhance their luxury experiences, and 55.36% prioritize upscale accommodations when allocating their budget. These insights validate the demand for flexible, tech-driven solutions in the luxury market. With the launch of Stellar, what are your immediate goals and long-term vision for the platform? With the launch of Stellar, what are your immediate goals and long-term vision for the platform? Tony Abrams: In the immediate term, our goal is to build a robust user base and establish Stellar as the go-to platform for managing high-end, non-refundable bookings. Long-term, we aim to expand our offerings, incorporate more features based on user feedback, and continuously enhance the user experience. We envision Stellar becoming synonymous with luxury experience management, providing unparalleled value to both sellers and buyers. As a leader with over two decades of experience in the luxury market, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter this space? As a leader with over two decades of experience in the luxury market, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter this space? Tony Abrams: My advice would be to deeply understand the needs and pain points of your target audience. In the luxury market, clients expect excellence and exclusivity. Building strong relationships, maintaining high standards, and being innovative are crucial. Always be ready to adapt to changing trends and leverage technology to enhance your offerings. Most importantly, stay committed to your vision and be passionate about delivering exceptional value.

From Sex and the City to the Luxury Experience Market: Tony Abrams on Stellar Launch

Businesses that once thrived are now facing unprecedented challenges amid rapid changes in the business world. Such changes are driven by technological advancements and shifts in consumer expectations. These transformations are reshaping industries, compelling businesses to adapt or risk obsolescence. Understanding the dynamics of consumer perception and leveraging creative thinking is crucial for businesses aiming to stay relevant and competitive. Understanding the Dynamics of Change The transformation of traditional industries has been profound. For instance, digital platforms have replaced physical stores, and online payments have become more prevalent than cash transactions. This shift has disrupted established business models and consumer habits, highlighting the importance of agility in the corporate world. A significant number of companies that recognized the need for transformation still found themselves unable to adapt effectively. This often stemmed from a failure to align their development vector with the existing market forces, which are continuously influenced by consumer values and expectations. Despite recognizing the imperative for change, a significant number of companies have struggled to pivot their operations effectively. This challenge often arises from a misalignment between their strategic direction, or development vector, and the prevailing market forces. These market dynamics are not static; they are continually shaped and reshaped by evolving consumer values and expectations. For businesses, the inability to synchronize their strategies with these changes can lead to missed opportunities and eroded competitive edges. As industries continue to evolve, aligning business trajectories with consumer demands and technological trends becomes critical to achieving sustainable growth and relevance. The Paradox of Success The success paradox posits that past achievements can sometimes set the stage for future failures. This phenomenon is evident in companies that remain tethered to strategies and offerings that once yielded success but have since become outdated. Historical data suggests that the lifespan of companies on major business indices has significantly shortened over the decades. Companies often falter because they fail to reinvent their value propositions in response to changing consumer perceptions. The key to enduring success is to continually create new value and understand the evolving context in which consumers operate. Companies that fall victim to this paradox often do so because they fail to adequately reinvent their value propositions amid shifting consumer expectations and preferences. The key to sustained success lies not just in achieving it but in continuously rejuvenating it. This requires a deep understanding of the evolving context in which consumers operate—what drives their decisions today may not hold tomorrow. Thus, businesses must remain vigilant, ready to adapt, and keen to innovate, ensuring that their offerings align with current and future consumer needs. Embracing this mindset is essential for companies aiming to avoid the pitfalls of the success paradox and secure a long-term place in the competitive market landscape. The Crucial Role of Entrepreneurial Thinking Entrepreneurial thinking is vital for navigating the complexities of today's business environment, where traditional approaches to market challenges are frequently inadequate. This mode of thinking empowers business leaders to identify and capitalize on opportunities that others may not see, leveraging a deep understanding of the market context and the fluid perceptions of consumers. These perceptions can rapidly change, significantly influencing the value attributed to products and services. An entrepreneur's ability to adapt to these shifts and foresee market trends is often what sets successful companies apart from their competitors. Research has repeatedly shown a substantial discrepancy between how businesses perceive the value they offer and the actual experience of consumers. This gap highlights a critical issue: many companies fail to align their product offerings with the real needs and preferences of their consumers. Bridging this gap is crucial, as it requires not only gathering accurate consumer insights but also responding to them in strategic and innovative ways. Such alignment enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty, which are essential for sustaining business growth and competitiveness. Creativity as a Business Strategy Creativity in business goes beyond mere innovation in products or services; it involves reimagining how value is created and delivered to consumers. This might mean developing new business models, pioneering unexplored market niches, or creating unique customer experiences that differentiate a brand from its competitors. A creative approach enables businesses to break free from industry conventions and exceed customer expectations, thus fostering a strong competitive advantage and potentially leading to market leadership. By embedding creativity into their core strategies, businesses can explore new ways of meeting consumer demands and addressing complex challenges. This capability is invaluable as it not only drives growth but also builds a resilient brand capable of thriving in fluctuating market conditions. Companies that successfully integrate creativity into their strategic planning often find that they are better equipped to adapt to changes and seize opportunities that may otherwise have been overlooked. Integrating Creativity and Business Acumen The confluence of entrepreneurial and creative thinking is critical in forming effective business strategies that respond adeptly to consumer needs. Successful entrepreneurs understand that providing what consumers ask for is only the beginning; anticipating and shaping future consumer demands is what distinguishes leaders from followers in the business world. Just as artists transform simple materials into expressions of human emotion, skilled entrepreneurs transform consumer insights into innovative products and services that resonate deeply with market desires. Moreover, these visionary leaders recognize that today's innovative approaches might become the benchmarks of tomorrow. They do not merely react to the market but actively participate in its evolution, continuously redefining the competitive landscape. This proactive stance requires not only creativity but also sharp business acumen, enabling entrepreneurs to not just survive but thrive amid the ongoing shifts in consumer preferences and market dynamics. Their ability to integrate these skills allows them to create sustainable business models and lasting value for both their companies and their customers. For businesses to thrive in a dynamic market environment, they must embrace a dual focus on creativity and consumer perception. Understanding the intricate dance between these elements can unlock new opportunities and safeguard a company's future. Entrepreneurs must continuously adapt, innovate, and redefine their value propositions to align with the ever-evolving consumer landscape. By doing so, they not only survive but thrive, turning challenges into stepping stones for success. Jaroslav Kaplan, President of Kaplan Research Company Author of the book "Business Incognita: How to Expand the Boundaries of Entrepreneurial Thinking." Expert in sustainable organizational development and the identification of new growth sources. Developer of the methodology for contextual market research. Member of the international association of professionals in strategic and competitive intelligence SCIP. Businesses that once thrived are now facing unprecedented challenges amid rapid changes in the business world. Such changes are driven by technological advancements and shifts in consumer expectations. These transformations are reshaping industries, compelling businesses to adapt or risk obsolescence. Understanding the dynamics of consumer perception and leveraging creative thinking is crucial for businesses aiming to stay relevant and competitive. Understanding the Dynamics of Change The transformation of traditional industries has been profound. For instance, digital platforms have replaced physical stores, and online payments have become more prevalent than cash transactions. This shift has disrupted established business models and consumer habits, highlighting the importance of agility in the corporate world. A significant number of companies that recognized the need for transformation still found themselves unable to adapt effectively. This often stemmed from a failure to align their development vector with the existing market forces, which are continuously influenced by consumer values and expectations. Despite recognizing the imperative for change, a significant number of companies have struggled to pivot their operations effectively. This challenge often arises from a misalignment between their strategic direction, or development vector, and the prevailing market forces. These market dynamics are not static; they are continually shaped and reshaped by evolving consumer values and expectations. For businesses, the inability to synchronize their strategies with these changes can lead to missed opportunities and eroded competitive edges. As industries continue to evolve, aligning business trajectories with consumer demands and technological trends becomes critical to achieving sustainable growth and relevance. The Paradox of Success The success paradox posits that past achievements can sometimes set the stage for future failures. This phenomenon is evident in companies that remain tethered to strategies and offerings that once yielded success but have since become outdated. Historical data suggests that the lifespan of companies on major business indices has significantly shortened over the decades. Companies often falter because they fail to reinvent their value propositions in response to changing consumer perceptions. The key to enduring success is to continually create new value and understand the evolving context in which consumers operate. Companies that fall victim to this paradox often do so because they fail to adequately reinvent their value propositions amid shifting consumer expectations and preferences. The key to sustained success lies not just in achieving it but in continuously rejuvenating it. This requires a deep understanding of the evolving context in which consumers operate—what drives their decisions today may not hold tomorrow. Thus, businesses must remain vigilant, ready to adapt, and keen to innovate, ensuring that their offerings align with current and future consumer needs. Embracing this mindset is essential for companies aiming to avoid the pitfalls of the success paradox and secure a long-term place in the competitive market landscape. The Crucial Role of Entrepreneurial Thinking Entrepreneurial thinking is vital for navigating the complexities of today's business environment, where traditional approaches to market challenges are frequently inadequate. This mode of thinking empowers business leaders to identify and capitalize on opportunities that others may not see, leveraging a deep understanding of the market context and the fluid perceptions of consumers. These perceptions can rapidly change, significantly influencing the value attributed to products and services. An entrepreneur's ability to adapt to these shifts and foresee market trends is often what sets successful companies apart from their competitors. Research has repeatedly shown a substantial discrepancy between how businesses perceive the value they offer and the actual experience of consumers. This gap highlights a critical issue: many companies fail to align their product offerings with the real needs and preferences of their consumers. Bridging this gap is crucial, as it requires not only gathering accurate consumer insights but also responding to them in strategic and innovative ways. Such alignment enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty, which are essential for sustaining business growth and competitiveness. Creativity as a Business Strategy Creativity in business goes beyond mere innovation in products or services; it involves reimagining how value is created and delivered to consumers. This might mean developing new business models, pioneering unexplored market niches, or creating unique customer experiences that differentiate a brand from its competitors. A creative approach enables businesses to break free from industry conventions and exceed customer expectations, thus fostering a strong competitive advantage and potentially leading to market leadership. By embedding creativity into their core strategies, businesses can explore new ways of meeting consumer demands and addressing complex challenges. This capability is invaluable as it not only drives growth but also builds a resilient brand capable of thriving in fluctuating market conditions. Companies that successfully integrate creativity into their strategic planning often find that they are better equipped to adapt to changes and seize opportunities that may otherwise have been overlooked. Integrating Creativity and Business Acumen The confluence of entrepreneurial and creative thinking is critical in forming effective business strategies that respond adeptly to consumer needs. Successful entrepreneurs understand that providing what consumers ask for is only the beginning; anticipating and shaping future consumer demands is what distinguishes leaders from followers in the business world. Just as artists transform simple materials into expressions of human emotion, skilled entrepreneurs transform consumer insights into innovative products and services that resonate deeply with market desires. Moreover, these visionary leaders recognize that today's innovative approaches might become the benchmarks of tomorrow. They do not merely react to the market but actively participate in its evolution, continuously redefining the competitive landscape. This proactive stance requires not only creativity but also sharp business acumen, enabling entrepreneurs to not just survive but thrive amid the ongoing shifts in consumer preferences and market dynamics. Their ability to integrate these skills allows them to create sustainable business models and lasting value for both their companies and their customers. For businesses to thrive in a dynamic market environment, they must embrace a dual focus on creativity and consumer perception. Understanding the intricate dance between these elements can unlock new opportunities and safeguard a company's future. Entrepreneurs must continuously adapt, innovate, and redefine their value propositions to align with the ever-evolving consumer landscape. By doing so, they not only survive but thrive, turning challenges into stepping stones for success. Jaroslav Kaplan, President of Kaplan Research Company Author of the book "Business Incognita: How to Expand the Boundaries of Entrepreneurial Thinking." Expert in sustainable organizational development and the identification of new growth sources. Developer of the methodology for contextual market research. Member of the international association of professionals in strategic and competitive intelligence SCIP.

Tap into the Future of Business: Creativity, Transformation, and Understanding Consumer Perception

Let’s be honest: every crypto project wants to get as many people on board as possible. Even yours, right? They want the whole world to know about them and join in on the fun. Now, when you're promoting your Web 3.0 project, it's totally normal to think about the big shots like the USA, UK, and whatnot. But… let's take a moment to question that strategy: isn’t that market too tight to jump into tops? I mean, thousands of projects that already have established their names are not going down any time soon, and to join that elite club isn’t a piece of cake. What is Wrong with English-speaking GEO? The English-speaking world already has a strong presence in the crypto space, with its own set of rules and regulations. On the other hand, other regions are still in the process of developing, and they've shown great potential that holds even more promise for crypto projects. GEO English-speaking Non-English speaking, developing countries Competition High Low Regulation Strict Allow more flexibility CAC Higher Lower Brand awareness cost Higher Lower The pace of regional penetration Long Extremely short ROI efficiency Low High Curious, huh? Let’s dive into the topic and figure out how to replace the hype with a deliberate choice that will make your project a winner. Who Else Is on the Crypto Map: Prepare to be surprised: according to the crypto adoption index, there is only one (!) English-speaking audience in the top 10 – the U.S. However, there is also: Vietnam,Philippines, Ukraine, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Thailand. None of them is English-speaking, right? Now, when you understand that there are regions that can literally offer you better options on each metric, the only question is WHAT those GEOs are? The answer though isn’t really great: it depends. GEO should be chosen based on your project’s needs. In other words, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this riddle. The only way to actually select a suitable Geo for your project is to find out what is going on in a particular crypto landscape. Then analyze whether your project is fitting into their trends, pains, and demands. Let's take a strategic approach to determine the ideal GEO for your product. Our first question to ponder is: Does your product have a demand in a specific region? To find out that, you need to undertake the following steps: Describe your target audience; Find the top 20 popular bloggers/media and analyse what are the main topics in the country; If the product is a niche, then just research how much content there is on that/similar topic; Conduct keyword research. Now it's time to assess whether you have the necessary resources to support the chosen GEO that aligns with your project. Here's what you need to consider: You already have users or a community; Partnerships, including on a GEO you want to penetrate; Local funds that can connect you with other projects through their network. If you don’t have any of the previous points, it will be helpful if there is someone who can consult you about a GEO. By the way, you can always ask us about that — we have expertise in helping businesses penetrate Turkish and Ukrainian markets, so we are capable of bringing you not only advice but tangible results. Think about it. Three Horseman of Successful GEO Expansion: Research, Insights, and Local Expertise: Analyse the GEO presence of similar or competing products. If you discover that they are absent in the GEO you have initially chosen, it could indicate that the selected GEO might not be the best fit for your product. What should you do then? Just explore alternative GEO options that align more closely with your objectives. Easy. Next, it's time to leverage retrospective data to assess the organic traffic your product has generated. This retrospective analysis will provide valuable information about the interest and engagement levels in different GEOs. Pros? You will be able to identify potential opportunities or challenges. When you're trying to enter a new GEO, it can be tricky to figure out how things work in that specific location. That's where local representatives come in handy. They have the knowledge and experience of the local market, so they can give you beneficial insights and advice. Engage in customer development activities with local crypto enthusiasts. Their first-hand experiences and feedback can offer unique perspectives and help you tailor your product to the preferences and needs of the target audience in the new GEO. Now that you've collected all the important data and insights we discussed earlier, it's time to jump into testing campaigns. Approach this stage with a careful eye on your budget, making sure to use cost-effective strategies that make the most of your resources. Remember, what worked in other GEOs may not work the same way in your new target GEO. So, be ready to adapt and experiment to find the best approach that suits your new audience. What Do We Recommend? A list of Promising Geo: Ukraine —  Unlock Technological Innovation and Expand Your Market Reach. Discover the thriving tech scene in Ukraine, a hub for technological innovation. Tap into the potential of Ukraine's market expansion opportunities.Leverage Ukraine's skilled workforce and cutting-edge technologies for Web3 solutions. It offers technological innovation and market expansion; Turkey, and the MENA Region — Ride the Wave of Decentralized Technology Development. Explore the rapidly developing market for decentralized technologies in Turkey and the MENA region. Seize the growing opportunities in this dynamic market for Web3 solutions.Benefit from the region's increasing adoption of blockchain and decentralized applications. CIS countries (except Russia/Belarus)— Unlock Powerful Emerging Markets. Dive into the promising emerging markets of the CIS countries (except Russia/Belarus). Capitalize on the region's growing interest in Web3 solutions and decentralized technologies. Expand your presence and capture a new audience. Brazil, particularly Argentina, and Latin America in general — an expanding market for Web 3.0 solutions; Join the wave of expansion in Brazil, particularly Argentina, and Latin America as a whole. Discover the burgeoning market for Web 3.0 solutions in this region. Leverage the rising demand for decentralized technologies and unlock new business opportunities. Korea, Japan, and Asia offer vast potential due to its large population. Gain access to a thriving market eager for Web3 innovations. Summary In the end, the grand question arises: how to enter a specific region? The answer is not a simple one. It depends on a multitude of factors, each unique to the specific region you have in mind. But… we have a secret weapon up our sleeves that you may have never even considered! Here’s our solution: delegating the region entry complexities to us. Seriously. Hand over the reins to our capable hands, and we'll work our magic to ensure your entry into the desired region becomes a resounding success. We'll navigate the intricacies, overcome the hurdles, and pave the way for your triumphant arrival. It’s your call!

Why GEO-Targeting Alone Won't Unlock Web 3.0 Success: Forget about English-Speaking Markets

Embarking on a revolutionary journey through the fast-evolving landscape of distributed ledger technology, we unveil a transformative perspective on scalability and interoperability. In this unique exploration, we introduce an innovative formal model poised to unravel the complexities of achieving atomic composability in Multi-Rollup Environments on , setting the stage for a new era of decentralized systems. Ethereum 🚀 Navigating the Blockchain Horizon In the dynamic realm of distributed ledger technology, Ethereum has been a trailblazer, addressing the formidable blockchain trilemma of scalability, security, and decentralization. Rollups emerge as key players, offering a solution to this trilemma. However, the promise of scalability through rollups raises concerns about fragmented composability. To bridge this gap, we present a one-of-a-kind formal model designed to ensure the seamless integration of decentralized applications (dApps) across multiple rollups while upholding atomic composability—a crucial factor for the future of decentralized systems. 🌐 Understanding Rollups and Composability: Crafting a Blockchain Symphony Rollups, the unsung heroes of Ethereum scaling, operate off-chain to boost network throughput without overwhelming the main Ethereum chain. Composability, the art of harmonious interaction between dApps and smart contracts, faces challenges as multiple rollups proliferate. Our formal model emerges as the solution, promising to unite these elements and guarantee atomic transactions across rollups. 🧩 The Formal Model Unveiled: A Symphony of Systems Our formal model is not just a fusion of established distributed system theories and cutting-edge cryptographic practices; it's a unique orchestration tailored for the nuances of decentralized ledgers within Ethereum's ecosystem. Dive into the intricacies of buffering, dependency management, concurrency control, and groundbreaking . This model addresses the multifaceted nature of blockchain ecosystems, ensuring transactional integrity and reliability in an unprecedented manner. zero-knowledge proofs 🛡️ Rollup Punitive Measures: Fortifying the Fabric of Atomic Composability Strengthening the robustness of our model, we introduce punitive measures, including a staking mechanism, monitoring and reporting, and a decentralized common pool (DCP). By staking tokens, rollups commit collateral monitored by third-party nodes. Misbehavior proofs and a decentralized common pool add layers of security, fostering trust and resilience in the multi-rollup environment. 🔄 Decentralized Common Pool (DCP): A Symphony of Security and Redundancy Continues Step into the realm of the Decentralized Common Pool (DCP), a decentralized masterpiece designed for security and redundancy. With a consensus mechanism, data redundancy, and cryptographic verification, the DCP ensures the integrity and authenticity of the transaction pool. However, the introduction of such measures comes with trade-offs, addressing challenges while fortifying the atomic composability model. 🔒 Atomic Composability & ZK-Proofs: An Unprecedented Cryptographic Ballet Enter the world of Zero-Knowledge Proofs (zk-proofs), where and zk-STARKs take center stage. Discover how these cryptographic gems validate transactions, verify dependencies, manage concurrency, and maintain efficiency with their compactness. The integration of zk-proofs into the model introduces cryptographic complexity but promises swift validation, reduced buffering, and enhanced privacy. zk-SNARKs 🔍 Incorporating ZK-Proofs: Navigating the Cryptographic Maze To seamlessly integrate zk-proofs into the model, rollups must be zk-proof compatible and capable of efficient proof generation and verification. Standardizing proofs related to atomic composability ensures smooth inter-rollup operations. From verification functions to privacy maintenance, explore the manifold applications of zk-proofs in fortifying the atomic composability model. 🚀 Application of the Formal Model: A Universal Symphony for Ethereum's Evolution As the Ethereum ecosystem evolves, the formal model transcends its initial purpose, extending its applicability to shared sequencers and other scaling solutions. Whether dealing with the centralized nature of sequencers or diverse architectures of rollups, the model consistently upholds the principles of atomic composability, fostering a cohesive, interoperable, and scalable Ethereum ecosystem. 🌐 Shared Sequencers: A Harmonious Blend of Centralization and Efficiency Shared sequencers, a rising star in the scaling solutions constellation, bring centralization to the transaction ordering mechanism without compromising main chain security. Explore the implications of our formal model on shared sequencers, where buffering, concurrency control, and zk-proof validation emerge as key players in ensuring atomic composability. 🔍 Alternative Solutions: A Comparative Odyssey Embark on a comparative analysis as we juxtapose shared sequencers with alternative scaling solutions like zk-rollups, optimistic rollups, and sidechains. Each solution, with its unique architecture, finds resonance within the comprehensive framework of our formal model. Uncover the strengths, potential drawbacks, and the universal applicability of atomic composability across diverse scaling landscapes. 🔒 Conclusion: Charting a Unique Path to a Universal Future In conclusion, our formal model stands as a unique beacon, offering a comprehensive guide to achieving atomic composability in the intricate web of Multi-Rollup Environments on Ethereum. From exhaustive definitions to detailed operations, robust dependency handling, flexibility, scalability, and security through verification, the model charts a unique roadmap for a universal future. As blockchain technology evolves, this model serves as a flexible blueprint, ready to adapt to new challenges and complexities, ensuring the seamless integration of decentralized applications and services into the ever-expanding Ethereum ecosystem. Welcome to the future, where atomic composability reigns supreme! 🚀🌐🔒 References E. Ben-Sasson, A. Chiesa, D. Genkin, E. Tromer, and M. Virza. Snarks for c: Verifying program executions succinctly and in zero knowledge. In Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Cryptology Conference, pages 90–108. Springer, 2013. V. Buterin. A next-generation smart contract and decentralized application platform. White paper, 2014. Available at . https://ethereum.org/en/whitepaper/ V. Buterin. Ethereum’s scalability and decentralization challenge, 2020. S. Micali. Atomic transactions in blockchain, 2016. Solidity Academy, Unlocking the Future of Ethereum with Zero-Knowledge Rollups (ZK-Rollups) <https://link.medium.com/AjD0OcrfZEb > F. Schär. Decentralized finance: On blockchain- and smart contract-based financial markets. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Review, 2020. H. Williamson. Optimistic rollups: Layer 2 scaling. Blog post, 2020. Available at . https://optimism.io/

Breaking Barriers: A Pioneering Approach to Seamless Multi-Rollup Environments on Ethereum

Ah, the SEO industry, a realm that promises untold digital success and riches, but often leaves me feeling like I'm stuck in a never-ending cycle of déjà vu. It's time for a little rant, a bit of a grumble about how the in an infinite loop, regurgitating the same old information over and over again. SEO industry seems to be trapped Don't get me wrong, I understand the importance of staying up to date in the digital world, but it's high time we broke free from the chains of repetition and started offering something new and exciting. The Age-Old SEO "Best Practices" If you've been in the SEO game for any length of time, you'll know the drill. Articles, blog posts, and webinars all promising the "ultimate" SEO strategies are everywhere. But once you click, you're often greeted with the same regurgitated advice we've heard a thousand times before: optimize your meta tags, focus on quality content, and build high-quality backlinks. It's as if the SEO industry has a "best practices" handbook, and every piece of content is merely a rehash of the same old tips and tricks. In an ever-evolving digital landscape, where is the innovation? Where is the fresh perspective that could potentially revolutionize our SEO strategies? Clickbait Titles and Empty Promises. Let's not forget the endless stream of clickbait titles that flood SEO blogs and YouTube channels. "Secret SEO Hacks to Rank #1 in Minutes!" or "The ONE Trick Google Doesn't Want You to Know." It's like an echo chamber of empty promises, and it's getting old. In reality, SEO is not about tricks or secrets that lead to instant success. It's about hard work, quality content, and adapting to Google's ever-changing algorithms. So, why are we still seeing these shallow, misleading headlines that only contribute to the perpetuation of falsehoods? Algorithm Updates and Speculation Speaking of Google's ever-changing algorithms, we can't ignore the endless speculation and predictions about these updates. Every time Google sneezes, the SEO industry seems to catch a cold of speculation. Articles pop up like wildfire, prophesizing the doom of some websites while elevating others to the digital heavens. The problem is, much of this information is pure speculation or conjecture based on limited data. Google's algorithms are complex and closely guarded secrets. SEO professionals are not mind-readers, and yet, many claim to know precisely how these updates will impact rankings. It's frustrating, misleading, and, frankly, a waste of time. The Elusive "Content Is King" Mantra Oh, the famous "Content is King" mantra. It's been regurgitated so often that it's become a tiresome cliché in the SEO world. While it is true that high-quality content is essential, it's time to recognize that there's more to SEO than just churning out blog posts and articles. There are countless other aspects of SEO that deserve attention. What about technical SEO, user experience, and the impact of mobile optimization? Rehashing the same old "content is king" phrase simply doesn't cut it anymore. Let's stop dwelling on the past and embrace a future where the industry evolves and adapts to the ever-changing digital landscape. SEO has the potential to be an exciting and dynamic field – let's make that potential a reality. My Frustration of Lackluster SEO Results SEO providers, oh how you make grand promises of digital success, but more often than not, the results fall far short of expectations. It's time to vent my frustration and call out the all-too-common issue of underwhelming performance from SEO service providers. The plethora of businesses that have entrusted their online visibility to SEO professionals, only to be left disappointed, deserve better. Overpromising, Underdelivering One of the most infuriating aspects of SEO providers is their tendency to overpromise and underdeliver. It's a tale as old as time - they guarantee your website will be at the top of Google's search results, promising floods of traffic and conversions. Yet, when you eagerly check your analytics, you're met with a reality that is far less rosy. The problem isn't necessarily that they can't deliver results; it's that they set unrealistic expectations. SEO is a long-term strategy, and instant success is rare. It's time for service providers to be honest about what they can realistically achieve. Lack of Transparency Transparency should be a cornerstone of any professional relationship, but, unfortunately, it's often lacking in the SEO industry. Many providers leave clients in the dark about their strategies and progress. Clients are left to trust that their provider is doing the right thing without any clear understanding of what's being done and why. This lack of transparency creates a frustrating environment where clients feel disconnected from the SEO process. When results are poor, clients can't pinpoint the issue or take steps to rectify it because they don't have a clear picture of the strategy. Cookie-Cutter Solutions Another source of exasperation is the one-size-fits-all approach that many SEO providers employ. Every website is unique, with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Yet, so many SEO companies use generic templates and strategies that don't take individual circumstances into account. The result is that clients often end up with generic, mediocre results that could have been significantly improved with a more tailored approach. SEO should be as unique as the websites it's meant to optimize. Failure to Adapt to Changing Algorithms Search engine algorithms are in a constant state of flux. SEO providers should be nimble and ready to adapt to these changes, but all too often, they are stuck in outdated practices. They continue to use techniques that might have worked in the past but are now ineffective or even harmful. The failure to stay updated and leads to poor results and, in some cases, can even harm a website's ranking and reputation. adapt to algorithm shifts The SEO Gurus and Their Hollow Click Bait Promises SEO and digital marketing is brimming with big-name players like Neil Patel, who have amassed fame and followers for their apparent expertise. But the more I delve into the endless stream of SEO and digital marketing advice emails they send, the more I'm convinced that these so-called experts are leading us down a rabbit hole of frustration. Their marketing emails consistently landing in our inboxes promise the "secret sauce" to success, only to lead us to their websites with a bait-and-switch tactic that offers nothing but empty rhetoric and a sales pitch. Let's rant about the disillusionment that follows every click. The Illusive "Secret" Revealed We've all seen it before. An enticing email subject line arrives in our inbox, promising to unveil the industry's best-kept secrets: "Here's how I made millions with SEO, and you can too!" It's too tempting to resist. You open the email, expecting an enlightening revelation, only to be greeted with a sea of vague generalities and promises of untold riches. These big players claim to have discovered a secret formula, but instead, all they share is a vague outline that leaves you more puzzled than informed. It's a classic case of "all sizzle, no steak." The Disappointing Click Bait Following the trail of promises, you inevitably find yourself on their websites, ready to dive deep into the so-called "secrets" they're touting. But what do you actually find? A maze of clickbait articles, videos, and webinars that promise the world but deliver mere breadcrumbs of information. Instead of valuable insights and actionable tips, you're bombarded with more marketing spiels, each designed to push their expensive courses, consulting services, and software packages. It's as if the initial promise was just a carrot on a stick to lure you into their sales funnel. The Hollow Advice and Lack of Substance Let's talk about the content they offer. It's often shallow, filled with generalities, and devoid of any real value. Instead of concrete steps and techniques, you'll be met with surface-level fluff like "create high-quality content" or "build quality backlinks." Wow, thanks for the groundbreaking advice! It's disheartening to see these industry giants provide content that lacks substance, especially when they have the resources and knowledge to offer in-depth insights. It's as if they're intentionally holding back the good stuff, only to dangle it as a carrot for you to chase. The Never-Ending Sales Pitch The biggest letdown is the relentless sales pitch that follows. After teasing you with elusive secrets and underwhelming advice, they unleash an avalanche of offers for their paid services. Webinars that promise to reveal the real secrets, courses that claim to turn you into a digital marketing wizard, and consulting services that come with hefty price tags. It's frustrating to realize that these experts are more interested in your wallet than your success. They prioritize their bottom line over your growth, and it's disheartening to see that their emails and content are just elaborate funnels to sell their products and services. It's not my intention to disparage the entire SEO service provider industry. There are undoubtedly capable and ethical professionals out there who genuinely strive to provide excellent results for their clients. However, the frustration I've expressed here is rooted in the recurring issues faced by clients who put their trust in SEO service providers only to be disappointed. Clients deserve better. They deserve transparency, realistic expectations, and a personalized approach to their unique SEO needs. It's high time for the SEO industry to step up its game, improve the quality of service, and deliver results that match the promises. After all, a satisfied client is the ultimate testament to a job well done. In the end, my rant about the repetitive nature of the SEO industry isn't a condemnation of the entire field. There are undoubtedly talented SEO professionals who genuinely strive to innovate and offer valuable insights. As a whole, the industry often feels like a broken record, repeating the same tired advice and empty promises. It's time to break free from the shackles of repetition and start pushing the boundaries of SEO knowledge.

The SEO Industry's Never-Ending Loop of Repetition

এসইও শিল্পের পুনরাবৃত্তির অন্তহীন লুপ

Die nie endende Wiederholungsschleife der SEO-Branche

El interminable bucle de repetición de la industria del SEO

La boucle de répétition sans fin de l'industrie du référencement

एसईओ उद्योग में दोहराव का कभी न ख़त्म होने वाला चक्र

SEO 業界の終わりのない繰り返しのループ

SEO 업계의 끝없는 반복 루프

O ciclo interminável de repetição da indústria de SEO

Бесконечный цикл повторений в SEO-индустрии

SEO Sektörünün Bitmeyen Tekrar Döngüsü

Vòng lặp lặp lại không bao giờ kết thúc của ngành SEO

SEO 行业永无休止的重复循环

Public web data can transform your business. It provides unique opportunities and insights. However, a distinct aspect of this data is that it’s raw and, to put it simply, big. Working with large amounts of raw data requires a specific strategy, tools, and skills. In this article, I will be focusing on how to prepare for working with and how to use it to achieve optimal results. I will cover the first steps of getting started with web data, discuss what resources are needed, and share some useful tips to help your organization do it efficiently. raw web data What is public web data? In the broadest description, web data is any data collected from the web. It can be data on companies, job postings, reviews, etc. In its raw format, this data comes in large files consisting of text, numbers, and symbols. The term raw data can mean both unstructured and unparsed or fully parsed data that is not cleansed for a specific purpose, depending on the context. In this article, I will be referring to public web data or alternative data as large amounts of raw data collected from public web sources. Public web data sources Public web data can be collected from professional networks, business information platforms, publicly available online databases, and similar sources. Collecting public web data gives an alternative purpose for many valuable data points extracted from public company profiles, job postings, company or product reviews, etc. For example, these profiles have company headcount numbers, job descriptions, job titles, product ratings, job requirements, and more. Every field of information on a public web page can provide some value for specific purposes. What is public web data used for? Companies mainly use alternative data for two purposes: For example: Business insights. Sales intelligence; Investment opportunities; Monitoring companies they are interested in. In this case, the company might be looking to use data for business insights, such as finding new startups to invest in or potential clients. Another example would be monitoring how the competitors are growing their teams. Insights like these are used for internal purposes. (various products based on specific data or topics). New products In this case, the company is looking to build a data-driven platform or product. They use proprietary methods and AI-driven models to process the data to extract information and insights and offer them to clients via a convenient and user-friendly interface. For example, the business provides talent-sourcing services in the healthcare industry and uses alternative data to build a platform for employers. Getting started: The first steps and resources The organization needs to have clear business objectives and data strategy to get started with alternative data. In other words, the company has to know what the data is needed for. This idea should be in the hands of someone who keeps their finger on the market's pulse, can identify trends, and, most importantly, business opportunities. It will probably be someone in a leadership position. This knowledge and understanding should be the base of the search for data that can be leveraged to achieve your business objectives. The usage of web data can be called signal generation. A company identifies what signals would be valuable for the business, whatever they would be, and searches for data that can help generate these signals. So, let’s say you already have a business goal or assumption that requires data. The next important step is getting the necessary resources, starting with the data itself. Data When a company decides that they need to get large amounts of data from an external vendor, the first step is to find a reliable data provider. This search has specific requirements regarding data quality and reliability. Choosing a data provider To evaluate data quality, look at such factors as accuracy, completeness, uniformity, and timeliness. I asked ’s data experts Martynas Simanauskas and Justas Gratulevicius, who consult businesses on how to leverage public web data for various use cases, to share their insights and to explain why it’s also essential to ensure that the data you’re getting is fresh and its delivery is consistent. Coresignal “Data tends to age and lose its relevance very quickly. Coverage is important, but so is freshness. Continuous dataset updates are challenging for data providers, but it provides maximum value for the businesses using this data. It also shows the commitment and expertise level of the data provider,” Martynas explained. Using a set of alternative data only once is quite rare. That’s why, according to Justas Gratulevicius, you should choose data providers that can ensure consistent updates without fail. “If data delivery gets disrupted for some reason, the process your company has built based on this data would also be disrupted. What’s worse is that it would be nearly impossible to quickly find a replacement for the exact data you were getting. Be sure to choose an experienced and reliable data provider to avoid such risks,” Justas recommended. From a technical perspective, collecting public web data is hard, especially from some sources. What makes it even more complicated is that data providers must always be ready to adapt to changes like new legal requirements or technical challenges. Lastly, my recommendation is to keep in mind that it’s essential to test if data matches the business objective before you build entire operations based on it. Technology and human resources When it comes to technology and human resources required for working with public web data, this part heavily depends on what the data will be used for: business insights or building new products. Data team for simple insights Suppose the company wants data to generate simple insights for internal use. For example, an investment company wants to monitor startups that they are interested in to support their investment decisions. They need actionable insights, and they don’t necessarily have a preference on how these insights should be presented to them, either via email, during a meeting, or in any other format. In that case, it is possible to build a workflow with one multi-skilled data analyst or data engineer with a few years of experience working with big data. It might take one to three months to figure out the proper framework for the exact use case. Still, at least one dedicated data specialist will be able to ensure that the data is loaded and aggregated correctly and extract insights from it. Data team for more complex analysis If the company is looking for more complex insights, or if these insights will need to be reflected in detailed dashboards or websites (for internal use), more people will be needed. For example, the company wants a continuously updated dashboard based on web data, which the team can access, filter the information in it, etc. When the project's scope is more extensive, it's better to split different tasks among multiple specialists. In that case, the data team should consist of a data analyst, data engineer, data scientist, and someone who manages the team. Team for building new products Suppose the company is planning to build new products based on alternative data. In that case, the team will create a user-facing platform, website, or app, so you need to add front-end, back-end developers, marketing and design specialists, and managers or team leads. Required skills From the technical perspective, raw public web data is big data, so your team should have experience working with it or be very keen to gain this skill. I’m talking about terabytes of data delivered to you regularly, which means that your team should be able to work with specific tools and frameworks, such as Apache Spark or Airflow, the workflow management tool for big data pipelines. With the help of suitable frameworks, you can store, load, aggregate, clean, transform data, and perform other actions more efficiently and precisely. For example, some frameworks allow you to schedule data processing tasks, so there’s no need to wait for some parts of the process to finish before you can move on to other tasks. And lastly, patience. It might seem obvious, but processing big data is difficult and time-consuming. The amount of data you’re working with can initially seem very overwhelming. You must be attentive, carefully review everything, keep an eye on any unwanted or incorrect items in data, cleanse the data from duplicates or outliers, and do other things that sometimes cannot be fully automated. And even when everything is automated, remember that data processing takes days, depending on dataset size and the tools you’re using. Tools The first decision you need to make before receiving your first data delivery should be regarding its storage. You can store data in on-site servers or a cloud, which is a more convenient option. Remember that storing data that you don’t use in the cloud will result in unnecessary costs, so you also need to decide if you need raw historical data. The simple rule is that you will likely need it if you are unsure. There are options to store old data in a different database that might not be accessible as quickly, and because of that, it will cost you less. There is also the option of only storing the aggregated data, which will need less space. In every use case, the goal of processing raw data will be to reduce it in size by cleaning or filtering it, which means that the file can transform from terabytes to megabytes. Regarding data processing frameworks, there are various tools and practices for working with alternative data. Here are some examples: Hive. Easy-to-use data warehouse system used to analyze large-scale data; Flink. A processing engine used for processing large-scale data streams and analytics; Storm. A big data processing engine for quick processing of high-velocity data; Hadoop. An open-source batch processing system that can be utilized to process big data sets and distributed storage; Spark. Tool used for data processing, cleansing and transforming. Your technical team (or data team) can decide which tools suit their needs and skills. Final thoughts Your data strategy starts with a vision. When you decide what signals you're expecting to get for your business, it will be easier to choose the correct data and data provider and build a team that will help your business succeed. Also published here.

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