Mistplay

mistplay

So, I saw this article about deepfakes causing a stir, and let’s just say, the stakes are spicier than a mutton bunnychow on a Durban summer day. Here’s the pressing question: are deepfakes really the boogeyman everyone’s making them out to be? Don’t get me wrong, the potential for misuse is undeniable. Okay, let’s just take a minute to imagine; malicious actors manipulating political campaigns, spreading misinformation, or even worse, impersonating loved ones for nefarious purposes. Yeah! Scary stuff. Netizens have been talking about deepfakes for years, the forerunner of the deepfake has existed since 1997. However, last year there was an explosion in the popularity of deepfakes due to the boom in interest in artificial intelligence. 2024, & Big Tech is insane right now Google Gemini + Apple Vision Pro + Open AI’s Sora, talk about setting trends: a new era of technological alchemy, imagine the possibilities, reshaping perception and engagement… …is the Creative industry ready to navigate through this wizardry… But! there’s a flip side: deepfakes are built on powerful , and like any tool, it can be used for good or evil. We need to keep talking about how synthetic media can revolutionize education, healthcare, and even entertainment. I wish immersive learning experiences were around during my time, personalized medical simulations, or even hyper-realistic movies that blur the line between fiction and reality. AI technology Of course, with great power comes great responsibility. Yes, we need ethical frameworks, transparency, and user education to ensure deepfakes are used for good. But, why always fear the future, can’t we embrace the potential: I would have loved being in a classroom where you could feel the weight of Martin Luther King’s words through a speech while he walked through our aisle. Just think, after exploring the Amazon rainforest led by a virtual David Attenborough, or dissecting a virtual frog with a holographic Marie Curie guiding their scalpel (we all can relate to this life-defining moment when we decide to become a doctor or “pass out“) but can you picture your kids forgetting that kind of learning experience. They would be talking about it for days. Education : deepfakes could even be powerful empathy machines. The doctor could use a patient’s avatar to explain a complex diagnosis in a lot easier way to understand. Or, therapists can connect with those patients who otherwise hesitate to ask for help. I know I would appreciate the gap being bridged between medical jargon and my real-life experiences. Healthcare: Sign language interpreters could seamlessly appear in the news, Edu-learning materials can be translated into local dialects, and inclusivity for people with disabilities ~ hyper-realistic prosthetics that don’t just look real but react and move naturally. A world where anyone can connect and understand each other, regardless of background or ability. Accessibility: I remember when the Tupac hologram was used at Coachella, for those few moments, Tupac wasn’t just a memory on a screen. And yet, despite the initial shock, while some might argue it blurred the lines of reality, others saw it as a groundbreaking moment in entertainment. Entertainment: Deepfakes are already being used in these ways, and the potential is endless. The key? Responsible use. So, what I’m trying to say is, instead of panicking and throwing the AI baby out with the bathwater, let’s just take a breath and continue focusing on building safeguards. We robust detection methods, stricter regulations, and a culture of digital literacy that empowers everyone to be discerning consumers of information. Think of it like learning to spot a Photoshop fake in the age of social media. “deep” need Just my two cents: : Let’s be upfront about when deepfakes are used, especially for creative purposes. No more hidden agendas or blurred lines. Transparency is ALWAYs key : Equip people with the skills to critically evaluate online content. Media literacy needs to be a core education pillar. Empower the users : Work with tech companies, researchers, and policymakers to develop effective detection and prevention methods, not just knee-jerk regulations that stifle innovation. Collaborate, don’t regulate We all need to remember, that just like the internet was, now deepfakes are just tools. It’s still up to us to ensure it’s used responsibly and ethically. So, embrace the potential for good while mitigating the risks. And hey, if anyone needs help navigating this wild world of emerging tech, hit me up! I’m always down for a chat ( ). and maybe even a braai, if you’re in Durban Peace out, P.S. Don’t forget to fact-check everything, even this article!

Deepfakes — A Looming Threat or Misplaced Fear?

Developers mainly use blockchain development platforms like Ethereum, Polygon, and Binance Smart Chain for creating decentralized applications due to their smart contract capabilities. However, Bitcoin lacks smart contract functionality, so dApps cannot run natively on the network. Mintlayer is a Layer 2 blockchain platform that aims to create a foundation for deploying smart contracts, NFTs, and decentralized applications on the Bitcoin network. The platform mainly focuses on building the infrastructure for decentralized finance on Bitcoin. Let's look at Mintlayer and how it works. How does Mintlayer work? Mintlayer works as a sidechain to the Bitcoin network, with each Mintlayer block referring to the original Bitcoin block. However, Mintlayer uses a consensus algorithm based on the Proof-of-Stake protocol. Their consensus algorithm is known as Dynamic Slot Allocation (DSA), and it works by selecting validators from a group of nodes every 1008 Bitcoin blocks. Since Bitcoin has a 10-minute block time, validators are selected every 168 hours (7 days). For a node to be selected as a validator, nodes need to stake MLT tokens (which have a minimum stake amount for nodes who wish to become a validator). As with most PoS-based protocols, nodes with more staked tokens have a better chance of being selected. Mintlayer uses WebAssembly, also known as Wasm, as a virtual machine to enable the development of smart contracts and decentralized applications. NFTs on Bitcoin Mintlayer has an MLS-03 token standard for non-fungible tokens, making it possible for NFTs on Bitcoin. There are already digital assets on Bitcoin via Ordinal Inscriptions. However, these assets take up space on the main chain. Additionally, node operators need to download any Ordinals that are minted on the blockchain. By running NFTs via the MLS-03 standard on the Mintlayer sidechain, the platform aims to make NFTs more scalable on Bitcoin. Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) Model Mintlayer is built using the Unspent Transaction Output standard, or UTXO. In this model, every transaction leaves behind some change or unspent coins. The unspent coins represent a specific amount of cryptocurrency that can be spent in future transactions. The UTXO model is an efficient and secure way to keep track of digital currency ownership in a decentralized system. It allows users to prove cryptocurrency ownership without needing a trusted third party. The model also prevents double-spending by ensuring that each UTXO can only be spent once. The process works by someone using or more UTXOs as inputs when spending cryptocurrency from their wallet. The new transaction uses the input UTXOs and generates one or more new UTXOs as outputs. Any new UTXOs can be used as inputs in future transactions, creating a chain of ownership that can be traced back to the user. Below is an example of how the Unspent Transaction Output model works: John Doe has 1 BTC and wants to transfer 0.5 BTC to another wallet. The model separates the transaction into two outputs: the 0.5 BTC that John sent and the remaining 0.5 BTC. Because the remaining 0.5 BTC hasn't been spent, it can be used as input for a future transaction. However, John must also provide a digital signature proving he owns the private key associated with the unspent BTC. The signature ensures that only John can spend the unspent balance and cannot be double-spent. When a new transaction is sent, other nodes in the network will verify it by checking the following: The inputs correspond to valid, unspent UTXOs. In this case, the input should be the 0.5 BTC associated with John's public key. The total inputs are higher than or equal to the total outputs. The digital signature validates the public key associated with the spent UTXO. This ensures that John owns the UTXO and has authorized its spending. Once the transaction has been verified, the unspent transaction outputs associated with John's wallet and the recipient of the 0.5 BTC will also be updated. The wallet that receives the 0.5 BTC can now spend the UTXO associated with their public key in a future transaction, and the cycle continues. MLT Token The Mintlayer token (MLT) is the native token on the network, and its purpose includes the following: Rewarding validators for securing the network. Transaction fees. Additional protocols within the network. However, users can keep and spend their original Bitcoin on the Mintlayer network without needing wrapped tokens or token bridges. Instead, the platform uses atomic swap technology to enable users to use BTC as their primary currency on the network. Conclusion Mintlayer is a Layer 2 sidechain for the Bitcoin network that aims to bring decentralized finance, NFTs, dapps, and smart contracts to Bitcoin. The protocol uses the UTXO standard and has a token classification for NFTs that will run on the sidechain without bloating the main network.

A Look at Mintlayer: Layer 2 Sidechain for the Bitcoin Network

Wondershare Filmora 14 has recently launched, bringing a host of new features to make video editing smoother, faster, and more intuitive. One of the standout updates is the Magnetic Timeline. This powerful feature allows creators to streamline their editing process, making it easier to manage multiple clips, layers, and elements without the frustration of overlapping or misplaced content. The Magnetic Timeline helps eliminate the gaps that can appear between clips and keeps everything neatly aligned as you rearrange or add new elements. This means that moving, trimming, or adding clips no longer disrupts the flow of your project; Filmora 14 automatically snaps clips together, preserving a continuous, organized timeline. This feature is especially helpful for those new to editing, as well as seasoned creators who want to work more efficiently. Here’s a closer look at how the Magnetic Timeline can benefit content creators, along with two user scenarios that highlight its capabilities. User Scenario 1: Streamlining Multi-Layered Edits for Vloggers For vloggers who frequently edit videos with multiple elements, such as video clips, music, voiceovers, and overlays, the Magnetic Timeline is a game-changer. Consider a travel vlogger creating a new episode with various clips from different locations, background music, and text overlays introducing each destination. In previous versions, adding or rearranging clips might have resulted in unintended gaps or overlaps, requiring the vlogger to manually realign each element. With Filmora 14’s Magnetic Timeline, this hassle is eliminated. Every time the vlogger drags a clip into place, it snaps to the neighboring clip, keeping the timeline cohesive without gaps. Overlays and text elements stay synced with the main footage as well, even if the order of clips changes. This seamless experience means vloggers can focus more on storytelling and less on timeline management, leading to faster project completion. User Scenario 2: Corporate Video Editing with Smooth Transitions Another scenario where the Magnetic Timeline shines is in the creation of corporate videos. Imagine a marketing team putting together a product demo video that includes a series of product shots, voiceover, graphics, and customer testimonials. In a corporate setting, making last-minute changes is common. For example, if a testimonial clip needs to be moved earlier in the video, this can often result in unwanted gaps and misalignment with the voiceover. With Filmora 14’s Magnetic Timeline, rearranging clips is much more efficient. Moving a testimonial clip, for instance, instantly realigns it without leaving gaps in the timeline. The Magnetic Timeline automatically shifts the rest of the content to close any spaces, so the team doesn’t need to go back and manually adjust every element. This efficiency is invaluable for teams working on tight deadlines, allowing them to deliver polished, professional videos with minimal hassle. The Launch of Wondershare Filmora 14 Filmora 14’s Magnetic Timeline is part of a broader push by Wondershare to integrate AI-powered, intuitive editing tools that streamline the video creation process. In addition to the Magnetic Timeline, Filmora 14 includes new features like AI Video Enhancer, Multi-Cam Editing, and Smart Short Clips—all designed to support creators in producing high-quality videos quickly and easily. The introduction of the Magnetic Timeline exemplifies Wondershare’s commitment to making video editing more accessible and efficient for everyone, from vloggers to corporate marketers. By removing some of the common roadblocks in the editing process, Filmora 14 enables creators to bring their vision to life without being bogged down by technical details. As more creators look to produce content with a polished, professional finish, the Magnetic Timeline and other new features in Filmora 14 provide the tools to make high-quality editing more achievable. With Filmora 14, Wondershare continues to empower creators of all levels, offering them the flexibility to produce compelling videos with less effort and more focus on their creativity. Filmora 14 is HERE! | Introducing a NEW way to edit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTDtUY5RCxM&t=1s&embedable=true This article is published under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging program. Learn more about the program here. Wondershare Filmora 14 has recently launched, bringing a host of new features to make video editing smoother, faster, and more intuitive. One of the standout updates is the Magnetic Timeline. This powerful feature allows creators to streamline their editing process, making it easier to manage multiple clips, layers, and elements without the frustration of overlapping or misplaced content. The Magnetic Timeline helps eliminate the gaps that can appear between clips and keeps everything neatly aligned as you rearrange or add new elements. This means that moving, trimming, or adding clips no longer disrupts the flow of your project; Filmora 14 automatically snaps clips together, preserving a continuous, organized timeline. This feature is especially helpful for those new to editing, as well as seasoned creators who want to work more efficiently. Here’s a closer look at how the Magnetic Timeline can benefit content creators, along with two user scenarios that highlight its capabilities. Magnetic Timeline User Scenario 1: Streamlining Multi-Layered Edits for Vloggers For vloggers who frequently edit videos with multiple elements, such as video clips, music, voiceovers, and overlays, the Magnetic Timeline is a game-changer. Consider a travel vlogger creating a new episode with various clips from different locations, background music, and text overlays introducing each destination. In previous versions, adding or rearranging clips might have resulted in unintended gaps or overlaps, requiring the vlogger to manually realign each element. With Filmora 14’s Magnetic Timeline, this hassle is eliminated. Every time the vlogger drags a clip into place, it snaps to the neighboring clip, keeping the timeline cohesive without gaps. Overlays and text elements stay synced with the main footage as well, even if the order of clips changes. This seamless experience means vloggers can focus more on storytelling and less on timeline management, leading to faster project completion. User Scenario 2: Corporate Video Editing with Smooth Transitions Another scenario where the Magnetic Timeline shines is in the creation of corporate videos. Imagine a marketing team putting together a product demo video that includes a series of product shots, voiceover, graphics, and customer testimonials. In a corporate setting, making last-minute changes is common. For example, if a testimonial clip needs to be moved earlier in the video, this can often result in unwanted gaps and misalignment with the voiceover. With Filmora 14’s Magnetic Timeline, rearranging clips is much more efficient. Moving a testimonial clip, for instance, instantly realigns it without leaving gaps in the timeline. The Magnetic Timeline automatically shifts the rest of the content to close any spaces, so the team doesn’t need to go back and manually adjust every element. This efficiency is invaluable for teams working on tight deadlines, allowing them to deliver polished, professional videos with minimal hassle. The Launch of Wondershare Filmora 14 Filmora 14’s Magnetic Timeline is part of a broader push by Wondershare to integrate AI-powered, intuitive editing tools that streamline the video creation process. In addition to the Magnetic Timeline, Filmora 14 includes new features like AI Video Enhancer, Multi-Cam Editing, and Smart Short Clips—all designed to support creators in producing high-quality videos quickly and easily. The introduction of the Magnetic Timeline exemplifies Wondershare’s commitment to making video editing more accessible and efficient for everyone, from vloggers to corporate marketers. By removing some of the common roadblocks in the editing process, Filmora 14 enables creators to bring their vision to life without being bogged down by technical details. As more creators look to produce content with a polished, professional finish, the Magnetic Timeline and other new features in Filmora 14 provide the tools to make high-quality editing more achievable. With Filmora 14, Wondershare continues to empower creators of all levels, offering them the flexibility to produce compelling videos with less effort and more focus on their creativity. Filmora 14 is HERE! | Introducing a NEW way to edit Filmora 14 is HERE! | Introducing a NEW way to edit Filmora 14 is HERE! | Introducing a NEW way to edit Filmora 14 is HERE! | Introducing a NEW way to edit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTDtUY5RCxM&t=1s&embedable=true https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTDtUY5RCxM&t=1s&embedable=true This article is published under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging program. Learn more about the program here. This article is published under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging program. Learn more about the program here . here

Exploring the New Magnetic Timeline in Wondershare Filmora 14

Udforskning af den nye magnetiske tidslinje i Wondershare Filmora 14

Explorando la nueva línea de tiempo magnética en Wondershare Filmora 14

वंडरशेयर फिल्मोरा 14 में नई चुंबकीय समयरेखा की खोज

Ուսումնասիրելով նոր մագնիսական ժամանակացույցը Wondershare Filmora 14-ում

Wondershare Filmora 14 の新しいマグネティック タイムラインの探索

Go Hlahloba Mothaladi wa Nako wo Mofsa wa Makenete ka go Wondershare Filmora 14

Изучение новой магнитной временной шкалы в Wondershare Filmora 14

Wondershare Filmora 14 හි නව චුම්බක කාලරාමුව ගවේෂණය කිරීම

Skúmanie novej magnetickej časovej osi v Wondershare Filmora 14

Wondershare Filmora 14 இல் புதிய காந்த காலவரிசையை ஆராய்தல்

ዳህሳስ ሓድሽ ማግኔታዊ መስመር ግዜ ኣብ ወንደርሼር ፊልሞራ 14

Ku Kambisisa Nkarhi Lowuntshwa wa Maginete eka Wondershare Filmora 14

It’s November, which means the holiday season has started — and with it, an influx of online orders. Most consumers who have ordered something online have experienced delays, failed delivery attempts or worse — lost packages. Frankly, tracking numbers and text message updates aren’t cutting it. Could artificial intelligence finally provide a solution to this problem? Packages Are Going Missing and It’s a Problem A package is supposed to arrive today. The person who placed the order watches their front door like a hawk after their app’s tracker changes from “shipping” to “out for delivery.” The estimated delivery time comes and goes — and nothing gets dropped off. Their phone pings with a “Sorry we missed you” message. What happened? Situations like these are common. Whether the seller reschedules, a delivery driver skips part of their route to save time or a porch pirate swoops in at the last second, parcels go missing all the time. In 2023, almost 40% of people in the United States had at least one package stolen. This problem is challenging to remedy simply because the delivery network is massive. Accurately tracking missing orders is possible, but it is a tall order with today’s technical limitations. Companies must monitor warehouse workers, drivers and vehicles. Not to mention, they must handle fraud cases where customers claim to have received nothing when, in reality, they did. Even in ideal circumstances, accidents happen — a small envelope could fall behind the sorting machine or get stuck under a larger box. Even when shipments eventually reach the right address, they stay in the delivery network too long. According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), 17.3% of first-class mail was not delivered on time in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024, up 3.2 percentage points from the previous quarter. Rates for marketing mail and periodicals also worsened. The number of parcels going missing in the reverse logistics process is often overlooked. Around 30% of all online orders are sent back, compared to just 9% in brick-and-mortar stores. A disappearing parcel is particularly frustrating here, as the person attempting the return may be denied a refund or end up on the hook for the full price of the item. Why Use AI to Track People’s Missing Packages? AI is a powerful technology. A single advanced algorithm can process massive datasets, make data-driven decisions and understand language, regardless of whether it is a chatbot, generative algorithm or deep learning model. Training determines its purpose and behavior, so it can be utilized in virtually any use case. Versatility is useful when analyzing data since processing centers can produce billions of drop-off images or location data points in short periods. There is even more to go through if they use Internet of Things (IoT) tools or telematics systems in their fleets. AI can respond to prompts with voice, image, text or audio output, streamlining information retrieval and summary. Only a technology like AI can handle all the data created by the delivery network’s massive, interconnected system of sellers, fleets, customers and warehouses. Its rapid analysis isn’t its only boon — it also has automation capabilities. An advanced model can operate around the clock without stopping for breaks, food or sleep. Is AI Already Being Used to Track Packages? Several delivery companies are already using AI to track shipments in transit. For instance, the United Parcel Service uses an AI-enabled supply chain. It uses historical and real-time data to calculate the fastest, safest way to boost the on-time delivery rate. Its algorithm can also anticipate disruptions and provide a comprehensive view of the fleet’s network. If other firms deploy AI at the edge — at the network’s boundary where data is created — they wouldn’t have to build data centers to process or analyze the massive amount of logistics information they receive. On top of using fewer computing resources, they’d enable real-time results with little to no delay, improving output accuracy. In a different approach, USPS uses an AI-enabled edge computing program powered by NVIDIA technology. Its model analyzes billions of images that the processing center generates. Before, finding a missing order took a team of up to 10 people multiple days. With this platform, a single individual can track one down in around two hours. 4 Ways AI Can Track Stolen and Lost Packages There are several ways AI can help people track their missing parcels. 1. Provide Real-Time Updates Even with a tracking number, updates are often too vague, inaccurate or outdated to be helpful. According to one survey, nine in 10 people want to be able to track their order, with 47% wanting to know exactly where their item is at all times. AI can fulfill this desire, providing real-time updates as shipments travel. 2. Calculate Delivery Estimate Since as many as 20% of deliveries fail on the first attempt, reschedules are common. While most people wait a few extra days, some don’t receive their items for weeks or months. With AI, they can see how long it will take for a driver to reattempt delivery. The algorithm can factor in variables like weather, consumer demand, route closures and delays. 3. Analyze the Drop-Off Photos An AI could leverage image recognition technology to analyze millions of drop-off photos. It can flag the delivery as incorrect or suspicious if it notices any discrepancies. If there are enough clues in the photo’s visual details or metadata, the model could help workers track down the missing parcel. 4. Answer Peoples’ Questions Globally, 46% of online shoppers expect to receive their orders within two to three days. However, delays, reschedules and cancellations are common. When these situations arise, an AI-powered chatbot can answer consumers’ questions to help them understand what happened. Depending on its design, it could discuss the item’s location or estimate delivery dates. How Integration Could Enhance AI’s Capabilities While AI is powerful on its own, companies could see significant improvements after integration. For example, embedding a machine learning model into a surveillance system or camera doorbell could help recipients identify porch pirates or misbehaving delivery drivers. This way, they could potentially narrow down the location of their missing item. An AI-powered computer vision system — an AI-powered device that can interpret visual information — could do something similar, monitoring production lines and automatic sorting machines for misplaced parcels. If something falls off of a belt, gets stuck under another container or slips between a crack in the machine, it could alert a human worker. Integrations can even help in transit. Combining AI and IoT sensors enables real-time updates on a product’s condition and location. Recipients could receive alerts if their item is tampered with, dropped off at the wrong location or stolen. The algorithm would filter out false positives and concisely explain what happened. Could AI Prevent Packages From Getting Lost? While finding missing parcels is an excellent use of a machine learning model, stopping this problem at the source is a more effective solution. Companies could prevent products from getting lost in the first place by leveraging chatbots for communication. The higher the success rate for the first delivery attempt, the less likely the item will disappear from the system. Decision-makers could also optimize routes to reduce workers’ stress. Demand has far outpaced the workforce’s capabilities — experts predict e-commerce sales will reach over $8 trillion in sales by 2027, a 237% increase in one decade — which puts pressure on drivers to haul more boxes and complete routes faster. Companies increasingly hire freelance and gig workers to compensate for their labor shortage. These workers are often paid by the number of packages they deliver, incentivizing them to race through their routes. Using AI to optimize their trip saves them time, lowering the chance they will make mistakes in transit. The Bottom Line of Using AI to Track Orders Although AI is not a miracle technology, it is one of the best solutions on the market for this problem. Processing centers and delivery drivers need something that can process information rapidly, output responses in natural language and interact with multiple people simultaneously. It’s November, which means the holiday season has started — and with it, an influx of online orders. It’s November, which means the holiday season has started — and with it, an influx of online orders. Most consumers who have ordered something online have experienced delays, failed delivery attempts or worse — lost packages. Frankly, tracking numbers and text message updates aren’t cutting it. Could artificial intelligence finally provide a solution to this problem? Most consumers who have ordered something online have experienced delays, failed delivery attempts or worse — lost packages. Frankly, tracking numbers and text message updates aren’t cutting it. Could artificial intelligence finally provide a solution to this problem? Packages Are Going Missing and It’s a Problem Packages Are Going Missing and It’s a Problem A package is supposed to arrive today. The person who placed the order watches their front door like a hawk after their app’s tracker changes from “shipping” to “out for delivery.” The estimated delivery time comes and goes — and nothing gets dropped off. Their phone pings with a “Sorry we missed you” message. What happened? Situations like these are common. Whether the seller reschedules, a delivery driver skips part of their route to save time or a porch pirate swoops in at the last second, parcels go missing all the time. In 2023, almost 40% of people in the United States had at least one package stolen. This problem is challenging to remedy simply because the delivery network is massive. almost 40% of people almost 40% of people Accurately tracking missing orders is possible, but it is a tall order with today’s technical limitations. Companies must monitor warehouse workers, drivers and vehicles. Not to mention, they must handle fraud cases where customers claim to have received nothing when, in reality, they did. Even in ideal circumstances, accidents happen — a small envelope could fall behind the sorting machine or get stuck under a larger box. Even when shipments eventually reach the right address, they stay in the delivery network too long. According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), 17.3% of first-class mail was not delivered on time in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024, up 3.2 percentage points from the previous quarter. Rates for marketing mail and periodicals also worsened. 17.3% of first-class mail 17.3% of first-class mail The number of parcels going missing in the reverse logistics process is often overlooked. Around 30% of all online orders are sent back, compared to just 9% in brick-and-mortar stores. A disappearing parcel is particularly frustrating here, as the person attempting the return may be denied a refund or end up on the hook for the full price of the item. 30% of all online orders 30% of all online orders Why Use AI to Track People’s Missing Packages? AI is a powerful technology. A single advanced algorithm can process massive datasets, make data-driven decisions and understand language, regardless of whether it is a chatbot, generative algorithm or deep learning model. Training determines its purpose and behavior, so it can be utilized in virtually any use case. Versatility is useful when analyzing data since processing centers can produce billions of drop-off images or location data points in short periods. There is even more to go through if they use Internet of Things (IoT) tools or telematics systems in their fleets. AI can respond to prompts with voice, image, text or audio output, streamlining information retrieval and summary. Only a technology like AI can handle all the data created by the delivery network’s massive, interconnected system of sellers, fleets, customers and warehouses. Its rapid analysis isn’t its only boon — it also has automation capabilities. An advanced model can operate around the clock without stopping for breaks, food or sleep. Is AI Already Being Used to Track Packages? Several delivery companies are already using AI to track shipments in transit. For instance, the United Parcel Service uses an AI-enabled supply chain. It uses historical and real-time data to calculate the fastest, safest way to boost the on-time delivery rate. Its algorithm can also anticipate disruptions and provide a comprehensive view of the fleet’s network. uses historical and real-time data uses historical and real-time data If other firms deploy AI at the edge — at the network’s boundary where data is created — they wouldn’t have to build data centers to process or analyze the massive amount of logistics information they receive. On top of using fewer computing resources, they’d enable real-time results with little to no delay, improving output accuracy. In a different approach, USPS uses an AI-enabled edge computing program powered by NVIDIA technology. Its model analyzes billions of images that the processing center generates. Before, finding a missing order took a team of up to 10 people multiple days. With this platform, a single individual can track one down in around two hours. team of up to 10 people team of up to 10 people 4 Ways AI Can Track Stolen and Lost Packages There are several ways AI can help people track their missing parcels. 1. Provide Real-Time Updates Even with a tracking number, updates are often too vague, inaccurate or outdated to be helpful. According to one survey, nine in 10 people want to be able to track their order, with 47% wanting to know exactly where their item is at all times. AI can fulfill this desire, providing real-time updates as shipments travel. nine in 10 people nine in 10 people 2. Calculate Delivery Estimate Since as many as 20% of deliveries fail on the first attempt, reschedules are common. While most people wait a few extra days, some don’t receive their items for weeks or months. With AI, they can see how long it will take for a driver to reattempt delivery. The algorithm can factor in variables like weather, consumer demand, route closures and delays. as many as 20% of deliveries as many as 20% of deliveries 3. Analyze the Drop-Off Photos An AI could leverage image recognition technology to analyze millions of drop-off photos. It can flag the delivery as incorrect or suspicious if it notices any discrepancies. If there are enough clues in the photo’s visual details or metadata, the model could help workers track down the missing parcel. 4. Answer Peoples’ Questions Globally, 46% of online shoppers expect to receive their orders within two to three days. However, delays, reschedules and cancellations are common. When these situations arise, an AI-powered chatbot can answer consumers’ questions to help them understand what happened. Depending on its design, it could discuss the item’s location or estimate delivery dates. 46% of online shoppers 46% of online shoppers How Integration Could Enhance AI’s Capabilities While AI is powerful on its own, companies could see significant improvements after integration. For example, embedding a machine learning model into a surveillance system or camera doorbell could help recipients identify porch pirates or misbehaving delivery drivers. This way, they could potentially narrow down the location of their missing item. An AI-powered computer vision system — an AI-powered device that can interpret visual information — could do something similar, monitoring production lines and automatic sorting machines for misplaced parcels. If something falls off of a belt, gets stuck under another container or slips between a crack in the machine, it could alert a human worker. Integrations can even help in transit. Combining AI and IoT sensors enables real-time updates on a product’s condition and location. Recipients could receive alerts if their item is tampered with, dropped off at the wrong location or stolen. The algorithm would filter out false positives and concisely explain what happened. Could AI Prevent Packages From Getting Lost? While finding missing parcels is an excellent use of a machine learning model, stopping this problem at the source is a more effective solution. Companies could prevent products from getting lost in the first place by leveraging chatbots for communication. The higher the success rate for the first delivery attempt, the less likely the item will disappear from the system. Decision-makers could also optimize routes to reduce workers’ stress. Demand has far outpaced the workforce’s capabilities — experts predict e-commerce sales will reach over $8 trillion in sales by 2027, a 237% increase in one decade — which puts pressure on drivers to haul more boxes and complete routes faster. reach over $8 trillion in sales reach over $8 trillion in sales Companies increasingly hire freelance and gig workers to compensate for their labor shortage. These workers are often paid by the number of packages they deliver, incentivizing them to race through their routes. Using AI to optimize their trip saves them time, lowering the chance they will make mistakes in transit. The Bottom Line of Using AI to Track Orders Although AI is not a miracle technology, it is one of the best solutions on the market for this problem. Processing centers and delivery drivers need something that can process information rapidly, output responses in natural language and interact with multiple people simultaneously.

AI Can Help Track Your Missing Packages

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Why Manual Password Tracking Isn't Secure for Password Security

The Truth About Respect You don't want fame, you want respect. What you want isn't respect from others. It's self-respect. You crave respect from others because you don’t truly respect yourself. It’s hard to respect yourself when you know the truth about your actions—you know you’ve lied to yourself. You said you’d do things and didn’t. You promised yourself you’d get it done, but instead, you slept. You told yourself you'd change, but you didn’t. So, your own self doesn’t respect you for this. The Illusion of External Respect You don’t want respect from everyone. You want respect from the people you respect. Because if they respect you, it feels like proof that you can respect yourself. But it’s an illusion. You can only gain genuine confidence and respect by being consistent with yourself. No one else can give that to you. The Nature of Confidence Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations at the mirror. If you were truly confident, you wouldn’t need to tell yourself—you’d have evidence of your confidence stacked up like trophies. You’re not confident because you don’t trust yourself. And you don’t trust yourself because you’re not consistent. Confidence is built on trust. The more certain you are that you’ll follow through, the more confidence you’ll have. Truth is something that, once you see it, you can’t unsee. Confidence is the amount of certainty you have that something won’t change—and that starts with your own behavior. The Power of Consistency Consistency is repeating a behavior frequently enough to create trust—first with yourself, and then with others. The more consistent you are, the more trustworthy you become, both in your eyes and in the eyes of others. Build enough undeniable proof that you follow through, and you’ll begin to trust yourself. Do what you say you’ll do. Don’t rely on external validation for your confidence and respect. The Role of Others Others can provide useful, unbiased feedback, but they can’t tell you the whole truth because they don’t know your internal state. External feedback is just a supplement to your internal knowledge. In the end, only you know whether you’ve truly done your best. Self-respect and confidence come from knowing you’ve done everything you could, not from what others think. The Paradox of Consistency You’re not consistent because you assume life is stable and unchanging. But in reality, the only thing that’s consistent is change. You procrastinate because you trust that you’ll be able to do it tomorrow. But that trust is misplaced—you won’t be the same person tomorrow. That’s why you sometimes hate yourself or wish you knew what you’ve learned now five years ago. The Public Toilet Method Your life is a relay race of consciousness. The version of you today is responsible only for today. Tomorrow, a different version takes over. Think of a public toilet. If you slack off today and leave a mess, tomorrow’s version of you will likely do the same, because it’s harder to clean up someone else’s mess. The cycle continues, getting worse over time. Are you going to have fun now and screw over your future self, or make things easier for the next version of you? Love is how much you’re willing to sacrifice to maintain a relationship. To truly love yourself, you must be willing to sacrifice short-term pleasure today, so that tomorrow’s version of you has a cleaner start. The more you slack off, the harder it gets for the future you. If You Don’t Do It Now, You Never Will Power is the distance between your thoughts and reality. If you want to be powerful, close the gap between thinking about something and actually doing it. The current version of you is the only one that wants to do it. The next version of you might not—that’s why you’ve quit habits or abandoned goals in the past. Fortunately, you can control the next version of yourself. Just like your body turns pizza and spaghetti into teeth and eyeballs, what you do with what you eat determines what your body becomes. Likewise, what you read and do with the information you consume shapes your mind. If you’re not obsessing over the actions that shape your future, you’re not truly committed to becoming who you want to be. You can live your life how you want—I’m just here to tell you the consequences of the actions you take. If you don’t do the work today, you lose control of who you become tomorrow. Discipline Discipline comes from clarity, not force. You’re not disciplined because the "perceived" pain of not achieving your goals isn’t as strong as the "perceived" pleasure you get from distractions. To be disciplined, fix your perception of pain and pleasure. Write down your reasons to stay focused and revisit them frequently so they stay top of mind. You need reminders more than you need new information. Each time you give in to distractions, the harder it becomes to stop. Write that down as one of your reasons to quit. The intensity of your reasons to stay focused must outweigh the pleasure of distractions at any given moment. You didn't do the next push up because the reasons to continue have faded. The Actual Purpose of a Goal Everyone tells you to set goals, but no one tells you why. Let’s clear up some misconceptions: 1. A goal isn’t "where you want to be in 5 years." That’s just fantasy. 2. A goal is what a better life looks like. 3. You don’t rise to your goals, you fall to your systems. 4. The more you tell people about your goals, the less likely you are to achieve them because talking about them releases dopamine in your brain, like you’ve already succeeded. 5. Goals are infinite, but your time and energy are finite. Be slow to set goals, quick to work on them. 6. You need only one big goal. A collection of small goals is not "one big goal". If it fills 2 pages, it’s too small. A big goal fits a sentence. 7. You’ll never achieve most of your small goals that are long term, because on your way to achieving them, the future you will change them. 8. If you have more than one main goal, you haven't found a big goal. 9. The ONLY purpose of a goal is to make your brain more attentive to things that help you survive or improve the quality of your life. The way you notice a restaurant that's always been there, just because you're hungry. That's ALL it's good for. Any other reasons are illusions. Practical Conclusion Ultimately, self-respect isn’t something you get from others. It’s something you build by living in alignment with your values and keeping promises to yourself. The first step is to break your goals into simple, daily tasks. Think of each task as a “level” in a game. The more levels you complete, the closer you get to mastery. For example, if your goal is to build an app, break it down into simple, achievable tasks. Each task brings you closer to the final product, and you make progress daily. The Role of Pain and Pleasure in Discipline When you procrastinate, it’s because the short-term pleasure of distraction outweighs the long-term pain of not achieving your goals. Reverse this dynamic by making distractions immediately painful. For example, every time you snooze your alarm, pay a friend a significant amount of money. This brings the pain of procrastination into the present. You can also make completing tasks easier by setting up your environment for success. Move your alarm across the room so you have to get up. Lay out your workout clothes the night before. Reduce the friction between you and your goals. Increase the friction between you and distractions. And don’t forget rewards. After hitting milestones, give yourself small rewards to tie pleasure to progress. But make sure the reward enhances your journey, not derails it. Turning Life Into an Irresistible Game You can make consistency easier by treating your life like a game. Which means to create the best game mechanics (aka systems). Everyone running alongside Usain bolt have the same goal (to finish first), but they don't win because they don't have the best systems. I’ll help you with creating your own systems on Level Up. You'll: Access powerful tools. Get exclusive content. Receive one-on-one support. Build lasting habits and achieve your goals. Schedule a 1-on-1 with me here: https://forms.gle/GEWLSKeEQczKokru6 The Truth About Respect The Truth About Respect You don't want fame, you want respect. What you want isn't respect from others. It's self-respect. You crave respect from others because you don’t truly respect yourself. It’s hard to respect yourself when you know the truth about your actions—you know you’ve lied to yourself. You said you’d do things and didn’t. You promised yourself you’d get it done, but instead, you slept. You told yourself you'd change, but you didn’t. So, your own self doesn’t respect you for this. The Illusion of External Respect The Illusion of External Respect You don’t want respect from everyone. You want respect from the people you respect. Because if they respect you, it feels like proof that you can respect yourself. But it’s an illusion. You can only gain genuine confidence and respect by being consistent with yourself. No one else can give that to you. The Nature of Confidence The Nature of Confidence Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations at the mirror. If you were truly confident, you wouldn’t need to tell yourself—you’d have evidence of your confidence stacked up like trophies. You’re not confident because you don’t trust yourself. And you don’t trust yourself because you’re not consistent. Confidence is built on trust. The more certain you are that you’ll follow through, the more confidence you’ll have. Truth is something that, once you see it, you can’t unsee. Confidence is the amount of certainty you have that something won’t change—and that starts with your own behavior. The Power of Consistency The Power of Consistency Consistency is repeating a behavior frequently enough to create trust—first with yourself, and then with others. The more consistent you are, the more trustworthy you become, both in your eyes and in the eyes of others. Build enough undeniable proof that you follow through, and you’ll begin to trust yourself. Do what you say you’ll do. Don’t rely on external validation for your confidence and respect. The Role of Others The Role of Others Others can provide useful, unbiased feedback, but they can’t tell you the whole truth because they don’t know your internal state. External feedback is just a supplement to your internal knowledge. In the end, only you know whether you’ve truly done your best. Self-respect and confidence come from knowing you’ve done everything you could, not from what others think. The Paradox of Consistency The Paradox of Consistency You’re not consistent because you assume life is stable and unchanging. But in reality, the only thing that’s consistent is change. You procrastinate because you trust that you’ll be able to do it tomorrow. But that trust is misplaced—you won’t be the same person tomorrow. That’s why you sometimes hate yourself or wish you knew what you’ve learned now five years ago. The Public Toilet Method The Public Toilet Method Your life is a relay race of consciousness. The version of you today is responsible only for today. Tomorrow, a different version takes over. Think of a public toilet. If you slack off today and leave a mess, tomorrow’s version of you will likely do the same, because it’s harder to clean up someone else’s mess. The cycle continues, getting worse over time. Are you going to have fun now and screw over your future self, or make things easier for the next version of you? Love is how much you’re willing to sacrifice to maintain a relationship. To truly love yourself, you must be willing to sacrifice short-term pleasure today, so that tomorrow’s version of you has a cleaner start. The more you slack off, the harder it gets for the future you. If You Don’t Do It Now, You Never Will If You Don’t Do It Now, You Never Will Power is the distance between your thoughts and reality. If you want to be powerful, close the gap between thinking about something and actually doing it. The current version of you is the only one that wants to do it. The next version of you might not—that’s why you’ve quit habits or abandoned goals in the past. Fortunately, you can control the next version of yourself. Just like your body turns pizza and spaghetti into teeth and eyeballs, what you do with what you eat determines what your body becomes. Likewise, what you read and do with the information you consume shapes your mind. If you’re not obsessing over the actions that shape your future, you’re not truly committed to becoming who you want to be. You can live your life how you want—I’m just here to tell you the consequences of the actions you take. If you don’t do the work today, you lose control of who you become tomorrow. Discipline Discipline Discipline comes from clarity, not force. You’re not disciplined because the "perceived" pain of not achieving your goals isn’t as strong as the "perceived" pleasure you get from distractions. To be disciplined, fix your perception of pain and pleasure. Write down your reasons to stay focused and revisit them frequently so they stay top of mind. You need reminders more than you need new information. Each time you give in to distractions, the harder it becomes to stop. Write that down as one of your reasons to quit. The intensity of your reasons to stay focused must outweigh the pleasure of distractions at any given moment. You didn't do the next push up because the reasons to continue have faded. The Actual Purpose of a Goal The Actual Purpose of a Goal Everyone tells you to set goals, but no one tells you why. Let’s clear up some misconceptions: 1. A goal isn’t "where you want to be in 5 years." That’s just fantasy. 2. A goal is what a better life looks like. 3. You don’t rise to your goals, you fall to your systems. 4. The more you tell people about your goals, the less likely you are to achieve them because talking about them releases dopamine in your brain, like you’ve already succeeded. 5. Goals are infinite, but your time and energy are finite. Be slow to set goals, quick to work on them. 6. You need only one big goal. A collection of small goals is not "one big goal". If it fills 2 pages, it’s too small. A big goal fits a sentence. 7. You’ll never achieve most of your small goals that are long term, because on your way to achieving them, the future you will change them. 8. If you have more than one main goal, you haven't found a big goal. 9. The ONLY purpose of a goal is to make your brain more attentive to things that help you survive or improve the quality of your life. The way you notice a restaurant that's always been there, just because you're hungry. That's ALL it's good for. Any other reasons are illusions. Practical Conclusion Practical Conclusion Ultimately, self-respect isn’t something you get from others. It’s something you build by living in alignment with your values and keeping promises to yourself. The first step is to break your goals into simple, daily tasks. Think of each task as a “level” in a game. The more levels you complete, the closer you get to mastery. For example, if your goal is to build an app, break it down into simple, achievable tasks. Each task brings you closer to the final product, and you make progress daily. The Role of Pain and Pleasure in Discipline The Role of Pain and Pleasure in Discipline When you procrastinate, it’s because the short-term pleasure of distraction outweighs the long-term pain of not achieving your goals. Reverse this dynamic by making distractions immediately painful. For example, every time you snooze your alarm, pay a friend a significant amount of money. This brings the pain of procrastination into the present. You can also make completing tasks easier by setting up your environment for success. Move your alarm across the room so you have to get up. Lay out your workout clothes the night before. Reduce the friction between you and your goals. Increase the friction between you and distractions. And don’t forget rewards. After hitting milestones, give yourself small rewards to tie pleasure to progress. But make sure the reward enhances your journey, not derails it. Turning Life Into an Irresistible Game Turning Life Into an Irresistible Game You can make consistency easier by treating your life like a game. Which means to create the best game mechanics (aka systems). Everyone running alongside Usain bolt have the same goal (to finish first), but they don't win because they don't have the best systems. I’ll help you with creating your own systems on Level Up . You'll: Level Up Access powerful tools. Get exclusive content. Receive one-on-one support. Build lasting habits and achieve your goals. Schedule a 1-on-1 with me here: https://forms.gle/GEWLSKeEQczKokru6

Why You're Not Consistent: the Equation for Consistency, Confidence, Discipline, Self Respect

AI is the buzzword everyone’s throwing around, but does it really live up to the hype? The truth is that AI is just another tool in the digital toolbox. It’s not the AI itself that changes the game—it’s how we use it to solve complex problems, scale human effort, and empower creativity. The real innovation comes from people—the ones asking the right questions and pushing boundaries with AI. Want to disrupt the status quo? Focus on human insights, not algorithms. AI Is Not a Silver Bullet We’ve seen this pattern before: as soon as a technology becomes mainstream, it ceases to be a differentiator. Once heralded as the future, AI is now on the same path. But here’s where many go wrong: They think integrating AI into their products will instantly catapult them to success. The reality? If everyone has access to the same technology, then where’s the competitive edge? Instead of treating AI like a magical solution, recognize it for what it is—a highly capable assistant. It can analyze data at unprecedented speeds, automate mundane tasks, and uncover hidden patterns. But it won’t conjure up a winning strategy or envision breakthrough concepts. That part? Still very much human. What Actually Drives Innovation? History’s greatest technological leaps weren’t driven by technology alone. It’s always been about contextual adaptation—using tools to transform industries, create new business models, and change human behavior. The smartphone revolution wasn’t just about hardware. It was about how we reimagined communication, commerce, and connectivity. AI is no different. Here’s what truly matters: Strategic implementation: How you align AI with business goals is what counts. Are you using AI to simply replace existing processes, or are you enhancing your ability to make better decisions? Problem framing: AI’s effectiveness hinges on the quality of the problems it’s tasked to solve. Knowing what to ask is more powerful than how many data points you can feed it. People and Culture: Organizations that innovate successfully focus on upskilling teams, nurturing creative thinking, and fostering a culture of curiosity. The Human Factor: Where True Value Lies AI might be able to beat grandmasters at chess, but it still can’t come up with why you should play chess in the first place. It’s humans who define purpose, context, and ethical considerations. The companies that thrive will be those that invest in people—hiring diverse thinkers, enabling cross-disciplinary collaboration, and empowering employees to use AI as a launchpad, not a crutch. The Bottom Line: Human-Driven AI Wins So, is AI useless? Far from it. But the obsession with AI as a standalone solution is misplaced. The true winners will be those who blend human expertise and AI capabilities to unlock new opportunities. AI isn’t the star of the show; it’s a backstage crew member making sure the spotlight shines where it should. In other words, focus less on the technology itself, and more on the humans harnessing its potential. That’s where the real magic happens. AI is the buzzword everyone’s throwing around, but does it really live up to the hype? The truth is that AI is just another tool in the digital toolbox. It’s not the AI itself that changes the game—it’s how we use it to solve complex problems, scale human effort, and empower creativity. The real innovation comes from people —the ones asking the right questions and pushing boundaries with AI. Want to disrupt the status quo? Focus on human insights , not algorithms. people human insights AI Is Not a Silver Bullet AI Is Not a Silver Bullet We’ve seen this pattern before: as soon as a technology becomes mainstream, it ceases to be a differentiator. Once heralded as the future, AI is now on the same path. But here’s where many go wrong: They think integrating AI into their products will instantly catapult them to success. The reality? If everyone has access to the same technology, then where’s the competitive edge? Instead of treating AI like a magical solution, recognize it for what it is—a highly capable assistant . It can analyze data at unprecedented speeds, automate mundane tasks, and uncover hidden patterns. But it won’t conjure up a winning strategy or envision breakthrough concepts. That part? Still very much human. assistant What Actually Drives Innovation? What Actually Drives Innovation? History’s greatest technological leaps weren’t driven by technology alone. It’s always been about contextual adaptation —using tools to transform industries, create new business models, and change human behavior. The smartphone revolution wasn’t just about hardware. It was about how we reimagined communication, commerce, and connectivity. AI is no different. contextual adaptation Here’s what truly matters: Strategic implementation: How you align AI with business goals is what counts. Are you using AI to simply replace existing processes, or are you enhancing your ability to make better decisions? Strategic implementation: How you align AI with business goals is what counts. Are you using AI to simply replace existing processes, or are you enhancing your ability to make better decisions? Strategic implementation: Problem framing: AI’s effectiveness hinges on the quality of the problems it’s tasked to solve. Knowing what to ask is more powerful than how many data points you can feed it. Problem framing: AI’s effectiveness hinges on the quality of the problems it’s tasked to solve. Knowing what to ask is more powerful than how many data points you can feed it. Problem framing: what People and Culture: Organizations that innovate successfully focus on upskilling teams, nurturing creative thinking, and fostering a culture of curiosity. People and Culture: Organizations that innovate successfully focus on upskilling teams, nurturing creative thinking, and fostering a culture of curiosity. People and Culture: The Human Factor: Where True Value Lies The Human Factor: Where True Value Lies AI might be able to beat grandmasters at chess, but it still can’t come up with why you should play chess in the first place. It’s humans who define purpose, context, and ethical considerations. The companies that thrive will be those that invest in people —hiring diverse thinkers, enabling cross-disciplinary collaboration, and empowering employees to use AI as a launchpad, not a crutch. why people The Bottom Line: Human-Driven AI Wins The Bottom Line: Human-Driven AI Wins So, is AI useless? Far from it. But the obsession with AI as a standalone solution is misplaced. The true winners will be those who blend human expertise and AI capabilities to unlock new opportunities. AI isn’t the star of the show; it’s a backstage crew member making sure the spotlight shines where it should. In other words, focus less on the technology itself, and more on the humans harnessing its potential. That’s where the real magic happens. humans

Why AI Doesn’t Matter (What Actually Does) 

Content marketing. Everyone talks about it, but it feels like something only consumer brands truly crack. Put a glossy video of photogenic influencers in shiny shoes on TikTok, and watch the hearts build up. But for tech startups—especially if you’re building something niche or complex—content marketing feels like scaling Everest with nothing but flip-flops. (Yeah, automation isn’t the sexiest thing to slap on Instagram.) Approaching content marketing the wrong way means diving headfirst into some big, nebulous time-suck-spaghetti-mess of blog posts, emails, and social media updates that make a lot of noise but get you nowhere. BUT good content marketing is the thing that can turn a scrappy startup into a force of nature. Ask Figma how they got on the map. Or Robinhood—Market Snacks (now TBOY), anyone? What you need is a strategy that doesn’t just fill space but fills your sales pipeline. I’ll break down my 4-STAGE FRAMEWORK that’ll turn your content from the digital equivalent of a tumbleweed into a traffic-driving, lead-generating, conversion-inducing machine. (I’ll cover each step in detail with examples in my next posts. And yes, this framework has helped real humans in the past.) The I.D.E.A. Framework Stage 1: Identify & Map Your Audience’s Beliefs Humans don’t act based on logic. If they did, we’d all have six-pack abs, perfectly organized inboxes, and zero impulse buys on our credit cards. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) we act based on beliefs—and that’s where your content needs to start. Your audience isn’t buying your SaaS tool because you’ve dazzled them with advanced features and polished webpages. They’re buying it because they believe those features will make their life easier, their work more productive, or their future brighter. Consumer tech is a great place to look for examples of highly advanced tech falling on deaf ears due to belief misalignment. (Remember a certain pair of glasses?) So, here’s how to get people’s beliefs on your side. Identify existing beliefs: What does your audience think right now? What are the misconceptions or myths floating around? You need to pinpoint both the beliefs that work in your favor and the ones that hold people back.
Determine what they need to believe: For every step in your funnel, there’s at least one belief your audience needs to have in order to move to the next stage. It could be as simple as “I need to be more efficient” to “this product will make me look like a genius at work.” It’s your job to map that belief journey and strategically nudge them forward.
Make the map: Easy. Simple table. First row – stage of funnel. Second row – beliefs needed at each stage. Third row – platforms you’re likely to engage your audience on. (You’ll need to use these platforms in Stage 3).
Validate your map: Don’t assume you know everything about your audience (even if you’ve got a cool job title). Use focus groups, surveys, or just talk to people. Validate your belief map before you start writing articles or producing videos that no one will care about. Stage 2: Distill Themes From Beliefs Once you’ve got the belief map, you’re not just going to throw out random blog posts and hope someone cares. That’s like hosting a dinner party and serving your guests lukewarm pizza—you can do better. But here’s where most companies get stuck—they focus too narrowly on the surface-level objections. If your audience believes “automation is for the big guns only,” your instinct might be to counter that with a list of case studies, or (even worse) spam them with posts about your affordable pricing plans. Wrong approach. All that does is trap you in an endless cycle of defensiveness. (And there are only so many case studies you can write before being diagnosed with creative block.) Instead, look all those beliefs you’ve pinpointed and ask yourself: what’s connecting these beliefs? Maybe it’s a fear of change, maybe it’s a desire for efficiency. From there, you can distill bigger themes that turn your content from a scattered trail of breadcrumbs into a full-blown, seven-course feast—complete with dessert that nobody saw coming. Taking the automation example: shift the conversation from “small companies can automate, too” to something much bigger, like “Automation & The Future of Work.” Now you’re not arguing with your audience, but opening the door to a much broader discussion, and endless content permutations. Stage 3: Establish Your Content Plan This is where the urge to rush into brainstorming hits—usually ends with the team locked in a room with a whiteboard and lots of takeout. But don’t confuse activity with progress. Before you dive into the brainstorming frenzy, focus on these three steps. Context is king: Forget “content is king”—it’s not. Context is. You don’t want your content performing Shakespeare in a fast-food joint—misplaced brilliance helps no one. This is why adding platforms in your belief map is crucial. Each stage of the funnel needs content tailored to both the belief(s) and the right platform. Go to your belief map and zero in on the top 1-2 platforms where your audience is spending time.
Research what works: Look at content that’s killing it. Not just at your competitors, not just in your industry—anyone who’s nailing it with your target audience. If they’re a fan of Uncle Roger or something, go investigate. What formats, tones, styles, camera angles are grabbing attention? Also, algorithms don’t just vary by platform. They vary within platforms—what flies on YouTube search won’t work in the feed. Know the game you’re playing.
Now go brainstorm: But don’t go wild—keep your ideas tight and focused on those themes you established earlier. And here’s where AI can give you a hand—don’t be afraid to use tools to spark your creativity. We’re all secretly cyborgs anyway at this point. (Maybe a post on AI later). Stage 4: Act, Adapt, Iterate—Fast You don’t need to be perfect. As a startup, your superpower is that you can move fast and forget about apologizing. Your content doesn’t need to look like it was produced by a full creative agency with drones and 4K cameras. Be scrappy. People love scrappy. Test, iterate, and repeat. Throw content out there, see what gets people clicking, learn what the algorithms have an appetite for, and rapidly adjust from there. If you’re waiting for the perfect strategy before hitting “publish,” you’ll be waiting forever. Besides, no one EVER nails the strategy from the get-go. If you’re not surprised by the initial results, then you’re probably doing something wrong. But have at least a month’s worth of content ready to go before you launch. Consistency is what’s going to keep you top of mind—not one brilliant blog post every three months. The more regularly you show up, the more likely people will start to pay attention. Wrapping It Up Content marketing is less about filling space and more about filling minds with the right beliefs. You’ve got to shift your audience from skeptical to sold, and this 4-stage framework will get you there. Map your audience’s beliefs. Extract compelling themes. Create content that fits where they are. And move fast enough to leave your competition wondering what just happened. Do that, and you’ll not only have their attention—you’ll have their business. Content marketing . Everyone talks about it, but it feels like something only consumer brands truly crack. Put a glossy video of photogenic influencers in shiny shoes on TikTok, and watch the hearts build up. But for tech startups—especially if you’re building something niche or complex— content marketing feels like scaling Everest with nothing but flip-flops . (Yeah, automation isn’t the sexiest thing to slap on Instagram.) Content marketing content marketing feels like scaling Everest with nothing but flip-flops Approaching content marketing the wrong way means diving headfirst into some big, nebulous time-suck-spaghetti-mess of blog posts, emails, and social media updates that make a lot of noise but get you nowhere. BUT good content marketing is the thing that can turn a scrappy startup into a force of nature . Ask Figma how they got on the map. Or Robinhood—Market Snacks (now TBOY), anyone? BUT good content marketing is the thing that can turn a scrappy startup into a force of nature a force of nature What you need is a strategy that doesn’t just fill space but fills your sales pipeline. I’ll break down my 4-STAGE FRAMEWORK that’ll turn your content from the digital equivalent of a tumbleweed into a traffic-driving, lead-generating, conversion-inducing machine. (I’ll cover each step in detail with examples in my next posts. And yes, this framework has helped real humans in the past.) What you need is a strategy that doesn’t just fill space but fills your sales pipeline. I’ll break down my 4-STAGE FRAMEWORK that’ll turn your content from the digital equivalent of a tumbleweed into a traffic-driving, lead-generating, conversion-inducing machine. (I’ll cover each step in detail with examples in my next posts. And yes, this framework has helped real humans in the past.) What you need is a strategy that doesn’t just fill space but fills your sales pipeline. 4-STAGE FRAMEWORK 4-STAGE FRAMEWORK traffic-driving, lead-generating, conversion-inducing machine. traffic-driving, lead-generating, conversion-inducing machine. The I.D.E.A. Framework The I.D.E.A. Framework The I.D.E.A. Framework Stage 1: Identify & Map Your Audience’s Beliefs Stage 1: Identify & Map Your Audience’s Beliefs Humans don’t act based on logic. If they did, we’d all have six-pack abs, perfectly organized inboxes, and zero impulse buys on our credit cards. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) we act based on beliefs—and that’s where your content needs to start. Your audience isn’t buying your SaaS tool because you’ve dazzled them with advanced features and polished webpages. They’re buying it because they believe those features will make their life easier, their work more productive, or their future brighter. Consumer tech is a great place to look for examples of highly advanced tech falling on deaf ears due to belief misalignment . (Remember a certain pair of glasses?) believe believe believe belief misalignment So, here’s how to get people’s beliefs on your side. So, here’s how to get people’s beliefs on your side. Identify existing beliefs: What does your audience think right now? What are the misconceptions or myths floating around? You need to pinpoint both the beliefs that work in your favor and the ones that hold people back. Determine what they need to believe: For every step in your funnel, there’s at least one belief your audience needs to have in order to move to the next stage. It could be as simple as “I need to be more efficient” to “this product will make me look like a genius at work.” It’s your job to map that belief journey and strategically nudge them forward. Make the map: Easy. Simple table. First row – stage of funnel. Second row – beliefs needed at each stage. Third row – platforms you’re likely to engage your audience on. (You’ll need to use these platforms in Stage 3). Validate your map: Don’t assume you know everything about your audience (even if you’ve got a cool job title). Use focus groups, surveys, or just talk to people. Validate your belief map before you start writing articles or producing videos that no one will care about. Identify existing beliefs: What does your audience think right now? What are the misconceptions or myths floating around? You need to pinpoint both the beliefs that work in your favor and the ones that hold people back. Identify existing beliefs: Determine what they need to believe: For every step in your funnel, there’s at least one belief your audience needs to have in order to move to the next stage. It could be as simple as “I need to be more efficient” to “this product will make me look like a genius at work.” It’s your job to map that belief journey and strategically nudge them forward. Determine what they need to believe: Make the map: Easy. Simple table. First row – stage of funnel. Second row – beliefs needed at each stage. Third row – platforms you’re likely to engage your audience on. (You’ll need to use these platforms in Stage 3). Make the map: platforms Validate your map: Don’t assume you know everything about your audience (even if you’ve got a cool job title). Use focus groups, surveys, or just talk to people. Validate your belief map before you start writing articles or producing videos that no one will care about. Validate your map: Stage 2: Distill Themes From Beliefs Stage 2: Distill Themes From Beliefs Stage 2: Distill Themes From Beliefs Once you’ve got the belief map, you’re not just going to throw out random blog posts and hope someone cares. That’s like hosting a dinner party and serving your guests lukewarm pizza—you can do better. But here’s where most companies get stuck— they focus too narrowly on the surface-level objections . If your audience believes “automation is for the big guns only,” your instinct might be to counter that with a list of case studies, or (even worse) spam them with posts about your affordable pricing plans. Wrong approach . All that does is trap you in an endless cycle of defensiveness. (And there are only so many case studies you can write before being diagnosed with creative block.) they focus too narrowly on the surface-level objections Wrong approach Instead, look all those beliefs you’ve pinpointed and ask yourself: what’s connecting these beliefs? Maybe it’s a fear of change, maybe it’s a desire for efficiency. From there, you can distill bigger themes that turn your content from a scattered trail of breadcrumbs into a full-blown, seven-course feast—complete with dessert that nobody saw coming . Taking the automation example: shift the conversation from “small companies can automate, too” to something much bigger, like “Automation & The Future of Work.” Now you’re not arguing with your audience, but opening the door to a much broader discussion, and endless content permutations. what’s connecting these beliefs? what’s connecting these beliefs? distill bigger themes that turn your content from a scattered trail of breadcrumbs into a full-blown, seven-course feast—complete with dessert that nobody saw coming Stage 3: Establish Your Content Plan Stage 3: Establish Your Content Plan Stage 3: Establish Your Content Plan This is where the urge to rush into brainstorming hits—usually ends with the team locked in a room with a whiteboard and lots of takeout. But don’t confuse activity with progress. Before you dive into the brainstorming frenzy, focus on these three steps . Before you dive into the brainstorming frenzy, focus on these three steps Context is king: Forget “content is king”—it’s not. Context is. You don’t want your content performing Shakespeare in a fast-food joint—misplaced brilliance helps no one. This is why adding platforms in your belief map is crucial. Each stage of the funnel needs content tailored to both the belief(s) and the right platform. Go to your belief map and zero in on the top 1-2 platforms where your audience is spending time. Research what works: Look at content that’s killing it. Not just at your competitors, not just in your industry—anyone who’s nailing it with your target audience. If they’re a fan of Uncle Roger or something, go investigate. What formats, tones, styles, camera angles are grabbing attention? Also, algorithms don’t just vary by platform. They vary within platforms—what flies on YouTube search won’t work in the feed. Know the game you’re playing. Now go brainstorm: But don’t go wild—keep your ideas tight and focused on those themes you established earlier. And here’s where AI can give you a hand—don’t be afraid to use tools to spark your creativity. We’re all secretly cyborgs anyway at this point. (Maybe a post on AI later). Context is king: Forget “content is king”—it’s not. Context is. You don’t want your content performing Shakespeare in a fast-food joint—misplaced brilliance helps no one. This is why adding platforms in your belief map is crucial. Each stage of the funnel needs content tailored to both the belief(s) and the right platform. Go to your belief map and zero in on the top 1-2 platforms where your audience is spending time. Context is king: Forget “content is king”—it’s not. Context is. Research what works: Look at content that’s killing it. Not just at your competitors, not just in your industry— anyone who’s nailing it with your target audience . If they’re a fan of Uncle Roger or something, go investigate. What formats, tones, styles, camera angles are grabbing attention? Also, algorithms don’t just vary by platform. They vary within platforms —what flies on YouTube search won’t work in the feed. Know the game you’re playing. Research what works: anyone who’s nailing it with your target audience vary within platforms Now go brainstorm: But don’t go wild—keep your ideas tight and focused on those themes you established earlier. And here’s where AI can give you a hand—don’t be afraid to use tools to spark your creativity. We’re all secretly cyborgs anyway at this point. (Maybe a post on AI later). Now go brainstorm: tight and focused Stage 4: Act, Adapt, Iterate—Fast Stage 4: Act, Adapt, Iterate—Fast Stage 4: Act, Adapt, Iterate—Fast You don’t need to be perfect. As a startup, your superpower is that you can move fast and forget about apologizing . Your content doesn’t need to look like it was produced by a full creative agency with drones and 4K cameras. Be scrappy. People love scrappy. move fast and forget about apologizing Test, iterate, and repeat. Throw content out there, see what gets people clicking, learn what the algorithms have an appetite for, and rapidly adjust from there. If you’re waiting for the perfect strategy before hitting “publish,” you’ll be waiting forever. Besides, no one EVER nails the strategy from the get-go. If you’re not surprised by the initial results, then you’re probably doing something wrong . If you’re not surprised by the initial results, then you’re probably doing something wrong But have at least a month’s worth of content ready to go before you launch. Consistency is what’s going to keep you top of mind—not one brilliant blog post every three months. The more regularly you show up, the more likely people will start to pay attention . at least a month’s worth of content ready The more regularly you show up, the more likely people will start to pay attention Wrapping It Up Wrapping It Up Content marketing is less about filling space and more about filling minds with the right beliefs. You’ve got to shift your audience from skeptical to sold, and this 4-stage framework will get you there. Content marketing is less about filling space and more about filling minds with the right beliefs. You’ve got to shift your audience from skeptical to sold, and this 4-stage framework will get you there. Map your audience’s beliefs. Extract compelling themes. Create content that fits where they are. And move fast enough to leave your competition wondering what just happened. Do that, and you’ll not only have their attention—you’ll have their business. Do that, and you’ll not only have their attention—you’ll have their business.

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