The pursuit of crazy ideas is much needed In our current world of copy and paste.
How many times have we heard companies say they want to be like Apple…
They want to look like Apple.
They want to sound like Apple.
They want to be Apple.
What truly defines Apple and similar innovators isn't just aesthetics or branding. It's about a cultural mindset that embraces the unknown and outlandish ideas.
This ethos, captured in Apple's famous 1997 manifesto by Lee Clow, Rob Siltanen, and the TBWA\Chiat\Day team, intersects with 'crazy enough' thinking in innovation and leadership."
“Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
It’s time to be Apple by being crazy enough to be different than Apple.
The Future of Work: 24 Trends Shaping the Workday in 2024
Buckle up, because the world of work is about to undergo a major transformation! From robots taking over your chores to the continuation of virtual colleagues joining your team from across the globe, the next few years will be filled with exciting and innovative changes.
Here are 24 key trends that are set to revolutionize your workday in 2024:
Tech Takeover:
1. AI Integration: Say goodbye to repetitive tasks and hello to your new AI teammate who'll handle scheduling meetings, crunching numbers, and much more.
Read more about the impact of AI in the workplace
2. Hyperautomation: Robots are joining the workforce, taking over manual labor and freeing up your time for more creative and strategic tasks.
Learn more about the rise of hyperautomation
3. Decentralized Work Platforms: Blockchain technology is opening up new possibilities for collaboration and project management, allowing you to work with anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Explore the potential of decentralized work platforms
4. The Metaverse for Work: Get ready for immersive virtual and augmented reality environments where you can collaborate, train, and even hold meetings with colleagues from around the world.
Discover the possibilities of the metaverse for work
5. Quantum Computing for Business: Brace yourself for a revolution in complex problem-solving and data analysis. Quantum computing will tackle previously unsolvable problems and accelerate innovation across various industries.
Read more about the potential of quantum computing in business:
Hybrid Work
Work-Life Remix:
6. The Rise of Remote Work: The daily commute is becoming a thing of the past as remote work continues to rise in popularity. Enjoy the flexibility and freedom of working from anywhere you choose.
Explore the benefits of remote work
7. Hybrid Work Model: Embrace the best of both worlds with the hybrid work model, which combines remote work with occasional in-person collaboration.
Discover the advantages of a hybrid work approach:
8. The Great Resignation Continues: People are prioritizing their well-being and career fulfillment, leading to increased job-hopping and pushing companies to offer better benefits and flexible work arrangements.
Learn more about the Great Resignation
9. The Gig Economy is Booming: Take control of your career with freelance and temporary work opportunities. The gig economy is booming, offering greater flexibility and autonomy to workers.
Explore the rise of the gig economy
10. Focus on Employee Well-being: Companies are prioritizing mental health support, flexible schedules, and wellness programs, recognizing that happy employees are productive employees.
Read more about the importance of employee well-being
Workforce Evolution:
11. Upskilling and Reskilling are Key: Stay competitive in the ever-changing job market by continuously learning and developing new skills. Discover the benefits of upskilling and reskilling: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2022/07/27/evolving-upskilling-and-reskilling-needs-three-tips-for-staying-ahead-of-the-curve/
12. The Rise of the Multigenerational Workforce: Managing a diverse workforce with different work styles and expectations requires inclusive leadership and a focus on creating a sense of belonging.
Learn more about managing a multigenerational workforce
13. Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected is a top priority for organizations.
Explore the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace
14. The Rise of the Creator Economy: Employees are leveraging their skills and knowledge to create and monetize their own content, leading to new career paths and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Discover the possibilities of the creator economy
Sustainability and Ethics:
15. Sustainable Work Practices: Companies are adopting sustainable practices like energy efficiency and waste reduction to protect the environment.
Read more about sustainable work practices
16. Focus on Ethical AI: Ensuring AI is developed and used responsibly is crucial to address concerns about bias and fairness.
Learn more about ethical AI
17. The Rise of Gamification: Work is getting a fun twist! Expect to see point systems, badges, and leaderboards incorporated into tasks and activities to boost engagement and motivation.
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18. Embracing Biophilic Design: Offices are becoming more nature-inspired, incorporating natural elements like plants, sunlight, and natural materials. This trend improves employee wellbeing, creativity, and productivity.
19. Wellness Wednesdays and Mindfulness Moments: Companies are prioritizing employee well-being by offering dedicated time for mental health and relaxation. This can include meditation sessions, yoga classes, or simply designated "unplug" time.
20. Experiential Learning and Unconventional Training: Forget traditional lectures and PowerPoints. Training is getting creative with immersive simulations, escape rooms, and role-playing scenarios to boost engagement and knowledge retention.
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21. Workplace Hackathons and Innovation Days: Unleash your creativity and problem-solving skills through hackathons and innovation days dedicated to collaboration and rapid prototyping.
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22. The Rise of the Fractional C-Suite: Get access to top-tier leadership on a part-time or project basis, without the full-time commitment.
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23. Gamified Performance Reviews: Performance reviews are getting a makeover with interactive elements, real-time feedback, and self-assessment tools to make them more engaging and transparent.
24. Focus on the Human-Machine Collaboration: As technology advances, the focus will shift towards understanding how humans and machines can best work together to achieve optimal results. This will involve developing new skills and strategies for collaboration, communication, and trust-building.
These 24 trends paint a vivid picture of the dynamic and exciting future of work. With technology evolving at an unprecedented pace, workplaces are transforming to become more flexible, diverse, sustainable, and, yes, even fun! As we move into 2024, buckle up and embrace the exciting opportunities that arise from this transformative era. The future of work is here, and it's time to make it work for everyone.
7 Ways AI and LLMs are Revolutionizing Marketing - How are you using them?
Artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) are revolutionizing the way marketers approach their work. These technologies provide marketers with powerful tools to analyze data, create personalized experiences, and optimize campaigns for better results. In this blog post, we'll explore the top 7 marketing uses of AI and LLMs and provide examples of how they can be used to improve marketing efforts.
Language Translation
Language translation is one of the most popular uses of AI and LLMs in marketing. By using machine learning algorithms, marketers can translate their content into multiple languages, allowing them to reach a wider audience. This is particularly useful for companies that operate in multiple countries or regions.
For example, Airbnb uses LLMs to translate listings into multiple languages, making it easier for hosts to reach a global audience and for travelers to find accommodations in their preferred language.
Audience Segmentation
AI and LLMs can also be used to identify and segment different audience groups. By analyzing customer data and behavior, AI algorithms can help marketers identify different segments of their audience and tailor their marketing efforts to each group. This can help to improve engagement and conversions, as well as increase the overall effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
For example, the marketing platform HubSpot uses AI to analyze customer data and create buyer personas, which are used to tailor marketing campaigns to different audience segments.
Personalization
Personalization is another key area where AI and LLMs can help marketers improve their marketing efforts. By using data analysis and machine learning, marketers can create personalized experiences for their customers, tailored to their specific interests and preferences. This can lead to higher engagement and improved customer satisfaction.
For example, Amazon uses AI algorithms to analyze customer behavior and make personalized product recommendations, improving the overall shopping experience for customers.
Content Creation
AI and LLMs can also be used to create content for marketing programs. By analyzing customer data and behavior, AI algorithms can generate content that is tailored to specific audience segments and optimized for maximum impact. This can help marketers to create content that resonates with their audience, while also reducing the time and resources required to create new content.
For example, the news agency Reuters uses LLMs to generate news articles that are tailored to specific audience segments, increasing engagement and driving traffic to their website.
Social Media Management
AI and LLMs can be used to manage social media accounts more effectively. By analyzing social media data and user behavior, AI algorithms can identify the most effective times to post, the best types of content to share, and the optimal frequency of posts. This can help to increase engagement and reach more users.
For example, the social media management platform Hootsuite uses AI to analyze social media data and provide insights into audience behavior, sentiment, and trends. It also offers language translation features, allowing marketers to analyze social media conversations in multiple languages.
Email Marketing
AI and LLMs can also be used to improve email marketing campaigns. By analyzing email data and user behavior, AI algorithms can identify the best times to send emails, the most effective subject lines, and the optimal content to include in emails. This can help to increase open rates, click-through rates, and conversions.
For example, the AI-powered email marketing platform Phrasee uses natural language generation (NLG) to create email subject lines and content that are tailored to specific audiences. It analyzes email data and user behavior to create content that resonates with each segment of the audience, increasing engagement and conversions.
Customer Service
AI and LLMs can also be used to improve customer service. By analyzing customer data and behavior, AI algorithms can provide personalized recommendations and solutions to customer queries, improving satisfaction and reducing response times. This can help to improve the overall customer experience and build brand loyalty.
For example, the AI-powered chatbot platform Ada uses natural language processing (NLP) to understand customer queries and provide accurate responses. It can handle complex queries and provide personalized solutions, improving customer satisfaction and reducing the workload on customer service teams.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AI and LLMs have many applications in marketing, from language translation to audience segmentation, personalization, content creation, social media management, email marketing, and customer service. These technologies provide marketers with powerful tools to analyze data, create personalized experiences, and optimize campaigns for better results. By embracing these technologies and using them in a responsible and ethical manner, marketers can stay ahead of the curve and achieve greater success in the global marketplace.
Welcome to Ideas That Spread!
Ideas That Spread was started over 15 years ago by me Jon Cronin and since that time a LOT has changed. I believe that businesses and the people that run them should strive for something bigger than just making a profit. We should strive to change the world for the better and give back as well as create products and services that revolutionize the way that humanity interacts with each other. My focus is not just on the people and companies that are doing great things from a corporate responsibility standpoint but also people that are making things that will "Change The World".
Please note that anything I post on this site is my opinion and does not reflect the views of my employers or any of my clients.
2017 Innovation Trends
Technology and consumer trends are evolving so quickly, it’s difficult to see what’s next. Here’s a quick 2017 trend report summary to help you navigate the vast sea of change.
Your smartphone battery life is about to double which will help us when we ride 15,000 miles on the world’s longest bike trail in Canada, or when we take a private trip to the the moon with Moon Express, or when we watch the total solar eclipse pass over the US in August - all while checking Instagram Live to see what President Trump is broadcasting from the oval office. Needless to say, 2017 is going to be a wild ride. Get ready people!
AR / VR is quickly becoming mainstream and the ability to layer an augmented virtual experience over a real experience is the future. We will begin to see Pokemon GO like mobile apps in all aspects of our lives. Office, retail, school and public spaces will all allow us to dive deeper into what goes on around us. Imagine a gamified world where we compete against fellow students and coworkers all while learning and experiencing a deeper connection to our environment. Top 20 AR Apps
Marketers must tell stories across all retail touch points and all content must sell by being connected to a direct path to purchase. Retail brands will immerse potential customers into their ecosystem of social content, influencers, product experts, loyalty tools, AI bots and REAL customer service people. The ability to buy at any point online and/or walk out of the store frictionless like Amazon Go will transform retail forever. Stores will feel more like home, inviting people to relax, touch and talk to knowledgeable staff all while incorporating their mobile device in a sophisticated but simple customer experience. The future of retail is the future of technology.
Did you know the world’s population is is almost 7.5 billion and 2.5 of them are on social media? It’s no wonder brands have spent almost 10.9 billion dollars trying to connect with them there. It’s where we all live and social is evolving quickly with each new update of Instagram and Snapchat. Live Video is here and it’s growing more each day. Youtube Live, Instagram Live, Facebook Live, Periscope Pro are front and center and if you don’t have a Live strategy yet you are missing the boat. It’s no longer just pretty pictures, clever copy and beautiful produced video, it’s Live and it’s now. As brands are now publishers, they also need to be Live broadcasters.
Messaging Apps are the holy grail of that one on one connection that marketers salivate for. Getting to the most personal of spaces is a tricky business and Facebook, Apple, WeChat and many others are sending in the bots to take on this challenge. The bots are coming, the bots are coming, everyone open up your Messaging App of choice and let them in because you know, robots are so personal.
Internet of Things: 50 billion “Things” will be on the Internet by 2020. If you have walked into a Best Buy lately you will see that the first section is all IoT related. Connected devices, Wearables, Amazon Echo and Dash buttons, Google Home, Apple Watches, Fitbits, lightbulbs, speakers, locks, security camera’s, refrigerators, toasters, toothbrushes… You name it and its going to be connected to the Internet of Things. If you make anything moving forward it must connect to the IoT or be left behind.
Transformative Spaces - Interactive walls and immersive digital experiences lead by technology are becoming almost expected in the experiential world. Interactive wallpaper, 3D art wall paintings that move, 3D retail touchscreen walls, touch screen kitchens, talking walls, musical walls, sports walls - It's all about transforming spaces with technology and interactivity baby. http://www.trendhunter.com/slideshow/interactive-walls
I spent my Thanksgiving yelling over my nephew and son trying to control Alexa. They wanted her/it to play “My House” at volume level 6 and I wanted “Holiday Music” at level 3. It was fun and annoying at the same time and much like yelling at my Xbox for the past three years, only this time she/it talked back to me. My sister says she uses it to order things all the time from Amazon and now I’m stuffing stockings this year with Google Home and Amazon Echo's, including one for myself. Even though we have Siri with us at all time, we love the idea of yelling across the room to a AI speaker. Much like bots, voice activated AI is the future. “Computer, set a course for the future...”
Happy Holidays Everyone!
*Warning - Pinterest is highly addictive and should be taken seriously*
Pinterest is heating up and it’s addicting! The visual bookmarking site or virtual pinboard allows people to “pin”, share and organize digital images (theirs and/or others) in a compelling and interesting way. Think of it as Google Images organized and personalized for the social era. For marketers this may be the next “useful” shiny object to dive into. -Why should you care?- We are all a little bored with the standard way to view an image on Facebook and frankly they can’t organize images very well. Pinterest allows you to build a beautiful, simple and organized visual library that is extremely search friendly. This doesn't mean stop what you’re doing on your existing social channels, but to reconsider how you organize your image based content.
Some of the best uses for Pinterest include: - Know what’s hot! - Stay connected to the latest trends and styles in a myriad of categories - Elevate your brand by connecting all of the visual dots. Your brand imagery is critical to how people perceive your company. Unlike Google Images that provides little or no control, Pinterest allows your to organize the images in a way that is meaningful to you and your brand. - SEO - everyone is raving about how Pinterest is driving qualified traffic to their sites. Etsy claims it’s the number 1 driver of traffic for them. Wow!-While many of the brands that are on Pinterest are home decor, recipes, DIY, fashion, style and fitness related -- the expansion of the site is upon us and you can find almost any category within the “pin-boards.”
According to mashable some of the brands that have already “pinned” a stake in the ground and are doing it well are:-Gilt Home Whole FoodsModClothMartha Stewart Better Homes and GardensReal SimpleBergdorf GoodmanTravel ChannelClub Monaco Rhapsody MusicMashable-Why are they doing it well?According to pinterest they are pinning from various sources across the web and they are engaging with others by repinning (or RTing, liking) from others on the site and as we all know this is key to building relationships and expanding engagement. They also create multiple topic boards to allows people with various interests to connect to them. Mashable has put together a beginners guide for those of you that want to try it!
What are your thoughts on Pinterest? Let us know.
What will the new Facebook News Feed changes mean for Brand Pages?
You may have heard that Facebook recently updated their "News Feed" and to no surprise there has been a backlash from their users. Much of this backlash has been around the removal of the option to choose between "Most Important" and "Most Recent" News and the new creation of one consolidated News Feed that automatically aggregates both most recent posts and most relevant. The most relevant posts are now called "Top Stories" and "Most Recent." Facebook has also added a new feature called "Ticker" and this is a real-time feed that sits on the far right hand side of your screen. The big question for marketers is what does this mean for brand pages?Despite some recent posts that state that the changes will not benefit brands, the more I dig into the changes, the more it looks like the new format could be very beneficial for brands. Here's how:1. Social actions you take on a brand page, "like" a post, comment, etc. pop up in real-time in your friends Ticker. Your friend has the option to roll over the Ticker and expand the conversation seamlessly. The fact that a lot of the social actions that may not be the most important news for everyone (status updates, likes, friending and comments) are now real-time in the Ticker offer instant visibility, where before they were often hidden in the cluttered old feed. It gives most social actions an equal opportunity to be seen. Albeit the opportunity is shorter because the ticker moves quickly, but the new dashboard approach taken by Facebook offers people a "Twitter-like” interface while maintaining the ability to have weighted more relevant conversations bubble up to the surface similar to a Google+. 1a. Since many of the social actions are now in the Ticker, I’m seeing more posts by brand pages in the updated News Feed design then in the previous. Because many of the social actions have been removed from the News feed and into the Ticker highlights the brand page posts more in my feed than in the old feed system.[j1] The new cleaner "News Feed" provides significant exposure to brand page posts and this clears the way for more opportunity to engage. It seems like most of the posts in my "Most Recent" feed are brand page updates.2. How do your brand page posts become "Top Stories?" What happens is that when a post by a friend or a brand page becomes "hot" and people are engaged then it moves up to the top. If you check Facebook a couple of times a day then your "Top Stories" go away and it is replaced by the "Most Recent." If you are like me and check Facebook more that once or twice a day, it quickly switches to "Most Recent" news and "Top Stories" fades away. The goal for brands pages is to create enough engagement and update frequently to ensure that you build a great relationship with your fans and that will get you in their "Top Stories." But don't fret if you miss this opportunity, because you can also reach them by posting consistently, but make sure that the content is exciting and relevant as you don't want them to hide your posts. An ultimate goal would be to get your fans to add you to their "Top Stories." This can be done in the little arrow at the upper right corner of each Top Stories" post. Fans have the option of adding you to their "Top Stories." This is what I call the Pandora "Thumbs up" - the more you add things you like to your top news the more content they will share from those sources. It might be as simple as to ask your fans to do this or to make sure you are providing them with the most relevant content that they don't want to miss so they do it on their own.Overall the new changes will take some time to fully digest and evaluate for brand pages, but for now I think that these exciting new developments will only help your chances to build deeper relationships with your fans.