Yes, AI is changing the world of work, and no one knows exactly how this will play out. But we should all be paying close attention to this new and emerging opportunity/threat. I have been testing ChatGPT, the latest breakthrough in AI technology. The answers are interesting, somewhat revealing, and maybe even sometimes suspect. But ignore it at your peril! There is a virtual explosion of software applications that are using this same AI technology to solve the full range of human challenges. Meaning — that it could put you out of work.
In a recent conversation I learned that Deloitte is forecasting that as much of 50 % of the workforce will be impacted over the next five years! If you are lucky enough to keep your job at a larger company, the work will be so automated that it will leave little room for your creative talents. Work will continue to be even more meaningless.
Other people will be laid off. They will have to redefine themselves and compete against a growing cadre of the unemployed. I expect that many people will have to work gigs, i.e., freelance, from one task or project to another. People will need to adopt software tools and agile methods to quickly join teams of complementary competencies. In other words, I expect that there will be growing demand for the kinds of support services that Wayfinders is imagining.
I asked ChatGPT this: “What are the top 20 tips for improving small business management efficiency and effectiveness?”
In about five seconds it answered:
ChatGPT
As an AI language model, I have gathered some of the most effective tips for small business management efficiency and effectiveness based on industry best practices and expert opinions. Here are the top 20 tips:
Set clear goals and objectives: Clearly define what you want to achieve and create a roadmap to get there.
Prioritize tasks: Determine what is most important and urgent and tackle those first.
Create a budget: Know how much money you have to work with and where it’s going.
Monitor cash flow: Keep track of incoming and outgoing funds to ensure financial stability.
Automate processes: Utilize technology to streamline tasks and reduce manual labor.
Hire the right employees: Find candidates with the necessary skills and experience to complement your team.
Delegate responsibilities: Assign tasks to employees who have the necessary skills and experience.
Communicate effectively: Provide clear instructions, share feedback, and encourage open dialogue.
Encourage creativity and innovation: Foster an environment that encourages new ideas and solutions.
Use data to make decisions: Analyze data to inform business decisions and track progress.
Develop a marketing strategy: Create a plan to promote your business and attract new customers.
Focus on customer service: Provide excellent customer service to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Network: Build relationships with other business owners, industry professionals, and potential customers.
Embrace change: Be adaptable and willing to adjust strategies and processes as needed.
Manage time effectively: Use time management techniques to stay organized and productive.
Set up a mentorship program: Pair employees with mentors to help them grow professionally.
Provide ongoing training: Offer professional development opportunities to employees to improve skills and knowledge.
Keep up with industry trends: Stay informed about industry news and trends to stay competitive.
Foster a positive company culture: Create an environment that promotes collaboration, respect, and positivity.
Take care of yourself: As a leader, it’s important to prioritize your own well-being to ensure you have the energy and focus to lead effectively.
By implementing these tips, small business owners can improve their management efficiency and effectiveness, leading to increased productivity, profitability, and overall success.
So, not much new, here, but some good reminders for those who have been running a business for a while. If you want to play with ChatGPT for free, you can find it here.
What I always enjoy most this time of year is the mirror of reflection that
turns to a window on the future. Its a time to measure and celebrate successes
and plan for new ones. Its a time to indulge in the memories of good times,
good works and good people. Its then time to project our best intentions and
plot their realization.
Wayfinders has been making great progress of late, thanks to a team of
committed people in their chosen land. I would like to thank them especially, for their contributions to our developing websites:
Darry Heuman and William Fritzberg
have provided a indispensable guidance and leadership through this effort.
Thanks to Dean Heuman and Focus Communication for the use of their meeting
space.
I’d like to thank my fellow board directors for their contributions and
guidance:
Thanks to great facilitation by Bill Moore-Kilganon
we now have a working strategic plan! We worked through the annual financial
statements and now our strategic plan is unfolding.
Thanks to Marie Gervais, Rena Chiovelli and Kirsha Campbell for preparing the important member survey, and Rena Chiovelli for helping with our FB Group and hosting our summer gathering. These are critical components of serving our member’s needs.
Summer Social Gathering at Rena’s home
Spring Mixer at Ricky’s All Day Grill
Leo at trade show booth at EREIC Connector event
Thank you to Fresia Pilquil and Paul Cheung for their
video productions. We can expect to see more of this coming soon.
Ricky’s All Day Grill (back room) , 109 Street and Jasper Avenue
Plenty of free parking
The future is moving target. A lot of people are feeling stressed about
the uncertain future. As self-employed and entrepreneurs, how can you
prepare to do your best work and get the rewards you deserve? Where
are the trends leading us? What forces are driving these trends? Why
should we care? What happens if we do nothing? As self-employed and
entrepreneurs, how do we need to prepare? Randal Adcock will share some of the ideas he’s working on for a new book about the future. Then we’ll open for discussion.
Points on Trends and Responses: • Transformative Innovation – Reframe, re-engineer, redefine yourself and your personal potential • AI and Automation – Small business digital transformation to magnify, amplify and multiple your valued talents • Outsourcing – Gig work opportunities and how to surf the learning curve • Competing with larger corporations – Smart collaboration teams with diverse talents • Accelerating Change – Agile prototype everything, test and scale up • Exponential Growth of Civil Complexity – Focus, simplify, and specialize but also be an informed generalist • Extreme everything – Remember sufficient action, balance, moderation, chi
Raised in Edmonton and calling it his home since completing his degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Alberta and a degree in Architecture at the University of British Columbia. For over 22 years he has been in the land development industry in both greenfield development as well as infill residential construction and project management.
He has also worked at three levels of civil service: the City of Edmonton’s Housing and Homeless Section, the County of Strathcona’s Current Planning Department, and the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Infrastructure. He also has non-profit experience, most recently as the Director of Housing at Homeward Trust Edmonton, which focused on the homeless serving sector.
He brings to his work a keen eye for how people interact with architecture, a love of urban design, combined with a sensitivity to the realities of building construction and maintenance. He continues the trajectory of working in community development with the establishment of the trio of housing affordability companies – the Green Violin Community Development Company, the Rose Cello Affordable Housing Society, and the Prairie Sky Property Management Corporation.
We are excited to introduce our newest member, Krayem Ajjawi, to the Wayfinders community! Krayem brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our network, making him a valuable addition to our group. Get to know more about Krayem and his business, Web Creation 365.
Business Information:
Business Name: Web Creation 365 (Web Solutions & Services)
Krayem brings a diverse set of skills and an impressive professional background to the Wayfinders community. With over 15 years of experience in System Administration, Azure Administration, Database Management, and Development, he is well-versed in the intricacies of IT infrastructure.
In the web industry, Krayem boasts over 15 years of experience, covering everything from web design and development to mastering websites, managing hosting, and domain name administration. He is also skilled in backup and restore procedures for websites and databases.
Furthermore, Krayem has spent 5+ years specializing in Unified Communication, with a focus on Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams Disaster Recovery and Operation Center. He is known for his proactive approach to learning, adapting to emerging trends, and addressing industry requirements to achieve organizational objectives and profitability norms.
Krayem is a highly motivated, positive, and goal-oriented professional who excels at communication, relationship building, and interpersonal skills. His analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities make him a standout addition to our community.
We warmly welcome Krayem Ajjawi to the Wayfinders network and look forward to the valuable insights and contributions he will bring to our community. Feel free to reach out and connect with him personally to explore potential collaborations and opportunities.
This article will provide tips on reducing your risk of being victimized by some of the more common identity theft, fraud, and scam activities used by criminals.
1. Minimize the personal information you give away and reduce access to it. Review legislation in your area to determine what steps businesses and organizations are supposed to use in collecting, securing, using, and disclosing your personal information.
2. Don’t provide personal information to strangers via phone, e-mail, fake websites, pop-up windows, text, or solicitations. Legitimate businesses and organizations will not solicit personal information through those communication systems. If in doubt, call the organization directly to verify the request.
3. Carry important documents only when necessary (especially birth certificate and S.S.N. /S.I.N.). Never carry such items with you unless they will be needed where you’re going. Photocopy the contents of your wallet or purse. This would provide the documentation to rebuild your identity if your wallet or purse is lost or stolen.
4 Limit personal information on social media. Sharing information with friends is dangerous because it could then be shared inadvertently with their friends and then with the friend’s friends, etc. Never answer questions on social media; you may be answering the same questions as were used for security questions
5. Monitor all your accounts monthly, including billing cycles. Criminals may find out which credit cards you use, then send “Change of Address” cards to your credit card company. Your next statement is then mailed to the criminals. They learn much from looking at your statement. Monitor statements for fraudulent transactions – check each statement line by line. Check with your credit card company to confirm how many days you have to report fraudulent charges.
6. Don’t exchange information by texting. A criminal may be using a stolen cell phone to text you for personal information. Never provide texted information without phoning to confirm the request and who is requesting it.
7. Exercise caution online; open only recognizable attachments. Never click on an attachment from an unknown source or from anyone you don’t know and trust. Never click on a pop-up window. Always verify the necessary website, then go to the site – don’t reply when they contact you. Take note of the sending e-mail address; if it isn’t shown on the screen, hover the cursor over the sender and the e-mail address should be shown.
8. Don’t access websites through “Links”. Always phone for the exact website address, then key it directly into the Address Line. Exchange information only when you go to the site, never when the site comes to you. Keying a website into the “Search Line” will give you multiple pages of options, some of which are likely fraudulent
9. Take special precautions with (RFID) Radio Frequency Identification Cards – use metal wallets and be wary of Pin Pads. Criminals use scanners to capture your credit card number as they walk past you or stand next to you. Cell phones are now available with heat-sensitive cameras to photograph a pin pad immediately after you enter your number – they now have your PIN to go along with the card number they just scanned. Enter your PIN with a pen or hold your hand over the PIN pad to warm all numbers.
10. Don’t use remote entry for locking vehicles in urban areas. The radio signal used to lock your vehicle can be captured by a criminal’s receiver, to unlock the vehicle when you are out of sight. Lock the vehicle by pressing the button on the door.
11. Keep key fobs in metal wallets or containers. Radio signal amplifiers are now available to activate the signal between your key and your vehicle when the key is in your pocket or purse up to 300 feet from the vehicle. A metal wallet or container will prevent a radio signal transmission.
12. Clear or destroy photocopier hard drives. Most large commercial copiers and many home models made since 2002 have hard drives which capture every document copied or scanned. Destroy the hard drive or have a technician over-write everything on it before you sell or trade it. Overwriting may be your only option with a leased machine – check with the supplier.
13. In cases of death, notify financial and credit reporting institutions before printing obituaries. Criminals set up fake companies and send invoices to individuals named in obituaries dated a few days before the death. Executors and administrators may pay the invoices, thinking they are legitimate.
14. Be wary of cell phone apps. Most flashlight apps are malware. We recommend downloading any apps only from Google Store or Apple Store to minimize the risk. Many apps have software to capture contact and banking information, activate the camera or microphone, identify GPS locations at any time, etc.
15. Be vigilant when talking to vulnerable friends and relatives who may be lonely or depressed – they may become victims of Romance Fraud. This fraud is usually an online relationship where the couple never meets in person. Ultimately, one party begins to request money from the other. Many victims feel too ashamed or embarrassed to report the fraud
16. Citizens tend to be very afraid of the tax man. The IRS or CRA does not request payment through phone calls or e-mails; they do not ask for payment using I-Tunes gift cards. The newest approaches, starting in 2018, are for the victim to withdraw cash, then go to a Bitcoin terminal and pay the scammers in Bitcoin. Always contact the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) or CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) to verify the legitimacy of any request.
17. Be aware of the security risk of appliances and devices remotely controlled. This is the Internet of Things. (IoT) Technology, such as Home Automation, now has all that information and access available for internet hacking. 1.5 billion devices were attacked in only 6 months according to research by Kaspersky. The most common targets are routers and cameras. Change passwords and double-check security systems – keep them updated.
18. Synthetic Identity is now one of the most popular criminal activities. A criminal may buy parts of your identity on the Black Market, then combine it with parts of their own or another stolen identity to create a completely new “synthetic” identity. The new identity is synthetic, but the elements are from real people, not fictitious – very difficult to trace.
19. Don’t be a victim of any of the dozens of telephone scams. The caller may say you owe taxes; they may advise you that you have won a lottery, but must pay insurance and taxes before receiving the prize; they may say they are with your credit card security and request information; they may say they are from your bank and want to update your account and security information. They may say they are from Microsoft or Windows and advise that you have malware on your device, which they can remove – for a price. Never respond when they contact you!
20. Criminals are setting up websites and accounts that look legitimate for any natural disaster, fire, special charity, or government assistance program. Participating in any way may jeopardize your personal information, your finances, or both. Always contact the legitimate organization directly yourself, never through any solicitation.
21. Malvertising – a new tactic where scammers are using websites that use similar logos, marketing style, and color as those of well-known businesses such as Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair, etc., to advertise products and services. When you click on the site, it automatically downloads malware, hence the term “Malvertising”.
22. Artificial Intelligence is now able to copy the human voice – that means your friends and relatives. Never accept a voice request without ending the conversation. Return the call to your known contact to confirm the legitimacy of that request. Huge risks here with social media hacking!
Don’t be a victim of a fraud or scam:
Remember that legitimate organizations rarely ask for personal information or payment via phone call, e-mail, or text. They will not ask for payment by any form of gift card or Bitcoin; they will not ask that payment be made in a few hours. Never provide personal information, money, or access to money (credit card or banking information) when they contact you – in person, by phone, text, e-mail, pop-up window, or social media. Always verify the legitimacy of the request, preferably by third-party verification before continuing the communication. Report all fraudulent activity to police and government agencies.
Future articles will discuss a variety of identity theft, fraud and scams, along with ways to recognize them to prevent being victimized. Follow me here on Medium to learn more.
Bio: My name is Kevin Douangmany, and I founded The Resplendent Cave with the aim of using tabletop role playing games to build community, provide entertainment and support important causes. I believe that these games can be used as a vehicle to explore religion, culture and society.
The Resplendent Cave focuses on providing large-scale, immersive tabletop role playing for a variety of occasions, such as fundraising events, company team building exercises and private parties. Our roster of professional game masters will lead you through an unforgettable adventure for people of all ages and experiences.
As an entrepreneur in a micro-business, it’s important to focus on key strategies that can help drive your success. Here are twelve tips to consider:
Find your niche: Identify a specific market segment or customer need that you can serve effectively. Specializing in a niche can help you stand out from competitors.
Define your unique value proposition: Clearly articulate what makes your business different and why customers should choose you over others. Highlight your strengths and communicate them effectively.
Build a strong network: Networking is crucial for any entrepreneur. Connect with other professionals, mentors, and potential customers in your industry. Attend relevant events, join industry associations, and engage in online communities.
Embrace digital marketing: Leverage online platforms and digital marketing techniques to reach your target audience. Create a compelling website, utilize social media, and consider content marketing and search engine optimization to increase your online visibility.
Provide excellent customer service: Go above and beyond to delight your customers. Respond promptly to inquiries, address concerns, and consistently deliver a high level of service. Positive word-of-mouth can significantly impact your success.
Foster relationships with suppliers and partners: Establish strong relationships with reliable suppliers and strategic partners who can support your business. Look for mutually beneficial collaborations and explore opportunities for growth together.
Manage your finances wisely: Develop a solid financial plan and keep a close eye on your cash flow. Monitor your expenses, maintain accurate records, and regularly review your financial performance. Seek professional advice if needed.
Embrace innovation: Stay updated on industry trends and technology advancements. Look for ways to innovate and improve your products, services, or processes. Embracing change can give you a competitive edge.
Prioritize time management: As an entrepreneur, your time is most valuable. Focus on activities that drive growth and delegate or automate tasks that can be handled by others or technology. Set goals and establish a routine to optimize your productivity.
Continuously learn and develop: Stay curious and invest in your personal and professional development. Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences. Read books and follow industry thought leaders. Adapt to new skills and knowledge as your business evolves.
Seek feedback and adapt: Regularly gather feedback from customers, employees, and mentors. Listen to their insights and make necessary adjustments to improve your offerings. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to refine your business strategies.
Maintain a positive mindset: Entrepreneurship can be challenging, but maintaining a positive outlook is crucial. Embrace failures as learning opportunities and stay resilient in the face of obstacles. Surround yourself with a supportive network that uplifts and motivates you.
Remember, these tips provide a general guideline, and every micro-business is unique. Adapt and customize them to fit your specific circumstances and industry.
Profile of a Typical Social Entrepreneur and Their Business
By ChatGPT
Name: Sarah Thompson Age: 35 Location: Urban area
Background: Sarah Thompson is a passionate and socially conscious individual driven by a desire to make a positive impact on society. She has a background in business administration and a strong understanding of social issues and sustainable practices. Sarah is a firm believer in the power of entrepreneurship to address social and environmental challenges.
Business: Sarah’s business is a social enterprise called “EcoTech Solutions.” The company focuses on developing and distributing eco-friendly and sustainable technology solutions to address pressing environmental issues. The products offered by EcoTech Solutions range from renewable energy systems to waste management technologies, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting resource efficiency.
Mission and Values: EcoTech Solutions’ mission is to create innovative and sustainable solutions that contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. The company is committed to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability. Sarah’s strong values of environmental conservation, social justice, and community empowerment guide all aspects of the business.
Business Model: EcoTech Solutions follows a hybrid business model, combining elements of a for-profit enterprise and a nonprofit organization. The company generates revenue through product sales and project contracts with government agencies, businesses, and NGOs. A portion of the profits is reinvested in research and development to further improve the company’s offerings, while another portion is directed towards social and environmental initiatives in marginalized communities.
Impact Measurement: Sarah recognizes the importance of measuring and quantifying the social and environmental impact of EcoTech Solutions. The business tracks metrics such as carbon emissions reduced, energy saved, waste diverted, and community empowerment indicators. These impact measurements allow Sarah to assess the effectiveness of her solutions and communicate the social and environmental value created by the business.
Collaborations and Partnerships: EcoTech Solutions actively seeks collaborations and partnerships with like-minded organizations, universities, research institutions, and NGOs. By collaborating with other stakeholders, Sarah aims to leverage collective expertise and resources to tackle complex environmental challenges more effectively.
Challenges and Rewards: As a social entrepreneur, Sarah faces various challenges such as limited access to capital, balancing financial sustainability with social impact, and scaling her business while maintaining its mission-driven focus. However, the fulfillment and sense of purpose Sarah derives from creating a positive change in society, along with the opportunity to inspire others and contribute to a more sustainable world, are the driving rewards that keep her motivated.
Note: This profile provides a general depiction of a typical social entrepreneur and their business. Actual social entrepreneurs may vary in terms of their background, industry focus, business model, and specific challenges they face.
Hello, my name is Svitlana and I am a Family Division Representative of a hundred year old insurance company, called Combined.
Why have I chosen to represent this company and it’s products?
As a mom and an educator, I know that children are vulnerable. That’s why they are my main focus to protect in case something unexpected happens. Having peace of mind during the time of any accident and/or sickness (especially cancer) is priceless to any family.
Also, I am on a mission to protect sportsmen, athletes, and business owners who are doing their best every day and are at a higher risk of losing everything if something unexpected happens.
It is my mission to make our communities stronger by educating more people that this kind of COVERAGE exists and how to benefit from it.
There are at least 3 ways we are different from other cleaning services:
ECO products: This is the number ONE reason why we are doing what we are doing. Using local products and as few chemicals as possible helps prevent allergies, headaches, and other adverse side effects of most other cleaning products. Think about those who live in your home, including little people and pets, and our Planet Earth.
Offering employment opportunities to Ukrainian newcomers in order to support them in adapting to Canada, as well as teaching them English with the objective to become Permanent Residents.
More technology is involved in the process of cleaning, including and not limited to, Dyson vacuums and powerful brushes. If there is no manpower needed, there shouldn’t be any.
PREVENTION is the way of being. As our motto goes: “Small steps to BIG change”.
At Wayfinders we are creating a group of entrepreneurs to share their best practices in small business management. We all have somewhat similar and somewhat different challenges in managing our businesses. We are helping each other with challenging problems and decisions in a trusting and confidential environment. We are adapting a session format based on the internationally known Mastermind format.
Maybe you need to change strategic directions.
Planning to retire or sell your business?
Considering bring in a business partner?
Got a whole new venture in mind?
What are the financing options, ins and outs?
How to expand your market reach?
How best to brand and communicate your core offering, value proposition?
The sessions are open to Wayfinders Members only. We are meeting In Edmonton in person on the third Wednesday of each month. When we have worked out the format we plan to offer this online so more people can participate.
This is what one of our early participants, Katrina Ingram, had to say:
“The Wayfinders mastermind group is an opportunity to unpack timely business challenges with a group of like minded entrepreneurs. I received helpful advice from a diverse range of business owners. If you want to grow your network and community while working on your business, you’ll benefit from this group.”
