While some still swear it is the future of global finance, others consider it to be a scam. While it has made some people rich, or richer, there are many stories of people losing everything they have to crypto scams and investments.

Regardless, it’s incredibly influential and there is a lot happening in the world of crypto!

Let’s take a look at some of the latest crypto news.

Failed Crypto Lender BlockFi Moves Forward with Bankruptcy

The Collapse of FTX negatively affected many businesses in the crypto space. This included crypto lender BlockFi, which went bankrupt soon after.

They filed for bankruptcy in New Jersey, and there has recently been some news about the entire legal process. This is great news for BlockFi’s former customers, who are one step closer to getting the money they are owed.

Bankruptcy Judge Michael A. Kaplan approved BlockFi’s third amended Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan in a Sept. 26 court hearing.

Estimates show that BlockFi currently owes up to $10 billion to over 100,000 creditors. To its 3 largest creditors alone, it owes about $1 billion. This includes over $200 million to bankrupt crypto hedge fund Three Arrows Capital.

JP Morgan Chase to Block Crypto Transactions from UK Accounts

Starting October 16, JPM will ban all crypto transactions for its UK customers. The company said they will do this because of the prevalence of scams in the space. According to a bank spokesperson:

They are not the only bank to become suspicious of crypto in the last year or so. This March, NatWest limited customers’ daily and monthly crypto transfers due to scam concerns.

Santander Spain even said it would block UK customers from sending real-time payments to crypto exchanges entirely, in order to attempt to protect users from scams.

Many banks around the world are taking similar measures, more or less implying that crypto is not safe to engage with.

However, some crypto evangelists claim that this is because banks do not want crypto to compete with their hold on global finance.

Big Crypto News: Kraken Makes Moves in Europe

Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has recently received an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license from the Central Bank of Ireland. They have also gotten a virtual asset service provider (VASP) registration from the Bank of Spain.

According to the Sept. 26 announcement, the EMI license allows Kraken to expand euro-to-crypto trading services. This expansion includes 27 European Union member states and European Economic Area countries.

Meanwhile, the VASP registration in Spain allows Kraken to offer exchange and wallet custodial services to residents of Spain. The firm is registered as a VASP in Italy and Ireland as well.

According to Kraken’s vice president of global operations, Curtis Ting:

The platform currently supports over 200 trading pairs across six fiat currencies:

• British pounds
• Euros
• U.S. dollars
• Canadian dollars
• Swiss francs
• Australian dollars

Earlier in 2023, Kraken applied for restricted dealer registration in Canada. This was done to comply with new rules requiring all VASPS to register with securities administrators or be expelled from Canada.

Exchanges Binance and OKX actually left Canada entirely following the new rules.

Ethereum Wallet Found To Be Tied To Mexican Drug Trade

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) just updated its sanctions list to include ten individuals tied to illegal narcotics trading. One of these individuals is using an Ethereum Wallet as a part of their illegal drug dealings.

The listed Ethereum address allegedly belongs to Mario Alberto Jimenez Castro. He is also known as “Kastor.”

Jiminez Castro is a 34-year-old Mexican man involved with the Sinaloa cartel. The wallet currently contains just 0.017 ETH ($27). However, it has been used to make stablecoin transfers such as Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Most of its transaction history includes inbound transfers from Coinbase, followed by outbound transfers to Binance. Many of these transfers are large. For example, One transfer in October 2022 sent 143,965 USDT to Binance.

According to the US State Department, Jiminez Castro is a money launderer using crypto to move fentanyl proceeds across the border.

They say:

Many in the US government have accused cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum of being the main funding mechanisms of fentanyl trafficking in the US.

HSBC Customers Can Now Pay Bills With Crypto

FCF Pay, a prominent crypto processor, recently announced in a Tweet that HSBC users can now use their platform to pay their mortgages and various bills with cryptocurrencies.

HSBC customers!

We are delighted to announce that @HSBC users are eligible to pay their mortgage bills and loans with cryptocurrencies through FCF Pay.

Some of the accepted cryptocurrencies you can pay with:
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance Coin, Ripple, Doge, Shiba Inu + Many more!… pic.twitter.com/SEzcveJ5vq

— FCF PAY – Blockchain Payment System (@fcfpay) September 26, 2023

Some of the currencies users can make payments with include:

• XRP
• SHIB
• Bitcoin (BTC)
• Ethereum (ETH)
• Dogecoin (DOGE)

According to FCF Pay’s bill payment portal, repaying your mortgage via crypto only takes 3 steps. It is the same as traditional payments, in which you select a payee, add billing info, and send the payment.

FCF Pay claimes to execute all of the processes for payment delivery in just 24 hours. They charge 2% of the bill and a statutory $3 fee.

However, as of now, this service is only available to United States residents. However, FCF Pay has said it has plans to expand this service to other countries in the future.

Final Thoughts on the Latest Crypto News

As you can see, a lot is happening in the world of cryptocurrency!

It is both a highly competitive and incredibly controversial space. As you can see, some institutions are embracing it and others are not.

Ever since the fall of FTX, which had begun to gain legitimacy for the space, many have been interacting with Cryptocurrency with renewed suspicion.

However, as you can see, while there are some legal issues and platforms like Binance are struggling, platforms like FCF Pay and Kraken are expanding in exciting ways.

While some say that crypto should be illegal as it is used to fund scams and criminal operations, it is worth noting that people have been doing the same things with fiat currency for centuries.

In fact, in general, digital scams are on the rise. Whether through email phishing, cash app scams, and romance scams against individuals, or the recent high-profile casino hackings.

Regardless, many global governments, including the US, are making moves to regulate the crypto space in the future, so it’s likely that big changes are coming.

Since 2009, we have helped create 350+ next-generation apps for startups, Fortune 500s, growing businesses, and non-profits from around the globe. Think Partner, Not Agency.

Find us on social at #MakeItApp’n®

The post The Latest Crypto News appeared first on App Development | Chop Dawg | Think Partner, Not Agency.

If you’re an entrepreneur or startup wondering how you can improve user retention rates for your app, this article will cover everything you need to know. In the business, these are some key considerations that keep users engaged.

Read on for key tips, so you know how to make an app that users are excited to come back to again and again!

Make The Sign-Up Process as Easy as Possible

A seamless sign-up process can make all the difference in keeping users on board with your app. By minimizing the number of data entry fields required during registration, you can create a smoother experience. This helps increase user retention.

We all know how frustrating it can be to fill out long forms. For one, this is annoying, for another, asking for too much information may make users suspicious of your app.

As cyber crimes soar and scam apps take millions from people globally, users are on the lookout.

They are likely to abandon an app if the sign-up process feels like a chore, or like it’s asking for a suspicious amount of information.

So, why not make it easy for users from the very beginning?

Focus on only asking for the most essential information. Also, consider allowing users to sign up with social media accounts or other services to streamline the process even further.

With a simple, hassle-free sign-up process, users are more likely to stick around, keeping your app thriving over the long term.

Make Use of Push Notifications

If you’re looking to increase user retention for your app, push notifications might just be the key. By using push notifications, you can keep your users engaged and informed about the latest updates and features.

For instance, if you’re a social media app, you can notify users when someone likes or comments on their posts.

If you are a gaming app, you can alert users when another user has knocked them out of a position on a leaderboard.

Push notifications can also be used to provide customized recommendations, such as reminding users of abandoned carts or relevant promotions.

Ultimately, utilizing push notifications can help you establish a lasting relationship with your users and keep them coming back for more.

However, the key here is not sending too many push notifications. No one likes to feel like they are getting spammed. If your app crosses the line, it’s likely that users will turn off notifications for your app.

They may even delete it entirely. This is incredibly counterproductive to your goals and the ultimate success of your application.

Identify User Behavior To Create Features that Meet Their Needs

As an app developer, your ultimate goal is to keep your users engaged and loyal to your platform. This is where identifying their needs and creating features to address them comes into play.

By introducing new and innovative features that cater to their needs, you can increase user retention and ensure they keep returning to your app.

It’s also important to regularly update your existing features, fix bugs, and provide personalized recommendations to keep your users engaged and satisfied.

Conduct market research. Know who your ideal user base is, what they need, what they want, and what they like. Making something that genuinely appeals to an audience is the quickest way to gain and retain a user base.

After all, retaining existing users is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones, so it’s crucial for the sustainability of your app.

Offer Options for Personalization to Increase User Retention

Apps that provide users with personalized experiences are increasingly becoming popular. The reason is simple; users love feeling like something has genuinely been crafted for them.

This creates a sense of ownership, making users more engaged and loyal to your product.

Personalization options can range from something as simple as a personalized greeting upon login to more complex requests such as customized notification settings.

The ultimate goal of personalization is to increase user retention. The longer users stick around, the more chances you have to monetize your app.

Therefore, providing customization options should be a priority for any app development team looking to grow its customer base.

Optimize for User-Friendliness

Ensuring that your app is user-friendly is crucial in retaining users and making your app successful.

Additionally, load times should be quick to keep users engaged, as no one wants to sit and wait for a page to load. Keep in mind that there are millions and millions of apps out there. For this reason, competition is high.

As there are so many apps out there, users really have no reason to spend any time on an app that doesn’t actually work. If your app doesn’t deliver, they can move onto another one in a matter of seconds.

Furthermore, keeping your app content up-to-date is essential in order to provide users with relevant and timely information.

Incorporating all of these elements into your app will not only lead to increased user retention, but it will also make your app stand out to potential new users.

Final Thoughts on How to Increase User Retention

While there are many ways to improve user retention for your app, the strategies outlined above should prove helpful in improving users’ engagement and interest in your application.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of any user retention strategy comes down to having an application that offers an invaluable experience or service that keeps people coming back.

Through careful research of what type of experience or service works best in your app’s specific context, you can ensure that you are developing something attractive to current users and appealing to prospective ones.

Investing time upfront into researching market needs and responding appropriately with a well-tailored product certainly pays off when trying to increase user retention over the long term.

To keep things simple: make an app that works.

Since 2009, we have helped create 350+ next-generation apps for startups, Fortune 500s, growing businesses, and non-profits from around the globe. Think Partner, Not Agency.

Find us on social at #MakeItApp’n®

The post Increase User Retention with these App Hacks appeared first on App Development | Chop Dawg | Think Partner, Not Agency.

While hard skills such as technical expertise are undoubtedly important for executing specific tasks and achieving objectives, running a successful business involves more than just executing technical tasks.

You have to know how to work with people, whether it be colleagues, partners, staff, consumers, or consultants.

Soft skills give you a certain something that sets you apart and helps you excel in all manner of professional relationships.

In this blog post, we will delve into what exactly soft skills are and how they can help entrepreneurs and startups succeed.

Problem Solving Goes Far Beyond Technical Problems

Soft skills are the intangible qualities that individuals possess, which contribute to their success in the workplace. One of the most valuable of these soft skills is problem-solving.

Entrepreneurs and leaders, in particular, stand to benefit greatly from strong problem-solving abilities. When faced with obstacles, those who possess this skill can assess the situation. They then develop strategies and take decisive action to overcome challenges.

Problem solvers are able to see beyond surface-level issues and find creative solutions to even the most complex problems.

In a world where unforeseen challenges are commonplace, it’s no wonder that businesses and organizations seek out individuals with this crucial skill set.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur running your own business, or a leader within a larger organization, honing your problem-solving skills can take your career to the next level.

Organization is one of the Key Soft Skills

Some people might think that being organized is just a personality trait that people are born with, but in reality, it is a soft skill that can be learned and developed over time.

As an entrepreneur or leader, having strong organizational skills is crucial to your success.

Without it, chaos can ensue and productivity can plummet. Many romanticize leadership and ‘being in charge,’ but a key part of actual leadership is being able to balance many things at once.

Without an organized approach, this becomes almost impossible. Here lies the difference between proactively problem-solving and constantly running around feeling like you are struggling to put out fires.

Luckily, with practice and dedication, anyone can improve their organizational skills and reap the benefits that come with it.

The Importance of the Right Approach to Teamwork

Soft skills are essential for entrepreneurs and leaders to succeed, and teamwork is one of the most important among these skills. Working well with others determines how far you can go.

Being an effective team player helps entrepreneurs and leaders drive their vision and goals forward.

In today’s rapidly changing business environment, no one can do it alone. Effective communication, the ability to delegate tasks, and the capacity to collaborate with others are all critical skills.

They can help transform an ordinary business into a successful enterprise.

Make no mistake, no matter how remarkable you are, no one person can be an entire enterprise. Being able to make the mindset shift to a team-oriented one is critical for the survival of a scaling business.

Therefore, entrepreneurs and leaders who understand the importance of teamwork and invest in building their soft skills are more likely to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Is Leadership Even a Soft Skill?

To be a true leader has to be one of the most sought-after positions in the professional, political, and artistic realms. It makes sense that people want to be admired and respected for whatever it is they do.

However, it is interesting that many of the qualities it takes to actually be a compelling leader are considered soft or secondary skills that are not as important as technical skills.

Those who possess this trait are able to inspire their team, create a vision for the company, and guide their employees toward achieving their goals.

Overall, leadership is a vital component of any successful business, and entrepreneurs and leaders alike should strive to develop this skill as much as possible.

Those who master this skill can inspire people to work together to achieve any goal.

How to Develop Your Soft Skills

Soft skills, also known as people skills or interpersonal skills, have become equally critical for professional growth and development.

These skills include things like effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, emotional intelligence, and adaptability.

While it is often more straightforward to develop ‘hard skills’ (for example, if you want to learn a new language you can start using a language learning app), how exactly does one improve their communication or leadership skills?

Depending on what exactly you wish to improve, it may be worthwhile to seek some kind of counseling or therapy. This depends highly on your situation.

For example, say when it comes to communication, you feel your writing skills are lacking. This can be remedied by taking writing classes or taking the time to do writing exercises on your own.

However, say you struggle with asserting yourself in any situation because of anxiety, this is more likely work for a therapist or counselor.

Final Thoughts on Mastering Soft Skills

All in all, mastering soft skills requires a certain level of dedication and dedication to detail. It is important to practice these skills whenever possible and to reflect on your progress regularly.

Soft skills are invaluable tools that can be used in individual and professional settings alike, so investing time and energy into improving them is guaranteed to give you a competitive edge over your peers.

Additionally, having strong soft skills can open more career opportunities for you. Therefore, if you want to maximize your potential it is essential that you hone these skills with determination and patience.

Start learning today and watch as the rewards come in!

Don’t forget to stay motivated while learning by rewarding yourself periodically – this will encourage you on your journey towards achieving mastery of the soft skills that are vital for success no matter what business path you choose.

Since 2009, we have helped create 350+ next-generation apps for startups, Fortune 500s, growing businesses, and non-profits from around the globe. Think Partner, Not Agency.

Find us on social at #MakeItApp’n®

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App development can be an exciting but also challenging endeavor, and it is important to approach it with the right attitude and thought process.

Unfortunately, too many people get caught up in making mistakes that could easily have been avoided if they had done some research beforehand.

If you’re entering the world of app development and don’t want to learn from your own costly missteps, then read on – this blog post will discuss some of the biggest mistakes made when developing apps so you can avoid them!

Skipping Sufficient Testing

In the fast-paced world of app development, it’s easy to make mistakes along the way. One of the biggest mistakes that developers make is skipping sufficient testing.

While it may save time in the short term, it can lead to disastrous consequences in the long run. Skipping testing can result in:

• Poor User Experience due to Bugs and Crashes
• Security Vulnerabilities
• The Destruction of Your App’s Reputation
• Customers Complaining and even Seeking Refunds

The best way to avoid these pitfalls is to invest time and resources into thorough testing before launching your app to the public. If you are building your app yourself, take proper time for testing.

When you outsource your app to an individual or agency, they should include testing as part of the development process. If they don’t, this is a red flag.

It’s important to remember that quality should always come before speed in app development. So, take your time and ensure that your app is truly ready for prime time before hitting the release button.

After all, you only have one chance to make a first impression.

Forgetting About Inclusivity

In today’s age, inclusivity shouldn’t be an afterthought when it comes to app development. Unfortunately, too many companies are still making this mistake.

Overlooking inclusivity in the development process can lead to significant issues, including a lack of accessibility for users and a narrow target audience.

This is strange, as many things considered disabilities are natural parts of the aging process for many people, and also occur in people of all ages.

While it is ethical to make something that almost anyone can use, it’s also simply a smart business decision.

For example, globally, according to The WHO, 2.2 billion people have some sort of visual impairment. There are about 8 billion people on earth.

Especially if you’re app is some sort of tool with a simple interface, why create it in such a way that 25% of the people on Earth can’t use it off the bat?

Fortunately, it’s never too late to reroute course and make inclusivity a top priority. By considering unique user needs and developing with an inclusive mindset, apps can be enjoyed by more people.

Ignoring Security

As the world becomes increasingly digital, app development has become a crucial aspect of business operations.

However, many companies are making the costly mistake of putting security on the back burner in their haste to get their apps on the market.

Businesses need to prioritize security measures from the very beginning of the app development process to prevent these costly mistakes.

If you are building your app yourself, security should be your top priority. If you are outsourcing, have a conversation with whoever you are working with about security before anything is built.

Know their approach, their process, and what they offer when it comes to making sure your app is secure.

Remember, cybercrime is at an all-time high. Data theft was a part of two recent high-profile attacks against casinos. The last thing you want is to be known for serving your user data to criminals on a silver platter.

Failing to Consider Marketing

If you want an app that will help make the internal processes of your business smoother, this section does not apply to you. However, if you are hoping to use your app as part of the customer-facing aspect of your business, or have your app be a business in itself, marketing is critical!

In the world of app development, one of the biggest mistakes you could make is ignoring the power of marketing. The success of your app depends on how well it is marketed to potential users.

Failing to invest in marketing could lead to your app getting lost in the sea of competition.

Often entrepreneurs come from a place of personal passion, so they make the mistake of assuming that strangers will be as innately excited about what they offer as they are.

Usually, they are not. This is why considering marketing is so key!

As an entrepreneur, it is crucial to understand that marketing goes beyond creating awareness of your product; it involves getting people to engage, use, and ultimately, recommend your product to others.

Therefore, if you want to see your app grow and succeed, investing in marketing is not an option but a necessity.

Not Thinking Of Monetization from Day One

Wrong.

One of the biggest pitfalls that app developers fall into is failing to consider how their app will be monetized.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of designing and creating an app. Maybe you have a specific artistic vision or are really passionate about serving a demographic. These are both important aspects of creation in business.

However, without a solid plan for generating revenue, the app can quickly become just another failed project. By neglecting to consider how to monetize their app, developers risk losing out on potential profits and limiting the app’s success.

After all, it takes time and money to create an app. And, like all business ventures, the goal is to not only recoup the initial investment but generate revenue.

It’s important to keep in mind that creating a great app is only half the battle; developers must also know how to best monetize their work to ensure its long-term viability.

Final Thoughts on the Biggest App Development Mistakes

In conclusion, app development mistakes are common, but with proper preparation, you can avoid many of them. These Mistakes can range from small and innocuous to detrimental and even expensive.

It is of the utmost importance to take the time and research best practices as well as explore available resources. This is the most effective way to gain knowledge which will reduce the chance of errors and help to ensure a smoother process.

One critical decision to make from the get-go is whether you want to develop your app yourself directly, hire an in-house team to do it for you, or outsource the project.

If you want more help managing your app project, head over to our website! We have been partnering with entrepreneurs, small businesses, and even large companies for over a decade to produce their apps.

On our website, you can learn more about our approach and what we do, and even schedule a free consultation.

Since 2009, we have helped create 350+ next-generation apps for startups, Fortune 500s, growing businesses, and non-profits from around the globe. Think Partner, Not Agency.

Find us on social at #MakeItApp’n®

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But, what exactly do we mean by ‘unhinged social media marketing? Why has this been happening? Some say it can work as part of a digital marketing strategy. However, others say it’s just in bad taste.

Let’s take a look at some major corporations that have genuinely gone off the rails on social media.

Should you embrace this type of digital marketing strategy?

Some Examples of Unhinged Social Media Marketing

In general, if you are attempting to run a branded social media account, anything you post becomes a part of your brand, and therefore your social media marketing.

So, it might seem almost incomprehensible that the social media accounts of some of these major corporations would post things like this. However, we will get into the reasoning behind it.

One of the most famous examples of unhinged branded social media use is when Burger King made headlines for this now-deleted tweet, on International Women’s Day in 2021.

Duolingo is another brand that is famous for its chaotic digital marketing content. This is generally effective, however, during the Amber Heard and Johnny Depp trial, the company came under fire for insensitive comments.

On what planet does a brand – even @duolingo – think it’s cool to crack jokes about an alleged victim of domestic violence? The Depp fandom bubble on TikTok is very real but no brand should get anywhere near it. pic.twitter.com/HvvtrKDoRg

— Chris Harihar (@ChrisHarihar) May 18, 2022

If you think it’s weird for a language-learning app that is personified as a chaotic owl to get involved in treating a domestic abuse case like it’s a television show, ostensibly to bank off a trending topic, you are not alone.

The company actually made an apology for this.

Some brands intentionally post controversial material or insert themselves into current events to take advantage of trending topics. Others flirt with NSFW content. Some even openly fight with other social media users to drum up attention.

Last year, the Radioshack Twitter account went viral. It suddenly started posting about sex, drugs, and other mature subjects out of absolutely nowhere.

sometimes i just feel like i should do more coke with @elonmusk

— RadioShack (@RadioShack) June 25, 2022

When it comes to accounts fighting with each other, for a while, Wendy’s was known for its snappy comebacks and even insulting other corporations. They went viral for ‘roasting’ people last year on National Roast Day.

So, why exactly are all of these brands doing this? And should you?

Why Are So Many Brands Embracing Insanity?

For one thing, the social media landscape is an attention economy. Millions of things are competing for the attention of users at once. And the fact of the matter is, bad behavior often generates clicks, shares, think pieces, and attention.

If people are talking about you, it essentially spreads your links and your brand for free. The old saying, “No press is bad press,” truly applies here.

There is actually some science to back up this tactic, even though many hate it.

According to EdifyContent:

According to behavioral economist George Lowenstein, this plays into the Information Gap Theory of Curiosity. This gap is the space between what we know and what we want to know.

While he was a professor of Economics and Psychology at Carnegie Mellon, Loewenstein conducted many studies relating to the Gap Theory of Curiosity.

His goal was to discover the perfect strategy for triggering curiosity. He found that going against someone’s expectations and creating an information gap creates curiosity.

However, there are limits. If this need goes unsatisfied for too long, seems completely inexplicable, or is offensive enough, people will just move along. They will reject it instead of trying to figure anything out.

So, should your brand go crazy for clicks?

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this style of social media marketing.

The Pros of Becoming a Professional Shitposter

If done correctly, this type of content has a higher probability of spreading. There is a higher possibly of even going viral than other types of content.

It will provoke more reactions, more conversation, and potentially more followers.

Since the dawn of the internet and virality, a regular conversation has been that the internet rewards bad behavior with attention. Attention can translate to wealth and influence online.

We can see that in many of the influencers with the longest careers. Many of these people have done things in poor taste online and even taken part in scams and genuine crimes.

The fact of the matter is, that something that is shocking or unusual sticks out more in a highly saturated landscape. Millions and millions of things are competing for our attention every second.

Especially if you want to reach younger consumers, this can effectively capture their attention.

Whether you can or should attempt this style of digital marketing largely depends on you. It hinges on what type of business you want to promote and who you want to reach.

The Potential Cons of Unhinged Digital Marketing

This style of marketing carries big potential rewards, but also big risks.

For one, when you blur the line between what is appropriate and what is not for the sake of shock value or comedy, it is really easy to cross the line.

In today’s highly politicized atmosphere, you can find that different groups of people are offended by opposing things. This means that it is impossible to engage in this style of marketing without alienating some people.

However, even if your brand remains perfectly neutral and traditionally professional, it is likely that someone will find some way to criticize you.

Regardless, shocking content can be a huge gamble. You intentionally create content that you know some groups of people won’t like. You hope that it will appeal to your demographic strongly enough to make up for the loss.

Take into consideration that a lot of people simply do not like this type of content at all.

Duolingo is one of the brands that is most famous for this type of content.

So, Is Unhinged Social Media Marketing Right For Your Brand?

This depends on what your business does, who you are trying to reach, and your own personal tolerance for risk.

The internet is a brutal place and many of the users are just as unhinged as those they criticize. Almost anyone who has gone viral online can tell you that high exposure can come with criticism, mocking, and even death threats.

If you don’t want to risk that, don’t intentionally open that can of worms.

Whether this style of marketing is right for you also depends on your organization, branding, and desired demographic.

Obviously, if you want to cultivate a brand as a thought leader or respected resource in your field, absurd dancing TikToks in costume are probably not the way to go.

However, if you are promoting a mobile kids’ game, it could be worthwhile to create the kind of zany and unexpected social media presence that kids would enjoy.

Final Thoughts on Unhinged Social Media Marketing

Whether you love or hate this type of marketing, it makes a lot of sense that it exploded in popularity.

Over the last hundred years, marketing has largely relied on projecting false images of perfection to viewers. These images instill self-doubt and loathing in potential consumers, who believe the only way to correct that perceived insecurity is by purchasing something that will fix it.

However, any marketing tactic only works for so long, which is why trends change. Over the last 30 years or so, we have seen a shift to more inclusive and self-esteem-boosting marketing.

However, some modern consumers are tired of all of it. They don’t want to be told by companies that no one will love them if they don’t buy a weight loss product.

They also don’t want to be told that ‘only by buying a newly rebranded ‘lifestyle’ product that just happens to count calories can they really love themselves.’

They don’t want to feel like anyone is selling them anything. They want chaos.

But, do they still want that? And for how much longer?

The pushback is already starting, with some complaining that companies are just poorly copying Duolingo or Wendy’s and ruining the tactic.

It’s impossible to know what will come next. However, for right now, this tactic may be worthwhile for some types of businesses to explore. It is certainly not for everyone or a surefire ticket to success.

Since 2009, we have helped create 350+ next-generation apps for startups, Fortune 500s, growing businesses, and non-profits from around the globe. Think Partner, Not Agency.

Find us on social at #MakeItApp’n®

The post An Exploration of Unhinged Social Media Marketing appeared first on App Development | Chop Dawg | Think Partner, Not Agency.

An expertly delivered presentation has the power to inspire investors, motivate colleagues, and make a lasting impression on potential customers – so if you’re looking to take your career (or business) to the next level, developing effective public speaking skills should be one of your top priorities.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how entrepreneurs like yourself can become better speakers with some informed techniques.

No matter what type of speaker you want to become, these strategies can help bring your message across in an impactful way – so let’s get started!

The Power of Speaking Clearly

Speaking in public can be quite daunting. People may fear being judged or criticized for their stage presence or speech patterns.

However, the ability to convey ideas effectively is a critical attribute for any leader, regardless of the industry. Therefore, becoming a better speaker is essential for people who aspire to succeed in their professions.

Speaking clearly can improve one’s confidence, which will reflect in the audience’s attention and interest. Individuals who begin their speeches with clarity and ease are more likely to hold their audience’s attention throughout the presentation.

This will come down to the content of your presentation, but also your delivery. Practicing in front of others is key. After all, while whatever you say may make perfect sense to you, it may not translate to people outside of you or your immediate circle.

Get outsider feedback and make sure people understand what you are trying to say. Record yourself and listen. You may notice that you naturally speak very quickly or quietly, or use fillers like ‘um’ and ‘like’ very often.

This is all valuable information that can help you improve.

Know Your Audience

To become a better speaker, it’s important to focus on your audience. Knowing who you are speaking to allows you to develop a better understanding of what topics may be more or less interesting to them.

Whether you’re speaking to colleagues, potential clients, or even at an event within your own organization, taking the time to learn more about them can greatly improve the effectiveness of your message.

If you understand the tone of an event, you can create a presentation that is appropriate for it. Knowing that you are on task can help boost your confidence and alleviate stress, especially if you are a nervous speaker.

By becoming more attuned to your audience, you can establish a stronger connection and leave a lasting impression.

Take Inspiration From Speakers That Connect With You

Becoming a better speaker requires skill and effort. Fortunately, it’s not something you have to figure out on your own. Learning from others who have been successful in this area could save you a great deal of time and frustration.

Think about it, we have all heard somebody give a talk at some point and wished they would stop. Think about some of your least favorite speaker experiences. What turned you off about them?

Did they seem to go on forever without saying anything? Did they read off a PowerPoint or notes directly and add nothing to the presentation?

Take note!

We also have all likely had the exact opposite experience, where a speaker truly resonates with us.

These experiences can be life-changing. If a speaker has ever truly connected with you, watch some more of their talks and think about why they work for you.

Do they make complex topics seem approachable? Do they simply have a charismatic or down-to-earth presence?

If they are famous, they likely have publically given advice on how they approach public speech. Seek out that advice.

But don’t just focus on the technical aspects; take a closer look at the stories they tell and the emotions they evoke in their audiences.

Remember, speaking isn’t just about delivering information – it’s also about creating an experience. By studying the strategies of others who have succeeded before you, you can gain the tools you need to become a compelling and effective communicator yourself.

The Power of Anecdotes

One of the best ways to become a better speaker is to use real-life stories and examples to engage your audience. Whether it’s a personal experience or a news story, anecdotes are a powerful tool that can draw in listeners and help them connect with your message.

By using real-life examples to supplement your words, you are making your message more accessible and relatable.

This is another case in which knowing your audience gives you a boost. For example, if you are talking to students, a relevant anecdote about your time as a student will humanize you to them and make you directly relatable.

So, the next time you are preparing for a speech or presentation, be sure to incorporate personal stories and real-life examples to become a more confident and effective speaker.

Preparation is Key

It’s often said that preparation is key to success, and that holds true for many aspects of life—including public speaking.

Whether speaking in front of a large audience or just a small group of colleagues, being prepared can make all the difference in your delivery and overall effectiveness.

So the next time you have a speaking engagement coming up, remember to prioritize preparation—it just may be the key to making a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts on How to Become A Better Public Speaker

To conclude, enhancing your speaking ability is a skill that takes effort and dedication.

Whether you’re aiming to become an expert at public speaking or simply want to be comfortable talking in front of your peers, the payoff from improving your speech can reap great rewards.

With proper preparation and practice, taking inspiration from effective speakers, being ready to relate to an audience on a human level, and understanding the power of posture, you can gain confidence in yourself and hone your speaking abilities.

With just a bit of effort each day, you can actively work towards becoming a better speaker. So take the first step today on your journey to becoming a better communicator and changing your life for the better.

Since 2009, we have helped create 350+ next-generation apps for startups, Fortune 500s, growing businesses, and non-profits from around the globe. Think Partner, Not Agency.

Find us on social at #MakeItApp’n®

The post How to Become a Better Speaker appeared first on App Development | Chop Dawg | Think Partner, Not Agency.

News broke first about the MGM hack, which it looks like the casino was potentially trying to keep under wraps, even as they continue to be held for ransom by criminals.

Let’s take a look at what exactly has happened, what we know so far, and what businesses can learn from this.

How Exactly was Caesars Hacked?

Bloomberg reports that, according to cybersecurity experts, Scattered Spider first breached an outside IT vendor. They did so in order to gain access to the company’s network.

However, Scattered Spider has only taken ownership of the MGM attack, and not the Caesar’s hack. There are some reports that they have done both, and some that they are only behind one of the attacks.

Regardless, this is a well-established cybercriminal group. By knowing how they operate, you can better protect your own privacy.

According to experts, the members of Scattered Spider are skilled at social engineering. This is how they gain access to large corporate networks, which they largely focus on attacking.

The group began targeting Caesars and planning their attack as early as late August of 2023. They eventually stole massive amounts of data from Caesars loyalty members.

This included personal information such as their drivers licenses and social security numbers. Scattered Spider threatened to release all of this information if Ceasars did not pay the ransom they asked for.

What Is Social Engineering?

It’s important to keep in mind that there are all kinds of cybercriminals out there. While some target large corporations, others target small businesses and even individuals.

Many of them use social engineering to digitally entrap victims, so it’s critical you understand what that is, and what social engineering tactics look like.

According to Kaspersky:

Usually, social engineering attackers have one of these goals. They aim to either disrupt or corrupt data to cause harm or inconvenience or they want to steal something from you.

Here is the cycle of social engineering attacks:

• Prepare by gathering background information on you or a larger group you are a part of.
• Infiltrate by establishing a relationship or initiating an interaction, started by building trust.
• Exploit the victim once trust and a weakness are established to advance the attack.
• Disengage once the user has taken the desired action.

This can take place in a quick interaction or over a series of months, both digitally and in person.

Scattered Spider is Behind the MGM Hack

The Financial Times reports that the same group is behind a failed attack and one successful attack on the MGM casino, which is currently ongoing.

According to representatives of Scattered Spider, the hacker group had planned to manipulate the software in slot machines at MGM. Then they would recruit people to go in and play the favorably rigged machines and collect big.

However, once that failed, the group resorted to a more common tactic, which cybercriminals have been using for decades.

While these claims cannot be independently verified, what they described matches with the details of attacks carried out against roughly 100 victims over the past 2 years.

As a result of the MGM hack, guests keycards for their rooms did not function. Slot machines went offline in MGM casinos around the US, and in many casinos, workers resorted to manual gambling and handwritten IOUs. Phone lines and TV within the casinos were down too.

The outage they caused is ongoing, with today being its fourth day. Despite guests still reporting issues across their properties, MGM has claimed that everything is operational and has made no public comment about the situation.

How Did Scattered Spider Infiltrate MGM?

Techcrunch reports that Scattered Spider claims that they compromised MGM with a social engineering scheme.

According to Techcrunch:

They were also able to avoid being detected by MGM’s security systems. They used common remote login software, combined with access to MGM’s corporate VPN to pretend to be an employee.

In this way, they ran malware which they claimed infiltrated the company’s system in less than 5 hours. It also remained undetected for over a week.

One of the big things that separates Scattered Spider from other hacking groups is that they speak fluent, unaccented English. This causes their English-speaking victims to lower their guard.

Scattered Spider also recruits a large number of minors. Allison Nixon, chief research officer at Unit 221B, told TechCrunch:

Why Casinos?

According to the Financial Times, Scattered Spider used a generic toolkit meant to hack a wide range of corporations.

They don’t have a particular vendetta against casinos, it’s simply that many other types of business are off-limits. Certain industries are protected legally or just have security systems that make them difficult to hack.

A representative for the group said:

Final Thoughts on the MGM and Caesars Hacks

If you run a very small business or are simply an individual entrepreneur just starting out, you likely do not need to worry about being targeted by advanced criminal syndicates, like Scattered Spider.

These groups target large corporations with millions or billions of dollars they can extort. Sometimes, like in the case of the Fast Company hack, cybercriminals just hack an organization for fun.

However, there are many cybercriminals out there, and they often use social engineering tactics on unsuspecting people to do all kinds of damage. We even wrote a post about the rise of cash app scams.

Other common forms of digital scamming include:

• Romance scams
• Fake apps containing malware
• Email phishing
• Scamming by phone
• Predatory subscriptions which hide exorbitant fees in their T&Cs

In the age of AI and deep fake technology, you may not even want to answer your phone unless you know who is calling. You want to give malevolent actors the minimum access to you, your voice, or your information possible.

No matter who you are, you need to be aware of the ways that cybercriminals operate, so you can stay ahead and stay safe.

As we have seen, once a malicious actor has your information, it can be almost impossible to stop them from taking advantage of you.

Since 2009, we have helped create 350+ next-generation apps for startups, Fortune 500s, growing businesses, and non-profits from around the globe. Think Partner, Not Agency.

Find us on social at #MakeItApp’n®

The post A Look at the Caesars and MGM Hacks appeared first on App Development | Chop Dawg | Think Partner, Not Agency.

Many have little or no experience as an entrepreneur or boss. This is incredibly normal and should inspire you to approach the process as one of learning, rather than dampen your fire. However, it does mean that there are likely some gaps in your perspective.

After all, a lot of people have big dreams. However, they don’t know how to build a solid foundation to make their dreams a possible reality.

A good place to start is by answering this simple question:

Ego Can Make Or Break Your Business

On one hand, some level of confidence and self-belief is necessary to start your own business. Often, what separates new entrepreneurs from those who just talk endlessly about their dreams is some strength of ego.

After all, even if people tell you that you can’t do it, or it seems daunting, you have to believe in your dreams and your vision.

Jumping off into something new and being brave enough to give it a shot, even if you have no idea how it will go, takes confidence.

In many aspects of life, most people are too terrified of failure to take any risks. Even if they want something deeply, they are too scared to even try.

In order to start as an entrepreneur, your own sense of purpose and self-confidence must be stronger than your fear.

However, an over-inflated ego can also destroy your business. There is a careful balancing act here.

Being a successful business owner requires way more than just confidence. It’s also about determining if a market even exists for what you want.

This involves data collection. You also want to start small to test your idea while making a minimum initial investment properly. You also have to genuinely listen to consumers, even if you don’t like what they have to say.

Once you find your ideal customer, you need to deliver something that they genuinely need, enjoy, or otherwise find value in.

If your business is only for you, you won’t do that critical listening. It is unlikely that you will make that connection.

The Customer As Your Boss

You do not exist without consumers. Without them, your business becomes just a project or a hobby. Having a sufficient flow of customers willing to exchange money for what you offer is critical.

Customers choose every day, month, quarter, and year to find new businesses to patronize, or stick with the ones they know.

While clever marketing can reel initial customers, they stick around because of the value you provide. How you treat them is crucial.

This is why so many people who start a business so ‘they can do whatever they want’ or they can ‘be the boss’ fail.

Loving what you do or offer is great. However, if consumers do not feel the same way, your business will close.

Put Data Before Emotions

Especially as many entrepreneurs begin their businesses as passion projects, this can be a tricky balance to strike.

After all, when you really love and believe in something, it can seem impossible that everyone else would not love it as much as you.

If you think everyone must love what you do because you love it, you will not make critical data-driven decisions.

For many, it is very difficult to balance their passions with genuine data and feedback. Some will even avoid doing this critical work.

They want to believe whatever they are doing will flourish, purely due to their attachment to it. They don’t want to hear or see ‘no.’

In addition, it is more likely that you will take all feedback incredibly personally and not use it appropriately.

With the rise of social media, this is a huge problem that has crushed many business owners, particularly in creative spaces.

The Right Approach to Feedback

Positive and negative customer feedback are inevitable and essential parts of running a business. Some people will love what you do, and for the same reasons that some people love your business, others might not like it.

It is also important to remember that, especially if you are a new business owner or entrepreneur, it is likely that you will make some mistakes and consumers will be caught in the crossfire.

Even if you do not personally make errors, sometimes things happen that are beyond your control. For example, if you mail a customer a product, it may break or get lost in the mail.

However, it is important to remember that these mistakes will not define you. It’s how you handle them that will define your business.

The Unfortunate Epidemic of Businesses Being ‘Messy’ Online

It’s no secret that in the current social media environment, marketing, branding, and customer service have all blended together on places like TikTok and Instagram.

While some small business owners have incredible digital marketing savvy and utilize this to build and scale impressive businesses, others are destroying their own businesses by acting in unprofessional, and sometimes even bizarre ways.

Here we will give an example of two creators and entrepreneurs with large online footprints.

One handled recent issues with their business well. One has not, and it likely contributed to the ultimate failure of their business.

A Setting Spray Snafu

YouTuber Patrick Starr is a longtime content creator with a thriving makeup line of his own, One/Size. Recently, he launched a setting spray that went viral for several reasons.

On one hand, it has been reported that Beyonce’s makeup artist used it on her while on tour.

On the other hand, some of the products were defective. A number of users posted videos on TikTok of the setting spray, which is meant to be invisible and help increase the wear of makeup, covering their entire face in white powder.

So, what did Patrick Starr do?

While as a business owner, it is frustrating to receive negative feedback about your product, you cannot take that frustration out on your customers, or try to shift the blame.

As Patrick Starr did not directly manufacture the products himself, he did not directly cause these issues. It was likely a problem with the lab he used. However, since it is his brand, it became his fault in the public eye, and his issue to contend with.

And he did. Many makeup fans are impressed with how he handled the situation, turning this into a PR positive, rather than a career-ending disaster.

However, when business owners are deeply emotionally invested in their products, they do not always act rationally or take accountability for issues. An example of this is Chef Pii, of viral ‘Pink Sauce’ fame on Tiktok.

The Life and Death of ‘Pink Sauce’

Content creator Chef Pii went viral last year for her creation, known as Pink Sauce. She posted Tikoks of this vibrant peptobismol pink sauce on a variety of foods, and TikTok was obsessed.

People wanted to know how it tasted and what was in it. Unfortunately, in a rush of excitement, Chef Pii tried to capitalize off this sauce by shipping out homemade bottles. These lacked preservatives or accurate ingredient lists.

Many customers received rotten bottles of mystery Pink Sauce that had exploded or gone moldy in the mail.

Despite criticism, and even the FDA stepping in, Chef Pii has never apologized or taken accountability for her actions.

She even famously appeared on a talk show calling all of the customers who were angry that they received rancid Pink Sauce in the mail “haters.” She more or less implied that the internet conspired against her to destroy her business for no reason.

Despite all this controversy, corporation Dave’s Gourmet collaborated with Chef Pii, and even had their version of the sauce placed in Walmart.

However, this collaboration has failed. Chef Pii has claimed that she is now penniless and Dave’s Gourmet has sabotaged her.

It is more likely that many people did not even want to try anything related to Chef Pii. Her carelessness toward her customers and constant lashing out have likely soured people to her brand.

Final Thoughts On Creating A Small Business That Is Truly For Your Customers

Ultimately, creating a business that is truly for your customers is not just an ethical thing to do, but the only way to gain traction and long-term loyal customers.

Consumers are trading their money for value. If you do not provide genuine value, they will not provide the cash flow which is the lifeblood of every small business.

While being passionate about what you do is critical, it can be more of an issue than an asset if you get so wrapped up in your own goals that you forget about serving your customers.

Since 2009, we have helped create 350+ next-generation apps for startups, Fortune 500s, growing businesses, and non-profits from around the globe. Think Partner, Not Agency.

Find us on social at #MakeItApp’n®

The post Is Your Small Business For You or For Your Customers? appeared first on App Development | Chop Dawg | Think Partner, Not Agency.

Threads can help you get more engagement with existing customers and provide another outlet for creativity. However, these benefits come with some potential downsides that need consideration as well.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss what joining Threads means for businesses of all sizes and how entrepreneurs can decide whether or not their business should use this platform.

The Pros of Threads

Threads, as it is a Meta product, is already integrated with Instagram. Instagram is one of the world’s largest social media platforms, with over a billion users.

It is more accessible than many other potential Twitter replacements, which are from smaller companies that are less known or require an invite.

Meta also says that they have attempted to design Threads with the most user-friendly interface possible. At the moment, it is definitely easier to use than X (Formerly Twitter) and other potential Twitter competitors.

There has been a lot of buzz about Mastodon as a platform that can replace Twitter, but it is simply not easy for casual users to get started.

Also, as Threads is integrated with Instagram, it can serve as a tool for sharing visual media.

If you already have a prominent Instagram presence, it may be worth it to try and get your following to move to Threads with you.

After all, anyone who has an Instagram account can create a Threads account in a snap.

The Cons

One of the big cons of Threads is that because it is a new platform, there is limited reach. Some early users say that the platform is boring. This is likely because it lacks the user base that social media users on larger platforms are used to.

It seems that despite Meta’s potential reach and the vacuum created by the failure of Twitter, users are not exactly clamoring to get on Threads.

While Meta will likely implement more features with time, the limited features may contribute to many early adopters finding the platform somewhat boring.

Also, at least as of now, Threads offers limited marketing and analytics features.

While this makes the platform much easier to use for marketers than many others, it also means that there is simply less that you can do with it.

Is Threads Worth it for Your Business?

If you already have a large loyal audience, it may be worth it to start on Threads. You can make it a place where you share exclusive content to connect with your audience, for example.

Twitter used to be an amazing resource for entrepreneurs who were trying to find community and build a following.

However, these days, the platform just does not work that well. There has also been an influx of nazis, alt-right political actors, and hackings.

This has caused many to lose faith in the platform or just simply not want to be associated with it at all.

A Quick Look at Some Other Twitter Alternatives

If you don’t want to be on X anymore, but Threads also doesn’t seem like the best choice, you do have other options.

Right now, we are somewhat in the Wild West era of potential Twitter replacements. Many companies, big and small, are stepping in to try and get the job done. Others are wondering if older blogging platforms, like Tumblr, might even step in and take Twitter’s place.

Some stand by Elon Musk, and believe that the current issues with X are just growing pains. They think the site will improve with time.

In any case, keep in mind that there are many potential options. Some are in their early stages, and no one really knows what will happen in this space.

Here are two of the more buzzy options.

Mastodon

Mastodon has been getting a lot of buzz lately, as it is a decentralized social network. This appeals to many who enjoy tech and social media specifically.

Rather than operating as one large social network with general rules, users can create their own individual communities that operate autonomously.

If you want to build a strong community around your brand or business, Mastodon can be an incredible tool. However, it is incredibly complicated to set up and get used to for your average social media user.

However, if you are more of a casual social media user who doesn’t have the time to build and moderate a community, and you think your audience would be alienated by Mastodon’s high bar to entry, it’s a skip.

Bluesky

Back in 2019, Twitter founder Jack Dorsey announced that work was going into a decentralized version of Twitter.

Twitter is funding a small independent team of up to five open source architects, engineers, and designers to develop an open and decentralized standard for social media. The goal is for Twitter to ultimately be a client of this standard.

— jack (@jack) December 11, 2019

However, once Musk bought Twitter, the relationship between Twitter and Bluesky was terminated. As such, Bluesky has struck out on its own.

It has recently raised $8 million to build itself out and is still in beta mode. However, as it is still in beta mode, it is invite-only.

While this may change in the future, for now, the invite-only nature of Bluesky means that it has incredibly limited reach. However, when it is ready it will have all the functionalities of Twitter, but with the decentralized aspect of Mastodon.

If you want to learn more about some of the platforms looking to replace Twitter, take a look at our blog post on the topic.

Final Thoughts on Threads

So, should your business get on Threads?

Ultimately, it really depends on your business, how many followers you currently have, where they are, and what you are trying to accomplish.

If you are already on a number of platforms, it may be better to focus on what you already have. Spreading yourself thin on a ton of platforms can be time consuming, costly, and ineffective.

However, if you are looking on an easy and readily-available Twitter replacement with a low bar of entry, and already have an Instragram account, Threads is a solid solution.

Many people are not actually interested in the mechanics of social platforms themselves.

They don’t care if something is cutting edge, decentralized, or whatever else. They don’t care who the CEO is and what their personal goals or quirks are. Many entrepreneurs just want something that lets them do what they need to do to grow an online presence.

If that’s you, it may be worth it to start up on Threads, and just wait and see if more people join over time.

At the moment, there are so many possible Twitter competitors out there that it’s hard to say if one will really seamlessly replace Twitter.

Since 2009, we have helped create 350+ next-generation apps for startups, Fortune 500s, growing businesses, and non-profits from around the globe. Think Partner, Not Agency.

Find us on social at #MakeItApp’n®

The post Should Your Business Join Threads? appeared first on App Development | Chop Dawg | Think Partner, Not Agency.

But what does this actually mean?

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more crucial than ever to prioritize personal growth and development.

Treating yourself with respect and working on productive improvement can go a long way in achieving your business goals.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what it means to invest in yourself as an entrepreneur and why it’s so essential for your success.

Invest in Yourself by Focusing on Time Management and Productivity

Time management and productivity are crucial skills that can significantly impact your business’s success. They also play a big role in your personal happiness and health.

Do you always feel like there are not enough hours in the day and you are running behind? This stress can really build up over time.

When it comes to solving this issue, it’s important to figure out what’s going on. Have you taken on too much? Do you not prioritize tasks appropriately? Or is it a question of time management?

One way to address this is to set up structures to manage your time and prioritize tasks that matter most.

Start tracking your time to see where it’s going, and identify areas for improvement. Then, set goals and put systems in place to achieve them. There are plenty of excellent apps and resources out there to help you manage your time better.

However, there are external factors here. For example, if you are a solopreneur wearing every hat to build something from the ground up, things will likely be a bit chaotic.

Don’t take this as a personal failure. Be realistic about your own capabilities and the external factors of your life and business.

You can do your best to maximize your own capabilities, and that is what investing in yourself truly means.

It doesn’t mean controlling everything around you.

Professional Development Is Key

As an entrepreneur, you’re at the helm of your business, meaning you need to be open to learning, developing, and networking.

Attending industry events, conferences, and workshops are great ways to invest in your growth. Networking and learning from other entrepreneurs can give you a fresh perspective and help you scale your business.

It is definitely worth it to join online communities of entrepreneurs, and even just walk into other local small businesses and connect with the owners.

There are so many ways to pursue professional and personal development. Some don’t cost anything either.

You can dedicate time to online courses, reading books, and listening to podcasts. Depending on your needs, it may be worthwhile to invest in a business coach or therapist.

Many think of entrepreneurship only as a question of working as hard as you can without stopping for as long as you can.

While it is true that entrepreneurship requires pure hard work, it also requires mental grit, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure.

Burning yourself out and putting pressure on yourself to read every book, and learn every skill, and accomplish everything right now is not the key to success. It’s a recipe for burnout.

Work smart, prioritize what matters, and build a support network. All of this is key to self-investment.

Invest in Your Personal Brand

You must create a personal brand as an entrepreneur so that potential clients, customers, and partners can connect with you.

Create an “About Me” page that clearly conveys your entrepreneurial journey and highlights your achievements.

Having a strong personal brand can go a long way in creating trust and credibility with your audience and setting yourself apart from the competition.

If you want to learn more about personal branding in the startup ecosystem check out our blog post on the topic!

Invest in Your Physical Health, Invest in Yourself

Entrepreneurship can be stressful, making it essential to invest in your physical health. It’s been long scientifically documented that stress can negatively impact your overall health over time.

Taking on the highs and lows of this challenging career path is not glamorous. It’s incredibly difficult. However, many people ignore this potential aspect of the journey until it’s too late and burn out.

Prioritize exercise, sleep, and healthy eating habits. When you feel good physically, you can tackle the demands of running your business with more energy.

If you are in a better state, you can make better decisions. It’s simple.

Now, there is not only one way to approach these topics. Everyone’s body is different and has different needs. Also, health and fitness trends change every few years.

When a new one pops up, those selling it swear that it changed their life and it’s the only way to live. There is always a new one on the horizon.

Find movement that empowers you, and eat in a way that supports your body. If you have any health conditions, it’s better to talk to professionals about these things than take all your advice from online figures.

Just because someone has a lot of followers, or looks how you want to look, doesn’t mean they can help you get there.

Many people truly have good intentions and want to better their health, but end up getting taken advantage of.

We have seen many people get pulled into extreme diets and exercise regimens that harm them by talented digital marketers and constantly shifting trends.

Focus on Your Mental Health

While it is becoming more socially acceptable in the US to talk about the importance of mental health, to an extent, there is still a long way to go.

Some people still consider mental illness to be the fault of the people who live with various conditions, or not a real problem that requires support at all.

In many communities, and unfortunately for many men across these communities, there is still a lot of stigma around admitting you need help and seeking it.

However, if you want to achieve sustainable success, your mental fitness and stability are critical. This alone may decide whether you can go the distance or not.

As an entrepreneur, it can be easy to fall into the trap of prioritizing work over everything else, including your mental health. However, investing in yourself means taking care of both your physical and mental well-being.

By focusing on your mental health, you are not only improving your overall quality of life, but also your ability to run your business effectively.

Taking time for self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or therapy can help reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve your decision-making skills.

Final Thoughts on How to Invest in Yourself as an Entrepreneur

Investing in yourself is investing in your future. As an entrepreneur, taking time to grow personally and professionally will ultimately benefit your business’s success.

By investing in your time management, professional development, branding, and personal health, you can improve your effectiveness and positively impact your bottom line.

Don’t forget that you are your best asset. So, prioritize yourself and create a plan for self-development, and you’ll be amazed at the results.

Since 2009, we have helped create 350+ next-generation apps for startups, Fortune 500s, growing businesses, and non-profits from around the globe. Think Partner, Not Agency.

Find us on social at #MakeItApp’n®

The post What Does it Mean to Invest In Yourself as an Entrepreneur? appeared first on App Development | Chop Dawg | Think Partner, Not Agency.