Commercial Earth-observation companies collect an unprecedented volume of images and data every single day, but purchasing even a single satellite image can be cumbersome and time-intensive. SkyFi, a two-year-old startup, is looking to change that with an app and API that makes ordering a satellite image as easy as a click of a few buttons on a smartphone or computer.
SkyFi doesn’t build or operate satellites; instead, it partners with over a dozen companies to deliver various kinds of satellite images — including optical, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and hyperspectral — directly to the customer via a web and mobile app. A SkyFi user can task a satellite to capture a specific image or choose from a library of previously captured images. Some of SkyFi’s partners include public companies like Satellogic, as well as newer startups like Umbra and Pixxel.
The startup is taking a very 21st-century approach to the Earth observation industry. SkyFi co-founders Bill Perkins and Luke Fischer emphasize that their company is focused on user experience and creating a seamless purchasing process for the consumer, contrasted sharply with what Fischer called “business models based on the ’80s and ’90s.”
“We’re very customer-focused,” Bill Perkins said on the TerraWatch Space podcast. “The industry is science-focused and product-focused.”
SkyFi’s mission has resonated with investors. The company closed a $7 million seed round led by Balerion Space Ventures, with contributions from existing investors J2 Ventures and Uber alumna’s VC firm Moving Capital. Bill Perkins also participated. SkyFi has now raised over $17 million to date.
The startup is targeting three types of customers: individual consumers; large enterprise customers, from verticals spanning agriculture, mining, finance, insurance and more; and U.S. government and defense customers. SkyFi’s solution is appealing even these latter customers, who may have plenty of experience working with satellite companies already and could afford the high costs in the traditional marketplace.
“Even though we have companies that are multibillion dollar corporations using our platform that could afford to have a multimillion dollar contract year with [any] public satellite company, they’re being more cost conscious and that’s where this offering of SkyFi comes in,” Fischer said.
Perkins and Fischer experienced firsthand the pain points of the traditional satellite imagery marketplace. For Perkins, the process of trying to buy satellite images for his hedge fund was frustrating enough that he decided to try to solve the problem himself.
He decided to team up with Fischer, an Army aviation officer whose work experience includes stints at Uber Elevate, Joby Aviation and Shield Capital. The two incorporated SkyFi in December 2021 and officially launched the first product offering this past January. As of today, the company has over 20,000 accounts from 185 countries registered on the platform.
One of their bets is that the overly bureaucratic, time-intensive sales process has actually constrained demand for satellite images. By making purchasing easier — and providing transparent pricing — SkyFi anticipates whole new customer bases and use cases opening up.
“There is no and will never be a ‘contact sales’ button on SkyFi,” Fischer said. “Because it just was ruining the industry.”
Looking ahead, the Austin, Texas–based startup is planning on integrating insight and analytics capabilities into the SkyFi app. This feature will be especially useful for customers interested in hyperspectral or SAR images. The company also plans to do more feature updates as it integrates more providers — from satellites, to stratospheric balloons, to drones — to the platform.
“I think of SkyFi as the Netflix of the geospatial world, where I think of Umbra, Satellogic and Maxar as the movie studios of the world,” Fischer said. “I just want them to produce great content and put it on the platform.”
Silicon Valley’s leading artificial intelligence weighs in on how you can make your business more resilient to economic downswings.
Entrepreneurs everywhere always have to look out for the dreaded “r-word.” They come around every so often and wreak havoc on businesses by reducing sales, dropping revenues and cutting employment. Of course, we’re talking about recessions — a natural, but certainly painful, part of the economic cycle.
While there’s no way to completely insulate a company from the effects of recessions, there are steps you can take to help mitigate them.
As a marketing and technology entrepreneur, I was curious to learn more about how to “recession-proof” my businesses. That’s why I asked ChatGPT, the world’s leading large language model (LLM) and the artificially intelligent darling of Silicon Valley.
Below, I’ll share my conversation with ChatGPT about how entrepreneurs can protect their businesses from recessions and, ultimately, share my own thoughts on these ideas.
The prompt
I opened our conversation by asking the following question in the form of a written prompt:
How can I make my business recession-proof?
Then, ChatGPT responded with the following steps after providing a brief disclaimer that no business can completely protect itself from inflation.
ChatGPT’s “recession-proof” entrepreneurship formula
Below are, verbatim, the seven recommendations offered by ChatGPT to help businesses weather the storm during recessions:
Build a strong cash reserve.
Diversify your offerings.
Focus on efficiency.
Maintain good customer relationships.
Keep an eye on your finances.
Prepare for the worst.
Stay flexible.
My thoughts on ChatGPT’s formula
Personally, I think ChatGPT’s advice is excellent, and I generally agree with each point. However, I have slight qualifications for some. Below, I’ll share my thoughts on each:
1. Build a strong cash reserve:
To make it through down periods, you need to have cash saved for a rainy day. This is as true for businesses as it is for your personal finances. However, I’d go a step further and recommend holding non-cash savings as well to protect against inflationary effects. An asset such as gold and other precious metals, or even real estate, can serve as highly resilient stores of wealth during recessions — although they’re far less liquid than cash on hand.
2. Diversify your offerings:
This is a big one. Ensure you don’t count on a single product or service to carry your business. Diversify your revenue streams by offering several products or services so that if one gets hit badly by the recession, another can keep your business afloat.
For example, a car dealership could diversify its offerings by adding commercial vehicles and trucks to its pre-existing line up of passenger vehicles.
3. Focus on efficiency
This one deserves a caveat. Prepare for a lean, hyper-efficient operation if economic circumstances require it, but don’t single-mindedly focus on efficiency by automating, downsizing and streamlining each and every task. Sometimes customer satisfaction and product refinement require a larger crew and more time dedicated to non-core functions, so allow space for that as well.
4. Maintain good customer relationships
This one is a given. Longstanding, loyal customers are far more likely to stick around during recessionary periods if you offer friendly, high-quality service. I suggest adding deal-sweeteners and discounts to repeat customers to keep them coming back.
5. Keep an eye on your finances
Create a budget, and stick to it. ChatGPT emphasizes the importance of monitoring your cash flow, and it’s right. If cash inflows aren’t leaving enough left over to cover all expenses while saving for a rainy day, you need to reevaluate your expenses and re-budget accordingly.
6. Prepare for the worst
Actively plan for an upcoming recession. In modern history, recessions have occurred every 3.25 years on average. Good entrepreneurs should use this as a baseline for when they should anticipate periodic business slowdowns, and contingency plans should account for these. This way, you can respond quickly if economic events lead to decreased sales.
7. Stay flexible
Always be willing to adapt. Market conditions can change suddenly, and savvy business owners need to be prepared for that by being flexible and able to pivot when necessary.
Overall, ChatGPT presents a great set of principles to abide by if you want your business to be more resilient to recessions. But it’s worth reiterating that no business strategy is “recession-proof” as deep, economy-wide events can and will have unmitigable effects on businesses of all kinds.
Yet, keeping a flexible and responsible approach to business management — as ChatGPT suggests above — would certainly make your company more likely to survive an economic downturn than one that doesn’t.
Influencer-marketing company Ubiquitous is looking for three “professional TikTok watchers,” who will be paid $100 an hour to view videos on the platform for 10 hours — making a cool $1,000 to pinpoint new trends “in the field,” according to the company’s site.
Competition for the job’s likely to be fierce: As of March, TikTok, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, claimed 150 million U.S. users amid increasing concerns surrounding national security, NBC News reported.
Ubiquitous is banking on users’ collective urge to scroll and earn some extra cash. The company’s ideal applicant will be familiar with TikTok, have an eye for upcoming trends and be at least 18 years old.
The platform has helped launch a range of viral moments over the years — including work-related trends like quiet quitting and bare minimum Mondays.
When the 10-hour TikTok watch session’s complete, the lucky side hustlers will tag Ubiquitous on their social media platform of choice and recap their experience; they’ll also fill out a document to record the emerging trends they discovered.
Those who meet the criteria can apply on the company’s site by May 31 for consideration, and hopeful side hustlers who tweet why they deserve the job (and tag Ubiquitous) “will receive priority consideration in the application process.”
Amanda Breen is a features writer at Entrepreneur.com. She is a graduate of Barnard College and received an MFA in writing at Columbia University, where she was a news fellow for the School of the Arts.
True intelligence extends beyond the acquisition of knowledge.
Conventional wisdom may point to smart people with advanced cognition, creativity, or high IQ. Still, if you ever wondered whether you belong with the brainy bunch, these four signs may confirm what you already know. For others, it may be a pleasant surprise that you are, indeed, smarter than the average bear.
1. You’re highly curious
Harvard Business Reviewreports that people with a higher curiosity quotient (CQ) are more inquisitive and generate more original ideas, and that this thinking style leads to higher levels of knowledge acquisition over time. CQ, the author states, “is the ultimate tool to produce simple solutions for complex problems.” Now imagine a corporate culture of curious, innovative, and risk-taking entrepreneurs working for you. Are you getting the picture? It may explain why Albert Einstein famously said, “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”
2. You question everything
Expanding on the last point, you may experience an inclination to scrutinize the prevailing norms or challenge those in positions of authority, but fear not, for this propensity to question everything may very well indicate your intellectual prowess. Consider this: True intelligence extends beyond the mere ability to analyze information or solve equations. It encompasses an innate curiosity, a receptive mindset, and a willingness to embrace multiple perspectives. And this is precisely what happens when you question everything. It shows that you refuse to settle for surface-level acceptance; instead, you yearn to dive deeper, explore new ideas, and engage in critical thinking. Questioning everything epitomizes genuine intelligence and an inquisitive, open mind.
3. You are self-aware
When it comes to leadership, emotional intelligence (EQ) matters as much as, if not more than, IQ for work effectiveness and managing the people side of the business. While definitions differ, leading scholars say EQ is having the ability to recognize and manage your own emotions as well as recognize and influence the emotions of others. One of the cornerstones of EQ, self-awareness, is widely considered one the most important skills to master. With self-awareness, future leaders can probe their emotions in any situation to understand what they’re feeling and why. This is key for understanding how to appropriately respond to complex business situations rather than impulsively react to challenges going south.
4. You have a strong desire for continuous learning
Smart individuals display a strong desire for continuous learning and personal growth. They seek out new knowledge, stay informed about industry developments, and actively pursue opportunities to enhance their skills and expertise. One way to increase your learning and make you even smarter is to associate with people better than you. When you choose to surround yourself with better and smarter individuals and learn from their success habits, you absorb their knowledge and become better and smarter yourself. Do the opposite — spend time with procrastinators, complainers, and pessimists — and over time, you’ll become like them, severely limiting your success.
This could disrupt the way software is created, distributed, and used, VCs and startup founders say.
However, the death of the traditional SaaS company still seems a long way off.
While ChatGPT has been wowing the public, behind the scenes investors and technologists are beginning to talk about a deeper disruption to the inner workings of the established software industry.
A new potential framework for software, whose earlier iteration was coined “malleable software” by researcher Philip Tchernavskij, describes a future where generative AI and humans work together to customize tooling and even create entire applications.
“No-code was the first step,” said Matt Turck, a partner at venture capital firm FirstMark. “This is the final chapter of software eating the world, where a bunch of people can create enterprise software within the enterprise.”
This would represent quite a reversal for the industry. Software-as-a-Service companies have been the disruptors for a decade, not the disruptees. They have sky-high valuations because investors are betting their subscription revenue will continue steadily rising for many years to come. If generative AI really catches on, though, that future may look very different.
Democratizing tech creation
Venture capitalists and startup founders have been obsessed with the idea of democratizing tech creation for years, as seen by the rise of low-code and no-code startups like Airtable, last valued at $11 billion, and Webflow, which landed a $4 billion price tag last year.
Some technical knowledge was still required to build most software. Now, though, the emergence of generative AI tools like GitHub Copilot has opened up the ability to generate code using just natural language, Ethan Kurzweil, a partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, told Insider.
For Jake Saper, a general partner at Emergence Capital, the use cases that stand to be disrupted first are simple, low-risk tasks and applications in small and midsize businesses. These instances offer the lowest chance of business disruption and require the least cross-company coordination, he said.
Vertical software companies taking existing technologies and making them easier to use in antiquated industries could also be under threat of replacement if their value-add is more around convenience versus actual product differentiation, Fika Ventures senior associate James Shecter said.
Some later-stage tech startups are trying to get ahead of the curve by sharing the power of creation with their customers. One example can be found in knowledge base startup Guru’s AI writing assistant, which lets customers create their own custom tones of voice using generative AI. This challenges the traditional idea of software as a rigid tool with a fixed set of available actions for users, Guru cofounder and CEO Rick Nucci told Insider.
“We’ve talked about ‘platforms’ in the SaaS world for a long time, the idea that someone can create a set of foundational building blocks that customers can configure and shape to be what they want,” he said. “This is a step change that’s actually happening.”
A new era for software
Some VCs and founders believe that generative AI could not only transform the way we create technology but also the way we interact with it through ultra-personalization.
For instance, new generative AI technology could help startups create user interfaces customized to each person’s exact preferences, Bessemer partner Talia Goldberg said. Already, ChatGPT is showing early signs of this by choosing to provide certain responses in data table format, even when users don’t specifically ask for that, she explained.
In more extreme cases, entire tools could be generated by AI on the fly to replace common actions a user takes, CRV principal Brittany Walker said.
In the long term, VCs like NEA partner Vanessa Larco and investor Elad Gil believe that autonomous AI agents, rather than humans, will be the main entities interacting with software. One potential scenario could be a world where individuals have a primary AI agent that coordinates and manages a number of “micro-agents” capable of doing everything from text messaging to scheduling dinner reservations, Larco told Insider.
These types of connections and interactions — the technical plumbing that currently makes different software programs work together — is the bread and butter business of many SaaS companies. If generative AI models can do this work automatically, what will happen to these SaaS businesses?
A ‘healthy pressure’ for traditional SaaS providers
To be sure, the death of the traditional software company still seems a long way off.
First, the choice between building software yourself or buying from a third party brings with it a substantial opportunity cost.
“I don’t necessarily want to sit on my computer for 10, 12, 15 hours developing this when I can go and find something that’s ready out-of-the-box,” CRV’s Walker said. “The barrier would need to drop very low for a critical mass of people to start creating their own bespoke software.”
Additionally, paying an outside software vendor helps people put the burden of safety, maintenance, and accountability onto a third party, Emergence Capital’s Saper said.
However, even skeptics admit that the threat of generative AI to traditional SaaS will push established software companies to prove their worth.
“It’ll probably be healthy pressure because the ‘build’ decision may be more tempting because it’ll be theoretically easier to do,” Saper said. “It’s going to put pressure on software vendors to really deliver value.”
Contact Stephanie Palazzolo using a non-work device on encrypted messaging app Signal (+1 979-599-8091), email ([email protected]), or Twitter DM @steph_palazzolo.
The CEO of Apple may not be the richest person in the world, but he is one of the most successful and influential business leaders today.
Most people, and especially those who are obsessed with the latest in technology, will recognize Tim Cook’s name. He became the CEO of Apple in 2011 when he was selected to continue the legacy of Steve Jobs as the leader of one of the world’s biggest and most influential companies.
Filling his predecessor’s shoes was not an easy task. Jobs was an icon and a legend, the founder of Apple who embodied the human side of the company. He practically became a guru for millions of people searching for their own routes to success. Cook not only inherited the responsibilities of CEO, but also the mantle of a much-loved visionary.
Cook has demonstrated that he doesn’t shy away from challenges. He accepted the job and has proved to be perhaps the best possible leader for the team at Apple. During his time as CEO, the company has produced a number of innovations, among the most notable of them being the Apple Watch, which can tell us everything from our heart rate to whether or not we are getting enough sleep each night.
Over the years, Cook’s career has provided a number of lessons when it comes to achieving and maintaining success. Anyone can incorporate them into their own lives as they pursue their goals and dreams.
Tim Cook and his 5 secrets to becoming hugely successful—just like him
Tim Cook visiting an Apple store. Getty
1. Find your own vision
Tim Cook’s starting point was the company that Jobs had created, but he knew that he had to build beyond that or otherwise, Apple would stagnate and eventually cease to be relevant. He was open to changes and adjustments and then followed different paths, including creating a streaming platform that has distributed Oscar-nominated films (like Causeway, starring Jennifer Lawrence).
The point to remember is that it is important to have your own goals, ideas, and projects to develop. Think about ways to create something unique and different that reflects your ideals and what you want to offer to the world without letting anyone get in your way. (Jeff Bezos is another leader who had a vision for Amazon that went beyond books to something much bigger, and he achieved it even when many had doubts about the idea.
This applies to every sort of job, from artists to entrepreneurs. Having your own goals will help lead you to the route to success that is right for you instead of having your life and career follow a path better suited to someone else.
2. Focus on the future, without forgetting the past
It is essential to pay attention to what is happening in the world and what people need now—and also what you can do to help meet those needs—but you should keep in mind that the world can change. What works today might not work tomorrow. You need to have a plan for how you will adjust to changing circumstances.
Cook, for example, is focused on what today’s consumers want from a smartphone, but at the same time, he is always searching for new features and functions for Apple products that will allow the company to continue to grow. Apple began with the company that Jobs created, but it has never stopped evolving. Among the goals the company is currently pursuing are extending battery life, finding ways to use more sustainable materials in products, and exploring new ways of connecting us to each other while making technology increasingly useful and central to everyday life.
The important lesson here is that we should understand the past, act in the present, but be willing to change to meet the challenges of the future.
3. Dare to be different
Both Cook and Apple share a common attitude that in order to achieve success, it is important to not simply do what everyone else is doing. If you follow the same path as everyone else, you’ll be lost in a crowd of interchangeable alternatives. If you forge your own path, you can stand out.
While it is possible to follow the trails that others have blazed and walk through doors that they have already opened, greater success comes from finding one’s own identity, voice, and style. By being authentic and true to your own vision, you can stand out and surpass the competition.
4. Don’t depend on technology
Believe it or not, Cook is not connected to his smartphone and laptop all day. He knows that it is important to put down our devices, discover what is out in the world waiting for us, and develop deeper connections with other people.
Steve Jobs reportedly had a similar attitude and he thought it was important for adults and children alike to spend time outside, doing manual and physical activities that allow us to tap into our creative side while assuring that our minds don’t become sluggish and lazy.
Yes, technology can help us learn, but at the same time, we should avoid letting it become the only resource we turn to.
5. Embrace awkward silences
Cook believes it is important to take the time to think things through before acting or responding. He is said to follow a so-called “Rule of Awkward Silence,” which allows him to make better decisions, avoid mistakes, and communicate better.
The rule is simple: When you are asked a question or expected to give an opinion, you should remain silent for a few minutes so that you can think through a reply carefully. Speak only when you are sure that you have arrived at the best answer or solution and are ready to share it.
Business startups from scratch can be overwhelming, but this ultimate guide breaks down the process into manageable steps. Get started on your entrepreneurial journey today.
Beginning a business can be an intriguing and compensating experience, yet it can likewise be overwhelming and overpowering. From starting a marketable strategy to getting financing and sending off your item or administration, many advances are engaged with beginning an effective business.
This ultimate guide will break down the process into manageable steps, helping you to navigate the world of entrepreneurship and get started on your business journey.
Business Startups from Scratch:
Conduct market research and analysis:
Before launching your business, it’s important to conduct thorough market research and analysis to ensure that there is a demand for your product or service. This includes distinguishing your interest group, figuring out their necessities and inclinations, and exploring your opposition.
Additionally, you have to stay up to date with the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and consumer behaviour. A SWOT analysis helps you identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, allowing you to make informed business decisions.
By gathering this information, you can develop a better understanding of the market and make informed decisions about your business strategy. You can conduct market research through surveys, focus groups, and online research tools.
Develop a business idea and plan:
The first step in Business startups from scratch is to develop a business idea and plan. This involves identifying a need in the market, researching your target audience, and developing a unique value proposition for your product or service. Determine the most effective business model for your product or service, including pricing, distribution, and revenue streams. Evaluate a financial plan having your startup costs, revenue projections, and cash flow analysis.
Combine all of the above information into a comprehensive business plan that outlines your business idea. Once you have a solid business idea, you can begin to create a business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections. Your business plan will serve as a roadmap for your entrepreneurial journey, helping you to stay focused and on track as you launch and grow your business.
Secure funding and create a budget:
Once you have a solid business plan in place, it’s time to secure funding and create a budget. Securing funding and creating a budget are both essential for any startup business plan. By carefully considering different funding sources and creating a detailed budget, you can increase the chances of success for your business startups.
It is important to regularly review and update both the funding and budget plans to ensure they remain relevant and effective in the dynamic business environment. There are many options for funding your business, including loans, grants, and investors. Consider your options carefully and choose the one that best fits your needs and goals.
Once you have secured funding, create a budget that outlines your expenses and revenue projections. This will help you stay on track financially and make informed decisions about your business operations. Remember to review and adjust your budget as needed regularly.
Register your business startups by choosing a suitable business structure:
Before officially launching your business, you must choose a legal structure and register your business with the appropriate government agencies. Registering your business is an important step in launching your venture. One of the key decisions you will need to make when registering is choosing a suitable business structure.
The most common business structures are sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Each structure has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to research and choose the one that best fits your business goals and needs.
Once you have chosen a structure, you must register your business startup with your state or local government and obtain any necessary licenses and permits. This will ensure that your business is operating legally and can protect you from potential legal issues in the future.
Business startups by establishing an online presence and building a strong brand:
Building a strong brand and establishing an online presence is crucial for any business startup, especially in today’s digital age. Your brand is what sets you apart from your competitors and helps customers recognize and remember your business. Start by creating a logo and choosing a colour scheme representing your brand’s values and personality. Then, establish your online presence by creating a website and social media accounts.
Ensure your website is user-friendly and includes important information about your business, such as your products or services, pricing, and contact information. Use social media to engage with your audience, share valuable content, and promote your brand.
Consistency is key when it comes to building your brand and establishing your online presence, so make sure your messaging and visuals are consistent across all platforms.
Conclusion:
Finally, Business startups from scratch can be a challenging but rewarding endeavour. With proper planning and execution, it is possible to turn a great idea into a successful venture. The ultimate guide for Business startups from scratch has provided a comprehensive roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The guide emphasized the importance of conducting thorough market research, creating a solid business plan, and identifying funding sources. It helps to establish a legal structure.
It also highlighted the significance of building a solid brand, developing a marketing strategy, and hiring the right team.
Continuous improvement in the business is possible through feedback and data analysis. At the same time, Business startups from Scratch are not a cup of tea. So, it is important to remember that failures and setbacks are part of the journey.
Leaders are the catalysts that turn people’s potential into tangible growth. Here are signs you may be one.
A title and leadership rarely go hand in hand. And the asynchrony is nauseating.
There are so many CEOs, founders, bosses and mentors that are in a position of leadership, but they don’t exactly lead. They don’t inspire. They don’t teach. They just abuse their positions.
On the other hand, there are so many people who show true potential as leaders even if they don’t have a title. Let’s discuss signs that you may be such a person.
Here are 4 rare signs you’re a great leader, even if you don’t have the title:
1. You love to learn what fires people up
Kobe Bryant never actually hung out with his teammates just to hang out. He didn’t take vacations just to take vacations. Everything Kobe Bryant did was an attempt to be a better basketball player. Everything.
That is why, even when he hung out with his teammates, he had a purpose. He wanted to know them individually so that he knew what nerve to touch to get them inspired. And that’s what made him an excellent leader who won five rings.
Because the thing is — no matter what a person’s goal, their reason to chase that goal might be different. Their triggers might be different. That’s why inspiration is person-specific. Great leaders try to capitalize on this.
They don’t throw around generic inspirational words and expect results. They don’t use a cookie-cutter approach. Instead, they try to know their teammates on a deeper level, and then, their words of motivation are also specific to that person.
Hence, if you love to learn what fires up someone’s belly — be it your friend or your colleague — it’s a sign that you’re a great leader.
2. You give freedom to make decisions
Some people love micro-managing. They just don’t let others take any kind of decisions. Whether it’s planning a trip or working on a project. This is bad leadership. Not allowing others to take decisions handicaps them.
But great leaders do the opposite.
They allow others to take decisions. I’ve often had my brother tell me, “Take the decision and let me know. Don’t bother me.” And this is great because this enables and forces me to think for myself. And if the decision turns out to be wrong, I’ll learn first-hand.
However, giving others the freedom to take some decisions is hard because:
You have to make peace with the fact that their decision might not meet your standard.
And that the decision might do damage.
That’s why great leaders begin with the delegation of low stake decisions. And then, when the people get better, they slowly raise the stakes. If you do this in your everyday life, it’s a sign that you’re a great leader.
3. You have a healthy bias when it comes to taking credit and accepting blame
M.S. Dhoni was one of the most successful and beloved Indian cricket captains in the sport’s history.
And there’s this one little detail that people love about him: In every picture with a trophy or a cup of a tournament that they won, Dhoni stood on one of the sides. He never stood in the centre. He never held the cup or the trophy in the team picture. This is because as a person and a leader, he was always biased to give away the credit to his team — even though it was evident that he was the one who lead his team to victory.
At the same time, he often took the blame when his team lost a game. He pointed out his own mistakes and emphasized less on the mistakes of others.
Great leaders do this because, unlike others, they don’t care about appearing “great” in front of people. They care about their team’s morale and learning from their mistakes.
Hence, if you’re biased to accept the blame, but give away the credit, it’s a sign that you’re a great leader.
4. You understand the exponentially infectious nature of growth
True leaders care about the growth of everyone around them. They understand that everyone around them is a part of their team.
You and your wife are a team.
Your family is a team.
Your office is a team.
Even the members of the opposite team — in the bigger picture — are actually your team. (I’ll explain why below.)
This is because growth is infectious. When you grow, your growth will rub off on people in the form of inspiration and lessons, and they’ll grow too. And when they grow, you’ll grow too — for the same reason. This is even, and especially true for your competitors. For instance, if the Boston Celtics level up their game, it would force LA Lakers to get better too.
People who aren’t great leaders get it wrong. They’re threatened by the growth of others. They think it somehow reduces their worth. And hence, they care for their own growth but try to pull others down at the same time. This might help in the short term, but in the long term, such people lose.
On the other hand, true leaders understand the real truth about growth. They understand that growth is infectious. This is why, they care about the growth of everyone around them, as they know, this will eventually get back to them — and lead to their own growth.
In summation:
You love to learn what inspires people. And hence, your everyday life inspirational speeches are not through a cookie-cutter approach. You hand out person-specific motivation.
You allow people to take decisions — low stakes at first. But you raise the stakes slowly as you trust people’s abilities more.
You’re biased to accept the blame but give away the credit.
You’re not a crab who pulls others down to elevate your own image. You care about the growth of everyone — as you know it’ll boomerang its way back to you.
Have you ever felt like your call to action was as enticing as watching paint dry?
You’re not the only one, trust us.
We understand the frustration — you’re pouring your heart and soul into your digital marketing campaigns, only to see your clicks and conversions stagnate.
You can’t help but think, “There has to be a better way, right?”
Fear not!
We’re here to empower you with some tantalizing tips and examples that’ll breathe new life into your digital campaigns.
So, get ready to embark on an incredible journey that will send your conversions soaring to new heights.
Let the adventure begin!
Master the Art of CTAs: 6 Power-Packed Tips to Captivate Your Audience
So, embark on a transformative journey as we reveal six power-packed tips that will captivate your audience and elevate your call to action game.
Simplicity Sells: Create Crystal-Clear CTAs That Drive Results
We can all agree that nobody likes a confusing message.
So, why make a visitor guess what you want them to do?
Let’s dive into the importance of clarity in your CTAs.
Use Clear and Concise Language
Get straight to the point. A potential customer doesn’t have time to decipher cryptic messages.
So, keep your CTA button short and sweet, with a clear, direct message.
Dropbox‘s simple “Try it for free” CTA button has played a significant role in the company’s rapid growth.
The clear message and straightforward design have encouraged millions of users to sign up for their file-sharing service.
Be Specific
Don’t just tell ’em, show ’em!
Your CTA should make it crystal clear what your audience should do next. Let’s check out this call to action example:
“Sign Up Now for Your Free Trial”
Vs.
“Join Us”
In the first option, it’s evident that users need to sign up for a free trial.
The second one? Erm, not so much.
Spotify has seen tremendous success with its CTA, “Get 3 Months For £0.”
This specific call to action clearly communicates the benefit to the user, contributing to the streaming giant’s massive subscriber base.
Strike While It’s Hot: Ignite Action with Time-Sensitive CTAs
You know that feeling when you just gotta have something, like, yesterday?
That’s what urgency does.
It lights a fire under your audience, prompting them to take a specific action ASAP.
Create a Sense of Urgency
Adding a time-sensitive element to your offer can make all the difference. For example, compare:
“Get 50% Off”
And:
“Get 50% Off Today Only“
They both clearly state a generous discount, but the second option creates urgency by using a trigger word.
Sprinkling in words that convey immediacy, like “now,” “today,” or “limited time,” is like adding a pinch of spice to your marketing recipe.
It nudges users to act before it’s too late and can contribute to higher conversion rates.
Amazon’s Prime Day deals are a perfect example. They often include limited-time offers. These urgent messages help drive massive sales during their annual event.
Embrace Action-Packed Verbs
Energize your CTA by incorporating a powerful action word that inspires a visitor to take the desired action.
An action verb adds a layer of excitement and makes your call to action more compelling.
So, let’s explore a call to action example:
“Get Your Discount”
Vs.
“Snag Your Discount”
In the second option, the action verb “snag” adds an additional element, making the CTA more appealing and intriguing.
Remember, the right action word can work wonders in making your call to action irresistible and driving the desired outcome.
The Golden Ticket: Showcasing Irresistible Benefits for Instant Appeal
Wanna know the secret sauce that makes an effective CTA?
It’s all about the value proposition.
Show your audience exactly what they’ll gain by taking specific action.
Highlight the Benefits
Make your offer so enticing that a potential customer can’t refuse. Focus on the benefits they’ll receive. Let’s examine this example:
“Sign Up for Courses”
Vs:
“Get Instant Access to 100+ Premium Courses”
The first option is relevant but bland. Whereas the second highlights the value of instant access to a vast array of premium courses.
So, how could you highlight your benefit?
Focus On What Makes Your Offer Unique
Next, stand out from the crowd by showcasing what sets your offer apart.
By highlighting its USP and converting it into a call to action button, Death Wish Coffee differentiates itself from competitors and encourages coffee lovers to experience it for themselves.
Pull at Their Heartstrings: Using Emotions to Inspire Action
Remember that time you bought something because it just felt right?
That’s the power of emotional appeal.
Let’s uncover the secrets of harnessing this persuasive force in your CTAs.
Use Persuasive Language
Choose words that tap into your audience’s emotions. After all, they should feel a connection with your CTA and brand. Consider this example:
“Enroll in Our Program”
Vs:
“Transform Your Life with Our Proven Program”
The second option tugs at the heartstrings by promising a life transformation.
Are you tempted?
A prime real-world example is Nike’s “Just Do It” slogan.
It evokes a sense of determination and encourages customers to take action and learn more by simply doing “it!”
Align with Your Audience
Speak directly to your audience’s desires and address their pain points head-on.
For example, if you’re marketing a sleep aid, which of these CTAs would you click:
“Try Our Sleep Aid”
Or:
“Say Goodbye to Sleepless Nights with Our Natural Sleep Aid”
The second one?
It addresses a common pain point amongst the target audience — sleepless nights — and offers a solution.
A Feast for the Eyes: Design Visually Stunning CTAs That Beg to Be Clicked
Looks matter, especially when it comes to CTAs. An eye-catching design can make all the difference between a click and a pass.
Implement Contrasting Colours
Colour can be a powerful tool to grab attention.
So, make sure your CTA stands out with contrasting colours. Take a peak at the example from Smart Blogger below:
The “Start Now” button contrasts sharply with the website’s dark background. It effectively grabs the users’ attention and encourages them to click through.
Choose the Perfect Font
Don’t make your audience squint to read your CTA. Pick a font that’s clear and easy on the eyes.
Let’s jump back to the previous example from Smart Blogger…
The CTA uses a large, bold, and easily readable font to guide users toward their next action — great!
So, use clear typography to ensure users understand the desired action, ultimately driving sign-ups.
Unleashing the Power of Data: Fine-Tuning Your CTAs for Maximum Impact
You’ve crafted the perfect CTA, but your journey doesn’t end there.
To reach the pinnacle of success, testing, and optimization are your trusted companions on this quest for the best possible results.
Perform AB Testing
Don’t rely on gut feelings. Test different CTA variations to see which one brings home the bacon.
For instance, suppose you’re running an online course platform, and you want to increase sign-ups for your latest offering.
You could test two different CTAs to see which one performs better:
1. “Enrol Now & Master Your Skills”
2. “Unlock Your Full Potential – Enrol Now”
After running your AB test and analysing the data, you find that CTA 2 outperforms CTA 1 by a 15% higher conversion rate.
Perfect!
Based on these results, you implement CTA 2 into your marketing campaign, ultimately leading to a higher number of sign-ups for your online course.
So, keep a close eye on your CTA performance and continually make data-driven decisions.
If your latest CTA has a low click-through rate, consider tweaking the language, design, or placement.
If a particular element is performing above and beyond, rinse and repeat.
Your Ultimate CTA Arsenal: 54 Show-Stopping Examples to Boost Conversions Instantly
Now that you’re armed with tips and tricks, let’s dive into 50+ more compelling call to action button examples that’ll make your audience click like there’s no tomorrow…
Direct CTAs
1. “Buy Now”
2. “Sign Up Today”
3. “Download Your Free E-book”
4. “Start Your Free Trial”
5. “Get Started”
Urgency-Driven CTAs
6. “Limited Time Offer: Save 50% Today!”
7. “Join Now — Offer Ends Soon!”
8. “Don’t Miss Out — Register Now!”
9. “Only 3 Days Left: Enrol Now!”
10. “Get Your Early Bird Discount Today!”
Value Proposition CTAs
11. “Discover the Secret to Losing Weight”
12. “Get Your Dream Job”
13. “Boost Your Business Profits”
14. “Learn to Play Guitar Like a Pro”
15. “Unlock Unlimited Access”
Personalized CTAs
16. “See Your Customized Plan”
17. “Find Your Perfect Match”
18. “Get Personalized Recommendations”
19. “Your Journey Starts Here”
20. “Make It Yours”
Design-Focused CTAs
21. “Shop Our Best Sellers”
22. “Upgrade Your Wardrobe”
23. “Find Your Perfect Look”
24. “Discover the Latest Trends”
25. “Get Inspired”
Social Proof CTAs
26. “Join Thousands of Happy Customers”
27. “Get the #1 Rated App”
28. “Find Out Why We’re the Top Choice”
29. “Trusted by Experts Worldwide”
30. “See the Success Stories”
Emotional Trigger CTAs
31. “Don’t Live With Regret — Act Now”
32. “Stop Feeling Overwhelmed — Get Organized”
33. “Become the Person You’ve Always Wanted to Be”
34. “Discover Your True Potential”
35. “Find Happiness Today”
Guarantee-Focused CTAs
36. “100% Money-Back Guarantee”
37. “Risk-Free Trial”
38. “No Questions Asked Returns”
39. “Get Results or Your Money Back”
40. “Try It RISK-FREE for 30 Days”
Exclusive CTAs
41. “Grab Your Exclusive Discount Code”
42. “Get Your VIP Access”
43. “Unlock Secret Features”
44. “Experience the Future of Technology”
45. “Join Our Elite Membership”
Information-Seeking CTAs
46. “Learn More”
47. “Request a Demo”
48. “Get Your Free Guide”
49. “Download Our Whitepaper”
50. “Schedule a Consultation”
Community-Building CTAs
51. “Join Our Facebook Group”
52. “Follow Us on Instagram”
53. “Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel”
54. “Share Your Experience”
55. “Invite a Friend and Get Rewarded”
The Call to Action Revolution: Unleash the Potential of Your Campaigns
With these effective call to action tips and examples in your arsenal, you’re ready to conquer the world of clicks, conversions, and delighted customers.
Let the journey begin, and may the power of persuasion be with you.
Happy marketing!
By Sam Driver
Sam is an Associate Editor for Smart Blogger and family man who loves to write. When he’s not goofing around with his kids, he’s honing his craft to provide lasting value to anyone who cares to listen.
There are plenty of online learning platforms you can use at any skill level and for any subject. Here, we take a look at some of the best.
Education is one of the most powerful things that a person can do, but often when we think of education, the first thing that comes to mind is the cost. Fortunately, there are plenty of online platforms that allow you to learn entirely for free.
Perhaps you’re looking to change careers, or just looking to help your children with their homework and need a refresher. Regardless of why, there’s an online learning platform that can help you educate yourself on just about anything. Here are five of the best for your consideration.
First up on this list, we have Khan Academy. Khan Academy is an online learning platform that is entirely non-profit and accessible to anybody anywhere.
Khan Academy covers a wide range of different courses and education levels. The courses generally cover subjects at a middle school and high school level, though there are also AP courses and several courses dedicated to life skills.
The range here is impressive, with subjects such as Math, Science, Computing, Arts, and more all present. Each subject has plenty of courses to choose from based on what it is that you’re trying to learn as well.
The actual courses are approachable and include periodic quizzes and practice questions that you can use to check your understanding as you go.
What’s great about Khan Academy is that it not only allows anybody at any level to learn, but it also features integration for teachers. This makes Khan Academy one of many great tools to better engage online students, and can help you reach kids you otherwise couldn’t.
Next up on this list comes Coursera. If you’ve ever thought about changing careers but have found the thought of retraining to be overwhelming, then Coursera might be able to propose a solution for you.
Coursera is an online learning platform that features a variety of courses that you can enroll in to earn online degrees and certificates. You can use these certificates to add to your resume if you’re looking for a great way how to create the perfect freelance CV, or add them to your LinkedIn profile.
The range of options with Coursera is impressive, and you can navigate through courses based on the role or career that you’re looking for.
It’s worth noting that Coursera isn’t entirely free, however. Some of the courses on offer require payments to complete, though there’s an impressive range of over 2,700 courses that you can take without spending a cent.
If you’re looking to upskill or just have an interest that you’ve always wanted to explore, then Udemy might just have what you’re looking for.
Udemy is an online learning platform that offers a huge number of free online courses that you can use to achieve your goals. There are over 500 different courses available here, and the options are quite diverse.
Unlike some of the other entries on this list, Udemy focuses more on smaller lessons or brief courses. Most of these courses run for a number of hours, which means that you can get through them in an afternoon or weekend, as opposed to a couple of months.
This makes Udemy ideal for anybody who’s looking for a way to quickly learn more about a complicated topic. Udemy features paid courses, as well, which come with more support such as instructor direct messaging, and a certificate of completion, although this isn’t necessary to learn with Udemy.
You’ve no doubt heard of the variety of great TED Talks that are out there, but did you know that there are actually plenty of TED features that you may not know about?
Take TED-Ed, for example. TED-Ed is an online learning platform that aims to tackle a wide variety of different topics in short, bite-sized features. The longest videos here are only half an hour long, and most tend towards running around about five minutes long.
TED-Ed features nearly 2,700 different lessons that you can watch, and it broaches a range of subjects across psychology, health, and how your brain works, to name a few.
On top of this, TED-Ed features collections of videos on a single topic, such as thinking like a coder, collections of poetry, and how our climate is changing.
You can also find interactive experiences on TED-Ed as well. These experiences are wide-spanning and feature a huge number of different quizzes and videos that you can use to learn more about a whole host of different subjects.
All of these ways to learn are entirely free, as TED is a non-profit organization. This means that you’re free to jump between videos and lessons as you see fit, with no fear of being locked out by a paywall.
Finally, we have Alison. Alison is an online learning platform that aims to make certificates and diplomas more accessible. If you’re looking for a free way to upskill or learn something new entirely, then Alison is a good option for exactly that.
Alison features over 4,000 courses that you can take on just about any subject. There are courses here for just about any discipline, so you should be able to find just about anything that you’re looking for.
What’s great about Alison is that there are no paid courses. You’ll need to make an account, but once you’ve done that, all there is to do is enrol in a course and start learning. It is worth noting, however, that if you want to receive an actual diploma or certificate for your learning, then you’ll need to purchase the document for Alison to post it to you.
You’ll be able to receive a learner record as proof of your completing the course regardless of whether or not you pay, however.
Learning Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
As you can see, there are a wide variety of different ways to learn available entirely for free. Whether you’re looking to upskill, change careers, or just learn something new, there are options out there that let you do exactly that.
Jack has been passionate about writing and tech all his life. He has studied BAs in both Philosophy and Software Engineering from the University of Melbourne and RMIT, respectively. He has been writing with MakeUseOf since 2020
