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How To Craft A LinkedIn Profile That Recruiters Love, According To 100 Hiring Professionals

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By Joseph Liu

LinkedIn remains one of the most essential platforms to establish a professional online presence and showcase your skills and accomplishments. With over 930 million users (and counting), LinkedIn remains the go-to platform for recruiters, hiring managers, and professionals looking for potential candidates.

“Your LinkedIn profile is your digital brand,” says Lianne Zhang, a director of talent at Milestone Technologies. “I can’t tell you the number of times where we had two equally qualified candidates and the one with the stronger LinkedIn profile got the job.”

In the personal branding workshops I regularly host, I often get questions about what recruiters and hiring managers prefer candidates include (and exclude) on their LinkedIn profiles. Since I’m not a recruiter myself, I solicited and compiled guidance from over 100 experienced recruiters and hiring managers around the world to find out exactly how to craft a LinkedIn profile that stands out to recruiters.

While I haven’t featured quotes from all 100 of them in this single article, the guidance that emerged from their collective views in response to the most frequently asked questions I receive about each LinkedIn section follows.

1. Photos: Upload Professional Images

What are the characteristics of a good headshot? Does customizing your background banner photo make a difference?

Two primary photos create the initial personal branding people see when visiting your profile: your profile photo and your background banner photo. Make sure to use a professional profile photo.

First, upload a current picture of yourself. You should absolutely include your face on your profile. The lack of a profile photo tends to create a negative impression with recruiters. “The absence of a photo on LinkedIn in some cases can cause distrust for a particular account,” says Oleksandra Syzonets, a recruiter at Reply.io. She says that when a headshot is missing, some employers may question if a real person is behind a profile.

Emma Lindberg, recruiting manager at IT staffing agency Advantis Global agrees that headshots make a big difference to recruiters trying to differentiate between real and fake accounts. “Real accounts are likely to have their background images personalized without stock photos,” Lindberg says.

Second, the photo should be an actual headshot. “Avoid using full-body shots or a photo that looks like a selfie or includes a cluttered or busy background,” says Stacey Mallory, managing director at Altis Recruitment. The photo should ideally not be cropped from another photo because it rarely conveys the same level of professionalism as a solo headshot from the shoulders up.

Third, your headshot should feel professional. “There’s a delicate balance [between] having a profile picture that represents your character or personality while still maintaining some professionalism,” says Trent Cotton, senior global director of talent acquisition at Hatchworks. While you may want to have your personality come through, the picture should still be business focused according to Maciej Kubiak, Head of People at PhotoAiD. “LinkedIn is not Facebook, so the profile picture needs to be business-related,” Kubiak states.

Lindberg does concede that those in the arts, design, or fashion can potentially break away from the typical ‘business professional’ standards of wearing neutral groomed hair, makeup, and formal clothing. “However, across all industries, a clear, well-lit photo is the minimum standard of a good headshot,” she says.

Finally, the image should be high quality. Mallory suggests always using a professional headshot that offers a clear, well-lit view of your face. “Anything that looks amateur or DIY can be a turn-off for recruiters.” These days, you can take a high-quality picture with most phone cameras in a bright room against a neutral background.

“The most important thing is to have a flattering, professional picture,” says Arno Markus, a former recruiter and founder of iCareerSolutions. “This doesn’t mean you need to go out and get a studio headshot, but you want to make sure that the photo is recent, well-lit, and shows you at your best.”

Customizing your background photo is helpful, but not mandatory. Behind your round profile photo sits the rectangular banner image area that appears as a plain grey box by default, but can also be customized. Most recruiters I connected with stated that customizing your background image can be helpful but not absolutely required.

“Having any photo, whether it is a background or a headshot, is a form of self-branding. First impressions are 100% real, and those two images are the first thing people see when they visit someone’s profile,” says Piotr Sosnowski, head of HR at hiJunior. “A background photo is not a must. Some of our best employees didn’t have one during their recruitment process, but it definitely helps recruiters understand what type of person you are.”

According to other recruiters though, while customizing your LinkedIn background image doesn’t hurt, it may not necessarily help either. “Background images don’t really make too much of a difference when you’re being sourced by a recruiter since they are most likely viewing your profile from the LinkedIn Recruiter view, which does not show the background image,” says Weronika Pajdak, talent acquisition manager at Mighty.

2. Headline: Highlight Unique Skills

What’s your view on candidates saying “Ex-[company name]”? What should candidates include in a headline?

Your headline is one of the first parts of your profile someone will see, so it deserves some extra attention. “When we run a search on our LinkedIn Recruiter account, the first thing that shows up underneath your name is your headline,” says Pajdak. “More importantly, it’s the only part of your profile in that search view that doesn’t get cut off by a See All button. It’s literally a recruiter’s first introduction to your experience and a great place to make yourself stand out,” she says.

Selectively Articulate Your Unique Value

Use the 220 characters available in your headline statement to specifically and selectively highlight the title, skills, or areas of expertise for which you want to be known. Margaret Buj, a senior talent partner at Mixmax, shared a few useful frameworks to optimize your headline for keyword searches:

1. Role | Specific achievement

  • B2B Inside Sales Rep | $2.4MM generated in 2020
  • Digital Ads Manager | 5 Years Experience Managing 7-figure ad budgets

2. Role | Years of experience in industry | Fun fact

  • Human Resources Manager | 10+ Years of People Experience |Disneyland Annual Passholder

3. Role | Helping ___ (type of company) do ___ (result)

  • Social Media Manager | Helping software start-ups manage and grow their social media to drive more sales

4. Role | specializing in _____, _____ and _____

  • Content Marketing Strategist specializing in press releases, blog content, and social media

 

The vast majority of recruiters don’t prefer the use of Ex-Company. “I’d advise against using ‘ex-[Company]’ in the headline because a recruiter will be reviewing the candidate’s whole profile anyway,” says Mallory. “Use your Headline to list your job title, skills or areas of expertise rather than using an ambiguous line.” Nathan Deily, chief people officer at nth Venture agrees. “Ex-Company does a candidate no favors in my book. Any recruiter or hiring manager who’s paying attention will see that the candidate worked those places without them bragging about it in a headline,” Deily says.

Note, a small minority of recruiters felt there could be some upside to mentioning your former organization in the headline. “Having a well-known company name in the headline gives me the impression that the candidate has already been vigorously screened and may be very capable of delivering quality projects,” says Lindberg. Although she doesn’t prefer to see “Ex-Company” in a headline, Sosnowski states some recruiters and hiring managers will hire someone who worked at a well-known company rather than someone with similar skills from a lesser-known company.

Nima Mirpourian, a former recruiter and CEO of Will Be Live says candidates should ultimately focus on crafting a headline that highlights their unique skills, experiences, and accomplishments. “Stating you worked for a well-known company does not provide any specific information about your experience or skills,” Mirpourian says.

3. About: Summarize Your Unique Value

How long should this be? What’s the ideal scope of info captured? Err on the side of brevity. Most recruiters prefer candidates to get straight to the point about their professional ambitions, personal brand, and unique skillset in no more than two paragraphs. Mallory believes the About section on LinkedIn is one of the most important. “It’s a career synopsis or professional summary of a resume. In one succinct paragraph, candidates should summarize the types of industries they’ve worked in, areas of expertise, projects they are proud of, and key deliverables.” Mallory states this section also offers a glimpse into a candidate’s writing style.

Selectively Highlight Non-Work Interests

While the About section should be primarily focused on your professional life, selectively highlighting personal interests can help humanize your profile. “Your summary doesn’t need to be entirely focused on your work,” says Kimberley Tyler-Smith, VP of strategy and growth at Resume Worded. “A couple of details about your interests and activities outside of the office will help you seem more relatable and personable,” she says.

End With An Invitation

Markus also recommends including a clear call-to-action at the end of your summary. “Let people know what you’re looking for and how they can get in touch with you,” he recommends. For example, the call-to-action could be an invitation to contact you, visit your website, or check out a certain resource of yours.

4. Featured Content: Highlight Key Accomplishments

How much do recruiters pay attention to your Featured section?

LinkedIn gives you the option to manually populate your Featured Section with posts, a newsletter, articles, links, or media. Most recruiters recommend utilizing this area to draw attention to specific aspects of your skills and expertise you feel are most relevant to those working in areas you’re trying to target. “Use the Featured section to showcase your achievements. Include links, articles and case studies of your work,” says Mallory.

Reinforce Your Personal Brand

Selectively highlight articles, presentations, conference talks, or projects that build credibility around the skills you claim to possess. From a branding standpoint, using eye-catching visuals can increase the chances of this section grabbing a recruiter’s attention. You should also ensure you keep this section up to date, removing outdated or irrelevant content, which can also signal you’ve made the effort to keep your profile current.

5. Activity: Signal You’re Professional Engaged

What impact does one’s Activity feed have on your perceptions of a candidate?

Your Activity section provides a running feed of what you’ve shared, published, and commented on. Being active on LinkedIn can also demonstrate to recruiters that the candidate is actively seeking ways to grow their professional network and skills according to Steven Waudby, senior recruiter at Delta Hire. “Sharing insightful articles, congratulating your network on professional achievements, and updating one’s network on their professional journey shows that the candidate is engaged and motivated to advance their professional career,” Waudby states.

Engage Regularly With Your Network

Most recruiters agree a candidate who’s active on LinkedIn creates a more positive impression compared to those with more static profiles. “Seeing a candidate who is active on LinkedIn – posting, commenting, sharing, connecting with others on the platforms shows a high level of engagement within their networks,” says Jonathan Reynolds, CEO of Titus Talent Strategies.

Share Useful Commentary

Your commentary can also give a recruiter a glimpse into your professional approach, values, or personality. “A post advocating for diversity and inclusivity could reveal a commitment to social justice and equality. A comment praising a colleague for their accomplishments could demonstrate a collaborative and supportive attitude,” says Mirpourian.

Thoughtful activity can even make a difference when deciding between two candidates. “Intelligent and well-written posts, shares or commentary could be a differentiator in a tight decision between two otherwise well-qualified candidates,” says Deily.

6. Experience: Include More Detail

What level of detail is best? Just role & company? Summary of responsibilities? Bulleted list of accomplishments? All of the above? Do you prefer more or less detail?

You can certainly find LinkedIn “experts” who recommend simply including your role titles and company names. I’ve crossed paths with plenty of career coaches who claim a “less is more” approach to the LinkedIn Experience section is more appropriate for an online medium. However, recruiters who weighed in on this article overwhelmingly prefer seeing more detail about your professional experiences.

Include Accomplishments

Detailing out your accomplishments can help recruiters immediately assess your viability as a candidate without having to go through the extra step of requesting your resume. “Your Linkedin profile should be able to act as your resume,” says Brianna Rooney, founder and CEO of TalentPerch.

Your experience section should be treated almost like a resume says Lindberg. “If the resume is not available on the candidate profile, I prefer more detail. Having the roles and companies listed, summaries of responsibilities, and bulleted accomplishments are important.” Lindberg also states that when working for a smaller or lesser-known company, candidates should also include a few sentences about what the company does, which can save recruiters time in having to research that company.

The Experience section should mirror the candidate’s resume, highlighting their skills and experience in as much detail as possible says Mallory. “Since a LinkedIn profile is sometimes the recruiter’s only source of information about a candidate, the more detail they provide in the Experience section, the better because it makes it easier to determine their suitability for the role at a glance. If the recruiter can’t easily see what they’re looking for, they might move on to other candidates,” says Mallory.

Use Bullet Points

A job title and company name are not enough for a recruiter to draw meaningful conclusions about your qualifications. “I’d recommend having a few bullet points listed, ideally tangible achievements,” Buj says. Yes, you can use bullet points, just as you would in a resume, when detailing accomplishments.

“A candidate should list out bullets describing their responsibilities and any measurable achievements from their time at that position,” says Waudby. “Recruiters want to know quantifiable metrics in addition to the soft skills that helped you achieve success and grow your professional development.”

Bullets are indeed an effective format for the Experience section according to Reynolds. “Long paragraphs are hard to read so keep it in bullet formatting and make sure to tie it back to your headline,” says Reynolds.

Buj also recommends starting (rather than ending) bullet points with a quantifiable result. She shared this example: “Instead of saying: ‘Promoted to my current position where I excelled in sales, increasing them by 12% in the first year,’ say ‘Increased sales by 12% in the first year following my promotion.” Leading with quantified results enables someone scanning through your accomplishments to quickly understand your measurable impact.

7. Education

Does it matter if dates attended are included? The verdict on whether to include dates on your Education section is a bit split.

Including Dates Can Introduce Age Biases

The dates of your schooling may have no impact on how a recruiter perceives you, but it does introduce some risk around age discrimination. “I don’t recommend including education dates on your LinkedIn profile because it can trigger unconscious bias related to age,” says Molly McIlvaine, executive recruiter at Hanover Search.

“As someone in HR, I’m concerned that this might create an occasion for discrimination,” says Jennifer Miller, head of people and coaching for Lingo Live. “As candidates hit the category where they’re in a protected class (i.e., ages 40+), including these dates may put them at risk for discrimination.”

But Excluding Dates Can Also Raise Questions

Other recruiters stated that including dates is actually helpful to recruiters trying to make sense of how your education fits into your broader professional narrative. According to Mirpourian, leaving out dates in the Education section can raise questions and appear misleading. “Potential employers may wonder if you are trying to hide gaps in your education or work history. By including dates, you can provide a clear and transparent history of your academic achievements.”

Waudby agrees that Education dates are important to include because they help to illustrate a complete timeline of your career. “At the very least, candidates should include the year they completed their education so that recruiters are able to better gauge the timeline of their professional development,” he says.

You could also take an in-between approach, keeping dates in if you are a recent graduate, but removing them after a certain period. Mallory states, “If the education or past roles took place more than 15 years ago, I don’t recommend including the dates.”

8. Licenses & Certifications

How much does this section matter? What types of certifications are worth mentioning?

Mention Relevant, Prerequisite Licenses Only

Including licenses and certifications on your LinkedIn profile is a good way to showcase your professional credentials and highlight your skills and expertise according to Danielle Bedford, senior manager at Coople. “While there is no hard and fast rule about which licenses and certifications should be included on a LinkedIn profile, as a general rule of thumb, only list those relevant to your current occupation or industry,” says Bedford.

McIlvaine agrees that industry recognized certifications are extremely important to detail on your LinkedIn profile. “Particularly in finance, CFA CFA -1%, CFP, or Series 7 are some important requirements we search for, particularly regulatory ones.”

Signal Professional Commitment

“Not everyone wants to add the letters after their name but adding certifications to your profile shows dedication to continued development,” says Reynolds. “Certifications are a great way to showcase additional knowledge and professional achievements to your profile.”

A certification can signal how much importance a candidate places on continuous learning and skills development says Rooney. “This means this person makes a conscious effort to better themselves and this makes them an excellent addition to your team.”

9. Recommendations

How much does this section matter? Which recommendations carry more weight?

While recruiters are aware that solicited recommendations may contain some positive bias, most agree they can help support your candidacy. “Recruiters are aware that a lot of people trade recommendations, and achievements and skills can be blown out of proportion,” says Sosnowski. However, he states that recommendations do more good than bad because they provide social proof to support the claims a candidate makes in the other profile sections.

Markus agrees written recommendations generally help. “If other people are vouching for your skills and experience, then recruiters will be more likely to take you seriously as a candidate,” he says.

Source Recommendations Through Direct Relationships

Waudby states recommendations from current or past managers carry the most weight when trying to showcase your skills and experiences. He also suggests managers get recommendations from direct reports who can speak to their leadership abilities. “If a candidate has sufficient, relevant recent recommendations, it may even decrease due diligence time and the need for multiple reference checks,” says Waudby.

Use Keywords To Increase Visibility

Having a robust recommendation section on LinkedIn can enhance an individual’s profile’s visibility and searchability. “Recommendations that contain relevant keywords and phrases that can improve an individual’s search engine optimization (SEO) and increase their chances of appearing in relevant search results,” says Mirpourian.

Pace Yourself

Having too many recommendations suddenly appear on your profile, especially before a job change, may be less effective according to Himanshu Jain, managing director of recruitment company ReachExt K.K. “Avoid too many recommendations during a short period of time or several recommendations just before any job change,” Jain says. Instead, consider drip-feeding these out periodically over time to demonstrate a steady track record of positive work relationships across various roles and organizations.

10. Endorsements

Does this section matter at all to recruiters?

Endorsements Carry Little Weight

In short, no, endorsements don’t count for much on one’s LinkedIn profile. While a very small handful of recruiters say endorsements can feed into a candidate’s overall personal brand, the vast majority feel endorsements are not necessarily related to a candidate’s actual skills. “These have very little weight since people can endorse you who don’t even know you,” says Charlie Saffro, president of CS Recruiting. For this reason, Mallory also agrees the Endorsements section “carries very little weight when our recruiters are assessing candidates.”

Get Recommendations, Not Endorsements

Eva Chung of Advantis Medical Staffing explains that endorsements aren’t meaningful because they’re not linked with any concrete details or measurable outcomes. “Looking at the Experience and Recommendations section is more valuable for me as a recruiter to understand where they applied these skills,” Chung says.

Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile Helps You Stand Out

Your digital persona is part of your personal and professional brand. It often creates that important first impression when someone looks you up online, so taking some extra time to shape your professional narrative is absolutely worth the investment. “Your LinkedIn profile is your personal presentation to the professional world. Don’t miss this opportunity to present yourself properly,” says Syzonets.

Following this guidance from recruiters on how to optimize your profile can help you stand out as a candidate, remain top-of-mind for relevant roles, and increase your chances of landing your dream job in a competitive job market.

Feature Image Credit: getty

By Joseph Liu

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.

Joseph Liu helps people bravely pursue more meaningful careers during professional transitions, applying principles from his 10 years of international brand management experiences. Based in London, he’s a professional speaker, personal branding consultant, and host of the Career Relaunch® podcast, featuring personal stories of career reinvention with listeners in 170+ countries.

Sourced from Forbes

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AI Has Taken Over Qualitative Market Research. Here’s What That Means for Your Business.

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By Sriya Srinivasan

Discover how AI is transforming qualitative research — increasing efficiency and accuracy and driving faster insights.

Qualitative research has become an integral part of market research in the past few decades. Businesses have recognized the value of subjective experiences and perceptions of their consumers. In the early days of market research, quantitative methods dominated, with surveys and statistical analyses used to gather data about consumer behaviour. However, as the market became more competitive and consumer preferences more complex, qualitative methods gained popularity.

Paul Felix Lazarsfeld, widely regarded as the father of qualitative research, by 1945 demonstrated that psychology could offer a valuable framework for interpreting human behaviour. He revolutionized the field by introducing novel techniques such as unstructured interviewing and group discussions. The data from these methods enabled researchers to delve deeper into the subjective experiences of individuals. He emphasized the importance of answering the fundamental question of “why?” — which remains the guiding principle of qualitative research to this day. Through his pioneering work, Lazarsfeld paved the way for the evolution of qualitative research and its growing recognition as a powerful tool for exploring complex social phenomena and understanding the diverse perspectives of individuals.

Qualitative market research really took off in the 1950s and 1960s, when psychologists and sociologists began using focus groups to study consumer behaviour. These early studies focused on understanding the motivations behind consumer choices and the impact of advertising and branding on consumer attitudes. In the 1970s and 1980s, ethnographic methods were introduced, with researchers observing consumers in their natural environments to gain a deeper understanding of their behaviour.

Today, qualitative research in market research has evolved to include a wide range of methods, including in-depth interviews, online communities and social media analysis. The goal of qualitative market research is to provide a rich, nuanced understanding of consumer behaviour and preferences, allowing businesses to make informed decisions about product development, branding and marketing strategies. Qualitative research has become an essential tool for businesses seeking to stay competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.

Introducing AI into market research

AI has revolutionized market research by offering tools for data analysis and insight generation. As AI technology continues to evolve and grow, it is expected to become an even more integral part of market research. It’ll be imperative in helping businesses to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly data-driven world.

  • AI can quickly process vast amounts of data, identify trends and patterns in consumer behaviour and analyse unstructured data such as social media posts, reviews and customer feedback.
  • With predictive analytics models in the picture, machine learning algorithms are used to forecast future trends and consumer behavior, guiding product development, marketing strategies and pricing decisions.
  • AI can also automate time-consuming tasks such as data cleaning and coding, freeing up researchers’ and marketers’ time. This allows teams to focus on more complex tasks, such as interpreting results and developing actionable insights.

Revolutionizing qualitative research with AI

AI, as we know it, is changing as you read this. It has penetrated into business workflow and operations, promising to make lives easier and more efficient. AI has empowered marketing to become hyper-personalized, targeting consumers at the right time and at the right place. Qualitative research, an integral backbone of marketing, is no exception. Researchers are able to generate insights that would have been impossible to obtain using traditional research methods.

  • Facial coding is one such AI-powered technology that can analyse micro-expressions and emotional responses. It can provide valuable insights into consumer behaviour and preferences.
  • Sentiment analysis, on the other hand, can help researchers identify the sentiment behind written or spoken responses, enabling them to understand the emotional impact of campaigns, products or services on consumers.
  • Confidence metrics, a by-product of sentiment analysis, is another technology that is sought after by brands these days. It measures the level of certainty or conviction expressed by respondents in their answers, allowing researchers to gain a deeper understanding of consumer behaviour.
  • Voice AI, meanwhile, can help researchers analyse the tonality, inflection and other vocal cues in spoken responses, providing additional insights into consumer attitudes and behaviours.

By using technology like facial coding, sentiment analysis and voice AI, researchers are able to tap into their leading to better product development, branding and marketing strategies.

AI-powered qualitative research platforms

There’s a platform for almost everything — from recruiting respondents to automating surveys to generating insights.

Digital transformation of qualitative research through AI has transformed the way researchers execute studies. It is time that brands take up an AI-led qualitative platform to streamline their research efforts.

The use of AI-powered technologies such as facial coding, sentiment analysis, tonality analysis and voice AI can enable businesses to make data-driven decisions about product development, branding and marketing strategies and stay competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more advanced tools and methods being developed, further enhancing the power and potential of qualitative research. Adopt an AI-led qualitative platform today before it’s too late.

By Sriya Srinivasan

Entrepreneur Leadership Network Contributor, Content Manager with a background in management, Sriya Srinivasan has been actively helping B2B startups scale their content engines. She is well-versed in transforming complex brand stories into simple and engaging content. She is also passionate about building content marketing and product initiatives.

Sourced from Entrepreneur

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Self-made millionaire says parents need to stop giving young people ‘terrible life advice’—here are the worst 5

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By Matt Higgins

It’s graduation season, which means many parents will observe a sacred rite of passage: dispensing terrible life advice to their kids.

Mom and dad mean well. But the class of 2023 will enter a job market during one of the worst periods of uncertainty since the 2008 financial crisis.

I’ve endured similar crises, from growing up in poverty, to dropping out of high school to care for my disabled mother, to holding down two jobs while earning my college and law degrees.

Throughout my trials and my journey to becoming a self-made millionaire, bestselling author, CEO and investor, the one key to thriving was to not play it safe.

Here’s the worst and most outdated advice young people should ignore, and what to do instead:

1. “You need a fall back plan.”

A Wharton study found that just thinking about a backup plan can significantly reduce the likelihood of Plan A from happening, along with the motivation to even try.

There are only a handful of things you can break in your 20s that you can’t fix in your 30s. The only way you’ll have a shot at being the next Taylor Swift is to believe that you will be, and to not worry about what happens if you fall short.

Trust your capacity and agency to figure things out if Plan A doesn’t work.

2. “Cut down your screen time.”

Screens are the future of work. Playing video games for 10 hours straight might not help, but you can learn all sorts of lucrative new skills online.

If you want to start a side hustle, write a business plan, launch a website or market a product or service, the right resources are out there, and often at low or no cost at all.

3. “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”

Partially untrue. While crippling anxiety should be addressed, not all anxiety is problematic. In fact, studies show that the most successful entrepreneurs harness anxiety and make it work for them.

They maintain what’s called a state of “optimal anxiety:” the balance between having enough anxiety to catalyse focus and improve performance, but not so much as to inhibit excellence.

4. “Go work at a big, stable company.”

It used to be sage advice to start your career at giants like Facebook, Google, Lyft, Netflix and Disney. But even companies that once promised 30-year careers are now facing massive layoffs.

Instead of going with a big name, go for the right role. Ensure that your interests and skills line up with the position you want, even if it’s at a small startup or midsize company.

Even better, use your skills and passion to start a business. It may sound crazy, but with a week of intense focus, you could use AI to launch a business earning $10,000 a month. And then you won’t have to worry about layoffs.

5. “Buy a house and settle down.”

Lastly, the most important piece of advice every young person should know: Cash is king.

Save cash and preserve as much liquidity as possible. If it means renting or living at home, that’s fine. The housing market is due for a big correction that may take years to unwind.

And in a high inflationary environment, saving cash is more important than piling on debt. Credit card debt among people between 18 and 25 years old is also at the highest rate compared to any other age demographic, so be more cautious with excessive spending.

Feature Image Credit: Monalyn Gracia/Corbis | Getty

By Matt Higgins

Matt Higgins is an investor and CEO of RSE Ventures. He began his career as the youngest press secretary in New York City history, where he helped manage the global press response during 9/11. Matt’s book, “Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential,” is out now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

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SkyFi lets you order up fresh satellite imagery in real time with a click

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By Aria Alamalhodaei

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.”

Feature Image Credits: SkyFi

By Aria Alamalhodaei

Sourced from TechCrunch

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I Asked ChatGPT How to Recession-Proof a Business. Here’s What It Suggested (and What I Would Do Differently).

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By Amine Rahal

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:

  1. Build a strong cash reserve.
  2. Diversify your offerings.
  3. Focus on efficiency.
  4. Maintain good customer relationships.
  5. Keep an eye on your finances.
  6. Prepare for the worst.
  7. 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.

By Amine Rahal

Entrepreneur Leadership Network Contributor. CEO and Founder. Amine is a tech entrepreneur and writer. He is currently the CEO of IronMonk Solutions.

Sourced from Entrepreneur

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Want a Side Hustle? Here’s One That Will Pay You $100 an Hour — to Do Something You Probably Already Do.

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By Amanda Breen 

You don’t even have to leave your couch — or stop scrolling.

If you’re looking for a side hustle that takes minimal effort and can be done from the comfort of your couch, look no further.

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.”

Feature Image Credit: SOPA Images | Getty Images

By Amanda Breen 

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.

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4 Clear Signs That You May Be Smarter Than You Think

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By Marcel Schwantes

True intelligence extends beyond the acquisition of knowledge.

Feature Image Credit: Getty Images

By Marcel Schwantes

Inc. contributing editor and founder, Leadership From the Core@MarcelSchwantes

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Welcome to the final phase of software eating the world. SaaS companies beware, you’re on the menu this time.

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By Stephanie Palazzolo

  • With its coding capabilities, generative AI is making it easier to develop software.
  • 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.

This outcome would flip the traditional software industry on its head, calling into question the value of SaaS companies in a world where everyday people can build software themselves.

“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.

Already, technologists have begun to use generative AI tools like Copilot to build simple apps, including a trivia game and a site for discounted Amazon items.

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.”

Feature Image Credit: Bing image creator

By Stephanie Palazzolo

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.

Sourced from INSIDER

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Tim Cook and his 5 secrets to becoming hugely successful—just like him

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By Paloma González

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

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.

First published on gq.com.mx

Feature Image Credit: Getty

By Paloma González

Sourced from GQ India

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Business Startups from Scratch: The Ultimate Guide

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By Tahir Ashraf

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.

Feature Image Credit: Provided by the Author

By Tahir Ashraf

Sourced from readwrite

 

 

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