Monthly Archives: April 2024

Search Engines vs Artificial Intelligence

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We live in the age of information that is quickly transitioning into the Age of Choices.
Please read more in my old article from 2018: Are you a rebel writer?

How easy is it to find information?
How do you find accurate information?
For, let’s say, two decades, I have been using Google and accurate keywords to find information. The best example for me was finding a certain song that I loved from the soundtrack of a movie, and I used to paste in keywords on YouTube.

Lately, I have been experimenting with the AI, and I attended a conference at Esxence, Milan about the AI and the art of perfumery.
Please read my report on Fragrantica.com: ESXENCE 2024: Artificial Intelligence Perfume Day

During my exploits I was wondering if we were dealing with a revolution from the point of view of search engines and the AI, as many people also report that they employ the AI solutions to find pertinent information.

In my opinion, and as I mentioned in my report for Fragrantica, I ALWAYS check my findings unearthed by the AI.

If we look at data, according to Similar Web, OpenAI had more visitors than Google in January 2024.

Conclusions
From the point of view of search engine optimization, the game is changing, yet again, with AI the major game-changer. Never a dull day for us, SEO scholars.
Where does this lead ?
What is the AI’s indexing strategy for your website?

Please watch the video: https://youtu.be/1cyaP2TYf4Q

AI-generated picture
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Looking to level up your English-speaking game? Whether it’s nailing those corporate presentations, acing employment interviews, or slaying any public speaking situation, I’m here to help you shine! Let’s unlock your full potential together!
Also, I am a human-centered copywriter and author who writes about feelings, fragrances, and entrepreneurial freedom.

Sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd5Y2UyeID8uVRuLD1-OxuF-0lbIDkap53MJxFQ34ucMuQ44g/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

Students’ Stories

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My students are stories on two legs, armies of kind feelings, fleets of questions, and wonderful partners in crime, doing their best to master the English language, making use of all kinds of actions, such as growth hacking.

A growth hacker is “a person whose true north is growth”. – Sean Ellis

Some students have retold their difficulties in collaborating with other speakers overseas.  

Some of my air traffic controller students have reported a few details about classified incidents involving airplanes and alien sightings.

A solicitor stated that one of her clients unknowingly signed a contract and subsequently demanded that she sever the ties, realizing that performance was rendered impossible by the newly added provisions that were not mutually agreed upon.

Other students reported about starting four businesses, failing all of them, then being successful in the fifth. 

Some engineers told me that some tunnels in the metro network in Bucharest are rumored to be haunted. They received first-hand information from their colleagues who were in charge of the maintenance of the underground tunnels. That’s a scary story.

I have another amusing anecdote to share from my students who attended an English course held at the motion picture studio where Cold Mountain was shot. They realized they needed some help with their English when one of their colleagues asked Anthony Minghella on the set, “What did you say?”

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Looking to level up your English-speaking game? Whether it’s nailing those corporate presentations, acing employment interviews, or slaying any public speaking situation, I’m here to help you shine! Let’s unlock your full potential together!
Also, I am a human-centered copywriter and author who writes about feelings, fragrances, and entrepreneurial freedom.

Sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd5Y2UyeID8uVRuLD1-OxuF-0lbIDkap53MJxFQ34ucMuQ44g/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

What Is A Side Hustle?

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More Companies Are Starting as Side Hustles

New data from payroll company Gusto shows that 44% of new business owners in the US launched their ventures while working part- or full-time last year. That’s up from 27% in 2022.
Source: Bloomberg

What is a side hustle?
It is a piece of work or a job that you get paid for doing in addition to doing your main job:

More people started selling things online during the epidemic due to a surge in entrepreneurship caused by millions being laid off after Covid-19 lockdowns. The shift to online shopping created new business opportunities, leading to a significant increase in newly established enterprises in the United States, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by over 50%. Americans’ interest in side hustles grew during the epidemic due to financial strains, prompting individuals to seek additional income sources. Factors like rising prices, financial burdens, and reduced salary increases also contributed to this trend, with generative artificial intelligence enabling individuals to manage side hustles alongside full-time jobs.

Generative artificial intelligence, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has made it easier for people to run side businesses while working full-time by speeding up company setup and proof of concept. While AI can serve various purposes such as marketing campaigns, video editing, graphic design, and e-commerce strategies, its effectiveness is limited and cannot fully replace human creativity.

Next, I will go over some straightforward side hustles to get started with.

Photo by the author.
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Looking to level up your English-speaking game? Whether it’s nailing those corporate presentations, acing employment interviews, or slaying any public speaking situation, I’m here to help you shine! Let’s unlock your full potential together!
Also, I am a human-centered copywriter and author who writes about feelings, fragrances, and entrepreneurial freedom.

Earth Day 2024: “Planet vs. Plastics”

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April 22 is Earth Day.
This day, more than any other, gives us an opportunity to stop for a moment, reflect on the planet we call home, and consider its future in our hands.

Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG (formerly Earth Day Network), including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.
The official theme for 2024 is “Planet vs. Plastics.”
2025 will mark the 55th anniversary of Earth Day.

Photo by Lauris Rozentāls: https://www.pexels.com/photo/planet-earth-first-poster-on-a-concrete-post-3302183/

Please read: Salt of the earth people

What Are The Best Blogs On Business Development?

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Business development is a key topic in our courses.

I cannot but remember Elon Musk’s words:
“Starting a company is like staring into the abyss and eating glass.”
This quote perfectly captures the essence of what it takes to build a successful company from scratch.

There are no gold rules and no guarantee that you will be successful in your endeavors.

Based on our course and observations, the main challenges are as follows:
Ideas
Implementation
Funding
People
Delegating
The first clients
Keeping the clients
Positioning in the market
What do you really sell?

The latter is a very good one is quite compelling, as it highlights the fact that certain companies lack a clear understanding of their own products or services.
Jeep does not sell cars. They sell adventure. Amazon sells convenience and affordability…
I think there is never enough information about starting and developing a company, so I have been digging for more.

Here are some of the top blogs you can follow to get your daily dose of business development wisdom:

Fuel Lines: Founded by Michael Gass, a renowned business development expert, Fuel Lines offers insights on various business development aspects, like lead generation and building relationships [Fuel Lines blog].
Nopio: This blog dives into practical tactics for business development teams, covering topics like crafting compelling landing pages and measuring brand awareness metrics [Nopio blog on business development].
Sales Odyssey Blog: If you’re looking for a well-rounded perspective that integrates business development with sales, the Sales Odyssey Blog is a great resource [Sales Odyssey Blog].
The Social Bungalow Blog: This blog explores the intersection of social media and business development, providing valuable tips on leveraging social media platforms for B2B lead generation [The Social Bungalow Blog on business development].

These are just a few of the many excellent business development blogs out there. To find the ones that resonate most with you, consider your specific interests within the field.

Look for industry-specific blogs: Many publications cater to specific industries, offering business development advice tailored to your niche.
By following these blogs and exploring different resources, you can stay informed about the latest trends and develop a winning business development strategy.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our recommendations for top blogs on crafting compelling copy.

Photo by the author.

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Looking to level up your English-speaking game? Whether it’s nailing those corporate presentations, acing employment interviews, or slaying any public speaking situation, I’m here to help you shine! Let’s unlock your full potential together!
Also, I am a human-centered copywriter and author who writes about feelings, fragrances, and entrepreneurial freedom.

What Are Your Fears About The AI?

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As a Medium writer, I have received this message:

Medium is for human storytelling, not AI-generated writing. We recently defined and clarified our specific policies around the different uses of AI-generated content and technologies, and what is allowed in the Medium Partner Program. You can read those policies in our Help Center.
Beginning May 1, 2024, stories with AI-generated writing (disclosed as such or not) are not allowed to be paywalled as part of our Partner Program.

Maybe the fear of being replaced as a content writer is gone.

Do I stand alone in seeing the resemblance between the computer on the Enterprise (from Star Trek) and artificial intelligence (AI)?
Asking effective prompts leads to verifiable sources of information…

Below, I have listed the main fears for entrepreneurs concerning AI.

Job Displacement: Automation could lead to job displacement among their workforce, impacting employee morale and company culture.

Loss of Competitive Advantage: Entrepreneurs may worry that their competitors’ adoption of AI technologies could give them a competitive advantage, leaving them at a disadvantage in the market.

Security Risks: Entrepreneurs may fear security breaches and cyber attacks resulting from AI vulnerabilities, potentially exposing sensitive business data and damaging their reputation.

Overreliance on AI: Entrepreneurs may fear becoming overly reliant on AI tools, leading to a loss of creativity, innovation, and human intuition in their decision-making processes.

Negative Public Perception: Entrepreneurs may fear backlash from customers or stakeholders if AI-driven initiatives are perceived as intrusive, manipulative, or unethical.

Regulatory Compliance: Entrepreneurs may fear the complexity and uncertainty of AI regulations, risking legal consequences or fines for non-compliance.

Loss of Human Connection: Entrepreneurs may fear that increased reliance on AI in customer interactions could diminish the human connection and personal touch that are essential for building relationships and loyalty.

Unforeseen Consequences: Entrepreneurs may fear unintended consequences or unforeseen risks associated with AI adoption, such as algorithmic errors or unintended biases.

Reputation Damage: Entrepreneurs may fear that AI-related mishaps or failures could damage their brand reputation and erode customer trust, leading to loss of business.

Innovation Stagnation: Entrepreneurs may fear that AI adoption could lead to complacency and a lack of innovation within their organization, stifling creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

As a conclusion, I would like the AI to do the heavy lifting around, to clean, wash, do the vacuum cleaning, sort the garbage, and leave the creating tasks and the thinking to me.

AI-generated photo

CFO Interview Questions

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We number a few CFO among our students. Consequently we come up with some useful interview questions.

Here’s a breakdown of key question categories to help you prepare for your CFO interview:

Financial Expertise and Strategy

Financial analysis and strategy: Describe your process for developing a financial strategy aligned with the company’s overall business objectives. What factors do you take into account when developing a company’s financial strategy?: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/27-most-common-job-interview-questions-answers-jeff-haden

How do you leverage financial data to drive business decisions and measure results? Provide a specific example.
Discuss your approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks.

Leadership and Team Management
Describe your leadership style and how you build and motivate high-performing finance teams. Share an example of how you coached and developed a team member.
How do you effectively communicate complex financial information to various stakeholders, both technical and non-technical audiences?

Experience and Achievements:
Share an instance where you significantly improved the financial performance of a company or department. Quantify the results if possible (e.g., cost savings, revenue growth).
Describe a challenging financial situation you faced and the steps you took to resolve it. How did you approach the decision-making process?
If relevant to the role, discuss your experience with M&A transactions or raising capital. What was your role and what were the key considerations?

Company and Industry Knowledge:
Demonstrate your knowledge of the company’s industry, key trends, and financial challenges.
Explain why you’re interested in this specific company and CFO role. How do your skills and experience align with their needs?

Be prepared to answer these as well:
Tell me about yourself and your career path. (This is your chance to showcase your journey and relevant experiences)
What are your salary expectations? (Do your research beforehand to have a realistic range)
Do you have any questions for us? (Prepare insightful questions about the company, role, and team)

Bonus Tip: Review the company’s financial statements and recent news articles to demonstrate your genuine interest and preparedness.

By considering these questions and tailoring your responses to the specific company and role, you’ll be well on your way to a successful CFO interview.

Photo by BAE JUN: https://www.pexels.com/photo/jardin-du-luxembourg-in-paris-france-12877608/

Unraveling Mysteries: A Deep Dive into Detective TV Series

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As the sun sets behind the city skyline, casting long shadows over dimly lit streets, a lone figure emerges from the shadows. With a trench coat billowing in the wind and a fedora pulled low over their eyes, they are the epitome of mystery and intrigue. This scene sets the stage for the captivating world of detective television series, where viewers are drawn into complex narratives filled with suspense, twists, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

From the gritty streets of New York City to the quaint villages of the English countryside, detective TV shows have long been a staple of television programming, captivating audiences with their intricate plots and compelling characters. But what is it about these shows that keep us coming back for more? And just how popular are they in today’s entertainment landscape? Let’s delve into the data and uncover the secrets behind the enduring appeal of detective TV series.

The Rise of Detective TV Series
Detective TV series have a rich history dating back to the early days of television. Shows like “Dragnet” and “Perry Mason” paved the way for the genre, introducing audiences to the world of crime-solving detectives. However, it wasn’t until the latter half of the 20th century that detective shows truly began to flourish.

According to Nielsen ratings, detective TV series consistently rank among the most-watched programs on television. In fact, a recent study found that detective shows accounted for nearly 20% of all primetime programming in the United States alone.

Global Appeal
But the popularity of detective TV series extends far beyond the borders of the United States. Shows like “Sherlock” from the UK and “Spiral” from France have gained international acclaim, attracting millions of viewers from around the world. In fact, a survey conducted by YouGov found that detective shows are among the most-watched genres in countries ranging from Germany to Japan.

Diverse Representation
One of the most appealing aspects of detective TV series is the diverse range of characters and settings they depict. From hard-boiled detectives to amateur sleuths, these shows feature protagonists from all walks of life. Additionally, many detective shows explore important social issues such as racism, corruption, and inequality, shedding light on real-world problems in a fictional setting.

The Streaming Revolution
In recent years, the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu has revolutionized the way we consume television content. Detective TV series, in particular, have benefited from this shift, with many classic and contemporary shows available to stream on-demand. According to a report by Parrot Analytics, detective shows consistently rank among the most-streamed genres on platforms like Netflix, attracting a diverse audience of viewers.

In conclusion, detective TV series continue to captivate audiences around the world with their compelling narratives, complex characters, and suspenseful plot twists. From classic whodunits to modern crime dramas, these shows offer something for everyone, whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard fan. And with the rise of streaming platforms, the future looks brighter than ever for detective TV series, ensuring that audiences will be unraveling mysteries for years to come.

On a more personal note, I am in awe of Somerset Maugham’s writings. I discovered one of his books in my parents’ library, and since then I have never stopped reading. In one of his brilliant coup de foudre short stories, a character, a simple cook (who ran away with the lady’s husband), advises her mistress, a failed and pretentious poet, to write a very good cloak and dagger story, mentioning that a very good detective story, in which one cannot glimpse the culprit until the end, would drop off the shelves. So, it begins. 

Shall I mention Bron/Broen, Shetland, The Sinner, Top of the Lake, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Unforgotten, The Happy Valley, and the intriguing True Detective franchise?

Sources:
Fragrantica Movies to Smell: Fragrantica Editors Share Their Favorites. Part I
Nielsen Ratings
YouGov Survey
Parrot Analytics Report

Expression

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“Did Beethoven create his symphonies for his glorification? I don’t believe it. I believe he created them because the music in his soul demanded expression and then all he tried to do was to make them as perfect as he knew how.”
― W. Somerset Maugham, The Razor’s Edge

This book is truly a gem of insight. Somerset is often seen as a writer who delves into the world of high society, but above all, he explores the depths of human nature and the fiery passions of the soul.

Image source – Pinterest