Dirty Coin is an independently produced documentary currently in production. (2023)

Follow them on Twitter and connect with Alana on Linkedin for more frequent updates. 

​🌟 Calling all knowledge seekers! 🌟


✨ Join Innovate New Albany for an extraordinary opportunity to tap into the collective wisdom of 16 brilliant minds! ✨


🗓️ Date: Friday, June 2
⏰ Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm EST
📍 Location: Virtual


📣 Innovate New Albany is thrilled to announce FREE office hours featuring 16 industry experts in their respective fields ~ Tristan Ruml, Shwetha T. Pai, Tushar Kulkarni, Sandy Murphy, Kaylee Willis, Megan Neff, Roberta Winch, Ryan Steele, Scott Longnecker, Kevin Hammond, Lora Brown - Bookkeeping Simplified By Lora, Johna Charles, Satish Albert, Susan Fortner, APR, and Ed Porter!


Whether one is an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the latest trends, this event is tailor-made for them!


🌱 This event is a vibrant garden of knowledge where participants can plant their questions, ideas, and aspirations and watch them flourish. The panel of experts brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and a genuine passion for sharing their insights.


🔍 Here's a sneak peek of the diverse fields the experts specialize in:
1️⃣ Marketing and Branding
2️⃣ Finance and Investment
3️⃣ Technology and Innovation
4️⃣ Legal and Intellectual Property
5️⃣ Human Resources and Leadership
6️⃣ Sales and Business Development
...and many more!


🙌 This unique opportunity allows individuals to connect one-on-one with these experts during dedicated office hours. They can expect personalized guidance, industry tips, and the chance to gain invaluable perspectives from those who have already walked the path they're embarking on.


💡 Whether attendees have burning questions, seek mentorship, or seek a fresh perspective, this event caters to their needs. The experts are here to help them navigate the challenges, seize opportunities, and unlock their full potential.


🌟 Remember, knowledge grows exponentially when shared, and Innovate New Albany believes in fostering a supportive community of lifelong learners. Attendees shouldn't miss out on this chance to connect with like-minded individuals, expand their network, and cultivate meaningful relationships with professionals in their field.


🚀 Participants should mark their calendars, spread the word, and join Innovate New Albany for an unforgettable day of learning, growth, and inspiration. Together, let's ignite innovation and positively impact our respective industries!


🌐 Visit the website https://innovatenewalbany.org/new-event/expert-office-hours-friday-june-2/ for more information and to reserve a spot. Seats are limited, so don't wait too long!


🤝 Let's learn, connect, and empower each other. See everyone at Innovate New Albany's Free Office Hours! 🎉


#InnovateNewAlbany #OfficeHours #KnowledgeExchange #Empowerment #founders #tech #community

by Lenny Burkett

In Richmond, Virginia, Comfort Keepers, a leading senior caregiving company, stands ready to provide compassionate and dedicated care for families in need. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by seniors and their loved ones, Comfort Keepers' team is committed to delivering the support required during this important journey.

With a deep sense of empathy, Comfort Keepers' caregivers prioritize the physical, emotional, and social well-being of their clients. Through careful selection and comprehensive training, these dedicated professionals possess the necessary skills, experience, and nurturing qualities to offer exceptional care.

From assistance with daily activities to providing companionship and specialized care, the Comfort Keepers team ensures that each service is tailored to meet the unique needs of every family. Whether it involves personal care, medication management, or simply engaging in meaningful conversations and activities, Comfort Keepers' caregivers are there every step of the way.

​Open communication is highly valued at Comfort Keepers, and families are actively involved in the development of personalized care plans for their loved ones. Regular updates on their progress are provided, ensuring that families remain informed and involved throughout the caregiving journey.

At the heart of Comfort Keepers is the belief that family well-being is paramount. They strive to create a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment that promotes independence, dignity, and overall happiness. By fostering genuine connections and building trust, Comfort Keepers' caregivers become an extended family for their clients.

Families can experience peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are in the caring hands of highly trained professionals from Comfort Keepers. The company is dedicated to providing dependable, reliable, and compassionate senior care in Richmond, Virginia.

For those seeking support and comfort for their family members, reaching out to Comfort Keepers can be a transformative step. By working together, families can enhance their loved ones' quality of life, enabling them to age gracefully and cherish meaningful moments every day. Contact Comfort Keepers today to learn more about the compassionate care they provide and how they can support your family during this important time.

By Saundra Latham, Editor at LinkedIn News

It’s official: Twitter has a new CEO. Linda Yaccarino, head of global advertising and partnerships at NBCUniversal, will take over the top job from Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in October for $44 billion. Musk confirmed Yaccarino’s hiring Friday, saying she will “focus primarily on business operations, while I focus on product design and new technology.” Musk said Thursday that he will transition to new roles as executive chair and chief technology officer.

"I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Chief Executive Officer at Twitter. I’ve long been inspired by Elon Musk's vision to create a brighter future. Now, I’m excited to help bring that vision to Twitter and transform the business together. Everyone's feedback is VITAL to Twitter's future. And I’m here for all of it. Let’s please keep the conversation going and build Twitter 2.0 together!" Linda mentioned on Linkedin.

by Lenny Burkett

Marketing is essential for small businesses and startups because it helps them reach their target audience, build brand awareness, and establish a strong online presence. Small businesses often operate on tight budgets and limited resources, making it crucial to make every marketing effort count. Effective marketing helps these businesses connect with potential customers and generate leads, which can lead to increased sales and revenue. In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is also critical for small businesses and startups to remain competitive and relevant. By investing in marketing efforts, small businesses can establish themselves as a credible and trustworthy brand, which can help attract and retain customers over the long term.

1. Social media marketing - Use platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to reach your target audience and build brand awareness.
2. Email marketing - Build a subscriber list and use email campaigns to keep your customers engaged and informed about your products or services.
3. Google My Business - Optimize your business profile on Google to increase your visibility in search results and attract more local customers.
4. Content marketing - Create valuable content, such as blog posts or videos, that educates and informs your audience and establishes your business as an authority in your industry.
5. Pay-per-click advertising - Use platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads to target specific keywords or demographics and drive traffic to your website.
6. Influencer marketing - Partner with influencers or micro-influencers in your industry to promote your products or services to their audience.
7. Referral marketing - Encourage your satisfied customers to refer their friends and family to your business and offer incentives for referrals.
8. Community involvement - Participate in local events or sponsor local charities to build relationships with your community and increase brand awareness.
9. Direct mail - Send physical mailers, such as postcards or flyers, to your target audience to promote your business and drive conversions.
10. Customer reviews - Encourage your customers to leave reviews on platforms such as Google, Yelp, or social media to build trust and attract new customers.

Are you looking to take your business to the next level? Learn more about Stopwatch Creative, a full service marketing agency and business growth software platform Collaborate and Elevate. 

by Lenny Burkett

​As collaborateandelevate.com, a software platform we launched when the pandemic began to help keep businesses open, is approaching 1000 customers across various industries in the USA, we understand the importance of marketing support and customer service for businesses of all sizes. Whether you are an entrepreneur, small business owner, startup, or large enterprise, your success hinges on your ability to reach your target audience and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

At CollaborateandElevate.com, we have had numerous experiences with marketing support in person and online. We understand in-person marketing experiences are essential for establishing solid relationships with potential clients and partners. We have attended industry events, tradeshows, and conferences to connect with new businesses and showcase our software platform to potential clients. These events have provided valuable opportunities to network and gain insight into our target market. However, we understand that in-person marketing is only sometimes feasible or cost-effective, especially for smaller businesses.

by Manny Larcher

Purchase order financing can be a great way for product owners to secure the necessary funding to fulfill large orders. Here are ten tips to help product owners navigate the process of purchase order financing:

1. Understand the basics of purchase order financing: Purchase order financing involves getting an advance on the funds needed to fulfill a customer's purchase order. The financing company provides the funds needed to pay suppliers, allowing the product owner to fulfill the order.
2. Determine if purchase order financing is the right option: Purchase order financing can be an attractive option for product owners who need funding to fulfill large orders but do not have the capital to do so. However, it is important to carefully evaluate the costs and benefits before committing to this type of financing.
3. Find a reputable financing company: Research financing companies to find one that specializes in purchase order financing and has a strong track record of success. Look for a company with experience in your industry and that has good customer reviews.
4. Understand the financing terms: Make sure you understand the financing terms, including the interest rates, fees, and repayment schedule. Look for a financing company that offers competitive rates and flexible repayment terms.
5. Develop a plan for using the funds: Before accepting financing, develop a plan for how you will use the funds to fulfill the customer's order. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the costs involved and that the financing will cover the necessary expenses.
6. Maintain good relationships with suppliers: Purchase order financing involves paying suppliers upfront, so it is important to maintain good relationships with them. Communicate clearly and regularly to ensure that they are aware of your needs and can deliver the required goods on time.
7. Stay organized and keep accurate records: Keep detailed records of all transactions related to the purchase order financing. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you can quickly provide any necessary documentation to the financing company.
8. Manage cash flow carefully: Purchase order financing can help with short-term cash flow needs, but it is important to manage cash flow carefully to ensure that you can repay the financing company on time.
9. Be prepared for due diligence: Financing companies will conduct due diligence before providing purchase order financing. Be prepared to provide financial statements, business plans, and other documentation to demonstrate your ability to fulfill the order.
10. Use purchase order financing wisely: Purchase order financing can be a valuable tool for product owners, but it should be used wisely. Make sure you understand the costs and risks involved and use the funds to fulfill orders that will generate a return on investment.

by Javier Ramírez Lugo

There's a large group of Founders that runs away from sales.

The 'other group' run towards sales & here is what they do to succeed:

1. Define your Ideal Customer Profile and go after many conversations
2. Don't give up until you get the meeting
3. Always make the conversations about them
4. Shut up & listen
5. Ask better questions to uncover pain
6. Don't just 'follow up'; add value
7. A well executed sales strategy will increase the perception of your business
8. In the early days; don't hire from big companies

PROJECT

Run the 24 HourAlaska Endurance Trail Run to raise awareness and money for the Dwarf Athletic Association of America.

Why?

• We can all achieve something big when we compound it with small daily tasks
• We all have a story to share and worth sharing with our fellow neighbors
• We can achieve more than we think when we start with something so simple like our own two feet
• We are born to make a difference with our difference

Why Running?
Ever since I was young, I tend to hyper focus on the small things. I could say it is on brand being a little person and as I’ve progressed and now near 26, I’d say that the biggest lesson learned is that when the small is compounded together it creates the biggest impact.

I take this lesson and apply it in every area of my life, especially into two pillars like photography and running.

In photography, I leverage being 4ft5 into every single photo and project, using that unique perspective to my advantage. Check out www.4ft5photographer.com to see what I mean.

And then there is running. It's a simple equation for running - every small step in front of the other builds on top of one another to create miles and with every small step, you can cover some pretty big distances if you are willing to put in the work.

WHEN I FOUND THE DAAA THINGS STARTED TO CHANGE.
Since 2006 I have participated in the Dwarf Athletic Association of America, a non profit that provides annual sporting competitions across the country and world events every four years for people with dwarfism or of short stature. For many, this is their one opportunity to compete on a level playing field and know what it means to compete to win. Many of us spend the entire year at a competitive disadvantage but for one or two weeks, you feel like Michael Jordan. There is nothing like hearing your national anthem play ahead of the gold medal match of a world basketball tournament. Not many can say that but I experienced it and it changed my life.

The DAAA provides a canvas for the little to become the big - like when a young athlete finally makes a basket for the first time because they do not have to worry about being blocked or when one wins the 100M dash and is named the fastest little person in the world - that changes lives. It changed mine and I want to provide opportunities for others to do the same and that is where this trail run comes in. DAAA is completely reliant on private donations to run (pun intended) so this running project will hopefully help in putting on future games.

Running long distances. That didn’t happen overnight. Running and enjoying it. That didn’t happen overnight. It’s in the everyday obedience to the sport that it has become something big to me - it’s an avenue to create and tell a story.

So June 2nd starting at 8PM, I will run 24 hours to raise money for the Dwarf Athletic Association of America. I will ask for donations up front as well as look for donations for every 6 mile loop that I complete. In 24 hours, I am aiming to run 70 miles. It could be more or it could be less but 70 miles with the goal of raising $7,000 for the Dwarf Athletic Association of America.

The first ask is helping to support a portion of the travel, nutrition, and gear / equipment needed to accomplish this goal.

At the end of the day, I would be asking to raise $3,000 to help support this aspect of the trip.

In doing so, I would be open to wearing your brand if you are a company, share your products and brand via social as well as exchange content for your support. As a photographer, my job is to work with brands to create eye catching product, brand, and lifestyle imagery that sells. If it aligns, I would exchange this service for financial support.

Donations Directly to DAAA: Monetary donations can be made via this link and all donations will go directly to the DAAA.

by Kevin Cekanor 
Follow Kevin on instagram

Check out his photos from our last Ohio Tech Happy Hour event in Cleveland!

Join Manny Larcher, founder of Collaborate and Elevate and Associate at a Venture Capital firm JumpStart Ventures, for a tech event like no other during Miami Tech Month, hosted in beautiful Miami.
​
eMerge Americas brings together technology visionaries, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists from across the world for two days of live speaker sessions, exhibits, workshops, networking opportunities and so much more. Don’t miss our keynote speaker this year – seven-time football world champion Tom Brady. Learn more on emergeamericas.com

Want to connect with Manny while he's in Miami? Find time below:

by Lenny with Stopwatch Creative

Corporations may hire outside marketing consultants like Stopwatch Creative for a variety of reasons, but here are three common ones:

1. Specialized Expertise: One of the main reasons corporations hire outside consultants is to access technical expertise that may only be available in some places. This could include strategy, operations, marketing, finance, or technology expertise. Consultants can bring a fresh perspective and knowledge of best practices from other industries or companies, which can help the corporation to solve complex problems or identify new opportunities. Read this Stopwatch Creative customer acquisition case study. 
2. Resource Flexibility: Another reason corporations may hire outside consultants is to have access to additional resources and flexibility. Consultants can be brought in for a specific project or initiative and scaled up or down as needed. This can help corporations to manage costs more effectively and avoid hiring additional full-time employees. Take a listen to the It's Bigger Than Business Podcast with over 30 episodes featuring entrepreneurs and investors.
3. Objectivity and Unbiased Insights: Corporations may hire outside consultants to provide an objective and unbiased perspective on their operations, processes, or strategies. Internal teams may be too close to the business and unable to see issues or opportunities as clearly as an outsider. Consultants can provide independent insights and recommendations based on their experience and expertise, which can help the corporation to improve performance and achieve better results. Read Exploring Life & Business with Manny Larcher of Stopwatch Creative.​

by Lenny with Stopwatch Creative

Here are five ways to gain your very first customer:

1. Leverage Your Network: Contact friends, family, and colleagues to inform them about your product or service. They may be willing to give you a chance and help spread the word to their networks.
2. Attend Networking Events: Attend local networking events or industry conferences to meet potential customers and partners. This can help you to build relationships and get your product or service in front of the right people.
3. Utilize Social Media: Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to connect with potential customers and promote your product or service. You can join relevant groups and participate in conversations to build your reputation and attract attention.
4. Offer a Free Trial or Consultation: Consider offering a free trial or consultation to entice potential customers to try your product or service. This can help build trust and demonstrate the value of what you have to offer.
5. Cold Outreach: Reach out to potential customers directly through email or phone. This requires more effort but can be effective if you clearly understand your target audience and provide a compelling message.
   

Gaining your first customer can be challenging but essential in building your business. By leveraging your network, attending events, utilizing social media, offering a free trial, and cold outreach, you can increase your chances of success and build momentum for your business. Learn how agencies like Stopwatch Creative and platforms for business like CollaborateandElevate.com are making a positive difference. 

Official Press Release from Stopwatch Creative 


Great news! We're thrilled to welcome a new addition to our marketing team here at Stopwatch Creative & CollaborateandElevate.com. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest sophomore intern, Lucy Kloiber, who hails from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

With her passion for field hockey, we know that Lucy will bring her competitive spirit and drive to the table. We can't wait to see how she'll use her skills on the field to help our team score some big wins in the marketing world.

As a sophomore, we understand that Lucy is just beginning her journey in the professional world. But we're confident that her enthusiasm and eagerness to learn will make her an invaluable asset to our team. We're excited to see her grow and thrive in this new environment, and we're committed to providing her with the resources and support she needs to succeed.

At Stopwatch Creative, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and diverse team, and we're thrilled to add Lucy's unique perspective and experiences to our group. We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to creating an environment where everyone can thrive, and we're committed to fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and innovation.

We're confident that Lucy will feel right at home with our team, and we can't wait to see what she'll accomplish during her time with us. We're honored to have her on board, and we know that her contributions will be instrumental in helping us achieve our goals.

So, welcome to the team, Lucy! Let's get ready to hit the ground running and make some magic happen in the world of marketing. We're so excited to see what the future holds!
​
Learn more about Stopwatch Creative here: https://www.stopwatchcreative.com/
Learn more about Collaborate and Elevate here: https://collaborateandelevate.com/

by Manny Larcher

Too many meetings can be a waste of time for a number of reasons:

1. Meetings can be unproductive: Meetings can sometimes be ineffective and not achieve the desired outcome. This can be because of poor planning, unclear objectives, or a lack of engagement from participants.
2. Meetings can be too long: Meetings that run too long can be draining and unproductive. They can also create a sense of frustration among participants who feel that their time is being wasted.
3. Meetings can be too frequent: When meetings are scheduled too frequently, participants may feel that they are spending more time in meetings than actually getting work done. This can also lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
4. Meetings can be disruptive: Meetings can disrupt the flow of work, causing employees to lose focus and momentum. This can be particularly problematic for tasks that require sustained attention and concentration.
5. Meetings can be costly: Meetings can be expensive, especially if participants have to travel to attend them. When the cost of the meeting outweighs the benefits, it's important to re-evaluate whether the meeting is necessary.

‍
Here are 5 reasons to avoid business meetings:

1. Lack of clear objectives: If the purpose of the meeting is not clear or well-defined, it is likely to be a waste of time.
2. Unnecessary participants: Having too many participants in a meeting can make it difficult to reach a decision or come to a conclusion.
3. Poor planning: Meetings that are poorly planned can waste time and frustrate participants.
4. Lack of follow-up: If the outcome of the meeting is not followed up on, it can make the meeting itself seem pointless.
5. Over-reliance on meetings: If meetings become the default way of communicating and making decisions, they can become a burden on productivity and morale. It's important to consider whether there are more efficient ways of communicating and collaborating.

‍
A lot has been written about this problem, Harvard Business Review has put together a helpful list to make meetings more productive ahead of time:
‍
1. Collect data from each person.
To get a clearer view of how meetings are affecting your group, use surveys or interviews to gather data and impressions from every individual. That will help you gauge the full extent of the problem: You’ll learn how much resentment is bubbling under the surface and how much work isn’t getting done during the day.
‍
2. Interpret the data together.
Next, it’s critical to come together as a team or a unit to digest everyone’s feedback and analyze what is working and what is not. This must be an open, nonjudgmental discussion of the survey or interview findings. Neutral facilitators can help keep the conversation constructive. However, delegating the data interpretation to an outside consultant—or even just a subset of the team—can undermine success. You’ll need contributions and analysis from all team members to generate the widespread understanding and buy-in required for the remaining steps.
‍
At the financial and regulatory consultancy we studied, for example, exploratory interviews revealed that meetings were chopping up calendars so badly that very few two- or three-hour blocks were left for deep-thinking work. Without enough quiet time to concentrate, the consultants felt that their creativity and productivity were being sapped. These disclosures served as a wake-up call for the managers who had been scheduling meetings without a full awareness of the impact they were having.
‍
3. Agree on a collective, personally relevant goal.
We have found that personally benefiting from the group’s initiative is a great motivator. For example, you might designate a certain amount of time each week for people to focus on independent work—whether in the office or at home. Giving them such flexibility and freedom can provide necessary relief in their schedules, along with an incentive to make the arrangement work. Declaring “meeting free” periods also forces the whole group to reevaluate meetings that were normally scheduled during those times and to ask who really needs to attend. As a result, we find, teams hold fewer meetings overall, and fewer people go to each one. The additional “white space” in everyone’s calendar increases individual productivity and reduces the spillover into personal time.
Here’s how this approach worked at a technology consultancy we examined: Members were based in the United States and India, so a handoff meeting was held each day—early in the morning for some and late at night for others to accommodate the 12.5-hour time difference. The long days were causing significant stress and fatigue on both sides: Early-morning calls were required, family dinners were missed, workdays were more than 12 hours long. Once the team had collected survey data from its members and realized the magnitude of the problem, it altered its approach: Each person was given one workday a week when he or she didn’t have to participate in the handoff call.
In order to ensure the appropriate information exchange, team members had to find ways to cover for one another and keep everyone updated. Learning how to do that gave individuals the break they needed, but it also resulted in more shared knowledge and versatility in the group. Furthermore, people gained a deeper understanding of their colleagues’ work, which led to better-integrated offerings for customers.
‍
4. Set milestones and monitor progress.
As with any change effort, it is important that concrete and measurable progress be assessed and discussed along the way. Small, tangible wins provide something for people to celebrate, and small losses provide opportunities for learning and correction. Consider this example: At a global e-commerce company, a team of 30 employees spanning the United States and China told us that their weekly all-hands meetings were a pain point. Attendees were often on their phones or laptops. Because people were continually distracted, those who spoke had to repeat themselves frequently, making the time spent not only longer but also much less effective. To help address these problems, the team decided on a simple, tractable goal: Allow no outside technology at the meetings.
At first several vocal engineers and even the team leader were resistant, feeling that they should have the right to use their devices, especially when meetings became boring or turned to topics outside their purview. For a while after the initiative was launched, friendly reminders (“No tech, man!”) were necessary. But over time the new norm took hold, and even the manager self-corrected when he instinctively started to check his phone. The team began to see the benefits of this experiment. Meetings became more productive, and people were more engaged. As one engineer said, “This no-tech rule is fantastic! Now that people are more focused on the meeting, it’s more efficient.” Another team member started bringing a notebook to jot down thoughts rather than playing games on her phone. This small victory opened the door to setting other new norms, such as preparing materials more thoroughly ahead of time, keeping meetings as brief as possible, and ultimately reworking meeting cadences to better fit the team members’ schedules.
‍
5. Regularly debrief as a group.
Finally, we have found that it is critical to regularly and openly take stock of how people feel about the meetings they attend and about their work process more generally. Frustration, resentment, and even hopelessness are signals that people are falling back into bad patterns. Moreover, changing protocols and behaviors takes time, and sustaining momentum requires consistent attention and contact.
At a pharmaceutical company we worked with, the global medical-affairs division established two regular “pulse checks” to monitor the progress of an experiment it was conducting with meeting-free days: one check within the subteam and one across the division. At the beginning of each pulse check, participants answered four questions: How are you feeling? How valuable are the ways in which you are spending your time? How well are you working as a team? Is this sustainable?
The answers to these questions triggered substantive discussions, rich in emotional, strategic, and tactical content. Early conversations focused specifically on the meeting problem, but over time they increasingly addressed how team members approached their work—and one another. One manager said, “I’m impressed with how these meetings have allowed people to open up, particularly with [the manager] listening….Pulse checks are really insightful—they give me a good dose of reality…and they surfaced issues that resulted in more cross-coverage, people development, and teamwork. It sounds crazy that this little experiment could create these sorts of results, but it has profound implications far beyond the initial goal.”
‍
Read more from Harvard Business Review here.

by Manny Larcher

Gino Wickman's book "Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business" is a practical guide for entrepreneurs and startup founders looking to build a successful business. Here are three reasons why it is a valuable resource for founders and startups:

1. Provides a Clear Framework: "Traction" provides a clear framework for building a successful business, called the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). The book outlines a step-by-step process for implementing the EOS, which includes tools and techniques for improving communication, decision-making, and accountability. This framework can help startups to organize and streamline their operations, leading to greater efficiency and profitability.
2. Focuses on Key Business Elements: The book emphasizes the importance of focusing on key business elements such as vision, people, data, and processes. This holistic approach can help startups identify and address their operations' weaknesses and create a foundation for long-term success. By focusing on these critical areas, startups can establish a strong foundation for growth and profitability.
3. Offers Practical Advice: "Traction" offers practical advice and real-world examples relevant to startups and entrepreneurs. The book provides actionable insights on goal-setting, hiring, team-building, and customer acquisition. This valuable advice can help startups to overcome common challenges and build a solid foundation for success.

Overall, "Traction" is a valuable resource for founders and startups because it provides a clear framework, focuses on key business elements, and offers practical advice relevant to the challenges faced by startups. By implementing the strategies outlined in the book, startups can establish a strong foundation for long-term success and growth.

by Manny Larcher

Climate Tech is a rapidly evolving field that is focused on developing and deploying technology solutions to address the challenges of climate change. In recent years, there has been a surge of activity and investment in this space, driven by growing public awareness of the urgent need to address climate change.
Some of the key developments in Climate Tech over the past few years include:
​

1. Increased investment: There has been a significant increase in investment in Climate Tech, with venture capital firms, corporate investors, and government agencies all increasing their funding for climate-focused startups and projects. In 2021 alone, global investments in Climate Tech reached a record high of $60 billion.
2. Advancements in renewable energy: There have been significant advancements in renewable energy technologies, particularly in the areas of solar and wind power. The cost of solar and wind energy has decreased dramatically in recent years, making it increasingly competitive with fossil fuels.
3. Carbon capture and storage: Carbon capture and storage technologies are being developed to capture carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and other industrial sources, and store them underground or use them to produce new materials.
4. Electric vehicles: The market for electric vehicles has grown rapidly, with many major automakers investing heavily in the development and production of electric cars and trucks. Advances in battery technology and charging infrastructure are helping to drive this growth.
5. Sustainable agriculture: Sustainable agriculture practices, such as precision farming and regenerative agriculture, are being developed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and improve soil health.

Overall, the Climate Tech sector is rapidly evolving, and there is a lot of optimism about its potential to help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Early-stage ClimateTech VCs shared by Outset Capital: https://lnkd.in/gC92PiXj

Do you have a fund and investing in ClimateTech? Get yours added here: https://lnkd.in/g2kTvENM

​What are Betalains?

Betalains are a group of phytonutrients that give beets their rich red, purple, and yellow color. These compounds are water-soluble pigments belonging to nitrogen-containing compounds called betalains. Betalains are categorized into two types: betacyanins, responsible for the red-purple color in beets, and betaxanthins, which give beets their yellow color.

Apart from their role in coloration, betalains have also been found to have various potential health benefits. They have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Betalains may also have detoxifying effects and can help support liver function. Additionally, some research has suggested that betalains have anti-microbial and anti-viral properties, which could help protect against infections.

Betalains are an essential group of phytonutrients abundant in beets and other related vegetables such as chard and spinach. They may provide various health benefits and are an excellent reason to include beets in your diet.

Back to the beets benefits..
​
6. Immune system support: Beets are high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system and protect against infections.

Overall, beets are a nutritious and versatile vegetable with various health benefits when included in a balanced diet.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes:

These are just a few examples of the many ways you can enjoy the health benefits of beets in your diet.

Get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different recipes to find your favorites, enjoy!

2. UFC 140 vs. Lyoto Machida: Jones defended his light heavyweight title against Machida in this fight, and he did so in spectacular fashion. Jones landed a standing guillotine choke in the second round, forcing Machida to tap out and giving Jones his fourth successful title defense.


​3. UFC 197 vs. Ovince Saint Preux: In this fight, Jones took on Saint Preux for the interim light heavyweight title. Jones dominated the fight from start to finish, using his grappling and striking to outclass his opponent and win by unanimous decision.

4. UFC 145 vs. Rashad Evans: Jones defended his title against former teammate Rashad Evans in this fight, and he did so convincingly. Jones used his length and striking to keep Evans at bay, eventually winning by unanimous decision.

- Amazon to invest $280m in Africa headquarters
- ​Microsoft invested $500M to accelerate the growth of 10,000 African startups over the next five years.

There are several potential benefits for venture capitalists and private equity firms to invest in Africa, including:

1. High growth potential: Africa is a continent with a rapidly growing population, rising middle class, and increasing urbanization, which present significant opportunities for investment. According to the International Monetary Fund, African economies are projected to grow by an average of 3.4% in 2021, which is higher than the projected global growth rate of 2.9%.
2. Untapped markets: Many African countries are still developing, which means many untapped markets and new sectors offer significant growth potential. These include agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure sectors, among others.
3. Favorable demographics: With a growing young population, Africa presents an attractive investor demographic profile. This demographic trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with the continent's population projected to double by 2050.
4. Increasing political stability: While some political and security risks exist in certain African countries, the continent has generally become more politically stable in recent years. This has led to increased investor confidence and a more conducive environment for investment.
5. Favorable regulatory environment: Many African countries have implemented reforms to make their business environments more attractive to foreign investors. These include tax incentives, streamlined regulatory processes, and investor-friendly policies.
6. Impact investing: There is a growing trend towards impact investing, which seeks to generate positive social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. This trend has increased interest in investing in sectors such as renewable energy, microfinance, and affordable housing in Africa.

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Overall, investing in Africa can offer significant opportunities for venture capitalists and private equity firms, particularly those willing to take a long-term view and navigate the unique challenges of the African market.