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Meta goes the extra mile for teen protection, adds new tool

Ken Jacobs Ken Jacobs on March 7, 2023

Meta – In this day and age, social media platforms have allowed people to interact from afar.

While social media has benefits, it also has drawbacks.

It can be used to bully people, for example.

Meta, the parent corporation of Facebook and Instagram, is fully aware of how its platforms have become havens for such crimes, particularly “revenge porn.”

The problem

The act of posting explicit images of another person online without their permission is known as revenge porn.

Teens, in particular, are vulnerable to revenge porn, with scandalous material being shared on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, there has been an upsurge in the quantity of revenge porn on the internet in recent years, particularly among young males.

Meta has developed a new tool called “Take It Down” to stop the spread of indecent pictures.

The tool

Take It Down targets those who post explicit images of others without their consent in order to humiliate them.

It is operated and managed by NCMEC, and it allows children to anonymously attach a hash or digital fingerprint to personal images or videos recorded with their own device.

Users are also not required to submit them to the new platform.

By visiting the official website, teenagers may install the application and produce a hash of explicit material.

The image will not be retained in the database, but the anonymized number will.

Because the photo is linked to Meta, it will be compared to the original, reviewed, and perhaps removed from the site if it is shared on Facebook or Instagram.

“This issue has been incredibly important to Meta for a very, very long time because the damage done is quite severe in the context of teens or adults,” said Meta global safety director Antigone Davis.

“It can do damage to their reputation and familial relationships, and puts them in a very vulnerable position.”

“It’s important that we find tools like this to help them regain control of what can be a very difficult and devastating situation.”

Who can use it?

Take It Down is compatible with images shared on Facebook, Instagram, and their respective direct messaging platforms that are not encrypted.

Additionally, anybody under the age of 18 can utilize Take It Down on behalf of a young person in consultation with parents and trustworthy adults.

Meta pays for the complete price of the instrument.

Furthermore, it builds on StopNCII, a similar website founded in 2021 by more than 70 non-governmental organizations, all of which seek to combat revenge porn among adults.

Read also: Severance deals won’t be as strongly enforced by NLRB

The effort

Around 250,000 reports of online enticement, including sextortion, have been received by the NCMEC’s cyber tip line since 2016.

In 2019 and 2021, the number of reports more than doubled.

Last year, 79% of perpetrators sought monetary compensation to prevent the photographs from being uploaded, with many of them occurring on social media.

Lawmakers questioned Antigone Davis about the Meta apps’ impact on younger users over a year and a half ago.

It was stated at the time that the company was aware that Instagram may be “toxic” to teen girls.

While the company did provide more tools and safeguards, experts argue it took too long and that more could have been done.

At his recent State of the Union address, President Joseph Biden demanded clarification on Meta’s algorithms and their impact on the mental health of adolescent users.

Davis responded by saying that the company respects efforts to standardize the industry so that children may explore and use internet services.

She also indicated that the company is stepping up its efforts to safeguard young users, notably by eliminating indecent pictures.

“Sextortion is one of the biggest growing crimes we see at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children,” said Gavin Portnoy of NCMEC.

“We’re calling it the hidden pandemic, and nobody is really talking about it.”

Portnoy also highlighted the surge in youth suicides caused by revenge porn.

“That is the driving force behind creating Take It Down, along with our partners,” he added.

“It really gives survivors an opportunity to say, look I’m not going to let you do this to me. I have the power over my images and my videos.”

Other platforms take action

Apart from Meta, OnlyFans and MindGeek, Pornhub’s parent company, are using similar technologies on their websites.

But, there are certain limitations.

One possible loophole is to alter the original image by cropping it, adding emojis, or doctoring it.

Take It Down can still recognize filters like sepia or black and white.

Meanwhile, Meta advises kids to generate a hash for each copy of the picture or edited version.

“There’s no panacea for the issue of sextortion or the issue of the non-consensual sharing of intimate images,” said Davis.

“It really does take a holistic approach.”

Take It Down is not the company’s first attempt to spend resources addressing inappropriate content with children.

It has already made adjustments to the platforms in order to create a more age-appropriate experience for teens, such as:

  • Supervision tools for parents
  • Age-verification technology
  • Defaulting teens into private settings on Facebook and Instagram

Image source: Tech Spot

Fused Media: A Better Way to Grow Your Contracting Business

Lilian Swift Lilian Swift on March 1, 2023

Michael Schreiber, the founder of Fused Media, brings to the table a wealth of experience in the home service industry. As the one of first team members of  “Brothers by Nature,” a successful outdoor contracting business that scaled to a multi-million dollar company, he gained valuable insights and expertise that he knew could help other contractors generate leads and grow their businesses. Drawing on this experience, Schreiber created Fused Media, a rapidly growing digital marketing agency that has emerged as a formidable player in the home service contract industry.

Fused Media’s success can be attributed to its focus on putting clients first and implementing innovative marketing strategies. The agency specializes in paid advertising and software solutions for home service contractors, with a particular focus on Facebook and Google ads. They have also created a software solution called Trade Growth, which automates sales, marketing, and customer support for their clients. By enabling the client to capture, nurture, close, receive referrals from, and reactivate all the leads that come into their ecosystem, Trade Growth ensures that no lead slips through the cracks. This innovative solution has helped Fused Media’s clients achieve exceptional results and generate impressive returns on their advertising investment.

Fused Media’s client-centric approach is exemplified by its outstanding customer service, top-notch communication with clients, and strong team-based culture. They take amazing care of their clients, ensuring that they are always kept in the loop and helping them get the most out of their system every day. This commitment to client satisfaction has led to the agency’s consistent track record of delivering exceptional results for their clients, including companies like The Landscaping Experts, Norse Construction, and M&P Remodeling.

With Fused Media’s focus on delivering results and client satisfaction, the agency is well-positioned for continued success and growth in the years to come. In fact, they have big goals for this year, including helping contractors learn how to build and run successful ad campaigns and nurture and follow up with leads using the Trade Growth system.

In conclusion, Fused Media has set a new standard in the digital marketing space by leveraging its expertise in paid advertising and software solutions to help home service contractors achieve unprecedented growth. As they continue to innovate and evolve, they will undoubtedly continue to make waves and set new benchmarks in the industry.

 

Who Had the Biggest Impact on NewSpace in the Past Ten Years? Our Answers May Surprise You

Stephen Cook Stephen Cook on February 24, 2023

In the 20th century, only governments went to space. Today, private companies and citizens build rockets, launch satellites, and cross the Kármán Line as part of a NewSpace economy that soon could reach $1 trillion. 

NewSpace has made giant leaps thanks to people who believe space should belong to all — and have devoted themselves to that mission. Meet P who had the most significant impact on NewSpace in the past ten years.

Elon Musk

Musk has broken new ground in the sky for decades as the founder of SpaceX. His was the first private company to launch a liquid-fueled rocket, dock a vehicle with the International Space Station, land an orbital-class reusable rocket, fly crewed missions, and carry an all-private crew to the ISS.

SpaceX’s reusable Falcon 9 rocket has revolutionized the sector, completing more than 130 reflights that allow private companies to send people and payload to space at a fraction of the cost. Musk essentially has created a space rideshare system that entrepreneurs use to populate satellite constellations capable of providing global broadband internet, for instance.

What’s next? NASA has contracted SpaceX to land humans on the Moon, and Musk predicts a Mars landing in 2029.

Jeff Bezos

Time Magazine named Bezos, the founder and executive chair of Amazon, as its 1999 Person of the Year for transforming how we shop. The following year, Bezos founded Blue Origin, intending to transform how we think about space.

Like SpaceX, Blue Origin built its ethos on reusability. In 2015, its New Shepard vehicle became the first first-stage rocket system to touch down on land after launch. Since then, the New Shepard system has flown more than 20 missions, introducing the world to commercial space tourism.

In 2021, Blue Origin sold its first commercial seat for $28 million and later became the first private company to carry paying customers on a suborbital spacecraft. The company says its high-payload New Glenn vehicle will “build the road to space,” and its Blue Moon lunar lander will help create habitats on the Moon.

Pete Worden

Worden, an authority on civil and military space, calls planets boring. He wants to visit stars like Alpha Centauri and finally answer humanity’s deepest question: Are we alone? 

The retired Air Force Brigadier General guided the Ames Research Center for ten years, earning the Arthur C. Clarke Foundation’s Innovation Award in 2010 for his work invigorating civil and commercial space exploration. After 40 years in the public sector, Worden joined Breakthrough Initiatives, a visionary non-profit founded by billionaire investor Yuri Milner and the late Stephen Hawking that scans the skies for habitable planets and other life. He also wants to go there.

Worden is the executive director of Breakthrough Starshot, which proposes harnessing light-powered space technology for interstellar travel. Starshot’s mission is to visit Alpha Centauri within a generation, which has been Worden’s vision since he shepherded the 100-Year-Starship Study at Ames.  

Lori Garver

Garver, a former deputy administrator of NASA, helped transform the environment in which companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin thrive today. During her four years at NASA, Garver championed opening space exploration to a private sector that could build and launch systems at lower costs. This made Garver a self-described “space pirate,” with which others agreed.

In her 2022 book Escaping Gravity, Garver detailed how she sought to lower space transportation costs through commercial partnefive rships — and the obstructions she faced from politics and legacy constituents tethered to the old operating system.

As Musk said, Garver’s “heavy lifting” unwound the status quo and created opportunities for space entrepreneurs. Garver called that a “rescue mission” on behalf of NASA and the new space age.

“Lori made a real difference to the future of spaceflight,” Musk wrote in praising the book. 

Dylan Taylor

Taylor, chairman and CEO of Voyager Space, is incubating the future of space exploration. The company provides digital satellites, propulsion technology, and Earth visualization systems in its suite of space tools. Voyager Space’s holdings incorporate some of the most inventive firms building tomorrow’s sustainable space economy.

Voyager Space’s most ambitious project is Starlab, the next-generation commercial space station. When it launches (planned for 2028), Starlab will feature the first science park in space; research platforms dedicated to physics, biology, and material science; and interior spaces designed by Hilton.

As a space philanthropist, Taylor also founded Space for Humanity, an award-winning philanthropic organization that mints citizen astronauts — two already — to share their life-changing perspectives with the world. Taylor himself is a citizen astronaut, having flown aboard NS-19 in 2021.

Space once belonged to institutions. Thanks to the NewSpace economy, fueled and funded by passionate agitators like these, space will soon belong to everyone.

John Gallo Honored as One of the Top 100 People in Finance

Stephen Cook Stephen Cook on February 24, 2023

John Gallo, Global Head of Sales and Co-Head of Global Markets Americas (GMA) for BNP Paribas, was honored in 2021 as one of the top 100 people in finance.

In the accompanying Q&A, Gallo, who since receiving this honor has been promoted to Global Head of Sales and Head of Global Markets Americas, pointed out that GMA “delivered a record performance in 2020, outperforming all competitors in terms of market share gains, including U.S. banks.” He noted that was at least in part due to the fact that BNP Paribas, a bank with operations in 68 countries, agreed in 2019 to “assume Deutsche Bank’s global prime finance and electronic equities business and clients.”

Additionally, John Gallo mentioned BNP Paribas’ acquisition in July 2021 of Exane, a leader in European equities.

“Leveraging Exane’s expertise in cash equities (execution and research) and derivatives,” he told Top 100 Magazine, “the transaction will further strengthen and widen the range of equity and derivatives services BNP Paribas can offer to institutional investors and corporates globally.”

In his estimation, the Deutsche Bank and Exane transactions signal the ambition of BNP Paribas “to become a global equities powerhouse,” as evidenced by its strength in fixed income, currencies and commodities. There is further proof of that in the fact that BNP is pursuing what he called “ambitious growth strategies in various emerging markets,” including Latin America. He offered as an example the fact that BNP had obtained a banking license in Mexico.

“We are already a clear leader in Europe, and strong in Asia and Latam,” he told Top 100 Magazine. “We recognize that one of our largest growth opportunities is in the U.S. and it is critical to be a real competitor on the world stage. In fact, our goal is to become a top player in global markets by 2025.”

He noted that BNP Paribas’ Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB) franchise is “a globally recognized leader across 56 countries,” offering “capital markets, securities services, financing, treasury, and advisory solutions to roughly 18,000 corporate and institutional clients.” His shared leadership of global markets, meanwhile, offers “investment, hedging, financing, and market intelligence across all asset classes.”

John Gallo, who also serves on BNP’s management committee, has over 25 years’ experience in the financial industry and is regarded as one of the foremost authorities in areas like stocks, bonds, capital formation, hedge funds and asset management. (He recently shared his expertise in a Bloomberg piece.) He joined BNP Paribas in 2017, after serving the two previous years as the Head of Institutional Client Group at Deutsche Bank.

He described BNP Paribas as “truly a global bank” in the Top 100 Magazine interview, with a presence in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, and increasing growth in the Americas.

“We’ve scaled in a way that helps all clients—individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates, and institutions—to realize their potential through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings, hedging, and protection insurance,” he told the publication. “In addition, we are a leader in sustainable finance and diversity and inclusion.”

He added that no two days are alike for him, and that he relishes working with “​​a large group of highly intelligent and driven people, who collaborate to create value for the largest and most sophisticated institutions and corporations in the world.”

John Gallo, a graduate of Fordham University, spent the early years of his finance career at Lehman Brothers, starting off in the back office and in time becoming the youngest managing director in the firm’s history. He later assumed the position of Global Head of Liquid Market Sales, one of Lehman’s largest divisions.

He also worked at Citigroup from 2008-15, serving as Head of Investor Sales for Global Markets in North America.

John Gallo has also served on the boards of such companies as Clickpay, Adjuvance Technologies, AMN, Inc. and Hourglass, and sits on the executive committee and the board of The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine in New York City, while also chairing the school’s finance committee.

Further, he endowed a scholarship to Columbia University in honor of his late nephew.

He emphasized in the Top 100 Magazine interview that he is particularly proud of his three children – his daughters, Annabelle and Jocelyn, and his son, Griffin. “Each in their own way, are the most incredible human beings,” he told the publication, “and I could not love them more or be prouder of them.”

Publishers shifting strategies, chatbots to blame

Sarah White Sarah White on February 23, 2023

Publishers – AI chatbots have increased in popularity in recent months due to their distinct personality and ability to simplify work and learning.

Although they assist the great majority of people, they may put publishers at danger.

A new rival

Chatbots powered by generative AI may not only produce text but also respond to inquiries.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s upcoming ChatGPT-powered Bing may lure readers away from publishers.

Several lifestyle publications have abandoned SEO-driven content due to technological competition.

In contrast, Bustle Digital Group and Leaf Group develop unique material based on personal experiences and viewpoints.

Wesley Bonner, BDG’s head of social and audience growth, claimed that the company’s editorial shift will focus on original visual material.

According to Bonner, they would prioritize the creation of amusing stories about common situations and offer assistance.

Likewise, Hunker, Leaf Group’s home design website, has said that its content would be centered on the viewpoints, knowledge, and ideas of the writers.

Traffic

The decision by the publishers to shift course marks a considerable investment.

Other lifestyle publishers, such as BDG, Leaf Group, and Trusted Media Brands, have not seen a notable increase in search traffic since the launch of ChatGPT in November.

Trusted Media Brands receive 80% of referral traffic from search, whereas BDG receives 25% to 30%.

According to Beth Tomkiw, chief content officer of Trusted Media Brands, AI chatbots taking over Google search will be a bigger problem.

“My hope is that there will still be a place – even if it’s a smaller place – for the quality of work that comes from a real human,” said Tomkiw.

She’s pondering what would have happened to TMB’s editorial approach if things had turned out differently.

While declining search-driven content is not a new issue for publishers, it is gaining traction.

Publishers have always utilized a scale strategy to obtain an audience, but it seldom works for organizations who have already demonstrated their success.

Instead, during the last decade, publishers have worked hard to develop connections with their customers, depending less on referral traffic via subscriptions and newsletters.

“For publishers who are still very focused on the page view as a primary metric, that’s going to be a bit of a problem,” said Jim Robinson, Clickseed’s founder.

Clickseed is an SEO and audience growth solution for publishers.

“If that’s been your strategy, you might be a little behind the curve anyway.”

Read also: Nvidia is in favor of Microsoft-Activision deal

Shifting from SEO

People’s search habits have already been influenced by ChatGPT and AI chatbots.

According to BDG’s chief content officer, Emma Rosenblum, the firm is committed to shifting its traffic strategy away from SEO-driven content and short news bursts.

Web media firms, according to Rosenblum, were created on the low-hanging fruit of service stories that would almost surely be outmoded in the next five years.

She thinks that technological advancements will make it simpler, quicker, and less expensive than employing experienced writers.

“We don’t want to be doing those stories,” said Rosenblum. “That utility that we provide is going to disappear so quickly.”

“[And] I’m glad because we hate doing stuff like that. All the things that a computer could not replicate is where we’re going to put our money.”

Rosenblum claims that the corporation is investing in original visual content, interviews, profiles, and feature pieces.

As a result, they will post less social media updates and will produce more short films.

Melissa Chowning, the founder and CEO of Twenty-First Digital, noted that now that ChatGPT has established itself, photography and visuals have become the most crucial parts for lifestyle publications.

Rosenblum wrote an email outlining BDG’s strategy for compensating for anticipated traffic loss.

“If traffic dips a bit, it dips,” the email said.

“Chasing Google is a losing war for digital media companies, which is why we’re building up areas of our business like events and newsletters, neither of which are dependent on outside platforms.”

Furthermore, BDG’s newsletter business grew by 32% year on year, reaching 5 million subscribers.

The advertising will almost surely have an effect on BDG with less visits.

Yet, Rosenblum noted that programmatic income will continue to be a part of their business in the future, with cash coming through direct advertising.

“In this new world, we’re expecting our revenue from events and newsletters to grow enormously, offsetting any potential programmatic loss,” she added.

Chatbot adoption

The ChatGPT launch, according to Eve Epstein of Leaf Group, is a continuation of Google search’s evolution, which is nothing new.

Publishers had to deal with a “featured snippet” in 2014, which took a portion of a publisher’s website and used it to answer a user’s Google search query.

It remains to be seen, though, how the deployment of chatbots will turn out.

According to Robinson, major strategy shifts for publishers are premature.

He advised publishers to keep an eye on their referral traffic figures for any changes in user behavior.

“I think there is an immediate need to be having these discussions,” said Robinson.

“That plan is a good one anyway, even if you take ChatGPT out of the picture. Who wants to give all that power to Google?”

Image source: Search Engine Journal

How Faith and Financials Can Combine to Create Financial Literacy

Lilian Swift Lilian Swift on February 23, 2023

“My theme for 2023 is ‘Get Started.’ Everything you’ve accomplished is because you started.” 

Dexter B. Jenkins spent 20 years in the financial services industry before becoming the senior pastor of a church. This unique combination of jobs created what is now called DBJ Enterprises.

As a pastor, Jenkins is always quoting scriptures about the abundance of money and resources which purchase your most important commodity: time. Jenkins has combined his two passions in life to create a faith-based financial mentorship where he seeks to help others increase their financial intelligence and utilize real estate as a wealth-creation tool.

The very focus of DBJ Enterprises is to help people become financially literate.

What Makes DBJ Unique?

Not only does DBJ Enterprises combine faith and financials, but it is run by Dexter B. Jenkins, who is African American. Now that is a combination that sets apart the company entirely! He has broken down many barriers by starting this business.

“Many people of color don’t believe they can do it. So a lot of what I do is infusing faith and hope with people,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins argues that 95% of your goal believes you can, which is his entire theme for 2023. But, according to Jenkins, believing that you can do what you set out to achieve is the hardest and largest part of achieving a goal

Jenkin’s and The SHIP Method  

DBJ Enterprises utilizes a framework that Jenkins has coined as the SHIP Method. The SHIP Method, which stands for stewardship, ownership, and entrepreneurship, combines a faith-based approach to helping individuals increase their financial literacy and intelligence.  

The first step is determining a client’s view of money. Do they see money as a way to pay bills, something to be scared of, or another importance? Once that is assessed, clients are taught how to establish positive money beliefs and behaviors and to eliminate negative ones that no longer serve them.  

The second step is finding out where the client is in their goals. What amount is saved, what kind of debts they owe, and their final goals are all discussed in step two. This is the basic step to achieve monetary goals since these factors all influence someone maximizing their financial potential.

The last step is setting goals for long-term success. Once you have determined how you view money and your current money status, clients can set realistic goals for their future with DBJ Enterprises. They will advise and help you plan for your financial goals based on the information already given.

Two Basic Ways To Improve Your Finances

DBJ Enterprises has two very basic ways to improve your finances no matter where you are. The first is to decrease expenses in any way possible. This part is tricky because it runs the risk that clients could enter a poverty mindset when trying to decrease expenses. But DBJ Enterprises ensures they can help you create a plan for decreasing expenses without being in a poverty mindset.

The second way to improve your finances is by increasing your income. Again, this sounds basic, but DBJ Enterprises is not necessarily saying you need to get a higher-paying job. Instead, they suggest adding multiple income streams, especially through the vehicle of real estate. Having clients aim for financial freedom through passive income is a major focus for Jenkins and his team.  

What’s Next for DBJ Enterprises

The theme for 2023 is getting started. DBJ Enterprises and Dexter B. Jenkins have committed to helping clients get started because belief is 95% of the goal. Everything accomplished is because someone started.

DBJ Enterprises can help you become financially literate while having a faith-based approach. Go to https://www.dexterbjenkins.com to find out what the firm can do for you. 

Make sure to download the free e-book on The SHIP Method when you visit the site. Dexter also likes to hang out on LinkedIn as well.  

Phil Smith: A Digital Marketing Expert Helping Businesses Thrive in Today’s Online Landscape

Ken Jacobs Ken Jacobs on February 22, 2023

Philip F Smith, the serial entrepreneur and digital marketing expert behind PhilipFSmith.com, has made it his mission to help those who have lost their jobs due to tech layoffs launch their own six-figure businesses. In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, a strong online presence and mastery of digital tools are crucial to the success of a business. Phil has a wealth of knowledge and experience in lead generation and digital marketing, and is dedicated to helping his clients achieve their goals and grow their businesses.

Phil’s impressive track record speaks for itself. He has started multiple businesses, sold four companies, and even made it onto the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the country for four consecutive years. He is a well-respected leader in the field and continues to maintain his position as one of the most sought-after resources for digital marketing and lead generation advice.

Phil’s journey to success was not without its challenges. Growing up, he was raised in a generation that believed in the traditional path of going to college, getting a degree, and working a 9-to-5 job. However, in 1998, he decided to take a risk and forge his own path as an entrepreneur. “I got tired of working for other people and decided to figure out how to work for myself,” Phil explains. And he succeeded, becoming one of the world’s most prominent online lead generators, thanks to his secret sauce in data monetization.

In his quest to help others achieve the same level of success, Phil teamed up with Kevin Harrington, the original Shark from Shark Tank, to offer first-rate assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs. Together, they offer an all-in-one marketing platform, AllInOneMarketing.com, and lead generation and consulting services. Their lead generation services, in particular, have gained much attention for their comprehensive approach to business expansion.

According to Phil, “high-quality, fresh leads are the lifeline of any business.” With this conviction in mind, he and his team have been providing leads to various industries through various advertising channels since 2006, and are proud of the high customer conversion rates they have achieved for their clients.

Lead generation is a competitive industry, but Phil rose to the top and gained the trust of many clients in a short amount of time. His knowledge and dedication to helping those under his wing achieve their goals have earned him the respect of his colleagues and clients, and he continues to be a leader in the field.

In conclusion, Phil Smith is a true inspiration to anyone looking to start their own business. His success is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and a willingness to take risks. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Phil’s expertise and guidance can help you achieve your goals and launch a successful business in today’s digital world.

“92% Do Not Achieve Their Health Goals, Research Shows This Is What Separates The 8% That Succeed”

Ken Jacobs Ken Jacobs on February 21, 2023

Despite having many aspects of their personal and professional life figured out, research shows that 92% of people do not achieve their health goals. Many women spend thousands of dollars on personal trainers, professional health coaching, and other weight loss solutions but still fall short of sustainable results.

Women’s health expert, Abram Anderson, explains the only way to reach health goals long term needs to start with fixing the underlying reason why a health plan fails.

“Women’s health is a very complicated subject with many plans that can work well to get a desired result but if someone is following a meal plan or exercise routine without the right mental view point that’s like saying ‘I’ll start saving money once I’m rich’… you have to feel like you deserve better first.” Adding “…the women who lose the weight and keep it off first have that mental viewpoint of feeling comfortable in their own skin and they know their own personal wellbeing should be their priority in life.” 

For many women the problem they face is not just finding the right information on how to be healthy – it’s being able to maintain healthy changes long term. This is a major reason why 92% fail. Decades of research have proven that the Kaizen Method, when implemented in this specific way, can put you in the 8% of people who achieve their goals. 

The Kaizen Method is based on a philosophy of continuous improvement, which means that instead of making drastic changes all at once, one should make small changes over time in order to achieve their goals. This method has been backed by decades of research, showing that it is one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle when coupled with the right shift to the mental viewpoint.

Within 14 days of Abram’s Kaizen Method Training Program the women undergo training to shift their mental viewpoint so they have the key to unlock long term success. The program also includes a comprehensive Microbiome Reset protocol, 24/7 support chat, personal trainer, unlimited 1:1 support calls, psychological training to prevent self-sabotage, weekly calls with Abram to stay on track, accountability meetings and a support group of women going through a similar journey, ensuring maximum results in minimum time. It also offers a money-back guarantee that clients who follow the program will see their desired results physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

In addition to being backed by decades of research, Abram’s Kaizen Method Training has seen great success among its clients. Women who have followed the program consistently report feeling healthier, energized, less stressed, and more confident in their bodies after only a few weeks.

For those looking for long-term health and fitness success without making drastic changes all at once, check out Abram Anderson’s Kaizen Method Training Program!

Job cuts and hiring creates headache for US market

Ken Jacobs Ken Jacobs on February 21, 2023

Job cuts – Some companies are having problems filling jobs in the US market, while others are letting individuals go.

Various corporations have lately announced massive job cuts, including:

  • Amazon
  • Disney
  • Meta
  • Microsoft
  • Zoom

As a result, there were nearly 103,000 jobs cut in US-based companies in January.

According to a survey by the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, it is the largest job cut since September 2020.

The number of new jobs created by firms in January, however, was 517,000, which is more than nearly three times what economists had projected.

The increase in employment demonstrates how extremely competitive the labor market is, especially in industries like the service sector that were severely harmed by the epidemic.

The Covid legacy

It is more challenging for experts to forecast the future direction of the US economy given the current circumstances.

Experts were taken aback by the robust consumer spending, particularly in view of the continuous inflation and rising interest rates.

According to renowned global strategist David Kelly, the most recent consumer spending is a part of the “legacy of weirdness” left by the Covid epidemic.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics will present the subsequent nonfarm payroll on March 3.

Wages

Researchers and economists caution that a variety of variables might result in greater job cuts in other industries if wages don’t keep up with inflation, including:

  • Strains on household budgets
  • High-interest rates
  • A savings drawdown

According to data recently published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, wages for people working in the hotel and leisure sectors increased in January.

The compensation increased from the previous year, when it was $19.42, to $20.78.

“There’s a difference between saying the labor market is tight and the labor market is strong,” said Kelly.

Companies still struggle to find and retain the right people.

They encounter challenges because of factors like the need for staff childcare and potential competition from improved working conditions and pay.

Consumer impact

If interest rates increase and inflation remains high, consumer spending may drop, which might lead to further job cuts or lower employment overall.

“When you lose a job, you don’t just lose a job,” said Aneta Marowska, a Jefferies chief economist. “There’s a multiplier effect.”

There may be less money spent on business visits as a result, even if there are concerns with tech companies.

Consumers may be compelled to reconsider their spending on services and other items if job cuts continue.

Read also: Tesla recalls model after concerns rose regarding FSD feature

A reset

Businesses that increased their hiring during the pandemic, when e-commerce and remote work had a greater influence on consumer and corporate spending, have since endured a sizable amount of job cuts.

At the end of 2022, when it had 1.54 million employees—roughly twice as many as it did in 2019—Amazon recorded an 18,000 job cut.

Microsoft shed 10,000 employees, or 5% of its staff, using identical tactics.

The corporation had 221,000 employees by the end of June the year before, a significant rise from the 144,000 before the infection.

According to Michael Gapen, head of US economic research at Bank of America Global Research, the tech sector is evolving from a “grow-at-all-costs” industry.

Airlines

Meanwhile, other companies are hiring more people.

Boeing plans to hire 10,000 new employees in 2023, mostly in engineering and production.

Also, the business cut roughly 2,000 corporate jobs, mostly in finance and HR.

Boeing is growing to improve the company’s capacity to build new aircraft in anticipation of an increase in orders from clients like United and Air India.

Early on in the outbreak, when business dried up, airlines and aerospace companies suffered; however, they are currently making efforts to recover.

The amount of pilots available currently determines how many passengers each airline may carry.

As pandemic restrictions were lifted, there was an upsurge in demand for food and travel.

A shared struggle

To attract and keep employees, businesses of all sizes would need to raise pay.

Industries who saw customer reaction and other company backlash after job cuts are now trying to hire more people.

Walmart is raising its minimum wage to $14 an hour in an effort to attract more employees.

Due to the high turnover rate, The Miner’s Hotel in Butte, Montana increased the hourly compensation for housekeepers by $1.50.

Concessionaires and airports are also hiring additional workers as tourism increases.

Every month, the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport hosts employment fairs and offers childcare support to staff.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport grew by 48% during the same time in 2019.

Moreover, it results in improved incentives like:

  • $1,000 referral bonuses
  • Signing incentives
  • Retention incentives for referred staff

In a similar vein, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s airport facilities representatives now earn $20.68 per hour, up from $16.47 in 2022.

Austin has a high cost of living, claims Kevin Russell, the airport’s deputy talent chief.

Russell also saw a spike in employee retention.

However, it has proven difficult to maintain some positions open as staff may be able to find higher-paying positions elsewhere that aren’t available 24/7, such as:

  • Electricians
  • Heating-and-air conditioning technicians
  • Plumbers

Despite how simple it is to acquire new employees, businesses must spend time training new staff before they can scale up.

Image source: Tech Xplore

Meta Verified joins list of platforms with subscription models

Karla Perry Karla Perry on February 21, 2023

Meta – Another major announcement Mark Zuckerberg made to Facebook and Instagram on Sunday has already irked users.

The CEO of Meta reportedly stated that the business is exploring a paid membership service that validates Facebook and Instagram users.

The unexpected Meta news surfaced just after Twitter announced that it would begin charging users for SMS two-factor authentication.

The news

In his introduction, Zuckerberg said that the subscription service will be dubbed “Meta Verified.”

Everyone who wants to utilize this service must pay $11.99 each month.

Those who use iOS, however, will have to pay $14.99 a month.

Australia and New Zealand will have access to Meta Verified this week before other nations.

Meta Verified

Meta’s subscription service is more than just a status symbol.

Also, it has benefits including enhanced protection against fake accounts.

Also, Meta Verified provides clients with easy access to customer service.

A blue badge that enables account verification is given to users who utilize the subscription service.

Anybody who wants to utilize the subscription must have a government ID that exactly matches the name and photo on their profile.

They must also be at least 18 years old.

Statements

Mark Zuckerberg posted the following in a message on the Instagram broadcast channel Meta Verified:

“This new feature is about increasing authenticity and security across our services.”

The glaring announcement shocked everyone, but Meta clarified to let everyone relax.

The social media behemoth said that the verified accounts, which were previously exclusively accessible to real, well-known people, will not be impacted by the new subscription service.

“We are evolving the meaning of the blue badge to focus on authenticity so we can expand verification access to more people,” said a Meta spokesperson.

“We will display follower count in more places so people can distinguish which accounts are notable public figures among accounts that share the same name.”

A league of their own

Due to the company’s use of subscription services, Meta Verified falls under the same umbrella of platforms like:

  • Discord
  • Reddit
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Twitter has generated the hottest debates out of all the websites with a dedicated subscription service.

Twitter Blue

In December, Twitter Blue, a premium service for verification, was re-released by Elon Musk and Twitter.

The firm had been utilizing the service up until a flood of fake “verified” accounts forced them to withdraw.

Twitter has also added new colors for a number of checkbox choices to make it simpler to distinguish between distinct accounts, including:

  • Gold checks for companies
  • Gray checks for government organizations and affiliates
  • Blue checks for individuals, celebrities or non-celebrities

Android and iOS users may use Twitter by subscribing to Twitter Blue for $11 per month.

Elon Musk wanted to grow the number of users when he paid $44 billion to buy the organization in late 2022.

Read also: Twitter faces more competition in 2023, ex-employees on the rise

Two-factor authentication 

There was uproar when Twitter said last week that it was reviewing how it handled two-factor authentication.

SMS texts are a two-factor authentication mechanism that is exclusively accessible to Twitter Blue subscribers, according to the news article.

A 2021 survey by Twitter Account Security found that just 2.6% of Twitter users had 2FA activated.

Around 74.4% of customers have so far chosen SMS authentication.

Beginning March 20, non-Blue users will have two more, cost-free login options:

  • A security key
  • A mobile authentication app

On February 15, the news was made on Twitter in a blog post that read:

“Instead of only entering a password to log in, 2FA requires you to also enter a code or use a security key. This additional step helps make sure that you, and only you, can access your account.”

“While historically a popular form of 2FA, unfortunately we have seen phone-number based 2FA be used – and abused – by bad actors.”

“So starting today, we will no longer allow accounts to enroll in the text message/SMS method of 2FA unless they are Twitter Blue subscribers.”

“Non-Twitter Blue subscribers that are already enrolled will have 30 days to disable this method and enroll in another.”

“We encourage non-Twitter Blue subscribers to consider using an authentication app or security key method instead.”

“These methods require you to have a physical possession of the authentication method and are a great way to ensure your account is secure.”

Image source: National World News