(Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
Here are five things in technology that happened this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1 – LinkedIn unveils the rise of lead generation posts.
LinkedIn has introduced a new feature that allows businesses to increase organic posts for generating likes. This tool allows companies to convert posts into targeted ads aimed at capturing high-quality results, using LinkedIn’s first-party data to reach beyond followers. Setup includes choosing a post, setting your budget and target audience, and adding a lead form to collect information. This feature is now available globally on both mobile and desktop platforms. (Source: Search Engine Land)
Why this is important for your business:
If you’re in the B2B world like I am, LinkedIn is an essential resource. I use it to engage, post and generate leads. I haven’t done any promotion on the platform yet. But this will motivate me to try. Like anything else, I’m betting it’s not easy because nothing in social media is easy. It will take time to understand the process, test, fail, test again and again. And it’s not cheap. But if that’s where my customers are, that’s where I have to be.
2 – Firms face critical AI-driven CRM decisions, says ISG.
A recent report from the Information Services Group (ISG) highlights a critical decision facing businesses as they expand AI-driven CRM capabilities. According to their report, companies should modernize their CRM systems by 2026 to leverage AI for improved sales, service and marketing functions. As ISG research director Stephen Hurrell said, “New data-driven AI technology is needed to gain market and competitive insights, engage effectively and achieve optimal results.” . (Source: MarTech Cube)
Why this is important for your business:
I couldn’t disagree more. Firms don’t need to “modernize” as long as they use a good CRM application. App providers are the ones “modernizing” by investing millions in new AI-driven features that justify their monthly fees. AI is just one feature of these products. As consumers, it’s our job to understand the AI capabilities of our CRM platforms and invest heavily in training — yes training — so that our employees can use them properly.
3 – Claude AI can now analyze PDFs – here’s how to try it (and why you’ll want to).
ZDNet’s Lance Whitney reported on Anthropic’s newest feature called Visual PDF in its Claude 3.5 Sonnet AI model. The feature allows AI to analyze both text and visual elements—images, charts, and graphs—within PDF files. AI can also extract important details from legal documents and translate the content into other languages. Once a file – no larger than 32MB – has been uploaded, users can ask the AI about any text, images or graphics the file contains. This new tool is accessible through Anthropic’s Claude Pro subscription for $20 per month. (Source: ZDNet)
Why this is important for your business:
How does this apply in real life? Think about the complex files you receive from your customers, suppliers that need to be better explained. Or research papers. Or diagrams for devices. Or proposals, estimates and other documents coming from engineers, architects, accountants and lawyers. Anthropic’s new feature will allow us to take more technical information and explain it better.
4 – Small business owner? Hackers can target you.
Password manager NordPass posted their data breach trends report, which found that small businesses are a prime target for hackers. Among the various reasons, the common misperception among owners that they are “too small to target” results in fewer safety protocols being put in place. Additionally, hackers see smaller entities as potential stepping stones to larger organizations, using them as entry points to infiltrate larger companies. (Source: Tom’s Guide)
Why this is important for your business:
To protect against these threats, small businesses are encouraged by NordPass to adopt basic cybersecurity practices, including multi-factor authentication, regular employee phishing training, data backups, and working with cybersecurity firms for additional support. Oh, and buy their product too.
5 – Why I switched from Windows to a Chromebook and haven’t looked back.
PCWorld’s Dave Parrack details his journey from using Windows for over 30 years to switching to ChromeOS. Parrack says “he hasn’t looked back” because of Chrome’s simplicity, speed, security and updates. He relies on Chromebooks for day-to-day tasks and notes that there has been “less stress about malware and security issues” since Windows tends to be the main target among hackers. For Parrack’s detailed report, visit the link. (Source: PCWorld)
Why this is important for your business:
Every year I play with this idea, and then end up dropping a thousand dollars on another Windows device. Why? Pure laziness and resistance to change. Someone help me, please.