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The Resilient Entrepreneur: Adapting and Innovating with Technology and Customer-Focused Marketing

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The Resilient Entrepreneur: Adapting and Innovating with Technology and Customer-Focused Marketing

The world of small business is always evolving, but in 2025, the latest wave of new entrepreneurs is navigating a particularly tough landscape with a mix of optimism and resilience. The latest report from Constant Contact, Small Business Now: Growth in Motion, reveals insights from over 1,600 small business owners across the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Despite dealing with economic uncertainty, these early-stage businesses are not just surviving—they’re setting themselves up for success by embracing technology, refining marketing strategies, and focusing on building lasting customer relationships.

Read also: Focus: Why It’s Essential for Entrepreneurs & How to Achieve It

Thriving Through Tough Times

It’s no secret that the economic climate right now is anything but easy. With external challenges like inflation and shifting consumer habits, it’s a tough world for any business owner. Yet, new entrepreneurs aren’t backing down. Instead, they’re diving headfirst into the challenge, and their focus is clear: Customer relationships.

According to the report, 63% of new entrepreneurs are turning to social media as their go-to marketing tool. But, here’s the interesting part: Even though social media is a top choice when getting started, a surprising 33% of these business owners today see email marketing as an untapped goldmine for conversions and customer loyalty. As these businesses mature, they’re broadening their marketing with channels like email and SMS, which are coming up strong as powerful tools to nurture those all-important customer relationships.

And, when it comes to tech, the numbers speak for themselves: 91% of business owners say that technology has played a crucial role in their success, and a whopping 72% plan to use AI for marketing this year. Technology isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a survival tool for small businesses—one that’s essential for growth.

Optimistic, But Realistic: The SMB Mindset for 2025

Entrepreneurs are feeling positive but cautious. Nearly half (45%) of small business owners believe their business will grow in the coming year, but many (55%) are also acknowledging the hurdles they’ll face. Rising costs, customer acquisition struggles, and shifting consumer preferences have a solid 35% of entrepreneurs seeing economic factors as a big potential roadblock. But, not to worry—small businesses are determined and resilient. 

And, people are still choosing to start new businesses every day. Even though 52% of these business owners admitted that getting their business off the ground was tough, there’s a ton of excitement and pride in the air. A remarkable 95% of entrepreneurs said they’d do it all over again if given the chance—71% said they’re excited about the future, and 57% proud of what they’ve accomplished.

Going Beyond Social Media: SMBs Expand Their Marketing Reach

Social media may dominate the marketing space for new businesses, but there’s a growing trend toward diversifying strategies. The majority of these entrepreneurs may still rely on social media as their main marketing tool, but many are branching out into channels like email and SMS to connect with their audience.

In fact, 33% of SMB owners view email marketing as an underutilized tool that could be key to turning leads into loyal customers. While social media gets all the attention—likely for its ease of use, accessibility, and affordability—email marketing can be a powerful revenue driver to support growth. Plus, email’s secret superpower is its ability to help build lasting relationships and customer loyalty. And, don’t forget SMS! Only 15% of SMBs are investing in it, even though SMS has proven to be one of the most engaging marketing channels available.

AI and Tech: The Secret Weapons for SMB Growth

Let’s talk tech—it’s a game-changer for small businesses. Early-stage small businesses are embracing technology like never before, with 91% agreeing that tech has been a growth driver for their businesses. And, AI is also leading the charge… Nearly two-thirds (72%) of SMB owners plan to use AI in their marketing efforts this year, and the areas they’re focusing on are pretty exciting. 

  • 37% are using AI for content creation
  • 32% are diving into customer data analysis
  • 31% are leveraging AI to create personalized marketing experiences. 

This isn’t just about automating tasks—it’s about making smarter, more data-driven decisions and connecting with customers in more meaningful ways. With this, 38% of business owners are planning to learn new marketing strategies, and over a quarter (28%) will use AI and automation to overcome challenges like customer acquisition and sales growth. 

It’s clear that technology is becoming a key part of their competitive advantage, growth prospects, and overall success. Consider this: New small business owners who have the most confidence in their business growth this year are embracing AI more than others—indicating that confidence in business growth and the adoption of AI are closely linked. Of this high-confidence group, 41% plan to use AI for data analysis, and 39% will use it to personalize customer experiences, compared to just 25% of all others. 

Looking Ahead: Innovating for Success in 2025

As these new and early-stage entrepreneurs continue into this year, their direction is clear: Reassess and refine strategies, embrace new technologies, and stay customer-centric and highly adaptable. By focusing on these areas, new small businesses are setting themselves up for long-term success—even in the face of an unpredictable market.

If you’re a small business owner yourself, the message is simple: Stay adaptable, keep innovating, and never stop connecting with your customers. The entrepreneurs who thrive in 2025 will be those who stick to sound business fundamentals, keep refining their marketing approach, and embrace new tools and technologies to stay ahead.

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Apple Stock Decline: $700 Billion Market Cap Loss

Apple’s stock has experienced a significant decline, dropping approximately 18% from its peak in December, resulting in a loss of over $700 billion in market capitalization. The decline comes as investors closely examine the company’s artificial intelligence strategy and consider macroeconomic challenges. For more details, visit the original report on Yahoo Finance.

Read also: Trucking Stocks Face Volatility Amid Declining Spot Rates

Apple’s shares reached an all-time high of $259 on December 26, shortly after the introduction of ChatGPT to its iPhones, which was part of the company’s second rollout of Apple Intelligence AI features. This propelled Apple’s market cap to a record $3.9 trillion. However, the stock saw an 11% decline last week, marking the most significant weekly drop since November 2022, with the market cap now standing at approximately $3.2 trillion.

In early 2025, Apple’s shares have struggled amid a broader downturn in Big Tech stocks, fueled by investor concerns over the potential underperformance of the AI sector. Apple has faced its own challenges, including delays in its AI strategy. On March 7, Apple postponed the release of an AI-upgraded Siri, citing that the new version requires more development time. This led Morgan Stanley analysts to adjust their price target for Apple shares from $275 to $252 and revise their iPhone sales forecasts downward. They now anticipate Apple will ship 228 million iPhones in 2025 and 237.5 million in 2026, down from previous estimates.

Further complicating matters, the continuation of tariffs on China by the Trump administration could increase Apple’s costs by $2 billion over the next year. Additionally, the Department of Justice’s stance on blocking Google from paying Apple to set its search engine as the default on devices threatens a significant portion of Apple’s revenue, estimated at $18 billion to $20 billion annually. This could also impact Apple’s ongoing antitrust battle with the DOJ.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform  

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 The Emergence of Humanoid Robots in Modern Technology

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, humanoid robots are steadily moving from the realm of science fiction into reality, with significant backing from major tech companies. According to a report by Yahoo Finance, industry giants such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, Tesla, Meta, and Apple are actively investing in humanoid robotics systems.

Read also: Elon Musk’s Vision of a Future Economy with Humanoid Robots

Robots today are already part of industrial and domestic environments, performing tasks like moving items in warehouses and even serving in restaurants. However, humanoid robots are poised to go further, promising to tackle duties with the dexterity and adaptability of human hands, thereby offering support in factories, elderly care, and potentially dangerous work settings.

Chad Jenkins, a robotics professor at the University of Michigan, highlights this technology as a solution to labor shortages and the rising costs associated with caregiving. Despite the potential benefits, challenges remain. Humanoid robots must be trained to accurately interact with their environment, a capability currently taught via human mimicry and advanced simulations, as detailed by experts like MIT’s Pulkit Agrawal and Nvidia’s new simulation software, Cosmos.

Although the IndexBox platform suggests that the market for robotics is expanding, with projected growth in production and implementation, the technology still faces hurdles such as cost-effectiveness, safety, and durability. The current models, priced upwards of $50,000, suffer from issues like overheating and limited operation time, making them impractical for consumer use at present.

The outlook remains optimistic as research and development continue to evolve, potentially lowering costs and improving reliability over time. As the industry progresses, it remains to be seen how soon humanoid robots will become a staple in daily life.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform  

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Elon Musk’s Vision of a Future Economy with Humanoid Robots

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, recently shared his insights on the economic impact of artificial intelligence during an interview at Dubai’s World Government Summit, emphasizing the pivotal role humanoid robots will play in the future economy. He stated that humanoid robots and deep intelligence would unlock the global potential to provide “quasi-infinite products and services.” Further details about the interview can be found here.

Read also: Elon Musk Dismisses Possibility of Acquiring TikTok

Musk’s perspective aligns with data from the IndexBox platform, which highlights a growing interest and projected investment in AI and robotics sectors. The anticipation is that such advancements will drastically increase production capabilities and broaden service offerings globally. Musk’s vision, as discussed with UAE’s AI Minister Omar Sultan Al Olama, proposes a future where economic constraints are minimal, challenging the traditional notions of monetary value.

In a related strategic move, Tesla plans to start producing thousands of its Optimus robots by the end of 2025, according to Musk’s declarations during a recent earnings call. Musk estimates that this venture could potentially generate over $10 trillion in revenue, underscoring his prediction that humanoid robots could facilitate a universal high-income scenario by allowing anyone to produce a vast range of goods and services.

While Musk’s ambitious timelines have historically faced setbacks, as observed with the Cybercab robotaxis project, the visionary entrepreneur remains confident in the transformative power of robotics. Tesla is not alone in this endeavor, with Meta also stepping into the robotics arena led by former Cruise CEO Marc Whitten, indicating a broader industry trend towards embracing AI-driven robotics.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform 

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The Ultimate Guide to Managed IT Services in 2025

Businesses need to integrate the latest technologies with their present-day systems to stay relevant in the competitive markets. In 2025, managed IT services will be the central-part in redefining how organizations operate, blending breakthrough technology with customized solutions to fit the dynamic requirements. AI and hybrid cloud solutions will be at the forefront to streamlining processes like predictive analytics, network monitoring, and problem resolution.

For businesses, collaborating with a Managed IT services firm in 2025 isn’t just about technical support – they operate as the strategic partners who drive innovation and resilience across industries. It supports enterprises with industry-specific personalized solutions for sectors like finance, IT, healthcare, retail, pharma, etc. The blog discusses the guide to managed IT services in 2025, the core competencies and the key trends shaping the services.

What are Managed IT Services?

The Managed IT services is the technical approach to manage an organization’s IT infrastructure, to support smooth operability and robust security. They are delivered by third-party experts, also referred to as Managed Service Providers (MSPs), who have the skills and permission to manage critical technology systems.  At the core, managed IT services include a range of offerings, which include data backup, cloud computing, networking, cybersecurity, and help desk support.

Unlike traditional IT assistance, these services are meant to leverage modern AI and automated tools to detect & resolve issues smarter. They deliver the IT assistance without disrupting the business operations in any manner. The service providers take responsibility for a varied IT operations, security, planning, and scheduled maintenance.

One of the key benefits of managed IT service is its scalability. With the business & organizational growth, MSPs offer flexible assistance to adapt according to the evolving needs. They provide access to cutting-edge tools without any kind of hefty in-house investment.

Managed IT services encompass comprehensive IT solutions like –

  • Proactive Monitoring: Use of advanced monitoring apps for identification and quick-fix for potential troubles.
  • Cloud Integration: Seamless integration of cloud services for better operability and scalability.
  • Cybersecurity: It includes systems to threat detection and combat the modern-day cyber threats.
  • Data Management: This includes the use of complex tools for storage, backup, and recovery.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Use of AI tools for automation, predictive analytics, and customized assistance.

Core Competencies of Managed IT Services in 2025

In today’s digital landscape, businesses need to stay prepared for cyber threats, downtime, and system errors, which can have severe impact on the overall growth. But, the managed IT services act as the lifeline to resolve these issues fast & efficiently. This includes cost-effective support, 24/7 monitoring, and a strategic partnership to enhance the business interests. The managed IT services work as the foundation for a resilient and future-ready organization.

To understand the full scope of managed IT services, let’s us dive into the core competencies of the service –

  • Cloud Management Services

This remains one of the pivotal aspects in digital transformation. Managed cloud services include –

  • Migration: Transfer apps and data to the cloud.
  • Optimization: Best use of cloud resources.
  • Security: Data protection with implementation of robust protocols.
  • Cybersecurity Services

Given the rise in cyberattacks, MSPs prioritize:

  • Endpoint Security: Protect devices and networks from unwanted access.
  • Threat Intelligence: Identification and mitigation of risks proactively.
  • Compliance: Adhering to industry standards like GDPR and HIPAA.
  • Network and Infrastructure Management

This is crucial to stay connected with all the departments and send across the right details. The service include –

  • Monitoring: Tracking network performance and identification of bottlenecks.
  • Optimization: Boosting-up speed and reliability.
  • Disaster Recovery: Reducing downtime with robust recovery plans.
  • Help Desk and IT Support

MSPs are there for assistance 24/7 to fix technical issues promptly, and ensure minimal disruption.

  • Data Analytics and Business Intelligence

MSPs use big data power to provide actionable insights, supporting data-driven decision-making.

Trends Shaping Managed IT Services in 2025

The managed IT services industry is expected to transform further in 2025, backed by cutting-edge technologies and organizations competitiveness. Let’s us explore the key trends reshaping the services –

1. AI-Backed Automation

Artificial intelligence is changing the way managed services are used and perceived. The AI tools automate tasks like network monitoring, incident response, and data management. With help of predictive analytics, businesses can aspire for proactive issue resolution, reduced downtime and better efficiency.

2. Edge Computing Integration

The proliferation of IoT devices is turning the focus on the importance of edge computing integration. Managed IT providers offer assistance for optimizing data processing, reduces latency and powers real-time decision-making.

3. Cybersecurity as a Priority

The rise of cyber threats is shifting the focus on managed security services. Managed IT services offer zero-trust frameworks, real-time monitoring, and AI-driven threat detection to safeguard your digital assets.

4. Sustainable IT Solutions

Businesses eye for sustainable IT solutions and thus Managed IT services are adopting green practices for it. This includes the use of data centers, e-waste recycling programs, and carbon footprint reduction strategies for environmentally conscious businesses.

5. Industry-Specific Customization

Managed IT services don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model and thus offer customized solutions for varied industries like healthcare, finance, and retail, etc. to ensure compliance and better operability.

6. Hybrid Cloud Expansion

One of the backbones of IT infrastructure management is the hybrid cloud model. They are focusing on seamless cloud integrations, improved security, scalability, and flexible solutions to manage diverse workloads.

The  managed IT services will prove to be strategic enablers of innovation and resilience in 2025, that offers sustainability in an increasingly digital-first world.

 Summing Up!

As businesses navigate through the complex digital phase, partnering with managed IT services providers in 2025 have turned out to be the best option to secure higher business profits. They are the pillars which will help businesses to drive resilience, innovation and gain a competitive edge. With the advancements in latest technologies like AI, edge computing, and cybersecurity, businesses are trying to acquire higher efficiency, and ensure safety against evolving threats. With the support of forward-thinking managed IT service providers, businesses can harness the strength of technology and stay ahead of the uncompromising landscape.  

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Apple Outshines Tech Peers Amid AI Investment Concerns

Shares of Apple (AAPL) surged on Monday, standing out as a rare gainer among its tech counterparts, who faced declines due to unease over excessive AI spending. For further details, visit the original article on Investopedia. Apple was among the S&P 500’s top performers, rising nearly 4% by Monday afternoon. This contrary trend is attributed to Apple’s conservative AI investment strategy, which is now viewed as advantageous.

Read also: Apple Agrees to Pay $95 Million in Siri Privacy Lawsuit Settlement

The tech market was shaken by the emergence of DeepSeeks, a Chinese startup claiming its open-source AI model can rival leading American models, such as those from OpenAI and Google, at a significantly lower cost. As a result, major AI-driven stocks experienced notable falls. Nuclear power stocks like Vistra (VST) and Constellation Energy (CEG), as well as AI chipmakers Nvidia (NVDA) and Broadcom (AVGO), led the sell-off due to fears that cost-efficient AI models like DeepSeek might reduce the need for expensive, advanced chips.

The impact also extended to cloud giants Microsoft (MSFT), Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL), and Amazon (AMZN), which have heavily invested in AI infrastructure. These companies face increasing pressure to reconsider their high-spending AI strategies and potentially emulate DeepSeek’s efficiency, according to Jefferies analysts.

Despite DeepSeek’s promising efficiency, Jefferies analysts highlighted that achieving an AI model capable of operating efficiently on an iPhone without escalating costs remains a distant goal. ‘DeepSeeks’success offers some hope,’ they noted, ‘but there is no immediate effect on the AI smartphones market outlook.’

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform  

From Execution to Insight: How Fintech is Shaping the Future of Accounts Payable churn global trade market

How Fintech Is Disrupting the Future of Retail Banking. 

A report by the Daily Mail on October 13, citing data from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, revealed that 754 bank branches closed during the first nine months of 2024.

Read also: Revolutionizing Fintech: The Integration of AI in ERP Systems

This shift reflects changing consumer preferences, as more people opt for technology-driven solutions to manage their financial needs rather than visiting physical branches. Banks, aiming to cut costs and adapt to reduced demand for in-person interactions, are increasingly closing branches to enhance profitability.

This trend underscores how fintech is reshaping the retail banking landscape by prioritizing convenience, efficiency, and digital innovation..

But the growing use of financial technology isn’t the only reason for these closures. The low interest rates from 2020 through the first half of 2024 pressured banks’ profit margins, and labor shortages and increasing wages forced banks to review costs.

After transforming accounting by automating tasks like reconciliation management or assisting in the creation of a chart of accounts, fintech is now disrupting retail banking. We’ll look at three ways fintech is changing the face of retail banking.

Fintech is lowering the cost of banking

While legacy banks close physical branches at record levels to boost profits, fintech companies are now starting to operate virtual banks. With reduced initial expenses, these online-based banks provide traditional banking services at a reduced cost to the consumer.

Whether exchanging foreign currency or sending money via ACH or wire transfers, fintech means there’s no need to visit a bank branch to move money.

Wise, formerly Transferwise, allows customers to move money abroad cheaply and quickly. It has no physical branches, a robust technology platform, and a comparative skeleton team of just over 3,000 employees (for comparison, Wells Fargo has nearly a quarter of a million on payroll). 

With low operating costs, Wise can move money cheaper than Wells Fargo. If you wanted to send a wire transfer of $1,000 from a U.S. Dollar account to a EURO account, you’d pay just under $9 with Wise but $30 with Wells Fargo.

Source: Wise

Also, Wise lets you hold money in 53 different currencies with no monthly service fees. You only pay fees when you use your funds. 

Fintech is making information easily accessible with apps

We expect information to be delivered instantaneously. If a website takes more than a few seconds to load, we grumble. If our favorite streaming service is buffering, we roll our eyes and switch to the next one.

This same principle of speed applies to banking. Consumers are looking for access to their money at their fingertips. That means using online banking or accessing a mobile app.  

Services like Plaid allow people to connect financial data to apps like Venmo, Acorns, and Chime. Whether you’re building a budget, saving for retirement, or sending money to a friend, Plaid allows customers to connect their bank accounts to other financial apps. 

Fintech is offering services to fill gaps of traditional banks

Sole proprietors and workers in the gig economy find conventional retail banking is inflexible to meet their needs.

These customers aren’t large enough to need the complexity or expenses of business bank accounts. 

Chase Bank charges a minimum $15 monthly service fee for its Complete Checking account unless you can maintain a minimum $2,000 daily balance or make purchases with a Chase credit card. 

Instead, services like Lili offer sole proprietors accounts with no monthly fee, regardless of your balance or spending habits. 

Source: Lili

Also, Lili provides tax optimization tools with its app. It lets the customer easily classify expenses as business or personal with a swipe of the finger. Users can attach images of receipts to support business expenses. And at the end of the year, the app will automatically calculate your Schedule C showing your business income and expenses for your tax return.

And let’s revisit Wise. It provides practical banking solutions for world travelers or independent contractors working with clients in different countries. 

Wise lets customers receive money in 53 different currencies and convert it to one of the other 52 currencies. 

A freelance graphic designer based in the U.S. could invoice a Swiss-based client in Swiss Francs and get paid in Francs and immediately and cheaply convert it to U.S. Dollars without needing multiple accounts or multiple banks.

And Wise offers a Mastercard debit card that allows customers to access their account anywhere Mastercard is accepted.  

Traditional retail bank Bank of America doesn’t offer accounts denominated in non-U.S. Dollars.

While fintech platforms like Lili and Wise excel in providing streamlined services, they must also implement robust SOX compliance controls to ensure financial accuracy and transparency. These controls, such as rigorous data integrity checks, periodic audits, and internal reporting standards, help maintain trust and demonstrate accountability, especially as fintech companies handle sensitive customer transactions and data. 

The speed of adoption of new fintech and the acquisition of users has accelerated markedly. In 2022, it’s estimated that 80% of U.S. consumers used fintech to manage their finances.

A major change is now coming from digital disruption. This is leaving traditional retail banks with obsolete legacy technologies (e.g., mainframes) to serve the standards of service that new fintech companies can provide. Customers have new service expectations regarding user-friendliness of the interface, ease of use, and transparency.

Retail banking needs to adapt and implement financial technology to remain relevant.

Author Bio

Mike Whitmire, CPA*, is CEO and Co-founder of FloQast, a provider of accounting workflow automation software created by accountants for accountants to help them work smarter, not harder. Before founding FloQast, Mike began his career in audit at Ernst & Young, focusing on media and entertainment, before joining the accounting and finance team at Cornerstone OnDemand as the company prepared for its IPO. During his time at Cornerstone OnDemand, Mike first developed the idea for what would be FloQast.

A proud Angeleno, Mike is a big Los Angeles Dodgers fan and an avid baseball card collector. He resides in LA with his wife and daughter.

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US Stock Futures Decline Amid Concerns Over China’s AI Advancements

US stock index futures experienced a downturn during early Asian trading on Monday, as apprehensions grew regarding China’s DeepSeek AI model potentially disrupting the tech market. For more details, visit the full article here. As of 10:12 a.m. in Hong Kong, S&P 500 futures had fallen by 1%, while Nasdaq 100 contracts saw a sharper decline of 1.9%. These losses extended from Friday’s session when US equities dipped following President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Read also: United States Truckload Market Sees Surge in Rejection Rates Post-Christmas

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong stock market showed resilience with the Hang Seng Tech Index rising by up to 2% ahead of the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays. In contrast, Tokyo’s Advantest Corp., a significant supplier to Nvidia, suffered a steep fall of up to 8.6%. Market closures in Taiwan and South Korea provided a temporary respite.

DeepSeek’s new AI model, unveiled last week, has stirred discussions due to its cost-effective nature and ability to operate on reduced-capability chips. This development challenges the dominance of US tech giants, including Nvidia Corp. Nirgunan Tiruchelvam from Aletheia Capital noted that DeepSeek’s model questions the substantial investments Silicon Valley has made in the AI sector.

The shift in US futures marks the beginning of a significant week for technology earnings, with Microsoft Corp. and Apple Inc. poised to announce their results. Profit growth in these companies is expected to have decelerated, causing concerns about the inflated valuations driven by AI excitement.

According to data from the IndexBox platform, the AI industry is projected to have a compound growth rate exceeding 30% in the forthcoming years, indicating the increased potential for competition. Although the US has been a leader in AI technology, DeepSeek’s entry into the market showcases China’s rapid advancement. Charu Chanana of Saxo Markets emphasized that while US companies remain dominant, rising competition suggests that this leadership could face challenges more rapidly than anticipated.

As the tech industry braces for an important earnings period, the emergence of competitors like DeepSeek highlights the necessity for established firms to continually innovate and adapt within this dynamic sector.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform  

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Hiring in Tech: How Companies Can Win the Battle for Top Talent in 2024

The tech industry is rapidly evolving, and in 2024, the battle for top talent is fiercer than ever. Companies need to rethink their hiring strategies to stay competitive and attract the best candidates. As businesses increasingly embrace remote work and the Web3 movement continues to gain momentum, understanding how to recruit and retain top tech talent has never been more critical. Here’s how companies can win the battle for tech talent in 2024:

Read also: Descartes Study: 74% of Supply Chain Leaders See Technology as Key to Growth Amid Rising Global Trade Complexities 

Embrace Remote Work as the Norm

The shift to remote work has become permanent in the tech industry, and offering remote web3 jobs is essential to attract a global and diverse talent pool. In 2024, tech professionals prioritize flexibility, making it crucial for companies to adapt.

To stay competitive, businesses should:

  • Promote flexible hours and locations: Allow employees to work from anywhere, removing the constraints of a traditional 9-to-5 schedule.
  • Provide comprehensive remote tools: Invest in communication platforms, project management tools, and security measures to ensure smooth collaboration.
  • Focus on results, not hours: Shift the focus to performance-based outcomes instead of micromanaging work hours, which is especially important for remote teams.
  • Adopting these practices can help companies attract top talent in the evolving tech landscape.

Create an Inclusive and Diverse Culture

Diversity and inclusion are crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. Companies that foster inclusive environments where everyone feels valued are more likely to stand out.

To build a diverse team:

  • Ensure equal opportunities in hiring for all candidates.
  • Celebrate diversity by encouraging diverse perspectives and hosting events.
  • Provide support systems for mental health, career growth, and work-life balance.

Focus on Employee Development

Top talent seeks growth opportunities. Companies that invest in employee development not only retain staff but also attract the best candidates.

To foster growth:

  • Offer continuous learning through training and certifications.
  • Encourage internal mobility by creating paths for role advancement.
  • Support mentorship to guide career development.

Attract Talent with Competitive Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is a critical factor in attracting top tech talent. However, salary alone is not enough. Companies must offer competitive benefits packages that reflect the needs and expectations of today’s workforce.

Key elements of a competitive compensation package include:

  • Market-aligned salaries: Research and offer salaries that are competitive for the role, industry, and geographical location, whether the position is remote or in-office.
  • Comprehensive benefits: Provide a benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, parental leave, and wellness programs.
  • Equity and bonuses: Offering stock options or performance-based bonuses can be especially appealing to tech professionals, giving them a stake in the company’s success.

Leverage the Power of Web3 and Emerging Technologies

The Web3 revolution is transforming the tech landscape, and savvy companies are incorporating this shift into their hiring strategies. By embracing Web3, blockchain, and decentralized technologies, companies can attract cutting-edge talent excited by the possibilities of this new era.

To leverage Web3 in your hiring efforts:

  • Promote Web3 projects and initiatives: Showcase how your company is working with decentralized technologies and how employees can contribute to this innovative space. Offering remote web3 jobs can attract blockchain developers and decentralized application (DApp) specialists.
  • Engage with the Web3 community: Attend blockchain and Web3 conferences, participate in hackathons, and contribute to open-source projects to build relationships with top talent in this space.
  • Support the learning curve: Encourage your team to get involved in Web3 and blockchain-related initiatives and provide access to relevant resources and training.

Streamline Your Hiring Process

The best candidates are often in high demand, and a lengthy or convoluted hiring process can turn them off. Companies need to streamline their recruitment efforts to ensure they don’t miss out on top talent.

To improve your hiring process:

  • Simplify your application process: Ensure that applying for a job at your company is quick and easy, with clear instructions and a user-friendly interface.
  • Speed up the interview process: Limit the number of interview rounds and focus on assessing candidates’ skills and cultural fit efficiently.
  • Keep candidates informed: Regularly update candidates about the status of their application and provide constructive feedback, even if they’re not selected for the role.

Foster a Strong Employer Brand

In 2024, candidates are not just looking for a paycheck—they are looking for companies that align with their values. A strong employer brand is crucial for attracting top talent, especially in a competitive industry like tech.

To strengthen your employer brand:

  • Communicate your mission and values: Make sure your company’s purpose, culture, and commitment to innovation are clear in all job postings and marketing materials.
  • Showcase employee testimonials: Highlight stories from current employees about their experiences working at your company, emphasizing growth opportunities, company culture, and exciting projects.
  • Promote your social responsibility: Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability, social causes, and ethical practices, which can resonate with today’s socially-conscious candidates.

Winning the Battle for Tech Talent in 2024

As the demand for tech talent intensifies in 2024, companies must adapt to stay competitive. By embracing flexibility, diversity, and innovation, and offering remote web3 jobs, businesses can attract and retain top candidates. Investing in employee growth and providing competitive compensation are also key factors in creating a strong company culture that draws the best talent. Adapting to these expectations will position your company for success in the evolving tech landscape.

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Microsoft Positioned to Benefit from AI Spending Surge by 2025

As Microsoft’s shares experienced a slight dip in early Tuesday trading, analysts from Morgan Stanley have positioned the tech giant as a potential benefactor of the anticipated surge in AI-related expenditure in 2025. According to a report by Yahoo Finance, Microsoft is set to leverage an $80 billion investment aimed at expanding its AI-centric strategies and enhancing its data centers. This large-scale investment is intended to support their existing models and introduce cloud-based solutions to an extensive client base, with more than half of this expenditure earmarked for the United States.

Data provided by the IndexBox platform indicates that Microsoft’s move comes amidst a global shift in AI investment trends. A recent survey highlighted an expected 3.8% rise in software spending by 2025, with companies increasingly favoring Microsoft’s Azure as their vendor of choice. Currently, Azure manages approximately 54% of overall workloads, underscoring Microsoft’s leadership in the cloud services sector.

Microsoft’s strategic initiatives align with findings from the International Data Corporation, which previously estimated a $337 billion value for AI spending, marking a transition from experimentation to comprehensive reinvention. This anticipation is further fueled by a focus on delivering scalable AI solutions through data, infrastructure, and cloud advancements.

Looking ahead, Microsoft’s December quarter earnings, scheduled for release on January 29, anticipate revenues of $68.84 billion, including $28.1 billion tied to its Intelligent Cloud segment featuring Azure. Despite an 11% projected growth in overall revenue, anticipated pressures persist with a modest 6% rise expected in earnings per share, challenging Microsoft to effectively monetize its substantial capital expenditures.

Morgan Stanley’s analysis highlights Microsoft’s potential as a frontrunner in Agentic AI technology, with a notable 66% of CIOs planning to leverage Microsoft’s platforms for their AI implementations. The report suggests Microsoft’s strategic positioning will allow it to consolidate software spending and successfully monetize Generative AI over several years, presenting an attractive opportunity as Microsoft’s stock trades at a 25x GAAP P/E multiple, discounted compared to its peers on a growth-adjusted basis.

Despite a 0.17% decline in mid-day Tuesday trading, compared to a modest 0.2% increase in the Nasdaq, Microsoft’s shares remained valued at $417.28 each, reflecting the market’s anticipation of its future prospects in the AI domain.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform