Andrew Knight New Canaan https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info Sun, 16 Jun 2024 23:20:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.4 The Role Of Structured Credit In Modern Financial Services https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/the-role-of-structured-credit-in-modern-financial-services/ https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/the-role-of-structured-credit-in-modern-financial-services/#respond Sun, 16 Jun 2024 23:20:07 +0000 https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/?p=905 Structured credit plays a pivotal role in the complex world of financial services. It offers innovative solutions for managing risk, enhancing liquidity, and providing investment opportunities. Nitin Bhatnagar Dubai discusses the basics of structured credit, its significance in modern financial services, and how it benefits issuers and investors.

Understanding Structured Credit

Structured credit refers to a range of financial instruments created by pooling various debt obligations and then slicing them into tranches that can be sold to investors. These tranches, or portions, have different levels of risk and return, catering to investors’ diverse needs. Common forms of structured credit include mortgage-backed securities (MBS), asset-backed securities (ABS), and collateralized debt obligations (CDOs).

How Structured Credit Works

Consider a mortgage-backed security (MBS) to understand how structured credit works. Mortgage loans from banks are bundled together to create a pool of assets. This pool is then divided into tranches with varying degrees of risk and return. Investors can buy tranches based on risk tolerance and investment goals. Higher-risk tranches offer higher returns but are first to absorb any losses if the underlying mortgages default. Conversely, lower-risk tranches provide more stable returns but with lower yields.

Benefits Of Structured Credit

Risk Management

One of the primary benefits of structured credit is its ability to manage and distribute risk. By slicing pooled debt into tranches, structured credit products allow risks to be spread across multiple investors. This diversification reduces the impact of individual defaults on the overall portfolio. Financial institutions and investors can tailor their exposure to risk, making structured credit a flexible tool for risk management.

Enhanced Liquidity

Structured credit products enhance liquidity in financial markets by creating tradable securities from illiquid assets. For example, mortgage loans, which are relatively illiquid, are transformed into MBS that can be easily bought and sold in the market. This increased liquidity allows financial institutions to free up capital and provide more loans, stimulating economic activity.

Investment Opportunities

Structured credit provides a wide range of investment opportunities. Investors can choose from various tranches with different risk-return profiles, allowing them to customize their portfolios according to their preferences. High-risk tranches appeal to those seeking higher returns, while lower-risk tranches attract conservative investors looking for stable income streams. This versatility makes structured credit an attractive option for many investors.

The Impact On Financial Services

Supporting Lending Activities

Structured credit supports lending activities by enabling banks and financial institutions to offload loans from their balance sheets. By selling these loans as securities, institutions can recycle their capital and issue new loans. This process increases lending capacity and promotes financial stability by diversifying risk.

Facilitating Economic Growth

The ability of structured credit to enhance liquidity and support lending positively impacts economic growth. Increased lending capacity means more businesses and individuals can access financing for investments, consumption, and development projects—this access to credit fuels economic activity, job creation, and overall economic prosperity.

Innovation And Customization

Structured credit has driven innovation in the financial services industry. Creating diverse financial products tailored to specific risk appetites and investment goals has expanded the options available to investors. Financial engineers continuously develop new structured credit instruments to meet evolving market demands, fostering a culture of innovation and customization.

Challenges And Considerations

While structured credit offers numerous benefits, it also comes with challenges and considerations. The complexity of these instruments can make them difficult to understand and evaluate. Investors must conduct thorough due diligence and rely on accurate credit ratings to assess the risk associated with structured credit products.

Another challenge is the potential for systemic risk. The 2008 financial crisis highlighted how the misuse of structured credit products, particularly mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations, could lead to widespread financial instability. Regulatory oversight and improved transparency are crucial to mitigating such risks.

Regulatory Environment

In response to the financial crisis, regulators worldwide have implemented measures to enhance the transparency and stability of structured credit markets. Regulations such as the Dodd-Frank Act in the United States and the Basel III framework globally aim to strengthen the resilience of financial institutions and improve risk management practices. These regulations require greater disclosure, higher capital requirements, and stricter oversight of structured credit products.

Future Trends In Structured Credit

Technological advancements and evolving market dynamics are likely to shape the future of structured credit. Fintech innovations, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, have the potential to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and security of structured credit transactions. Additionally, the growing emphasis on sustainable finance may lead to the development of green structured credit products that support environmentally friendly projects.

Conclusion

Structured credit facilitates risk management and enhances liquidity by transforming illiquid assets into tradable securities. It offers diverse investment opportunities, allowing investors to choose tranches with different risk-return profiles. Despite its benefits, structured credit requires careful consideration due to its complexity and potential systemic risks, which necessitate regulatory oversight and innovation.

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Everything You Need to Know About Tacoma Siding and Roofing Upgrades https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/everything-you-need-to-know-about-tacoma-siding-and-roofing-upgrades/ Thu, 15 Feb 2024 23:45:04 +0000 https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/?p=863 The Importance of Coordinating Siding and Roofing Upgrades in Tacoma

You pull into the driveway and sigh. That worn siding and faded roof have seen better days. But a full exterior remodel seems daunting—where do you even start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ll walk you through pairing siding and roofing upgrades to maximize curb appeal. From materials to timing, cost to contractors, we’ll cover everything you need to know to take your Tacoma home’s exterior from drab to fab. You’ll be confidently coordinating your siding and roofing revamp after reading this. With a few strategic upgrades, you can transform your home’s tired exterior into a welcoming showpiece. Read on to learn how easy and rewarding Tacoma siding and roofing improvements can be!

Tacoma siding and roofing

Popular Siding Options for Homes in Tacoma

When upgrading the exterior of your Tacoma home, it’s crucial to consider siding and roofing together. Coordinated upgrades will enhance your curb appeal and ensure the best performance and protection. 

If you’re replacing old siding, choose a style and color that complements your existing roof shingles or that pairs well with a roof upgrade you have planned. For the best visual flow, select siding and shingles in shades from the same color family. Dark siding and a light roof can create too much contrast and make a home look unbalanced.  

It’s also wise to consider the materials. Pairing low-maintenance siding like vinyl or fiber cement with an equally durable roofing material means fewer repairs and touch-ups needed down the road.  Different materials may have different lifespans, so you’ll want ones that will age well together over the years. 

Proper installation is key to maximizing the life and performance of new siding and roofing. Have both installed at the same time by the same reputable contractor. They can ensure waterproof seals, straight lines, and a polished finished look. And if there are any issues, you only have one contractor to contact.  

Updating your siding and roofing is a big investment, so making the right choices upfront is important for both your home’s appearance and protection. With some planning and coordination, new siding and shingles can work together beautifully to transform your Tacoma home.

Roofing Materials Well-Suited for Tacoma’s Climate

When upgrading your Tacoma home’s siding, you have several attractive and durable options to choose from. Each has its pros and cons, so consider your priorities like appearance, maintenance, insulation, and budget.  

Vinyl siding is a popular, low-maintenance choice. Available in a range of styles resembling wood or masonry, vinyl siding comes in a variety of price points and doesn’t require painting. However, it may not have the best insulation and isn’t the most environmentally friendly. 

Fiber cement siding offers the look of wood without the maintenance. Non-combustible and resistant to rot and insects, fiber cement siding can last 50 years or more. However, it requires painting and has a higher upfront cost. 

Wood siding, like cedar or redwood, provides natural beauty and the best insulation. However, it requires frequent maintenance like staining or painting and is prone to damage from moisture and pests. Composite or engineered wood aims for the pros of wood with less maintenance, but still typically needs some upkeep.

Masonry siding, including brick veneer, manufactured stone, and stucco, provides excellent durability, fire resistance and architectural style. However, masonry siding usually has the highest material and installation costs and still requires maintenance. 

When choosing siding for your Tacoma home, think about how it will complement your roofing, windows, and the overall look you want to achieve. With proper installation and care, new siding can protect and enhance your home for decades to come.

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Real Estate Syndication: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly for Investors https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/real-estate-syndication-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-for-investors/ Wed, 24 Jan 2024 22:21:32 +0000 https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/?p=853 What Is Real Estate Syndication and How Does It Work?

You’ve been thinking about investing in real estate for a while now. Syndication seems intriguing – pooling money with other investors to buy larger properties you couldn’t purchase on your own. But you’re not quite sure if it’s the right route for you. Before jumping in, it’s smart to learn the  pros and cons of real estate syndication so you can make an informed decision. This article breaks down the pros and cons so you’ll know what to expect as a syndication investor. We’ll explore the potential benefits like diversification and passive income. But also the risks like less control and lower returns than direct ownership. With the full picture, you’ll gain the knowledge to decide if syndication is a savvy investment strategy for your goals or if you’re better off looking at other options.

The Benefits of Real Estate Syndication for Investors

Real estate syndication is when a group of investors pool their money together to invest in a large real estate project that would otherwise be too expensive for them to purchase individually. The “syndicator” puts the deal together, finds investors, and manages the investment on behalf of the group. 

Here’s a quick rundown of how it works:

– The syndicator sources a property, like an apartment building, that needs rehabbing or has upside potential. 

– They create an investment fund, LLC, or limited partnership to purchase the property.

– Accredited investors buy shares or units in the fund. This allows regular folks to invest in institutional-grade assets they normally couldn’t access.

– The syndicator handles property management, renovations, leasing, etc. The investors are passive.

– Profits from the investment are distributed to the investors annually or quarterly. The syndicator also gets a share.

Real estate syndication allows everyday investors to tap into lucrative commercial properties and leverage expert management. But there are risks, like any investment. Do your due diligence on the syndicator and understand the business plan thoroughly before jumping in.

The Risks and Drawbacks of Real Estate Syndication

Real estate syndication opens up a lot of doors for investors. Here are some of the key benefits you’ll want to consider:

– Diversification – You get to invest in larger, institutional-grade properties worth millions, instead of being limited to smaller deals. This spreads out your risk across multiple assets.

– Passive Income – As a limited partner, your involvement is hands-off. You can earn returns while someone else handles the day-to-day management.

– Economies of Scale – By pooling capital, syndicates can buy bigger properties with better returns compared to what you could access on your own. 

– Expertise – The general partner leading the syndicate typically has extensive real estate expertise that you can leverage.

– Tax Advantages – Passive losses may be used to offset other income and mitigate your tax liability. Consult a tax professional to understand how this applies to your situation.

– Liquidity – Syndication partnerships usually last 5-7 years. After that time period you get your share of the sale proceeds.

Real estate syndication offers some attractive benefits for investors who want exposure to larger commercial properties without having to take on management responsibilities. Just be sure to work with an experienced sponsor and consult your financial advisor.

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Which Messaging API Is Best For Your Organization https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/which-messaging-api-is-best-for-your-organization/ Tue, 21 Jan 2020 19:20:54 +0000 https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/?p=291 If you’re building an app, it won’t be long until the need to decide on which messaging API to use arises. Naturally, the answer to that question comes from answering a series of shorter queries about what needs are dearest for the app and user base.

Choose the Best Messaging Platform

These days, app developers are more concerned about mobile engagement than ever. They crave tools that make increasing and monitoring engagement straightforward. The ability to send customizable, intelligent messages is a powerful asset for a brand that wants to tell its story to a defined audience. The best APIs also provide full suites of support functions for mobile engagement. That includes giving the app administrator the power to automate, track, and make sense of engagement and marketing initiatives using messaging platforms.

Unleash the Power of Text Messaging

Gain more power when you tap into an SMS API. Email marketing is losing its strength as SMS rises in prominence. Add a full range of features when you implement a leading SMS API with the comprehensive feature set you require.

Companies are looking to boost engagement and tools to deliver brand experiences across the full range of screens. They also feel the right platform helps them communicate with their customers so that they can build long-term relationships.

Not only do people use their phones as their primary network tool, but they also engage with apps. Companies that want to communicate with them or get to them to take action are best off doing it in-app. They rarely use mobile web browsing once they discover apps, so use a platform that supports the most features. That way, it’s possible to keep your users coming back for more.

Consider three primary benefits of using a platform API for text messaging.

  • Leveraging a cloud-based, global platform makes it easy to integrate existing technology while expanding rapidly.
  • Automating your clients or your internal compliance issues becomes straightforward.
  • It’s simple to transform digital mobile strategies. Stay one step ahead o the competition with the right technology in place.

It’s possible to fall behind your primary rivals as the age of engagement arrives. Without putting a strategy in place, it’s possible to lose customers who go to other services with more features. APIs mean your team can integrate a diverse feature-set with a few lines of code. There’s no reason to concede any part of the marketing when you can leverage the power of a leading messaging platform.

Many companies are competing to be our mobile marketing platform. Once you decide on the features that mean the most and you do a thorough technology audit, you’ll be in a position to choose one that’s ideal. This sector continues to grow because the ROI is provable, and customers enjoy their experience.

It’s never too late to tap into an API. That’s the quick way to catch up and move forward using technology. The average person is tired of the noise and craves personalized messaging that shows companies understand their needs. Failing to deliver it will cause them to look for alternatives. Catering to their desires will help any company build a massive, engaged user base that comes back day after day. Invest in a proven solution that will grow along with your customers

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What to Do If Ransomware Gets On Your Computer? https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/what-to-do-if-ransomware-gets-on-your-computer/ Fri, 22 Nov 2019 16:14:01 +0000 https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/?p=260 Security briefings point to rising cases of Ransomware attacks. Ransomware are malicious software’s that will attack your computer and deny you any form of control. The malicious software’s often spread through phishing emails, presented as spam or malspam and attachments. According to security and risk management site, CSO Online, the global losses attributed to Ransomware stood at $5 billion in 2017. The amount includes the lost time and paid ransom. Most attacks target medical organizations such as hospitals and health insurance providers. Governments may suffer huge losses because they hold critical information.

How Ransomware works


An article by Malware bytes reveals that malspam works by tricking people using proven social engineering strategies. For instance, the attack may pose as a trusted FBI agent to scare. The attacker can also masquerader as a legitimate PDF or document file. Reports also show rising cases of malicious advertising, also called malvertising, which are essentially a false advertising strategy designed to spread malware. What is more worrying is the fact that attacks by malvertising can happen even if you do not click or open the feigned advertisement. The technique spreads malware using an invisible element attached to an assigned webpage.

The main types of malware


Scareware – scarewares are the least harmful form of malware. Examples of scareware include technical support scams and rogue security software.

Screen lockers – this form of malware will deny you access by freezing your screen. The screen my feature a pseudo page from the FBI warning you about an illegal activity in your system. You will then be asked to pay a specified penalty.

Encryption Ransomware – an attack by encryption Ransomware are usually brutal because the malware will take over your files and deny you any access through encrypt. Once the files are encrypted, the attacker will demand a ransom payment.

How to prevent Ransomware and take control of your computer


Some of the measures recommended by CISA Cyber Infrastructure, to fight or prevent Ransomware include:


• Updating your software and operating systems to seal all the loopholes. Remember, outdated software’s are more vulnerable to different forms of cyber-attacks.
• Avoid the temptation of clicking or opening links you do not know or cannot verify
• Follow safe browsing practices when operating online
• Make every effort to back up your data regularly. It also helps to invest in offline storage
• Get an expert to help you setup firewalls that will block access to suspect IP addresses

Get the most reliable support against malware!


Remedial measures are highly recommended when a Ransomware attack is established. You can start by hiring the services of a data recovery specialist. Tech Live Connect are masters in dealing with Ransomware and other forms of cyber-attacks. The solutions offered by the global software support provider are up-to-date to ensure your most valued data are protected against online attacks. You can get in touch with Tech Live Connect 24/7 via phone, Live Chat and Twitter. A live team of experts and engineers is always on standby to offer support

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How to Grow Your Home Improvement Business https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/how-to-grow-your-home-improvement-business/ Thu, 06 Jun 2019 18:04:47 +0000 https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/?p=192 Growing your home improvement business involves taking a lot of steps along the way. But as you work through each of these steps, you should think about yourself differently. You’re a business owner first and a builder second. That doesn’t mean your work should go to the wayside though. 

But you have to consider the bigger picture. Determine how your business will grow, what resources to invest in, and how you’ll market your business. Here are seven tips for growing your home improvement business.

1. Have a Vision

How do you want to grow your business? You shouldn’t just take on any project that comes your way. You should determine how you will plan to grow and expand your business. Do you want to attract larger projects or smaller jobs? 

Do you want to specialize in a certain area, such as additions, LEED-certified renovations, new home builds, or solar roofing? Do you want to specialize in dock construction? Having a specialty can help you stand out among from your competitors in the industry, especially when people search for a specific service on the internet. Most people tend to trust specialists over generalists

2. Look at Your Resources

How do you attract more customers? How do you plan to serve those customers once you get them? Take a look at the resources you already use. Will you need more dock accessories and dock supplies? 

Do you need to invest in more equipment and technology? Do you need more dock material? Hire someone who can oversee the project as well as your materials. As business improves, so will your workload — and you’ll need more equipment and more people to handle it. Think carefully about how you plan to scale your business as demand grows. 

3. Build a Great Team

The moment that your business grows, you won’t be able to handle it all by yourself. But even if you hire more people, you may still want things to be done the way you did them. Resist this urge to jump in and help. Allow your employees to do what you hired them to do. 

If you feel confident about their skills, then be confident in their ability to perform well on the job. Set expectations and train them the skills they need, and then let them get to work. Don’t micromanage your workers. This will prove to them that you don’t have confidence in their skills.

4. Use Word of Mouth

Word of mouth advertising is not something that can be invested with money. You don’t invest in this form of advertising the way you do with a Facebook Ads campaign. But you will invest in the time it takes to complete a job to perfection and to respond to customer concerns in an efficient manner. You will also invest in how you treat each of your customers. 

Customers who love your business will tell others about it and can become the best resource for referrals and repeat business. It’s important to treat them well. No matter what project you’re working on, your customers should become your main priority. 

5. Find New Opportunities

Your business will flourish through word of mouth, but it’s important to find other opportunities that come across your path. That involves connecting with others in your community and networking at business conferences and events. You should always be on the lookout for architects, contractors, homeowners, and other professionals in your field. You should also network with professionals who have the same customer base that you do. 

Maybe you can both team up to better serve the community. Maybe you can help promote each other’s business or services. The more you reach out to others, the more opportunities you create for yourself. 

6. Invest in Technology

When you’re investing in the right technology, it’s all about the right tools. You may have the right dock accessories and dock supplies, but you need technology tools as well. They can help you get work done quickly, more efficiently, and without the unnecessary stress. High-quality technology propels your business forward, so invest in e-mail marketing tools that help you attract more customers. You should also use up-to-date dock material and equipment for each project that you work on. 

7. Take Risks

Growing your dock construction business involves some sort of risk. But most of those risks can pay off in the long run. For most home improvement businesses, it’s worth some of those risks. However, you don’t want to grow your business so much that you come across legal problems and other issues. Talk to a lawyer to ensure that your contracts are up to date and the terms are clear. 

Put NDAs and non-compete agreements in place. Consider environmental risks and regulations, insurance coverage questions, labor issues, and union policies that will be included with this increased growth. Determine how you will handle each of these risks as time goes on, so you’re not unprepared at the wrong time. 

Enjoy what you do. Your business is at its peak and there are plenty of opportunities ahead. These tips should help you take the first step and to keep working to where you want to be. 

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PCIHIPAA Reviews Remain Favorable https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/pcihipaa-reviews-remain-favorable/ Thu, 16 May 2019 02:17:29 +0000 https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/?p=179
PCIHIPAA-Reviews

PCIHIPAA has been featured in the Augusta Free Press. PCIHIPAA reviews remain favorable. In their recent article titled, ‘How to pick the best merchant processing company for your business’ they mention the following:

You should look into PCIHIPAA reviews to find out what other businesses are saying about specific companies. It’s one way to cut through the marketing material and find out the truth. Other companies have no incentive to promote a company, so you know that the opinion you’re getting is open and honest

To read the full article visit:
https://augustafreepress.com/how-to-pick-the-best-merchant-processing-company-for-your-business-according-to-pcihipaa/

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Wasif Vimawala on the Latest Career Prospects in Finance https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/wasif-vimawala-on-the-latest-career-prospects-in-finance/ Tue, 07 May 2019 18:09:34 +0000 https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/?p=169 Finance studies broadly examine strategies to acquire and manage funds. The education is fundamental in promoting financial literacy alongside sound decision making when it comes to personal finance. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance can take up jobs at non-profit organizations, government and corporate entities. A report from the BLS shows business and financial operations occupations will grow by a staggering 10% between 2016 and 2026. According to the Purdue University career blog, the top jobs in the finance sector include:

Finance manager – the finance manager is normally assigned the task of developing and maintaining a company’s overall financial portfolio. The duties usually vary depending on the size of the company. The core areas of operation include reviewing financial reports, managing budgets, assessing investment performance and managing employees in the finance department. 

Personal financial advisor – the advisor is one of the fastest growing careers in the finance sector. Depending on the company profile, the advisor can also be referred to as wealth manager and financial planner. The advice offered by personal financial advisor essentially centers around prudent money management in areas like savings, insurance, investments and pensions. 

Financial analyst – the analyst is tasked with collating and analyzing financial data and keeping the employer informed about investment opportunities and market trends. The advice offered by a financial analyst can help a company steer away from potentially disastrous financial decisions or investments. 

Actuaries – an actuary usually offers advisory opinions, assessments and forecasts on future financial risks. The forecasts are normally based on scientifically approved probability theories, mathematical modeling techniques and statistical modeling. Most actuaries work for pension funds, banks, and insurance companies. 

The other rewarding jobs in the finance sector include credit analyst, budget analyst, loan officer and general operations manager. Because of the subtleties of the job market, you can find a finance job before or after graduating with your bachelor’s degree in finance, however a degree is often a required substitute for experience when first starting out. According to Investopedia, here are 5 tips that will increase your chances of getting a finance job:


1. Find an internship
Having background knowledge is important when applying for any job. An internship can help you gain crucial hands on experience and build a strong work ethic. The other benefits of an internship include professional referrals, ample networking opportunities and a chance to get the job you have always wanted. Although companies usually provide orientation and training programs to bridge the divide, this does not negate the importance of internship.

2. Make early moves
You can bolster your professional credentials and work experience by repeatedly enrolling in summer internships while in college. Getting a paid internship can help you offset some of your personal bills and prepare yourself for an eventful career ahead. One of the best internship positions to consider for finance students is helping at a local investment advisory center. 

3. Diversify your internship experiences
Even as you eye more internship opportunities to boost your experience and on-job placement, it is important to diversify your engagements. For instance, consider taking internships in different companies or departments to beef up your resume. Having a multi-sectorial industry perspective can also place you at an advantage during employment. Remember, the different areas or branches of finance are all interlinked in one way or the other.

4. Finance concentrations and interest
Although people with different majors may be hired to work at various finance designations, having a business oriented major like finance or economics will always place you at an advantage during the job hunt. To stay on the right track in knowledge matters, form a habit of routinely reading and following financial news. Leading financial publications like the Economist, Financial Times and The Wall Street Journal are often offered to students at the discounted rates. There are also many resourceful websites to add to your reading list.

5. Become CFA certified
The finance job market is among the most competitive anywhere. Whenever a senior finance job is advertised, it is likely you will be competing against applicants with great GPAs and professional certifications. Some of the applicants will be graduates from respected business schools. To succeed, you must find ways to stand out. One of the strategies is to obtain a CFA certification (Chartered Financial Analyst). Taking time to sit and pass the CFA exams will show employers and finance peers alike your dedication to the field of finance and professionalism. 


Wasif Vimawala is a senior year student at DePaul University in Chicago. He is majoring in Finance, which has been his favorite subject since as early as high school. The focus on finance has seen him take an interest in the stock market and participate in various debates. Outside of college, Wasif Vimawala is an avowed foodie. He also enjoys traveling and listening to music.

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How to Decide Which Data to Capture from Your Customers https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/how-to-decide-which-data-to-capture-from-your-customers/ Sun, 28 Oct 2018 21:00:51 +0000 https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/?p=75 The Delicate Art of Collecting Data Responsibly

It has always been important for businesses to gather data on their clients. In today’s market, one of the real problems isn’t figuring out how to get the data, but figuring out which data to get. Even if you are using the master data management services from a company like Profisee, you still have to figure out the data that’s important to you. Fortunately, you can find the right data easier by asking yourself three basic questions.

Will You Use It?

One of the most common mistakes made in data collection is failure to use the data collected from customers. Smart business spending really can benefit from the axiom of “waste not, want not”, so make sure that you’re never trying to collect data that you aren’t going to use. Not only will this make it harder for you to sift through your relevant data, but it will also boost the effort needed to collect customer data from the very beginning.

For most businesses, this means targeting the data that you collect. Every business needs to collect the basics (location and identification data), and any business that sells products or services online needs to gather transactional data (transaction history and frequency). Beyond this, there’s actually a wide field of data that you can collect from your customers, but it’s worth neither your time nor your effort if you aren’t actually going to use that data. It’s better to have a narrow focus and use everything you have than to have a wide focus and ignore most of the collected data when you are done.

Will It Benefit You?

Business decisions have become increasingly data driven. That’s why so many businesses are turning towards master data management services from companies like Profisee and why the process of collecting consumer data has become such a huge part of the industry. Gathering this data is not, however, something that needs to be done for its own sake. When you look at the data you’re gathering, you have to determine if doing so is actually worth the time and money you’re spending on the project. In short, you need to determine if the data points you are collecting will benefit you.

It’s important to ask yourself if the data you are collecting will allow you to make better business decisions. In most cases, simple things like personal and transactional data will be easy to justify gathering. After all, knowing where your customers are located and when they shop with you has always been something that businesses need to know. When it comes to other forms of data, you might not get much of an actionable benefit from the data gleaned. If you run an online shoe store, for example, you probably won’t get much value from finding out the general computer specs of your average site visitor. Focusing more on mobile versus PC numbers, on the other hand, might give you the data you need to improve your site.

Will Customers Mind?

One of your primary goals in gathering consumer data should be to create a better customer experience. While the profit motive is very important, the end goal of this data collection should always have the goal of making the buying experience better for the subjects of your collection projects. You’re not just looking to gather data for fun – you’re trying to make a site that better caters to the needs of those who shop with you or use your services. As such, it’s important to make sure that your data collection process isn’t one that alienates your core clientele.

Despite online calls to the contrary, the average consumer doesn’t really care enough about his or her own personal data to make a change in the way he or she shops. In most cases, the biggest barrier in terms of consumer engagement is how hard you make this data gathering process. If you’re putting up multiple walls between the consumer and what he or she wants, you’re going to turn off customers. This means that you may have the customer’s data, but you won’t have his or her money. If your customers are being turned away by the way you collect data, you’re not making the right choices.

If you want to make sure you get the right data from your customers, ask the three questions above. Know if you’ll use the data, if the data will be beneficial to you, and if gathering that data will turn away customers. Once you know these answers, you can start gathering the data that matters the most to your business.

 

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4 Ways To Future-Proof Your SaaS Business https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/4-ways-to-future-proof-your-saas-business/ Tue, 17 Jul 2018 01:57:25 +0000 https://www.andrewknightnewcanaan.info/?p=62
Software and a focus on customer success through AI is the key to long term business growth.

Technology is a fast-evolving industry. With so many new software making headlines every year, it may be difficult to maintain your business’ relevance. This is especially true for your SaaS business, which should always be updated with the most useful and affordable services to get ahead of the competition.

According to digital experts, many SaaS businesses fail within 1-2 years of their launch. There are several reasons why SaaS companies might struggle:

  • Lack of market demand – in any business, it is important to pin down a niche so that your company has a defined set of clients. However, a business may be at risk of losing actual clients when their services are “too niche” to the point that there’s no actual market demand.
  • The competition is better – although your software may be spectacular, it may just be one face among many others that strive to shine. In this scenario, the lack of market demand isn’t the problem. Although competition is healthy to some extent, it may be too overpowering to the point that many SaaS companies find themselves buried in the heap.
  • Poor operational strategy – a part of keeping a SaaS business successful is keeping your clients happy. There could be mishaps such as poor customer service, software glitches, and bugs, or the lack of innovation that makes the software rendered useless.

As we pinpoint the causes of SaaS business failure, we now look ahead to the ways we can make our software business run strongly towards the future.

4 Ways To Future-Proof Your SaaS Business

 

  1. Look ahead, but don’t forget to look sideways

Sometimes, there’s also a purpose with looking sideways to keep your SaaS business afloat and speeding up. An example would be the success of Snapchat versus Facebook and Instagram. Initially, millennials were drawn to the microblogging nature of Snapchat, posting and sending “snaps” to each other almost instantaneously. What did Facebook and Instagram do? They looked sideways towards the competition and saw that they could make their own version–through FB and Instagram stories. Thankfully, the effort paid off and now users were retained in their respective social media platforms.

The same can be said for SaaS businesses. Whatever your competition is doing right, find a way to make it better. Look sideways and analyze how you can incorporate trends in your business.

  1. Ask feedback from your audience

Oftentimes, many businesses forget that their audience is a goldmine of ideas. One of the most useful ways to understand how to future-proof your SaaS is to know what your users like.

What seems to be currently lacking in your services? What upgrades are needed to reduce customer churn? Do they feel like they have maximized your services already to the point that they could no longer benefit from it? Maintaining your users is as important,  if not more important, than getting new ones. Lead generation is essential, but customer retention creates more profits in the long run.

  1. Provide unbeatable value to your clients

Many SaaS companies are hesitant to give away something for free. Little do they know that these strategies are what makes a company valuable in the eyes of their users.

A good example of this is Blinkist. Although Blinkist has a premium service which lets you read book summaries of self-improvement titles, they give users a free option of reading one editor-picked book a day. This gives the users a “sneak-peak” of what it’s like to experience their quality service, and in turn, acts as a lead capturing device to help more customers sign up for their premium offers.

  1. Incorporate the use of AI to improve operational systems

Another way to reduce customer churn is through AI services such as UserIQ. UserIQ offers automated services to improve the customer onboarding experience and to improve customer retention. These may include tools such as better user interaction within your website, optimization of your SaaS flagship services, and intuitive analytics which can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses as a business.

SaaS is a business that requires innovation and edge against the competition. With the right tools, you can make your SaaS profitable for the future.

 

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