#after sales tracking software | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

linkyu · 1 year ago

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tell me about your defense contract pleage

Oh boy!

To be fair, it's nothing grandiose, like, it wasn't about "a new missile blueprint" or whatever, but, just thinking about what it could have become? yeesh.

So, let's go.

For context, this is taking place in the early 2010s, where I was working as a dev and manager for a company that mostly did space stuff, but they had some defence and security contracts too.

One day we got a new contract though, which was... a weird one. It was state-auctioned, meaning that this was basically a homeland contract, but the main sponsor was Philip Morris. Yeah. The American cigarette company.

Why? Because the contract was essentially a crackdown on "illegal cigarette sales", but it was sold as a more general "war on drugs" contract.

For those unaware (because chances are, like me, you are a non-smoker), cigarette contraband is very much a thing. At the time, ~15% of cigarettes were sold illegally here (read: they were smuggled in and sold on the street).

And Phillip Morris wanted to stop that. After all, they're only a small company worth uhhh... oh JFC. Just a paltry 150 billion dollars. They need those extra dollars, you understand?

Anyway. So they sponsored a contract to the state, promising that "the technology used for this can be used to stop drug deals too". Also that "the state would benefit from the cigarettes part as well because smaller black market means more official sales means a higher tax revenue" (that has actually been proven true during the 2020 quarantine).

Anyway, here was the plan:

Phase 1 was to train a neural network and plug it in directly to the city's video-surveillance system, in order to detect illegal transactions as soon as they occur. Big brother who?

Phase 2 was to then track the people involved in said transaction throughout the city, based on their appearance and gait. You ever seen the Plainsight sheep counting video? Imagine something like this but with people. That data would then be relayed to police officers in the area.

So yeah, an automated CCTV-based tracking system. Because that's not setting a scary precedent.

So what do you do when you're in that position? Let me tell you. If you're thrust unknowingly, or against your will, into a project like this,

Note. The following is not a legal advice. In fact it's not even good advice. Do not attempt any of this unless you know you can't get caught, or that even if you are caught, the consequences are acceptable. Above all else, always have a backup plan if and when it backfires. Also don't do anything that can get you sued. Be reasonable.

Let me introduce you to the world of Corporate Sabotage! It's a funny form of striking, very effective in office environments.

Here's what I did:

First of all was the training data. We had extensive footage, but it needed to be marked manually for the training. Basically, just cropping the clips around the "transaction" and drawing some boxes on top of the "criminals". I was in charge of several batches of those. It helped that I was fast at it since I had video editing experience already. Well, let's just say that a good deal of those markings were... not very accurate.

Also, did you know that some video encodings are very slow to process by OpenCV, to the point of sometimes crashing? I'm sure the software is better at it nowadays though. So I did that to another portion of the data.

Unfortunately the training model itself was handled by a different company, so I couldn't do more about this.

Or could I?

I was the main person communicating with them, after all.

Enter: Miscommunication Master

In short (because this is already way too long), I became the most rigid person in the project. Like insisting on sharing the training data only on our own secure shared drive, which they didn't have access to yet. Or tracking down every single bug in the program and making weekly reports on those, which bogged down progress. Or asking for things to be done but without pointing at anyone in particular, so that no one actually did the thing. You know, classic manager incompetence. Except I couldn't be faulted, because after all, I was just "really serious about the security aspect of this project. And you don't want the state to learn that we've mishandled the data security of the project, do you, Jeff?"

A thousand little jabs like this, to slow down and delay the project.

At the end of it, after a full year on this project, we had.... a neural network full of false positives and a semi-working visualizer.

They said the project needed to be wrapped up in the next three months.

I said "damn, good luck with that! By the way my contract is up next month and I'm not renewing."

Last I heard, that city still doesn't have anything installed on their CCTV.

tl;dr: I used corporate sabotage to prevent automated surveillance to be implemented in a city--

hey hold on

wait

what

HEY ACTUALLY I DID SOME EXTRA RESEARCH TO SEE IF PHILLIP MORRIS TRIED THIS SHIT WITH ANOTHER COMPANY SINCE THEN AND WHAT THE FUCK

HUH??????

well what the fuck was all that even about then if they already own most of the black market???

#i'm sorry this got sidetracked in the end #i'm speechless #anyway yeah!#sometimes activism is sitting in an office and wasting everyone's time in a very polite manner #i learned that one from the CIA actually

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nihilnovisubsole · 1 year ago

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i think i followed you Back In The Day, seven years and seven blogs ago, for something related to mass effect (zaeed? maybe? who could say) and it's wild to come back to this site years later and find you thriving, surviving, growing-- playing ffxiv! love that game. curious how you'll feel about some side characters in shadowbringers, but i won't spoil which ones.

i do have real questions, though; writing tools. not pens or software, but personal structure tools and/or guidance. what does a beat sheet look like, for you? do you have a favored way of outlining or note-taking on your own thoughts when putting a story together?

and... i'm really curious how you hold a big story together in your head while you work on it in pieces, especially for something like dangerous crowns. there's this larger story i've been chasing around for a while, and I can't quite wrap my head around how to write the political/espionage plot for it without feeling like i've actually written a children's pantomime. the best i've got so far is "research real life events and use those as my outline" but after a point it becomes hard to keep track of all the variables of who knows what about whom, who is planning x when y, etc, etc. the characters don't need to know all that-- and may never know some things-- but i feel like /I/ need to understand what's happening on the macro level so i can move the world around them appropriately.

short version: how do YOU wrap your head around writing complex plots?

hey, anon! i started endwalker this week after a long... uh... glamour detour, so don't worry about spoiling things. i spoil myself for a lot of stories on purpose anyway. let's just say i've been attached to one too many characters who got killed.

anyway. writing. i've always handled plots the same way: clear documentation. if i don't note it down, i'm not going to remember it. i've used the same table outline since around 2014. it varies in detail for different projects, but the core format stays. i know it's kicking around in my blog archive somewhere, but it's worth reposting once in a while because people like to ask about it. here's what it looks like, featuring plot points cribbed from an endeavour episode:

i used this format for an outline at work a while back, and the team found it easy to follow, which was a big day for my ego. keeping track of plot structure is even more chaotic at work because we have multiple writers who all need to stay on the same page. we have very meticulous notes on what the player should know at which point, when we're introducing new information, and what we know, but shouldn't tell. we're also not above leaving notes like "this character has to convey X," "this character has to learn Y here," or "this is a clue that they're planning Z." it can be super on-the-nose. all that matters is that it makes sense to you. because you're right - if you get too lost, you can write yourself into logic holes of tremendous proportions. ask me how i know!

[as a sidenote, researching real-life events as a starting point has really grown on me in the past few years. my lead on coh3 had me do it. he said we were dealing with real people's history, so we couldn't be cheap or play fastball - we had to be accurate to pay it respect. even if you're not writing historical fiction, it just gives you insight into how people behave.]

i would argue that the plot of dangerous crowns is actually not that complicated, maybe to its detriment. there's kind of a genre struggle going on. at voltage, we were taught romance fans came for the relationship beats and valued them above all else. in fact, leadership told us players got irritated - which meant less sales - when the plot was too complex and took time away from the making out. political thriller fans, by contrast, expect relentless twists, high stakes, and harsh consequences, and sometimes see the relationships as superfluous.

but whatever. the point is, when you look at dangerous crowns' structure, it's a pearl necklace: a chain of anchoring events. the "pearl" scenes are where Big Plot happens. they're the reason you want to write the story, and probably the ones you have the most vivid daydreams about. the scenes in between are the string. not flashy, but important because they connect the pearls. they build tension and add logic, cohesion, and context. take the opera and hector's failed assassination. those are pearl scenes. that's a burst of drama i really wanted the story to build up to. i also had other flashbulb visions. livia by the fountain questioning herself, marcus' macbeth moment, the temple riot, things like that. so the question was, how could i believably travel between these pearl scenes? how could i make these big showcase moments connect smoothly?

if you're having trouble holding the story together in your head, i would ask, "what are your pearls?" what are the anchor points? outline those. it might not look like a necklace yet, but you'll sort of see it taking shape. and then, once you can see where your heart's-desire milestones are, you'll have a clearer idea of what can't fire until you set it up first. two other neat things can happen here. you could find the rhythm of your pacing, or realize you have a lot more plot meat than you thought you did. even if you don't, you have some road. and if you can't think of the string, sometimes you just have to start writing the pearls and see what comes to you.

good luck!!

#asks #anon #writing #long post

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beastickersco · 23 days ago

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The Top 10 Hardest Things About Starting a Small Business (And How to Overcome Them)

Starting a small business is an exciting journey, but it is not all passion projects and overnight success. Whether you’re launching a sticker business, an online store, or a local shop, the process is filled with challenges, setbacks, and lessons you never saw coming.

From funding struggles to burnout, many entrepreneurs face unexpected obstacles that can make or break their business. But knowing what to expect—and how to overcome these hurdles—can help turn challenges into opportunities.

Here are the ten hardest things about starting a small business and how to tackle them successfully.

1. Finding the Right Business Idea

The Challenge:

You might have too many ideas, or you may not be able to think of a single good one. Choosing the right business idea is tough because:

• It needs to be profitable.

• It should align with your skills and passion.

• It has to have market demand, meaning people actually want to buy it.

How to Overcome It:

• Test your idea before going all in—survey potential customers or create a prototype.

• Research the competition—if no one is doing it, there may be a reason such as lack of demand.

• Solve a problem—successful businesses fill a gap in the market.

Your first business idea does not have to be your last. Many entrepreneurs pivot after learning what works.

2. Getting Funding for Your Business

The Challenge:

Most businesses need money to start, but where do you get it? Banks require strong credit, investors want proof of success, and using your own savings is risky.

How to Overcome It:

• Start small and test with low-cost products before expanding.

• Look for alternative funding such as crowdfunding, grants, or small business loans.

• Consider bootstrapping by reinvesting early profits instead of taking on debt.

Pre-selling your products is a smart way to generate cash flow before investing too much.

3. Learning Everything (Marketing, Sales, Accounting, and More)

The Challenge:

As a business owner, you wear all the hats—you are the marketer, accountant, customer service rep, and CEO all at once.

How to Overcome It:

• Learn the basics with free online courses on marketing, finance, and branding.

• Use business tools such as accounting software, AI for content creation, and social media planners.

• Outsource when possible by hiring freelancers for things you do not have time to master.

Focus on your strengths and outsource the rest once you can afford it.

4. Building a Customer Base from Scratch

The Challenge:

No customers means no sales. But how do you get people to trust a brand that just launched?

How to Overcome It:

• Leverage social media by consistently posting valuable content.

• Offer early discounts or freebies to incentivize first-time buyers.

• Encourage word-of-mouth by asking happy customers for reviews.

Building a strong brand identity, including a logo, website, and social proof, makes people more likely to buy from you.

5. Managing Time and Avoiding Burnout

The Challenge:

Most small business owners work much more than 40 hours a week—without a boss to set limits, it is easy to burn out.

How to Overcome It:

• Set a schedule and balance work time with personal time.

• Prioritize tasks by focusing on what moves the business forward.

• Take breaks because burnout leads to bad decisions and lower productivity.

You are more productive when well-rested. Take at least one day off per week to recharge.

6. Handling Self-Doubt and Fear of Failure

The Challenge:

Every entrepreneur asks themselves, “What if this fails?” Self-doubt can kill motivation before you even start.

How to Overcome It:

• Focus on progress, not perfection—you will learn as you go.

• Surround yourself with support by connecting with other business owners.

• Celebrate small wins—every sale is proof that you are on the right track.

Every successful business owner has failed before. The key is learning and pivoting when needed.

7. Dealing with Slow Sales and Unpredictable Income

The Challenge:

Some months are great, while others are painfully slow—especially in the beginning.

How to Overcome It:

• Have a backup fund by setting aside money during good months.

• Create multiple revenue streams by selling online, at markets, and on different platforms.

• Run promotions during slow periods, such as flash sales or limited-time discounts.

Focus on repeat customers because loyal customers spend more and shop often.

8. Standing Out in a Crowded Market

The Challenge:

No matter what business you start, there is competition. So how do you make people choose you over others?

How to Overcome It:

• Find your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)—what makes your brand different?

• Offer top-tier customer service because people remember great experiences.

• Build a personal brand so that people connect with you, not just your product.

Brand story matters—people buy from businesses they relate to.

9. Managing Inventory and Supply Chain Issues

The Challenge:

Whether you are selling physical products or digital goods, inventory management can be a headache—especially when suppliers have delays or price increases.

How to Overcome It:

• Start with small batches and do not overstock before testing demand.

• Work with reliable suppliers and always have a backup plan.

• Track inventory closely using software to avoid running out or over-ordering.

Having a pre-order system can help manage unexpected inventory shortages.

10. Staying Motivated When Things Get Hard

The Challenge:

Not every day will be exciting. Some days, you will want to quit. Motivation comes and goes, but consistency is key.

How to Overcome It:

• Remember your “why”—what made you start this business?

• Join entrepreneur communities because talking to other business owners helps.

• Set small goals by breaking big tasks into manageable wins.

Mindset is everything—keep pushing forward, even when it is tough.

Final Thoughts: Is Starting a Small Business Worth It?

Absolutely. Even though starting a business is hard, the freedom, creativity, and potential for success make it worth the effort. Every challenge you face is a learning opportunity that brings you closer to long-term success.

What is the hardest part of starting a business for you? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Looking for custom stickers for your small business? Check out BeaStickers.ca for high-quality, waterproof branding solutions.

#stickers #crafts #small business #business #diy #support #art #decor

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dollarbin · 2 months ago

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Dollar Bin 51:

Nils Lofgren's Flip

Yeah, I know, this record looks like it's gonna suck. I hauled it out of a dollar bin for the proverbial buck at some point in the last year and have never - until now - felt brave enough to give it a listen.

Why have I waited so long? Um, well, before I drop the needle let's count the reasons:

A band member on the record is credited with playing the Casio.

Another member, who offers T as their entire first name, plays nothing except the Oberheim PPG. That's not one of the droids we're looking for in the dollar bin. Google tells me that the Oberheim PPG is a synthesizer that was discontinued in 1985: the year this record came out. Imagine submarine dealerships - there have got to be such places, right? - halting all sales on yellow ones the moment Ringo announced that we all live in one. That's what happened with the Oberheim PPG. Likely the fine people at Synthesizer Emporium or wherever wanted to disassociate themselves altogether from Nils's crummy record and his dude T.

I'd never seen this record or knew of its existence before I got it for that buck. Neither did you. Nils must have sold about 7 copies. Plus I own over a thousand other records which I know are actually good. Why would I prioritize a single listen to Flip?

No one I've ever heard of plays on this record - except Nils of course. A Nils record could have Neil Young on it. After all, Nils had shown up uninvited on Young's doorstep 15 years earlier as a teenager, hat and guitar in hand. Neil, who, like an ancient Achaean must have feared any potential angering of Zeus, lord of all supplicants, responded by inviting Nils right in and telling him to play piano, an instrument the kid absolutely nothing about, on a little song he was currently recording entitled Southern Man. By 1985, when Flip came out, they'd made music together, on and off, for well over a decade. And yet there's no Shakey on this record. I guess he was too busy recording Old Ways 6 or whatever.

Young isn't the only great artist who failed to show up and make this record appealing. Nils' Crazy Horse bandmates Billy Tablot and Ralph Molina were apparently too busy doing absolutely nothing at the time to appear on the record. Also missing are Jimi Hendrix, Nick Drake, Jane Austen and Aristophanes. At least they had an excuse: in 1985 they all were dead.

The credits feature other troubling indicators. Someone is credited with doing the make up; someone else served as stylist. That's about as unpunk rock as imaginable. Wikipedia also claims there is software somehow associated with the record but that suggestion is surely some kind of insider Wikijoke.

Finally, someone named Lance Quinn co-produces. He appears to be a prolific disco engineer but the internet also tells me that Lance Quinn serves on the Pastoral Team at Grace Immanuel Bible Church in Jupiter, Florida as the Vice-President of The Expositors Seminary. He has been in continuous vocational ministry for over 35 years, including 25 years as Senior Pastor of two churches in both Arkansas and California. Lance sounds like a great guy! Next time I'm in Jupiter, Florida and have replaced my personality with that of an entirely different person I'll be sure to look him up. It's like I always say: there's nothing better than a pastor who splits his time between three states and produces disco records on the side.

Flip's art and marketing department was totally stuck. Nils was not famous for making hitless records, though he'd made many; nor was he famous as a songwriter or as a singer or as a band leader. Rather, he was famous for just one thing: doing flips on stage while playing guitar next to BRRRUUUUCCCEEE in the E Street Band. Plus, the record's opening track was entitled Flip Ya Flip. There was no choice but to put Nils upside down, mid-flip, on the cover. The move is cool, sure, or at least I guess it is, but one would be hard pressed to claim that music sounds best when it has been recorded while upside down.

Indeed, perhaps the number one reason why I have yet to listen to this record is because it appears to be riding on the coattails of Van Halen's incredibly annoying earworm from the previous year. Those guys clearly had a whole team of Casio players, stylists and make up artists in attendance while they sucked on eggs and bathed in the cash produced by this shite.

youtube

Dear Lord Baby Jesus, I hope Nils's record isn't this bad.

Jump inexplicably set the world on fire in 1984; I was nine, however, and was unimpressed. Vin Skully, not Eddie Van Halen, was my hero and my favorite song was probably Surfin' Safari.

But when a stage rose unexpectedly out of the freakin' ground in Tomorrowland as a band performed Jump in spandex with instruments that looked like Magic Alex prototypes...

... nine year old me choked on my Disneyland corn dog and engaged in pre-pubescent mindcontrol techniques I invented on the spot so as to not wet my pants. The whole thing - which, now that I think about it, was surely lip synced - blew my tiny mind.

So, who knows, maybe Flip will do the same thing. One thing is for sure: it's high time I poured myself two, no, make that three, fingers of bargain scotch and dropped the needle.

Okay, the first thirty seconds of the title track actually sound pretty great. Nils' voice is usually pimply and weak. But here he sounds world weary in a wonderful way and the drums bounce along merrily around him. Yes, there are some keyboards answering questions no one ever should have asked and at the end we get into some synthetic YMCAish handclaps and a key change that gives me the momentary willies, but now that my kids are too old to go out there and break their necks on the thing maybe I ought to buy a trampoline for the backyard and do like Nils says and lift my precious dreams so as to hold them high while I flip my flip.

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Secrets in the Streets follows and it opens with what may as well be the signature sounds of 1985: a dumb synthesizer building an impossible, Lego-shaped empire of suckiness. But that whole heinous intro disappears and makes way for a perfectly serviceable anthem about dancing in the rain while, once again, living out your precious dreams. So far, Flip seems to be a concept record about living your dreams. Nils's guitar solo, when compared to the one in Jump, is soulful greatness. And when the Lego empire reappears at the end of that solo I still hate it but I hate it less.

This record kinda rocks so far: that's the secret in the street.

And check it out: we even get a vintage video for this track! Nils flips in the street for a strikingly teenage ladyfriend! He's got magic shoes and she's got a varsity jacket! He's like 34 years old at this point and he's still busy meeting the folks and hoping to make to second base without the dad finding out. Nils, you may have boyish good looks, but you are way too old to date teenyboppers.

And then Nils does a whole gymnastic bar routine! This video is so awesome that I'm choking on my corn dog all over again.

youtube

The next track is called From the Heart; I fear we may have already heard the good stuff. A bass player shows us his moves and then the Casio gets involved.

Once again Nils announces in this song that he has a dream. That's three songs in a row that focus upon the ancient art of oneirology, or dream interpretation. Maybe Nils was undergoing Freudian analysis when he wrote this record; perhaps he was seeking to put an end to his creepy penchant for adolescent girls.

I hereby announce a drinking game for he rest of this post; feel free to play along. Every time Nils instructs himself or us to live out our dreams we all must drink. In fact I'm gonna start the record over and refill my dwindling cup...

... it's ten minutes later; I'm back to From the Heart and already two out of three sheets to the wind; good thing I didn't buy that trampoline yet. In fact, I'm cancelling - for myself anyway - the drinking game. I've gotta go to work tomorrow. Feel free to go on without me.

The third song: it's less good; my second drink: it was too good.

But Delivery Night is lovely! Nils wants us to know that he needs someone to love; indeed, he needs someone to care. These are some complex lines of verse! He does not have a single dream to speak of here but this song has me swaying and grooving and...

Nevermind and oh, gross! I swear to god the following line is in the second verse: I've wet dreamed of your naked touch. Yuck! Nils Lofgren, I hereby order you and your troubling 7th grade dreams outta this record. We don't want to hear about it!

There are, count them, three dream references in Delivery Night so, if you're still at it, drink up; maybe if you keep it up you'll soon forget we ever heard about Nils' sticky sheets.

youtube

King of the Rock ends Side 2. There are no dreams in this song, thankfully. And nothing is wet. Praise god. Rather, the whole thing is about Nils' inability to sleep: it seems he always wakes up dancing. Is that a real medical condition? Nils says it's true and he seems like the kinda guy who probably did medical school on the side in this era so I'm gonna take his word for it and lock up my dancing shoes from this day forth at bedtime.

He also says he is born, born, born and destined to rock. The word alacrity is used; Nils must own a thesaurus. This song is the worst thing so far. I'd almost rather he tell me more about his fetid dreams. At least there's some good guitar happening under the nonsense; the solo once again is pretty great.

youtube

Drink up people: Nils works dreams into the working class techno pop blues number Sweet Midnight that opens Side 2 and then proceeds to recommend that the overtaxed laborers among us consider dancing our troubles away. (Side 2 is so obscure that youtube doesn't even have the tracks available so you're just gonna need to take my word on how things sound from here on in.) Is there a Lofgrin song in which he does not consider his dreams and reccommend dancing? Apparently not. He must want you to get really, really drunk.

Once again the guitar manages to save what is otherwise a staggering, flatulent hippo of a track.

New Holes in Old Shoes is a weird detour: no dreams, no dancing, no Casio (unless the Casio produced the song's drum machine). Nils at least takes the time to tell us he was born to love in this song, keeping alive some kinda thematic link. At the end of the track trash can drums join in. The song is kinda awesome. This whole album is kinda awesome. And we got you a whole song-long drinking break. You needed it.

And now break time is over: get chugging because the next song is titled Dreams Die Hard.

For this song Nils invites in some nice electronic piano for a Springsteenish protest track. War, it turns out, is bad for one's dreams. I never knew that until Nils told me so; until now I was convinced that war led to lovely dreams. Thanks Nils!

I don't know why Nils makes what is the record's most pessimistic song so far sound like a suped up version of If You're Happy and You Know It but I trust that my lack of understanding has to do with all the drinking I had to do before I realized what I'd mistakenly signed up for. I think he sang the word dream 7 billion times in this song. Someone better get you a bucket.

Okay, we made it to the last song. I'm really not making things up when I tell you that the second line of Big Tears Fall asks don't dreamers get the blues? He seriously brought up dreams in all but one song (or was it three - you count cuz I'm too lazy; oh never mind, I forgot: you're sloshed) on this entire record.

Here's Nils years and years later, playing the track. He seems like such a great guy. I'll bet he'd weep even bigger tears if he knew how drunk he got you.

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I swear to god: I really did write all this in real time and I had no idea you'd have to drink so much. My sincere apologies to everyone out there who is currently running around their house naked, screaming and plastered.

If that's you, please listen carefully: do not, I beg you, go attempt a Lofgren flip on your kids' trampoline. Rather, follow my lead and fill your entire dollar bin with water and get chugging. You'll flip ya flip.

#Youtube #nils lofgren #van halen sucks #neil young #bruce springsteen

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govindhtech · 8 months ago

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UNC5537: Extortion and Data Theft of Snowflake Customers

Targeting Snowflake Customer Instances for Extortion and Data Theft, UNC5537 Overview. Mandiant has discovered a threat campaign that targets Snowflake client database instances with the goal of extortion and data theft. This campaign has been discovered through Google incident response engagements and threat intelligence collections. The multi-Cloud data warehousing software Snowflake can store and analyze massive amounts of structured and unstructured data.

Mandiant is tracking UNC5537, a financially motivated threat actor that stole several Snowflake customer details. UNC5537 is using stolen customer credentials to methodically compromise Snowflake client instances, post victim data for sale on cybercrime forums, and attempt to blackmail many of the victims.

Snowflake instance According to Mandiant’s analysis, there is no proof that a breach in Snowflake’s enterprise environment led to unauthorized access to consumer accounts. Rather, Mandiant was able to link all of the campaign-related incidents to hacked client credentials.

Threat intelligence about database records that were later found to have come from a victim’s Snowflake instance was obtained by Mandiant in April 2024. After informing the victim, Mandiant was hired by the victim to look into a possible data theft affecting their Snowflake instance. Mandiant discovered during this investigation that a threat actor had gained access to the company’s Snowflake instance by using credentials that had previously been obtained through info stealer malware.

Using these credentials that were taken, the threat actor gained access to the customer’s Snowflake instance and eventually stole important information. The account did not have multi-factor authentication (MFA) activated at the time of the intrusion.

Following further intelligence that revealed a wider campaign aimed at more Snowflake customer instances, Mandiant notified Snowflake and potential victims via their Victim Notification Programme on May 22, 2024.

Snowflakes Mandiant and Snowflake have notified about 165 possibly vulnerable organizations thus far. To guarantee the security of their accounts and data, these customers have been in direct contact with Snowflake’s Customer Support. Together with collaborating with pertinent law enforcement organizations, Mandiant and Snowflake have been undertaking a cooperative investigation into this continuing threat campaign. Snowflake released comprehensive detection and hardening guidelines for Snowflake clients on May 30, 2024.

Campaign Synopsis According to Google Cloud current investigations, UNC5537 used stolen customer credentials to gain access to Snowflake client instances for several different organizations. The main source of these credentials was many info stealer malware campaigns that compromised systems controlled by people other than Snowflake.

As a result, a sizable amount of customer data was exported from the corresponding Snowflake customer instances, giving the threat actor access to the impacted customer accounts. Subsequently, the threat actor started personally extorting several of the victims and is aggressively trying to sell the stolen consumer data on forums frequented by cybercriminals.

Mandiant Mandiant discovered that most of the login credentials utilized by UNC5537 came from infostealer infections that occurred in the past, some of which were from 2020. Three main causes have contributed to the multiple successful compromises that UNC5537’s threat campaign has produced:

Since multi-factor authentication was not enabled on the affected accounts, successful authentication just needed a working login and password. The credentials found in the output of the infostealer virus were not cycled or updated, and in certain cases, they remained valid years after they were stolen. There were no network allow lists set up on the affected Snowflake client instances to restrict access to reliable sources. Infostealer Mandiant found that the first infostealer malware penetration happened on contractor computers that were also used for personal purposes, such as downloading pirated software and playing games. This observation was made during multiple investigations related to Snowflake.

Customers that hire contractors to help them with Snowflake may use unmonitored laptops or personal computers, which worsen this initial entry vector. These devices pose a serious concern because they are frequently used to access the systems of several different organizations. A single contractor’s laptop can enable threat actors to access numerous organizations if it is infected with infostealer malware, frequently with administrator- and IT-level access.

Identifying The native web-based user interface (SnowFlake UI, also known as SnowSight) and/or command-line interface (CLI) tool (SnowSQL) on Windows Server 2022 were frequently used to get initial access to Snowflake customer instances. Using an attacker-named utility called “rapeflake,” which Mandiant records as FROSTBITE, Mandiant discovered more access.

Mandiant believes FROSTBITE is used to conduct reconnaissance against target Snowflake instances, despite the fact that Mandiant has not yet retrieved a complete sample of FROSTBITE. Mandiant saw the use of FROSTBITE in both Java and.NET versions. The Snowflake.NET driver communicates with the.NET version. The Snowflake JDBC driver is interfaced with by the Java version.

SQL recon actions by FROSTBITE have been discovered, including a listing of users, current roles, IP addresses, session IDs, and names of organizations. Mandiant also saw UNC5537 connect to many Snowflake instances and conduct queries using DBeaver Ultimate, a publicly accessible database management tool.

Finish the mission Mandiant saw UNC5537 staging and exfiltrating data by continuously running identical SQL statements on many client Snowflake systems. The following instructions for data staging and exfiltration were noted.

Generate (TEMP|TEMPORARY) STAGE UNC5537 used the CREATE STAGE command to generate temporary stages for data staging. The data files that are loaded and unloaded into database tables are stored in tables called stages. When a stage is created and designated as temporary, it is removed after the conclusion of the creator’s active Snowflake session.

UNC5537 Credit Since May 2024, Mandiant has been monitoring UNC5537, a threat actor with financial motivations, as a separate cluster. UNC5537 often extorts people for financial benefit, having targeted hundreds of organizations globally. Under numerous aliases, UNC5537 participates in cybercrime forums and Telegram channels. Mandiant has recognized individuals who are linked to other monitored groups. Mandiant interacts with one member in Turkey and rates the composition of UNC5537 as having a moderate degree of confidence among its members who are located in North America.

In order to gain access to victim Snowflake instances, Attacker Infrastructure UNC5537 mostly leveraged Mullvad or Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN IP addresses. Mandiant saw that VPS servers from Moldovan supplier ALEXHOST SRL (AS200019) were used for data exfiltration. It was discovered that UNC5537 was storing stolen victim data on other foreign VPS providers in addition to the cloud storage provider MEGA.

Prospects and Significance The campaign launched by UNC5537 against Snowflake client instances is not the product of a highly advanced or unique method, instrument, or process. The extensive reach of this campaign is a result of both the expanding infostealer market and the passing up of chances to further secure credentials:

UNC5537 most likely obtained credentials for Snowflake victim instances by gaining access to several infostealer log sources. There’s also a thriving black market for infostealerry, with huge lists of credentials that have been stolen available for purchase and distribution both inside and outside the dark web.

Infostealers Multi-factor authentication was not necessary for the impacted customer instances, and in many cases, the credentials had not been changed in up to four years. Additionally, access to trusted locations was not restricted using network allow lists.

This ad draws attention to the ramifications of a large number of credentials floating throughout the infostealer market and can be a sign of a targeted attack by threat actors on related SaaS services. Mandiant predicts that UNC5337 will carry on with similar intrusion pattern, soon focusing on more SaaS systems.

This campaign’s wide-ranging effects highlight the pressing necessity for credential monitoring, the ubiquitous application of MFA and secure authentication, traffic restriction to approved sites for royal jewels, and alerts regarding unusual access attempts. See Snowflake’s Hardening Guide for additional suggestions on how to fortify Snowflake environments.

Related news

The U.S. Army announced the delivery of the first two AH-64E Version 6 Apache Guardian attack helicopters, but only provided photos of the two previous AH-64D they replaced, being prepared for a flight back to the United States. (Photo: U.S. Army)

HELICOPTERS

U.S. Army Aviation Unit in Europe receives new Apache helicopters

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MILITARY

Germany acquires 13 state-of-the-art LUNA drones and new radar for Eurofighters

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shantitechnology · 1 year ago

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Why Manufacturers Grow Faster With ERP Software

Introduction:

In the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing, staying ahead of the competition requires more than just producing quality products. It demands efficient processes, streamlined operations, and the ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. This is where ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software steps in as a game-changer for manufacturers. In this blog, we'll delve into the reasons why manufacturers experience accelerated growth with ERP software and explore the significance of key ERP modules designed for the manufacturing industry. Let's unlock the potential of the best manufacturing ERP software and understand how it propels growth.

Understanding ERP Modules for Manufacturing Industry:

1. Supply Chain Management:

Effective supply chain management is at the core of manufacturing success. ERP modules for manufacturing industry streamline supply chain processes by providing real-time visibility into inventory levels, order status, and supplier relationships. Manufacturers can optimize procurement, reduce lead times, and enhance overall supply chain efficiency.

2. Production Planning and Scheduling:

Efficient production planning and scheduling are essential for meeting customer demands and minimizing downtime. ERP software enables manufacturers to create realistic production schedules, allocate resources effectively, and adjust plans dynamically in response to changing demand. This results in improved production efficiency and timely delivery of products.

3. Quality Control:

Maintaining consistent product quality is a non-negotiable aspect of manufacturing. ERP modules for quality control allow manufacturers to monitor production processes in real-time, track defects, and enforce adherence to quality standards. This not only ensures the delivery of high-quality products but also reduces waste and rework costs.

4. Inventory Management:

Managing inventory effectively is a delicate balancing act. ERP software provides manufacturers with tools to optimize inventory levels, track stock movements, and minimize carrying costs. With real-time insights into inventory status, manufacturers can prevent stockouts, reduce excess inventory, and enhance overall supply chain efficiency.

Manufacturing Enterprise Resource Planning Software: Unleashing Growth Potential

1. Streamlined Communication:

Effective communication is crucial for seamless operations. Manufacturing ERP software centralizes communication channels, allowing different departments to share information in real-time. This not only reduces the risk of miscommunication but also fosters collaboration among teams, leading to improved overall efficiency.

2. Data-Driven Decision-Making:

In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, decisions need to be swift and well-informed. ERP software aggregates data from various business processes, providing manufacturers with actionable insights. Data-driven decision-making becomes a reality, enabling manufacturers to respond proactively to market trends, customer demands, and operational challenges.

3. Scalability for Growth:

Growth is a constant objective for manufacturers. The best ERP for the manufacturing industry is designed with scalability in mind. As businesses expand, ERP systems can easily accommodate increased data volume, users, and additional functionalities. This scalability ensures that the ERP solution grows with the manufacturing enterprise, supporting its evolving needs.

4. Enhanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM):

Customer satisfaction is a key driver of growth. Manufacturing ERP software often includes CRM modules that allow manufacturers to manage customer relationships effectively. From order processing to after-sales support, ERP systems help manufacturers deliver exceptional customer experiences, fostering customer loyalty and driving growth.

Best ERP for Manufacturing Industry: Navigating Toward Success

1. Tailored Solutions for Industry Needs:

The best ERP for the manufacturing industry goes beyond generic solutions. It offers modules specifically designed to address the unique challenges and requirements of manufacturing operations. From managing complex bills of materials to handling production workflows, the best ERP software is tailored to the intricacies of the manufacturing sector.

2. Real-Time Reporting and Analytics:

Timely and accurate reporting is a cornerstone of effective decision-making. The best manufacturing ERP software provides robust reporting and analytics capabilities, allowing manufacturers to generate custom reports, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and gain insights into operational efficiency. This empowers manufacturers to identify areas for improvement and implement strategic changes.

3. Compliance and Regulatory Support:

Compliance with industry regulations is non-negotiable for manufacturers. The best ERP solutions for manufacturing industry include features that help businesses adhere to regulatory requirements. This not only ensures legal compliance but also mitigates the risk of penalties and reputational damage.

4. User-Friendly Interfaces:

User adoption is critical for the success of any ERP implementation. The best ERP modules for manufacturing industry prioritize user-friendly interfaces, making it easier for employees to navigate the system and perform their tasks. Intuitive interfaces contribute to smoother onboarding processes and overall system usability.

Conclusion:

In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, growth is not just a goal; it's a necessity. ERP software emerges as a strategic ally for manufacturers, propelling them toward accelerated growth by optimizing processes, fostering efficiency, and enabling informed decision-making. From the essential ERP modules for the manufacturing industry to the features that make the best ERP solutions stand out, manufacturers can unlock their full growth potential with the right ERP software. Embrace the power of ERP, and witness your manufacturing enterprise soar to new heights of success.

#ERP Modules for Manufacturing Industry #Manufacturing Enterprise Resource Planning Software #Best Manufacturing ERP Software #Best ERP for Manufacturing Industry #ERP Software for Manufacturing Industry #ERP System for Manufacturing Industry #ERP for Software Development Company #ERP Solutions for Manufacturing #India

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essglobe · 1 year ago

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Field Service Management Software: Streamline Your After Sales Operations

Streamline your after sales operations with field service management software. Our guide covers the key features to look for and how to choose the right solution for your business.

#after sales service app #after sales service management app #after sales service software #after sales management software #After Sales Service Management Software #after sales software #best after sales service management software #after sales tracking software #after sales service management #best after sales service mobile company #field management app #field sales management software #field sales mobile app #Field Service Management Software

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femmeanonymelives · 1 year ago

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Electric Touch (feat. (feat. Francisco Morales) (Val's Version)

Frankie Morales x Valerie "Songbird" Harlow (Singer Songwriter!OC) (platonic)

Santiago "Pope" Garcia x Valerie "Songbird" Harlow (Singer Songwriter!OC) (mentioned in this chapter)

Series Masterlist Part 1

Ari's Note: Finally, I finished this chapter. I took some liberties with the timeline. (In my head, the movie takes place in 2017 and this story takes place in 2019 or 2020ish.) Frankie in my head is in his late thirties, whereas Val is 31 in this story.

Deep breaths, in and out.

In and out.

“What the fuck,” I think in my head as I pace inside the home studio inside my house back in Florida, a day after the show where I ran into Santiago. My mind is racing over the kiss that he gave me the night prior. I owned the house before I started dating Santiago. A small house near a beach. When we were dating, we balanced staying with each other at both of our homes. I come from an old-fashioned family who never believed in moving in together with someone before an engagement.

Frankie comes into my home, holding two cups of coffee, one for him and one for me. His hunter-green jacket is slightly stained due to wear. His slightly brownish-gray hair is messily curled. His “Standard Heating Oil” hat always seemed attached to his head. We have known each other since childhood. He is a few years older than me; he used to babysit me when he was 10, and I was 6. We were more like siblings than friends. His child refers to me as “auntie” more than anything else.

“Kid and momma are spending the day doing a mommy playdate. I am all yours. You okay?”

“I am fine… you are late, by the way.” I sip the lukewarm, bitter coffee slowly to fully enjoy it.

“Being late for a demo session for a song that I am not even singing on.” Frankie takes a look at the home studio setup. A setup that I made when trying to get someone- anyone to recognize what I have is real. A random patterned rug that I found on clearance at West Elm. Faux-leather stools that were found at a yard sale when babysitting Frankie’s kid years prior. The only new thing is the technology given to me by the label.

“The band recorded the instrumentals back in Seattle. The label wanted to see how I would sound doing an actual love song, which is this song. I told them this song is perfect if the male vocalist is a tenor and as a duet. That is why I sent you that text with the lyrics a few days ago. This session to record the vocals and send it to the producer and the label.”

“When you told me about this, I thought you were crazy for wanting me to sing again.”

“Said the man who loved choir in high school.” He rolls his eyes. He takes off his faded trucker hat and tries to straighten his hair. His darkish gray curls are messy like always.

“That was the choir in high school, Val.” He looks at me with concern, fully knowing what happened the night prior backstage. “What happened with you and Santiago last night?”

“It was nothing,” I look over at him as I start prepping the studio for two people recording there. He grabs my arm and pulls me closer to him.

“Val, he left mid-song. I tried to find him after your set for over an hour. I had to find him nursing a beer outside the venue. I know your guys’ breakup was hard on you, but it hit him the hardest.”

“Frankie, I love you like a brother. Can we not talk about this now? I don’t want to waste your time by talking about this instead of doing the recording.” I start vocal warmups before handing him his headphones, and we go into the booth together. We both are standing in front of a microphone for each of us. I place my laptop on a nearby table with the instrumental track and pull up the recording software. He holds the notebook with the lyrics in his hand. “I will lead you in when your part comes in. Recording in 3…2…1.”

The soft country rock instrumental leads me in as I start singing. Frankie smirks the songs as he recognizes the song beat as a signature of my musical composition style.

“Just breathe, just relax, it'll be okay

Just an hour 'til your car's in the driveway

Just the first time ever hangin' out with you tonight

I've got my money on things going badly

Got a history of stories ending sadly

Still hoping that the fire won't burn me

Just one time, just one time

All I know is this could either break my heart or bring it back to life

Got a feelin' your electric touch could fill this ghost town up with life

And I want you now, wanna need you forever

In the heat of your electric touch, mmm”

Frankie’s soft tenor voice appears as I gesture him into the song. His voice is soft, yet rough. I could have been a while since he sang aloud, but he still sounded good.

“I've been left in the rain lost and pining

I'm tryin' hard not to look like I'm trying

'Cause every time I tried hard for love, it fell apart (whoa)

I've gotten used to no one callin' my phone

I've grown accustomed to sleeping alone

Still, I know that all it takes is to get it right

Just one time, just one time

All I know is this could either break my heart or bring it back to life

Got a feelin' your electric touch could fill this ghost town up with life

And I want you now, wanna need you forever

In the heat of your electric touch

I was thinking just one time (just one time)

Maybe the stars align (just one time)

And maybe I call you mine

And you won't need space

Or string me along while you decide

And just one time (just one time)

Maybe the moment's right (the moment's right)

It's 8:05 and I see two headlights

All I know is this could either break my heart or bring it back to life

Got a feelin' your electric touch (oh)

All I know is this could either break my heart or bring it back to life

Got a feelin' your electric touch could fill this ghost town up with life

And I want you now, wanna need you forever

In the heat of your electric touch, mmm”

Out of breath, I pushed the end of the recording. “Please tell me it hasn’t been a while since you sang aloud.” I take a long sip of water from my water bottle nearby.

“Three years.”

“Karaoke with Ben was the last time you sang,” I asked as I gave him a questioning look.

“Why didn’t you tell me that Santiago kissed you?” I gave him the look of “are we really talking about this right now again?”

“How did you know?” Frankie gave me a concerning look since he knows the truth.

“Based on the details in the song, this song was about your first date because you told me how much you cared for him. Plus Santiago told me that he kissed after your set after you two talked after I picked him up from the bar…. Val, what the hell happened?”

“He and I kissed… He told me about the money… his share of the money.”

“And?”

“And that his share was for me…”

“He finally told you then…”

“Frankie, don’t dabble in his bullshit…” I am getting fed up with the same fucking lie that his share was for me.

“I am not… Val, he wanted that money for you….” He sighs deeply as he takes a long sip of coffee. “I know it was shitty of me for not telling you, but I promised you I would have done the same thing.”

“I understand the guilt around Tom’s death but why did he have to do it like that?”

“He was going to buy you a ring so he could propose to you…”

“What?”

“He wanted to propose and do a big old fancy engagement for you. I am sorry that I didn’t tell you.” Frankie is concerned about what is next for me and Santiago.

I sigh as I step out of the makeshift studio so Frankie can record his audio. “I need to record your vocals, Frankie... I will start the music where your part comes in.” As the music plays, my phone buzzes. I pick it up. It is a text from Santiago.

Santiago: We need to talk. Alone.

#santiago pope garcia #santiago garcia x oc #santiago garcia x reader #triple frontier boys #triple frontier fanfic #oscar issac x reader #oscar issac characters #frankie morales x ofc #frankie morales fanfiction #Spotify

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brenthuismans · 2 years ago

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What Is Vehicle Remarketing?

Vehicle remarketing is a type of business that includes selling and buying used vehicles. In other words, it is known as the controlled disposal or circulation of the fleet of rental or company vehicles that have passed their end terms. A lot of people get confused about vehicle remarketing with vehicle reselling and think they are the same thing. But it is not because vehicle remarketing is a business that usually deals with a large fleet of vehicles which requires large fleet operators. Moreover, vehicle remarketing involves refurbishing the fleet of vehicles and selling the used vehicles again in the market.

Now, you might wonder why vehicle remarketing is so important. Well, here you will get the answer to that question.

Why Is Vehicle Remarketing So Important In 2022?

If you own a vehicle and want to sell it, then it is obvious that you want the highest possible price you can get from it. And vehicle remarketing is one of the best way to get the highest possible return.

The value of the vehicle is more if the vehicle’s portfolio is great. And vehicle remarketing helps in moving your inventory quickly and more cost-effectively, which as a result, elevates the value of the vehicle’s portfolio.

Sometimes it is possible that after putting the vehicle up for sale, it might not be picked up for years. But, vehicle remarketing speed up the procedures and shortens the turnaround time.

The management of multiple providers is very important. And development and implementation of an effective marketing strategy is a part of the vehicle remarketing solution, which makes it easy to manage multiple providers.

Now you might wonder how vehicle remarketing works. Well, here is how

How Does Vehicle Remarketing Work?

Step-1

The first step in vehicle remarketing is choosing a channel. Choosing a good channel that will give the highest possible return is very important. In recent days, there have been a lot of sales channels because of the internet. Moreover, the channels have become very easy to reach out to because of the internet.

Here, one of the possible ways to choose a channel is to search for a local channel to sell it. But if you can get a wider number of possible buyers and a wider range of bidding prices on the internet, then why not go for it? Another awesome way to sell is to participate in national auctions; they can give you a higher bid for the vehicle. National auctions have a lot of advantages, such as-

National auctions are conducted at various geographical sites across the country. Having auctions at various locations can help you to get a higher bidding price. This can be done by identifying the location where the vehicle can get a high price by using the data.

National auctions provide support by handling the logistics of the vehicle’s inspection, valuation, and transportation of the vehicle to the auction site.

Step-2

The next step after choosing a channel and putting up the vehicle on sale is to wait. But you can track the status of progress of your vehicle till the date it gets sold. Therefore, there are a lot of technologies provided by the channels to track the activities.

Step-3

Vehicle remarketing strategies play a crucial role in the whole process. A lot of data is generated throughout the remarketing processes, which helps in developing an insight into the whole remarketing strategy. A lot of new technologies, such as vehicle remarketing software, are there to monitor the costs, trends, and performance. These data can be used collectively to maximize the return and improve the efficiency of the process. Let’s have a look at what trends, performance, and costs mean in vehicle remarketing.

Performance:

Performance data shows which auction or channel is providing high prices for the vehicles consistently.

Trends:

It means knowing which vehicle model is currently in demand and comparing various kinds of models. This helps to find the model which commands the highest price and also the price of other models as well.

Different models have different demands according to geographical locations. This data can be used to determine which vehicle will gain a higher price according to the location. This data can be useful for developing a pricing strategy by identifying the models and making where the vehicle model demand is declining or elevating.

Costs:

It is the cost of the vehicle, either on the offline or online channel or auction. Cost data can be helpful in determining the best channel by checking which channel is providing the best or worst cost-benefit ratios.

What Is The Significance Of Remarketing Experts?

You might wonder what the need for a vehicle remarketing expert is. Well, you might assume that you can manage the vehicle remarketing on your own, but when the volume of the vehicles is huge, you might lose your investment in the process. This is where the vehicle remarketing experts comes in handy; they have great significance in the remarketing field. A good remarketing expert can improve the efficiency of your whole vehicle remarketing process. This is how they can bring efficiency-

They have experience in coordinating with various established and reliable resources that can easily handle vehicle transportation, inspections, and refurbishing.

They are very cost-effective. They adopt various ways of incorporating economies of scale that are helpful in reducing costs at every stage of the vehicle remarketing process.

They are great at managing a great volume of vehicles efficiently. They do so by providing systems, experiences, and national networks.

It can also be said that a remarketing expert can introduce you to the seamless process where they can arrange everything from pick up to the sale. Likely, it can be an easy process with the help of an expert.

If you are looking for a vehicle remarketing expert that can help you in selling and buying used vehicles, then you need to consider the above-mentioned points and contact Brent Huisman.

#electric vehicles #vehicle remarketing

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yourmercha · 2 years ago

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7 Helpful Tricks to Making the Most of Your High Risk Merchant Account merchantaccountproviders.com

High Risk Merchant Account merchantaccountproviders.com are not for the faint of heart. They're often more expensive than standard merchant account providers and have a host of caveats and restrictions that make them difficult to use. However, if you understand how to use this type of provider effectively and take steps to minimize your risks, high risk merchants can enjoy a range of benefits that go beyond just lower rates: they can process transactions at the point-of-sale (POS) or online and increase their sales volumes by reaching new markets. In addition, with careful monitoring and management, these accounts can also help reduce chargebacks, which typically occur when customers dispute charges on their credit card statements after receiving goods or services from a company."

Frequent & Regular Reviews

A high risk merchant account is an important part of your business, but it's also a bit more complicated than a standard one. As such, it's important that you keep an eye on your account regularly to make sure everything is running smoothly and nothing has gone awry. The first thing you should do when setting up a new high risk merchant account is set up automatic reviews of all transactions so that you can catch any suspicious activity right away. This can help prevent fraud before it happens! If you already have an established account and want to ensure its security even further, consider having someone else check over the statements every now and then--just in case something slips through the cracks while they aren't looking!

Use the Appropriate Codes

Use the appropriate codes.

What are the appropriate codes, you ask? They're called "processing modifiers," and they can be used to change things like:

The amount of money that's debited from your account for each transaction. Some businesses will want this to happen immediately; others prefer it to be spread out over several days or weeks.

The currency in which you receive payment from each customer (e.g., euros vs dollars).

Be Aware of the Expiration Date

The expiration date is the date by which a business must pay its bills. It's important to know when your account expires so that you can avoid losing it and having to get another one. If you don't pay your bills on time, you risk losing your merchant account completely. If this happens and there isn't enough time before the new year begins for companies like ours to process new applications, then we won't be able to help them until after January 1st when we receive updated software from our providers (who also have their own internal deadlines).

So if there's anything we can do for you today about this situation or any other question related specifically toward high risk merchants--whether it's about rates or fees--we'd love nothing more than helping out!

Watch Out for Double-Billing, Cancellations and Refunds

You want to make sure that you're not being double billed or charged for anything you don't need. You also don't want to accidentally cancel your account with the wrong company because it could take months before you get back on track with another one. Make sure that if there's any sort of refund policy or cancellation clause in place, you understand exactly how it works before signing up--and then keep an eye on your account after that point!

Verify All Charges and Billing Statements Carefully

When you're using a High Risk Merchant Account merchantaccountproviders.com, it's important that you check all charges carefully. This includes looking at every statement that comes in from your processor, as well as any emails or other notifications about pending transactions. This can help prevent fraud or other issues with the processing of your card transactions. If there are any errors or discrepancies on the statements, report them right away so they can be resolved quickly before they become more serious problems down the road!

Pay Attention to Past Due Accounts and Collections Activity

It's important for you to stay on top of your accounts, especially if you have high risk merchant accounts. This means that you need to keep an eye on past due accounts, as well as collections activity. If a customer has been late with a payment in the past and then continues to do so with another account, this may be a sign that they are not credit worthy or their financial situation has changed since opening the initial account (which could lead them into financial difficulty).

Monitor Customer Profiles and Account Usage History with Regard to Credit Worthiness, History of Late Payments, etc."

Monitor Customer Profiles and Account Usage History with Regard to Credit Worthiness, History of Late Payments, etc.

While you must be careful not to discriminate against customers based on race or creed, it's important for you to know what kind of history and creditworthiness each customer has before signing them up for a merchant account. This will allow you to better understand how much risk they pose as far as paying their bills on time goes.

Takeaway:

Now that you know what to look out for, here are some helpful tips to avoid high risk merchant accounts:

Pay attention to the expiration date on your card reader. If you don't use it regularly, make sure it's still working before starting up again.

Don't use generic codes when processing transactions; use specific ones from your processor or payment gateway instead. They'll help ensure that the transaction gets processed correctly and quickly so that no one has any problems with their purchase!

Make sure all employees are trained in how these systems work so they can answer questions from customers about their purchases without having any issues themselves (which could lead back down the road toward getting kicked off again).

Conclusion:

We hope that these tips will help you to better manage your High Risk Merchant Account merchantaccountproviders.com. If you have any questions about them or anything else related to your business, please contact us at [email protected] We would love to hear from you!

#merchant services #finance

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imarketer4udma-blog · 2 years ago

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9 MARKETING CHALLENGES AND HOW TO OVERCOME THEM

Marketing can be complicated. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the game for years, the reality is that marketing strategies come and go and continually change. In a time when businesses are trying to utilize every single channel available to acquire new customers — from social media to paid ads to content marketing — it can be hard to know how to fit it all into your daily work and still maintain a quality level of service for your current customers. Big marketing challenges are what all businesses face at one point or another. But with the right tools and strategies, you can turn a problem into an opportunity. In this article, we’ll cover some of the top marketing challenges business owners face today and how you can successfully overcome them.

LEAD GENERATION

According to a survey by Inbound, the main challenge for modern marketers is generating traffic and leads. The increasing competition exacerbates this situation even more. It’s worth considering the huge variety of platforms for promoting goods and services, which can make it really difficult to choose the right direction and concentrate efforts on it.

What should you do?

Create high-quality and in-demand content for your target audience. Surveys show that more than 40% of consumers crave video content, while only 20% prefer to read blogs. Do all marketers know what kind of content their customers want? Do they create truly engaging content? If you’re able to create content that sparks user interest, it’s important to promote it effectively so that users notice it. Nowadays, due to the abundance of content on the internet, it’s not easy to compete for consumers’ attention, but if you keep up with trends and experiment with formats, you’ll succeed as a marketer.

ACHIEVING ROMI

Marketing ROI or return-on-marketing-investment (ROMI) is a sub-metric of ROI that measures the efficiency of a marketing campaign for the purpose of assisting better decision-making for future investments.

The issue of the cost-effectiveness of marketing and promotional expenses has become increasingly important in recent years, as evidenced by survey data. Tracking and ensuring ROMI can be an even more challenging task if there is a lack of in-depth analysis of the effectiveness of each channel and each marketing activity, as well as a lack of information sharing between different departments within a company.

After all, achieving ROMI largely depends on directing resources towards the most conversion-focused channels, which is impossible without analyzing data and metrics.

What should be done?

Firstly, it is important to improve the interaction between the marketing and sales departments. Implementing software such as CRM systems to increase sales and analyze data can help identify weaknesses and strengths in business processes and find areas for growth. Tracking traffic sources and lead conversions into sales provides a clear understanding of whether your marketing is working or not, and whether budgets are being spent correctly.

According to surveys of marketers, the most effective strategy is inbound marketing in combination with SLA (Service Level Agreement) (the company’s approach to organizing IT processes).

Recall that inbound marketing includes SEO, social media branding, blogging and various internet platforms, podcasts, videos, and other types of content marketing. The inbound marketing strategy is based on the need to generate interest among consumers.

BUDGET SIZE

Another challenge is justifying the expense on marketing promotion, which marketers are forced to defend. This is especially relevant for small companies.

How to solve it?

Measure ROMI. Analyze the effectiveness of advertising channels. The key to ensuring sufficient expenditure on promotion is measuring ROMI. Marketers surveyed cite measuring ROMI as the key to ensuring sufficient expenditure on promotion. On average, specialists who work with measuring the effectiveness of marketing investments have a budget that is 180% higher.

IM4U Marketing Agency was approached by a client who, with a fairly large marketing budget, had almost no results. We began by reviewing the client’s business goals and current marketing budget. Then we identified areas where the client could optimize their budget by reallocating funds or using more cost-effective marketing channels. Finally, IM4U Marketing Agency created a customized plan that maximized the client’s budget to achieve their desired outcomes while minimizing costs. We were continuously monitoring the campaign’s performance and adjusted the plan as needed to ensure the client gets the most out of their marketing budget.

INCREASING WEBSITE EFFECTIVENESS

Another problem is creating a truly effective website that not only attracts visitors, but also converts them into customers and achieves financial goals. The problems that marketers solve in this process can be quite diverse, such as how to create and optimize content or how to develop an emotionally engaging design.

What is the solution?

It is important to optimize the site’s loading speed and ensure its adaptability to mobile platforms. If your problems are due to a lack of necessary specialists and finances, know that there are many marketers like you. This problem is particularly common in small firms. Hire a freelancer or consult a small, responsible agency. Marketing channel integration platforms can also help simplify a range of website improvement tasks.

CHOOSING TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS

Reviews, case studies, and reports can help marketers choose suitable software and platforms to implement their daily tasks. However, these reviews are often conflicting, which can make the choice more difficult.

What can be done?

Seek advice from friends, colleagues, and professionals, and closely examine all video reviews and case studies on working with various tools. The trial period for many services allows for a deeper understanding of the product and how it can solve your specific problems – do not overlook this opportunity.

Marketing automation using online platforms is designed to simplify your work. The survey showed that about 40% of marketers are already using more than 2 services and will continue to do so in the future.

THE PROBLEM OF CONTENT TARGETING

A crucial aspect of marketing is precise targeting. Marketers know that by relying on detailed buyer personas, they can conduct successful advertising campaigns with high conversion rates. Study your target audience as well to achieve success in your marketing campaigns.

More information in our article “How to improve your PPC Ads – 8 advice you didn’t know”.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF AI

Certainly, the development of AI represents a significant challenge for marketers today. On the one hand, AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Midjourney, Jasper can offer great benefits, such as increased efficiency, more accurate data analysis, and faster decision-making. On the other hand, integrating AI into existing marketing processes and workflows can be a complex task that requires significant planning and preparation.

How to overcome?

To overcome this challenge, marketers need to invest in training and education to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to use AI effectively. Additionally, marketers need to work closely with IT and data teams to develop new systems and processes that can integrate AI tools into existing workflows. Finally, marketers need to be mindful of the ethical implications of using AI in their work and ensure that they are using these tools in ways that are transparent, ethical, and respectful of customer privacy. With the right approach, however, AI can be a powerful tool that helps marketers to achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively.

RECRUITING TALENTED SPECIALISTS

Demand for technically advanced and creative marketers in the job market today exceeds supply like never before. Talented specialists are needed by everyone, and searching for the right fit for your company can take months, while the work needs to be done now.

How to solve?

Create attractive conditions, taking into account that maintaining a balance between professional and personal lives is important for 69% of job seekers, while 41% are focused on career progress.

Also, growing specialists within your own company can help you solve this problem. Training and mentoring by experienced professionals can promote the development of diverse skills in key employees, to apply them in your work. This takes time and resources, so choose and train the most capable and eager ones.

FALSE PROMISES NEGATIVELY AFFECT BRAND ATTRACTIVENESS

Companies like Allstate Insurance and Avis Car Rental have set themselves on the path to inevitable failure by using enticing slogans and appeals. Meanwhile, their services never lived up to their grand promises. While Allstate promises “You’re in good hands with Allstate”, their customers are far from convinced. On the ConsumerAffairs website (which publishes consumer ratings for various companies), this insurance company has a rating of 3.7 out of 5. Avis’ slogan “We try harder” is also far from the truth, with a rating of 3.2 out of 5.

How to solve?

Perhaps a clever slogan can serve as a means of attracting new customers to your store or website, but it’s important to remember that customers need concrete actions, not pretty words. If a visitor can’t find what you promised them, all your efforts will go to waste. So let’s only make promises that we can keep in order to effectively manage consumer expectations and loyalty.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, marketing is a constantly evolving field, and the challenges faced by marketers are diverse and complex. However, with the right strategies and techniques, these challenges can be overcome. Brands need to focus on building a strong online presence, creating meaningful and authentic connections with customers, leveraging data and technology to gain insights and drive decision-making, and nurturing talent within their organization. By keeping up with industry trends and being adaptable, marketers can succeed in navigating the ever-changing marketing landscape and achieving their business goals.

LET IM4U DIGITAL MARKETING AGENCY HELP YOUR BUSINESS TO BUILD SUCCESSFUL MARKETING STRATEGY

Unlock Your Business’s Digital Potential with IM4U Marketing Agency! Our agency is ready to help you. For more information, book a consultation, and we’ll help you build a successful marketing strategy.

#marketing challenges #overcoming obstacles #marketing strategies #business growth #customer engagement #digital marketing #target audience #branding #competitive advantage #market research #marketing trends #social media marketing #content marketing #lead generation #conversion optimization

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suhailsahin · 2 years ago

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Creating a Digital Catalog: Benefits, Best Practices, and Using a Digital Catalog Maker

In today's digital age, creating a catalogue has become a crucial part of any business. A catalogue is a comprehensive document that showcases products or services, including descriptions, images, prices, and other relevant information. It can be used for a variety of purposes, such as sales, marketing, or inventory management.

Traditionally, catalogues were created in print format, but with the advent of digital technology, businesses can now create catalogues in a digital format as well. A digital catalogue is an online version of a traditional catalogue, and it can be accessed through a website or a mobile app. Digital catalogues have numerous advantages over print catalogues, including cost-effectiveness, ease of distribution, and the ability to reach a wider audience.

One of the key tools for creating digital catalogues is a digital catalogue maker. A digital catalogue maker is a software tool that allows businesses to create and customize their digital catalogues easily. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of using a digital catalogue maker, and how businesses can leverage this tool to create high-quality digital catalogues.

Benefits of using a digital catalogue maker

Time-saving: Creating a catalogue from scratch can be a time-consuming process. However, with a digital catalogue maker, businesses can save time by using pre-designed templates and pre-made layouts. This allows businesses to create catalogues quickly and efficiently, without compromising on quality.

Cost-effective: Printing a traditional catalogue can be expensive, especially for small businesses with limited resources. A digital catalogue maker eliminates the need for printing, thereby reducing costs significantly. Additionally, digital catalogues can be updated easily, without the need for reprinting, saving businesses both time and money.

Customization: With a digital catalogue maker, businesses can customize their catalogues to suit their specific needs. This includes selecting fonts, colours, and layouts that match the brand's style and tone. Additionally, businesses can add interactive elements such as videos, animations, and links to make the catalogue more engaging and interactive.

Accessibility: Digital catalogues can be accessed from anywhere, at any time, on any device. This means that customers can easily view and browse through catalogues on their smartphones, tablets, or laptops, making the catalogue more accessible and convenient for customers.

Analytics: A digital catalogue maker allows businesses to track and analyze customer engagement with the catalogue. This includes data such as the number of views, clicks, and shares, which can help businesses understand customer behaviour and preferences. This data can be used to optimize future catalogues and marketing campaigns.

How to use a digital catalogue maker?

Choose a digital catalogue maker: There are numerous digital catalogue makers available in the market, each with its unique features and functionalities. It's important to choose a catalogue maker that meets the specific needs of your business. Some popular digital catalogue makers include Flipsnack, Publitas, and Issuu.

Select a template: Once you've chosen a digital catalogue maker, select a template that matches your brand's style and tone. Most digital catalogue makers offer a range of templates to choose from, including pre-made layouts for specific industries such as fashion, food, or electronics.

Add content: After selecting a template, it's time to add content to the catalogue. This includes product descriptions, images, prices, and other relevant information. Make sure the content is accurate and up-to-date, and that it matches the tone and style of your brand.

Customize: Once the content is added, it's time to customize the catalogue. This includes selecting fonts, colours, and layouts that match the brand's style and tone. Additionally, businesses can add interactive elements such as videos, animations, and links to make the catalogue more engaging and interactive.

Preview and publish: Before publishing the catalogue, it's important to preview it to ensure that everything is in order. Most digital catalogue makers offer a preview feature that allows businesses to view the catalogue before it is published. Once the catalogue is reviewed, it can be published and made available to customers.

Share and promote: After publishing the catalogue, it's important to share and promote it to reach a wider audience. This includes sharing the catalogue on social media, email marketing, and other digital channels. Businesses can also use analytics data to optimize future catalogues and marketing campaigns.

Best practices for creating digital catalogues

Keep it simple: When creating a digital catalogue, it's important to keep it simple and easy to navigate. Use clear and concise language, and organize the content logically and intuitively.

Use high-quality images: Images are a crucial part of any catalogue, and it's important to use high-quality images that showcase the products or services effectively. Use professional photographs or high-resolution images to ensure the catalogue looks visually appealing.

Make it interactive: Interactive elements such as videos, animations, and links can make the catalogue more engaging and interactive. Use these elements to showcase products or services effectively and to provide customers with additional information or resources.

Focus on customer needs: When creating a digital catalogue, it's important to focus on customer needs and preferences. Use data and analytics to understand customer behaviour and preferences, and tailor the catalogue to meet those needs.

Optimize for mobile: With an increasing number of customers accessing digital content on their smartphones, it's important to optimize the digital catalogue for mobile devices. Ensure that the catalogue is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate on a small screen.

Conclusion

In today's digital age, creating a digital catalogue has become a crucial part of any business. A digital catalogue maker is a software tool that allows businesses to create and customize their digital catalogues easily. Using a digital catalogue maker offers numerous benefits, including time-saving, cost-effectiveness, customization, accessibility, and analytics. To create an effective digital catalogue, it's important to keep it simple, use high-quality images, make it interactive, focus on customer needs, and optimize for mobile. By following these best practices, businesses can create high-quality digital catalogues that effectively showcase their products or services and reach a wider audience.

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