Be Different: Escape the Competition, Create Value, and Change the Game by Marty Strong is a business and leadership guide that challenges conventional thinking and encourages individuals and organizations to embrace innovation and creativity. The book draws on the author’s extensive experience as a retired Navy SEAL, business leader, and entrepreneur.

Key Themes and Insights:

1. Differentiation as a Strategy
   Marty Strong emphasizes the importance of standing out in a competitive landscape. He encourages leaders to focus on creating unique value rather than following industry norms or engaging in cutthroat competition.
2. Creative Problem-Solving
   The book advocates for adopting a mindset that seeks solutions outside the conventional playbook. By questioning assumptions and taking calculated risks, individuals and organizations can find new opportunities for growth.
3. Resilience and Adaptability
   Drawing from his military background, Strong highlights the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges. He connects this to the business world, where adaptability to changing circumstances is crucial for long-term success.
4. Empowering Leadership
   Strong underscores the value of empowering teams to think differently, innovate, and take ownership of their roles. Effective leadership involves fostering an environment where creativity thrives.
5. Customer-Centric Innovation
   The author stresses understanding and anticipating customer needs as a foundation for creating products and services that truly stand out. Businesses that prioritize customer satisfaction can build lasting loyalty.

Practical Tools and Techniques:

The book provides actionable strategies for adopting a "be different" mindset, including ways to shift company culture, develop unique value propositions, and inspire teams to embrace innovation.

Audience:

Be Different is ideal for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone looking to escape mediocrity and redefine success on their terms. It combines practical advice with inspirational anecdotes, making it both insightful and motivating.

If you're looking to rethink your approach to leadership and business growth, this book offers a roadmap to create value and redefine the game.

Get the book

Karl spoke to Thomas Noh, the Founder of Sociable AI and they have an indepth conversation about his journey to founding the company and his vision of how his technology is enhancing social media engagements for brands and companies.

Sociable.AI: Revolutionizing Digital Communication and Engagement

In an age where digital interactions dominate, the quest for more meaningful and impactful connections has never been more pressing. Enter Sociable.AI, a groundbreaking platform that is reshaping the landscape of communication through artificial intelligence. By integrating advanced technology with human-centric design, Sociable.AI aims to transform how businesses and individuals interact online, bridging the gap between personalization and scalability.

What is Sociable.AI?

Sociable.AI is a cutting-edge artificial intelligence platform designed to enhance digital engagement. It combines natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, and sentiment analysis to craft tailored interactions that resonate with users. Whether it’s a business looking to strengthen customer relationships or individuals seeking more intuitive digital connections, Sociable.AI provides tools to make online communication as effective as in-person exchanges.

Key Features of Sociable.AI

1. Hyper-Personalized Communication
   Sociable.AI uses real-time data analysis to understand user preferences, tone, and context, enabling hyper-personalized responses. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to elevate customer service or marketers seeking to improve conversion rates.
2. Scalable Human-Like Interaction
   Unlike traditional AI tools that may feel robotic, Sociable.AI creates interactions that mimic genuine human communication. It can handle large volumes of inquiries or conversations while maintaining an authentic and empathetic tone.
3. Advanced Sentiment Analysis
   Understanding emotion is a cornerstone of meaningful communication. Sociable.AI's sentiment analysis identifies user emotions, allowing responses to be empathetic and contextually relevant.
4. Versatile Applications
   Sociable.AI is adaptable across industries, from customer service and e-commerce to education and social platforms. Its versatility makes it a game-changer for any organization aiming to enhance digital interactions.

How Sociable.AI is Changing the Game

1. Enhanced Customer Experiences
   Businesses leveraging Sociable.AI can deliver 24/7 support without compromising quality, ensuring customers feel valued and understood.
2. Streamlined Team Efficiency
   By automating repetitive communication tasks, Sociable.AI allows teams to focus on strategic initiatives, reducing burnout and enhancing productivity.
3. Inclusive Communication
   Sociable.AI's adaptability ensures that digital interactions cater to diverse audiences, making platforms more accessible and inclusive.
4. Data-Driven Insights
   The platform provides detailed analytics, offering actionable insights into user behavior and preferences to refine communication strategies.

More Information Sociable AI

Last year (2023) a conversation about creativity and innovation around art started about a great artist.

The Picasso Celebration 1973-2023: 50th anniversary of the death of Pablo Picasso. This celebration triggered the desire to bring the amazing art of Picasso over to the United States to stimulate interaction with businesses and education and encourage creativity.

Karl talks to Andy Martinez, the President of the TECC (Texas European Chamber of Commerce) and their plans to bring over to Texas some wonderful pieces of art by Picasso.

LEARN MORE: The Business of the Art - Creativity and Innovation Inspiration - BCN News

Pablo Picasso from Malaga (10/25/1881 - 04/08/1973), as loved in Spain as in France, and internationally.

Pablo Picasso was a multiple creator, he equally dominated the classical painting of his early years, as well as engraving, lithographic printing and other pictorial techniques. He painted from ceramics to an allegorical mural to peace, such as his 'Guernica'. And he was not alien to sculptural creation. His work is that of a complete creator. His inspiration always found him working on a new work. He placed the cubist avant-garde ahead of his contemporary fellow artists. He was a tireless worker. He played all the styles and had time to dance, go to the bullfights and surround himself in very Spanish parties with his best friends. He was also a skillful negotiator of his art.

Karl spoke to Matt Frankenbery, CEO of Pitsco Education and Eric Simmons, Director of Sales of Pitsco Education in our continuing series of segments with STEM in Schools and Eduardo Galindo.

Learn More: https://www.bcn.news/stem-in-schools/

Pitsco Education: Inspiring Innovation in Education

Pitsco Education is a leading provider of innovative educational resources and solutions that aim to engage students in hands-on learning experiences. Founded in 1971 by a former teacher, Pitsco has grown from a small company into a significant player in the field of educational products, particularly in the realms of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.

Mission and Vision

Pitsco Education's mission is to help educators inspire students to learn by providing engaging, hands-on experiences that develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Their vision is to create a world where all students can achieve their potential through innovative learning experiences that are both meaningful and enjoyable.

Product Offerings

Pitsco offers a wide range of products and solutions designed to enhance educational experiences for students of all ages. These include:

1. **STEM Kits and Curriculum**: Pitsco's STEM kits are designed for various grade levels and cover a range of topics, from robotics and engineering to environmental science. These kits provide educators with the tools to facilitate hands-on learning and help students apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

2. **Maker and Tinkering Supplies**: Recognizing the importance of creativity in learning, Pitsco provides a variety of maker supplies that encourage students to build, invent, and explore. These resources support the maker movement in education, allowing students to engage in design thinking and iterative problem-solving.

3. **Robotics and Coding**: With the increasing importance of technology in education, Pitsco offers a variety of robotics and coding products. These resources help students develop essential skills in programming, engineering, and teamwork.

4. **Professional Development**: Pitsco Education is committed to supporting educators through professional development opportunities. They offer training and workshops designed to equip teachers with the skills and knowledge to effectively implement hands-on learning in their classrooms.

Educational Philosophy

At the heart of Pitsco Education’s approach is the belief that students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process. Their educational philosophy emphasizes experiential learning, where students are encouraged to explore, experiment, and collaborate. By fostering a learning environment that prioritizes inquiry and hands-on activities, Pitsco helps students develop a deeper understanding of complex concepts and prepare for future challenges.

Impact on Education

Pitsco Education has made a significant impact on education by transforming traditional teaching methods and promoting a more interactive and engaging approach to learning. Their products have been implemented in schools across the United States and beyond, enabling educators to create dynamic learning environments that inspire curiosity and innovation.

Through partnerships with schools, educators, and community organizations, Pitsco continues to champion the importance of STEM education. Their commitment to making learning accessible and enjoyable has helped to spark interest in STEM fields among students, encouraging them to pursue careers in these vital areas.

Conclusion

Pitsco Education stands at the forefront of the movement to enhance educational experiences through innovative, hands-on learning solutions. By providing educators with the tools they need to inspire and engag

We are proud to be a partner with STEM in Schools and Summa Caussa to help educate you on the ULTIMATE Ecosystem that is available to organizations and corporations to participate in.

We have spoken to hundreds of corporate executives and they told us of the challenges they face trying to understand what STEM and educational programs are best for them, and that meet their objectives.

STEM in Schools has developed a network of amazing partners that complement each other and deliver results.

BCN News has partnered with STEM in Schools and in our first in our series of conversations Karl speaks with STEM in Schools president Eduardo Galindo, Dee Memon, from Kids Robotics Academy and Max Ringleheim of Infento, North America. They talk about their partnership together and how they are developing programs that are going to help shape the students of the future.

Karl is always talking to subject matter experts about how they can help companies grow.

Karl had a great conversation with Jim Buffington, a leading expert in future-ready tax software and innovative accounting technology with Intuit, and gave some amazing insights on how ProConnect Tax, is the ONLY professional tax software with built in-tax advisory and insights, that empowers the industry with digital tax strategies and compliance solutions for new laws.

Tax firms are currently encountering significant challenges, including ongoing staffing shortages and the complexities of preparing for 2025 tax policy changes. These combined pressures not only affect tax professionals' sense of accomplishment but also negatively impact their job satisfaction and career opportunities.

Tax professionals and CPAs are working long hours to manage tax reform and compensate for workforce shortages. A solution that not only enables them to offer clients significant savings with customized tax plans but also leverages automation to fill resource gaps and offers cloud-based flexibility to work from anywhere at any time is crucial—these advantages help busy tax professionals streamline tax workflows and adapt to tax law changes. Despite these hurdles, optimism prevails as Intuit’s ProConnect Tax software pioneers new paths in tax compliance and strategic tax planning for 2025.

Here are some great resource links to learn more:

QBOA for Accountants: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/accountants/products-solutions/accounting/online/

ProConnect Tax: https://accountants.intuit.com/tax-software/tax-online/

Education Center: https://accountants.intuit.com/training/

With inflation coming in hot in the last PCE report, the outlook for Fed cuts in the second half of 2024 is getting more bleak by the minute.

Rather than selling, homeowners are rethinking their money-making strategies and are entering the Short Term Rental market heading into the Summer. Homeowners need to know how to maximize profits and exactly what they need to do to comply with local regulations.

Pam Knudsen, senior director of compliance at Avalara MyLodgeTax discusses how owners can to set themselves up for success using AirBnB and other Short Term Rental market platforms with an actionable list of best practices.

About Pam Knudsen
Pam Knudsen is Senior Director of Compliance at Avalara MyLodgeTax, leading the Lodging tax team and Returns Experience/Reconciliation team for Sales & Use. She serves as a leading voice in vacation rental tax compliance and regulation, in addition to bringing in-depth experience across software/SaaS technology as well as ERP systems. Pam joined Avalara in 2012.