Uncategorized

How Blockchain Technology Is Shaping the Future of Real Estate

Kirill Bensonoff, an Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) member in Boston, is the co-founder of New Silver, a fintech company with a mission to improve local communities by providing fast, convenient, and flexible capital to real estate investors using data and technology to streamline the process. We asked Kirill to share his expertise on how blockchain technology is impacting the real estate industry. Blockchain technology can be applied to real estate in two broad ways through the use of smart contracts and tokenization: Together, smart contracts and tokenization are shaking things up in the real estate industry. They empower individuals to own fractions of real estate while facilitating smoother and more efficient transactions. These technologies tokenized billions of dollars’ worth of property on the blockchain in 2021. Article continues after video. FEATURED VIDEO Why James Dyson Believes Entrepreneurs Should Think Like Engineers 0 seconds of 3 secondsVolume 0% Five Ways Blockchain Technology Is Being Used in Real Estate There are a number of ways that blockchain technology is changing the real estate environment: 1. Blockchain for financing real estate transactions Typically, raising capital for real estate projects using loans can be a lengthy process because of the long hours involved in paperwork and laborious loan closing processes. Blockchain technology streamlines the process to provide faster, secure financing through alternative methods. For instance, tokenized shares can be sold to finance the purchase of a building for commercial purposes. 2. Blockchain for asset management Real estate assets can be recorded on the blockchain, which offers a transparent, secure means for managing these assets. That brings transparency to the system because all parties involved can view the information with high security, as blockchain information can never be tampered with unless all concerned parties agree upon it. Blockchain technology enables real-time tracking of assets, and therefore, the whole journey of an asset is traceable. 3. Blockchain for property management Blockchain technology makes it easier to share data, streamline rental collections, or even fast-track the due diligence process. It verifies tenants faster and stores all the information about each property in an easily visible way for all parties. Some property management companies have begun to create smart lease agreements using blockchain technology, whereby rent is paid automatically, leases are renewed, and even security deposits are refunded electronically when the right conditions have been met. 4. Blockchain for land and property registries Blockchain technology may expedite the procedures involved in land and property registries. The technology creates a secure and shared source where documents can be exchanged and saved between several parties. Property records can be verified instantly, and digital titles and deeds can be used instead. 5. Blockchain for construction and property development Construction and property development typically require the management of a large number of subcontractors and various supply chain processes. Now, all of those processes can be conducted in the digital realm via blockchain technology, which means that projects can be managed more effectively. Smart contracts can manage and automate agreements more efficiently. For example, real estate companies can use blockchain technology to keep track of the origin of construction materials, monitor project milestones, or even ensure compliance with regulations.

5 Leadership Lessons Learned From Building an All-Women Company

Tracy Marlowe an Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) member in Sacramento, is the founder and CEO of Creative Noggin, an award-winning branding, marketing, and communications firm. An advocate for female entrepreneurship, Tracy is a public speaker and has been honored by USA News as one of the “Top 20 Female Entrepreneurs Leading Change.” We asked Tracy to share what she learned from leading an all-female team. Mother. Entrepreneur. Leader. Many of us carry multiple titles as we build our companies. Often, those titles collide — creating moments of decision-making to reflect on what kind of company we want to build and what kind of entrepreneur we strive to be. In 2017, I was a first-time mom working at a demanding advertising agency. I struggled to show up the way I wanted to, both personally and professionally. At the time, I wasn’t sure if being all these things was even possible. I wanted to be able to breastfeed my baby mid-day and also put her to bed every night. As an ambitious woman who had spent countless hours forging my path in the marketing industry, I also didn’t want to give up on a career I’d worked so hard to build. So, in 2018, I created my own all-women, 100 percent remote marketing and advertising agency, Creative Noggin, to empower myself and the women on our team to enjoy true work-life balance. Over the years, I’ve learned countless lessons from the incredible women I collaborate with daily. They’ve shaped the leader I have become today. Here are five leadership lessons I’ve learned from my unique experience scaling an all-women company. 1. Foster Inclusivity and Diversity One thing I’m most proud of is the diverse and inclusive culture we have built. Yes, it’s entirely possible to build a diverse culture with a 100 percent women-powered team. I’ve learned that true diversity isn’t a box you simply check regarding gender or race. It’s embracing the importance of diversity of thought so that numerous perspectives are brought to the proverbial table. Our team members stem from all walks of life, races, economic backgrounds, beliefs, and value systems. Some are mothers; others are not. Some are local; others hail from different corners of the world. This diversity of background and experience is incredibly powerful for creative thinking. As marketers, different lived experiences make us better problem-solvers. Celebrating these differences, while also carving out time to collaborate on the business instead of just in the business, is hugely beneficial. Inclusive teams make better decisions 87 percent of the time, so the more diverse perspectives I hear as a leader, the better. 2. Cultivate Empowerment and Mentorship I absolutely prioritize mentorship. Whenever someone expresses an interest in learning, I make a point to help that happen. For example, one project manager mentioned that she’d love to learn more about media. Though she had no experience, we put together a plan to move her into a new position, supporting and learning from our media department. Similarly, for an art director who wanted to learn about copywriting, we made a path for her to support clients with their photography and video needs. It’s now her full-time job. Empowering the women I work with both to have a growth mindset and to realize that they can do almost anything they decide to has created increased employee engagement and more passionate team workers. It’s a win-win. 3. Nurture a Collaborative, Supportive Culture There’s nothing more powerful than a collaborative and supportive culture. As someone who once encountered barriers to communicating with colleagues, I can attest to that importance. Every employee signs our Creative Noggin Commitment contract, which outlines the rules of engagement and reinforces our culture of respectful collaboration. It plays a big part in how we treat each other and show up at work. Thanks to this contract, as well as the tools and project management systems I’ve put in place, dialogue and discussion happen throughout the day, every day. Our people know that it’s no big deal to reach out to any team member with a question, which results in a level of creativity and innovation that I’m extremely proud of. Building an all-female company reminded me that women can be very open-hearted listeners and communicators. Because of that, when women come together as a collective, we can achieve so much more than we ever could independently. 4. Embrace Authentic Leadership I’ve always operated with authenticity — but I realize it’s not always easy for all leaders. A Harvard Business Review study claims that 58 percent of employees trust a stranger on the street more than their boss. I never want that statistic to be true for my team. While “being authentic” can be an abstract concept, transparency, keeping your word, and operating in permanent alignment with core values are some tangible leadership practices that I’ve learned can profoundly influence trust. From company financials to life changes that may inhibit my ability to show up as my full self, I keep my team in the know, which fosters trust. The more our teams witness us showing up the same way across the board in all situations — in good moments or challenging ones — the more they’ll feel comfortable leading with authenticity, too. From there, a culture of radical honesty and trust is established, which has been transformational for us. As the saying goes, things start at the top and trickle down. 5. Stick to Your Core Values and Mission Not every client is a good fit for an all-women, remote company — and that’s OK. Since our inception, I recognized that our agency would attract certain types of clients. I’ve been purposeful about defining clients that are the right fit. We turn away clients who don’t fit our target market or align with our values because the right fit is imperative to both our and the client’s success. Instead of paying for a fancy conference room, we pay a talented group of women who are incredibly empathetic and always deliver. Playing to our strengths as women enables us to do pivotal marketing work for mission-focused organizations.

EO Members Reflect on Coaching GSEA Global Finalists for ‘Start It Up’ Season 3

EO’s Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) is the premier global competition for students who own and operate a business. Nominees compete against their peers from around the world in a series of local, national, and regional competitions in hopes to qualify for the GSEA Global Finals. In the 2024 competition, 62 finalists competed in the Global Quarter-Finals from February through April. In May, 20 Semi-Finalists advanced and traveled to Cape Town, South Africa, to compete for a spot in the top six Global Finalists with the ultimate goal to be named GSEA Global Champion. As the students advanced toward the Global Finals, film crews followed the competitors for season three of the docuseries Start It Up, which provides an inside, in-depth view of the GSEA Global Finals experience. In addition, EO members volunteer as GSEA coaches to mentor the global semi-finalist representing their region. These EOers work with the students to refine their pitches and provide insights and tips to help them succeed in the high-level competition. The coaches also gain firsthand experience of the GSEA program and its profound impact both on the students and on their own entrepreneurial journeys. “I honestly didn’t know what to expect, focusing on my own challenge, passion, anticipation, and concerns about how to contribute to the students and the program as one of the coaches representing Europe,” said Iffat Grecht, an EO Israel chapter member. “Little did I imagine how impactful the program and my personal experience would be.” Kate Hancock, an EO APAC Bridge chapter member, agrees: “It was one of my favorite EO experiences, surpassing other high-touch events in EO. It was humbling and a privilege to be part of the students’ journey.” As we anticipate the 28 June premiere of Start It Up Season 3 on YouTube — where the GSEA 2024 Global Champion will be named on 3 July — we asked EO members to share their experience as GSEA coaches: How did being an EO GSEA coach enrich your EO journey? “Mentoring GSEA student entrepreneurs was one of the most rewarding experiences in my EO journey. It allowed me to connect with and guide aspiring entrepreneurs from my region and interact with fellow mentors and students from around the globe, enriching my perspective and enhancing my mentorship skills.” — Ayush Bansal, EO Gurgaon “Being a GSEA coach takes the EO experience to a whole new level. Sure, it is an opportunity to give back, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. It is a chance to interact with members from all over the world, not in the audience or as a mere participant, but as a protagonist — figuratively and literally on Start It Up! And of course, to actively engage with the students and put to work the EO values we often regard as “theoretical.” — Gabriel Kropsch, EO Rio De Janeiro “Being an EO GSEA coach allowed me to connect deeply with young, passionate entrepreneurs. It strengthened my belief in the power of mentorship and the cohesive, supportive nature of the EO network. The experience reaffirmed the global impact of EO.” – Arshad Bholim, EO Uganda What surprised you most about the experience? “The depth of learning I gained from the students! Their innovative ideas, extensive knowledge, and fresh perspectives were truly enlightening, and I often felt that I learned as much, if not more, than they did.” — Ayush Bansal, EO Gurgaon “I was glad to see the relatively high participation of women entrepreneurs in the competition.” – Iffat Grecht, EO Israel “I was blown away by the level of commitment, expertise, and impact every one of the 20 semi-finalists displayed.” — Gabriel Kropsch, EO Rio De Janeiro “I wasn’t expecting it to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! I anticipated long, exhausting filming days, but they made it so enjoyable that it didn’t feel like work at all. I was inspired by the competitors, their presentations, and how much they want to change the world.” — Kate Hancock, EO APAC Bridge “I was most surprised by the sheer determination and innovative spirit of the young entrepreneurs. Their grit, coupled with their fresh perspectives, was both inspiring and, at times, intimidating. Additionally, the vulnerability and synchronous thinking displayed by all the coaches, regardless of their backgrounds, highlighted the strength and unity within EO.” – Arshad Bholim, EO Uganda What leadership lessons or inspiration did you gain? “I learned a great deal about the motivations and characteristics of new-age consumers and entrepreneurs. The passion and drive exhibited by the students were incredibly inspiring and reminded me of the importance of enthusiasm and resilience in leadership.” — Ayush Bansal, EO Gurgaon “It was amazing to see the transformational power of EO values when they are put to work in practical terms. Although every student had their pitch honed to perfection, there is always the extra mile to explore deeper meaning. The stories and experiences they shared were incredible – that goes for the mentees as well as the mentors!” — Gabriel Kropsch, EO Rio De Janeiro “The experience underscored the importance of empathy, active listening, and adaptability in leadership. Witnessing the students’ resilience and creativity inspired me to approach challenges with a more open and innovative mindset. It was a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about guiding but also about learning and growing alongside those you mentor.” – Arshad Bholim, EO Uganda Why is GSEA such a valuable part of the EO experience? “GSEA bridges generations of entrepreneurs, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge and inspiration. It provides a platform for seasoned entrepreneurs to give back and for young entrepreneurs to gain crucial insights and support. This symbiotic relationship enriches the EO community and propels entrepreneurial growth and innovation.” – Arshad Bholim, EO Uganda “I believe GSEA is the ultimate tangible expression of EO’s values and mission. It is a competition and a show. However, it is fundamentally a vehicle to demonstrate EO’s core values. GSEA shows how having an open mind and appreciating different points of view with trust and respect is essential. It highlights the importance of

Learn and Grow Together: A Look Back at the EO Tanzania Exploration

You know what I love the most about EO? Well, very many things, but one of them is this: You can be a member for years and years but still learn about and experience new programs. This year, I will celebrate my 10-year EO member anniversary, and I must confess: I simply cannot understand members who say that they’ve done it all, seen it all in EO, or have outgrown their experience. Even as a member-leader from the year I first joined, I am still experiencing new things again and again. Case in point: EO Explorations. Yes, I’d heard of them, and yes, they seemed interesting, but the busy schedule never allowed me to experience an Exploration myself. That changed when I was asked whether I would be interested in being Member Host of the EO Tanzania Exploration. With a 20-second schedule check to make sure the dates did not overlap with my kids’ schedules, I excitedly accepted the honor. And let me tell you — the journey was absolutely magical. EO has a great many learning products at the local, regional, and global levels. But what makes Explorations unique is that they are the embodiment of what we as EOers love oh-so-much: the once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Explorations are curated in a way that takes every single activity and elevates it with unique touches and moments. During planning calls, EO’s amazing planning committee would ask time and time again: “But how can we make it even more special and even more unique?” When my own imagination failed, they continued to generate ideas and immediately incorporate them into the agenda. Our EO staff deserve accolades and gratitude in a category of their own — they truly are remarkable. Back to the Tanzania Exploration. If you’ve never done an Exploration, let me paint a picture for you. Imagine embarking on a week-long journey to experience a country in a uniquely curated way. Imagine every single detail being taken care of for you. Imagine delicious meals, once-in-a-lifetime activities, deep conversations, and photos you take every single day in quantities you’d never had before. And now, imagine experiencing all of that not with a random group of people but with fellow EOers and their guests. As members said often throughout the trip: There is simply no better way to do group travel. Tanzania itself is magical, so everything that EO curated for us elevated an already incredible experience. We visited two parts of Tanzania: the Serengeti (safari!) and Zanzibar (stunning Indian Ocean beaches!). It felt like two trips in one because the two could not possibly be more different. The only commonality was the heart-moving hospitality of Tanzanians. I felt safe, taken care of, and welcomed in ways that are rare to find in the world — and I say this as an avid traveler. Certainly, visiting local villages, including one of the Maasai tribe, gave us all a lot of perspective and led to many deep discussions at dinner: What is happiness? What do we need as humans to live a good life, and what is simple frivolity? We saw people sleeping on floors, children not having much, polygamy, and the most jarring simplicity of life. When juxtaposed with the impeccable comfort of our own experiences, profound reflection came naturally. In Serengeti, we indulged in daily safari drives, comparing our magazine-worthy shots of zebras, giraffes, lions, buffalos, and elephants, taken at a range closer than I could have ever possibly dreamt. We stayed at an unfenced resort where guards had to accompany us to our rooms at nighttime. Our WhatsApp chat lit up with exchanges about baboons on our balconies, elephants passing by, and bats flying in one of the rooms. I kept saving screenshots of text messages because of their sheer epicness. “Marina!! The hotel is letting me know your room service is at your door knocking! They can’t leave your meal outside or the baboons will take it!” This message from EO staff member Carolina King (a big shoutout to this superstar!) had me in stitches and went viral when I shared it online. From the Serengeti, we took private charter flights to Zanzibar. In Zanzibar, we struggled to process the heaviness of the Slave Trade Museum as we walked the streets of Stone Town. We meditated in 30,000-year-old caves (yes, that number is correct) that only locals can access. We visited a local seaweed business and harvested with them to make cosmetics. We spent time with a local fashion designer who had designed for Princess Diana. And we closed the remarkable week with a panel discussion with three EO Tanzania members: Each a true entrepreneurial superstar who led not only with passion but also with deep purpose. With the Indian Ocean as our backdrop, all dressed in white, we partied the night away and reveled in deep connections formed, experiences shared, and memories made to last. A country with a deep and complex history, whose people embrace you with their warmth and openness, all against a backdrop of beauty only nature is capable of creating, Tanzania is unforgettable. And yet, experiencing it with my EO brothers and sisters is what made this experience a true once-in-a-lifetime. Our adventure was not simply about immersive sightseeing. Explorations offer a truly unique kind of learning — learning by experiencing. We met inspiring local business owners and experienced their way of living. We learned what life in this beautiful country is actually like — behind the scenes of a typical tourist veil. And we learned from fellow EOers, not only during the final night’s panel but also during all of the deep dives we had reflecting on our experiences throughout the week. My heart was full leaving this Exploration, but so was my mind.

5 Key Takeaways From Google’s API Leak to Boost Your Company’s Search Ranking

Joseph Giovannoli, an Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) member in New York, is the founder and CEO of 9Sail, a marketing firm that specializes in digital lead generation for law firms. We asked Joseph about Google’s recent Application Programming Interface (API) leak and how it may impact how law firms and other companies rank online. Here’s what he shared: Recently, a major leak of Google’s internal API documents gave us a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the search giant’s algorithm. These documents are packed with valuable (and controversial) insights that have sparked a lot of buzz in the SEO community. Let’s examine some of the key takeaways, and explore what they mean for anyone looking to improve their search rankings. 1. Brand Matters at a High Level One of the revelations from the leaked Google Application Programming Interface (API) documents is the elevated role that brand recognition and authority now play in search rankings. To nobody’s great surprise, Google favors well-known brands. This makes sense if you think about it; Google’s publicly stated goal is to provide users with the most relevant and reliable information, and established brands tend to have a track record of delivering just that. Article continues after video. FEATURED VIDEO Why James Dyson Believes Entrepreneurs Should Think Like Engineers 0 seconds of 3 secondsVolume 0% 00:00 02:35 What does this mean for you? Building a strong brand should be a top priority in your SEO strategy. This goes beyond just having a recognizable logo or catchy slogan. It’s about consistently delivering value, engaging with your audience, and establishing authority in your niche. If your brand is strong, Google is more likely to trust your content and push it higher in the search results. 2. User Experience and Navigation Impact Your Ranking Another key insight from the leaked Google API documents is the significant impact that user experience (UX) and website navigation have on your search rankings. The Google search engine algorithm takes various UX metrics into account, such as click-through rate, dwell time, and overall site navigation. Why does this matter? Simply put, if your website provides a seamless, engaging experience, users are more likely to stay longer and interact more. This positive interaction sends strong signals to Google that your site is valuable and relevant, which can boost your rankings. On the flip side, a poorly designed website that frustrates users can lead to higher bounce rates and lower rankings. So, how can you enhance your site’s UX? Start by ensuring your website is easy to navigate. Clear menus, intuitive layouts, mobile-friendliness, and a logical flow can make a huge difference. Emphasize speed: slow-loading pages can be a major turnoff for users. Tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights can help you identify areas for improvement. 3. Page Titles Still Matter According to the documents, optimized page titles are still a significant ranking factor, and Google’s algorithm looks closely at how well your page titles match user queries; a factor referred to in the docs as “titlematchScore.” Why do page titles matter so much? Page titles are often the first thing users see in search results. A well-crafted title can grab attention, convey relevance, and entice users to click through to your site. Google recognizes this and uses page titles to help determine the relevance of a page to a particular search query. How can you optimize your page titles for better rankings? Follow these tips: 4. Links Are Still Valuable Despite speculation in the SEO community, the leaked Google API documents confirm that links remain a core element of Google’s ranking algorithm. Both internal and external links play significant roles in determining a site’s authority and relevance. The documents highlight various metrics related to links, including “sourceType,” which indicates the quality of a link based on the authority of the source page. Essentially, high-quality backlinks from reputable sites can significantly boost your search rankings. This means that building a strong backlink profile is as important as ever. Use these strategies to enhance your link-building efforts: 5. Take Statements From Google With a Grain of Salt SEO professionals consider this a truism, but remember: Always take Google’s public statements with a grain of salt. The leaked documents represent a rare glimpse into Google’s infamous “black box,” and reveal several contradictions between what Google representatives have said publicly and what’s actually in the API documentation. For instance, Google has often downplayed the importance of certain factors like click data, but the documents suggest otherwise. It’s important for every site owner and digital marketer to critically evaluate Google’s statements and not take everything at face value. Always test and verify SEO strategies to see what works best for your site.

How To Become A Thought Leader: 6 Steps to Elevate Your Impact

Has someone suggested that you become a “thought leader?” Have you considered the benefits of becoming one or how to go about it? A thought leader is someone who becomes known as a subject matter expert and sought out or relied on for their experience sharing. Becoming one can improve your influence in your field and within your company. I decided to go for it six months ago and have already seen some pretty good results. I was initially inspired to produce thought leadership content because I wanted to increase my company’s visibility on search engines and get more links to our website. But when my first article was published, I felt a huge rush of validation that maybe I do have something worth sharing. When I shared it on LinkedIn, people started liking the article, commenting how they loved my ideas and planned to implement them. Some even asked follow-up questions. I was helping people—and that lit my fire. Over the course of six months, I published 20 articles in five publications and developed a website to showcase the effort. Here are the steps I recommend for becoming a thought leader. 1. Find a mentor to coach you. Find an existing thought leader to coach you step-by-step. The tips you get from someone who has been there and done that are invaluable and can save you a lot of wasted time. 2. Have professional pictures taken. You need more than a headshot. Many professional photographers offer a business photo package. Style yourself in whatever clothes or settings make sense for your expertise. For example, I had a one-hour session in various settings in and around my office building. The high-quality head, standing, sitting and waist-up shots will serve to support your new higher public profile. 3. Flush out what you know. Your mentor can help by interviewing you about your specific knowledge realms and identifying material that would be the most powerful to share. For me, this fell into three buckets of topics in which I had strong experience and was reasonably confident talking about. Ask yourself, what are you known for? What do people count on you for? Where is your knowledge exceptional enough that you feel like you could give a speech on it? 4. Pick a lane. There are two paths for establishing thought leadership: writing and speaking. Determine which one of these is the most attractive to you. You will likely do both in time, but it’s best to start with the one you are most comfortable with. If you choose the speaker route, find either a strong, connected editor or a TED Talk speaker coach. You might even benefit from a speaker school, such as EO’s Global Speakers Academy. You could also podcast or participate in panels. If you prefer writing, connect with a freelance editor to help grow your skills and gain confidence. 5. When publishing, consider your options. You don’t always have to go through the front door when submitting articles to outlets to be published. I tried it dozens of times, and all I got was crickets. Many editorial outlets have contributor programs or a paid membership side door. If qualified, you can publish on their platform. EO members can even publish their thought leadership right here on EO Blog. 6. Get over discomfort with promoting your content. If you want to help as many people as possible with the thought leadership you’ve shared, you’ll need to promote yourself and your content to help them find it. I was raised in the Midwest; avoiding attention is hardwired in me. But you have to promote yourself and your ideas to get people to look or listen. To do this: Once you publish, even though the platform you choose may promote your content, it is mostly up to you to amplify your impact. Share your material on your social media channels. LinkedIn offers both significant readership and potential connections. Invest time to grow your following on the platform. You can also join groups and post articles there, which can further expand your reach. You don’t want the content you create to be one-and-done; you want to build up a repository of your thoughts. Develop a branded blog or website to park your material so it is always available through Google search and links to your site in all subsequent articles. For example, I share my experiences for businesses at Real Simple Business. Assuming you are still active in your field, as you start to publish and enjoy success with your content, it will spark more things to write about. I thought I had only five articles in me, but additional ideas occurred to me as I showered, worked out, drove to work, or talked with colleagues. Look for thoughts or ideas that are novel, question common thinking, and can produce a thought-provoking reaction in an article. I’ve discovered an amazing payoff beyond my initial link-building motivation. When someone tells you they read or heard your ideas, implemented them, and are way better off because of it, it is an almost indescribable feeling. I believe one’s value in life is dependent on how much value they create for others. It’s true in every kind of relationship. Thought leadership is a great way to use what you’ve learned throughout your career to give value beyond yourself and your company sphere. Why not give it a shot?