Ah, l’amour. We just finished the most romantic month of the year (unless you’re like me and secretly find Arbor Day romantic), and there's nothing I love more than sharing useful info with fellow business leaders. In fact, I care so much that I can't help but send out a weekly newsletter as a token of my affection.
But for those who aren't ready for that degree of commitment, I've also collected the very best of those messages from our February newsletters. Check them out, and maybe someday you'll be ready to take this thing to the next level by signing up for our email list here.
AI
In one of my favorite stories from the last month, Air Canada found itself in a bit of a sticky situation after its AI-powered chat bot offered one customer a bereavement discount. The problem was the bot misinformed the customer on how to get the discount, and the reimbursement request was denied. But in a precedent-setting move, a court ordered the airline to make good on what the bot said. Check out the full story here.
More AI news:
George Carlin’s Estate Sues Creators of AI-Generated Comedy Special (Article)
Introducing GPTs (Blog)
Build GPTs the Right Way - 20 Custom Instructions Included (Video)
Movie-making magic, directed by AI (Sora article)
FCC officially declares AI-voiced robocalls illegal (Article)
Productivity and Marketing
One common thread runs through every function of every shop: communication. From your marketing to client interactions to everyday operations, communication is key. One role that can benefit from extra communication know-how is project managers. The Digital Project Manager put together this great discussion on key project communication strategies to help you get the right information to the right people.
More about the nuts and bolts of your business:
Apple Vision Pro will let you toss timers all over your kitchen while cooking (Blog)
How to be the boss of the bots — Why humanities might hold the key (Blog)
Productized Services: How Custom Digital Services Firms Can Adopt Them (Blog)
The Fractional CMO Is a Trendy New Marketing Title—and It's Not Going Anywhere (Article)
How Google’s cookie tests affect brands—a marketer’s guide to changes in digital advertising (Article)
Finances
One of the most important things to get right for company growth is your project margins, but all too many companies struggle to get it right. Fortunately, Parallax is here with a primer on how margin works, how to calculate it, and what you can do to maximize the margin you get from your work. Whether you’re a new owner or just want to brush up on this critical part of running your business, check it out.
More about money:
Maximizing Pro Bono Opportunities (Podcast)
The jobs market is hot, but layoffs keep coming in a shifting economic environment (Article)
I hope 2024 is treating you well so far, with friends, fun, and healthy finances. Once again, you’re invited to join our private club of newsletter subscribers. But I’ll also be back here next month with the latest bunch of helpful info. See you then!