6 Ways Technology is Changing the Way We Communicate

Technology has drastically changed the way we communicate with each other. In just a few short years, we’ve gone from sending handwritten letters to communicating instantly with anyone in the world via text, email, and social media. Here are six ways technology is continuing to change the way we communicate.

Were Communicating More Often, But in Shorter Bursts
Thanks to the popularity of messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage, we’re now used to being able to contact anyone we want at any time of day. And because we can contact someone instantly, we tend to communicate in shorter bursts than we would if we were sending an email or letter.

This change has been most noticeable in the way young people communicate; they’re much more likely to send a quick “text speak” message than write out long sentences or phrases.

Bots and AI-powered Assistants are Becoming our New Best Friends
As artificial intelligence gets better at understanding human communication, we’re starting to see more and more AI-powered chatbots and assistants enter the market.

These days, we can talk to our bank’s chatbot about our account balance, ask Alexa for the weather forecast, or chat with a salesperson on a website powered by artificial intelligence. And as AI continues to get better at understanding human communication, these sorts of interactions are only going to become more common.

NBN and Fixed Wireless Internet Help Us Stay Connected
In today’s always-on world, it’s more important than ever to be able to stay connected. Whether a person is working from home or keeping in touch with family and friends overseas, NBN and fixed wireless internet from providers like Swoop help them stay connected when it matters most. With super-fast speeds and super-reliable connections, people can do more of what they love without worrying about being disconnected.

Visuals are Becoming Increasingly Important in our Communications
With the rise of visual social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, it’s clear that people are now interested in consuming information that is presented in a visually appealing way. And as we continue to consume more and more visual content online, businesses are going to have to adapt their communications accordingly by incorporating more visuals into their marketing materials, website content, and much more.

We’re Becoming More Open to Communicating with Strangers (at least online)
The rise of social media has made it easier than ever before to connect with people from all over the world who share similar interests. And as online communication becomes more commonplace, we’re becoming less hesitant to reach out and connect with others online (even if we’ve never met them in person).

We Expect Faster Responses to our Communications
With instant messaging apps being so popular these days, we’ve become used to getting near-instant responses to our messages (within seconds or minutes). But when it comes to other forms of communication like email or even phone calls, our expectations haven’t changed all that much; we still expect a reasonably quick response even though it might take hours or even days for someone to get back to us.

Summary
All in all, it’s clear that technology is drastically changing the way we communicate with each other. We’re now used to being able to communicate instantly with anyone in the world, but this convenience has come at the cost of longer attention spans and increased expectations for prompt responses.

As businesses try to keep up with these changes, they will need to pay closer attention not just to what consumers are saying, but also to how they are saying it. After all, it’s not just what we say that matters, but how we say it too.

FBG Sensors: A New Era in Sensor Technology

The fintech industry is witnessing rapid growth and transformation, driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer preferences. Within this dynamic landscape, women leaders are making significant strides, breaking traditional barriers, and implementing innovative strategies to propel their companies forward. This article explores the strategies adopted by women leaders in the fintech industry to foster innovation, drive growth, and navigate their companies through rapid changes in the digital economy.

The Rise of Women Leaders in Fintech
Traditionally, the finance and technology sectors have been male-dominated. However, there has been a gradual shift with an increasing number of women stepping into leadership roles in fintech companies. Organizations are recognizing the unique perspectives women bring to leadership and how these perspectives can drive growth and foster innovation.

Women leaders are championing inclusive growth, creating cultures that promote creativity, and utilizing technology in novel ways to address market gaps. From spearheading new product development to redefining corporate strategies, women in fintech are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry.

Key Strategies Adopted by Women Leaders in Fintech
1. Championing Diversity and Inclusion
One of the key strategies employed by women leaders in fintech is fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. They understand that diverse teams, comprising people from different backgrounds, bring a wide range of perspectives and ideas, which is crucial for innovation.

By advocating for more inclusive hiring practices, women leaders are ensuring that their teams reflect the diversity of the markets they serve. For example, they are actively recruiting from underrepresented communities and promoting mentorship programs to support women and minorities in tech roles. Companies led by women, such as Ellevest and Tala, are known for their inclusive cultures that attract top talent and drive innovation.

2. Embracing Customer-Centric Product Development
Women leaders in fintech often emphasize a customer-centric approach to product development. Understanding that customers are the core of any business, they prioritize creating solutions that address the real pain points of their users. This involves leveraging data analytics and customer feedback to refine products and services continuously.

For example, Anne Boden, CEO of Starling Bank, has focused on building a digital bank that offers seamless and user-friendly banking experiences, tailored to meet the needs of various customer segments. This approach has helped Starling Bank grow rapidly in a competitive market by offering unique features like fee-free international transfers and integrated personal finance tools.

3. Leveraging Technology to Drive Innovation
Women leaders in fintech are leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and blockchain to drive innovation. They are using these technologies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the customer experience.

For instance, Blythe Masters, former CEO of Digital Asset Holdings, pioneered the use of blockchain technology in financial markets to increase transparency and reduce settlement times. Similarly, fintech companies led by women are utilizing AI and ML to create more personalized financial products, automate customer service, and enhance fraud detection.

4. Building Agile and Adaptive Organizations
In the fast-paced fintech landscape, agility is key to staying ahead of the competition. Women leaders are focusing on building agile organizations that can quickly adapt to market changes and customer needs. They are fostering a culture of experimentation, encouraging their teams to test new ideas, learn from failures, and iterate rapidly.

Such a strategy was effectively employed by Sarah Friar, CEO of Nextdoor, who prioritized building a nimble organization that could pivot quickly in response to user feedback. This approach has enabled Nextdoor to expand its user base and maintain its relevance in an ever-changing digital environment.

5. Advocating for Financial Inclusion

Women leaders in fintech are at the forefront of advocating for financial inclusion, particularly in underserved markets. They understand the importance of making financial services accessible to everyone, regardless of their socio-economic background.

For example, Shivani Siroya, CEO of Tala, focuses on providing microloans to individuals in emerging markets who lack access to traditional banking services. By leveraging mobile technology and alternative credit scoring models, Tala has successfully extended credit to millions of people, driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment.

6. Driving Growth through Strategic Partnerships
Women leaders recognize the power of strategic partnerships in driving growth. By forming alliances with other fintech companies, banks, and technology firms, they are expanding their market reach and enhancing their product offerings. These partnerships enable them to leverage complementary strengths, share resources, and accelerate innovation.

A notable example is Catherine Berman, CEO of CNote, who has forged partnerships with community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to create high-impact investment opportunities for socially conscious investors. These partnerships have enabled CNote to scale rapidly while promoting sustainable economic development.

7. Fostering a Culture of Continuous Learning
In an industry characterized by rapid technological advancements, women leaders understand the importance of continuous learning and development. They are investing in upskilling and reskilling their teams to ensure that their organizations remain competitive.

Leaders like Krista Morgan, co-founder of P2Binvestor, have implemented internal training programs and encouraged employees to pursue external certifications and courses. This commitment to learning fosters a culture of innovation and empowers teams to take on new challenges.

The Impact of Women Leadership on Fintech Growth
The leadership strategies adopted by women in fintech have had a profound impact on the industry’s growth. By championing diversity, embracing customer-centricity, leveraging technology, and fostering an inclusive culture, women leaders are driving innovation and creating value for their organizations and customers.

These strategies not only enhance the competitiveness of fintech companies but also contribute to broader economic growth by promoting financial inclusion and empowering underserved communities. As more women assume leadership roles in fintech, the industry will continue to benefit from their unique perspectives and innovative approaches.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While women leaders in fintech have made significant strides, challenges remain. The underrepresentation of women in senior roles, gender biases, and unequal access to funding are still prevalent in the industry. However, these challenges also present opportunities for women leaders to advocate for change, mentor the next generation of female talent, and build more inclusive fintech ecosystems.

Initiatives such as the Female Founders Alliance and Women in Fintech Powerlist are playing a crucial role in highlighting the achievements of women leaders and creating a supportive network for female entrepreneurs in fintech. As these efforts gain momentum, they will help break down barriers and pave the way for a more equitable and innovative fintech industry.

Conclusion
Women leaders in fintech like Ruchi Rathor of Payomatix are redefining what it means to drive growth and innovation in the financial services sector. Through their emphasis on diversity, customer-centricity, technology, agility, and financial inclusion, they are transforming their companies and the broader industry. By continuing to adopt and promote these strategies, women in leadership positions can ensure sustained growth, foster innovation, and lead their organizations through the rapid changes in the digital economy.

As the fintech landscape continues to evolve, the contributions of women leaders will be indispensable in shaping the future of financial services, ensuring that the industry remains inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of all consumers.

Essential Hacks for Guaranteed Approval on Bad Credit Auto Loans

I saw a video that provided kitchen hacks for faster cooking. Spare time and high internet speed led me to a number of videos and articles that provided everyday hacks for making life simpler. That’s when I thought – Why not provide car buyers with bad credit auto loan hacks? And, thus this blog post began.

I have worked in the subprime auto financing industry for the past 6 years. I worked as a loan consultant for car buyers with credit issues. My experience taught me few things that could guarantee approval on bad credit auto loans. I am sharing it with you.

Smart Work is the Key

In today’s world, a smart worker dominates the hard worker. While getting approved for a bad credit car loan, you need to do the same. If you search at the wrong places, you won’t find your bad credit loan. You don’t have to try hard. Don’t go walking to every lender and bank in the neighborhood. Instead, log in to your computer and search for a lender who provides sub-prime financing. You will find many online auto financing companies that provide bad credit car loans. Research and choose the one that provides services in your city.

Your work doesn’t get over with finding the right lender. You still need to finish the following things for quicker approval.

File your Documents

Lenders need few documents to study your financial health. And, if you keep them ready, your loan process will get over quickly. Here’s what you will need to complete the bad credit car loan file:

1. Financial Statements

2. Recent Pay-Slips

3. Employment Verification Letter

4. Information about the Car, if you have selected any.

Any of these Things can help you

When you have bad credit history, any one of these things can help you in getting guaranteed approval. The reason is that these factors reduce lender’s risk. And, when you reduce the risk factor, lenders become comfortable in approving loan to bad credit customers.

1. Find a co-signer

A co-signer gives you power. With someone to back your loan application, it becomes strong. Also, lender becomes sure of getting back his money. This means lender will approve your loan request easily.

2. Spare some money for down payment

Down payment reduces the loan amount. It helps in showing your current financial stability to the lender. The lender will become tension-free when he sees that you can manage such a large amount.

3. Trade-in your old car

If you have less cash and have an old vehicle lying in your garage, you can trade it. This way you will reduce the car loan amount and not spend a single penny out of your pocket.

So, these are the simple hacks that can get you guaranteed approval on bad credit auto loan.