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JASON JULIANO

Technology Executive and Entrepreneur.

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Jason Juliano

The Future of AI: Navigating the Risks and Rewards of ChatGPT, GPT-3, Sparrow and Others.

February 18, 2023 by Jason Juliano

ChatGPT is a natural language model developed by OpenAI that can generate human-like text using deep learning techniques. It is a powerful tool for automating tasks that involve human communication, from language translation to conversation generation. ChatGPT and other emerging technologies in the field of AI, such as Sparrow and GPT-3, are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. These represent a step towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), the ultimate goal of AI research.

Conversational AI, also known as chatbot technology, involves creating AI-powered systems that can hold human-like conversations. This is a complex area that involves using natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to understand and respond to human inputs. Neural networks, which are modeled after the structure and function of the human brain. Neural networks are used in many areas of AI, including computer vision, natural language processing, and reinforcement learning. Generative AI is a type of AI that can generate new content, such as text, images, or audio.

ChatGPT news is on fire and is a piece of artificial intelligence that is exciting technology. BUT, it is still in its research phase and can produce inaccurate information. It is compared to a teenager that is still finding its footing in the world. As with other emerging technologies, you have to be aware of the risks associated with AI and its current limitations. Companies like Microsoft are investing billions of dollars in OpenAI, indicating that despite the risks, it is still considered to be a valuable technology.

In my recent travels as a practice leader for EisnerAmper Digital Transformation and the Co-Chair of the CompTIA AI Council. I have been asked by many about how these new AI technologies work. So, here we go…

What Does ChatGPT Do?

So what is ChatGPT? ChatGPT is a natural language AI model that generates text so realistic, you may have a tough time differentiating it from human writing. It’s versatile, too, with capabilities that span from language translation and question-answering to conversation generation. With its natural language processing ability, it’s an efficient tool for automating tasks that require human communication. However, the real excitement lies in the development of AGI. The race is heating up with the upcoming launch of Google subsidiary DeepMind’s Sparrow, which will compete against OpenAI’s GPT-3. GPT-3 is an advanced generative AI model trained on vast amounts of text data. Its capabilities include generating human-like text and language translation and summarization.

These models are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and represent a step towards AGI – the ultimate goal of AI research. Imagine a machine that can perform any intellectual task that a human can and also improve itself. It’s mind-blowing stuff and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

AGI: The Future of AI, Pushed Forward by Sparrow and GPT-3 ChatGPT

The competition is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI technology. Sparrow and GPT-3 represent a step towards AGI; if you didn’t already know, AGI is considered the ultimate goal of AI research. DeepMind, the company behind Sparrow, is an AI company founded back in 2010 and acquired by Google in 2015. The company is creating advanced AI to solve complex scientific and real-world problems. Notable contributions from DeepMind include the development of AlphaGo and Alpha Zero. Sparrow is currently in the private beta phase and will launch in late 2023. The chatbot aims to answer questions and search the internet using Google and can cite sources through reinforcement training – a feature that GPT-3 currently lacks.

An AI system learns to make decisions through interaction with its environment and feedback in the form of rewards or penalties. This process is known as reinforcement learning. This type differs from traditional machine learning, where the AI system is trained on pre-labeled data. With reinforcement learning, the AI system learns through trial and error. This is similar to how we learn from our experiences in life.

Google’s large language models for dialogue and conversation, such as Lambda and Flamingo, are an example of reinforcement learning in action. These models were trained to respond to user input through reinforcement learning. They received rewards for providing relevant and accurate responses and penalties for providing irrelevant or inaccurate answers. This allows the models to learn and improve over time, ultimately leading to more effective conversational AI systems.

What is Conversational AI?

Conversational AI, also known as chatbot technology, is all about creating AI-powered systems that can hold human-like conversations. In other words, it’s making computer programs that can talk to people like real people do. Sparrow is an excellent example of a conversational AI system. It can answer questions and search the internet using Google. It’s like having a virtual personal assistant that can help you with anything you need, from finding information to booking a flight. The technology behind conversational AI is quite complex. But it involves using natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to understand and respond to human inputs. The goal is to make the interaction as seamless and natural as possible. Imagine being able to talk to your phone the same way you talk to your friends and family and have it understand and respond. That’s the power of conversational AI. 

What are Neural Networks?

Neural networks are a type of artificial intelligence modeled after the human brain’s structure and function. They consist of interconnected nodes or “neurons” that work together to process information and make decisions. Neural networks are used in many areas of AI, including computer vision, natural language processing, and reinforcement learning. GPT-3, Sparrow, and many other AI models are based on neural networks. These networks can learn from large amounts of data and improve their performance over time, making them a powerful tool for solving complex problems.

What is Generative AI?

Generative AI is a type of AI that can generate new content, like text, images, or audio. Think of it like a machine that can write a story, create a piece of music, or even design a new product. It’s pretty great stuff!

GPT-3 is one example of a generative AI model. It’s a type of language model that has been trained on a large amount of text data allowing it to generate text that is very similar to what a human might write. For example, if you give GPT-3 a prompt like “Write a story about a robot who saves the world,” it can generate a coherent story and even plot, characters, and setting.

It’s important to note that GPT-3 is not the only generative AI model out there, but it’s one of the most advanced models currently available. It’s also worth noting that GPT-3 could be better and can sometimes generate nonsensical or off-topic text. The ability of GPT-3 to generate human-like text with minimal input is what makes it so impressive. It is being used in a wide range of applications such as chatbots, language translation and more. 

Final thoughts as AGI Race Heats Up

The competition for AGI is intensifying as major players in the tech industry are vying for a piece of the pie. Google subsidiary DeepMind‘s upcoming launch of Sparrow is set to compete against OpenAI‘s GPT-3, Microsoft Azure Cognitive Service for Language, IBM Watson and Amazon Web Services (AWS). This competition is not just about market dominance. Pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI technology and reaching the ultimate goal of AI research – AGI. Sparrow and GPT-3 are considered major players in the race towards AGI. With Sparrow excelling in providing plausible answers and supporting them with evidence, while GPT-3 is known for its ability to imitate intelligence on various subjects.

Other technologies such as generative AI, conversational AI, reinforcement learning, and neural networks are also being developed and used to reach AGI. Accurate intelligence also requires moral understanding and the ability to cite sources. Sparrow is said to be progressing in these areas. A public beta will soon be available for Sparrow, and it remains to be seen which company will come out on top. However, one thing is for sure, the race for AGI is heating up. It will be exciting to see what the future holds for AI technology.

Filed Under: Technology Solutions

Top Five Hospitality Technology Trends for 2023 and How to Use Them

January 6, 2023 by Jason Juliano

As the hospitality and food services industry continues to evolve, staying ahead of the latest technological trends is crucial for success. From AI-powered personalization to streamlined operations, these emerging technologies are set to revolutionize the way we do business in 2023. In this article, we’ll explore the top five trends to watch and their practical applications for the hospitality industry, including: 

  1. Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) and Machine Learning (“ML”) for personalizing guest experiences and automating tasks such as ordering and inventory management.
  2. Internet of Things (“IoT”) for creating smart hotels and restaurants, such as connected kitchen appliances and room automation providing a better experience for guests.
  3. Mobile technologies for convenient and efficient ordering and payment systems, as well as for enhancing customer engagement through loyalty programs and personalized offers.
  4. Cloud-based technologies for data storage, management and scalability, as well as for enabling real-time analytics and business intelligence reporting.
  5. Intelligent Automation for tasks such tasks such as inventory management, kitchen logistics and even customer service. 

1.  AI and ML Are Game-Changers in the Hospitality Industry

AI and ML are two of the most exciting technologies in the hospitality industry today, and for good reason. These technologies allow us to personalize guest experiences and automate a wide range of tasks, from ordering to inventory management. 

One of the most powerful applications of AI and ML in the hospitality industry is personalization. By analyzing guest data and behavior, hotels and restaurants can create personalized experiences for each guest, from tailored recommendations for food and drinks to customized room settings. For example, a hotel could use AI to analyze a guest’s past stays and preferences, and then automatically adjust the room temperature, lighting and even the TV settings to their liking before they arrive. 

AI and ML can also be used to automate tasks such as ordering and inventory management. For example, a restaurant could use a chatbot powered by Conversional AI (such as IBM Watson Assistant) to take orders, answer questions and make recommendations to guests. This can save time and improve efficiency, while also providing a better guest experience. 

In addition, ML algorithms can be used to analyze sales data, customer behavior and inventory levels to predict future demand and optimize pricing, inventory and staffing. This can help to reduce waste and increase revenue. 

Another interesting use case for AI in hospitality is the ability to create virtual personal assistants for guests. These digital assistants can help guests with tasks such as making restaurant reservations, booking spa appointments or requesting extra towels. By using natural language processing (“NLP”) and machine learning algorithms, these assistants can understand and respond to guest requests in a more human-like manner. 

AI and ML are game-changers in the hospitality industry, offering a wide range of benefits such as personalized guest experiences, efficient task automation and data-driven decision making. As these technologies continue to be implemented in hotels and restaurants worldwide, the next big trend in the hospitality industry is the Internet of Things, which is revolutionizing the way we create smart hotels and restaurants: from connected kitchen appliances to automated room controls, the possibilities are endless.

2.  Leveraging IoT for Smart Hotels and Restaurants

The Internet of Things (“IoT”) is a rapidly growing trend in the hospitality industry, with good reason. By connecting devices and appliances to the internet, hotels and restaurants can create a more efficient and convenient experience for guests. One of the most exciting applications of IoT in the hospitality industry is smart room automation. By connecting devices such as thermostats, lighting and curtains to the internet, hotels can allow guests to control these devices from their smartphones or tablets. This can provide a more comfortable and convenient guest experience, as well as improve energy efficiency for the hotel. 

Another interesting use case for IoT in the hospitality industry is connected kitchen appliances. By connecting appliances such as ovens, refrigerators and dishwashers to the internet, hotels and restaurants can track inventory, monitor usage and order new supplies automatically. This can help to improve efficiency and reduce waste, while also providing a better experience for guests.

3.  Mobile Technologies for Payment Systems and Enhancing Customer Engagement with Loyalty Programs

The next big trend in the hospitality industry is the adoption of mobile technologies for convenient and efficient ordering and payment systems, as well as for enhancing customer engagement through loyalty programs and personalized offers. With the widespread use of smartphones and mobile devices, mobile technologies are an excellent way to engage with guests and provide them with personalized experiences. One of the most popular ways that hotels and restaurants are using mobile technologies is through mobile apps. These apps can be used to provide guests with information about the hotel or restaurant, including menus, special offers, and reservations. Additionally, mobile apps can be used to provide guests with a more convenient way to order food and drinks, make payments and even track rewards and loyalty points. 

Another way that mobile technologies are being used in the hospitality industry is through SMS and push notifications. These notifications can be used to send guests information about special offers, promotions and events. For example, a hotel might send a push notification to guests who have previously stayed with them, offering a special rate for their next visit. This can help to increase customer engagement and repeat business. SMS and push notifications can also be used to remind guests of upcoming reservations or send important information such as check-in instructions or confirmation numbers. 

Hotels and restaurants are using mobile technologies to learn more about their customers by tracking guest behavior through loyalty programs and personalized offers, helping them to provide them with personalized offers and promotions. This can help to increase customer engagement and repeat business. 

As mobile technologies continue to evolve, the next big trend in the hospitality industry is the adoption of cloud-based technologies for data storage, management and scalability, as well as for enabling real-time analytics and reporting.

4.  Cloud-Based Technologies: Efficiency and Scalability

Cloud-based technologies have become an essential part of the hospitality industry, providing hotels and restaurants with an easy, cost-effective way to store and manage large amounts of data. One of the key advantages of cloud-based technologies is that they enable real-time analytics and reporting, which can help businesses make data-driven decisions. This is especially important in the hospitality industry, where data on customer behavior, preferences and trends can help businesses to improve their operations and increase revenue. 

Cloud-based technologies are also particularly useful for enabling scalability and flexibility. For example, a hotel or restaurant can use a cloud-based system to store and manage customer data, which can be accessed and updated by employees at any location. This can help to improve customer service and increase efficiency. Additionally, cloud-based technologies can also be used to automate tasks such as inventory management, which can save businesses time and money. 

Another key advantage of cloud-based technologies is that they provide a high level of security and data protection. With a cloud-based system, data is stored in a secure, off-site location, which can help to protect against data breaches and other security threats. Additionally, cloud-based systems are typically updated and maintained by the vendor, which can help to ensure that the system is always up-to-date and secure. 

Cloud-based technologies are a valuable asset that can help hospitality businesses to improve their operations, increase revenue, and provide a better customer experience. Whether it’s data storage, inventory management or real-time analytics, cloud-based technologies can help hotels and restaurants to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing industry.

5.  The Power of Intelligent Automation

Intelligent automation is a powerful tool that can help hospitality businesses to improve efficiency and reduce costs. By automating repetitive tasks such as inventory management, kitchen logistics and even customer service, businesses can free up their staff to focus on more important tasks such as creating a personalized customer experience. Additionally, intelligent automation can help to reduce the risk of human error, which can result in increased productivity and improved customer satisfaction. 

One of the key advantages of intelligent automation in the hospitality industry is that it can directly improve the customer experience. For example, by automating customer service tasks, businesses can provide faster and more accurate responses to customer inquiries. Additionally, by analyzing customer data, intelligent automation can also be used to create personalized offers and promotions, which can help to increase customer engagement and repeat business. 

Intelligent automation can enhance back-of-house operations, as well. For example, by automating inventory management, businesses can verify that they always have the right products on hand, helping reduce waste and improve efficiency. Additionally, by automating kitchen logistics, businesses can make sure that orders are prepared and delivered in a timely manner, which can help to improve customer satisfaction. 

Conclusion, Final Thoughts 

Technology is playing a vital role in shaping the future of the hospitality and food services industry. The top five trends that are expected to dominate the industry in the coming years include: AI and ML for personalizing guest experiences and automating tasks; IoT for creating smart hotels and restaurants; mobile technologies for convenient and efficient ordering and payment systems; cloud-based technologies for data storage, management and scalability; and Intelligent Automation for tasks such as food preparation and delivery, as well as for improving back-of-house operations such as inventory management. By leveraging digital transformation services, businesses in the hospitality and food services industry can effectively implement these trends and take advantage of the many benefits they offer, such as increased efficiency, improved customer satisfaction, and enhanced decision-making capabilities. 

Filed Under: Technology Solutions

Basics on Cryptocurrency

May 10, 2021 by Jason Juliano

Now that we have a cryptocurrency money system. Learn the basics on how to earn money with your Cryptocurrency portfolio and assets. Updated: May 10, 2021

I use all of these tools but my top Cryptocurrency tools to manage my Cryptocurrency are: Gemini, Ledger and Metamask.

1. The Basics on Cryptocurrency:

What is blockchain?

While blockchain appears to be complicated, and it can be, its core concept is actually rather easy. A database, or blockchain, is a form of digital ledger. The way it stores information varies from that of a traditional database; blockchains store data in blocks that are then chained together.

As new data is received, it is entered into a new block. If the block has been filled with data, it is chained onto the previous block, resulting in a chronological chain of data. A blockchain can store a variety of data, but the most popular application so far has been as a transaction ledger.

Cryptocurrency Wallets

Although cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are extremely volatile, they do not appear to be going away anytime soon. Individuals may become interested in owning cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as they continue to exist or even appreciate in value, but it’s critical to understand how to securely store Bitcoin.

Below you will find suggested Cryptocurrency wallets and storage devices.  Some of these wallets offer more functionality than others, such as the ability to store more cryptocurrencies than Bitcoin and enhanced protection. This list is in no specific order, with the exception that hot wallets are listed first. However, this does not imply that hot wallets are better.

Cryptocurrency Transaction fees

To be considered a successful and valid transfer, every cryptocurrency transaction must be added to the blockchain to be an official public ledger of all completed transactions. Miners, which are powerful machines that make up a portion of the network and validate the transactions, are in charge of validating transactions and linking them to the blockchain. Miners invest a lot of computational power and resources in this for a monetary reward: with every block added to the blockchain, a bounty called a block reward is given, as well as all fees sent with the verified and included transactions. To find information on the cheapest Cryptocurrency transaction fees, read this medium posting on “Crypto fee comparison“.

2. Get Started and Basics on Cryptocurrency Tools:

  • Exchange: Gemini and Coinbase
  • DeFi Exchange: 1inch and Matcha
  • Cold Hardware Wallet Ledger X Crypto Starter Pack and Ledger Nano
  • Desktop Wallet: MetaMask
  • Earning interest: Aave (decentralized) or BlockFi (centralized)
  • Borrowing: Aave (decentralized) or BlockFi (centralized)

3. Getting Started on Cryptocurrency Mining:

Cryptocurrency mining is the method of verifying and adding transactions to a blockchain public ledger. In some cryptocurrency ecosystems, such as Litcoin, Bitcoin, and Ethereum, the process of verifying these transactions is known as finding blocks, and it is dependent on the time and computer power of blockchain peer devices. Individuals who work against this end are thereby compensated for their efforts, typically in the form of cryptocurrency tokens.

Cryptocurrency Mining Pool – Prohashing

Filed Under: Technology Solutions Tagged With: cold storage, crypto assets, Ethereum, financial independence

How AI, Automation and Robotics affect Unemployment – UBI?

September 14, 2019 by Jason Juliano

How Artificial Intelligence – AI, Automation and Robotics can affect Unemployment?

Today, technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning may impact the workforce to massive unemployment.  Moving the workforce from physical to automated labor is moving society to the edge of a major disruption. I think this disruption will completely redefine the way businesses compete today. This is going to put a lot of stress on both societies and the economy.  “It is important to realize technology does not have to cause immediate job destruction to create significant future unemployment. The U.S. economy needs to generate more than 100,000 new jobs per month just to keep up with population growth. As a result, anything that significantly slows the rate of ongoing job creation could have a significant impact over the long term.” (Ford).

As technologies continue to accelerate, fewer people may be necessary for the workforce.  The problem is bigger than just automating in manufacturing, it will dramatically reduce positions like underwriters, drivers, farming, fast food, mail services, and many more positions.

New technologies are affecting people’s ability to earn a living.  In an MIT Research Brief, “Race Against the Machine”, Andrew McAfee and Erik Brynjolfsson stated that with the advance in technology computers can do it all.

Will people work if they have economic security? That is a very good question. The research I will go into shows that people in fact do. But the other thing we have to ask ourselves is what constitutes work. Some people will always innovate and produce, and I would help the rest of the people pay for their needs (Brynjolfsson)

How can a UBI Model Help

As we discuss some possible recommendations on improving the rate and quality of organizational innovation and increasing human capital investment to reduce unemployment, we look into providing a basic income to people like Universal basic income. Universal basic income (UBI) is a model that fixed amount given by a government to all citizens regardless of income or work status to pay for the basic necessitates living to include expenses like housing, food, education, and healthcare. The amount given is based on different models and differs from country to country.

Accordingly to Bertrand Russell, a British philosopher stated “that a certain small income, sufficient for necessaries, should be secured to all, whether they work or not, and that a larger income – as much larger as might be warranted by the total amount of commodities produced – should be given to those who are willing to engage in some work which the community recognizes as useful” (Russell). Thus with UBI, no one is poverty-stricken, but everyone has the positive incentive to work with using a UBI model, and with technology continuing to flourish, innovation will broadening and deepening within individuals and society more profound all around the world. Society will refine the worker to allow them to be more innovative and share in the profit of all production. We are free up to do more innovative things for humankind.(Brynjolfsson)

Some critics state that disadvantages and concerns on UBI implementations can require significant fiscal costs, thus requiring a complete restructuring of the taxation, social insurance, and benefits. There may also be some misuse of basic income for drugs and gambling. The biggest issue is that governments may not be capable to secure funding for these UBI payments. In addition, some people say there may be a disincentive to work (International Monetary Fund), however, as Voltaire stated: “Work saves us from three great evils: boredom, vice, and need.” (Winfree) Overall people will have a willingness to work and give back to society.

In the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report, they have found many advantages of UBI, which include a simple welfare system, eliminating leakage, wastage, administrative efficiency, more equal system as all citizens are eligible, reduction in or removal of poverty, potentially boost consumption and growth. Many believe it will result in an explosion in entrepreneurship creativity, research, and development. In addition, many countries are now in pilot programs to see if UBI can be implemented long term.  These countries include Canada, India, Kenya, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Finland.

In the United States, Alaska has had a form of UBI since the 1980s called the permanent fund dividend (PFD).  Since the implementation of this basic income to the Alaskan residents the following research findings have related to the PFD income payment:

•           The poverty rate among native Americans fell from between 1980 and 1990

•           More than 85% of residents state the PFD is used for basic living needs.

•           Only 1% of the residents report that they work less because of the basic income.

•           Increase in purchasing power has resulted in new jobs for the state. (Economic Security Project)

The UBI is meant to improve general living conditions that make it possible for everybody to survive and participate in society. Furthermore, the right to work would change into a right to exist, nobody will be forced to work but feel like they will have the incentive to work and will want to work. People can benefit to continue to use AI and automation for work. If you can’t automate, improve the work environment so people want to work or do the work yourself.

UBI would be a perfect solution for the ongoing automation and the age of AI. But more things would directly benefit from this. It would reduce overall poverty and crime. It will reduce the government’s bureaucracy.  People who are handicapped would get better treatments and not be seen as a burden on society. Productivity would rise on both sides, through automation on one hand, through the passion of people on the other and when the population continues to grow, even the economy will profit because everybody can spend more money.  

Besides these important changes for society as a whole, each person on their own, they can spend more time in what they enjoy in turn will become more productive.  Of course, universal basic income will not solve every problem we need to face in the future. But it’s an important idea we need to understand and improve to create a world worth living for everyone with the age of AI and automation.

Click here to Reach out to me on discussing these topics at your next speaking event.

Works Cited

Barnes, Peter “Capitalism 3.0 – A Guide to Reclaiming the Commons” 2006 Page 18-19

Brynjolfsson, Erik and Andrew McAfee. “Race Against The Machine: How The Digital Revolution Is Accelerating Innovation, Driving Productivity, and Irreversibly Transforming Employment and The Economy”, MIT Center for Digital Business, Research Brief, January 2012

Ford, Martin “Could artificial intelligence create an unemployment crisis?”, Communications of the ACM, July 2013, no 7

Harstad Strategic Research, Economic Security Project, “Alaska PFD Phone Survey: Executive Summary,” June 22, 2017

International Monetary Fund. India Selected Issues; IMF Country Report No. 17/55; February 2017

Russell, Bertrand “Roads to Freedom” Socialism, Anarchism and Syndicalism, London: Unwin Books 1918 pages 119-12

Winfree, Paul “A Universal Basic Income Is Anti-Work” dailysignal.com Voltaire quote February 26, 2016 October 17, 2017

Filed Under: Community

How to get more Instagram Followers – Social Media

August 17, 2016 by Jason Juliano

How to get more Instagram Followers – Social Media

A site like Buzzoid charges as little as $3 per every 100 followers, and Hypezcharges $30 for 2,500. These sites generally offer bot followers who lack engagement—something most bloggers shy away from.

Instead, many turn to more advanced services, like Buy Instagram Followers, which operates active Instagram accounts that interact with its paying customers. Its packages range from $90 for 1,000 followers to $1,350 for 15,000 followers, a small price to pay for what bloggers believe it can do for them. The business, based in the U.S. and India, has been maintaining fake but active Instagram accounts for the past two years, gaining about 10 new clients a week, one employee told Racked over email.

As your follower base increases and your business gains more recognition it rapidly enhance your product sales. Even though your business is new to the Instagram community you can still start out strong and grow rapidly

From our Friends from IG Reviews:

How to get Instagram Followers for Free

Instagram-GuideWhether you’re using Instagram for personal, professional, or business purposes, attracting a bigger audience is something that we all strive to accomplish. Greater reach translates not only to greater brand visibility, but it also provides social proof that our account—and by association, our business—is worth following.

But how do you attract more followers to your Instagram account? Well, there are online services that can help you get an initial boost if you’re just starting out. Check out the reviews before you buy Instagram followers, because while some providers are solid, reputable companies, others are little more than scams that you need to avoid.

If you’re not ready to buy or have already bought followers, then here are some things that you can do for free that will gain you more followers. It’s slower, yes, but you’ll also acquire a more targeted following if you spend the time and energy to do the “hands-on” approach.

Show your best stuff

originalIn general, Instagrammers are a bit more “snobbish” than Twitter users. On Twitter, people might only glance at your profile photo and your bio before clicking on the “Follow” button or retweeting you. On Instagram, folks want to see that you have interesting, high-quality photos before adding you to their coveted feed.

So that’s your first task in gaining more followers: post at least 10 to 20 eye-catching photos before you begin your follower acquisition campaign. Your most recent images will appear at the top of your feed, so these will be the ones that people see when they look at your profile. Make sure that they look great and they represent who you are.

We won’t go into what to post or how to use Instagram in detail here, but check out our Guide to Using Instagram for some tips on how you can make your account and photos stand out on Instagram.

Start with people that you already know

It stands to reason that your friends and acquaintances will want to follow your new Instagram account, and that’s a great place to begin. But to search for all of them individually could be daunting task.

Friends

Instagram has a helpful feature to get you started. In the upper right-hand corner of your profile page, there’s a little “gear” icon that represents your settings. If you click on that you’ll see a menu list, and the first item is “Find People to Follow.”

When you click on that, you’re taken to a page that allows you to import the contacts from your smartphone, as well as your Facebook friends. This is not there by accident; Facebook owns Instagram, so the two applications are well integrated.

The “Connected to Facebook” link tells you how many of your Facebook friends have Instagram accounts, and when you click on it, you’ll see the list of exactly who they are. You can select them individually, or choose the option to “Follow All.”

Below the links for connecting to your Contacts and Facebook Friends you’ll see a list called, “Suggested For You.” It’s worth going through this and following as many of these profiles that you find appealing. The Instagram algorithm has done some of the work for you and chosen profiles that align to your tastes according to the profiles that you already follow.

Follow Relevant Users

Like Twitter, if you follow someone on Instagram, there’s a fair chance that they might follow you back, even if you’re not already connected in some other way. Beyond the methods mentioned in the previous section, you can find relevant people to connect with by several other ways.

One way is to search for hashtags that may be associated with your target audience. You will be shown a random selection of popular photos that have used that hashtag recently. Open an image that appeals to you, and you’ll have the option to follow that person (click the “follow” button in the upper right-hand corner) or double click the image to “like” it.

Another way is to use the Explore feature to find trending photos to “like” and popular profiles to follow. These people and pictures arrive here via a complex formula that pushes them into the spotlight. The chances are, they are active Instagrammers and probably worth following, although they may or may not be in your target demographic.

Follow the Followers of Influencers in your Industry

Since these people already have a targeted list of followers, it makes sense for you to connect with these same users. To do this, go to an influencer’s Instagram page, and check their “followers” tab. Scroll through it, and notice that you don’t get much information here; only their handle, a profile picture, and if you’re lucky, their actual name. So to do this right, you should click on each profile individually to see if that person is worth following. If they appear to be relatively active, go ahead and follow them.

Do this for as many people as you like—the more, the better for now. And in fact, you should repeat these steps for several days, with the goal to get about 25-50 new followers every day until you reach the number that you’d like.

Clean it up!

After you’ve done all of these steps for a few weeks, it might be time to use one of the popular programs such as JustUnfollow (website and mobile app) to evaluate your results and eliminate inactive accounts or those that didn’t follow you back. Be fairly aggressive with this, because it’s to your advantage to (eventually) have more followers than profile that you’re following. The free version of this gives you a maximum of 25 follows and 100 unfollows per day, but for $9.99/month you can (un)follow an unlimited number, up to the limits of Instagram’s terms of service.

Speaking of which, Instagram has placed limits on the number of profiles that you can follow, although the limits are high enough that they hardly enter into the equation. In early 2013, Instagram changed the platform limits to prevent spam. All Instagram accounts are now limited to following 7,500 other users. Furthermore, while not officially published, most agree that Instagram “only” allows you to follow (or unfollow) 160 people per hour.

Applications and “Free” Followers Services

Although there are applications and websites that boast the ability to give you thousands of free followers, most are used for spamming—or worse, spreading viruses and malware or stealing your personal information. The best way to get free Instagram followers is to become active daily on Instagram, and utilize the advice given in this guide. Don’t EVER give out your personal information such as address, date of birth, or social security number to any of these companies. The reputable ones won’t ask you for anything more than your name and email address.

More Tips

Ø Keep posting new and interesting photos! This might be the most important rule of all.

Ø “Like” and comment on other people’s photos often, as this will eventually gain their attention.

Ø Respond to other people’s comments on your photos. It’s good Instagram “etiquette.”

Ø Time your posts. If you want people to see your photos, you need to post them at the right time. Some say that he best time to post on Instagram is during the morning and after work. Instagram photos last around four hours in a person’s feed, so if you post in the middle of the night, many of your followers may never actually see the images.

Ø Space your posts out over the course of a day. Five images posted at the same time does not have the same reach as five images spaced out over the course of the day.

Ø Try setting your account to “private.” Some people feel that a private account appears more “exclusive,” and will attract more people who are curious to look at your photos.

Ø As your account grows, don’t hesitate to unfollow accounts that appear to be inactive, uninteresting, or aren’t following you. Remember, you want to eventually get to the point where you have more followers than you are following.

Conclusions

Statistics show that Instagram is the fastest growing social media platform today. Therefore the potential to grow your audience is huge, and the longer you wait, the further behind the curve you’ll be. For your business to keep pace, you need to boost your followers as quickly as possible.

Start by focusing on quality images. Without this element, everything else will be an uphill struggle.

Next, get active with your account by following other influencers in your field, and commenting on their photos. Reach out to anybody who might be a potential client, customer, or collaborator. Be social!

Actively manage your account by reviewing your followers and cleaning things up once in a while with applications such as JustUnfollow.

And then finally, to really get your new Instagram account off the ground, considering kick-starting your Instagram reach by buying some followers. If you work with a reputable company, it’s a fast and safe way to get your business noticed.

We’ve only just begun to see the power of this increasingly important marketing force. Capture that power in a photo and put it to work for you!

Filed Under: Entrepreneurship

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