Leading engagement platform announces release of SMS & MMS Sequences to its automation suite of features.

TextUs, the leading messaging engagement platform has announced the release of Sequences, allowing users to automate touch points to nurture leads and candidates at scale.  Sequences has been intentionally designed to help users increase candidate and buyer engagement and build pipeline faster.

SMS has become a primary communication channel for recruiters, sellers and marketers.  As such, TextUs has evolved its platform to meet the unique needs of their users, allowing them to better utilize text messaging to connect with candidates, prospects, customers and more.  The release of Sequences allows users to automate outreach to their target contacts, saving valuable time and ensuring they can maintain high levels of engagement throughout the candidate and buyer lifecycles.  As manual 1:1 conversations become more difficult at scale, automated sequences ensure that valuable touch points are present throughout the entire journey.

Key features of Sequences include:

• Build Automated Sequences. Build custom sequences that deliver a series of messages to contacts. 
• Tailor Messages to Each Contact. Messages can be automatically tailored to each contact, delivering a personal touch at scale. 
• Easily Manage Contact Enrollments. Easily enroll contacts into a sequence, monitor enrollment status, and have contacts auto-unenrolled when they respond to stay in full control of the candidate or buyer journey.
• Track and Compare Performance. View metrics such as response rates and link clicks to gauge highest performing sequences. 

As SMS has become the communication tool of choice for many businesses, TextUs has seen adoption of the medium expand.  In TextUs’ latest State of Texting report, they found text messaging to be the leading communication channel among those surveyed, outpacing email and phone by large margins.  Over 50% indicated text messaging was the most effective way to communicate in their business workflows.  Additionally, 62% of users indicate they are using text messaging multiple times per day.

SMS sequences can be utilized in a variety of ways.  Recruiters and talent acquisition professionals can use sequences to drive candidate sourcing and outreach, set reminders and follow-ups, improve onboarding, re-engage dormant candidates or simply check-in with new hires.  Sales and marketing teams find great benefit in leveraging automation for prospect and lead nurturing, general sales outreach, re-engaging dormant leads or closed lost opportunities and fueling pipeline building activities.

“We are thrilled to introduce Sequences as part of our commitment to expanding our premium automation offerings,” notes Megan Dumas, Product Marketing Manager at TextUs.   “Our customers face a multitude of challenges in today's competitive economy, where teams are constantly seeking ways to do more with limited resources. This new feature will empower them to focus on strategic initiatives while leaving repetitive tasks to automation,” she adds.  “Sequences will help scale their outreach with ease, and that’s a huge win for gaining efficiency.”

Visionary AI Technologist Who Led the Development of Seekr's First-to-Market, Fully Automated AI-Driven Rating System for Digital Content, Will Serve Dual Roles – President and CTO

Seekr, a revolutionary artificial intelligence company specializing in transparent content evaluation, announced today that Rob Clark has been appointed to President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Seekr Technologies Inc. Clark, who is the driving force behind the development and deployment of the companies responsible and ethical AI systems, will lead the company's communications, marketing, product development, sales, and revenue operations in his new role.

"It's a tremendous honor to lead a talented team of professionals that is united around a shared purpose. We've shown that when AI is applied responsibly, it can have a transformative positive impact as this technology continues to develop and advance," said Rob Clark. "I look forward to building on this success through continued innovation, including the development of groundbreaking large language models (LLMs) that can help solve some of the most vexing social and business challenges at scale, and with incredible speed and accuracy."

Rob has over 20 years of experience in software engineering, product management, operations, and the development of leading-edge artificial intelligence and web-scale technologies. Before joining Seekr, he led several artificial intelligence and search solutions for some of the world's largest telecommunications, publishing, and e-commerce companies.

In his previous role as Seekr's Chief Engineering Officer, Mr. Clark spearheaded development of Seekr's centerpiece technology: an independent search engine powered by proprietary AI that employs natural language processing (NLP) to evaluate news in context for reliability. Additionally, he led the company's efforts to create Seekr's Civility Score, a novel brand suitability metric that provides media advertising agencies and brands with unprecedented clarity and access into the rapidly growing podcast marketplace.

"Rob's unique combination of vision and leadership skills has been instrumental in Seekr's success, enabling the company to be first-to-market with a groundbreaking, fully automated AI-driven rating system for digital content," said Pat Condo, CEO and Founder of Seekr Technologies. "Rob has earned the trust of our team, our investors, and a growing list of strategic partners and customers. The board and I are confident that Rob is the right person to lead Seekr into the future."

SPYR, a diversified technology company developing products leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) for consumer use and large-scale applications and industries, is pleased to announce the continued development of its revolutionary GeoTraq Micro-Tracker™ Modem. GeoTraq, a leading provider of cutting-edge tracking solutions and wholly owned subsidiary of SPYR, is excited to announce the launch of its revolutionary location tracking technology, setting a new benchmark in asset tracking and surpassing traditional methods. This ground-breaking solution empowers businesses with unmatched precision and global connectivity, revolutionizing how assets are monitored and managed across various industries.

GeoTraq's location tracking technology leverages the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced cellular networks to provide real-time, precise, and reliable location data for a diverse range of assets, from vehicles and equipment to merchandise and more. By offering a seamless global connectivity experience, GeoTraq eliminates the limitations that have hampered traditional tracking solutions.

Key advantages of GeoTraq's location tracking technology over traditional tracking methods include:

Unparalleled Precision: GeoTraq's technology delivers real-time, pinpoint location data with unprecedented accuracy. Traditional tracking methods often struggle with accuracy, leading to imprecise asset location information.

Global Connectivity: GeoTraq operates seamlessly on cellular networks worldwide, offering comprehensive coverage even in remote areas. In contrast, some traditional tracking methods rely on limited-range technologies, hindering asset monitoring in certain regions.

Real-Time Insights: With GeoTraq, businesses can access up-to-date location information instantly, enabling informed decision-making and timely responses. Many traditional tracking methods have delayed reporting, impeding proactive asset management.

Easy Integration: GeoTraq's compact and lightweight trackers are designed for easy installation and seamless integration into existing systems, minimizing disruption and installation costs. Some traditional tracking solutions may require extensive setup and configuration.

Extended Battery Life: GeoTraq's trackers feature optimized power management, ensuring prolonged battery life for continuous asset tracking without frequent recharging. In contrast, certain traditional tracking technologies may drain batteries quickly, necessitating frequent replacements.

Tim Matula, CEO of GeoTraq, stated, "Our location tracking technology represents a significant leap forward in asset tracking capabilities. GeoTraq is committed to providing businesses with a powerful solution that surpasses the limitations of traditional tracking methods. By empowering organizations to monitor their assets with precision and ease, we enable them to optimize operations, streamline processes, and enhance customer experiences."

GeoTraq's revolutionary location tracking technology is poised to transform industries such as logistics, transportation, supply chain management, healthcare, and asset management. From optimizing delivery routes to ensuring efficient inventory management, businesses can leverage GeoTraq's solution to unlock new growth opportunities and gain a competitive edge in the evolving market.

ClipStock, the premier destination for high-quality stock media, is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in its growth, with over one thousand new subscribers joining the platform in a single month this past June 2023. This remarkable achievement highlights ClipStock's continuous commitment to providing a diverse and extensive collection of media assets to creative professionals around the world.

As the demand for compelling visual content continues to surge across various industries, ClipStock has remained at the forefront of innovation, consistently expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its user base. In 2023 alone, the stock media library has added tens of thousands of new pieces of media, ranging from stunning videos to exclusive music tracks, graphics, and a wide array of other media types.

"At ClipStock, our mission has always been to empower creators with the tools they need to bring their visions to life at an affordable price," said ClipStock representative Tim Visser. "We are thrilled to see such significant growth in our subscriber base and the continued trust that creative professionals place in our platform."

ClipStock's commitment to excellence is demonstrated through its meticulous curation process, ensuring that only the highest-quality content makes it into the library. With an ever-growing collection, subscribers gain access to a vast range of media assets that can be seamlessly incorporated into their projects, saving valuable time and effort.

Whether it's a marketing campaign, video production, website design, or any other creative endeavor, ClipStock offers a comprehensive selection of media assets to suit various needs and preferences. With its extensive library of videos, subscribers can find captivating footage that perfectly matches their vision. Furthermore, exclusive music tracks add depth and emotion to any project, while the graphics and other media assets provide limitless possibilities for creative expression.

Subscribers to ClipStock not only gain access to an unparalleled exclusive collection of media but also enjoy the benefits of a user-friendly platform. The intuitive search and filtering tools enable users to quickly find the perfect media asset for their projects, streamlining the creative process. Additionally, ClipStock's licensing options offer flexibility and peace of mind, ensuring that creators can confidently use the content in accordance with their specific requirements.

As ClipStock continues to experience exponential growth, the platform remains dedicated to further enhancing its offerings, expanding its collection, and providing cutting-edge features to meet the demands of its growing community.

Key Takeaways

• For the first time since June 2021, talent is no longer the biggest challenge CEOs face today with geopolitics, the economy and uncertainty rising to the top of their list.
• Fifty-three percent of CEOs expect a recession in the second half of 2023 or 2024. Fourteen percent believe their country is currently in a recession; 32% do not believe their country will have a recession.
• CEOs continue to invest in technology as they adapt to an ever-changing environment while managing a variety of implementation challenges.
• Over half of CEOs surveyed are evaluating or experimenting with Generative AI while another 37% are at limited production use or pervasive adoption.

Why it matters to CEOs
The "Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey" series tracks the perspectives and actions of CEOs from some the world's largest and most influential companies. The survey gives key insights into CEOs' priorities, challenges and expectations across more than 19 industries, including technology, finance and health care.

Overview
Despite geopolitical disruption and looming economic concerns, CEOs remain focused on navigating through uncertainty. While the challenges are many, today's CEOs demonstrate incredible resilience through their ability to navigate external factors and continue to explore and invest in emerging technologies.

Talent no longer tops CEO challenges
For the first time since June 2021, talent is no longer the biggest challenge CEOs face today. Rising to the top of the list, CEOs cited geopolitics, the economy and uncertainty as their top challenges. Of the CEOs surveyed, 57% indicated geopolitical instability, and 57% stated inflation as the top external factors expected to influence or disrupt their business strategy within the next 12 months, while labor/skills shortage as a disruptor was down to 36% from 38% in the February 2023 survey. While inflation remains a top concern for CEOs, 63% of respondents indicated they feel confident or very confident in their companies' ability to navigate issues related to inflation.

Anticipation of recession 
Fifty-three percent of CEOs indicated that they expect a recession in the second half of 2023 or 2024. Of note, 14% of CEOs believe their country is currently in a recession, while 32% are not anticipating a recession in their country. Despite concerns around a recession, most CEOs (89%) still expect some degree of growth for their organization over the next year — highlighting the continued resilience and cautious optimism CEOs have demonstrated for the past few years. When considering economic indicators, CEOs predict only mild fluctuations from current levels with inflation decreasing slightly and the Fed Funds interest rate, S&P 500 and unemployment rates increasing slightly.

Key quotes
"While CEOs are split around their predictions for a recession, the majority are confident they can sustain some level of growth for their organization. Despite a variety of increasingly complex challenges, from geopolitical uncertainty to economic volatility, CEOs are focused on capturing opportunities of emerging technologies while maintaining a cautious approach and managing risk."
— Jason Girzadas, Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte US

"Recession fears continue to recede for CEOs, with a third of them no longer anticipating a downturn. But inflation fears remain high, as does concern about the geopolitical environment. And more than half of CEOs have begun evaluating and experimenting with Generative AI." — Alan Murray, Chief Executive Officer, Fortune

Emerging technology 
CEOs continue to explore and invest in emerging technologies while staying the course with business strategy as they manage implementation challenges from workforce skills to applicable use cases and technology maturity. In fact, 83% of CEOs stated they are likely to align workforce skills and training in light of rapid technology changes. Further, given the impact of emerging technology on how work is performed, over the next six months, 52% of CEOs stated that they are likely to change expectations for where work is performed (e.g., on-site, hybrid, remote), while nearly 50% of CEOs indicated that they are likely to consider pausing or adjusting hiring.

Generative AI 
Still early in its adoption, Generative AI is creating a wave of disruption. Over half of CEOs surveyed (55%) are evaluating or experimenting with Generative AI. Seventy-nine percent of CEOs believe Generative AI will increase efficiencies, and half of CEOs surveyed (52%) believe it will increase growth opportunities. Finally, over a third (37%) are currently implementing Generative AI to some degree.

Survey methodology
Fielded between June 6-13, 2023, 143 CEOs representing more than 19 industries shared their perspectives, expectations, thoughts and priorities for the next 12 months. Those leaders surveyed include Fortune 500 CEOs, Global 500 CEOs, and select CEOs in the global Fortune community.

Marin Software now supports Pinterest on ad optimization platform

Marin Software, a leading provider of digital marketing software for performance-driven advertisers and agencies, today announced the ability to manage Pinterest ad campaigns through its flagship MarinOne platform. The new integration with Pinterest’s Marketing API gives advertisers better insights and helps them improve the performance of their Pinterest campaigns through machine learning and automation.

MarinOne unifies leading AI bidding, budget pacing, forecasting, performance insights, and recommendations to help advertisers maximize the reach and impact of their Pinterest marketing investment. Advanced analytical grids provide flexible, intelligent reporting within and across Pinterest campaigns in the context of the entire paid media ecosystem–including social, search, display, and e-commerce platforms–for a comprehensive analysis of performance in one place.

With 463 million monthly active users, Pinterest provides brands the opportunity to reach engaged audiences with immersive content that inspires action.

Marin has been helping advertisers advance their digital advertising campaigns for almost 15 years and has managed almost $50 billion in advertising spend across paid search, social, e-commerce, display, and app advertising.

“We look forward to providing our customers an avenue to integrate our powerful reporting, advanced bidding, and campaign management tools to achieve the best performance on the Pinterest platform.” said Chris Lien, Marin’s Chairman and CEO.

Advertisers can optimize their Pinterest campaigns alongside other paid social campaigns–with additional paid search, e-commerce, display, and app campaigns to help drive awareness and generate demand. With MarinOne, marketers can now unify their efforts across channels to ensure they are working more seamlessly and efficiently throughout the customer journey.