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How secure are you feeling these days?

I'm not talking politically secure (although the button boasting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un is troubling) but the security of your computers. Three billion computers and devices have the Spectre security hole, which could let hackers access password, encryption keys, and other information.

We're becoming so dependent on computers to operate personally and professional that it's hard not to feel vulnerable. Maybe the senior citizens who pull out envelopes of cash to pay for groceries at the store near my house have the right idea by staying off the grid.

It does make you realize there is a fierce cyberwar being waged. Here is hoping the forces of good can get the bandits from taking over the digital highway.

Thanks for reading, especially the flurry of new subscribers that popped up over the holidays.

Running the Business
  • Neil Patel looks into his crystal ball for the top-nine marketing predictions for 2018. Topping the list: live video streaming, AI, and micro-influencers.  [link]
  • In an ADD world, good design matters. Fast Company's Suzanne Labarre looks at 10 new principles of good design. [link] 
  • Want to keep your startup employees? Provide them with great benefits. [sponsor]
  • First Round reviewed its blog posts from last year to extract the 30 best pieces of advice from entrepreneurs.  [link]
  • When the banks say "no", where do pot entrepreneurs go for capital in the U.S.? The New York Times looks at the options. [link]
  • Many startups ignore storytelling because they're focused on customer acquisition. Here's the thing: good stories attract customers. [link]
  • If you're a small and fast-growing company, how do you compete against giants? Steve Sinofsky provides some in-depth advice. [link]
  • Hugh Milotsi says a big mistake by entrepreneurs is falling in love with solutions rather than problems. A better approach is focusing on the problem you're looking to solve. [link]
  • HubSpot's Niko Nelissen looks at everything that marketers need to know about deep learning. [link]
  • Tomasz Tunguz has seven predictions for SaaS in 2018. [link]
  • If you're into brand storytelling, I talked about it extensively on Mitch Joel's Six Pixels of Separation podcast recently. [link].

Oh Canada!
Jim Orlando published his annual predictions for the Canadian VC market. While the tech sector will continue to thrive, overall VC investment will decline. [link]
Rubikloud (an ex-client) raised US$37-million in a deal led by Intel Capital. Rubikloud provides AI-powered intelligence software to e-commerce companies. [link]
Tyler Hamilton says Canada's CleanTech industry will have a break-out year in 2018. A new study ranks it four in the world behind three Scanadavian countries. [link]
Rohan Mahiker says Canada needs to take a different approach to make sure it has enough tech talent to drive economic growth. He says it starts by educating children.  [link]

Brand Reboot
Does your marketing need a jump-start? The Brand Reboot course shows you how to do customer discovery, identify and showcase your key benefits and differences, and stand out from the competition. Get 14 videos and a learn-as-you-go workbook for $99.

Sponsors
Your startup employees should have benefits. IPFS helps you make that happen. [sponsor]
Want to reach entrepreneurs and investors? Send me an email to talk about advertising and sponsorship options.

Who writes this newsletter?
I make marketing work for fast-growing companies (and companies looking to grow faster) by delivering strategic guidance and tactical execution. I recently launched two coaching packages for entrepreneurs looking for strategic and tactical guidance with their marketing.

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ME Consulting · 109 Melville Avenue · Toronto, On M6G 1Y3 · Canada