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The influence of social networks on mental health and productivity

At all times, we take a look at Instagram to see what our friends are doing. A quick read of a text about politics on Facebook, a like on a new dance on TikTok. On WhatsApp, friends send funny stickers, while corporate groups discuss activities and meetings. This happens before, during, and after work.Attention: your mental health is being affected by so many stimuli, which can harm your professional performance.

Brazil is the 3rd country that uses social media the most in the world, with an average of 3 hours and 42 minutes per day. Considering all countries, Brazil ranks only behind the Philippines and Colombia, which spend an average of 4 hours and 15 minutes and 3 hours and 45 minutes, respectively. These data were revealed by a study released by the platformCupomValido.com.br, which compiled information from Hootsuite and WeAreSocial about global social media usage.We are also above the average in the percentage of the population that uses social media: 70% of Brazilians, which represents more than 150 million users. Globally, more than 4 billion people, or 53.6% of the population, use social media.

The importance of social networks today for entertainment, communication, and work is undeniable. Your impact on the individual's mental health is also clear and has been increasingly studied. A study conducted by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) in the United Kingdom, in partnership with the Youth Health Movement, pointed out that the most used social networks cause positive or harmful effects on human health, depending on how they are used. Furthermore, they are described as more addictive than cigarettes and alcohol.

This new universe of communication can affect professional performance in various ways. Firstly, causing a lack of focus and concentration. The addiction to staying connected to multiple networks at the same time already has a name: FOMO, the acronym for the English phrase "fear of missing out," which in Portuguese means something like "fear of being left out." Like any addiction, the constant need to know what's happening on social media distracts from concentration and focus on work, hampers reasoning, and reduces productivity, which can lead to delays in deadlines and distractions that even pose safety risks, such as using a cell phone while driving.

Thus, it is certain that another effect of the abusive use of social networks is anxiety. The impression that others' lives are more interesting, complete, colorful, and important than your own, and the speed at which images and texts follow one another, give a sense of helplessness — while a successful post can cause instant euphoria. There are many ups and downs at the touch of a cell phone.

The excess of negative news and unpleasant comments are constant stimuli that affect mood and the sense of security. At the same time, social media exert pressure for optimism, success, consumerism, and an impossible perfection to achieve. This inconsistency is a definite trigger for cases of depression.

Photo sharing apps are especially harmful to self-image, creating a false reality of a perfect life through edits of the best moments of ordinary lives.Instagram itself, knowing that 70% of young people revealed that the app made them feel worse about their self-image — a number that rises to 90% among women — changed the way it displays the number of likes in 2022.

Intellectual and professional losses are not limited to distractionAll this load of frustrations, desires, anger, and fear comes to the surface in daily life and can be taken out on colleagues, friends, or family. The avid social media user does not rest the mind and becomes an anxious person. It is essential for companies to be attentive to this scenario and promote this dialogue in the workplace, creating safe spaces for employees to share their experiences and seek help when necessary. Furthermore, organizations need to establish a protocol for cell phone use during work in a healthy manner, benefiting everyone without causing workers to lose focus or feel uncomfortable and repressed. Leaders and managers can act as facilitators in this process, identifying areas of concern that require adjustments, such as the excessive use of WhatsApp work groups.

We have prepared some tips that can help leaders and teams develop a healthier relationship with social media, thus protecting their emotional health:

  • Make a self-criticism about your presence on social media. If you think it's harming your productivity, do a detox: disable your phone notifications, choose only one social network to check during the day, and do so during break times.
  • Stay focused and put your phone aside during conversations, meetings, and other interactions. Look into the eyes of the person speaking, write down their instructions by hand, listen carefully.
  • Find out about the social media usage policies at your workplace. You may be risking even your job termination. Do not exceed these limits.
  • If your company requires the use of networks like WhatsApp, discuss with your team about limits, such as the need for conversations outside of working hours.
  • Avoid responding to conversations that are not work-related.
  • Do not use your corporate email to receive social media notifications.
  • Practice physical activities. Endorphins can bring as much pleasure as a like!
  • Seek out meditation and mindfulness practices.
  • Try to spend some time with yourself without needing to know what's going on with others: read a book, watch a show, listen to music.
  • Rest deeply: disconnect from electronic devices at least one hour before sleeping. Establish a sleep routine that promotes tranquility: drink tea, read a book, take a relaxing bath.

Disconnecting from social media is also self-care; it's taking care of your mental health. When you disconnect for a few minutes, you can start to see a universe of possibilities around you. Over time, you may find a balance for a life with more well-being and harmony.

Only 56% of Brazilian companies survive for more than 2 years, reveals Asaas survey

A recent survey by Asaas reveals that more than half of Brazilian companies fail to surpass two years, with Individual Microentrepreneurs (MEIs) facing the greatest challenges: 79% shut down their activities within this period. The research, based on the Business Map and Federal Revenue data, shows that only 56% of limited companies survive between 12 and 34 months in Brazil.

The analysis conducted by the fintech was based on the Business Map published by the Federal Government in the last quarter of 2023 and data from the Federal Revenue regarding the opening and closing of companies, from the first registered in Brazil (CNPJ 0001) to the most recent. The methodology used by Asaas allowed the identification of survival patterns, performance by size, region, and sector.

Among the data collected in 2023, individual microentrepreneurs (MEIs) were the most vulnerable category, with 79% closing their activities, while microenterprises accounted for 18% of closures. The Southeast region accounted for 50% of bankruptcies, followed by the South (19%) and Northeast (17%).

Piero Contezini, co-founder and president of Asaas, emphasizes that high interest rates have contributed to this challenging scenario for SMEs. "With the high Selic rate, access to credit becomes a challenge, especially for micro-entrepreneurs. This affects not only consumption but also increases the bankruptcy rate," he explains.

As the economic landscape becomes more challenging, it is crucial for companies to adopt innovative technologies. The analysis conducted by Asaas also identified that, in the same period analyzed, the survival rate of companies that used the fintech's financial management solutions, between 12 and 34 months, reached 78%.

“Implementing financial management solutions, such as automation, is a path worth exploring. Automation helps reduce errors and allows managers to focus even more on business planning and strategy. Before automation, an employee spent around 18 days per month on the collections process. Today, this time can be reduced to just 5 minutes per day,” he adds.

With 14 years of history, Asaas is one of the main fintechs in Brazil, accumulating more than 2.3 million accounts created and growth of over 100% per year in the last five years.

Event addresses how AI can transform the corporate environment

triggo.ai, a technology company focused on Data Products and Artificial Intelligence, will hold a free event on October 29th about the application of GenAI (Generative Artificial Intelligence) in the corporate environment. The event will be an opportunity to learn how this technology can drive innovation and efficiency in companies, with experts discussing practical cases and trends.

It will take place at Inovabra, and spots are limited, so prior registration is required to secure participation. Focusing on leaders and executives interested in digital transformation, as well as delving into how GenAI can revolutionize operational and strategic processes, it is an opportunity for networking among industry professionals.

Registration can be done through the link:

https://www.sympla.com.br/evento/genai-para-empresas-inovacao-eficiencia-e-crescimento/2651464 

Service:

Data: 29 de outubro de 2024 

Hours: 9am to 12pm

Local: Inovabra – Auditório, 10º andar. Avenue. Angélica, 2529, Bela Vista, São Paulo – SP

Brazil at the center of global e-commerce transformations in 2024

In 2024, Brazil stood out in the global e-commerce scene, recording a 16% growth in online sales, surpassing traditionally strong markets such as North America (12%) and Western Europe (10%), according to a report by Atlantic. This advance reveals much more than numbers: it reflects a movement of adaptation and innovation that redefines the Brazilian market and showcases its potential in such a competitive sector. But what is behind this growth and what are the challenges and opportunities that arise?

Although the data is a reason for celebration, there are nuances that deserve attention. This is because the rapid growth of e-commerce in Brazil is not only the result of an expanding market but also of a scenario that balances technological advances and structural challenges. Physical retail, for example, recorded a 3.3% decrease in revenue in September, adjusted for inflation, compared to the same month in 2023, according to the Cielo Expanded Retail Index (ICVA). In other words, on one hand we have progress, but on the other hand we observe a biased decline, after all, this was the seventh consecutive month without growth in the sector. In contrast, Brazilian e-commerce demonstrated resilience, with a 0.9% growth in September.

When addressing these numbers, we also need to mention that this is a market that is constantly changing, precisely because the digital consumer is increasingly present in the purchasing journey. The profile of the Brazilian customer has also evolved. If online shopping before was driven by convenience and necessity, now it is guided by higher expectations in terms of experience.

Consumers expect a shopping journey that combines agility, personalization, and trust, requiring brands to make greater adaptations. In Brazil, where regional demands are as varied as the geographical extent, meeting these expectations can become a litmus test for companies aiming to maintain competitiveness and quality.

At the same time, the convergence between the physical and digital worlds is a fact. It is in this context that we need to conduct a thorough analysis, as the Phygital is also evolving the consumer's purchasing journey, which can even be completed digitally, but has part of it at the point of sale, directly influencing the customer's experience and the product acquisition process.

Furthermore, the country's socioeconomic diversity presents an interesting paradox: while there is an active market for innovations, there is also a significant gap in access to technological infrastructure in some regions. This reinforces the importance of investing in solutions that make e-commerce more inclusive, such as diversified payment methods and logistics strategies adapted to different urban and rural contexts.

Therefore, the growth of e-commerce in Brazil should not be seen only as a positive economic indicator, but as an opportunity for the country to take on a more influential role in digital commerce. Unlike more mature markets, where innovation is often limited to optimizations, Brazil offers a fertile ground for the creation of disruptive solutions.

However, to realize this potential, market players, including technology companies, retailers, and startups, must play an active role in strengthening a collaborative ecosystem. This involves everything from the development of new automation and artificial intelligence technologies to training professionals to handle the specificities of the local e-commerce. From the moment Brazil positions itself not only as a consumer market but as an innovator in the sector, it can redefine its relevance in the digital sales landscape.

In this way, the growth of e-commerce in Brazil this year is an indication that there is fertile ground for innovation in the country's digital market. However, the challenge now is to turn this moment into a development cycle that benefits both brands and consumers. More than numbers, what is at stake is the country's ability to reinvent itself and assert itself as a leader in a constantly changing landscape. And this trajectory depends not only on maintaining the growth rate but also on building the foundations for an even more robust digital future.

What are the most common e-commerce frauds and how can players avoid them?

In Brazil, e-commerce is already part of citizens' daily lives, being one of the favorite ways to shop. Just to have a basis, recent data from the BigDataCorp survey shows that the number of sites dedicated to online purchases has increased by more than 45% since 2014, totaling 20 million pages. Furthermore, a survey by the Brazilian Association of Electronic Commerce (ABComm) indicates that the total sales of the segment reached over R$ 44 million in the first quarter of this year.

However, as in any successful sector, attention is necessary. This is because criminals take advantage of this popularity to try to deceive both companies and consumers, thereby making easy money. Data from Juniper Research confirms that by 2027, losses from online payment fraud could reach up to $343 billion globally. Regarding Brazil, a study by ClearSale indicated that in the past year, the value of scam attempts reached R$ 3.5 billion.

Although consumers are also harmed by fraud, the retailer is usually the one who takes the fall, since in most cases they are the ones who end up without the product and still have to perform cashback for customers who were victims on their platform. In this way, at the informational level, below are the four most common scams in e-commerce and how companies can prevent them.

car fraud

In this type of scam, the criminal makes a purchase normally through the e-commerce platform. However, after the product's arrival, he files a complaint claiming that the merchandise was not delivered. Thus, it receives a refund from the retailer even having the item in hand, causing double loss to the online store.

Identity theft

Using stolen information such as credit card numbers and CPF, scammers make various purchases on the online store, often exceeding the poor victim's bank limit. When the scam is discovered, the problem becomes the retailer's, who not only loses the merchandise but also has to reimburse the consumer whose information was used without authorization.

Interception strike

Using a stolen card, the criminals make a purchase on the e-commerce and register the victim's address. However, once the order has been completed, the criminals contact the e-commerce platform and claim to have "mistaken the location," requesting the delivery to be made to another address.

Card Test

In possession of a stolen card, the criminals start by making small purchases to check if the e-commerce's anti-fraud system detects them. If they go unnoticed, they start making increasingly larger acquisitions, leaving a financial hole for the victim.

To prevent these types of scams, a technology has proven to be very effective: Artificial Intelligence. Data from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) indicate that, worldwide, 18% of professionals in the fraud prevention sector already use AI and Machine Learning in their work. Furthermore, a study by Nvidia showed that 78% of professionals in the financial sectors have also used AI to address challenges related to fraud.

This happens because, by using AI combined with data analysis, it is possible to identify individuals more prone to fraudulent actions, as the technology performs a comprehensive analysis of all that person's virtual traces, including online behavior. In this way, it is possible to obtain a true understanding of your intentions and attitudes in the virtual environment.

Furthermore, with Machine Learning, which is automated machine learning, the e-commerce players' system will recognize the patterns of the most common scams. With this, automatically, the technology differentiates a legitimate transaction from a fraudulent one thanks to specifications that only this solution can detect, as scammers are increasingly informed and creative in their endeavors, making them immune to traditional methods.

From flowers to millions: learn about the story of Clóvis Souza, CEO of Giuliana Flores

From flower seller in a cemetery in the East Zone of São Paulo to owner of his own business. The story of Clóvis Souza, the name behind Giuliana Flores, is a lesson in entrepreneurship, love for the profession, attention to the market, and the opportunities that arise along the way. Today, the brand, which emerged in 2000 during the "internet boom," is recognized as the largest e-commerce in the floriculture industry, as well as one of the biggest.casessuccessful.

It's no wonder that the leading entrepreneur in the sector has been accumulating impressive numbers for years. There are over 800,000 deliveries per year, 700,000 unique visitors per month, and more than 5,000 cities served. The major partnerships with renowned brands in the market, such as Kopenhagen, Ferrero Rocher, Nestlé, Heineken, Milka, Natura, Havanna, Lindt, Chandon, Rommanel, Vivedas, and Uatt?

Located in São Caetano do Sul (SP), the brand's distribution center has 2.7 square meters and an infrastructure capable of meeting 85% of requests within one hour. The company still has a store in the same city with 600 square meters. Additionally, this year it opened a new physical store in Santo André (SP), covering an area of 300 square meters.

When asked if he imagined where he would get, Clóvis Souza is emphatic in saying no. But the fact is that his love for flowers and his business skills built the bridge between the 10-year-old boy selling flowers at a small flower shop and the prominent entrepreneur of today. "I believe that success is due not only to the quality of our services but also to the ability to innovate and 'chase' ideas to please the audience," reports the businessman.

The very expansion of floriculture was born from this observation. Initially, the shopping options were items that typically accompany flowers, such as chocolates and plush toys. Until the entrepreneur realizes that there were no reasons to limit himself. Thus, the brand's portfolio includes perfumes, books, semi-jewels, decorative objects, toys, unique gifts, and other products.

However, since not everything is perfect, there were also many difficulties at the beginning. Clóvis says that the main issue was regarding the transport companies. They were not used to delivering sensitive, fragile products like some items from our e-commerce. However, today, this process is one of Giuliana Flores' greatest assets. We are able to deliver our items safely and with quality to almost all of Brazil. And in a record time of just three hours for Greater São Paulo, informs.

Currently, for the entrepreneur, the challenge is to attract increasingly new buyers and keep current customers satisfied. Therefore, we seek the best in the market to offer our customers. We research trends, improvements in our services, and are always looking for gift options that convey all the affection and care we also feel in this field, he points out.

Balancing corporate and personal posts can be an effective strategy for the brand

A brand's digital presence goes beyond – far beyond – the promotion of products and services on social media profiles. It is necessary to "humanize" the brand, that is, to present oneself in an authentic and genuine way, sharing lifestyle and personal life experiences. In this way, an identity is created that generates empathy from the audience.

The evaluation is by specialists Aline Kalinoski and Paula Kodama, founding partners of Nowa Creative Marketing, an agency focused on female entrepreneurship, based in Curitiba with clients in Brazil and abroad. "Humanizing the brand on social media is not just a marketing strategy, but a necessity to create genuine and lasting connections with the audience," they affirm.

According to experts, social networks represent more than just a showcase of what the brand offers to the market. They became "dynamic spaces for interaction with consumers, for sharing experiences and building meaningful relationships." Thus, they advise, "digital presence should be authentic and humanized, recognizing that, in an increasingly connected world, genuineness is a valuable differentiator."

However, it does not mean neglecting to post institutional content related to products and services. The key is to combine professional content with personal aspects. "This balance is crucial, making the brand more engaging and authentic," say Aline and Paula. By integrating personal narratives, behind-the-scenes of daily life, corporate values, and life stories, the brand becomes more accessible.

The partners of Nowa consider the humanization of the brand on digital social networks as, in fact, a competitive differentiator. In a saturated market, where competition for attention is intense, this authenticity can be the differentiator that sets the brand apart and brings it closer to its target audience. Digital presence should, therefore, reveal "the human essence of the brand," they add.

The experts list some tips:

- Share personal moments [of the professionals behind the brand]. For example, hobbies, travel, daily challenges, leisure moments, or even simple routines.

- Show real life, including behind the scenes of work, any mistakes made, lessons learned, and victories, big or small. "All of this is essential to build a genuine image," say Aline and Paula.

– Balance: personal content serves to show the brand’s humanity and create emotional bonds, while professional content reinforces the brand’s expertise and authority in its field of activity.

Personal aspects may also include posting about how you handle stress, your morning routine, or a significant experience. "With these contents, a door opens for others to see themselves in the brand's stories," argue the specialists.

Personal content should be posted in a way that opens dialogues. Thus, asking the audience questions about their own experiences, requesting them to share their opinions or related stories, are good options. "This not only increases the number of interactions on your posts but also strengthens the community around your brand, creating a space where people feel comfortable sharing and participating," say the partners of Nowa.

Opening new businesses in Brazil: challenges and opportunities for startups in an expanding market

In June 2024, 338.8 thousand new small businesses were created in Brazil,according to an analysis carried out by Sebrae, based on data from the Federal Revenue Service.These companies represent 96.2% of the total 352,100 registered in the month, showing a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. In the first semester, the country reached the milestone of 2.1 million new small businesses, reinforcing the importance of tactics such as networking and prospecting for the growth of these enterprises.

For Juliano Dias, CEO of Meetz, a startup specializing in prospecting solutions and sales engagement for B2B businesses, the growth of small businesses in Brazil does not happen by chance. Brazil is a country with great adaptability in terms of entrepreneurship, and the Brazilian receptiveness to micro-entrepreneurs is very favorable for the sector. The executive also emphasizes that, "at the beginning of a startup, referrals and networking are essential to acquire the first clients, and it is from these connections that the first deals happen."

According to data from Meetz, networking-originated businesses have a conversion rate of 30.23%, highlighting the importance of building strong relationships for business growth. "These numbers show how human connections are not just a social activity, but a critical component for sustainable business growth," highlights Juliano Dias. This virtuous cycle of referrals, although effective, may have limitations as the company grows.

The challenge of scalability

Despite the initial success driven by networking, Juliano warns that this strategy may reach a saturation point if not complemented by structured prospecting processes. "It is common for startups to reach a ceiling where networking alone can no longer sustain the growth rate. The lack of predictability can suffocate the business," observes the CEO.

Juliano emphasizes the importance of adopting practices that ensure recurring revenue and predictability of new opportunities. By developing a more structured prospecting process, we can predict how many meetings will be held and how many deals will be closed. Unlike networking, prospecting creates stability that allows for more consistent business growth.

The importance of long-term planning and partnerships

In addition to strengthening networking, in-person meetings are valuable opportunities to create lasting partnerships. "The conversion time is usually shorter when a client comes through referral or networking. Trust in the relationship facilitates closing new deals," says Juliano. Studies of theHarvard Business ReviewThey corroborate this view by pointing out that preparation and investment in networking can increase the likelihood of connecting with investors, recruiting talent, and identifying opportunities.

The growth scenario of small businesses in 2024 reflects the importance of planning and adopting efficient prospecting strategies. "We are seeing a heated market, and it is essential for small business owners to know how to use networking and prospecting tools to stand out," concludes Juliano Dias. Companies that manage to structure their operations with predictability and consistency are the ones that become major players in the market.

Rafael Uliani: co-founder of ZiYou has more than two decades of experience in the sports market

Rafael Uliani has over two decades of experience in the sports market and is co-founder and Chief Product Officer of ZiYou, a leader in the subscription-based fitness equipment sector for home training. Walking a long path in sports – and competing in national and international Kung-Fu events since the age of 15 – Uliani built her professional journey based on providing well-being for others.

Graduated in Sports Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP), with specializations in Project Management, Finance Applied to Retail, and Strategy and New Business, the entrepreneur has been working since 2005 in running coaching, serving as a trainer and consultant. He also worked at renowned companies, where he was able to apply his experiences for the development of quality of life programs.

Among the organizations I was part of are Motorola Brazil, PwC, and Racional Engenharia. At Netshoes, Uliani was Executive Manager and implemented the entire sports product portfolio on the website, creating attributes according to the dominant characteristics in the segment. Still within the corporation, he was Head of Brand at ALL4ONE Powered By Netshoes, being recognized with the Oi Tela Viva Mobile Award in 2015. The executive worked on the creation, strategy, and development of the application's requirements and features.

“We have been observing and studying ways to effectively integrate physical activity into people’s lives for over 22 years. I deeply believe that systematic physical exercise is a powerful tool for personal development. Since 2021, ZiYou has been dedicated to offering the definitive solution for building this transformative routine, consolidating itself as an essential partner on this journey.”highlights the executive.

I'm so tired,Marcio Kumruian, founder of Netshoes. With a solid background and a passion for innovation in the sports sector, he is leading the creation of products, ensuring that more people can incorporate exercise into their routines in an accessible way. Speaker and contributor to the book "Physical Activity and Innovation," reinforces his position as a leading professional in the market.

“Sport has always played a central role in my career, providing a clear vision of the transformative potential in people’s lives. It is therefore extremely gratifying to be able to channel this passion into my professional career, contributing significantly so that more individuals can enjoy the benefits that physical activity offers to physical and mental well-being,”comments Uliani.

41% buy for pets on impulse

Online pet product shopping is an important part of Brazilians' daily lives. Accustomed to the conveniences of digital retail, consumers have been developing a hybrid shopping journey, using physical stores, apps, websites, andmarketplaces according to your convenience.

According to the study “Omnichannel Consumer Purchasing Journey – Focus on Pet Shops”, developed byBrazilian Society of Retail and Consumption (SBVC)in partnership with theQualibest Institute91% of the interviewees usuallyResearch before buying products for your pet.A survey indicates that 32% of searches are carried out on search engines, 21% on pet product store websites, and only 16% in physical stores.

“This is a great opportunity for companies in the sector, as consumers already have an omnichannel behavior and online retail is part of the Brazilian purchasing mix,” he says.Eduardo Terra, president of SBVC.The numbers show that 87% of respondents are satisfied with their pet product purchases on "Marketplaces," followed by 85% on "E-commerce/ specialized pet apps," 83% in "Neighborhood pet shops," 82% in "Large pet shop chains," and 81% in supermarkets/wholesale stores. "The next step is the ability to integrate the digital experience with the human warmth of physical stores to serve customers in the best way," adds Terra.

According to the study, 85% of respondents purchase pet products at least monthly from pet shops, with 32% doing so at least once a week. "Neighborhood pet shops" is the main shopping channel for pet products for 62% of customers, while "Supermarkets/wholesale stores" are preferred by 53% and "Large pet shop chains" by 46%. "Pet shops have a vocation for convenience and proximity, and this is an asset that companies can effectively leverage in an omnichannel journey," analyzes the president of SBVC.

Most pet product purchases, however, are planned for 97% of respondents, while 41% say they buy on impulse. In this purchase plan, 49% of consumers are direct, going to a specific store and buying what they need.

“The numbers show that consumers, even when making planned purchases, seek convenience, price and experience and may be open to impulse purchases, depending on the promotional efforts of brands and thefit "with your moment of purchase," affirms Terra. "The retail that recognizes these purchase triggers increases its average ticket and delivers a more relevant experience for customers," he adds.

Methodology

The study interviewed 711 consumers across the country and aimed to understand the purchasing journey of Brazilian consumers in pet shops, for both in-store and online purchases. The research addresses aspects related to shopping habits, product research, purchase intentions, motives, and purchase frequency.

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