Technology and the Conservation of Nature

Aaron Eichler is an independent business management consultant in Minnetonka, Minnesota. He helps clients identify revenue-generating and cost-effective strategies to achieve their company’s goals. Passionate about preserving the environment, Aaron Eichler supports the efforts and advocacies of The Nature Conservancy.

Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy is an environmental nonprofit organization that leverages science and technology to accomplish its mission of protecting land and water for the survival of all.

Technological advances in aerial and underwater surveillance, such as drones and satellites, have enabled The Nature Conservancy’s scientists to map and analyze the health of the Caribbean's reef network. Access to high-resolution maps of the coral reefs in the Caribbean has opened doors for The Nature Conservancy’s scientists to gather more data. Through Microsoft’s machine-learning algorithm, scientists can learn more about the area's tourism activities and push for coral reef protection due to the economic incentive that the reef brings to the local economy.

Using Social Media to Attract

As the founder and managing director of a strategic consulting firm in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Aaron Eichler helps companies maximize revenue, reduce costs, and create value for consumers. With his knowledge and expertise in strategy and growth, Aaron Eichler also focuses on helping companies in the restaurant industry.

Because many restaurants have been forced to close, some restaurant owners have turned to takeout and delivery to remain in operation. An effective strategy to make this transition smooth is using social media.

Social media is a viable tool for attracting leads and turning them into paying customers. By advertising on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, restaurant owners can promote their menus, give away gift vouchers, and engage customers through contests to encourage repeat orders. In addition to marketing, social media is a good way for business owners to resolve customer complaints, gather feedback, and learn about customer preferences.

Ways to Improve Operational Efficiency

 

With an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, Aaron Eichler is the founder and managing director of firm Strategic Consulting. In this role, Aaron Eichler helps organizations develop strategies to improve their operational efficiency.

Operational efficiency is the measure of a company's ability to deliver products or services by using the least amount of capital and time. Here are three ways to boost operational efficiency:

1. Streamline processes.

Streamlining entails simplifying or eliminating unnecessary or redundant steps in a workflow. This is done by listing all of the tasks and deciding if they provide enough value to justify the involved resources.

2. Integrate technology.

Companies can integrate technology into many areas of operation to speed the process and improve the productivity of employees. For instance, deploying an inventory management system makes tracking the level of stock easier.

3. Encourage innovation.

Encouraging a culture of innovation and collaboration benefits both the company and its employees. Companies that empower their employees to think of ways to improve their work are better able to overcome competition. Employees are happier and more engaged in business outcomes when their contributions directly impact the company’s objectives.