Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn’t Smell

 

Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
 
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
 OUR CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE WEEK’S NEWS
 
Taxes may be the last thing on your mind this time of year, with holiday parties filling your schedule and sugar plum fairies dancing in your head, but Congress isn’t letting this slow them down. How could the GOP’s tax plan impact your business?
 
Cybersecurity’s next frontier will protect the increasing number of computer components in cars. Read how a startup plans to solve this problem for fleet owners.
 
What is and is not a part of a mobile wallet is still under debate between banks, VCs and consultants who met recently to try to “crack the secret sauce of user adoption.”
 
Off topic…what’s the best white elephant gift you’ve seen? Our office holiday party is Friday and we’d love your expert tips!
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell

Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell

 
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Tech Titan Tax Bill Takeaways
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
The Trump administration’s push to ‘cut, cut, cut’ taxes has Republicans in both chambers scrambling to finalize a joint GOP bill. On the heels of the House, the Senate finalized its version of the tax bill late last week. What does the tech industry need to know?
 
Tech giants may have a lot to gain with cuts to corporate rates and offshore earnings, but they aren’t the only ones. A few items included in the tax bill benefit startups as well.
 
  • Startup stock options: Startup employees may not have to pay taxes on stock options until after they have the chance to exercise these options.
 
  • Research & development tax credits: The R&D tax credit focused on promoting investment in innovation should remain safe from change. 
 
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Keeping Cars Under Our Control
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
A new security solution for in-car computer systems was revealed at Disrupt Berlin’s Startup Battlefield stage. TechCrunch reports that Trillium will help protect our “computers with wheels” against cyberthreats. Surge pricing, traffic delays, and chatty Uber drivers will no longer be your main concern when traveling by car. In the near future, hacked cars will present a greater threat than hacked computers, says Trillium’s Adrian Sossna. The software will encrypt all in-car transmissions and keeps an eye on a car’s network for suspicious activity. It is marketed to fleet owners, such as ambulance and limo companies, and it will be built into cars at the factory, not installed by consumers.
 
This software may be a step in the right direction for the industry while organizations such as San Diego’s Cyber Center of Excellence create cybersecurity protocols for autonomous vehicles and other future transportation tech.
 
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Emoji Index
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
What’s in Your Mobile Wallet?
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
With peak holiday shopping season upon us, we want to know what’s in your wallet… or rather your mobile wallet? Also known as e-wallets, there was much debate regarding what it is and what it is not at Tearsheet’s Mobile Payments Hot Topic event with industry experts in banking, consulting and venture capital.
 
A traditional wallet includes a variety of physical forms of payment – checks, cash and credit cards. By the same token, we believe e-wallets are made up by any and all tools enabling you to make payments with a smartphone. This includes everything from Zelle and Venmo to digital credit cards and cryptocurrencies.
 
A great lesson payments companies learned at the event was, “The reasons why digital wallets haven’t caught is because the platforms haven’t done a good job of advertising — when you educate around it, it should come from the consumers’ point of view.”
 
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
» IN THE NEWS
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
ThinkAdvisor reports on the merger of Hillis Financial Services and CalBay Investments, Inc.
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Hillis Financial Services and CalBay Investments, Inc. merge to form an $875 million firm, says RIABiz.
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
The Tech Blog Writer Podcast talks with Rachel Carpenter, CEO of the disruptive data company Intrinio.
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
» BOTTOM LINE: How ‘Killer PR’ Sets the Stage for a Product Launch
Our team put together a product launch event at our client, Brain Corp’s headquarters here in San Diego. The Qualcomm-backed startup launched its first product, a brain for self-driving vehicles for indoor use. Pretty neat, right?
 
Let me fill you in on a little secret, many startups are under the impression that after investing so much time, money and energy into developing a product, they believe the product will speak for itself. This is so far from the truth it makes my stomach hurt. Unless you’re a company with a logo of an Apple or a letter ‘U’ reporters are not going to trail behind you waiting for your every announcement..
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
»FEATURED CASE STUDY: COBINHOOD
COBINHOOD, a cryptocurrency platform built for the blockchain era, approached KCD PR as an unknown entity to the outside world. From our initial proposal to the Initial Coin Offering (ICO), KCD PR had three weeks to build awareness with the media and potential investors. In addition to being in Taipei, Taiwan, the firm also faced challenges associated with not having a U.S. presence or U.S. representation on its board of advisors.
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
 
Wonders & Blunders: Jingle Bells, the Tax Bill Doesn't Smell
 

PR Assistant

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 2

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 3

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.