InLife CMO and Bancassurance Head discusses challenges and opportunities of marketing insurance to women

InLife CMO and Bancassurance Head discusses challenges and opportunities of marketing insurance to women

Monday, July 22, 2024

Tailoring insurance to meet women’s unique needs, concerns, and preferences is a crucial step in encouraging them to practice financial empowerment and security. This is according to Insular Life (InLife) Chief Marketing Officer and Bancassurance Head Gae L. Martinez.

“Women are incredibly diverse. They come from varied backgrounds, possess unique life experiences, and face a multitude of challenges. Therefore, our approach to selling insurance to women must be nuanced, empathetic, and tailored to individual circumstances,” she said in her speech before the Professional Insurance and Financial Advisors Association of the Philippines (PIFAAP) Congress.

The PIFAAP is comprised of leading insurance and financial service professionals dedicated to promoting high standards of ethics, client services, and productivity. It is focused on professional excellence through continuing education.

Understand what women need

Martinez emphasized women’s crucial role as catalysts for social progress and as substantial contributors to income generation and community investment. This is why insurance providers should devote themselves to genuinely hearing women, comprehending their distinct situations, and empathizing with their worries.

“Whether it's supporting their families, planning for the future, or navigating life's uncertainties, women possess specific needs that necessitate attention. The InLife Sheroes Landmark Study on Women in 2018, yielded valuable insights into the financial and health-related mindsets of Filipino women,” she shared.

The InLife Sheroes Advocacy and Movement is the flagship initiative of InLife for women empowerment through financial inclusion. It was launched in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in 2019. Initially targeting one million Filipino women in three years, it has surpassed expectations, reaching out to 4.56 million Filipino women by the end of 2021 and up to 6.5 million Filipino in 2023.

Martinez shared that InLife Sheroes has forged partnerships with various like-minded organizations that are committed to empowering women through on-ground events, webinars, and other initiatives. They include the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, Imaginable Impact, and What Glass Ceiling podcast among others.

Provide education, empathy, and trust

Empowerment through education is equally important. In order to make informed and wise financial decisions, women prefer comprehensive explanations and educational resources according to Martinez.

“As insurance professionals, it's our responsibility to demystify complex insurance policies, explain coverage options in clear terms, and provide the necessary information for women to make informed choices,” she said.

Just as important as education is practicing empathy and building trust.

“To cultivate trust, it’s essential to go beyond mere transactions and foster genuine connections. Demonstrating empathy, by truly understanding and acknowledging women’s concerns, fosters a sense of being heard and valued. Transparency is equally vital, openly sharing information about products, processes, and potential outcomes instills confidence and removes uncertainty,” Martinez said.

Customize solutions

Martinez said that women’s insurance needs differ based on various factors such as life stage, civil status, family structure and career. Insurance companies must therefore offer personalized solutions that align with these.

Last year, InLife launched Resilience Female Cancers, a limited pay whole life critical illness plan that provides a guaranteed lump sum cash benefit upon the diagnosis of nine specific cancer types: breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancer, uterine sarcomas, malignant mixed mullerian tumors, malignant germ cell tumors, fallopian tube cancer and leiomyosarcomas.

Make insurance accessible and affordable

Martinez also encouraged insurance professionals to provide transparent pricing information and explain how insurance can be affordable, considering its long-term financial protection.

“Utilize digital tools and resources to make the insurance buying process more convenient and accessible for women,” she encouraged.

Martinez shared that InLife offers affordable insurance for women on Lazada for as low as P99 and through the UnionBank Insurance Marketplace. InLife products are also available through InLife financial advisors, and through the regional managers, financial advisors, insurance solutions managers of UnionBank.

“Selling insurance to women is more than just closing deals, it’s about empowering women to take control of their financial futures. By understanding their needs, educating them about their options, building trust, and providing personalized solutions, insurance professionals and financial advisors can play a pivotal role in ensuring that every woman has the protection and security she deserves,” Martinez said.

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AIA Philippines Partners with Corazon S. Atayde Memorial Foundation to Bring Healthier Habits to Philippine Schools

AIA Philippines Partners with Corazon S. Atayde Memorial Foundation to Bring Healthier Habits to Philippine Schools

AIA Philippines, formerly Philam Life and one of the country’s largest life insurance companies, has partnered with Corazon S. Atayde Memorial Foundation (CSAFM) to bring the AIA Healthiest Schools program to underserved elementary and secondary public schools. This program, which AIA is bringing to the Philippines after successful launches in other countries such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Australia, aims to empower students aged five to sixteen and their teachers to adopt healthier living habits.

AIA Healthiest Schools offers free curriculum-linked teaching resources to schools, with the goal of educating students about healthy habits and assisting schools and communities in creating a healthier and happier environment. It is structured around four key pillars: healthy eating; active lifestyle; mental well-being; and health and sustainability. 

In its first year, AIA Philippines will introduce AIA Healthiest Schools in three public elementary schools and three public high schools. The program extends beyond the classroom, encouraging participating schools to develop and implement impactful health projects within their communities. These projects will be showcased in a regional competition in July 2025, where schools will have the opportunity to compete with schools from other countries where AIA is present.

AIA Healthiest Schools is the first of its kind health literacy program, combining education and rewarding good behavior which will revolutionize health-related programs and sustainability in schools. From left to right: AIA Philippines’ Associate Director for Brand Experience and ESG Bernadette Chincuanco, AIA Philippines’ Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Henson, Corazon S. Atayde Memorial Foundation (CSAFM) Executive Director Margarita Atayde and CSAFM Program Manager Rylene Ngeta-a.

"We believe that taking a proactive role in building healthy habits among the youth is one of the best ways we can to bring to life our Purpose of helping people live Healthier, Longer Better Lives," said Melissa Henson, AIA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer. "By collaborating with CSAMF and public schools nationwide, we are not only empowering students to adopt healthier habits, but also creating opportunities for communities to develop a lasting appreciation for well-being.”

CSAFM is a non-profit organization that seeks to provide reliable, responsible, and trustworthy avenues of generosity by developing and implementing programs focused on education. It has reached 54,043 learners across the country and worked with almost 1,000 community coordinators and volunteers. 

AIA Healthiest Schools directly aligns with AIA's ambitious One Billion Goal, which aims to engage, inspire, and empower one billion people worldwide to live healthier, longer, better lives. Through this program, AIA Philippines is taking a significant step towards creating a healthier and more vibrant future for young Filipinos.

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Filipina Sells Suman Online Gets Boost from PLDT Global and DMW

Filipina Sells Suman Online Gets Boost from PLDT Global and DMW

Annalyn Fernan, a 37-year-old from Cavite, sells delicious rice cakes (suman) and other traditional snacks online. This business is super important for her family since her husband, who worked overseas, passed away last year.

Annalyn's mom started the business during the pandemic, and it's been doing great! To get even more customers,Annalyn uses her phone and the internet to sell on social media. "We get orders from all over, even from Filipinos working abroad who see my posts," she said. "That's why having good internet is key!"

On top of selling yummy snacks, Annalyn is also a busy mom of two! She's growing her business even more by offering phone reloading and bill payments. This cool program is from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and PLDT Global. They gave Annalyn a package to help her succeed, including a new phone, marketing materials, and signs to attract customers.

Annalyn is so grateful for the help. "The money I earn helps us so much," she said. "Thanks to PLDT Global for working with the DMW to make things easier for us!"

People from both DMW and PLDT Global even visited Annalyn to see her business! They were really impressed.Annalyn thanked the DMW for their ongoing support. "They've been there for us every step of the way," she said. "I hope they can help more families like mine!"

The DMW's main guy, Secretary Hans Cacdac, said, "This program shows our commitment to helping Filipinos working abroad and their families. We partner with great companies like PLDT Global to offer helpful programs."

PLDT Global does even more than just this livelihood program. They also offer digital skills training for Filipinos working overseas. Last year, they provided grants, gadgets, and training for cacao farming to Filipinos who came back home from working abroad. They even gave educational kits to the kids of a Filipino worker in Qatar!

"We hope by working together with the DMW, we can improve the lives of Filipinos and help them achieve their dreams," said Albert Villa-Real, the big boss at PLDT Global.

PLDT Global is all about closing the digital gap by making sure Filipinos everywhere can access digital services. They have products and services that make life easier, especially their TINBO app. Filipinos abroad can use TINBO to buy phone load, pay bills back home, send food vouchers and gifts, and even get healthcare and gaming PINs for their families in the Philippines.

Through TINBO, overseas Filipinos can also get a special Smart virtual number (SVN) to receive important codes from their Philippine e-wallets and banks. Plus, they can use TINBO to pay all their bills back home easily and securely.

PLDT Global's partnership with the DMW is a great example of their overall mission to serve Filipinos everywhere and make their lives better.

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Bangsamoro Government lays out commitments to improve education in the BARMM

Bangsamoro Government lays out commitments to improve education in the BARMM

The Bangsamoro Government celebrated the signing of the Madrasah Education Strategic Plan for the Bangsamoro region on 18 July 2024. The Plan lays out the commitments of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education to enhance the quality of formal madrasah education in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the next three years.

Madrasah is an Islamic educational system that aims to develop Muslim learners to be morally upright and committed to excellence. The Ministry recognizes madrasah education’s significant role in contributing to the peace and stability, and the future development of the BARMM. The goal is to develop future Muslim professionals and innovators who could drive economic growth, peace, and stability in the region. 

The Australian Government provided technical assistance to the Ministry in developing the Plan. They conducted policy reviews of madrasah education, led consultation sessions with relevant partners, and facilitated expert consultations to support the drafting process. 

“As neighbours and strategic partners, Australia and the Philippines share the goal of achieving a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region – and we believe that education plays a vital role in achieving this,” said Dr Moya Collett, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy.

“I thank our friends and partners from the Ministry for their continued dedication in strengthening education policies and institutions in the BARMM. Australia remains committed to working with you in shaping a more peaceful and prosperous region.” 

Under the Plan, the Ministry aims to increase the number of Bangsamoro learners – regardless of gender, physical ability, and social and economic status – by 30%. By 2025, they also aim to increase the number of formal madrasah institutions by 15%. Institutionalizing madrasahs is important because it allows the Ministry to monitor and regulate the quality of education and services they provide. 

The Ministry has made great strides in integrating traditional madrasah into the Bangsamoro education system. To date, 373 formal madrasah delivering K-12 and Islamic education have been recognised. A policy guide developed with the Australian Government is also supporting the accreditation of 444 non formal madrasah. The Ministry also have plans to develop a standardised curriculum for all madrasahs, including non-formal madrasas, with the aim of accrediting them down the road.

Mohagher M. Iqbal, Minister of MBHTE said: “Strengthening madrasah education represents 'unity in diversity.' It demonstrates Bangsamoro’s firm commitment to preserving our region's rich historical, religious, and educational heritage while creating an inclusive environment where every learner, regardless of background, can succeed.”

“Madrasah education is integral to our people’s aspiration to shape our educational policies and systems. Therefore, the Bangsamoro deserves genuine autonomy that all parties should honor. A thriving autonomy is the true solution to the recurring internal conflicts in the region.”

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Schneider Electric introduces scalable decarbonization roadmap for PH manufacturing, donates P5M worth of equipment to Dualtech

Schneider Electric introduces scalable decarbonization roadmap for PH manufacturing, donates P5M worth of equipment to Dualtech

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and digital automation, announced a scalable decarbonization roadmap for the manufacturing sector in the Philippines during the recent Go Industry 2024: Driving towards a Net Zero Industry event held at The Mills Country Club, Laguna co-hosted with Dualtech Training Center Foundation, Inc.

The event was attended by leaders from the Laguna Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Climate Change Commission (CCC) Philippines, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Dr. Song Pei Chua, Business Development Manager for Chemicals, Schneider Electric East Asia discusses the decarbonization roadmap for the Philippine manufacturing sector.

The decarbonization roadmap outlines four key strategies that the sector can implement gradually to reduce carbon footprint:

• Electrifying operations through microgrid optimization
• Reducing energy consumption through digitalization and automation
• Replacing energy sources with renewable energy such as solar energy, wind power, and hydropower
• Engaging the entire value chain to design and build for sustainability and to offset carbon emissions, enabling a circular economy

"Our approach to decarbonization involves not just transforming our energy supply but also optimizing our processes through electrification," said Dr. Song Pei Chua, Business Development Manager for Chemicals, Schneider Electric East Asia. "Strategic planning, digitization, and a steadfast commitment to efficiency and sustainability are at the core of manufacturing and industrial operations."

Schneider Electric's Sustainability Business Team helps industries achieve their carbon neutrality targets by developing customized digital-centric strategies. They provide advisory services to establish a baseline, understand current energy use, and create a comprehensive roadmap towards carbon neutrality.

Deployment of Schneider Electric’s proprietary and award-winning cloud-based platform EcoStruxure Resource Advisor helps collect and analyze energy consumption data. With this, businesses can develop better energy and sustainability strategies. Software trainings are conducted by Schneider Electric to help educate partners on how to maximize the software to enable effective application into their operations.

During the event, CCC and UNDP both emphasized the significant role the private sector plays in achieving the country's climate goals. “Shifting to digital operations is crucial for sectors aiming to reduce carbon emissions and meet the targets established by the nationally determined contribution (NDC) implementation plan," CCC Executive Assistant Raul Villegas stated. 

Schneider Electric Empowering Youth to Drive Digital Transformation

Schneider Electric's commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental initiatives. This is demonstrated by the company’s 5-year partnership with Dualtech where Schneider Electric has committed to provide PHP5 million worth of equipment and instructor training. 

Dualtech, accredited by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), offers a 2-year Electromechanics Technology course combining electrical, mechanical, and electronics disciplines. In response to the global demand for skilled workers, the institution is modernizing its training programs and facilities to accommodate more scholars and to address shortages of training equipment and tools.

The company aims to be carbon neutral in operations by 2025, save 800 million tons of carbon annually by 2030, achieve full value chain carbon neutrality by 2040, and reach net zero across all scopes by 2050—urging the manufacturing sector and other industries to follow suit. Recently, TIME Magazine has hailed Schneider Electric as the “Most Sustainable Company in the World”.

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Invest in Exquisite Living with Shang Properties

Invest in Exquisite Living with Shang Properties

Friday, July 19, 2024

Come home to luxurious living arrangements in prime locations with the country’s leader of Exemplary Life Spaces

Real estate in the Philippines is expected to grow in 2024 as the national government welcomes more foreign investment. There is greater demand for condominiums and data has also observed that luxury home prices in Manila experienced the highest growth in any city in the world.

Shang Properties creates exemplary life spaces that go beyond expectations. The developer is known for its thoughtful architecture, exquisite taste, and utmost regard for privacy and exclusivity. They also have an extensive portfolio of world-class homes in prime locations and finished with best-in-class design.

“Stepping into a Shang property means enjoying an exceptional experience with unmatched services and amenities catering to our residents' needs. When you own a home with Shang Properties, you always come home to luxurious living arrangements feeling welcomed and secure,” says Shang Properties’ Executive Vice President for Commercial, Maria Rochelle Diaz.

Shang Properties offers investment opportunities for its ongoing projects below:

Horizon Homes is a rare collection of exquisite luxury dwellings within Shangri-La The Fort, Manila. Residents can enjoy the serviced life all year round and have the finest dishes from the hotel’s restaurants delivered straight to their homes. They may also access Shangri-La The Fort’s amenities, including the exclusive Kerry Sports Manila.

A collaboration between Shang Properties and Robinsons Land Corporation, Aurelia Residences provides carefully curated bespoke residences in one of the most coveted addresses in the Philippines. It boasts extraordinary cosmopolitan skyline views and the lush greens of Forbes Park and the Manila Golf and Polo Clubs. Aurelia Residences is inspired by sprezzatura, the effortless and understated sense of classic Italian elegance. 

Shang Residences at Wack Wack is an exclusive resort-inspired residential property in the verdant Mandaluyong neighborhood. The property sits amidst beautifully landscaped gardens neighboring one of Manila’s iconic heritage golf clubs, The Wack Wack Golf & Country Club. Residents have the city’s most sought-after views daily: sweeping vistas of 18-hole championship golf courses or the dramatic Makati skyline.

Haraya Residences, a joint venture between Shang Properties and Robinsons Land Corporation located at Bridgetowne Destination Estate, is where homeowners can enjoy sunset views at their very own Italian-inspired outdoor gallery called loggia.

Downstairs, they may enjoy outdoor amenities like beautifully tended green spaces, private nooks, swimming pools, children’s play areas, and the jacuzzi. The indoor amenities are in a soft, inviting environment for the whole family. There is a veranda, tea room, studio, playroom, library, lounge, chef’s kitchen, lobby lounge, game room, viewing room, gym, changing rooms, and sauna.

Laya by Shang Properties is both a home and a community for the creative and connected. It is located near Ortigas Center, giving residents a seamless tie between work, play, and rest. Residents can also enjoy first-rate amenities like fully equipped fitness and yoga studios, outdoor and children's pools, a private screening room, an expansive children's playground, and a full suite of workspaces and lounges designed in Shang Properties' signature style.

Besides these ongoing projects, Shang Properties also offers investment opportunities for its completed spaces that are primed for residence:

One Shangri-La Place is a twin-tower property that is nestled at the center of Shang Central, Shang Properties, Inc.’s estate in Mandaluyong City. The premier residential address offers access to business districts, shopping destinations, and entertainment hubs, with direct exclusive entry to Shangri-La Plaza Mall. Equipped with world-class amenities, One Shangri-La Place defines urban living where elegance, convenience, and comfort come together.

The Shang Grand Tower is located in the upscale neighborhood of Legazpi Village, Makati City. Its Art Deco design features ornamental grills and precast moldings. The property has an elegant high-ceilinged function room leading to a landscaped deck with swimming pools and a Jacuzzi. Residents can also hit their fitness goals in the state-of-the-art gym and steam rooms, while children can enjoy the well-equipped playroom.

The St. Francis Shangri-La Place is part of Shang Central, an integrated community at the heart of the bustling Ortigas district. This community includes the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, with its wide range of upscale shopping choices, entertainment venues, and dining options, and the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, with its world-class Chi Spa.

Shang Salcedo Place offers exclusivity and new standards of luxury living. The property has a high level of sophistication in the heart of the Makati Central Business District (CBD). Residents can live, work, shop, and play with family and friends without the hassle of traffic and time-consuming commutes.

The Rise Makati is known for its three zones of amenities. First is the Workshop, a fully-stocked workspace with multi-function rooms, an I.T. bar, and a library. It also has the Nest, a relaxation and well-being zone with hammocks, comfortable seats, and garden terraces. Lastly, those who want to spend quality time with their loved ones may visit The Hangout, a selection of open lounge areas featuring a karaoke room, a billiards room, and more. 

Shang Properties Residential Leasing team is also here to guide you through every step of your journey, whether as a residence or a proprietor for a potential stream of income. Sit back as our expert team assists you in making the process as easy as possible. To lease with Shang Properties, visit the website at shangpropertiesleasing.com and follow Shang Properties on its official social media pages: @ShangProperties on Instagram and Facebook, @ShangPropertiesOfficial on YouTube, and Shang Properties on LinkedIn.

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SEO Editors: Effective Sales Strategies in Digital Branding

SEO Editors: Effective Sales Strategies in Digital Branding

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

             Photo from Markus Spiske on Unsplash

The digital landscape has transformed how consumers research, compare options, and make informed decisions when purchasing products or services. It’s more important than ever to know their habits and stay updated on trending topics that are relevant to your audience, and incorporating relevant cultural references and using “lingo” that feels more personal and engaging. All this so that you can, as a brand, tailor your content to resonate!

Take this situation for instance: If you’re a healthy meal plan provider targeting health enthusiasts, then using terms like high-protein or gluten-free can speak directly to your audience’s interests. It can increase your discoverability, and also increases the chances they’ll read your content.

This is where cohesive digital branding comes in.

Digital branding is the process of creating a distinct and recognizable online presence for your brand to fulfill a goal – like awareness, conversion, loyalty, and outright sales. This is achieved by leveraging various digital channels like web design, social media platforms, content creation marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO) practices. 

Sale strategies, meanwhile, are responsible for guiding customers through their buying journey. It starts from sparking curiosity about your brand to prompting them towards conversion (whether purchase or subscription), and finally developing loyalty that fuels repeat business.

We recommend leaving these to the experts in public relations agencies. But of course, it helps to know the ropes yourself. So how do we bring these together to create a strong digital brand presence?

Building a Strong Digital Brand Presence

A strong brand presence is like a magnet; it attracts readers and establishes trust through its credibility and consistent quality. But to reap those benefits, you must first do the following:

Optimize for Brand Visibility

• SEO - Relevant keywords are essential to organic discovery in search results and website traffic. This approach involves strategically placing keywords in website title tags, headings, and meta descriptions. However, be warned: overdoing it with keywords (also known as keyword stuff) can do more harm than good, as this is a practice done by spam websites and is penalized by search engines with a lower ranking.

• Leverage Social Media Platforms - Social media platforms are a potent tool for achieving your goals: expanding your reach, fostering real-time engagement with consumers, and driving website traffic. To maximize this potential, lean into creating high-quality, relevant content that resonates with your audience — this way, you’ll become a trusted resource and authority within your niche.

Enhance Customer Experience for Increased Sales

• UX - The overall experience of a reader determines whether they stay engrossed, return for more, or abandon the article. To keep them hooked, prioritize a user-friendly layout (like readable fonts) that’s easy to read and understand. This includes steering clear of jargon and instead, breaking down complex topics into digestible chunks, and crafting compelling calls to action (CTAs) that entice them to explore other content on your website. 

• Customer Service in the Digital Age - Seamless and positive interactions are the hallmarks of great customer service. When a reader experiences this, they’re more likely to recommend your content to others, propelling its reach. 

Effective Sales Strategies for Digital Branding

• Inbound Marketing for Lead Generation - Inbound marketing involves creating valuable content to attract, engage, and convert visitors into leads and customers.

• Email Marketing Campaigns - Email marketing campaigns can help brands nurture leads, build relationships, and promote products or services.

• Utilizing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tools - CRM tools can help brands manage customer interactions, track sales, and analyze customer data.

• Influencer Partnerships and Affiliate Marketing - Influencer partnerships and affiliate marketing can help brands expand their reach, increase brand awareness, and drive sales.

• Mobile Marketing Strategies - Mobile marketing strategies can help brands reach consumers on the go and optimize the mobile user experience.

BONUS: Key Steps to Remember in Editing SEO-Related Content

1. Identify the main topic and subtopics of the original article.
2. Analyze the existing content to identify areas that can be expanded upon or improved with well-researched and engaging information for readers.
3. Ensure the new content is optimized for SEO by including relevant keywords and phrases in the headings, subheadings, and body text.
4. Maintain a focus on the overall quality and readability of the article.
5. Stay clear of self-referencing in the article, as it may detract from the overall quality and focus of the content.

Measuring Success and Optimizing Strategies

To gauge the effectiveness of your strategies, it’s important to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as conversion rate, cost per acquisition, and customer lifetime value. This provides you with the information needed to identify areas to improve. 

Additionally, you can do A/B testing to identify the most effective strategy, like creating variations of a particular element (e.g., a call-to-action button) and presenting them to different segments of your audience, so you know which performs better. 

By equipping yourself with these powerful tools and embracing the perpetual pursuit of innovation, you’ll unlock the potential of transforming your articles from merely informing and engaging to one that drives actual results. This could be attracting new readers, cementing the brand as a trusted thought leader, and even boosting conversions. Just remember, you have the unique advantage of combining engaging content and insightful data to tweak strategies as needed — use it to its full potential.

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