Remember when you were young and dreamed of opening up that store one day or starting that business? For many retirees, there is no time like the present. Many retired people still like to keep themselves active and busy, and what better way to do that than realizing a passion you’ve always had? For some people, this may seem like a daunting task, but the internet has made it much easier to open up shop from the comfort of your home. And the start-up costs are also much more affordable than doing it the brick-and-mortar way.

Still, opening a store online, whether you’d describe yourself as tech-savvy or not, can be challenging if you don’t know the correct steps to take. The good news is that today, we’re going to walk you through it all in this beginner’s guide to building an online presence and finally pursuing that post-retirement passion project (that could also earn you some bucks).

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A woman doing yoga on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

1) Choose your passion project

Deciding what to sell is the first step in setting up an online store. Perhaps you’ve already known the answer to this for a long time, and that’s what inspired the store in the first place. But if you’re not quite sure, consider your expertise, interests and what’s in demand in the market.

For retirees, it’s often beneficial to choose products or services that align with your passions or past experiences, as it’s not just something you’re interested in but, by now, you’re likely already an expert in it, too. And, being an expert in your niche will help you establish yourself as a trusted authority in the industry, which is something that potential customers look for.

And, it’s not just products you can sell; you can also sell services like coaching or consulting or even create a blog that can be monetized. The options are endless, but it’s important to have some direction before you get started.

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A woman working on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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2) Identify your target audience

Knowing what you want to sell is one thing, but knowing who to sell it to is another. Understanding who your potential customers are is essential for effective marketing and product development. Therefore, take some time to research and understand your target demographic. Consider factors such as age, gender, location, interests and purchasing behavior. A good idea is to start off in your own community.

If you know anyone who would be interested, talk to them and see who they can connect you with. You can even create a research survey to get feedback on your audience and what they are looking for. In fact, some people do this step first if they are not sure what to sell but are certain they want to start an online store.

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A couple conversing and looking at their tablet (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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3) Ideas for online stores and businesses you can create

When it comes to doing your passion project online, the options are endless. But if you’re not sure, there are various types of online stores you can establish to cater to diverse needs and preferences. Start with an idea that you are passionate about. Below are some examples:

E-commerce store: This is the most common type of online store, where you can sell physical products ranging from clothing and electronics to groceries and furniture.

Digital products store: If you specialize in creating digital goods such as e-books, software, music or online courses, you can set up a digital products store to distribute your creations.

Subscription box service: Subscription-based businesses are gaining popularity, offering curated boxes of products delivered to customers’ doorstep on a recurring basis. Examples include beauty boxes, snack boxes and pet subscription services.

Marketplace platform: Instead of selling your own products, you can create a marketplace platform where multiple vendors can list and sell their items. Etsy and eBay are prime examples of successful marketplace platforms.

Service-based store: Beyond physical and digital products, you can offer various services through an online store, such as consulting, tutoring, freelance services or event planning.

Dropshipping store: With dropshipping, you can sell products without holding inventory. When a customer makes a purchase, the order is fulfilled by a third-party supplier who ships the product directly to the customer.

Print-on-demand store: This model allows you to sell custom-designed merchandise, such as T-shirts, mugs and phone cases, without the need for inventory. Products are created and shipped on demand.

Membership-based store: Create a store where customers pay a membership fee to access exclusive products, discounts or content. This model fosters customer loyalty and recurring revenue.

Blog: Combine content creation with e-commerce by creating a blog where you share valuable information or insights related to your niche, such as health and exercise, and integrate it with an online store to sell related products or services.

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A group of people exercising (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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4) Choose a website builder

Selecting the right website builder is crucial if you are looking to set up an online store. A good website builder should have a user-friendly interface and customizable templates, making it accessible even to those who aren’t tech-savvy. Look for a platform that requires no coding knowledge and offers a variety of professionally designed templates that can be easily customized to create a unique and visually appealing website for your online store.

Additionally, the website builder should offer built-in e-commerce features, making it easy to manage inventory, process payments and track orders all in one place. Before you start building your online store, you’ll need to select a plan that best suits your needs and budget. Many website builders offer a range of plans, from free options with basic features to premium plans with advanced e-commerce capabilities.

Consider factors such as storage, bandwidth and the number of products you plan to sell when choosing a plan. If you’re just starting out, you may want to start with a basic plan and upgrade as your business grows. With flexible pricing options, you can easily scale up your plan as needed to accommodate your growing online store.

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Father and son looking at tablet (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

5) Pick a website name, domain name, hosting provider

Choosing the right name and domain for your online store is crucial as it’s the first thing customers will see and remember about your brand. Your name should be catchy, memorable and reflective of your brand identity. When selecting a domain, try to keep it simple and easy to spell to ensure that potential customers can easily find and remember your website.

You can use various domain search tools to check the availability of your desired domain name and explore different options until you find the perfect match for your online store. While some platforms offer free domains, upgrading to a premium plan often allows you to connect your own domain and remove any platform-specific branding from your URL.

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6) Design your website for success

Now, it’s time to start designing your website. There are many platforms that offer a wide range of professionally designed templates that you can customize to create a unique and visually appealing online store. Choose a template that best fits your brand identity and industry, then use the platform’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor to customize it to your liking. 

Add your logo, change colors and fonts and rearrange elements to create a website that reflects your brand personality and effectively showcases your products or services. A good tip is to start off simple; you can always add to your design as you go.

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7) Decide on what pages to include on your site

When building your online store, blog or business, you’ll want to have useful pages on your website. This not only helps people find your website, but once they are there, it gives them all the information they need.

Common pages for an online store include a home page, product or service pages, an “about us” page, a contact page and a blog (unless, of course, this is the focus of your site, in which case the blog page may be the home page). Generally speaking, the fewer steps it takes for someone to engage in a call to action the better.

You may also want to consider adding pages for shipping and return policies, FAQs and customer testimonials to build trust and credibility with your audience, as well as a privacy policy, disclaimer, regulatory compliance and other legal notices.

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Illustration of various pages to use on your site (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

8) Familiarize yourself with SEO to stand out

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a buzzword that you may have heard going around. SEO is essential for driving organic traffic to your online store and improving your visibility in search engine results. You can optimize your website for search engines by adding relevant keywords to your content, optimizing your meta tags and descriptions, and improving your site’s loading speed and mobile responsiveness. Many website builders offer built-in SEO tools and guides to help you optimize your website for search engines and improve your chances of ranking higher in search results.

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Illustration of search engine optimization on a laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

9) Consider email marketing

Email marketing is a powerful tool for engaging with your audience, promoting your products or services and driving sales for your online store. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. If you already have email contacts, consider reaching out to them to tell them about your project. Most people want to support their friends and family with their pursuits, even if it’s just by spreading the word.

Otherwise, in order to collect more emails, consider offering a discount or incentive in exchange for signing up for your email list to encourage visitors to subscribe, like an e-book or a downloadable such as a brochure. Then use an email marketing platform to design and send professional-looking emails that direct them to products, services or blog posts on your website.

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A couple looking at a tablet (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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What else to consider

The above are some of the most common steps to opening an online store, but it will look different for everyone. There may be steps you skip and steps you add, and some good advice is to perhaps talk to other retirees you know who have already done it. Maybe they have some suggestions, especially if there’s anything they can share that they wish they had known before they started down that path.

When launching a website, you have a variety of choices to suit your specific needs, whether you’re seeking simplicity, customization or advanced features. Explore these top website builders to find the perfect fit for your online presence: Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, Shopify and WordPress. Learn more about these options by clicking here.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Starting an online shop or launching a website for your passion project might seem a little overwhelming, but many of these sites have wizards, resources and customer support teams that can help. Once you get started, you’ll be on your way to running your online store or project while enjoying your retirement.

Have you started an online store or blog? What was your experience? If you haven’t, is it something you would consider? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a groundbreaking method to cover robotic surfaces with genuine, living skin tissue. The idea of robots with skin isn’t just about creating a more lifelike appearance. This innovation opens up a world of possibilities, from more realistic prosthetics to robots that can seamlessly blend into human spaces. 

As we delve into the details of this research, we’ll uncover how these scientists are bridging the gap between artificial and biological systems, potentially revolutionizing fields ranging from health care to human-robot interaction.

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Engineered skin tissue (Shoji Takeuchi’s research group at the University of Tokyo) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What’s the big deal?

We’re talking about robots that not only look human-like but also have skin that can heal, sweat and even tan. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating robots that can interact more naturally with humans and their environment.

Illustration of the tissue-fixation method (Shoji Takeuchi’s research group at the University of Tokyo) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How does it work?

The secret lies in something called “perforation-type anchors.” These clever little structures are inspired by the way our own skin attaches to the tissues underneath. Essentially, they allow living tissue to grow into and around the robot’s surface, creating a secure bond.

The researchers used a combination of human dermal fibroblasts and human epidermal keratinocytes to create this living skin. They cultured these cells in a carefully prepared mixture of collagen and growth media, allowing the tissue to mature and form a structure similar to human skin.

THE REAL STORY BEHIND THE CREEPY HEAD-SWAPPING OPERATIONS BY ROBOTIC SURGEONS

Evaluation of the perforation-type anchors to hold tissue (Shoji Takeuchi’s research group at the University of Tokyo) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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The minds behind the innovation

This groundbreaking research was conducted at the Biohybrid Systems Laboratory at the University of Tokyo, led by Professor Shoji Takeuchi. The team’s work is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in robotics and bioengineering.

Demonstration of the perforation-type anchors to cover the facial device (Shoji Takeuchi’s research group at the University of Tokyo) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Building a face that can smile

One of the coolest demonstrations of this technology is a robotic face covered with living tissue that can actually smile. The researchers created a system where the skin-covered surface can be moved to mimic facial expressions.

To achieve this, they designed a robotic face with multiple parts, including a base with perforation-type anchors for both a silicone layer and the dermis equivalent. This silicone layer mimics subcutaneous tissue, contributing to a more realistic smiling expression.

The smiling robotic face (Shoji Takeuchi’s research group at the University of Tokyo) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Challenges and solutions

Getting living tissue to stick to a robot isn’t as easy as it sounds. The team had to overcome issues like making sure the tissue could grow into the anchor points properly. They even used plasma treatment to make the surface more “tissue-friendly.”

The researchers also had to consider the size and arrangement of the anchors. Through finite element method simulations, they found that larger anchors provided more tensile strength, but there was a trade-off with the area they occupied.

Engineered skin tissue (Shoji Takeuchi’s research group at the University of Tokyo) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why this matters

This technology could be a game-changer for fields like prosthetics and humanoid robotics. Imagine prosthetic limbs that look and feel just like real skin or robots that can interact with humans in more natural ways.

The ability to create skin that can move and express emotions opens up new possibilities for human-robot interaction. It could lead to more empathetic and relatable robotic assistants in various fields, from health care to customer service.

The smiling robotic face (Shoji Takeuchi’s research group at the University of Tokyo) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

While we’re still a long way from seeing robots with fully functional living skin walking among us, this research from the University of Tokyo opens up exciting possibilities. It’s a step towards creating robots that blur the line between machines and living organisms.

As we continue to advance in this field, we’ll need to grapple with the technical challenges and ethical implications of creating increasingly lifelike machines. Future research might focus on improving the durability of living skin, enhancing its ability to heal or even incorporating sensory capabilities. One thing’s for sure: The future of robotics is looking more human than ever.

How do you think society will react to robots that look and feel more human-like? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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While it is easy to imagine what one would do if any of one’s information hypothetically ended up on the dark web, it is quite another to be notified that your personal information, especially one you use every day, such as your cellphone, has been found on the dark web. That’s why we are eager to dive into the exact scenario that Scott wrote to us about and that he is dealing with.

“I was notified by the Credit Agencies that [my] cellphone number was found on the dark web. What specifically does one do in this case other than freeze credit and monitor credit and bills? Should you change your cell number to a different number?” — Scott, Santa Fe, New Mexico

As with any privacy and security breach, it’s important to take immediate action to secure your personal information and prevent further damage if your cellphone number has been found on the dark web.

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A stressed-out couple (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Action steps to take if your cellphone number is found on the dark web

Unfortunately, if your phone number is found on the dark web, it’s likely that other sensitive personal information like email addresses, physical addresses, social security numbers or bank account information may have been compromised. Below are some steps you can take if your cellphone number has been found on the dark web: 

1) Change passwords: If any of your information, especially your cellphone number, ends up on the dark web, you should log in from a secure, virus- and malware-free device and change your passwords immediately. It is best to create unique and complex passwords, including letters, symbols and numbers, for each separate online account. In addition, consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

2) Keep an eye on all your accounts as well as credit consistently: Contact the three main credit bureaus to freeze your credit. This will prevent anyone, including hackers, from wreaking havoc on your credit. Make sure to report any errors on your credit reports with the credit agencies as well. Remember that you are allowed a free annual credit report. If there are too many accounts for you to keep track of regularly, a credit monitoring service can help by constantly monitoring and alerting you of any account changes or problems.

Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

A man on his cellphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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3) Turn on two-factor authentication: While enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra step to your login process, it’s a small price to pay for the robust security it provides. Just like it prevents unauthorized access by requiring an additional form of identification beyond your password, 2FA acts as a formidable barrier against potential hackers.

By sending a one-time code to your phone or prompting for a biometric factor like your fingerprint, 2FA serves as an early warning system, alerting you to any suspicious login attempts. This gives you the chance to secure your account and thwart potential data breaches or identity theft. In today’s digital landscape, where cyberthreats are ever-evolving, embracing 2FA is a proactive step towards fortifying your online presence and safeguarding your digital assets from malicious actors.

4) Get SIM-swapping protection added to your phone: SIM-swapping fraud is when someone gains control of your cellphone number by moving it to a new SIM card. If you want to add SIM-swapping protection to your phone, you can contact your provider to see if this feature can be added.

5) Report personal information or account theft: If your personal information has been hacked or stolen, file a report with the local authorities and the Federal Trade Commission.

A person on their cellphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

6) Invest in personal data removal services: Unfortunately, much of your personal information is scattered across the internet, making it accessible to hackers and scammers who can harvest and sell this information. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for removal services here.

A man on his cellphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Now, unless your cellphone has been compromised, changing your number is unnecessary. If you decide to change your phone number, reach out to your service provider and explain your circumstances to get help changing your phone number and transferring contacts. Also, if you change your phone number, notify and update your contact information with all relevant accounts, such as financial institutions, and anywhere you used the old number as a part of the two-factor authentication process.

HERE’S WHAT RUTHLESS HACKERS STOLE FROM 110 MILLION AT&T CUSTOMERS

Kurt’s key takeaways

In the digital age, where our personal data can sometimes slip through the cracks and into the shadows, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and proactive. Remember, if your cellphone number takes an unwelcome tour of the dark web, don’t panic; equip yourself with the right tools and knowledge to safeguard your digital life. And hey, changing your number might just be the fresh start you need, but it’s not always necessary unless you’re experiencing direct threats or persistent issues.

Have you ever encountered a breach of your digital privacy, and how did you navigate the aftermath? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Researchers at Stanford University have created an innovative humanoid robot called “HumanPlus” that can learn and perform a wide range of tasks by observing human actions. This breakthrough in robotics brings us one step closer to developing truly versatile and adaptable machines.

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HumanPlus humanoid robot playing ping-pong (Stanford University) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Technical specifications

Built on Unitree’s H1 robot base, with hands from Inspire-Robots and custom wrists, HumanPlus stands 5 feet 9 inches tall. It features a 6-DoF (degrees of freedom) hand, which includes one degree of freedom for each of the index, middle, ring and little fingers, plus two degrees of freedom for the thumb. This configuration allows for complex hand movements and manipulations.

The robot also has a 1-DoF wrist, which means it can rotate in one plane, likely allowing for up and down or side-to-side movement, calculated using the relative rotation between the forearm and hand global orientations.

HumanPlus humanoid robot (Stanford University) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

It features 33 degrees of freedom, two RGB webcams mounted on its head, a finger force capacity of up to 10N, an arm payload of up to 16.5 pounds and leg motor torque of up to 360Nm.

N stands for Newtons, which is the standard unit of force. 10N means the robot’s fingers can exert a force of up to 10 Newtons. This is equivalent to about 2.25 pounds-force, indicating the gripping strength of the robot’s fingers.

Nm stands for Newton meters, the standard unit for torque. 360Nm means the motors in the robot’s legs can generate a rotational force of up to 360 Newton meters. This is a significant amount of torque, indicating powerful leg motors capable of performing tasks that require substantial force and movement.

These specifications give us an idea of the robot’s grip strength and leg power capabilities, which are crucial for various tasks like manipulation and locomotion.

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HumanPlus humanoid robot folding clothes (Stanford University) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Learning through observation

HumanPlus utilizes a single RGB camera and a whole-body policy to clone human motion in real time. The robot can learn various activities, including boxing, playing the piano, ping-pong, tossing objects and typing.

HumanPlus humanoid robot boxing (Stanford University) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The system requires approximately 40 hours of human movement data to learn a task and then reproduce it step by step.

HumanPlus humanoid robot playing the piano (Stanford University) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET

Impressive task performance

HumanPlus has also demonstrated remarkable capabilities in various tasks, including wearing shoes and walking, unloading objects from warehouse racks, folding clothes, rearranging objects, typing and greeting another robot. The robot achieved success rates of 60%-100% in these tasks using up to 40 demonstrations.

HumanPlus humanoid robot wearing and walking in shoes (Stanford University) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Cost considerations

While HumanPlus represents a significant advancement in humanoid robotics, it comes with a substantial price tag. The researchers estimate the cost of building a working model at approximately $107,945. However, given its versatility, it may still be one of the more cost-effective options currently available on the market.

HumanPlus humanoid robot folding clothes (Stanford University) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Open-source design

One of the most notable aspects of HumanPlus is its open-source design. The researchers have released a GitHub repository, allowing others to build similar models and contribute to its development.

HumanPlus humanoid robot unloading objects from warehouse racks (Stanford University) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

HumanPlus’s ability to learn from human demonstrations and perform a wide range of tasks showcases the potential for more adaptable and versatile robots in the future. The open-source nature of the project encourages collaboration and further development, which could accelerate progress in this field.

As humanoid robots continue to evolve and improve, we may see them playing increasingly important roles in various industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to entertainment and education. While the current cost of HumanPlus may limit its immediate widespread adoption, ongoing research and development could lead to more affordable versions in the future, potentially revolutionizing how we interact with and utilize robotic assistants in our daily lives.

What everyday task or skill would you most like to see HumanPlus learn and perform and why? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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