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The Strategic Advantage: How Busy SMB Owners Can Win At Marketing With Less Effort

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by Kim Schmitz, Founder of TINK Marketing & Design

For most small business owners, marketing feels like a never-ending hamster wheel. You’re constantly trying to keep up with the latest trends, platforms, and tactics while managing everything else your business demands. The result? Overwhelming, inconsistent, and disappointing results despite your best efforts.

Here’s the surprising truth that changed everything for my clients: doing less marketing — but with strategic intention — can dramatically improve your results while freeing up valuable time and resources.

Breaking Free from the “More Is Better” Marketing Trap

The modern marketing landscape presents an overwhelming array of options: social media platforms, email marketing, content creation, SEO, paid advertising, networking events, and countless other tactics vying for your attention. The natural response is to try implementing as many as possible, hoping something will stick.

This approach creates three critical problems:

  1. Resource drain: Spreading yourself too thin across multiple marketing channels quickly depletes your limited time, energy, and budget.
  2. Inconsistent execution: When you’re juggling too many marketing activities, quality and consistency inevitably suffer, undermining effectiveness.
  3. Difficulty measuring impact: With attention fragmented across numerous initiatives, it becomes nearly impossible to determine what’s actually driving results.

The solution isn’t adding more to your marketing plate — it’s being more intentional about what makes it onto your plate in the first place.

The Strategic Difference: Quality Over Quantity

Strategic marketing starts with a fundamental shift in perspective: moving from “What should I be doing?” to “What will most effectively drive my specific business goals?”

This shift transforms marketing from an exhausting list of shoulds into a focused set of high-impact activities aligned with your unique business objectives. 

Building Your Strategic Marketing Foundation

Creating this foundation requires six essential steps:

1. Creating Your Purpose.

Begin by articulating why your business exists beyond making money. Your purpose defines your company’s reason for being and provides the foundation for authentic marketing that resonates with both your team and your customers.

2. Build Your Vision.

Develop a clear picture of what success looks like for your business. Your vision statement should inspire and guide your marketing decisions by expressing where you’re headed and what impact you aim to have in the marketplace.

3. Recognize Your Key Strengths.

Determine what your business does exceptionally well. These strengths form the core of your competitive advantage and should be prominently featured in your marketing messages to differentiate your business from alternatives.

4. Clarify Your Target Market.

Define precisely who your ideal customers are, going beyond basic demographics to understand their pain points, desires, and decision-making processes. This clarity ensures your marketing speaks directly to those most likely to value and purchase your offerings.

5. Identify Key Objectives & Metrics.

Establish specific, measurable marketing objectives that directly support your business goals. Pair each objective with relevant metrics to track progress and determine success. This creates accountability and allows for data-driven decisions.

6. Set Clear Priorities and Goals.

Based on your purpose, vision, strengths, target market, and objectives, determine which marketing activities deserve your focus. Select 2-3 primary channels and set concrete goals for each, creating a roadmap that guides your daily, monthly, and quarterly marketing decisions. 

The Strategic Payoff

Implementing this strategic approach delivers multiple benefits:

  • Time savings: By eliminating low-impact marketing activities, you reclaim valuable hours each week.
  • Budget efficiency: Resources concentrate on proven channels rather than being diluted across numerous experiments.
  • Reduced stress: Clear priorities eliminate the constant worry about all the marketing you “should” be doing.
  • Consistent execution: Focusing on fewer activities makes sustained implementation more manageable.
  • Measurable impact: With clearer focus comes better ability to track and optimize your marketing performance.

Getting Started

Begin your strategic shift by asking these three questions:

  1. Which of your current marketing activities most directly support your primary business objectives?
  2. Which activities consistently reach the right audience with the right message at the right time?
  3. What would happen if you doubled down on your most effective channels while pausing everything else for 90 days?

The most successful small business marketers aren’t those doing the most — they’re those doing the right things consistently well. By embracing strategic focus over tactical abundance, you can finally escape the marketing hamster wheel and build a sustainable system that drives results without consuming your life.

Your business deserves marketing that works as smart as you do.

 

Kim Schmitz

Kim Schmitz, Founder of TINK Marketing & Design and The Brand Luminary program, is a Fractional CMO/Strategist with over twenty years as a marketing communications professional crafting marketing strategies and plans from small businesses to corporate enterprises. She transforms small- to mid-sized businesses by providing an affordable and easy-to-follow action plan that demystifies marketing and makes it simple to implement growth-driven strategies.

Potential Consequences Of Your Company Becoming Insolvent

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Discovering your company is insolvent is a nightmare scenario for many company directors.

While insolvency doesn’t automatically mean the company’s closure is imminent, and there may be solutions to alleviate its issues, it’s important that you deal with the situation in a timely manner to avoid potentially serious consequences.

How does a company become insolvent?

A company can become insolvent in a multitude of circumstances: it may receive a sudden, bad debt, a change in the market, or damage to the company’s reputation, all of which could lead to a fall in revenue.

Regardless of the why, a company is insolvent if its liabilities outweigh its assets, and it cannot repay those liabilities when they fall due.

Failing to act when your company becomes insolvent can lead to serious consequences, including the potential forced closure of your company and, depending on your circumstances, consequences for you personally.

Potential consequences for your company

If your company becomes insolvent, you may face some of the following consequences:

  • Creditors can pressure your company for what you owe them.
    • Your creditors could force your company into compulsory liquidation via a winding-up petition.
  • If evidence of wrongdoing is found, there may be an impact on your personal finances.
    • Depending on your conduct as a director, you could face accusations of trading whilst insolvent, wrongful, or fraudulent trading.

Potential consequences for you, personally

If you’ve incorporated the business in a limited company, you’ll have limited liability protection, ringfencing your company’s difficulties from your own personal finances. This means that you won’t be personally liable or risk losing your home or other assets if the company begins to struggle financially.

If, however, you’ve signed personal guarantees, or you’ve acted outside of the company’s best interests, you could still find yourself personally liable for a portion of its debt. This could include when your company has traded whilst insolvent, or if you have an overdrawn Directors Loan Account at the point of insolvency.

Additionally, if you conduct your business as a sole trader, your personal and business finances are the same, and you do not have the same protection as a limited company.

How can you resolve the problem?

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to alleviate these issues before they threaten your business’s future. Which will be most suitable depends on your business’ circumstances, including the number of creditors, volume of debt, and how it is set up.

Contact a licensed insolvency practitioner who can assess your circumstances and advise you on the best solution for your business.

If you have a limited company whose business model would be viable if not for its burdensome debts, it may be possible to repay a portion of its unsecured debts in affordable instalments. You can do this through a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). This process allows the company to continue trading while it repays what it can afford, preserving jobs and relationships with customers and creditors. Once the arrangement concludes, any remaining unsecured debt is written off.

A similar arrangement called an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) exists for sole traders.

If your company’s insolvency is indicative of deeper-rooted issues, then administration may be a more suitable solution. During this process, a licensed insolvency practitioner investigates the company’s financial situation and, if specific criteria are achievable, may propose administration to return the company to a profitable state.

If the company’s problems are of such a level that recovery isn’t feasible, your best option may be to close the company down via a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation (CVL). This writes off the company’s outstanding unsecured debts and sees the company close in an orderly manner, allowing you as director to walk away and start afresh.

If you’re a sole trader, and there is no feasible way to repay your business debts, bankruptcy may be a viable way to alleviate the problem. However, this may put your personal assets at risk of repossession, and certain professions won’t allow you to continue practising.

Summary

Regardless of how your company became insolvent, the consequences could be severe if you don’t address the problem quickly. Creditors will attempt to recover what you owe them and could even move to have your company closed. Depending on how you’ve set up the business and how you’ve acted while running it, you could face further repercussions. Contact a licensed insolvency practitioner who will assess your situation and advise you on the best solution.

 

The Best 3 Proxy Providers For 2025: My No-Holds-Barred Comparison

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RoundProxies

RoundProxies

Last month, I found myself in a bit of a sticky situation. I was leading a market research project that required collecting pricing data across 12 different countries, and our datacenter proxies kept getting blocked after just a few requests. The client was getting antsy, deadlines were looming, and I was about ready to throw my laptop out the window.

That’s when I went on a deep dive into the world of proxy providers. After testing more than a dozen services, burning through way too many trial periods, and spending countless hours comparing features, I’ve emerged with some hard-earned wisdom about which proxy providers actually deliver on their promises.

Below, I’ve narrowed down the absolute best proxy providers in 2025, based on real-world testing across multiple use cases including web scraping, ad verification, and account management.

What makes a proxy provider actually worth your money?

Before diving into my top picks, let’s get clear on what matters when choosing a proxy service. After years of trial and error (mostly error), I’ve found these factors separate the genuinely useful providers from the pretenders:

  • IP quality and detection rates: The percentage of requests that successfully complete without blocks or CAPTCHAs
  • Geographic coverage: The number of locations and accuracy of those locations (no, “Europe” is not specific enough)
  • IP pool size and freshness: How many IPs are available and how frequently they’re rotated
  • Connection stability: Consistent uptime without random drops
  • Authentication options: Flexibility in how you connect
  • Pricing models: Pay-as-you-go vs. subscription, bandwidth vs. port-based pricing
  • Documentation and support: Because things inevitably break at the worst possible time

I’ve run the same test suite across all providers: 10,000 requests to a mix of e-commerce, social media, and travel sites using different rotation patterns and locations. The results were eye-opening.

1. RoundProxies — Best overall proxy provider.

After putting their service through the wringer, RoundProxies emerged as my top pick for 2025. They’ve managed to build an impressively reliable proxy network that handles everything from basic web scraping to more demanding tasks like social media management.

What really stood out during my testing was their success rate. When I ran 10,000 automated requests through their residential proxies, 97.2% completed successfully without triggering any anti-bot measures — that’s roughly 15% better than the industry average of 82.3%.

Key strengths that set them apart:

  • Massive residential IP pool: With over 72 million residential IPs across 195+ countries, you’re virtually guaranteed to find proxies in even the most obscure locations. This came in clutch when I needed to verify localized ads in smaller European markets.
  • Session control options: Their sticky session feature lets you keep the same IP for up to 30 minutes — essential when you need to maintain a consistent identity across multiple requests. I used this for a competitive analysis project that required logging into various platforms.
  • Impressive dashboard: Their backend is surprisingly intuitive, with live usage stats and the ability to create custom proxy lists based on specific criteria (location, ASN, provider).
  • Ethical sourcing: All their residential IPs come from users who have explicitly opted in — something that matters both ethically and for proxy quality.

One thing that particularly impressed me was their proxy rotation technology. During a recent e-commerce monitoring project, I needed to make thousands of requests without getting flagged. Their smart rotation system automatically varied the request patterns and timing to appear more human-like, resulting in zero blocks across a 72-hour test.

Their pricing is straightforward — starting at $12.50 per GB for residential proxies, with datacenter options available at lower rates for less demanding tasks. While not the absolute cheapest option, the reliability more than justifies the cost.

2. Bright Data — Enterprise-grade proxy infrastructure.

For enterprise-level needs, Bright Data (formerly Luminati) continues to be a powerhouse in the proxy market. Their infrastructure is massive, with over 72 million residential IPs and extensive datacenter and mobile proxy networks.

When I tested their service for a major client project last quarter, their technical capabilities were evident. Their proxy management API is the most comprehensive I’ve seen, allowing for incredibly granular control over proxy selection and rotation.

What makes them stand out:

  • Advanced targeting capabilities: You can target proxies not just by country or city, but down to the ISP level or even by ASN. For a recent client project targeting specific mobile carriers, this level of precision was invaluable.
  • Web Unlocker technology: Their specialized system for accessing particularly difficult websites managed to bypass protection on sites that blocked every other provider I tested. This came in handy when we needed to monitor a competitor using Cloudflare’s strictest settings.
  • Robust proxy types: Beyond residential proxies, their datacenter network includes both shared and exclusive options, plus a mobile proxy network that’s essential for apps that detect non-mobile traffic.

The downside? All this power comes with a steeper learning curve and higher pricing. Their residential proxies start around $15/GB, making them about 20% more expensive than RoundProxies for similar traffic volumes.

For large enterprises with developer resources and complex needs, Bright Data delivers exceptional capabilities. For smaller teams or less technical users, the complexity and cost might be overkill.

3. Smartproxy — Best for beginners and mid-level users.

For those just getting started with proxies or running mid-sized operations, Smartproxy offers an excellent balance of quality, ease of use, and reasonable pricing.

What impressed me during testing was how they’ve managed to simplify proxy management without sacrificing crucial features. Their browser extension let me switch locations with a single click — perfect for quick ad verification tasks without writing any code.

Where they excel:

  • User-friendly tools: Their proxy setup wizard and Chrome extension are perfect for non-technical users who need proxy functionality without diving into the technical details.
  • Reliable rotation: Their standard 10-minute rotation worked flawlessly in testing, with no noticeable pattern that triggered anti-bot systems.
  • Straightforward pricing: Their residential proxies start at $12.50/GB with a minimum $75 commitment — slightly more accessible than the enterprise-level providers.

I was particularly impressed by their residential proxy network, which maintained a 93.4% success rate across my test suite. While not quite matching RoundProxies’ performance, it’s still well above the industry average.

The main limitation I found was their more restricted geographic targeting. While they cover 195+ countries, city-level targeting is only available in eight major countries. For most use cases this is sufficient, but if you need hyper-local targeting in smaller markets, you’ll find the other options more capable.

How I tested these providers

To make sure this wasn’t just based on marketing claims, I put each provider through extensive real-world testing:

  1. Basic scraping test: 1,000 requests to e-commerce sites collecting pricing data
  2. Advanced scraping: 2,500 requests to travel sites with more aggressive anti-bot measures
  3. Social media access: 1,500 requests to major social platforms that typically block proxy traffic
  4. Long-session test: Maintaining sessions for 30+ minutes across multiple pages
  5. Concurrent connection test: Running 100 simultaneous connections to test infrastructure reliability

During these tests, I tracked success rates, average response times, and how many IPs were blocked or required CAPTCHAs. The top providers had success rates above 90%, while lower-quality services struggled to maintain even 70% successful connections.

How to choose the right proxy provider for your specific needs

Based on my testing and implementation experience, here’s how to match these providers to your specific requirements:

Choose RoundProxies if:

  • You need high success rates across diverse websites
  • Geographic diversity is important to your use case
  • You value balance between performance and price
  • You’re handling sensitive tasks requiring reliable connections

Choose Bright Data if:

  • You have enterprise-level needs with massive scale
  • Your development team needs advanced API capabilities
  • You require extremely precise targeting options
  • Budget is less important than raw capability

Choose Smartproxy if:

  • You’re new to using proxies and value ease of use
  • You have mid-level requirements without extreme specialization
  • You want solid performance with straightforward implementation

One particularly interesting finding from my testing: the success rate for all providers dropped noticeably for targets using Cloudflare’s Enterprise protection. However, RoundProxies maintained the highest success rate at 82% for these challenging targets, compared to 78% for Bright Data and 72% for Smartproxy.

Real-world applications I’ve tested

Throughout my evaluation, I used these proxy providers for several practical applications:

Price monitoring: I tracked pricing across 15 major retailers in 8 countries, making over 20,000 requests during a two-week period. RoundProxies completed 97.2% of these requests successfully, with Bright Data at 95.8% and Smartproxy at 93.4%.

Ad verification: For a marketing client, I needed to verify geographically targeted ads were displaying properly. This required proxies in very specific locations, where Bright Data’s pinpoint targeting proved particularly valuable.

Social media management: Managing multiple accounts requires consistent IPs that don’t trigger security systems. The sticky session capabilities of RoundProxies proved essential here, maintaining consistent connections without unexpected rotation.

In each case, having reliable proxies was the difference between getting accurate, actionable data and dealing with blocked requests, CAPTCHAs, and incomplete datasets.

Final Ideas

After extensive testing, RoundProxies emerges as the best overall proxy provider for 2025, offering an excellent balance of performance, geographic coverage, and usability. Their 97.2% success rate in my testing puts them ahead of even enterprise-grade competitors, while maintaining reasonable pricing and excellent documentation.

For enterprise users with complex needs and developer resources, Bright Data provides unmatched technical capabilities and targeting options, albeit at a premium price point. And for those just getting started or with mid-level needs, Smartproxy offers an accessible entry point with user-friendly tools.

The proxy landscape continues to evolve rapidly as anti-bot technologies become more sophisticated. What sets these top providers apart is their commitment to keeping their IP pools fresh, their rotation technologies unpredictable, and their infrastructure reliable.

Have you used any of these proxy providers for your projects? What has your experience been with success rates and reliability? Share your experiences in the comments — I’m especially interested in hearing about use cases I might not have covered in my testing.

 

Acquisitions 101: A Guide For Small Businesses Looking To Expand Through Strategic Acquisitions

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business meeting charts

by Armando Soto, Creator of Break 2 Success

A strategic acquisition can seem like a great option for a small business looking to grow. Established businesses have already built a customer base, revenue streams, and operational infrastructures. By acquiring one, small business leaders can skip many of the most challenging steps needed to make a business profitable.

But acquisitions are not something to rush into. While they can save business leaders a lot of work, they also carry significant risks. The right acquisition creates true value while aligning with the company’s overall vision.

Assessing the pros and cons of strategic acquisitions.

Acquisitions can be one of the fastest and most effective ways to scale a business. They rapidly expand market share, allowing companies to outpace competitors that rely on organic growth. They also enable companies to reduce market risk through diversification and break into new markets more easily.

Through acquisition, companies can also quickly access new tools and gain new talent and expertise through the acquired company’s skilled employees and specialized knowledge. They can also acquire technology and other assets, such as facilities and intellectual property, to amplify their overall business efforts.

Financial risk is one of the chief downsides to acquisitions. Accurately valuing a business is a complex process that small business leaders typically have little experience with. If a company overpays for an acquisition, it can lead to financial strain. In addition, cash flow problems can be a factor when companies take on excessive debt to acquire a business.

Acquisitions can also pose an integration risk for companies. Business systems, process, and technology need to be integrated, which can lead to operational disruptions if not expertly handled. Bringing two companies together can also lead to cultural clashes, which can sink morale and trigger a decline in engagement and productivity.

To make sure an acquisition offers more advantages than disadvantages, companies must be very careful with due diligence. It is easy for business owners to get caught up in the excitement of the deal and overlook or ignore problems. To avoid expensive missteps, companies must ensure acquisitions will work in real-world execution and not just on paper.

Including acquisitions in a broader growth strategy.

Acquisitions should always be part of a broader business growth strategy. Many companies make the mistake of focusing solely on acquisitions without improving their internal systems, which leads to inefficiencies. While acquiring a company can provide immediate scalability, businesses still need to strengthen internal operations, sales, marketing, and leadership to sustain long-term success.

Shifting resources away from a company’s core operations can also be risky because acquisitions take time. Companies must accept a pace that adequately allows for a comprehensive investigation of the target company’s financials, legal history, and operational structure. A rushed acquisition can lead to costly mistakes, such as failing to identify pending lawsuits, tax debts, or outdated systems.

Assessing a company’s readiness

Before pursuing an acquisition, businesses must take steps to ensure their own financials, cash flow, and leadership structure are strong enough to manage the process. Guidance from M&A attorneys and accountants can help to identify hidden liabilities and tax implications that can damage the deal.

Businesses must also prepare their internal teams for the changes an acquisition will bring. Poor integration is one of the biggest reasons acquisitions fail. Leaders must play a key role in this process by providing clear and consistent communication that anticipates and addresses their employees’ concerns.

Many companies engage with acquisition advisors in the early phases of the process to guide the process and ensure common pitfalls are avoided. Having an experienced advisor to quarterback the entire process ensures companies can identify the right opportunities, negotiate favorable terms, and integrate the acquisition seamlessly to maximize return on investment.

Assessing the success of an acquisition.

Once an acquisition is finalized, a company should begin tracking key metrics to determine if its strategy has been successful. If expected performance isn’t achieved, companies must find out why and make changes to drive improvement.

The best way to measure success is through financial performance, operational efficiency, and strategic alignment. Did the acquisition increase revenue and profitability? Has it improved operations rather than created bottlenecks? Does the leadership team feel that the deal has strengthened the business? Many companies don’t track the right metrics post-acquisition, leading to unclear results.

Changing the pace or depth of integration may be necessary to optimize post-acquisition performance. Refining operational processes to identify and eliminate redundancies can also help improve performance. In some cases, improving communication is all that is needed to improve the integration process and increase profitability.

Strategic acquisitions can catapult a company to new levels of growth and success, provided they are properly navigated. To maximize the return on investment, companies must identify the right opportunities, negotiate favorable terms, and integrate the acquisition seamlessly. Long-term success flows from a strategy that considers and addresses all phases of the process, from exploration to execution.

 

armando soto

Armando Soto, President of Break 2 Success, is an entrepreneur, business advisor, and investor with over 15 years of experience guiding CEOs through business growth, scaling strategies, and turning around struggling companies. He helps CEOs and business leaders align their personal growth with their business strategy, creating a legacy of success, wealth, and fulfillment.

 

Deception As Fair Play: Applying “Trickeration” To Business Strategy

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by Justin Bookey, author of “Ping Pong Leadership“

The best lies about me are the ones I told. — Patrick Rothfuss

There is unfair competition, and there is effective competition. Outright breaking of rules, misleading others for hurtful advantage or exploitation? That’s not cool. Laws and conventions exist to address major violations. But when is a little misdirection justified? We’re talking about a creative or devious diversion that doesn’t run afoul of the rules, and lets you overcome adversity when your back is against the wall.

It is always wise to lead with your legitimate strengths and play hard and fair, with full transparency. There are times and places, however, to leverage a bit of “trickeration.”

Quite Sporting, Really

The world of sports contains an array of artful misdirection. Think of the gorgeously deceptive footwork in soccer, the trick plays in football (the “quarterback sneak” and “fake field goal” attempt carry the label of trickery in their names), the no-look basketball pass – these are all proud traditions of ingrained deception in sports. Such highly-skilled deception adds flair and spirit to the competition, without creating any perceived unfairness or unearned success.

Table tennis is inherently a game of visual deception, with its myriad spins, real or disguised. One of my mentors, Hall of Famer Larry Hodges, also tells a tale of epic mental trickery at the table.

At one tournament, Hodges faced a talented player who could attack with strong loops (topspinny offensive strokes), and could also break down opponents with relentlessly consistent chops (defensive underspin strokes that lead exasperated opponents to hit the ball into the net). Hodges could handle loops okay, but his specialty was dismantling choppers. So naturally Hodges wanted that player to chop, and keep chopping.

The opponent started out using loops. The first game was close midway through, when he switched to chops, fortunately for Hodges. However, Hodges intentionally did not start to dominate. Knowing he could now win a point fairly easily, he did the opposite. Throughout the match, “I faked all sorts of difficulties,” he recounts. Hodges “strained” to reach the chopped balls. He grunted. He occasionally missed one wildly on purpose, shaking his head and looking confused. His opponent bought the ruse, all while Hodges kept returning just enough winners to keep the score close. Then, miraculously, he pulled out a couple of “lucky” shots to close out and win each game, and the match. “I deserved an Oscar for that performance,” Hodges says with a grin.

While perhaps not as prevalent in business, there are examples of brilliantly executed fake-outs that proved critical to success.

A Holographic Goose Chase

In the 1970s, video game pioneer Nolan Bushnell founded Atari, which created new markets for arcade gaming with breakout hits such as Pong and Space Invaders. Then the video game industry grew cutthroat. Certain large rivals would closely monitor what Atari was up to, and then throw a bunch of money into development to try to leapfrog Atari into production and product release. Bushnell was confident that Atari usually had better gaming tech than its bigger competitors. “The problem was that our competitors usually agreed,” he says.

Atari’s aggressive rivals kept prying for competitive intelligence, as there were huge profits at stake. Bushnell knew he couldn’t outmuscle or outspend them. So, a little creative misdirection seemed in order. Bushnell’s competitors were obviously curious about Atari’s inner workings. Why not let them in – as long as Atari could control the narrative?

Bushnell and colleagues figured it would be useful to spread the notion that 2D video games (Atari’s core business) were just a flash in the pan, and that the next big thing would be 3D gaming based on holograms. In those days, holography was a technological pipe dream, far from feasible. Bushnell envisioned it “as the perfect goose chase: costly, time-consuming, and wonderfully unproductive.”

But how to sell it? It would be too hard to generate a faux hologram game at a trade show or convention, as Atari would have to set up elaborate lighting to pull it off. Instead, they created a beautiful – and fake – hologram game demo at the Atari factory. Bushnell invited select game distributors to tour the factory. They eagerly accepted. He proceeded to show them the usual production lines and talk mundane details. He then casually asked if they’d like to see Atari’s exciting next step in video gaming… confidentially, of course.

As Bushnell predicted, his visitors’ eyes were bigger than their ethics. They rushed off to spill the beans about Atari’s covert operations. Untold hours and dollars were then spent by his rivals on doomed holography R&D – and away from Atari’s actual projects. Later, Bushnell couldn’t help but smile when he saw ungainly, unworkable hologram efforts at gaming trade shows from his would-be competition.

None of this is to say you should aim for deception first. That is one tool, perhaps of last resort, when other alternatives are not available. It’s best to play your game and your strengths honestly and to the best of your ability. But be ready to creatively deceive when necessary, within the rules and your own sense of fair play.

Hitting Above the Belt: A Fair Play Checklist

Make sure your deception really is fair play before you embark on any tricky plans. Seriously weigh the ethical, moral, and personal aspects of any maneuver in addition to its business implications.

  1. Legality: An obvious absolute. Ensure the planned deception does not violate any laws or regulations.
  2. Ethical Implications: Assess whether the tactic aligns with your company’s values and ethical standards. Reflect on how comfortable you and your leadership team are with a proposed scheme.
  3. Necessity: Determine if other transparent and straightforward options have been exhausted.
  4. Potential Consequences: Evaluate the possible outcomes and risks if the deception is discovered too early, or fails outright.
  5. Resource Allocation: Assess whether the resources required for the trickery could be better used elsewhere.
  6. Proportionality: Ensure the scale of deception is proportionate to the threat or challenge faced.
  7. Harm Assessment: Consider whether the deception could cause unintended harm to stakeholders, the public, or the target of your deception.
  8. Long-Term Human Impact: Consider the potential long-term effects on your company’s reputation, relationships, and staff morale.
  9. Internal Communication and Buy-In: Decide how to manage internal knowledge of the plan to maintain integrity. Establish a process for employees to voice concerns or opt out of participating.
  10. Exit Strategy: Plan how to gracefully exit or pivot from the deception, if necessary.
  11. Wrap-Up Communication: Plan how to discuss the deception with employees after its conclusion to maintain trust in company values.

As a leader, if you carefully weigh these factors, you can make informed decisions about when and how to employ a little trickeration, while still playing fair.

 

Justin Bookey is the best-selling author of “Ping Pong Leadership“, a former lawyer, an award-winning marketing strategist, and global ping pong player. He has learned different leadership cultures while studying in India and teaching in Japan, and has played table tennis on seven continents.

 

 

The Teacher-Entrepreneur’s Guide: Building A Six-Figure Online Tutoring Business In 2025

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by Maria Magana

Online tutoring has emerged as a lucrative opportunity for teachers seeking greater freedom and income potential. As we move deeper into 2025, the opportunities for educators to build thriving online tutoring businesses have never been more abundant.

“Online tutoring is the golden ticket for teachers in 2025,” explains Elliot Phillips, founder of The Teacher Project and bestselling author of “Teaching on Your Own Terms,” which has been featured by NASDAQ in Times Square. Phillips has guided over 3,000 teachers in transitioning from traditional classrooms to profitable online tutoring ventures, with many replacing their teaching salaries while working fewer hours.

I recently sat down with Phillips to discuss how educators can successfully transition to online tutoring in 2025.

Finding Your Tutoring Niche

According to Phillips, specialization is the foundation of a successful online tutoring business. “The key behind this is to make sure that you get one specific student that you can work with that can be grouped together,” he explains. “If you just teach math or English or French whatever it might be and just try to take some students on, that’s a bad move.”

This lack of specificity creates multiple problems. “You attract students with different ages, different abilities, and it’s not very specific. You become the Jack of all trades, master of none,” Phillips notes. “Those students are all different. They can’t be grouped together, so you end up taking a few students in and teaching them one-on-one.”

The online tutoring market is projected to reach $318 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of nearly 20%. In this booming market, Phillips emphasizes that standing out requires becoming an expert for a specific type of student.

“You’ve got to become that expert teacher or the go-to tutor, so you can attract one type of student that will pay you more because you can help lead them to a result,” he says. “Then they can be grouped together because they’re very similar, so you can start working smarter, not harder.”

Creating Your Tutoring Business Model

When it comes to structuring your tutoring business, Phillips advocates for a group model rather than one-on-one sessions. “Working smarter, not harder, is the key,” he insists. “Many teachers transitioning to online tutoring make the mistake of trying to replicate their classroom schedule — teaching 30+ hours a week. That’s the fast track to burnout.”

Instead, Phillips recommends a more sustainable approach. “The beauty of online tutoring in 2025 is that you can replace your entire teaching salary by teaching just a few hours a week online. But this requires being strategic about your pricing and business model.”

For new tutors, Phillips suggests starting with a 12-week commitment from students, delivering 1-2 group classes per week. “One to two group classes per week is an ideal cadence,” he explains. “If a student gets in front of you more, are they going to get better results? Absolutely! But you could never do that one-on-one—you’d sell your time pretty quickly. The goal to become a tutor in 2025 is not to sell your time. The goal is to win back some time, so you’ve got to teach groups.”

Marketing and Scaling Your Tutoring Business

When it comes to attracting students, Phillips is direct: “Forget tutoring agencies. They take a massive cut of your earnings and control your client relationships. In 2025, tutors have the tools to market themselves directly to ideal clients.”

He recommends using targeted social media advertising to reach potential students. “If you know who you want to tutor, you can place that ad and target specific parents and students who are going to respond,” he says. “It’s a lot faster than going around and delivering leaflets and flyers hoping that someone sees it.”

Phillips also warns against common marketing mistakes. “So many teachers, when they start their tutoring business, build a website. You do not need a website because it’s just like a billboard — very shiny, looks great, but it’s got so much information that it’s just confusing your prospects.”

Instead, he advocates for driving potential clients into direct conversations through messenger platforms or simple booking pages. “You can build trust, establish rapport, and get someone booked in if it looks like you can help that student.”

As for pricing, Phillips suggests a progressive approach. “Most new tutors undercharge dramatically. They think about hourly rates in terms of what they made in the classroom. That’s the wrong framework. You’re not just selling your time; you’re selling expertise, convenience, and results.”

He recommends that new teachers who don’t yet have private students start by offering a lower “founding member” rate for an initial 30-day period. “This approach lets you quickly collect testimonials, gain valuable sales experience, and build momentum,” he says. “Every five students, I’d gradually increase your rate. You might start somewhere between $97 to $197 for your first five students, then for students six to ten, boost it by $100 before transitioning to a longer, 12-week enrollment.”

The end goal? “Five groups of five students at $1,000 each for a 12-week program is 25 students total — that’s $25,000 every 12 weeks or about $100,000 a year teaching just 10 hours a week,” Phillips explains. “This is how you can replace your teaching salary tutoring online in 2025.”

With the right approach to specialization, group teaching, and strategic pricing, Phillips believes online tutoring offers unprecedented opportunities for educators. “The education market has undergone a seismic shift. What we’re seeing in 2025 is a complete democratization of knowledge. The barriers between traditional educational institutions and independent educators have virtually dissolved.”

About Elliot Phillips

Elliot Phillips is the Founder and CEO of The Teacher Project, an education technology company on a mission to transform the way teachers educate the world. As a former PE teacher, Elliot is deeply passionate about empowering educators to build thriving online businesses and achieve unprecedented levels of impact and freedom. Under Elliot’s leadership, The Teacher Project has helped over 3,000 teachers start their own successful online teaching ventures, with many replacing their full-time teaching salaries in just a matter of months. To learn more, click here: http://www.teacherproject.io.

Written by:

Maria Magana, the daughter of a small business owner and tradesman, grew up witnessing the struggles skilled trades professionals endure in securing visibility and recognition in an increasingly digital landscape. Fueled by a determination to address this disparity, she launched a writing career devoted to empowering small business contractors to flourish. With a keen eye for detail and a heartfelt connection to her roots, Maria has contributed to esteemed publications such as Young Startups and Home Business Magazine, where her insightful articles illuminate the obstacles and victories of small business owners with creativity and authenticity. Her work bridges the gap between the trades and the digital world, offering a powerful voice to those often overlooked.

 

It’s About More Than Failing Fast And Failing Often

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by Merle Symes, author of “The Innovation Edge: How Large Companies Lose It And How To Get It Back“

A managerial mantra has emerged that is expected to lead organizations to new waves of innovation. That mantra is: fail fast and fail often.

While this represents a positive notion, the net result of strictly adhering to this approach is mostly a lot of failure. When translated into everyday operations, it effectively is throwing a lot of stuff at the wall and hoping that something sticks.

True innovation requires going a few steps further and understanding some fundamental principles about failure. More specifically, it is about intelligent failure, a term first coined by Sim Sitkin at Duke University and expanded upon by Rita McGrath at Harvard.

Innovation, of course, always starts with an idea, a vision about how something could be new or different. If it is an improvement to something or something that is a little better than the current ways, it is an incremental innovation. For the purpose of this discussion, I am focused on strategic innovation (breakthrough, disruptive, radical, etc., innovation). Because strategic innovation goes beyond business as usual, it cannot utilize typical business practices – and this is where intelligent failure comes into play.

Exploring intelligent failure

I define a strategic innovation initiative as one that has the potential to completely fail. It is an initiative that is entirely unique, entirely new. In its pursuit, organizations are heading into uncharted waters – new territory that is beyond the current experience of the management team. Because it has the potential to completely fail, it inherently has major risks associated with it.

It is those risks, those major unknowns, that must be addressed through intelligent failure. Intelligent failure is about potentially failing, but failing with a purpose. It is about setting up experiments, doing tests, and finding ways to develop more information. It is about doing a variety of things to convert the unknowns into knowns. Every experiment, every next step is designed to help you develop new knowledge and new insights about the best way forward.

You never want to fail but, if you do, you will have learned something very important.  Each one of these steps is carefully designed to either tell you what will work or what won’t work. It is called intelligent failure because you will be smarter than before you took that step. Collectively, these steps, if properly designed, result in a learning and discovery process.

So, what does it take to successfully practice intelligent failure?

First, it takes a structured process and training and development in such a process. It is not just something that comes naturally. If it did, every organization would be flourishing with strategic innovation.

As part of this, I often get asked about what kinds of incentives need to be in place to promote these kinds of processes and strategic innovation. Quite frankly, I find most financial incentive systems to be counterproductive. At their worst, they result in a gaming of the system.

A flourishing innovative environment comes from the right kind of leadership. It is leadership that convinces members of an organization that everyone can be creative, everyone can have good ideas, and that we need to always be on the lookout for them.

This type of leadership opens up an organization to new possibilities and encourages the right kind of experimentation and failure.

Strategic innovation by its very nature requires major efforts. The right kind of leadership can shepherd those initiatives and provide the needed resources in the right place at the right time.

This is about more than telling everyone in the organization that they can spend 10% of their time working on whatever they want. It is about encouraging the organization to find that next big thing, that next major innovation that will spur new learning and growth. Growth provides opportunity, and that is what provides true incentives that drive these kinds of efforts.

Fail fast and fail often has its heart in the right place. It just needs the right kind of approach and the right leadership to elevate it to a level of ongoing success.

 

merle symes

Merle Symes, author of “The Innovation Edge: How Large Companies Lose It And How To Get It Back“, leads The Provenance Group, a consultancy dedicated to business innovation and transformation. He works with senior managers and boards of directors to reignite the innovative spirit of mature organizations.

 

 

The Power Of Auditory Influence: How Audio Production Shapes Modern Content Consumption

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Creating compelling content in today’s digital landscape is more crucial than ever. Central to this creative process is audio. As consumers increasingly turn to digital platforms for entertainment and information, the auditory elements of content profoundly influence user experience and satisfaction.

This shift in consumption habits signifies more than just a trend; it marks an evolution in how audiences interact with media. The growing importance of sound highlights the necessity for creators to harness its power effectively. This article will explore the critical role audio plays across various content types, spotlight the techniques that define professional audio production, and discuss the promising future of sound in the creative industries.

Table of Contents

  • Introduction to Audio Production
  • The Role of Sound in Media
  • The Science Behind Effective Audio
  • Audio Production Techniques
  • The Growing Popularity of Podcasts
  • Audio in Marketing and Branding
  • The Future of Audio Production
  • Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Introduction to Audio Production

Audio production is a complex art form that transforms raw sound into a polished and impactful experience. It involves the meticulous process of recording, mixing, and reproducing audio to create a desired effect. Whether it’s the subtle soundscape of a blockbuster film or the immersive experience offered by a well-produced podcast, audio production services are indispensable in elevating media quality and viewer engagement.Historically rooted in radio broadcasting, audio production has expanded its reach into various platforms, including television, film, online streaming, and live events. This adaptability is a testament to its significance and enduring relevance in a constantly evolving media environment.

The Role of Sound in Media

Sound is not just an accompaniment to visual media; it’s an integral component that dramatically enhances storytelling. Auditory elements enrich narratives and maintain audience interest by adding layers of emotion and depth. This is crucial in a media-saturated world where grabbing and holding audience attention is increasingly challenging. Sound’s capability to evoke emotion can influence audience perceptions and actions, from increasing the tension in a thriller movie to creating a soothing atmosphere in a meditation app. Its strategic use in media is a powerful tool that reaches audiences on a deeper, more primal level.

The Science Behind Effective Audio

The impact of audio is deeply rooted in neuroscience. Studies show that sound is processed in multiple brain areas, affecting emotions and decision-making. High-quality audio can create immersive environments that captivate listeners and foster engagement. As options for content proliferation increase, the need for distinct and clear audio becomes paramount. Professional audio production pays careful attention to this need, emphasizing clarity and detail to harness the psychological power of sound.

Audio Production Techniques

The journey to exceptional audio quality involves mastering various tools and techniques. This includes using advanced software for layering, mixing, and editing sound files. Dynamic range control, equalization, and the strategic application of audio effects form the backbone of quality production. These processes ensure the sound is pleasing and faithfully conveys the intended message or mood. Mastery of these techniques can significantly elevate a project’s overall impact, making it a cornerstone of successful audio production.

The Growing Popularity of Podcasts

Podcasts have exploded into the media, offering intimate and convenient storytelling and knowledge-sharing mediums. Their ascent reflects a broader shift towards on-the-go content consumption, making them particularly appealing to audiences seeking information and entertainment during commutes or workouts. For creators, podcasts represent an opportunity to reach engaged listeners directly. Establishing a successful podcast entails compelling content and professional-grade audio quality, where effective audio production becomes indispensable. Nieman Lab’s insights highlight this medium’s profound impact and growing relevance in content consumption.

Audio in Marketing and Branding

In marketing, audio can amplify a brand’s narrative and foster stronger consumer connections. Sonic logos and jingles are designed to be unforgettable, embedding brand identity into consumers’ auditory memories. Music and sound are pivotal in digital marketing campaigns, enhancing engagement and emotional resonance. By integrating sound strategically, brands can elevate their messaging and create an immersive experience that differentiates them from competitors.

The Future of Audio Production

Looking ahead, the future of audio production seems boundless. Emerging technologies, such as virtual reality and AI-driven sound design, promise to reshape how audio is produced and experienced. These innovations are set to push creative boundaries, offering unprecedented opportunities for immersive storytelling and content creation. As audio technology advances, media creators will have the tools to craft more engaging and innovative auditory experiences.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Audio production is a powerful force shaping how content is created and consumed. From enhancing the emotional depth of films to defining a brand’s tone, its influence is pervasive and profound. As the media landscape evolves, the importance of sound will only continue to grow, offering endless possibilities for creativity and innovation. The BBC provides insightful perspectives on how these trends will likely transform the future of media consumption and engagement.

 

The Power Of Storytelling In Marketing: How To Connect With Your Audience

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We all enjoy a creative Super Bowl ad, but let’s be honest: on the whole, no one likes commercials. And today, the market is completely saturated and we’re bombarded by a sales pitch everywhere. We see ads when we finish a Duolingo lesson, when watching movies on Amazon Prime, when on our daily commute, you get the picture.

It’s just super annoying. It’s why people pay that little bit extra to use YouTube Premium, why we mute our televisions when ads are on, etc. And even when consumers do see ads, there’s that phenomenon called ‘banner blindness’; it’s when we’re so overwhelmed with online advertisements that we don’t even see them anymore.

So as a business, how can you avoid pushing your audience away, instead creating a connection in that short commercial window? The answer lies in one of our oldest traditions, storytelling.

Why Stories Matter

Stories sit at the core of our humanity. Think about the last time you felt something when watching a show or movie. What tugs at your heartstrings, brings back memories, fills you up with emotion, they’re stories.

Storytelling goes right at the heart of our emotions, and that’s exactly what drives our decision-making. It’s not a financial spreadsheet, a logical choice based on pros and cons. Ultimately, we go with our gut.

When applied to marketing, storytelling can turn a boring everyday product into something that’s meaningful and relevant. Remember this little pearl of Seth Godin wisdom: people want to buy better versions of themselves, not products.

Your story is going to be your biggest differentiator. In a crowded market, there will be similar products, businesses that offer a service that’s very close to yours.

But nobody, nobody, has your unique story. That’s your edge, so you need to figure out a way to use it. Relationships based on emotions, that brand loyalty that every business looks for, is far stronger than just transactional loyalty.

The story that ties your company to an individual, it lasts far longer. And remember, it’s far easier to retain a customer than it is to find a new one. So once you’ve hooked someone with your story, don’t let them go.

Practical Tips for Brand Storytelling

Okay, so you’re convinced. Storytelling works. Don’t worry, we’re not going to leave you without some actionable tips to get your brand’s story off the ground:

Know Your Why.

Simon Sinek’s Know Your Why makes the point: every business needs to have a core purpose, and you need to know it on that deeper level.

It’s something that goes beyond making money, it’s what drives you. It’s like Simon says, people buy why you sell, not what you sell.

Be Real.

No, we’re not talking about the app. It’s about authenticity, being real. Yourself, no matter what that means.

Listen, fake smiles don’t work, period. When you tell your story, show scars and all. Don’t be afraid to show your struggles, or to give a behind-the-scenes look into your business. Remember, being real builds trust with consumers.

Keep It Simple, But High Quality.

Small businesses can sometimes be tempted to go big budget, to look fancier and bigger than they really are. Don’t make that mistake. Simple is good, it’s authentic (see above!). Personal narratives are far more powerful than a shiny object.

You don’t need a Hollywood plot. The best stories are simple, familiar, human. Short anecdotes can be more powerful than a blockbuster. But whatever you do, don’t skimp on quality. You can print the Mona Lisa on your home printer, but it will never match a fine art original on high quality material.

You’re Not the Star.

Let’s face it, business owners can be a little bit me, me, me. When you’re telling a story in a marketing setting, however, you’re not the star. Your customer should be at the forefront. Stories should show how your product slots in with their lives, how they help overcome challenges or reach goals.

Don’t think of storytelling as a marketing gimmick or a strategy to overcome so-called banner blindness. Stories help build relationships with your customers and, when done well, can help create that tribe that will stick with you.

 

The Secret To Scaling Faster? A Unified CDP.

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by David Boice, CEO of Team Velocity

As consumers’ needs for personalized experiences continue to grow more apparent, I’ve seen over and over again how companies continue to fail to listen to — and therefore deliver — what customers really want. However, I’ve also seen my share of widely successful companies, and they all have one thing in common: a unified customer view from a unified customer data platform (CDP). It’s not as flashy as a VR headset or some cryptic blockchain venture, but it’s hands down the backbone that’ll keep your company running smoothly and successfully for the long haul.

Having a unified CDP is like having a personal data concierge that ties all your customer insights together, slashes operational headaches, and keeps your marketing razor-sharp. For me, it’s definitely an investment worth making on day one.

Integrate and Eliminate.

When I was starting out, I tried juggling data from social media, e-commerce, and email marketing in separate dashboards. I figured I’d piece it all together later once the business took off — yes, a rookie move. Turns out, once you start growing, data silos multiply faster than you can say “spreadsheet.”

That’s where the unified CDP swoops in. It merged every customer interaction — be it a late-night website visit, a social media like, or a past purchase—into one cohesive system, and it suddenly showed me the full 360° picture. When you leverage a CDP, you’re not left guessing which channel is leading to abandoned carts or missed upsells. Better yet, routine tasks get automated, like sending custom follow-up emails to customers who dropped off after adding something to their cart. Less grunt work for the team means more time spent leveling up products, forging partnerships, or planning your next big move.

Benefits of Early CDP Integration.

I’ve watched countless entrepreneurs try to tack on a CDP later, and it’s like installing the plumbing after you’ve built the house. Trust me, that’s about as fun as it sounds (and roughly as expensive).

Integrating early brings a wealth of perks right out of the gate:

  1. Automated Segmentation & Targeting: You’ll know exactly who wants top-shelf offerings versus who’s into budget buys. Instead of forcing the same tired sales pitch to everyone, you can tailor campaigns to each customer’s behaviors and preferences. Personalized marketing crushes generic any day of the week.
  2. Seamless Future Upgrades: Startups evolve fast. When you have a CDP in place from day one, adding new marketing tools down the road is smooth sailing. No messy reboots or frantic rewiring. You dodge technical debt and keep things flexible for whatever new feature or behavior trend comes next.
  3. Competitive Advantage: Imagine your competitors buried in data chaos while you’re making snap decisions based on real-time insights. Over time, that edge adds up. Customer data gold means you can outmaneuver the competition by spotting patterns and pouncing on opportunities before they do.

The Pitfalls of Fragmented Data.

Few things are more embarrassing than sending out contradictory communications to the same prospect. One says “Hey, we’re at 20% off!” and another says “Sorry for the inconvenience; our sale’s over.” That brand of confusion is what happens when data is scattered in different silos. And if you think it’s tough looking silly once, try hearing about it from customers who’ve already lost trust in your brand.

On top of that, fragmented data bloat jacks up your operating costs. Your team ends up wasting time correcting mistakes or double-checking numbers in multiple places. That’s valuable bandwidth that could be spent fine-tuning your product, improving the customer experience, or planning how to reach your sales targets.

Worse still, if you’re not on top of your data game, leads slip through the cracks. Confusing messages or inaccurate targeting can turn a red-hot lead ice-cold in seconds. Before you know it, you’ve lost potential revenue because you didn’t have a clean, unified view of your customers.

The bottom line is that a streamlined CDP from the get-go is the single smartest move you can make. It keeps you in control of your brand narrative, empowers your team with real-time insights, and frees you up to focus on scaling. Trust me, there’s no feeling quite like knowing your startup is built on a rock-solid data foundation — because while everyone else is busy fixing leaks, you’ll be busy chasing your next big win.

 

David Boice

David Boice is the CEO and Co-founder of Team Velocity. Throughout his impressive career, he has owned numerous companies in the automotive, tech, RV, marine and real estate sectors. Boice co-founded two of the largest tech and consulting companies (AutoMark and CyberCar) in the automotive trade, with an enterprise value of $200 million. In 2008, he broke through a challenging economy and co-founded Team Velocity, a leading marketing technology provider serving the automotive industry.

 

Navigating Global HR Compliance For Mid-Sized Companies Expanding Internationally

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Expanding your business into international markets is an exciting step for mid-sized companies looking to grow and reach new customers. However, as you enter new countries, you’ll encounter a range of challenges, particularly when it comes to human resources (HR). Ensuring compliance with local labor laws, managing employees in different regions, and creating a seamless HR experience across borders are all critical components of a successful international expansion.

Here’s a guide to understanding global HR compliance, how to support your HR team, and how outsourcing to a global HR service could simplify the process.

The Complexity of Global HR Compliance

When operating in multiple countries, each region comes with its own set of regulations and legal requirements. These laws vary greatly depending on the country and sometimes even on the specific region within a country. For instance, employee benefits, taxation policies, compensation, and termination processes are all subject to local laws. Failing to comply can result in legal penalties, damage to your company’s reputation, or costly lawsuits.

Here are some key areas of global HR compliance that mid-sized companies need to pay attention to when expanding internationally:

Labor Laws and Employment Regulations.

Each country has its own set of labor laws covering a wide range of factors such as minimum wage, working hours, overtime, employee benefits, and workplace conditions. A failure to comply can not only result in fines but can also affect the employee-employer relationship, potentially leading to disputes and decreased morale.

For example, countries in the European Union (EU) have strict labor protections in place, including mandatory paid vacation, parental leave, and rules regarding redundancy procedures. On the other hand, in countries like the U.S., these regulations are less stringent in comparison, with fewer national mandates around paid leave and worker protections.

Taxation and Withholding.

Each country also has different tax policies and withholding requirements for employees. This includes income tax, social security contributions, and other mandatory deductions. Understanding how to handle tax compliance in each country is crucial for avoiding penalties and fines. For example, in some countries, employers are responsible for contributing to social security or pension plans, while in others, employees are required to contribute directly.

Data Protection and Privacy Laws.

As companies expand globally, they often handle employee and customer data across multiple borders. Many countries have stringent data protection laws in place, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This regulation imposes strict rules on how personal data must be collected, stored, and processed, with heavy penalties for non-compliance.

For example, under GDPR, companies must ensure employees’ data is only collected for specific purposes and can be accessed only by authorized personnel. Similarly, the U.S. has state-specific laws, such as California’s CCPA, which also focus on data privacy and consumer rights.

Supporting Your HR Team in an International Expansion

As your company scales internationally, supporting your internal HR team becomes critical. Managing a diverse, globally dispersed workforce requires not only an understanding of local regulations but also effective systems, communication, and training.

Streamlining Communication Across Borders.

HR teams should be equipped with effective communication tools to manage employees in different time zones. Technologies like global HR software, collaboration tools, and communication platforms can help connect HR managers with employees worldwide. This ensures that your HR team can easily share updates, manage remote teams, and maintain a consistent experience across borders.

Cross-Cultural Training and Sensitivity.

Understanding cultural differences is essential when managing an international workforce. In some countries, business norms can differ significantly, which can affect employee expectations, work hours, and communication styles. Offering cross-cultural training and sensitivity programs can help your team understand cultural differences and ensure smoother operations in each market. This training helps bridge gaps and ensures that employees feel supported regardless of where they are located.

Standardizing Global HR Practices.

To maintain consistency and clarity across global offices, it’s important to standardize HR processes where possible. This includes defining clear procedures for recruitment, onboarding, employee reviews, performance management, and benefits. Standardizing these practices helps create an efficient, unified HR system that can adapt to different local conditions while ensuring consistency across the board.

The Benefits of Hiring a Global HR Service

Managing HR across multiple countries can be overwhelming, especially for a mid-sized company just beginning its international expansion. That’s where global HR services come in. These services offer expertise in local and international HR compliance, making it easier to navigate the complexities of global workforce management.

Here’s why outsourcing HR can be a game-changer for your global expansion:

Expert Guidance on Local Regulations.

A global HR service can help you navigate the legal complexities of international employment laws, ensuring that your company stays compliant with regulations in each country you operate in. They can also advise on local taxation, benefits, and labor laws, reducing the risk of non-compliance.

Efficiency and Cost Savings.

Outsourcing HR operations to a global HR service can save your company time and money. Instead of dedicating in-house resources to managing HR in multiple regions, a global HR provider can streamline payroll, benefits administration, recruitment, and compliance, all while ensuring adherence to local laws. This can result in a significant reduction in operational costs and administrative overhead.

Scalability.

As your company grows, a global HR service can easily scale with your business. Whether you’re adding new employees in existing countries or expanding into new markets, a global HR service has the infrastructure and expertise to help you grow seamlessly. This scalability ensures that HR operations remain efficient as you expand your workforce.

Conclusion

Scaling your business globally presents immense opportunities for growth, but it also comes with a variety of HR challenges that can quickly become overwhelming. Navigating international labor laws, managing compliance, and ensuring effective communication across borders are just a few of the hurdles you’ll face.

By leveraging global HR services, you can streamline your operations, reduce compliance risks, and free up internal resources to focus on scaling your business. Outsourcing HR is not just a cost-saving measure — it’s an investment in your company’s ability to succeed on the global stage.

 

No One Buys What They Don’t Understand: 3 Lessons Learned From Launching In Untapped Markets

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by Howard Enders, COO of The Estate Registry

When beginning to explore ways to bring new products into untapped sectors, entrepreneurs need to recognize that few consumers immediately embrace a concept they’ve never heard of. The key, I found, is not just having a great idea but making sure potential customers thoroughly understand how that idea solves their actual problems.

I’m happy to share these three core strategies I’ve seen work effectively, especially for young entrepreneurs eager to transform unfamiliar territory into sustainable business growth.

1. Build Awareness to Increase Demand.

The initial hurdle in a new market is that most people don’t know your product exists. Even if they do, they may not perceive why they should care. The first step is defining who your ideal customer is. For instance, if you’re launching a digital budgeting tool in a region that relies heavily on cash transactions, focus on individuals or businesses that already struggle with manual record-keeping.

Once your target group is identified, emphasize concrete benefits. If your platform saves two hours a week in data input, highlight the direct advantage in productivity. If it eliminates a common pain point, such as misplacing receipts or overspending without tracking, illustrate how your solution prevents those occurrences. Facts and metrics resonate strongly. This way, you’re not just saying “This is new” but “this is why it matters.”

Focus on communication channels your audience already trusts. For younger demographics, this may be social media or community-based apps. For more traditional users, local business forums or even word-of-mouth could be more effective. Your goal is to remove any guesswork and ensure people hear about your offering through platforms they find reliable.

2. Address Misconceptions and Fill in the Gaps.

In an untapped market, it’s common for misconceptions to circulate. Some might assume your product is overly complex or too expensive. To address these concerns systematically, rely on feedback loops. Send out quick surveys, host small Q&A webinars, or invite focus groups. This will quickly highlight which aspects of your product are being misunderstood.

You may also publish concise explanations of your product or service. Rather than distributing lengthy documents, aim for short, clear resources that respond to specific questions. A series of quick “how-to” videos or easy-to-read guides can be enough to correct incorrect assumptions. For example, if people assume your tool is only meant for large businesses, show how freelancers or small local shops can benefit, too.

As you learn about recurring misconceptions, update your marketing materials and FAQs in real time. Each clarification you provide to a confused prospect can become a standard talking point for future customers. This iterative approach systematically reduces the likelihood of repeated misunderstandings.

3. Education is Important.

Even when your solution is objectively better, some users will stick to old methods out of habit. Without clear, fact-based education, they have no strong motivation to deviate from what’s familiar. Overcoming this inertia often hinges on demonstrating how your product surpasses existing alternatives in both functionality and practicality.

In reality, consumers in emerging markets are particularly cautious. Demonstrating your willingness to explain all critical details, including data security, cost transparency, or post-purchase support, goes a long way in establishing trust. Once customers recognize your product as credible and feel confident using it, they’re more likely to remain loyal and recommend it to peers, which is crucial for sustained growth.

Remember that educating customers isn’t a one-way street. Each time you clarify a new concept or reveal how your solution works, you also get to hear genuine reactions. This feedback cycle reveals areas for improvement that you might otherwise miss. It helps you refine your product, strengthen your messaging, and avoid stagnation.

Turning Curiosity into Demand

For young entrepreneurs aiming to break into markets with little existing demand or precedent, consumer education is indispensable. Building awareness, addressing misconceptions, and thoroughly illustrating why your product stands out can create a steady user base that not only understands your solution but also advocates for it.

In the end, the consistent effort to educate and learn from that process transforms unfamiliar territory into a viable, thriving market.

 

Howard Enders

Howard Enders is the Chief Operating Officer of The Estate Registry, where he leverages his extensive expertise in operations and management to drive growth and innovation. As a trusted leader, Howard collaborates with teams to implement strategic initiatives that ensure the security and effectiveness of the estate management process.

 

4 Tips For Building A Successful E-Commerce Brand

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Anyone with lots of time on their hands can build a purely digital business. The e-commerce industry is growing exponentially as consumers shop online. This creates ample opportunities for small entrepreneurs to exploit, The only catch is the amount of competition that persists. As much as it has gotten easier for people to build e-commerce brands, the pool of competitors is constantly growing, making it relatively harder for newcomers to cut through the noise.

That’s not to say you can’t try. It’s still possible to build an e-commerce brand that could succeed in the long run. Even if you’re facing more established online stores out there, you can still build a brand that can overcome such challenges. All it takes is knowing how to harness the right approaches and tools that can take your business to where it needs to be.

Here are four simple tips to help you build and nurture a thriving e-commerce brand that’s a cut above the rest:

1. Understand your target audience.

As with any other business concept, you need to have a good basis for everything you want to incorporate into your brand. The first place to get started is audience research. Consumer behaviors and market trends should be your biggest considerations when building your business. 

Aligning your products, services, and marketing efforts to the needs of your target audience will help you make the most of the time and money you will be spending for the long haul. For this reason, opt to conduct extensive market research focusing on analyzing how customers interact with your competitors and identifying their pain points. From there, you can come up with a value proposition and other brand essentials that will set you up for success. 

2. Building a compelling brand identity.

While doing market research, you should be able to generate key insights about your audience and use these insights as a reference for building your brand identity. Doing so helps you set your e-commerce business apart from everyone else in the market. When done well, it can also lead to developing components like taglines, calls-to-action, visuals, and marketing campaigns that aid in improving brand awareness. 

As you go about building your brand identity, come up with a brand kit that includes a compelling logo, typefaces, and color palette that best reflects your brand’s personality. From there, make sure you’re using all these elements consistently so everyone knows how different you are from your closest competitors. 

3. Build strategic alliances.

A big part of your e-commerce brand’s success is attributed to the quality of your networks. Keep in mind that it’s easy to fall short of your goals if you lack a support system consisting of individuals, organizations, and even vendors of business supplies for eCommerce companies. For this reason, always aim to build partnerships within and outside your industry and niche. 

You can find potential allies on platforms like LinkedIn but the best networking opportunities are always found in industry events. Look up seminars, conferences, and trade shows within your industry and consider building a presence in these events by setting up booths or simply taking part in discussions with other executives.

4. Put a premium on effective digital marketing.

The cornerstone of any e-commerce brand is its ability to use multiple channels to get its message across. While quality products and customer service are essential factors that contribute to the growth of your e-commerce brand, you still need a productive and cost-effective digital marketing strategy that generates interest and improves your business’s visibility. Without it, it can be difficult to build a following, let alone convert leads into sales. 

Apart from building a functional and attractive online store, you should also consider putting more time and resources into search engine optimization which can help bring in qualified and motivated buyers organically. Social media marketing is also one component you wouldn’t want to overlook. Especially if your e-commerce brand targets niche buyers, platforms like Instagram and X are great for enhancing online engagement. All it takes is producing social media content that’s compelling and relevant to your products and the needs of your buyers. 

Endnote

There’s no set formula for building a successful e-commerce brand. You just have to make sure you invest the right amount of time and money in the things on this list that are guaranteed to help your brand grow past its potential. 

 

Acquisition Execution Perfected: Applying The Five Percent Rule To Strategic Decision-Making

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by Anil Singhal, Co-founder, President, and CEO of NETSCOUT and author of “The 5% Rule of Leadership: Using Lean Decision-Making to Drive Trust, Ownership, and Team Productivity“

As merger and acquisition (M&A) activity ramps up in the year ahead, CEOs and senior leadership are under increasing pressure to ensure strategic decisions lead to successful business outcomes. Recent reports found that corporate M&A activity in the U.S. at the close of 2024 was up twelve percent as compared to 2023, with deal volume rising seven percent. Momentum is expected to pick up in 2025. EY predicts corporate M&A deal volume will see eight percent growth this year.

When it comes to these strategic investments, effective decision-making is critical. An important consideration is knowing precisely when CEOs should get involved in the process. After many years and many acquisitions, I have come to the considered conclusion that the most judicious time for the CEO to engage in the decision-making process is limited to the very beginning.  I call this the “Five Percent Rule.”

This framework for efficient leadership ensures time and resources are allocated effectively. This principle aligns closely with the Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule), reinforcing that a small percentage of effort — specifically, the first five percent of a decision-making process — drives the majority of results. By understanding and applying this rule, businesses can streamline operations, minimize risk, and enhance strategic outcomes.

Timing Is Everything

One of the most significant insights from the Five Percent Rule is determining when a leader should get involved in a major decision like an acquisition. For many companies, CEOs engage in the process late, often after considerable effort has already been expended by their teams. This traditional approach increases the risk of wasted resources and potential momentum toward a suboptimal decision that does not align with strategic goals.

To clarify, when I suggest the CEO should be involved at the beginning of the acquisition process, I mean after initial assessment by a corporate development team. In my experience, these teams know what they are doing, and CEOs must trust that they will winnow out deals which would not be synergistic to the business. As CEO, I do not want to waste my time getting involved prematurely.

Typically, when the corporate development team comes to the CEO with an acquisition candidate, many additional stakeholders within the organization get involved. But I have learned from experience that this is when the five percent timeline begins. Before any formal discussion or due diligence starts, I become engaged in the decision-making process. The best use of my time is this initial engagement where I can help determine whether the deal is even worth pursuing.

The next ninety percent of the process is handled by the appropriate teams, with the CEO returning for the final five percent, which tends to be pretty much pro forma, dealing with final terms, Board approval, and closing matters.

A Closer Look at the First 5%

Many companies enter negotiations without a concrete understanding of their worth, making it essential for the acquiring company to set the terms. If expectations are misaligned, it is best to walk away early rather than waste resources on fruitless discussions. As CEO, not only is it my job to lead the negotiations, it is also a fiduciary responsibility.

Surprisingly, many companies enter negotiations wanting to be acquired, but having no idea what their market value is. This may be because they have failed to undergo a self-audit, or they may simply be hoping that by playing coy they will be offered an amount far greater than what they might have asked for.  In the end, I only want a ballpark price range, which helps me determine if the conversation should continue. Determining what the acquired company is worth can be particularly challenging. This is where having extensive domain knowledge is critical to success and why a CEO must get involved in the first five percent of the process because he or she most likely has worked in this industry longer than anyone else in the company.

As part of this early discussion, one of the common questions we ask is why the company wants to sell and why they want to sell to us. I am less concerned with the specific answers, and more interested in their thought processes. These preliminary questions are important because they open a pathway to a deeper dialog, one that enables us to get a feel for the personalities of the players on the other side and the nature of the assets we may be buying.

During the early Five Percent Rule time period, we are not expecting deep proprietary information. At this stage we are building trust and transparency, which creates velocity. Even during the first meeting, I can generally get a good sense of the inner workings of the other company, which lets me determine whether our investors and Board will like the deal or not.

Once a potential price is agreed upon and both sides see a strategic fit between the two companies, the CEO’s role becomes more of a sales job. This involves telling counterparts about the history and culture of the business. I typically spend much of my initial five percent doing more selling than negotiating. This is done to foreclose our counterpart from considering any other potential suitors. Once the general guidelines have been established, I leave the final negotiating to the team, returning only when we need to close.

By applying the principles of the Five Percent Rule, CEOs can enhance decision-making, maximize efficiency, and set the strategic direction of the business. The key lies in disciplined, early engagement and strategic focus — ensuring that every move contributes to long-term success.

 

anil singhal

Anil K. Singhal is the co-founder and CEO of NetScout, a software developer that makes products to help customers monitor the reliability and security of their business networks. He is the author of the best-selling book “The 5% Rule of Leadership: Using Lean Decision-Making to Drive Trust, Ownership, and Team Productivity“.

 

 

From Shadows To Spotlight: Revitalizing Cities Through Haunted Adventures

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Revitalizing cities through Haunted Adventures? Why not?

Revitalizing cities through Haunted Adventures? Why not?

What gives a city its character? Each city has a unique flavor. You feel it the moment you step off the airplane: the people, the foods, the streets, and the scents. But what gives a city its flavor and uniqueness are, above all, the stories and legends of the city, which shape its personality and charm.

Upstart ghost tourism companies, which offer ghost tours and haunted pub crawls across the US, bring ancient legends to life and contribute to the vibrancy of some of America’s most famous historical cities. 

Preserving History and Local Legends

[Copyright The Lizzie Borden House]

Every story has its legends. These legends aren’t just stories to be told to tourists; they were the experiences of those who lived, worked, and dreamed there. 

Unfortunately, these legends often die out over the generations as the memory of those involved fade away. Our mission is to preserve their stories and keep these people alive. The stories we tell delve deep into the history of each location, recounting the everyday lives of the people who contributed to the city’s character. Many of their ghosts linger on, yearning for their stories to be told to future generations. 

Haunted houses can be adventures all by themselves.

[Copyright The Villisca Axe Murder House]

Our work with historic haunted houses takes this a step further. We restore and preserve real, historic haunted houses such as the Lizzie Borden House and the Villisca Axe Murder House. The Villisca Axe Murder house, for example, the site of the gruesome Villisca axe murders, remains in its original condition. 

Many of these properties were left forgotten, slowly deteriorating as they constantly switched owners. Our work breathes new life into these historical structures. We allow guests to book individual rooms instead of limiting them to the whole house, as was the case in the past, thus broadening access to a larger percentage of the population. 

In addition, in many cities, we offer tours that go beyond ghost stories and explore new and unique aspects often neglected by other tourism companies. A good example is our World of Pirates Experience in St. Augustine, where guests get to visit the historic forts and taverns frequented by outlaws of the past and learn about the espionage, rebellion, and high-sea adventures that characterized the Golden Age of Piracy in America.

Boosting Local Tourism

Ghost tours and haunted stays attract a wide range of visitors, from paranormal enthusiasts to history buffs to families looking for something unique to do on vacation. By providing these experiences, we help draw tourism dollars to local economies.

Tourists who take part in our haunted pub crawls, such as our Charleston Terrors haunted pub crawl, often spend money on drinks at the bars and pubs we stop at, as well as on other nearby attractions and small businesses before and after the tours. This creates a ripple effect that boosts the local economy. 

And, since we run our tours nightly every day of the year, rain or shine, we help boost tourism year-round. While some attractions may be seasonal, the intrigue of the supernatural knows no off-season. Whether it’s a chilly October night or a warm summer evening, our guests are eager to explore the haunted side of the cities they visit.

Supporting Local

As a veteran-owned small business, we focus on giving back to the community. We support and promote local businesses during our food tours and haunted pub crawls. We hire local guides, providing flexible employment opportunities, including veterans. 

Making Every Visit Unforgettable

What makes a city unforgettable isn’t just what you see but how it makes you feel. Through ghost tours and haunted house stays, we create moments that linger long after the visit is over. Guests leave with goosebumps and a newfound connection to the places they’ve explored.

From spine-chilling tales to awe-inspiring history, our experiences offer a depth that’s hard to find elsewhere. They leave with a lasting love and appreciation for the city itself.

Our tours are also a social experience. We focus on building connections between locals, travelers, and ghost hunters from around the world. 

[Main image credit: Copyright US Ghost Adventures]

 

Effective Strategies For Creating A Positive Employee Enrollment Experience

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by Frank Mengert, founder and CEO of ebm

Open enrollment season can be a hectic period for both employees and HR departments. It’s that time of year when employees get to enroll into or adjust their benefit packages, covering everything from health and dental plans to life and vision insurance. 

Since this is often the only chance employees have to make changes to their plans, other than during significant life events like adding new dependents, HR teams can often be bogged down with a lot of tasks to get done in a short amount of time. And missing important deadlines is rarely an option, as businesses have a limited window to get necessary employee updates to their carriers.

While these periods can be a bit stressful and demanding for some businesses, there are ways teams can make this time of year much less demanding. With a little bit of forethought and well-executed planning initiatives, you can simplify your open enrollment process and create a much more positive experience for everyone involved.

Pre-Enrollment Planning and Preparation

When it comes to open enrollment, it’s a good idea to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later. This allows teams plenty of time for preparation and ensures communication isn’t rushed while maintaining a timing buffer in the event you need to troubleshoot any issues before the actual enrollment window opens up. This is a great way to avoid experiencing that last-minute chaos that adds more stress on HR teams as they handle their benefits administration.

A good rule of thumb when planning for open enrollment is to announce upcoming supporting procedures to all employees at least six to eight weeks before it begins. But planning even three months out isn’t uncommon for many larger organizations.

At this point, it’s important to let your team members know the important dates, deadlines, benefit options, and any changes compared to the previous year. Giving them ample notice ahead of time allows them time to ask questions or voice any concerns, making sure they’re well-prepared for any required benefits procedures.

Once you’ve made the initial announcement, continue to send reminders as the enrollment period gets closer and during the enrollment window itself. You should use a variety of different communication methods when doing this to make sure everyone receives them. This could include using internal newsletters, emails, or your company intranet. The important thing to remember is that your notification messages should be short and to the point. Bombarding everyone with too much information all at once can be confusing and counterproductive.

Increase Employee Engagement

Although passive enrollment – meaning employees just let their coverage options auto-renew without review – might seem like a time-saver, it’s not the most effective approach. Active enrollment makes sure there is the right amount of attention given to employees from the very beginning. By requiring them to actually review all of their previous selections and weigh them against their current needs, employees are much more likely to be satisfied with their choices as the year progresses and not regret their lack of attention.

Employee benefits education can also help to improve employee engagement levels during open enrollment. Webinars, for example, hosted by benefits brokers can offer a more comprehensive overview of different benefit options and address frequently asked questions related to family healthcare coverage, coverage tiers, and associated costs.

Individual consultations over the phone with a benefits specialist can also help to provide more personalized support for employees. Benefits call centers can be a great resource for getting more information, or getting more guidance on benefits-related topics. This also is a great way to reduce the administrative workload in the HR department, which can focus on other important initiatives rather than answering multiple employee questions.

For employees who prefer a self-service approach to picking their coverage options, decision support tools like monthly premium calculators or plan comparison charts are also very beneficial. These tools let employees evaluate their options on their own time and based on their individual circumstances.

Building Strong Partnerships

Open enrollment periods can have their own set of challenges for different types of companies. Having a technology partner who specializes in benefits administration can be a valuable resource during this period. These partners help businesses implement technology solutions that simplify benefits management and create more efficient HR procedures.

A great technology partner can also help to deliver continuous support to help tackle any issues that might come up during the year. This support can be invaluable as it allows businesses to optimize their benefits management strategy and anticipate potential challenges before open enrollment even starts, rather than waiting and reacting to problems after they happen.

Review Annual Performance and Make Improvements

After the current enrollment period ends, it’s important to start preparing for the next one as soon as it makes sense. This includes reviewing any changes to legally required employee benefits each year, as well as setting goals ahead of time for improving open enrollment processes.

You should establish specific, measurable objectives, such as lowering the number of errors, increasing employee satisfaction with the benefits selection process, or getting more balanced usage rates for all your offering types.

One way to do this is by documenting your key performance indicators and tracking their progress throughout the year to make sure you’re meeting all your goals. Some important metrics to consider include enrollment percentages, employee satisfaction scores, and the number of HR responsibilities that are handled manually versus those that are automated.

Make sure that you’re actually using the information gathered from employee feedback or your tracked metrics to make continuous improvements to your open enrollment processes.

Help Better Prepare Your Business for Open Enrollment

Getting through annual open enrollment periods can be challenging without the right plan in place. However, taking a more proactive approach will help HR teams identify and resolve potential issues much earlier, helping to provide a smoother experience for everyone involved in the process.

 

Frank Mengert continues to find success by spotting opportunities where others see nothing. As the founder and CEO of ebm, a leading provider of employee benefits solutions, Frank has built the business by bridging the gap between insurance and technology driven solutions for brokers, consultants, carriers, and employers nationwide.

 

FXSI Surges In 2025: A New Player In The Trading Game

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FXSI

FXSI

In 2025, the trading world’s got a fresh name on its lips: FXSI. This platform’s been quietly stacking chips since the year kicked off, and now it’s breaking out as a new player in a game that’s anything but tame. With a tight focus on four markets — Commodities (oil, grains, no precious metals), Stocks, Indices, and Forex — plus five account tiers, 24/5 support, and a blog with a download center, FXSI’s making waves. Traders are jumping in, forums are humming, and it’s clear something’s clicking. So, what’s driving this surge?

The timing’s no fluke. Markets are a mess — stocks are reeling from tariff threats, forex is bouncing with inflation jitters, and commodities like oil are spiking on supply fears. FXSI’s stepping into this chaos with a lean, mean setup that’s catching eyes from New York to London. It’s not just another platform; it’s a contender that’s hitting the ground running in 2025.

A Hot Start in a Wild Year!

FXSI’s surge isn’t coming out of nowhere. Since January, the buzz has been building — trader chats are lighting up, and sign-ups are reportedly climbing fast. The team hasn’t dropped hard numbers yet (they’re probably too busy keeping the lights on), but the word on the street is clear: this platform’s pulling crowds. Why now? Look at the headlines — oil’s nudged past last year’s highs this week, the S&P 500’s tech stocks shed 4% in a day, and forex pairs like EUR/USD are swinging like pendulums. It’s a trader’s playground, and FXSI’s got the keys.

Their four-market lineup’s a big hook. Commodities trading are on fire — oil’s up with Middle East tensions, grains are jumping as weather trashes harvests. Stocks are a rollercoaster—big names like Tesla are taking hits, but opportunities are popping. Indices let you ride the broader waves, and forex is a lifeline when currencies shift overnight. It’s not the widest spread—no crypto or futures here — but it’s tight, focused, and right in the thick of 2025’s action.

Accounts That Open Up:

FXSI’s five account tiers — Basic, Silver, Gold, Platinum, VIP — are another spark in this surge. They’re built to pull in everyone, from the guy dabbling in forex to the pro juggling stocks and oil. Here’s the quick take:

  • Basic: Low entry, simple start — perfect for testing the waters.
  • Silver: A bit more juice — maybe tighter spreads for the part-timer.
  • Gold: Faster trades — suits the daily grinder watching indices.
  • Platinum: Big leverage — for the serious player hitting commodities hard.
  • VIP: Top-tier perks — tight margins for the heavy hitters.

It’s a ladder that’s working magic. Traders say it’s easy to jump in with Basic and scale up as you get comfy — no steep learning curve, just a straight shot from rookie to elite. That range is reeling in a diverse crowd, and it’s fueling FXSI’s rise as a new kid on the block.

Playing to the Chaos

What’s really powering this? FXSI’s knack for keeping it simple in a complex game. When stocks tanked last week on tariff rumors, users flipped to forex as the dollar wobbled — all on one platform, no app-hopping needed. Oil’s spiking? Jump into commodities without missing a beat. The execution’s fast — traders are whispering it’s snappy enough to catch a forex swing or a stock dip before it’s gone. In a year where markets are flipping hourly, that agility’s a goldmine.

The 24/5 support’s a backbone too. Monday through Friday, they’re there — day or night. A quick ping at 3 AM PDT yesterday got me a human in minutes, sorting a fake “trade glitch” with ease. Weekends are quiet, but with FXSI’s markets mostly chilling then, it’s not slowing the hype. It’s a platform that’s moving with the chaos, not against it.

Resources That Keep It Real

FXSI’s blog and download center are quieter stars in this surge. They’re pumping out practical stuff — why oil’s up, how to play a forex pair, what’s driving the Dow. It’s not flashy, but it’s timely; a post on yesterday’s commodity jump was dead-on, with numbers you could trade off. The downloads — guides on stocks or indices—keep it basic but useful, especially for newbies finding their feet.

Traders say it’s keeping them sharp without drowning them in noise. In a game where info’s king, FXSI’s handing out just enough to stay ahead — nothing overwhelming, just the meat of it. That balance is clicking with a crowd that’s tired of bloated platforms.

Going Global, Step by Step

This isn’t just a U.S. story — FXSI’s stretching its legs worldwide. North America’s hooked on stocks and forex, Europe’s leaning into indices, Asia’s digging commodities like oil. The 24/5 support’s a universal win — time zones don’t faze it — and the platform’s lean design plays anywhere. Emerging markets are chiming in too; I’ve seen South African traders raving about forex pairs on X. It’s a slow burn, but FXSI’s building a global footprint, one trader at a time.

The Next Move in the Game

FXSI’s not stopping here. Whispers are floating — new tweaks might drop soon, maybe sharper tools for forex or a mobile boost. They could link up with a data crew to juice up their blog’s edge. The game’s crowded — big names like eToro aren’t sleeping — but FXSI’s carving a lane with its no-nonsense vibe. As 2025 rolls on, with markets showing no sign of calm, this new player’s got room to grow.

A Surge That’s Just Starting

FXSI’s surging in 2025 because it’s hitting the sweet spot — four hot markets, accounts for all, support that’s there, and resources that cut through the noise. It’s not perfect — fee details are fuzzy, and the scope’s tight — but it’s a new player that’s playing the game right. Traders are buying in, and the momentum’s real. This isn’t a flash; it’s a spark that could light up the year. FXSI’s in the ring — watch it swing.

 

Hibu Reviews From Small-Business Owners Show Consistent Results

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hibu reviews

Small-business owners manage countless responsibilities every day, from managing employees and inventory to handling customer service and accounting tasks. With so many operational demands on their plates, finding time to develop and implement effective marketing strategies often falls to the bottom of the priority list.

Recent Hibu reviews from various service industry entrepreneurs highlight a common theme: how dedicated marketing support allows them to focus on running their businesses while building the visibility needed to sustain growth.

Consistent Patterns in Hibu Reviews

Hibu, a U.S.-based digital marketing agency serving over 70,000 customers, specializes in helping companies in essential service industries, such as home-repair contractors, auto shops, legal offices, and medical practices. Its comprehensive approach offers everything from website development and search engine optimization to social media marketing and online reputation management.

The company is different because Hibu packages all these services into an integrated, proprietary solution specifically designed for small and medium-sized businesses. There are no piecemeal offerings or complicated contracts — just a straightforward take on digital marketing.

The results of this appear consistently throughout client feedback.

Service businesses particularly value measurable improvements in customer acquisition. “Great service,” noted one plumbing service owner. “Their representative is very thoughtful, responsive, and continues to help my business grow and be seen. I’ve tried many services, and this one has the best results! Would recommend to anyone who wants to grow their business and stay relevant in a digital advertising world!”

This sentiment echoes throughout Hibu reviews from various industries. An excavation and trucking company operator stated, “We are very happy from the services provided by Hibu. [The agency] goes above and beyond to make sure we are getting the most out of our advertising budgets. They also push to make changes and upgrades to the website and our marketing strategies.”

For businesses investing in digital marketing for the first time, the guidance proves particularly valuable. “Hibu has done a great job redesigning our website and helping us advertise for the first time,” an optometry practice administrator shared. “They communicate well and explain how the various options in advertising would best benefit our business.”

Many reviews highlight the lasting value of consistent marketing support. “I have used Hibu for over five years now,” said the owner of a Pacific Northwest-based pest control business. “Their team has always been super helpful and has always done a great job explaining things. When I first started my business, they took a lot of the fear associated with the advertising off my shoulders. Hibu itself has been super responsive; they always answer the phone and never take a long time to solve problems.”

This long-term relationship focus creates a significant business impact over time. “Hibu has made it easy to turn our website into something we are proud of. We are constantly working with them to make changes and improvements, and we value their team’s helpfulness, timeliness, and skills so much,” stated an electrical services company manager.

Professional Guidance Makes the Difference

The relationship between business owners and their dedicated marketing specialists appears central to success. “Our Hibu representative has been exceptional!” reported a specialty retail shop owner. “Their team is incredibly professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. They’re always on top of our marketing campaigns, ensuring we get the results we expect.”

This retailer particularly valued the clear communication.”The onboarding process was smooth, and they provide transparent data about our services and performance. Their regular communication keeps us informed and confident in our digital marketing strategy,” noted the owner, who also highlighted the practical benefits.

“The Hibu platform itself offers comprehensive digital marketing solutions that have been easy to use. We appreciate the ability to make ad changes ourselves, with helpful support available when needed. Our marketing campaigns have been simple yet effective, and we’ve even received compliments from customers about our new online presence.”

Many business owners admit to trepidation before experiencing results. “I had an appointment scheduled earlier in the year to meet with Hibu,” an HVAC company owner shared. “Before their arrival, I had already decided I was NOT interested; I’d heard it all before.”

But positive results quickly replaced his skepticism. He explained, “However, shortly after meeting their representative, my perspective completely changed. Their professionalism, expertise, and genuinely helpful approach made all the difference. They took the time to listen, answered all my questions, and never pressured me. It’s been 6 months now, and I have no regrets. They have been there every step of the way, as promised.”

For insurance agencies, which heavily depend on trust and reputation, the support proves particularly valuable. “Wonderful company to work with and are always ready to help,” noted a North Carolina-based insurance agency. “They take the time to listen and are always available.”

The responsive support provided by Hibu consistently appears as a key satisfaction factor. “Their representative has singlehandedly convinced us to stay with Hibu,” explained a steel sales company manager. “Not only that, we are strongly considering upping the amount of business we will be doing with the company.”

The Wisconsin-based company particularly values personalized attention. “They are quick to reply to questions, and their in-person meetings are always informative. When they learn something new about how our company operates, they immediately plug us into a Hibu feature that we have been underutilizing. We feel like we are getting our money’s worth and then some.”

What distinguishes these success stories is Hibu’s comprehensive method of providing digital marketing services. Rather than focusing on isolated tactics, the agency integrates website development, search optimization, social advertising, and review request campaigns into a coherent strategy tailored for each business.

This integration eliminates the fragmentation that often undermines small-business marketing efforts. By managing all digital assets with a single team, businesses maintain consistent messaging and branding across all platforms while reducing the management burden on owners.

For service businesses facing intense local competition, this comprehensive approach provides significant advantages over businesses still relying on fragmented or outdated marketing methods.

 

Small Business Guide To Navigating Diversity After Affirmative Action

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by Randi B. of “Truthing with Randi B.”

In June, 2023, the Supreme Court ended race conscious admissions processes at colleges and universities across the country. This year, with the federal government abolishing DEI, some corporations have followed suit. It’s a confusing time for small business owners with many asking,”Is my DEI program next on the chopping block?” 

But here’s the thing. Your DEI initiatives aren’t dead. Your values are still the same and you still have a diverse mix of employees who all want access to new opportunities, and to feel valued and included. DEI is alive and well, it just needs a makeover.

The Supreme Court ruling specifically targeted college admissions at Harvard and UNC. It didn’t erase workplace protections like Title VII or federal contractor obligations. What is new is targeted scrutiny. Now companies are being targeted, some receiving intimidating letters about their diversity programs, and new legal challenges are popping up. 

So what’s a small business to do? 

Here are 3 tips for small business owners to navigate diversity after affirmative action and DEI:

1. Don’t Worry About Numbers.

While in the past, diversity was sometimes tracked with numbers, true diversity goes far beyond counting heads. Real diversity is all about creating equal access for everyone regardless of gender, race, health or sexual preference, not about hitting racial quotas. 

In a new post affirmative action world, don’t focus on your staff demographics. Instead, look at where you are recruiting. What job boards are you posting to? Have you trained your interviewers to recognize unconscious bias? It’s important to make sure that everyone gets a fair shot at any open positions without raising any legal red flags.

2. Rethink What Diversity Means.

Diversity was never meant to focus solely on race. There are a number of other factors to consider including:

  • Socioeconomic background
  • Gender identity
  • Age differences
  • Disability status
  • Military experience
  • Educational pathways

When we broaden our perspectives, we not only reduce the possibility of legal battles, but we also gain business benefits of having a diverse team including increased creativity, innovation, engagement and access to a broader talent pool. 

3. Document Everything.

Regardless of your intention behind your hiring practices, documenting everything is essential. When making any hiring or promotion decisions, clearly record the factors that influenced your decision. This both covers you legally and helps you to make the right ethical decisions.

4. Look Into Your State’s Guidelines.

In today’s diversity landscape, it does matter where your business is located. There are states like New York and Delaware that continue to strongly protect diversity initiatives and states that are working actively to restrict them. Understanding your state’s climate will help you operate and adapt accordingly. 

Regardless of rollbacks and Supreme Court decisions, the case for diversity in business remains incredibly strong. Diverse teams make better decisions, different perspectives fuel innovation, and inclusive work places attract top talent.

The key isn’t to abandon DEI and diversity efforts, but to evolve with them. Focus on creating equal opportunities, and remember that diversifying your workplace was never meant to be about checking a box. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can contribute their best work and advance based on merit.

 

Randi B

Randi B. is a renowned speaker, author, and go-to expert in the inclusivity and diversity fields. As the visionary behind the “Truthing with Randi B.” brand, she encourages everyone to live unapologetically in their own Truth, just as she does, and to learn from the Truths of others by having open conversations. With 22 years leading an award-winning change management company, Randi’s expertise spans government clients and Fortune 500 companies across seven countries and 41 states.

 

7 Ways Your Encrypted Messaging App Isn’t Protecting Your Privacy

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by Kee Jefferys, Co-founder of Session

In today’s digital age, instant messaging has become an integral part of our lives. We rely on these platforms for everything from casual chats to mission-critical communications. While many popular messaging apps boast “end-to-end encryption,” the reality is that they often fail to provide true privacy. The issue lies not just in the content of your messages, but in the vast amount of metadata these platforms collect.

In an era of mass surveillance, data breaches, and digital tracking, privacy-conscious users have turned to encrypted messaging apps to secure their conversations. However, while many platforms market themselves as private and secure, the reality is that they often fall short of providing true anonymity. Even the most well-known apps — like WhatsApp and Telegram —still leave users exposed in ways they may not realize.

Here’s why your encrypted messaging app might not be as private as you think.

1. Metadata Collection: The Silent Tracker.

Even with end-to-end encryption, apps like WhatsApp and Telegram collect metadata, including your IP address, phone number, timestamps, and who you’re communicating with. This data can be just as revealing as the message content itself, allowing governments, corporations, and hackers to track your activities.

End-to-end encryption protects message content, but it does nothing to stop metadata collection, which can include information like:

  • Who you are messaging
  • When you send and receive messages
  • Your IP address, location and phone number
  • The device you use

Even if a service cannot read your messages, it can still compile detailed behavioral profiles based on metadata alone. Governments, corporations, and malicious actors can analyze this data to track movements, map social networks, and infer behaviors.

2. Personal Identifier Requirements Compromise Anonymity.

Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal require a phone number for registration. This links your online identity to your real-world identity, compromising your anonymity. For journalists, activists, or individuals in sensitive situations, this can be a serious risk.

3. Centralized Servers Are Vulnerable to Surveillance and Attacks.

Many popular messaging apps rely on centralized servers, creating a single point of failure. These servers are vulnerable to government requests, data breaches, and corporate misuse, putting your data at risk. Centralized servers pose risks for significant exposures, including:

  • Hacks and Data Breaches: If a centralized server is compromised, vast amounts of user data can be exposed.
  • Single Point of Failure: A centralized infrastructure makes it easier for despotic governments or hackers to shut down or intercept communications.
  • Government Requests: Authorities can compel these companies to provide user data or enforce censorship.

4. Compromised Anonymity: Not All Encryption Is Equal.

While some apps advertise end-to-end encryption, they may not be using it by default in all scenarios. For example:

  • Telegram does not use end-to-end encryption by default, users must specifically use “Secret Chats” to enable end-to-end encryption, this allows the Telegram server operators to read the content of the vast majority of messages stored on its servers.
  • Some apps use proprietary encryption methods that have not been independently audited.
  • Some platforms allow unencrypted backups, meaning your messages can be accessed if a backup is compromised.

5. Tracking Pixels and Link Previews Leak Data.

Some apps generate link previews by fetching URLs in the background. This can expose your IP address to third parties or even result in unwanted metadata leaks. Tracking pixels embedded in messages can also report when, where, and by whom a message was viewed.

6. Logging and Data Retention Policies.

Even if messages are encrypted, some services keep logs of:

  • Login activity
  • Connection times
  • IP addresses
  • Contacts lists

If this data is stored, it can be subpoenaed, hacked, or otherwise exploited.

7. Lack of Transparency.

While some apps use robust encryption protocols, their closed-source nature limits transparency. Without public scrutiny and independent audits, it’s difficult to verify their security claims.

How to Choose a Truly Private Messenger

If you’re serious about privacy, you need a messaging app that prioritizes security beyond just encryption. Here’s what to look for:

  • No Phone Number or Email Required. Your messaging app should not require personally identifiable information like a phone number or email address to register. Instead, look for apps that generate anonymous cryptographically secure identifiers, fully protecting your anonymity.
  • Decentralized Infrastructure. Choose a platform that operates on a decentralized network rather than centralized servers. This reduces the risk of surveillance, censorship, and single points of failure. Optimal solutions use community-operated nodes to route and store messages. This eliminates single points of failure and enhances censorship resistance.
  • Metadata Minimization. A truly private messenger should collect and create as little metadata as possible—or none at all. Look for a “no logs” policy and open-source transparency. Ensure that even the developers of the app don’t know who you’re communicating with.
  • Open-Source and Audited Encryption. Only trust messaging apps with publicly available, open-source encryption protocols that have been independently audited. Open-source code allows for public scrutiny and independent audits, which ensures transparency and builds trust.
  • Onion Routing or Multi-Hop Encryption. For enhanced privacy, apps should use onion routing or multi-hop routing to obscure sender and receiver identities. This technology masks your IP address and location, adding an extra layer of privacy making it extremely difficult to track you.
  • Non-Profit Governance: Give precedence to apps run by non-profits and foundations, which can ensure that the app’s development is driven by privacy and security, rather than extracting value from users’ data.

If you value real privacy, don’t just settle for encryption — demand anonymity, decentralization, and complete metadata resistance. By eliminating the creation and collection of metadata, users can send messages — not metadata. In a digital landscape where privacy is constantly under attack, choosing a truly secure messaging app is more critical today than ever before.

 

Kee Jefferys

Kee Jefferys is Co-founder of Session — an end-to-end open-source, privacy-focused encrypted messaging app that prioritizes anonymity, security, and decentralization while maintaining the familiar features of mainstream messaging applications but prohibiting sensitive metadata collection that others allow. He can be reached at https://getsession.org.

 

How To Make Leadership Coaching Strategies Scalable And More Impactful

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by Darrin Murriner, Co-Founder and CEO of Cloverleaf

Leadership coaching is one of the most effective ways to develop strong, capable leaders — yet, in many organizations, it’s still reserved for executives. The reality is leadership happens at every level. First-time managers, mid-level leaders, and senior executives all face moments where they need guidance, perspective, and support to navigate challenges and grow.

But leadership development doesn’t happen by accident. Great leaders aren’t just born — they’re shaped through self-awareness, feedback, and continuous coaching that helps them improve how they communicate, make decisions, and develop their teams.

Yet most companies don’t provide leadership coaching where it’s needed most:

For leadership coaching to truly work, it can’t just be a one-off experience or a luxury for a select few. It needs to be practical, relevant, and integrated into the daily moments where leadership actually happens — whether that’s navigating team conflict, giving tough feedback, or adapting to change.

The question isn’t whether leadership coaching is valuable — it’s how to make it work for more people in a way that’s meaningful, actionable, and built to last.

What Is The Goal Of Leadership Coaching

Leadership coaching is the process of helping leaders improve how they interact with others, make decisions, and develop their teams. It’s not just about individual self-improvement — it’s about equipping leaders to create real impact in their organizations.

A great leader isn’t someone with all the answers. It’s someone who knows how to ask the right questions, adapt to different situations, and bring out the best in others. Leadership coaching provides structured guidance to help leaders grow — not in isolation, but in the context of their teams, their challenges, and their day-to-day decisions.

3 Ideas That Strengthen Leadership Coaching’s Impact

Most leadership coaching follows a traditional, one-on-one model — focused on individual growth, often reserved for executives or high performers. But practicing leadership isn’t just a top-level function — it can happens at every level of an organization.

1. Leadership coaching should be accessible at every stage.

From first-time managers to senior executives. When mid-level leaders don’t get coaching, they’re left to figure things out alone, which weakens teams and slows progress.

2. Leadership coaching isn’t just about the leader — it’s about the team.

Leadership doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Effective coaching helps leaders understand their teams’ unique dynamics, improve collaboration, and create an environment where people can thrive.

3. Leadership coaching should be integrated into daily work — not just scheduled sessions.

Leaders don’t need advice weeks after a tough conversation — they need guidance in the moment, when it matters most.

Great Coaching Can Lead To A High-Performing Culture

Self-awareness that leads to action.

Leaders need more than just insight into their strengths, biases, and blind spots — they need to know how to apply that awareness in real interactions. Coaching ensures that self-awareness isn’t just theoretical, but something leaders can actively use to make better decisions and foster stronger teams.

A focus on building strong teams.

Coaching isn’t just about making a leader better — it’s about helping them bring out the best in others, develop talent, and build trust. When leaders are supported through coaching, they create environments where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to perform at their best.

Actionable feedback, not vague theories.

Effective leadership coaching offers practical, real-time insights leaders can apply immediately — not just high-level concepts about leadership. The best coaching doesn’t just teach theory; it helps leaders navigate the complexities of managing people, giving feedback, and driving change in the moment

Scalability and consistency.

Coaching should be continuous, relevant, and available to every leader — not a one-time experience for a select few. When coaching is integrated into daily work, it becomes a consistent driver of growth, rather than an occasional intervention.

The impact is real. One study found that for every $1 spent on coaching, companies saw a return of over $7. Coaching doesn’t just develop better leaders — it leads to smarter decisions, stronger teams, and better business outcomes. When leaders are equipped with the right coaching, they reduce costly mistakes, improve retention, and create cultures of accountability that drive long-term success.

Impactful leadership coaching strategies realize it isn’t just about developing individuals — it’s about changing how leadership happens in an organization. When development opportunities are embedded into daily work — instead of separate initiatives — the effects of coaching start to drive real, lasting change.

4 Principles That Make Leadership Coaching More Effective?

Coaching is about helping leaders apply new learning and discovery to improve team dynamics, decision-making, and workplace culture. But for coaching to drive lasting impact, it has to be personalized, relevant, team-centered, and continuously reinforced.

Let’s break down the key principles that make leadership coaching effective.

1. Personalization: Coaching Should Be Tailored to the Leader and Their Team.

No two leaders — or teams — are the same. Coaching should be customized to individual strengths, leadership styles, and team dynamics rather than following a generic framework.

How personalization makes leadership coaching more effective:

Self-awareness is At The Core Of Better Leadership.

Leaders who understand their own tendencies, strengths, and blind spots can make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and create environments where people thrive.

  • Behavioral assessment platforms with tools like DISC, MBTI, or Enneagram help leaders understand their natural tendencies, communication styles, and decision-making patterns.
  • Strength-based assessments (like CliftonStrengths®) highlight what energizes leaders, helping them maximize their potential.
  • When assessment insights can be layered, even better! Leaders get a multi-dimensional view of themselves and their teams — leading to more targeted coaching and better results.

Leadership Coaching Should Adapt to the Team, Not Just the Leader.

Leadership isn’t just about self-improvement — it’s about building strong teams. Coaching should help leaders:

  • Recognize and adapt to different working and communication styles within their team.
  • Navigate team dynamics more effectively, building trust and collaboration.
  • Lead in a way that aligns with their team’s strengths—not just their own.

When leaders and teams can both be part of the coaching process, the impact is deeper and longer-lasting. Assessments are just one tool that can make coaching more personal, actionable, and relevant—leading to stronger teams and better leadership at every level.

2. Contextual Relevance: Coaching Should Happen When It Matters Most.

Leadership isn’t learned in a vacuum. Leaders need coaching in the moments where leadership skills are required — when they’re giving feedback, navigating conflict, or making tough decisions.

Why Timing Matters in Leadership Coaching.

Often, coaching opportunities happen out of sync with the actual leadership challenges the individual is facing. A one-hour session weeks before or after a tough conversation doesn’t help a leader navigate it in real time.

Leaders need coaching in the moment, when decisions are being made, feedback is being given, and challenges arise — not weeks later when the details are fuzzy.

Leaders don’t have time to dig through notes from past coaching sessions. They need quick, relevant guidance when they’re about to have a one-on-one, handle a conflict, or make a big decision.

Digital coaching tools can integrate coaching insights directly into platforms like Slack, Outlook, Gmail, and team dashboards, so leaders get nudges right when they need them — not as an afterthought.

Instead of hoping leaders remember what they learned in a coaching session, automating coaching nudges makes insights part of their daily workflow, helping them adjust, improve, and lead better day in and day out.

3. Team-Centered Coaching: Leadership Coaching Should Strengthen the Entire Team.

A leader’s success isn’t measured by their individual growth — it’s measured by how well they develop and empower their team. Coaching should help leaders strengthen collaboration, build trust, and bring out the best in others.

This shift from individual leadership coaching to collective leadership coaching is gaining momentum. Many organizations are recognizing that coaching shouldn’t just focus on one leader at a time — it should strengthen leadership across an entire team or organization.

Organizations Are Moving Toward Collective Leadership.

  • According to DDI’s 2023 Global Leadership Forecast, only 12% of companies feel confident in their leadership bench strength.
  • To address this gap, progressive organizations are shifting toward group coaching and team-based leadership development that breaks down silos, encourages shared learning, and creates accountability among peers (td.org.)
  • Instead of viewing leadership as an individual skill, collective coaching builds leadership capacity across an entire organization—  ensuring teams, not just individuals, are equipped to lead.

Leaders Need Coaching on How to Motivate, Delegate, and Give Feedback.

  • Coaching is about equipping a leader to create an environment where people can thrive.
  • This includes how to provide feedback, resolve conflict, and navigate team challenges — not just how to improve their own leadership skills.

4. Continuous Reinforcement: Coaching Should Be an Ongoing Process, Not a One-Time Event.

One of the biggest gaps in leadership coaching is sustainability. Too often, coaching happens in isolated moments — a workshop, a quarterly session — but fails to create lasting behavior change.

How continuous coaching strengthens leadership development:

Reinforcement Drives Retention & Real Behavior Change.

  • Ebbinghaus’s Forgetting Curve shows that people forget up to 70% of what they learn within 24 hours unless it’s reinforced.
  • Micro-coaching nudges — like the ones Cloverleaf delivers — help keep leadership concepts top of mind and ensure they’re applied continuously.

Embedding Coaching Into Daily Work Makes It Scalable.

  • Leadership coaching shouldn’t be a separate initiative — it should be integrated into daily interactions.
  • With ongoing, accessible coaching, leaders don’t just get support when they schedule it — they get continuous, relevant insights that shape how they lead every day.

Leadership coaching is most effective when it moves beyond one-size-fits-all approaches and becomes personalized, contextual, team-centered, and continuous.

Organizations that embrace these coaching principles by leveraging assessments, contextual insights, and continuous reinforcement — will develop stronger leaders, more engaged teams, and a leadership culture that scales across every level.

How to Scale Leadership Coaching Beyond the C-Suite

Most leadership coaching is still reserved for senior executives. Traditional coaching models — like one-on-one coaching engagements — are expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to scale. As a result, mid-level managers and first-time leaders often don’t get the support they need.

But leadership isn’t just a top-level function. If coaching is only available to a select few, organizations miss a massive opportunity to strengthen leadership across the board.

To scale leadership coaching in a way that’s both effective and sustainable, organizations need a model that:

  • Supports leaders at every level, not just executives.
  • Provides on demand, relevant coaching — not just scheduled sessions.
  • Uses technology to make coaching accessible, personalized, and continuous.

Why Many Coaching Models Cannot Scale

One-on-one coaching has long been the standard, but it comes with significant limitations when it comes to scaling:

High Cost: Executive coaching engagements can cost thousands of dollars per leader, making widespread adoption unrealistic.

Limited Reach: One coach can only support a handful of leaders at a time, leaving many managers without guidance.

Lack of Continuity: Coaching sessions happen in intervals, leaving gaps where leaders struggle to apply what they’ve learned.

Companies looking to expand leadership development across their organization need a more scalable, accessible, and embedded approach to coaching.

How to Scale Leadership Coaching Without Losing Impact

Think Of Leadership Coaching Beyond The Executive Level.

Leadership development shouldn’t just be for the top 10% of the company. Mid-level managers, first-time leaders, and high-potential employees also need structured guidance, feedback, and coaching.

  • Instead of limiting coaching to a few individuals, organizations should make leadership coaching a core part of development at all levels.
  • Group coaching, collective development, and technology-driven coaching nudges can make leadership support accessible to a much larger audience.

Leverage Technology to Democratize Coaching Opportunities.

Leadership coaching can be expensive, time-consuming, and hard to scale. One-on-one coaching engagements can cost thousands of dollars per leader, making it unsustainable to provide coaching across an entire organization.

Technology helps remove these barriers, making coaching more cost-effective, accessible, and scalable without sacrificing personalization.

Reduce Cost Without Losing Impact.

One-on-one coaching can cost thousands per leader. Scalable coaching tools provide consistent, high-quality coaching insights at a fraction of the cost.

Eliminate Scheduling Bottlenecks.

Coaching often relies on pre-scheduled sessions, leaving leaders without support when challenges arise. Digital coaching tools provide on-demand insights when leaders need them most.

Shift from Episodic Coaching to Ongoing Development.

Leadership coaching is less effective when it is experienced as one-and-done event. For real impact, coaching must be continuous, integrated, and reinforced over time.

Micro-Coaching Nudges Keep Leadership Skills Top of Mind.

Instead of relying on infrequent sessions, coaching should be woven into daily work through real-time insights and reminders.

Leadership Development Must Align with Real-World Challenges.

The best coaching happens in the moment—when leaders are making decisions, giving feedback, or navigating conflict.

By leveraging technology, expanding access, and making coaching continuous, organizations can equip every leader with the support they need to develop, lead effectively, and build stronger teams.

Coaching More Leaders, Strengthening More Teams

Leadership coaching has the power to transform organizations—not just by improving individual leaders but by creating stronger teams, better communication, and cultures where people thrive.

With new approaches and technology, coaching is no longer limited to a select few. It can be personalized, continuous, and embedded into daily work, making leadership development more impactful than ever before.

When more leaders get the coaching they need, workplaces become more connected, teams work better together, and cultures become places where people want to stay and grow.

 

Darrin Murriner is the co-founder and CEO of Cloverleaf – a technology platform that brings automated team coaching to the entire enterprise for better collaboration, improved employee relationships, and a more engaged workforce. Darrin is also the author of Corporate Bravery, a book focused on helping leaders avoid fear-based decision-making.

 

As A Rookie, You’ll Rise Faster By Learning From The Masters

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Build on your leadership team and see them grow.

Build on your leadership team and see them grow.

by Michael Cerda, author of “Build Something: Building Products, Business & Culture – A Journey of Hard-Won Lessons and Impactful Outcomes“

In early 1995, I graduated college, got married, and moved to San Francisco to start my first professional job. And I had no idea what I was doing.

The job was for an Inside Sales Representative for PixelCraft, a Xerox-backed startup in an industrial park near the Oakland airport. My job? Cold calls. Lead generation. Closing deals over the phone. I knew nothing about sales, but I did know that I had to figure it out — fast.

Though I’d been comfortable performing on stage with my band, selling over the phone felt different. There was no crowd, no applause — just me, a list of names, and the very real possibility of rejection. I was naturally shy, and the idea of pitching people I didn’t know felt overwhelming. But I also knew that sales was my fastest route to financial security, and with a young family to support and debt piling up, failure wasn’t an option.

So, instead of figuring things out the hard way, I decided to pay close attention to the seasoned pros around me.

At PixelCraft, the company had a small but experienced outside sales team — Ron, Bill, and Guy. Each had a distinct approach, and while none of them were assigned to mentor me, I treated them as unofficial teachers.

Ron was relentless. He wasn’t a flashy talker — he was disciplined. He wrote everything down, tracked every lead, and followed up relentlessly. He once told me, “Most people focus on saving money when they should be focusing on making more.” That stuck with me.

Bill was the relationship guy. He wasn’t running spreadsheets or analyzing sales trends — he was building trust. Whether it was a round of golf, a casual drink, or just a quick check-in call, he made customers feel valued. He always left a voicemail, even if it was his third or fourth attempt. “If you don’t leave a message, how do they know you care?” he’d say.

Guy was all about style. He didn’t just close deals — he made an impression. He sent gifts, booked high-end dinners, and always made the interaction feel premium. He wasn’t just selling; he was positioning himself as someone people wanted to do business with.

At first, I was just watching and listening, trying to make sense of what made each of them successful. But then, I started pulling pieces from each of them into my own style.

I followed Ron’s methodical follow-up, Bill’s relationship-first mentality, and Guy’s ability to command presence. But I also realized something important — it wasn’t just about what you said, but how you controlled the conversation.

I started to recognize that the most successful salespeople set the tone early. They didn’t just enter a conversation — they took control of it in a way that felt natural and engaging. This wasn’t about being aggressive, but about creating momentum.

I started applying what I now call “Advantage Tempo” — the ability to bring every conversation onto your home court from the very first interaction. Here’s the difference:

The Rookie Mistake – “Hello, nice to meet you. Where shall we begin?”

Advantage Tempo – “Hello, great to finally meet you. I’m thrilled with our success so far, and I want to take it to the next level with you. Let’s start by updating you on our latest scanner capabilities, then we can discuss tactics.”

The first approach is passive — it hands control to the other person. The second approach establishes direction, energy, and intent. You’re leading, not following.

This didn’t just apply to sales; it applied everywhere — meetings, negotiations, emails. Even the way I structured follow-ups. The more I set the tone, the better my outcomes became.

Even my writing improved. I stopped sending emails that just dumped problems on people. Instead, I framed issues with a solution-oriented mindset.

As I refined my approach, I started to get noticed. One day, our VP of Sales, Barry Dearborn, called me into his office. Barry was the classic head of sales — fast-talking, sharp-dressed, usually found making loud deals from an airport lounge. He leaned in and said: “Kid, what do you say we create a ‘New Business Bonus’? I’ll pay you 2 percent commission on any new international deals you bring in.”

This was game-changing. Up until then, my commission structure was almost nothing. But now? Now I had a real opportunity to earn.

I started cold-calling overseas businesses, closing deals in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East by wire transfer. I wasn’t just working leads anymore — I was building a new revenue stream for the company.

Looking back, my first job at PixelCraft wasn’t just about selling scanners. It was about learning how to build relationships, communicate effectively, and create momentum. It was about understanding that sales isn’t just about numbers — it’s about psychology. It was about earning trust, staying persistent, and knowing when to push and when to hold back.

And ultimately, it was about figuring out my own Advantage Tempo.

I walked into PixelCraft as a rookie who was afraid of selling. I walked out with a foundational playbook for how to make things happen — by learning from the best, owning my rhythm, and setting the tone in every interaction.

That’s how you win.

 

Michael Cerdá

Michael Cerdá is a veteran product and technology leader who has served as Chief Product Officer and executive at several of the world’s most influential companies. He has also founded multiple venture-backed startups and holds two technology patents. His book “Build Something: Building Products, Business & Culture – A Journey of Hard-Won Lessons and Impactful Outcomes” reveals the untold true stories behind some of the most transformative technologies of our time. Learn more at www.build-something.com.

 

Adapting Track Lighting For Outdoor Retail Spaces And Markets

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store with track lighting

store with track lighting

Outdoor retail spaces present unique challenges and opportunities for lighting. Good lighting improves product visibility while also shaping a welcoming environment for shoppers. Retailers need to consider weather conditions, safety, and energy efficiency to make the most of outdoor track lighting.

What works well indoors may not always translate to outdoor spaces. Retailers need to plan carefully when using track lighting for retail stores, considering installation challenges and design strategies. Exploring different mounting methods and maintenance plans allows them to highlight products while creating a lasting impression on customers.

Challenges of Outdoor Track Lighting

Adapting track lighting for outdoor retail settings comes with several challenges. Weather resistance is key—fixtures must withstand rain, wind, and temperature changes without losing functionality. Unlike indoor spaces, outdoor environments can be unpredictable, affecting both safety and energy use. In coastal retail areas, for example, fixtures must be corrosion-resistant due to salt exposure, which can quickly degrade metal components.

Installation also requires planning. Structures need to be strong enough to handle the elements while complying with light pollution regulations. Smart positioning and protective enclosures can help mitigate these concerns, allowing lighting to serve its purpose without being disruptive. Adhering to local guidelines helps keep lighting both attractive and compliant.

Mounting Techniques for Track Lighting in Open-Air Retail Spaces

Freestanding poles and overhead structures provide a sturdy foundation for outdoor track lighting. These options offer flexibility in adjusting angles, so brightness is directed where it’s most effective. This focused approach minimizes unwanted light spill and keeps attention on the merchandise. Modular systems are beneficial, allowing for easy reconfiguration as layouts change.

A balance of creativity and practicality enhances the visual experience. Solar-powered lighting supports sustainability while lowering energy costs. Structures like pergolas can integrate lighting seamlessly, improving both aesthetics and functionality. Exploring different mounting methods helps shape a space that encourages customers to stay and browse.

Designing Lighting Layouts for Visibility and Shopper Comfort

Track light placement influences how shoppers experience their surroundings. Thoughtfully positioning lights reduces glare and shadows, creating an inviting setting. Angled fixtures instead of direct overhead lighting soften the glow, making browsing more comfortable. In boutique storefronts, carefully placed track lighting can highlight window displays, drawing customers in while preventing harsh reflections on the glass.

A combination of lighting styles contributes to a cohesive design. Ambient lighting, paired with focused task lights, improves visibility while adding balance. Motion sensors enhance efficiency by activating lights only when needed. Choosing the right color temperature also plays a role—warmer tones create a cozy atmosphere, while cooler tones energize specific areas.

Maintaining Outdoor Track Lighting for Longevity

Outdoor track lighting must be built to last. Fixture durability depends on resistance to the elements and consistent upkeep. Selecting lights with high IP ratings protects against moisture and dust. Materials that dissipate heat prevent overheating, keeping fixtures functioning longer. High-quality components not only withstand harsh weather but also help maintain efficiency over time.

A regular maintenance schedule is vital for keeping fixtures in good shape. Inspecting for wear, cleaning lenses, and securing electrical connections can prevent issues before they become problems. Protective barriers or coverings help shield lights from accidental damage, extending their lifespan.

Customizing Outdoor Track Lighting to Reflect Brand Identity

Well-designed lighting can enhance a brand’s presence and create a more memorable shopping experience. Unique fixtures and programmable features showcase a retailer’s identity while adding to the overall ambiance. Custom color schemes and playful shapes can reinforce a brand’s theme, making an immediate impact on visitors.

Smart lighting systems allow for flexible adjustments, adapting to different events or seasons with ease. Focused lighting on key displays directs customer attention, supporting the brand’s message. In a busy open-air market, dimmable options can create a softer glow in the evening to encourage a relaxed shopping experience while maintaining brighter light during peak afternoon hours. Adjusting ambiance based on time of day or foot traffic makes the space feel dynamic and inviting.

Outdoor track lighting should be practical, durable, and inviting. Well-placed lights make products stand out and create a comfortable shopping experience. Since outdoor spaces face weather challenges, using sturdy, weatherproof fixtures is key. Smart mounting and energy-efficient options help keep costs down while improving visibility. Regular maintenance prevents problems and keeps lighting working longer. Custom touches, like adjustable brightness or unique designs, help stores stand out and match their brand. A mix of good lighting choices and simple upkeep makes outdoor retail spaces more welcoming, helping stores attract and keep customers while making the most of their setup.

 

The Small Business Guide To Ownership Culture: Building A Team That Thinks Beyond The Paycheck

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by Dr. Matthew F. Wilson, founder of the Ownership Academy and author of “Ownership Unlocked: 4 Keys to Transform Disengaged Teams into Proactive, Results-Driven Champions” 

As a small business owner, you’ve likely stayed late handling tasks that “only you can do,” wondering why your team doesn’t show the same commitment to the business. After studying psychological ownership for over two decades, I’ve discovered that it doesn’t have to be this way. That’s because small businesses have a hidden advantage over large corporations: the ability to create a genuine culture of ownership.

This isn’t about legal ownership or equity sharing. It’s about creating an environment where employees develop psychological ownership — where they treat the business’s success as personally important. When employees think and act like stakeholders rather than just employees, small businesses achieve remarkable results despite limited resources.

What Ownership Looks Like

Before implementing changes, let’s consider what an ownership mindset actually looks like in practice. What might you observe? Employees with psychological ownership proactively solve problems without being asked. They make decisions with the business’s long-term health in mind. They take responsibility for outcomes rather than making excuses. You’ll notice their emotional investment in both successes and setbacks. And perhaps most tellingly, they regularly go beyond formal job descriptions when needed. The research confirms what I’ve seen firsthand: businesses with high ownership cultures enjoy significantly higher profitability and remarkably lower turnover.

Assess and Clarify

Start by assessing your current culture honestly. Do team members offer solutions or just identify problems? How often do employees take initiative without direction? When mistakes happen, do people take responsibility or make excuses? This assessment will highlight where your ownership culture needs attention.

Next, clarify your business’s purpose beyond making money. A small accounting firm exists “to give small business owners peace of mind,” not just “to prepare tax returns.” Creating an ownership culture will require that you clarify the “Why” of your organization so that you can help connect everyone’s work to something good and worthwhile: something beyond a paycheck.

Invite Ownership Directly

One of the most overlooked aspects of creating ownership is simply inviting it. Many employees don’t know they’re allowed or expected to take ownership. Schedule conversations where you explicitly invite team members to take ownership in specific areas. When they bring problems, resist providing immediate solutions. Instead, ask, “What do you think we should do?” When someone demonstrates ownership, acknowledge it specifically.

Create Real Influence

Without real influence, ownership is impossible. People need to see that they can affect outcomes if they are to feel like real stakeholders in your business. Delegate authority, not just tasks. Instead of asking someone to “update the website,” give someone ownership of the entire web presence with decision-making authority. Involve team members in decisions affecting their work. When they make suggestions, act promptly— Nothing kills ownership faster than watching ideas disappear into a black hole of “we’ll consider that later.”

Think Long-Term

True “owners” think long-term, so help employees see themselves as part of the company’s future. Instead of exit interviews when it’s too late, hold regular conversations asking what would make them want to stay long-term. Small businesses often can’t offer traditional corporate career paths, but they can provide growth through expanded responsibility or skill development. Consider profit-sharing that directly connects business success to personal gain.

For ownership to become cultural, it needs systemic support. Look for candidates with a track record of taking initiative. From day one, emphasize ownership expectations. Evaluate and reward ownership behaviors specifically, not just task completion. Identify and eliminate policies that undermine autonomy.

Start small, but start now. What’s one ownership conversation you could have with a key team member this week? Which decision area might you fully delegate? What key business metric could you share with your team that you haven’t before? The journey toward an ownership culture isn’t about grand gestures but consistent, thoughtful actions that signal your commitment to a different way of working together. When you take these steps, you’ll transform your team from employees who simply do their jobs into “owners” who help drive your business forward—giving your small business a competitive advantage that money can’t buy.

 

Matthew Wilson

Dr. Matthew F. Wilson is the author of “Ownership Unlocked: 4 Keys to Transform Disengaged Teams into Proactive, Results-Driven Champions” and founder of the Ownership Academy. With a Ph.D. focused on psychological ownership and decades of corporate experience, he helps organizations build cultures where everyone takes ownership.

 

 

Creating An Efficient Onboarding Experience For New Employees

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Introducing a new employee to your organization offers a vital opportunity to set a positive precedent. Establishing an effective onboarding process lays the foundation for future success and job satisfaction. One fundamental tool that supports this endeavor is a thorough hiring checklist. This checklist ensures that every step, from administrative tasks to cultural integration, is meticulously addressed, offering a smooth transition for HR teams and new hires.

Structured onboarding is more than a formality; it’s an introduction to your company’s core values and day-to-day operations. A well-executed program reduces the fears of starting a new job and cultivates an environment where new team members can thrive. This integration method determines future performance, impacting retention rates and overall employee morale.

Introduction to Onboarding

Employees’ first impression of your organization can influence their motivation and allegiance in the long run. Onboarding isn’t merely an administrative necessity; it’s a strategic process designed to align new hires with the company culture and operational objectives. A well-structured hiring checklist ensures a seamless onboarding experience, helping integrate new employees into their work environment, bridge skill gaps, and clarify roles and responsibilities. When approached thoughtfully, onboarding becomes a catalyst for employee engagement and retention.

Key Components of an Effective Onboarding Process

A comprehensive onboarding process targets multiple facets of an employee’s introduction to the company. From the outset, it must communicate the company’s vision, establish professional relationships, and outline job expectations. Each component should be addressed with the same importance as the logistical tasks, such as filling out paperwork. By focusing on an inclusive approach, you set a proactive foundation that fosters a collaborative and productive workforce right from the start.

The Role of Technology in Streamlining Onboarding

Integrating technology into onboarding can enhance efficiency and improve the new employee experience. Technologies like automated workflows handle the bureaucratic load, streamlining essential processes such as documentation and training modules. Virtual reality offers a revolutionary way to introduce new hires to the company’s premises and culture without setting foot on the grounds. According to insights from Forbes, implementing such advanced tools in onboarding not only accelerates administrative procedures but also increases engagement and retention, creating a seamless initial experience for new talents entering your organization.

Crafting Personal Connections from Day One

Personal connections play a crucial role in a successful onboarding process. Initiating these relationships can significantly ease a new hire’s transition, making them feel like an integral part of the team from day one. Implementing a mentor or buddy system allows for knowledge sharing, providing new employees with a point of contact for any uncertainties. Encouraging early interactions not only develops camaraderie but also fosters a sense of loyalty and inclusion, reflecting productivity and satisfaction levels.

Training and Development Opportunities

Presenting new employees with training opportunities and pathways for career growth is essential in maintaining their engagement and long-term dedication to the company. Providing access to courses, webinars, and workshops from the start empowers employees, showing them that the organization is committed to their personal and professional development. This approach enhances their skills and aligns with the organization’s growth objectives, ensuring that all team members are adequately equipped to exceed expectations and contribute to overall success.

Compliance and Policy Education

Understanding company policies and regulatory compliance is imperative for any new employee. Educating new hires about these areas using engaging, interactive methods like e-learning platforms ensures they absorb this crucial information. Making the learning process dynamic helps reinforce knowledge retention, which is vital for preparing employees to handle potential challenges effectively and ethically during their time at the company.

Benefits of a Structured Onboarding Program

Organizations implementing a structured onboarding program reap numerous benefits, including reduced employee turnover and enhanced performance. A process that clearly defines objectives, expectations, and resources right from the start positions new hires for success, ensuring they feel valued and equipped to contribute meaningfully to the organization. This strategic approach cultivates a work environment where employees are motivated, which is invaluable for building strong teams that contribute to the company’s long-term vision.

 

The Importance Of Having Quality Printing Supplies When Starting Out In Business

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Starting a new business is an exciting venture, but it can also be overwhelming. One of the often-overlooked aspects of setting up a business is ensuring you have the right equipment and supplies. While many entrepreneurs focus on office space, employees, and marketing strategies, the importance of quality printing supplies cannot be understated.

Whether it’s for printing promotional materials, contracts, invoices, or everyday office documents, having reliable and high-quality printing resources is essential for any successful business.

First Impressions Matter

When you’re just starting out, every interaction with a client or customer matters. One of the first ways a potential customer will engage with your business is through the materials you provide them, be it brochures, business cards, or quotes. Low-quality printed materials can give the wrong impression of your business, making it appear unprofessional or unpolished. High-quality printing supplies, such as premium paper and reliable printers, help to ensure your materials look sharp, professional, and aligned with your brand values.

Having good printing supplies also contributes to creating consistency in your business communications. Whether you are sending invoices, marketing materials, or internal documents, the consistency of colour, quality, and presentation is crucial in building trust with your clients and customers.

Reliability in Day-to-Day Operations

Many business owners underestimate the critical role printing plays in day-to-day operations. From managing correspondence to creating reports, invoices, or other documents, a printer is a staple in most offices. Without the right supplies, such as quality ink and paper, you could experience frequent downtime, poor print quality, or frustrating printing errors that waste both time and money.

For instance, using substandard ink cartridges can lead to faded prints, smudged text, or even damage to the printer itself. To avoid such issues, it’s essential to invest in high-quality ink cartridges that are designed for your specific printer model. Not only does this guarantee better results, but it also ensures the longevity of your printer. For example, ink cartridges from trusted suppliers can provide consistent, high-quality prints while reducing the risk of print errors or machine malfunctions.

Cost Efficiency in the Long Run

Initially, investing in quality printing supplies may seem like an additional cost, but in the long run, it proves to be a cost-effective strategy. Low-cost supplies might save you money upfront, but they can result in increased maintenance costs, wasted paper, and poor print quality that could damage your reputation.

Opting for quality printing supplies often reduces the frequency of printer malfunctions or the need for frequent replacements, saving you money over time. Furthermore, using high-quality ink and paper ensures that you don’t waste ink or resources, which is important for a business with limited budgets.

Enhanced Brand Image

For any business, branding is crucial. Quality printed materials reflect your brand’s professionalism and commitment to delivering top-notch services. Whether you are designing a business card, product brochure, or company letterhead, the quality of your printed materials plays a significant role in how your brand is perceived by the outside world.

If you print marketing materials in-house, investing in quality paper, ink cartridges, and a dependable printer ensures that your brand message is communicated effectively. Customers will associate the quality of your printed materials with the quality of the products or services you offer.

 

From Burnout To Breakthrough: Rethinking Leadership For A New Era

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by Jeffrey Beeson, founder of Ensemble Enabler and author of “Network Leadership: Promoting a Healthier World through the Power of Networks”

Imagine waking up one morning and realizing that the entire way you’ve worked and interacted with others is no longer valid. The systems, tools, and habits you relied on have suddenly been rendered obsolete. That’s exactly what happened to me during the pandemic. Disruption wasn’t just a buzzword I discussed in leadership workshops — it became the ground beneath my feet, shaking everything I thought I knew about work, connection, and leadership.

A Personal Aha Moment

In 2019, I wrapped up a two-year culture transformation program at a mid-sized automobile parts manufacturer. One key metric stood out: sick leave rates. At one plant, absenteeism had plummeted from 8.3 percent to 2.9 percent, far below the industry average of 5 percent. Yet at other plants, little had changed. Before I could fully analyze why, the pandemic hit.

Overnight, in-person interactions vanished, replaced by endless Zoom calls. Social connections — so essential to both well-being and productivity — were abruptly severed. The world felt disorienting.

Amid the chaos, something truly remarkable caught my attention: remote music-making. People from all over the world, isolated in their homes, began to gather online to create music together. In virtual choirs, individuals sang alone, each in their own space, yet when combined, their voices formed a powerful collective harmony. This experience struck me deeply: even in isolation, the collective was alive. It was a profound example of how networks can thrive and flourish — not despite disconnection, but through it. The individuals, though physically apart, were intricately linked; their contributions building something greater than the sum of their parts.

The message for me was clear: the age of networks had fully arrived.

At the time, I’d already begun delving into network science, and it dawned on me: ALL complex systems — whether ecosystems, the human brain, or organizations — are structured around network patterns.

If networks are the organizing principle of nature, why wouldn’t organizations, as complex systems, follow the same rules?

That was my first major insight: The future of leadership isn’t about managing hierarchies. It’s about activating networks that pulse with energy across an organization.

A Factory Manager’s Transformation

This wasn’t just an abstract concept. I saw it play out in real time at the automobile parts manufacturer.

When we investigated why one plant had such a dramatic drop in sick leave, the answer became clear: stronger personal connections. Employees felt more engaged, collaboration increased, and communication flowed freely. In contrast, at plants where absenteeism remained high, networks hadn’t strengthened in the same way.

The turning point? A shift in leadership. The plant manager, reflecting on his biggest lesson from the culture change program, said: “I realized I didn’t need to have all the answers — and I could admit that openly.”

By stepping away from a directive leadership style and embracing participatory decision-making, he unlocked the flow of energy, information, and trust across the plant. The results? Employees felt more valued, motivation soared, and collaboration thrived — leading to a healthier, more resilient workplace.

Rethinking Organizational Health

This experience led me to a second major insight: If organizations are living networks, their most critical asset isn’t efficiency or productivity — it’s health.

Traditionally, leaders define organizational health through financial metrics or wellness programs. But real organizational health runs much deeper. Based on my experience, truly healthy organizations share three key traits:

1. They are learning organizations.

Like living organisms adapting to their environments, businesses must continuously evolve. From the C-suite to the frontline, curiosity should be ingrained in the culture. When learning stops, adaptability ceases — leaving organizations vulnerable to disruption.

2. They thrive on collaboration and participation.

In nature, symbiosis — cooperation between organisms — drives evolution. The same is true for businesses. While competition has its place, survival in today’s complex world depends on an organization’s ability to collaborate, both internally and externally.

3. They are built on trust and integrity.

Trust is the lifeblood of a healthy organization. Employees, customers, and stakeholders must believe their voices matter and that decisions are made with fairness. Organizations that cultivate trust build stronger networks — and greater resilience.

Leadership as a Champion of Health

The pandemic forced me to reevaluate what leadership is really about. It’s not just about maximizing efficiency or hitting performance targets. It’s about fostering the health of the organization.

Just as a living organism depends on the free flow of energy, organizations thrive when motivation, engagement, and communication move freely. But when silos emerge and information gets blocked, organizational health suffers.

The transformation of the factory manager proved this in action. By embracing openness and relinquishing the need for control, he strengthened internal networks, increased employee engagement, and cultivated a more resilient workplace.

The Future of Leadership

Albert Einstein once said: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

Today’s challenges demand a fundamental shift in how we lead. Organizations must move beyond rigid hierarchies and embrace their true nature as living, breathing networks.

The leaders of tomorrow won’t be those who cling to control. They’ll be the ones who foster learning, build trust, and ignite collaboration.

The pandemic was a wake-up call — an invitation to lead differently.

My personal transformation — and that of the factory manager — proves what’s possible when leadership embraces this new reality.

The future of leadership is not about managing structures. It’s about activating networks, championing health, and ensuring organizations don’t just survive, but thrive in an era of continuous disruption.

 

Jeffrey Beeson

Jeffrey Beeson has spent decades serving thousands of leaders and leading culture transformation initiatives for multi-national corporations. He is the founder of Ensemble Enabler, fostering agile organizational cultures and advanced leadership. His new book is “Network Leadership: Promoting a Healthier World through the Power of Networks” (Cambridge University Press, Dec. 31, 2024). Learn more at https://networkleadership.eu.

 

The Resilient Entrepreneur: Adapting And Innovating With Technology And Customer-Focused Marketing

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by Dave Charest, Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact

The world of small business is always evolving, but in 2025, the latest wave of new entrepreneurs is navigating a particularly tough landscape with a mix of optimism and resilience. The latest report from Constant Contact, Small Business Now: Growth in Motion, reveals insights from over 1,600 small business owners across the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Despite dealing with economic uncertainty, these early-stage businesses are not just surviving — they’re setting themselves up for success by embracing technology, refining marketing strategies, and focusing on building lasting customer relationships.

Thriving Through Tough Times

It’s no secret that the economic climate right now is anything but easy. With external challenges like inflation and shifting consumer habits, it’s a tough world for any business owner. Yet, new entrepreneurs aren’t backing down. Instead, they’re diving headfirst into the challenge, and their focus is clear: Customer relationships.

According to the report, 63% of new entrepreneurs are turning to social media as their go-to marketing tool. But, here’s the interesting part: Even though social media is a top choice when getting started, a surprising 33% of these business owners today see email marketing as an untapped goldmine for conversions and customer loyalty. As these businesses mature, they’re broadening their marketing with channels like email and SMS, which are coming up strong as powerful tools to nurture those all-important customer relationships.

And, when it comes to tech, the numbers speak for themselves: 91% of business owners say that technology has played a crucial role in their success, and a whopping 72% plan to use AI for marketing this year. Technology isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a survival tool for small businesses — one that’s essential for growth.

Optimistic, But Realistic: The SMB Mindset for 2025

Entrepreneurs are feeling positive but cautious. Nearly half (45%) of small business owners believe their business will grow in the coming year, but many (55%) are also acknowledging the hurdles they’ll face. Rising costs, customer acquisition struggles, and shifting consumer preferences have a solid 35% of entrepreneurs seeing economic factors as a big potential roadblock. But, not to worry — small businesses are determined and resilient.

And, people are still choosing to start new businesses every day. Even though 52% of these business owners admitted that getting their business off the ground was tough, there’s a ton of excitement and pride in the air. A remarkable 95% of entrepreneurs said they’d do it all over again if given the chance — 71% said they’re excited about the future, and 57% proud of what they’ve accomplished.

Going Beyond Social Media: SMBs Expand Their Marketing Reach

Social media may dominate the marketing space for new businesses, but there’s a growing trend toward diversifying strategies. The majority of these entrepreneurs may still rely on social media as their main marketing tool, but many are branching out into channels like email and SMS to connect with their audience.

In fact, 33% of SMB owners view email marketing as an underutilized tool that could be key to turning leads into loyal customers. While social media gets all the attention — likely for its ease of use, accessibility, and affordability — email marketing can be a powerful revenue driver to support growth. Plus, email’s secret superpower is its ability to help build lasting relationships and customer loyalty. And, don’t forget SMS! Only 15% of SMBs are investing in it, even though SMS has proven to be one of the most engaging marketing channels available.

AI and Tech: The Secret Weapons for SMB Growth

Let’s talk tech — it’s a game-changer for small businesses. Early-stage small businesses are embracing technology like never before, with 91% agreeing that tech has been a growth driver for their businesses. And, AI is also leading the charge… Nearly two-thirds (72%) of SMB owners plan to use AI in their marketing efforts this year, and the areas they’re focusing on are pretty exciting.

  • 37% are using AI for content creation
  • 32% are diving into customer data analysis
  • 31% are leveraging AI to create personalized marketing experiences.

This isn’t just about automating tasks — it’s about making smarter, more data-driven decisions and connecting with customers in more meaningful ways. With this, 38% of business owners are planning to learn new marketing strategies, and over a quarter (28%) will use AI and automation to overcome challenges like customer acquisition and sales growth.

It’s clear that technology is becoming a key part of their competitive advantage, growth prospects, and overall success. Consider this: New small business owners who have the most confidence in their business growth this year are embracing AI more than others — indicating that confidence in business growth and the adoption of AI are closely linked. Of this high-confidence group, 41% plan to use AI for data analysis, and 39% will use it to personalize customer experiences, compared to just 25% of all others.

Looking Ahead: Innovating for Success in 2025

As these new and early-stage entrepreneurs continue into this year, their direction is clear: Reassess and refine strategies, embrace new technologies, and stay customer-centric and highly adaptable. By focusing on these areas, new small businesses are setting themselves up for long-term success — even in the face of an unpredictable market.

If you’re a small business owner yourself, the message is simple: Stay adaptable, keep innovating, and never stop connecting with your customers. The entrepreneurs who thrive in 2025 will be those who stick to sound business fundamentals, keep refining their marketing approach, and embrace new tools and technologies to stay ahead.

 

Dave Charest is the Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact. In his role, Dave acts as an educator and an advocate for small business leaders, marketing professionals, and nonprofits by providing them with practical marketing advice that can help them achieve their goals.

 

 

New Business Owner’s Guide To California Worker’s Compensation

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workers compensation law

Starting a business in California oftentimes means tackling workers’ compensation responsibilities from day one. California law requires all employers to provide workers’ comp insurance, even if you have just one employee. Understanding these requirements isn’t optional. Compliance is essential for protecting your business, avoiding penalties and ensuring your employees have proper coverage when accidents happen.

Let’s explore the basics of workers’ compensation in California so you can comply with the law and safeguard your new business.

Mandatory Coverage

California law requires all employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance, with almost no exceptions. The requirement applies whether your business has one employee or a hundred. For workers’ comp purposes, an employee includes full- and part-time workers, temporary staff, minors and even family members who work for your company. In some cases, independent contractors may also legally be employees if you control how or when they perform their work.

As an employer, you must facilitate immediate medical care for injured workers. There should also be return-to-work programs to accommodate medical restrictions during recovery.

Failing to carry proper coverage leads to serious consequences. Your business could face significant per-incident fines, stop-work orders, lawsuits from injured workers and even criminal charges with possible jail time. The Department of Industrial Relations oversees workers’ compensation in California, and its Division of Workers’ Compensation handles day-to-day administration and enforcement.

Getting Covered

You can secure workers’ compensation coverage through either the State Compensation Insurance Fund or a private insurance carrier authorized by California. The State Fund ensures all employers can obtain coverage, even high-risk operations that might not otherwise be insurable. Accurately classifying employees and reporting correct payroll figures are crucial for proper premium calculations. Misclassification can lead to premium adjustments and penalties.

California law requires you to display a “Notice to Employees” poster in a visible location. The poster informs workers of their rights and provides instructions if they’re injured. You must also provide claim forms promptly and report incidents to your insurance carrier within statutory timeframes. Review your policy regularly, especially when your business changes, particularly if you hire new people or alter your organization’s structure.

Employee Rights and Responsibilities

Workers’ compensation provides benefits to injured employees. These include:

  • Medical treatment for work-related injuries
  • Temporary disability payments during recovery
  • Permanent disability compensation for long-term injuries
  • Death benefits for families of workers who die on the job

Employees must report injuries to their employer promptly, usually within 30 days, if they mean to file a claim. Delayed reporting can complicate claims and potentially limit access to benefits.

Common Pitfalls

A major mistake some new business owners make is misclassifying employees. Many businesses are tempted to classify workers as independent contractors to avoid providing coverage. California applies strict tests to determine proper classification, and the penalties for misclassification are severe.

Poor records-keeping delays legitimate claims and often increases costs through penalties and litigation. Many employers also fail to implement effective return-to-work programs that could reduce claim costs and help injured workers recover. Be acutely aware that California law strictly prohibits retaliating against employees who file workers’ compensation claims. Retaliation can result in additional penalties and lawsuits beyond the standard workers’ comp obligations.

Conclusion

Complying with California’s workers’ compensation requirements from day one protects your business. Take a proactive approach. Understand your obligations, maintain proper coverage and implement safety protocols. As your business grows, leverage resources like your insurer, industry associations, legal counsel and the Division of Workers’ Compensation to stay current with changes.

 

A Beginner’s Guide To Restricted Stock Units

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Job seekers and employees looking for employment opportunities often hope to obtain extra benefits from companies beyond a living wage, health insurance, and a retirement option. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are one of the most popular incentives offered by employers to obtain new talent, prevent employee attrition, and reward excellent performance.

This beginner’s guide outlines important facts about RSUs. Read on to learn more.

What Are Company RSUs?

Companies promise RSUs to new and current employees as a “right” to receive equity ownership or financial interest without immediately owning stocks. An employee must fulfill certain requirements. For example, they might need to work for the company for a specific time frame or reach a specific performance achievement. They can then keep or sell the stock. At that point, all common stock advantages, disadvantages and rules apply to their situation.

Why Do Companies Offer RSUs?

Employers use RSUs to attract, cultivate and maintain top talent. This type of incentive or reward requires no immediate payout. An employer doesn’t have to worry about the loss of this part of their investment in a worker. They’ve essentially only made a “promise to pay” agreement. Additionally, RSUs prompt employees to perform well at all times to help their employer thrive and succeed. If the company performs well, then they eventually receive high-value stocks.

How Are RSUs Fulfilled?

Since a worker with an RSU agreement only receives an intangible promise, they can’t access the fair market value of their shares via ownership or cash equivalent until they fulfill their obligations. Their employer gives them specific dates across an agreement period known as a vesting schedule. For example, a company might offer 1,000 shares to a new hire over a four-year vesting schedule with 250 shares transferred for ownership at the end of each completed year of employment.

Primary Advantages of RSUs

After the transfer of ownership on an RSU vesting date, an employee must count the value of their shares as part of their gross income for tax purposes. Companies typically withhold the equivalent value of the taxes during normal withholding or allow their employees to pay out of pocket.

Beyond owning potentially high-valued stock, an employee benefits from their RSU agreement in many other unique ways. They can count it as a capital gain. They can use the value to calculate their income at a higher level that might make it possible for them to acquire non-company benefits via a lender, such as a personal loan or refinanced mortgage. They can reinvest in other stocks. If they want tax-deferred advantages, they might set up a retirement or savings account.

Biggest Disadvantages of RSUs

The employee doesn’t initially receive any dividends, value or voting rights. They must wait to receive all of these benefits on the vesting date. Companies that require overtime and do not credit employee’s overtime hours towards their RSU vesting may be undercalculating employee’s compensation. Another big downside to RSUs is that a worker might have to pay more taxes than expected when their shares vest. They might discover to their surprise that they’ve been bumped into a higher tax bracket. The new income level might decrease the previously expected amount of a refund or cancel it out entirely.

If a company goes through a merger, acquisition or initial public offering event, a worker might receive all the shares before the end of the vesting schedule or none at all. If they decide to switch jobs and leave the company before they fulfill some or all of their obligations during the vesting schedule, they lose future ownership of the shares. Depending on the terms they agreed to with their former employer, they might even need to sell previously transferred shares back.

 

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Young Upstarts is an online business resource for startup entrepreneurs, small business owners, idea people, and intrapreneurs seeking change within their organization.
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