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2 Sides Of The Same Coin: How PR And Social Media Marketing Go Hand In Hand

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by Chris Bretschger, Managing Partner at Bastion Agency

When it comes to building a successful brand, it’s important to have various strategies in place to help get the word out about your products and services. While there are multiple formats for achieving this, they can often be broken down into two main categories – Public Relations (PR) and social media marketing.

Both PR and social media marketing focus on the same overall goals, but the way they achieve them can be quite different. While focusing on each format individually may be beneficial, increasing brand visibility online and gaining a new following, when combined, they can actually help you create a highly effective, holistic marketing approach for your business.

Below, we’ll help to break down the differences between the approaches and where and how they can work together.

Using Public Relations to Build Credibility and Trust.

Your reputation is everything as a business. Public relations gives you the ability to help set the narrative when it comes to what your business offers and the reasons it’s in business. This also includes showcasing your core business values and highlighting what makes your brand different than others.

Some of the key PR-related activities businesses plan and execute include:

  • Media Relations – This involves working with various media outlets or digital journalists who help to write and publish information about your business online. Most PR teams are connected with a wide range of bloggers or well-known media publicists they can go to when they have important updates to share with their audience.
  • Crisis Management – In the event of a significant disruption to business operations, such as a cyber attack or a natural disaster, crisis management helps keep customers and employees informed of ongoing developments that impact the business. The primary goal of this effort is to ensure the company responds quickly and efficiently while also meeting any regulatory requirements specific to their industry.
  • Thought Leadership – Another key element of PR is establishing thought leadership. This is what helps to position a business as a leader in their industry, using linkable assets like white papers, case studies, or even podcasts to help build more credibility and influence within different sectors.

Leveraging Social Media Marketing to Amplify Brand Messaging.

While PR efforts focus on building more trust and credibility, social media marketing puts more effort into amplifying that message across various channels. This includes everything from marketing your business on Instagram or YouTube, as well as adding a voice to your brand on public forums or other social platforms. 

Some common elements of social media marketing include:

  • Content Creation and Distribution – Social media provides a number of opportunities for you to build and share your content across multiple channels. Social media marketing involves leveraging different brand stories, videos, or helpful blog posts and making them more visible in multiple places online.
  • Community Engagement – The great thing about social media is that it provides a format where your brand can engage with current or potential customers directly. This means actively listening to and responding to user comments and creating an environment where customers can share their opinions or post reviews about the business.
  • Paid Advertising – Social media marketing can also leverage a variety of different paid advertising levers to gain even more visibility across different demographics. Most social media platforms have different formats for creating an advertising campaign that helps them to get their brand in front of a more targeted audience than traditional marketing can provide.

How PR and Social Media Marketing Work Together.

While PR and social media marketing on their own can be helpful to your brand, there are a lot of benefits that come from combining your efforts.

Increases PR Reach.

Getting PR releases in front of as many people as possible is important when launching new products, sharing exciting business news, or introducing company expansions. Social media can be one of the fastest and most efficient ways to share these messages across a wide follower base.

The nice thing about referencing important PR announcements on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or X is that these social signals stick around for a long time. This makes it easier for Google to rank associated blog posts or press releases so they’re easy to find on SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages).

Adds Brand Credibility.

There are numerous brands posting a wide range of content on the internet, and social media is a common platform for sharing. Unfortunately, however, much of this content is rarely helpful and is often used as a spammy tactic to increase clicks.

When you share more credible PR pieces on your social media feeds, it helps add professionalism and credibility to your brand. This makes it more likely that your current or potential customers will follow your brand across different platforms or share the information within their own networks. 

Establishes Two-Way Communication Channels.

Creating PR messaging for your business may be helpful for keeping your customers informed, but on its own, it really doesn’t help to generate the buzz that forums or ongoing community discussions can bring.

Leveraging social media channels to amplify your messaging allows you to create two-way communication channels that your business can use to create active discussions about the information you’re delivering.

Create a Holistic Marketing Strategy for Your Business.

Both PR initiatives and social media marketing can be impactful ways to connect with your audience. By using them together to create a holistic marketing approach for your business, you’ll be able to build the visibility and credibility your business needs to scale effectively.

 

Chris Bretschger

Chris Bretschger, Managing Partner at Bastion Agency, is a seasoned marketer with over 20 years of experience in integrated marketing. He has developed brand strategies, managed media campaigns, and built analytics tools for clients like Mazda, Adidas, Jenny Craig, and Kia. When not leading Bastion, Chris enjoys superyacht regatta racing on the open seas.

 

What Business Owners Regret After A Retail Buildout

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store with track lighting

store with track lighting

Opening a retail store is often thrilling — but that excitement can fade when the buildout doesn’t go as planned. Many business owners later admit they made costly decisions during the construction phase, especially around layout, materials, and infrastructure. The pressure to open quickly or stay within budget often leads to choices that seem fine at the time but end up limiting how the store performs day to day.

Retailers who study common missteps gain an advantage. Learning from others’ experiences helps owners make smarter calls that improve both customer appeal and daily operations.

Every decision during a buildout — design, materials, layout — shapes how well a store functions long after the ribbon is cut.

Cutting Corners on Storefront Glass Hurts Long-Term Value.

Low-cost glass might lower upfront expenses, but it often weakens both function and curb appeal. Generic panels reduce visibility, offer poor insulation, and may even raise safety concerns — all of which erode customer trust and brand presence. High-quality materials tailored to local conditions and building codes offer a smarter alternative. The right choice not only enhances the storefront but also improves energy performance and creates a stronger, more lasting impression.

Working with professional glass installers brings extra benefits. Local vendors like Atlanta glass know regional building needs and offer custom products that big-box suppliers might not. This local connection also makes communication easier and can simplify the building process. For anyone setting up a store, using local glass experts can be a smart move for both short-term impact and long-term value.

Overlooking Functionality in Store Layout Design.

Prioritizing looks over function can quietly hurt a store’s performance. Bold displays might catch the eye, but if aisles are too tight or checkout lines block traffic flow, customers get irritated and leave sooner. A store that feels confusing or cramped makes people less likely to linger — or return. 

On the flip side, a smart layout guides movement naturally, highlights products, and helps staff stay organized. Planning such details early leads to smoother operations and a better shopping experience. Thoughtful design doesn’t just look good — it makes the space work better for both customers and employees.

Underestimating Acoustic Design in Busy Spaces.

Retail spaces often have hard surfaces like tile and glass, which bounce sound around, making them noisy. It can distract shoppers and make it hard for staff to do their jobs. Without thinking about sound, stores can end up feeling loud and chaotic. Talking becomes difficult, and the space feels overwhelming. If sound is handled early on, the store can feel more welcoming and comfortable.

Thoughtful sound control starts with materials that reduce echo and crowd noise. Acoustic panels, carpets, and upholstered furniture absorb disruptive sound and sharpen communication across the floor. Integrated during the design phase, these features transform a loud, chaotic space into one that feels calm, focused, and easier to manage — for both customers and staff.

Skimping on Back-of-House Infrastructure.

Focusing only on areas the customer sees often means the back-of-house is ignored. But staff need enough storage, break rooms, and easy workflows to do their jobs well. Without smart planning, messy stockrooms and tight work areas can cause stress, leading to unhappy employees and slow service. Ignoring behind-the-scenes needs can wear down staff and hurt customer service.

A well-designed back-of-house setup strengthens the entire operation. Accessible storage and comfortable staff areas support smoother workflows and reduce stress during busy hours. When employees have space to work and recharge, they stay motivated and deliver faster, friendlier service that directly improves the customer experience.

Making HVAC and Lighting an Afterthought.

Poorly planned HVAC and lighting often lead to uncomfortable shopping conditions that drive people out. Uneven airflow creates hot and cold spots, while dim or harsh lighting makes products harder to see and dulls the atmosphere. Early planning allows for better temperature control and more appealing product displays. 

A balanced HVAC system keeps the environment consistent, while well-placed lighting highlights merchandise and shapes how the space feels. Comfort and visibility aren’t just aesthetic details—they influence how long shoppers stay, how they move through the store, and how likely they are to buy.

Smart retail buildouts come from decisions that balance aesthetics, practicality, and long-term use. Rushing or cutting corners may speed things up, but it often leads to higher costs and frustration down the line. Every part of the space — from storefront glass to HVAC to back-of-house flow — affects how well the store serves both customers and staff. Local experts can offer insight that generic solutions miss. Think beyond surface-level design and focus on how the space supports daily business. When planning aligns with real-world function, stores become more inviting, more efficient, and more likely to succeed in a competitive retail environment.

 

Six Qualities To Overcome Challenges And Prosper

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by Rand Selig, author of “Thriving! How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life“

Throughout life — business and personal — we face challenges. This can be especially true for start ups and when building a small company. It is also often the case with running a mission driven organization, like many non-profits. Having started and run my own firm for over three decades, I know how true this is.

The key question is how do you continue to move forward amidst the headwinds and uncertainties? How can you be heathy, happy, and prosperous?

Here are my six recommendations:

1. Recognize that Life is a Series of Experiments.

We know from 8th grade science classes that sometimes an experiment works the first time, but often we need to make some adjustments. And frankly, there are times when the experiment is a failure. Don’t get dejected. Keep going! Never give up! Believe in yourself and your organization’s mission and purpose.

Key quality: Have grit and be mentally tough, which will give you the needed resilience and persistence.

2. Know Yourself and Invest.

Have clarity about what your strengths and weaknesses are when it comes to technical and interpersonal skills. It’s important to understand whether you are a leader or a manager. As Stephen Covey, who wrote the “7 Habits of Highly Effective People“, said, “Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall.” While these terms are often used interchangeably,they are quite different and require different skills.

Key Quality: Have curiosity, by being a lifelong learner and enjoy new and unexpected things. It makes the journey fun!

3. Build Relationships.

Life on every side involves relationships — with yourself (the most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one with yourself); with family and friends; and at the work place. They allow you to grow, get through difficult times, and be happy. As Emily Kimbrough said, “And remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That’s why it’s a comfort to go hand in hand.” In your relationships, listen first to understand, then be understood. Be trustworthy, have integrity, be authentic. This is an investment in yourself, your enterprise, and everyone you engage with.

Key Quality: Listen and be interested. Then work at balancing between empathy and assertiveness.

4. Take Care of Yourself — Physically and Emotionally.

Start ups, small companies, non-profits are all challenging. You need to know your limits and rest when needed, eat to gain strength, recharge and to enjoy. I highly recommend taking one day off a week — don’t email, text, do business or shop. Instead, relax, enjoy yummy food, music, friends. And at work lean into what you enjoy and are good at, and delegate things that you are not good at or don’t like. Learn to say no. These things will help with avoiding burnout.

Key Quality: Exercise Self-Control by restraining yourself — over your emotions, desires, actions, and impulses — especially at difficult times.

5. Be Positive and Kind to Yourself and Others Along the Way.

Getting down on yourself won’t help you get where you want to go. Quite the opposite! It could just make you miserable and ineffective. Forgive yourself when you make a mistake, but turn it into a valuable lesson. Similarly, it’s vital to be kind to others and forgiving. Yes, be that kind of person! Even if someone disappoints.

Key Quality: Be positive and cheerful, which will add on average 8-9 years to your life. It will also give you power, while fear and pessimism diminish power.

6. Define Success Your Own Way.

Success can be more than financial and more than balancing between work and life. Instead, you can define success in a  powerful and rich way by creating an integration of all the important elements of your life that matter to you. This will, of course, include being financially well off, but it might include having deep and enduring relationships; taking care of yourself physically and emotionally; being grateful; being humble and in awe; have humor — about yourself and the situation, being of service to others and our planet, and being a respectful, caring, generous, and kind person. Each of us can decide what aspects to include in our portfolio to create our own definition! We can also decide what “enough” truly means.

Key Quality: Take hold of the reins! Your time is limited, so don’t be trapped by dogma — living with the results of other people’s thinking. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.

In conclusion, by doing these things, we can not only create and build healthy organizations, but we can also weather storms, and gain a sense of fulfillment. We have enormous power to be inspired and empowered by making these choices and thereby create a healthier, happier, and more prosperous business and personal life.

 

Rand Selig

Rand Selig, an accomplished entrepreneur, coach, scoutmaster, board member, and roll-up-your-sleeves conservationist, shares his extensive expertise in his book “Thriving! How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life“. He founded and has run The Selig Capital Group for over three decades. He is relentlessly positive and believes he can design his own life and others can, too. 

 

Why You Should Approach Running A Startup Like Applying to College — Trust Me, It Works

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by Ashwin Gulati, author of “Soul Venture: A True Life and Death Journey into the Startup Culture“

What’s the number one reason startups fail? The founders.

I’ve seen too many promising ventures fall apart not because the product was weak or the market wasn’t there — but because the people behind it couldn’t stay aligned. When founders hit a major disagreement and don’t resolve it fast, the startup usually doesn’t survive. I’ve lived this. If my last business partner and I had taken the time to truly understand ourselves — and each other — we might have made different decisions. We could’ve spared each other a lot of heartache.

A failed partnership cuts deeper than running out of cash or getting outpaced by the competition. Worse, its consequences tend to be permanent. So if you’re wondering whether you’re cut out to run a startup — or if you’re trying to figure out whether a co-founder is the right match — here’s my advice: approach it like a college application. Seriously.

And no, I don’t mean chasing resumes and GPA-style credentials. I mean asking the kinds of questions colleges ask in their essay prompts — the ones designed to get under the surface. They’re remarkably effective at revealing who someone really is.

Due Diligence: College Applications

I stumbled upon the power of college applications as a form of due diligence when I was helping my kids tackle their own college applications. At the time, I was searching for a better way to help a partnership regain its footing after some unexpected (to them) turbulence — and trying to find a way to make startup teams focus on each other, not just numbers and forecasts.

There it was, right in front of me: those college essay questions. My kids may have groaned, but I realized they’re ideal and well worth the time. Just as colleges need to know how someone thinks, what drives them, and how they approach challenges, so do startup founders. And so do their investors.

I adapted the prompts from college context to startup context and came up with these eight essential questions. They cover just what entrepreneurs should ask themselves, as well as the key factors and approaches investors need to know. Consider it a vital look in the mirror.

Do this and you may avoid a startup disaster:

  1. How has your leadership experience  positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time? Give an example.
  2. How do you express your creative side — such as in problem-solving or original and innovative thinking, or an artistic pursuit?
  3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you grown and shown that talent over time?
  4. Have you ever taken advantage of a significant business opportunity or worked to overcome a business barrier you have faced? Give an example.
  5. What is the most significant challenge you’ve ever faced? What steps did you have taken to overcome it? Describe how this challenge affected the achievement of your business goals.
  6. Describe a business case that inspires you, and how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the business setting.
  7. What have you done to make your community a better place?
  8. Beyond what has already been shared in your business plan, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for your startup success?
Other Factors? Sure. But Everything Starts and Ends with You.

Yes, markets shift. Timing matters. Execution, funding, even geopolitics can tilt the table. But none of that changes this: the biggest variable in any startup is the people behind it. I’ve seen founders blame everything from interest rates to a surprise pivot by a competitor. It reminds me of tennis players blaming the sun, the wind, or their shoelaces after a loss. But at some point, you have to own your game.

If your startup fell apart because of poor timing or external shocks, fair enough. But your ability to adapt, stay aligned, and lead through it? That’s personal. That’s on you.

If I were running a startup fund today, I’d make every founder submit personal essays answering the eight questions above. Bonus points if they’re handwritten. Immediate red flag if someone else writes them. If high schoolers can do this to get into college, startup founders can do it to earn serious capital.

These essays will tell me more about your readiness than any slick deck or five-year forecast. In fact, I’d ask for just two things: the essays, and a one-page business plan. No fluff. No hype. Just the raw material that actually matters — the founder.

Start there. Trust me on this.

 

Ashwin Gulati

Ashwin Gulati has launched international ventures, helped start-ups take off or land, and copiloted complex transitions for over 100 companies in various industries in the UK, US, Spain, and France. With 30 years in the trenches, he has identified the hidden pitfalls, unspoken truths, and personal twists that ultimately determine a venture’s success or failure. His new book is “Soul Venture: A True Life and Death Journey into the Startup Culture“. Learn more at www.soulventurebook.com.

 

Generational Health Is The New Leadership Standard

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by Shawna Wells, founder of 7Gen Legacy Group

As the largest generation in the workforce, millennials have a distinct opportunity (and responsibility) to connect and bridge the last generation to the coming generation. A 2025 report from Guidant Financial reveals a significant shift: Millennial small business ownership has grown by 25% this year — now representing 21% of all small business owners. 

And it’s not just a shift of ownership — but a shift in things that matter to them. 

Millennials are building the future differently

Almost 90% of Millennials seek work that feels meaningful beyond the paycheck. With access to all sorts of wealth, power, and choice, it’s no surprise that many are choosing mid-life pivots, and trading default paths for intentional ones. More and more, they’re moving away from what’s expected and toward building lives they’ve consciously designed for themselves.

Amid escalating climate disasters, the rise of AI, and the rapid reshaping of work, Millennials are rethinking leadership. Raised through the Great Recession and a global pandemic, they’re now leading, parenting, and building in the shadow of inherited systemic challenges. And through it all, they’re asking one key question: How do I design a life that feels aligned, sustainable, and supports the world I want to live in?

I have seen this generational leadership shift firsthand. Through my work with visionary entrepreneurs, CEOs, and changemakers, I’ve witnessed how more Millennial leaders are stepping away from performative productivity in favor of legacy leadership–an emerging approach to building systems, organizations, and lives that are sustainable, impactful, and deeply rooted in generational health.

This piece explores how today’s Millennial leaders are choosing long-term impact over short-term influence, and why legacy-minded leadership is becoming a defining strategy, bringing much-needed meaning to a generation rooted in life alignment.

The evolving shape of leadership

Millennials are throwing out the old playbook. Where previous generations may have upheld hierarchy and rigid systems, today’s leaders are focused on impact, defining life by their own design, moving away from default, and gaining clarity on what truly matters. They’re becoming more practical and committed to a life beyond work. 

As a result, they’re building lives they actually want to live, and choosing environments that prioritize mental health, and promote work-life equilibrium.

Even Forbes has noted that leadership is no longer one-size-fits-all, especially among Millennials. Their leadership style is characterised by adaptability, strong emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to intention. 

At 7Gen, we know the old definitions of success were never designed with our wholeness in mind. They rewarded titles and accolades—but often at the cost of our connection to ourselves.

We’re helping our clients lead a quiet evolution. Together, we’re moving beyond performative leadership and designing systems that center generational health, so leaders can build lives, organizations, and legacies that actually sustain them.

What legacy-minded leadership looks like in practice

So, what is legacy-minded leadership?

It centers around building life by our own design that will impact future generations and honor personal wellness, community care, and decisions that build generational health. 

Legacy leadership lives at the intersection of the evolution of the six realms of a life well lived:

  • Financial Freedom: Creating generational wealth that sustains the life you want to live and leave behind for others.
  • Well-being: Cultivating physical, emotions, and spiritual health so you can lead from a place of strength. 
  • Relationships & Community: Strengthening the bonds that support you and nurture thriving communities.
  • Play: Encouraging joy and creativity in your daily life.
  • Work: Aligning your work with your values, making bold choices that create lasting change while building wealth and health.
  • Service: Giving your time, talent, and treasure without any expectations, creating an impact that goes beyond material rewards.

In practice, this means redefining success beyond revenue or reach to include how leaders structure their days, teams, personal rhythms, and boundaries. One of my clients, a visionary founder, redesigned his entire organizational structure around a legacy statement. What emerged was a more aligned organization that allowed each person to live into the impact the organization was making through a set of very clear, constructed goals and ways that nourished both people and purpose.

This is the work of 7Gen: helping leaders shift from output to outcome, from default to design. I encourage connecting your current role to your larger impact. It’s a move from “reacting to creating” through aligned leadership teams, intentional hiring, and sustainable frameworks built for generational health.

Why generational decision-making matters more than ever

We’re in the middle of a generational turning point. As Gen Z steps in and Boomers step back, Millennials are bridging worlds—leading multigenerational teams, managing cross-cultural expectations, and redefining what they want leadership to look like.

This dynamic is happening against a backdrop of global shift. Climate breakdown, education inequity, and economic instability are all, in many ways, the consequences of short-sighted decision-making. Millennials, having inherited the fallout, are responding with harder questions and making bolder choices.

Legacy is transferred through systems. Through how we run meetings. Through the people we spend time with. Through our candid conversations. Through the way we talk to children. Through the way we send our text messages. Through what we share on our social media. Through the small day-to-day decisions we make.

Leadership has evolved from being overly reliant on charisma or credentials to understanding the personal legacy we make. It requires investing in leadership development that foregrounds legacy, sustainability, and systems change.

As we move through leadership, it’s our responsibility to start to see around corners that get further and further into the distance. We must ask ourselves: what is the impact of our decision today to seven generations (or 150 years) from now? That gives us clarity on what we need to do.

The leaders of today must think in generations, not quarters

The strongest strategy is the one that considers the next seven generations. It’s intentional, methodical, and requires us to take a pause. 

We tend to make big promises to the world. But what the world really needs is for us to slow down long enough to ask ourselves: What’s the impact of what we’re doing—in a few months? A few years? Two generations from now?

We need to name the most important truths. We need to come together to face them. And we need to learn how to decide, collectively, what matters and what doesn’t.

That’s what impactful leaders are doing right now. 

They’re prioritising intentionally how they spend their time, talent, and energy.

So ask yourself: Are you using a legacy mindset as a strategy for your leadership? For how you build pathways inside your organisation? For how you manage and make decisions?

Because the futures of our organisations need to be cultivated. And that work starts now, with us.

Ready to lead with legacy in mind?

If you’re a Millennial leader — or someone walking alongside one as a menor or manager — this is your invitation to reflect. To lead like an intentional ancestor, and begin where you are.

Start with finding clarity. Take the Organisational Legacy Quiz to explore how your current systems align with your long-term vision.

 

shawna wells

Shawna Wells is a former teacher and principal turned CEO of two impactful businesses: 7Gen Legacy Group and B is for Black Brilliance. She is also a children’s author and “legacy-architect” who has worked with hundreds of executive leaders nationwide helping Americans, particularly in Black communities, build generational wealth. Wells serves on multiple boards including Teach for America Las Vegas.

 

Retail Tech For The Underdog: Empowering Small Businesses With Big Tools

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by Mahdi Hussein, CEO – SuperSonic POS

Modern retail isn’t a David-and-Goliath story anymore. Affordable, cloud-based systems have shrunk the tech gap so much that corner shops now wield the same digital muscle as national chains.

Here’s how to put that power to work in your store without blowing the budget or locking yourself into vendor-centric red tape.

Break the cost barrier with cloud-based POS

For years, small merchants avoided new point-of-sale (POS) systems and back-office platforms because they came bundled with multi-year contracts and hidden fees. Newer cloud systems flip that script by advertising flat, transparent pricing and month-to-month terms. Several POS systems, for example, now offer flat, transparent pricing and month-to-month terms, eliminating the sticker shock.

Cloud delivery matters just as much as the price tag. Updates roll out automatically, PCI compliance is handled behind the scenes, and you can log in from any browser to see the day’s numbers. Even better, these systems support every major tender — EMV chips, contactless wallets, and old-school mag-stripe cards — under the same end-to-end encryption used by big-box retailers.

Turn transactions into insight

Every sale is a datapoint. When your register lives in the cloud, those data points flow straight into dashboards that track peak hours, margins, and SKU-level performance in real time.

Why does that matter? Real-time inventory tools cut out the nightly “stock wall” and keep you from re-ordering items that are already sitting in the back room. When stock data is live, fulfillment speeds up and cash flow improves.

Layer in daily sales analytics, and you can spot product cannibalisation, plan staffing, or launch flash promotions while the opportunity still exists instead of after the fact.

Build loyalty without a marketing department

Big chains invest millions in bespoke loyalty apps, but small businesses can now create similar perks through plug-and-play modules integrated into most modern POS suites. Need digital punch cards? Text-based coupons? Automatic birthday offers? They’re a settings toggle away, often bundled at no extra cost.

Because the same platform captures purchase histories, retailers can segment customers by behavior, such as frequency or category preference, and deliver targeted offers without exporting spreadsheets or hiring a data scientist. The result: personalised outreach that feels handcrafted — even when it’s automated.

Scale — and sleep — like a larger operation

Growth usually outpaces systems first. Modular POS architecture removes that ceiling by letting you add extra lanes, locations, or e-commerce channels through the same dashboard. And when something breaks at 2:00 AM, 24/7 support means you’re not left troubleshooting solo.

That “always-on” posture used to be a luxury available only to enterprise retailers; now it’s table stakes. Combine it with role-based user permissions, loss-prevention alerts, and mobile reporting, and you’ve got the backbone for multi-site growth long before you open store number two.

A practical roadmap for choosing a POS stack

Before signing a contract or swiping a card, take a moment to clarify what you truly need from a point-of-sale system. The roadmap below breaks the selection process into five practical checkpoints, helping you match features, support, and pricing to your business goals.

  • List your non-negotiables: Inventory depth? Age verification? Mobile checkout queues? Nail these before you demo anything.
  • Insist on price transparency: If a provider won’t spell out processing fees and contract terms on a single page, keep shopping.
  • Test the learning curve: Hand the demo iPad to your newest hire; if they’re ringing up a sale in under five minutes, you’re on the right track.
  • Stress-test support: Call the help line at night and on weekends. Slow or outsourced responses today equal downtime tomorrow.
  • Plan for “what’s next”: Make sure the platform integrates with accounting apps, e-commerce carts, and any industry-specific peripherals (e.g., scales, barcode printers, kitchen displays) you may add later.

By walking through these checkpoints, you’ll choose a stack that supports daily operations today and expansion plans tomorrow. Select the system that meets your requirements, keeps costs predictable, and scales at the pace you set.

Tech with a fighting chance

Small retailers don’t need Fortune 500 budgets to run Fortune 500-grade tech. With cloud POS platforms offering transparent pricing, real-time data, built-in loyalty, and round-the-clock support, the underdog finally has the tools to punch above its weight.

Take the time to choose a stack that fits your unique workflow today and scales tomorrow. Because in modern retail, the only thing separating you from the big-box players shouldn’t be your budget — it should be your ZIP code.

 

Mahdi Hussein

Mahdi Hussein is the co-founder and chief architect of SuperSonic POS, a Tampa Bay-based retail technology company born from his family’s decades of operating independent gas stations and convenience stores. After watching frontline staff wrestle with clunky, siloed systems, he set out to design a single, cloud-native platform that streamlines payments, inventory, and compliance for owners who don’t have an IT department on call.

 

Can AI Trigger The Next Market Crisis?

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by Fabio Ruggeri, CEO & Founder – MenthorQ

A report issued on April 9, 2025, by the Bank of England’s Financial Policy Committee (FPC) cites finance as one of the many sectors benefiting from business innovations driven by artificial intelligence. The report says AI is transforming operations in the financial sector by increasing efficiency, improving decision-making, and enhancing the value of insights drawn from data.

However, the FPC report also comes with a warning. The rapid pace of AI development makes it difficult to predict the capabilities it will ultimately have and how they will be used, it explains.

One concern the report poses is the possibility that AI-driven trading strategies could backfire in a way that destabilizes markets. As more investors rely on AI-driven strategies, the report says, it could cause firms to adopt “increasingly correlated positions” and act in similar ways during market stress, both of which could amplify shocks to the economy triggered by market movements.

As startups are especially vulnerable to market crises due to their impact on investor activity, it’s valuable to understand the systemic risks AI-driven trading could introduce in the financial sector.

The danger of AI-inspired copycat trading

One of the key dangers to market stability presented by the rise of AI-inspired trading is increasingly correlated positions, which refers to more traders adopting similar strategies as they rely on similar AI algorithms. The result is less diversification, which is just as dangerous for the market as a whole as it is for individual portfolios.

The more similarity there is in market holdings, the higher the risk of localized volatility leading to widespread instability. If negative shocks lead to sell-offs in a sector that has grown more popular with traders due to the influence of AI, those sell-offs will involve a larger volume due to correlated positions. If selling is significant enough, it can lead to sharp price declines that have a destabilizing effect on the entire market.

In addition, higher correlation can lead to less liquidity during a sell-off. The higher volume of traders looking to sell will find fewer buyers, which can further depress prices and cause higher losses.

When applied to the portfolios of financial institutions, AI-driven copycat trading becomes even more dangerous. If the lack of liquidity during a downturn leads to large losses for institutions that are prevented from selling, it can threaten the stability of the entire financial system.

AI-driven trading automations also add to the threat of an AI-inspired market crisis. AI platforms can unknowingly trigger widespread instability if they are empowered to make trades based solely on data analysis without considering the broader context.

The May 2010 “flash crash” is an example of the problems AI automations can bring to markets. The event, which involved a nearly 1,000-point decline in share prices, was eventually found to be caused by an automated algorithm trading strategy used by a mutual fund.

Steps to mitigate the risks

US regulators already have rules in place that address the oversight of algorithmic trading, which generally uses computers to automate trading activity. Whether or not those rules will prove sufficient to manage the rapid evolution of AI-driven trading, however, remains to be seen.

AI introduces powerful new capabilities, allowing algorithms to consider a broader range of data, process it faster, and even provide insights supplied by predictive analytics. However, the “thinking” behind AI’s outputs is often difficult to determine, which makes it challenging to assess whether it is built upon biases or other components that could lead to faulty logic and inspire erratic market activity.

For retail and institutional traders alike, the challenge moving forward will be leveraging AI’s capabilities without suffering from its liabilities. Ongoing education can play a key role in understanding AI’s evolving implications. Retail traders relying on AI should stay engaged with communities exploring the latest developments in AI-driven trading and how to leverage them responsibly.

While AI can provide valuable insights, it can also struggle to gauge their significance in a broader context. Ultimately, allowing AI to inform trading decisions rather than make them without human oversight could be the key to preventing it from triggering the next market crisis.

 

Fabio Ruggeri

Fabio Ruggeri, CEO and Founder of MenthorQ, is an expert in fintech with over 16 years of experience in enterprise business development, specializing in finance, investment strategies, and alternative data. Having worked for two major fintech multinationals and a startup in the alternative data space, Fabio has developed a deep understanding of the financial industry. Currently based between New York and Miami, he is leveraging his vast experience to lead MenthorQ, a fintech company focused on democratizing institutional-level trading through sophisticated AI-driven quantitative models.

 

[Review] Love Works, by Kelly Winegarden Hall

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Love Works book

Love Works book

What if the one thing your business is missing isn’t strategy or innovation — but love?

We’ve all been there: the all-hands meeting where employees’ eyes have glazed over and their energy has burned out. A promising new hire quietly leaves before their 90-day review. Tensions build across departments. The numbers look fine on paper, but something beneath the surface is clearly off.

In the constant churn of deliverables and performance targets, it’s easy to lose sight of a simple truth: behind every result is a human being who wants to matter.

That’s where “Love Works: Transforming the Workplace with Purpose and Authenticity” begins. Kelly Winegarden Hall opens with the premise that people aren’t problems to be solved or assets to be optimized, but individuals worthy of care, trust, and meaning. In a business world saturated with culture hacks and leadership jargon, Hall’s message lands with clarity and conviction: loving your people and teams isn’t a liability. It’s the foundation of everything that works.

Drawing on decades of leadership, Hall speaks not as a theorist but as a practitioner. Each chapter presents a concise, story-driven glimpse into real-world leadership: moments when trust faltered and was restored, when performance improved because dignity was prioritized, and when hierarchy gave way to humility. The result is a book that reads like part memoir, part manifesto, and part practical guide.

She shares firsthand accounts of fostering psychological safety during organizational upheaval, navigating teams through layoffs with transparency and care, and championing environmental sustainability as a business imperative, not an afterthought.

Her lens is both personal and systemic, rooted in the conviction that empathy and accountability can — and must — coexist.

The book introduces several actionable frameworks, including her L.A.R.G.E. model: Love, Abundance, Respect, Gratitude, and Equality. But Hall doesn’t stop at acronyms. She illustrates what it looks like to embody these values day-to-day: practicing radical listening in one-on-ones, using gratitude not as a perk but as a practice, redistributing power in meetings to encourage participation, and ensuring that equity is built into decision-making, not appended after the fact.

What sets “Love Works” apart is its tone. Hall isn’t offering leadership as a performance or self-improvement checklist. She’s writing to leaders who feel the gap between what they’re doing and what they believe is possible, who are ready to lead from a deeper place.

This isn’t a handbook for squeezing more output from exhausted teams. It’s a call to reimagine what business can be when it centers on humanity, purpose, and care.

In a time when workplaces are confronting burnout, disconnection, and systemic inequity, “Love Works: Transforming the Workplace with Purpose and Authenticity” offers something rare: not just inspiration, but a path forward rooted in courage, clarity, and compassion.

 

From “Givers Get” To “Givers Get Paid”: How Incentivized Networking Builds Stronger Communities

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by Joe Mindak, Co-Founder, Nolodex

For decades, business networking has followed a familiar mantra: Givers Get. The principle suggests that generosity breeds good karma. And particularly in the form of referrals, those who give will eventually be reciprocated.

Well, here’s the reality. After 25 years in a wide range of networking groups, I found myself consistently at the top of the “referrals given” list. Month after month, my contributions were recognized with small awards, usually in the form of a certificate in a modest frame. These tokens were appreciated, but they highlighted a deeper imbalance: while I was consistently giving, I wasn’t consistently receiving.

This led me to reconsider the dynamic. Not out of frustration, but curiosity. What if the issue wasn’t in the spirit of generosity, but in the structure we’d built around it?

The Behavior Behind the Mantra

When people stop giving in networking groups, it’s not because they no longer believe in helping others. It’s because the act of giving feels valueless and one-sided. Let’s say Chris refers four strong leads to Susie. She closes two deals, celebrates publicly, and thanks Chris in front of the group. But Chris receives no referrals in return, no tangible reward for his effort. Over time, he stops referring. Eventually, he leaves the group.

I’ve personally seen this play out time after time in various groups. Now multiply this by dozens of members over the course of a year. The effect? Fewer referrals, waning engagement, high turnover and ultimately, declining group value.

This isn’t about greed or entitlement. It’s about aligning human behavior with the incentives that sustain long-term engagement. Especially in today’s society, people are distracted and need motivation to go above and beyond. The simple fact is people are more willing to open their networks when it feels aligned. And given the side-hustle, gig-economy we current live in, that alignment is in financial rewards.

A Shift Toward Shared Success

Enter a new model: Givers Get Paid.

Instead of hoping for reciprocity, members are empowered with a simple system. If someone in your network closes a deal thanks to your introduction, you get a referral fee. It’s a concept rooted in performance marketing: pay when a result is achieved.

Take the earlier example. If Susie’s deals are worth $50,000 and agrees on a 10% referral fee, Chris receives a referral fee once the deal is closed.

Chris may not have received a referral in return, but he earned meaningful income and is now even more motivated to refer again. The loop strengthens, not weakens. The community retains its top contributors and grows stronger.

Why This Model Works

The data supports this approach:

Given these numbers, the question becomes clear: Why are referrals still treated as a goodwill gesture when they’re clearly a critical driver of revenue?

This doesn’t mean every relationship needs to be transactional. But creating optional, transparent systems for shared value changes the behavior in a positive way. It encourages more introductions, deeper engagement, and ultimately more growth for everyone involved.

Technology Makes It Possible

Until recently, managing referral incentives in communities was cumbersome. But today, there are platforms that are making this system seamless. For example, Nolodex not only tracks introductions and outcomes, but facilitates referral payments between members and creates a new revenue stream for the community.

It brings structure to what many of us have been doing informally for years. Whether you’re a member of a coworking space, alumni association, chamber of commerce, or mastermind group, platforms like this offer a way to turn goodwill into real, sustainable growth.

And people do behave differently when an incentive is on the table. That slight hesitation,  “Should I introduce them?” starts to disappear. Because now, the value exchange is balanced.

Embracing the Evolution

I once shared this idea with a well-known connector on LinkedIn. His reply: “That’s not the way I network.” So, what was my response? “Not yet.”

All innovation feels unfamiliar at first. We used to hail taxis, until someone built an app that made it easier, safer, and more efficient. Now, ridesharing is second nature.

The same is true for networking. The future doesn’t eliminate generosity; it amplifies it with accountability and fairness. Communities that adopt this model will see more referrals, stronger engagement, and higher retention because members feel seen, valued, and rewarded.

So, the next time someone tells you Givers Get, smile and explain to them, now Givers Get Paid. Because this model just might build something better for everyone.

 

Joe Mindak

With over 25 years of experience growing businesses across multiple industries – from marketing and publishing to events, music, and e-commerce – Joe Mindak has consistently built ventures rooted in authentic connection and shared purpose. Nolodex is his seventh company that he has built from scratch.

 

 

From Burnout To Balance: The Role of Humanity In Disrupting The Public Relations Industry

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In an industry particularly impacted by long hours, heightened stress levels, rigid expectations, and an ever-quickening pace that often leads to burnout, PR professionals are calling for change now more than ever.

R Public Relations is one firm answering this critical call to break the mold and lend employees happier and healthier professional and personal lives.

Longtime publicist and founder of R Public Relations (RPR), Emily Reynolds Bergh, is one such individual who has spent more than 15 years as a publicist and endured various toxic agency environments. Armed with the dream to create something more, these experiences ultimately led her to establish her firm and later discover that she had unintentionally created an unhealthy workplace of her own.

After reevaluating her leadership style, Bergh made the pivotal decision to redefine how she led, restructure where she spent her energy, and—perhaps most importantly—reimagine how the entire agency model could function.

With an unwavering dedication to this people-first approach, she got to work refining her organization.

By focusing on work-life balance, a ‘circular’ management style, empowerment, and innovative leadership, Bergh transformed RPR from a profitable company to a successful business, respected team, and empowering client advocate, proving how PR is done and how the industry functions can be transformed.

Rethink

When valued team members turned in their notice and left their positions at RPR, it triggered a leadership ‘wake-up call’ and intense self-reflection for Bergh. She realized that actual growth for herself, her team, and her business meant shifting her priority from control to connection.

Because of this key shift, RPR now centers on intentional leadership. This type of management leverages self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the courage to admit mistakes and establishes authenticity as the business’s cultural foundation. When employees develop trust, stability, and a sense of safety in their workplace, an organization’s internal culture can thrive.

This shift toward prioritizing wellness also led to a departure from the model most agencies operate under: a well-defined top-down hierarchy. During her deconstruction era, Bergh dismantled this structure within RPR and introduced a nonlinear, non-hierarchical, and circular management model that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and ownership.

At RPR, circular management allows all team members to contribute creative ideas, make decisions with transparency and shared ownership, and lead in their own domains rather than being micromanaged.

Letting go of traditional control has allowed Bergh’s team to fill the gaps with creative, bold, and strategic thinking from diverse perspectives. This thoughtful transition resulted in higher morale and a team culture where people feel seen, heard, and valued, making the firm even more agile and strategically minded.

Retain

For an industry that protects and prioritizes the personal and professional lives, well-being, and perception of humans, it is quite radical for a PR agency to prioritize work-life balance and a truly people-first culture.

The 24-hour news cycle is real, and while hustle culture, timeliness, and status dominate the PR industry, Bergh has made work-life balance a core value at RPR.

While this buzzword looks pretty on paper and can help attract prospective candidates, it can be challenging to stand firm when push comes to shove, easily backsliding into long hours and overflowing to-do lists. This is why RPR emphasizes ‘walking the walk’—offering flexible scheduling and remote work to support individual lifestyles, mental health accommodations, and regular check-ins that prioritize team members’ well-being while refusing to glorify burnout.

After all, productivity isn’t measured solely by hours but by impact.

Valuing people above all else, Bergh and her leadership team also put ample time and effort into thoughtful culture-enhancing initiatives such as an open-door workload policy, a dedicated HR consultant-led survey system, professional development opportunities, bonus plans, and team-building activities.

Though it encourages flexible hours and work formats, RPR also values periodically planned in-person retreats, as they build trust, foster connection, and inspire creativity while respecting team members’ needs.

Ultimately, these intentional shifts result in an impressive retention rate, a healthy culture centered on loyalty and camaraderie, and a team that is proud of its work and workplace.

Final Thoughts

While in theory it’s easy to separate a company’s success from its people, in practice, it’s impossible. Success isn’t just measured by client wins. It’s also calculated by redefining what a modern, healthy, human-centric agency can be, evolving individual firms and the industry as a whole from reactive and traditional to purposeful and transformative.

In a world where toxic leadership once felt inevitable, Emily Reynolds Bergh and RPR are proof that the future of PR agency life can thrive when built on a foundation of empathy, trust, and a shared sense of purpose.

Salim Ismail, author of “Exponential Organizations: Why New Organizations Are Ten Times Better, Faster, and Cheaper than Yours“, said it best: “Today, if you’re not disrupting yourself, someone else is; your fate is to be either the disrupter or the disrupted. There is no middle ground.”

 

The Rise Of Financial Mindfulness In Personal Finance

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by Aaron Cirksena, Founder & CEO – MDRN Capital

Financial literacy is a critical component of financial success. Knowing how to plan, manage risk, and avoid pitfalls are all skills that equip you to reach your financial goals.

But it takes more than knowledge to get there. After all, knowing what to do with your money doesn’t guarantee you’ll follow through. Emotions and other personal factors can get in the way of making the type of financial decisions that lead to growth, peace, and prosperity.

Financial mindfulness is the key to understanding how your personal beliefs, emotions, and patterns affect your financial behavior. When combined with literacy, mindfulness provides an understanding of what drives your financial decisions and ensures those decisions are intentional and fulfilling.

For startup founders and other entrepreneurs, developing a deeper understanding of financial mindfulness can help improve decision-making in both the personal and professional arenas. When put in practice, it can help reduce the stress and anxiety that often accompany an entrepreneur’s financial journey.

Key aspects of financial mindfulness

Mindfulness starts with awareness. To stay in control of your finances, you need to be aware of your financial situation and how your emotions impact your behavior.

Financial awareness involves a clear understanding of the key aspects of your financial landscape. Having a clear handle on your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities gives you a big picture perspective on your finances, which empowers better decision-making.

Statistics show that avoidance, rather than awareness, is typical behavior for Americans regarding their finances. For example, a recent study found that approximately 25 percent of consumers don’t know how much credit card debt they have, and over 47 percent don’t know what annual percentage rate their credit card companies are charging them.

Emotional awareness provides an understanding of the feelings that are driving financial decisions. Exploring how money and emotions intersect is critical for staying in control of your finances. Stress, boredom, and other emotions can derail financial strategies if their impact on finances isn’t understood and addressed.

Acceptance is the other key to mindfulness, as every financial strategy must be built upon reality. Ignoring your financial situation or pretending it is something it’s not won’t provide the foundation needed for effective planning and decision-making.

Steps to embracing financial mindfulness

Setting financial goals, both short-term and long-term, can be very helpful for increasing your level of financial mindfulness. Goals help you evaluate financial decisions by providing a predefined target, allowing you to identify financial activity as either contributing to your goals or standing in the way of achieving them.

Retirement planning is a type of goal setting that can benefit greatly from financial mindfulness. Putting money aside for retirement when you are in your 20s can seem like a low priority, especially when you are facing urgent financial demands. However, by bringing a higher level of mindfulness to retirement planning, you can better appreciate the value of starting early, leveraging compound interest, and setting the stage for a fulfilling retirement.

Tracking your spending is another excellent way to improve mindfulness because it slows you down, forcing you to acknowledge your spending patterns and see their impact. It reveals the financial path you are taking so that you can determine if you approve of where it is leading.

Slowing down the purchasing process also increases your mindfulness. Pause before every purchase to assess what is driving it. Revisiting your goals can help you identify if you are engaging in emotion-driven spending that will put you off track.

The benefits of financial mindfulness

The top benefit of financial mindfulness is intentionality. Through awareness and acceptance, those practicing financial mindfulness can stay in control of their financial activity, rather than being driven by emotion, confusion, or carelessness.

Today’s economic landscape is causing many people to be worried about their finances. A recent survey showed that 77 percent of Americans are anxious about their financial situation, with 58 percent feeling that finances control their lives.

Financial mindfulness provides the antidote to financial anxiety. It allows you to take control of your finances, proactively directing your spending in a way that empowers you to pursue your personal goals. Mindfulness lets you recalibrate your financial habits, leveraging them to achieve better overall well-being.

 

Aaron Cirksena

Aaron Cirksena, Founder and CEO of MDRN Capital, has devoted his entire career to financial planning, distribution planning, and managing client money. He first worked with multiple $1 billion teams at Morgan Stanley and independent firms, and eventually created his own independent services firm in MDRN Capital, which is revolutionizing retirement planning by offering a comprehensive range of services, including income planning, investment management, tax planning, healthcare, and estate planning, all with a greater degree of effectiveness compared to traditional providers.

 

nuevawealth.com Review: Is This Platform Ready For The Crypto-Driven Future?

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NuevaWealth.com is positioning itself as a CFD-focused gateway for traders looking to move across crypto, forex, indices, and commodities

NuevaWealth.com is positioning itself as a CFD-focused gateway for traders looking to move across crypto, forex, indices, and commodities

As Bitcoin breaks into new price territory and crypto becomes a core part of global market speculation, the demand for accessible, fast, and secure trading platforms is only growing.

In that landscape, NuevaWealth.com is positioning itself as a CFD-focused gateway for traders looking to move across crypto, forex, indices, and commodities — all from a single account.

But can it hold up in a space crowded with promises, leverage, and volatility?

We take a closer look at what Nueva Wealth offers — and whether it might suit traders entering the next wave of the digital asset economy.

The Rise of Online Trading — and Crypto’s Central Role

Online trading in 2025 isn’t what it used to be. It’s faster, more global, and increasingly driven by retail access to crypto markets. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and even smaller altcoins are now actively traded alongside traditional forex pairs and commodities — and traders want one place to manage it all.

NuevaWealth.com enters this market with a simple pitch: give traders the tools they need to act quickly across asset classes, without the complexity that bogs down many legacy brokers.

Whether you’re aiming to catch short-term moves in Bitcoin or build a strategy across gold, oil, and indices — platforms like Nueva Wealth aim to give you access with a minimal learning curve.

What Is NuevaWealth.com?

Nueva Wealth is a CFD (Contract for Difference) trading platform offering users the ability to speculate on market movements — without directly owning the asset. This includes crypto, forex, stocks, indices, and commodities.

CFDs give traders more flexibility: you can go long or short, apply leverage, and trade a wide variety of markets under one login. NuevaWealth.com presents itself as a streamlined, modern interface where this type of trading can happen on both desktop and mobile — in real time, with basic risk controls built in.

Security and User Protection

Security is a major priority, especially when dealing with crypto markets. NuevaWealth.com offers the following security measures:

  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for login
  • Encrypted SSL connections across the platform
  • Cold storage for digital assets
  • Withdrawal verification steps and whitelisting
  • Session and device monitoring

While it’s not trying to be a custodial wallet or a DeFi solution, Nueva Wealth meets the standard for security in the CFD trading space — particularly important for traders managing leveraged crypto positions.

Range of Markets Available

NuevaWealth.com offers a fairly wide asset range via CFDs:

  • Crypto: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Ripple (XRP), and other major altcoins
  • Forex: Major and minor currency pairs
  • Indices: S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, DAX
  • Commodities: Gold, oil, natural gas, silver
  • Stock CFDs: Selected U.S. and European equities

This variety makes Nueva Wealth a potentially strong platform for traders who want to diversify strategies or move between markets based on volatility.

Account Opening Process

Creating an account on NuevaWealth.com is relatively simple:

  1. Register with email and basic personal info
  2. Upload ID and proof of address for KYC
  3. Get access to the full platform once verified

There are no tiered account structures, and users can begin with basic funding once approved. 

Deposits and Withdrawals

Nueva Wealth supports deposits via:

  • Bank transfer
  • Crypto wallet deposits (BTC, ETH, etc.)

Withdrawals follow a clear process and are usually completed within 24–72 hours. The platform does not advertise withdrawal fees, but crypto transaction fees may apply depending on the network.

Withdrawals also include multi-step verification for added security — especially important for traders holding crypto positions.

Margin Trading on Nueva Wealth

Margin trading is one of the key features of Nueva Wealth. Leverage allows traders to open larger positions with less capital — for example:

  • Crypto CFDs up to 1:500
  • Forex up to 1:500
  • Indices and commodities typically up to 1:500

While leverage increases potential profits, it also amplifies risk. That’s why Nueva Wealth includes:

  • Real-time margin usage indicators
  • Stop-loss and take-profit tools
  • Negative balance protection

These controls help traders avoid overexposure — a critical issue in high-volatility crypto markets. 

Altcoin Trading Support

NuevaWealth.com goes beyond just Bitcoin and Ethereum. It also offers a rotating list of popular altcoins available via CFDs. This includes names like:

  • Solana (SOL)
  • Cardano (ADA)
  • Dogecoin (DOGE)
  • Polkadot (DOT)
  • Chainlink (LINK)

For traders looking to capitalize on moves in lesser-known crypto assets without dealing with on-chain transactions, this is a valuable feature. 

What’s Next for NuevaWealth.com?

While the platform is still relatively new compared to giants in the space, Nueva Wealth seems focused on refinement over expansion. Future improvements may include:

  • Enhanced mobile trading tools
  • Expanded altcoin coverage
  • Education hubs or community content
  • Faster withdrawal speeds and crypto staking options

The current roadmap appears focused on improving execution quality and cross-device consistency — not flashy gimmicks. 

Bottom Line: Is Nueva Wealth Worth It for Crypto-Focused Traders?

If you’re looking for a platform that balances speed, simplicity, and crypto exposure via CFDs — NuevaWealth.com is a serious contender.

It’s not a long-term investment platform, and it’s not ideal for beginners who need deep education or social features. But for traders who understand CFD risk and want access to crypto, forex, and more — all under one login — it provides a focused, mobile-first experience.

In a market full of overbuilt platforms and noise, Nueva Wealth keeps things direct — and that might be exactly what some traders are looking for.

 

[Review] Obstacles To Opportunity, by Pat Alacqua

By
Daniel Goh
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Obstacles to Opportunities book

Obstacles to Opportunities book

When coming up against inevitable business challenges or crossroads, oftentimes the best solutions have already been uncovered. In his book, “Obstacles to Opportunity: Transforming Business Challenges Into Triumphs“, author and growth strategist Pat Alacqua argues that the best solutions are ones that are proven. He proposes that anything that has worked for another individual in a similar situation will typically work for you, but only once it’s customized and adapted to your situation.

To present proven practices, Alacqua spotlights the stories of dozens of prominent business leaders to describe how they were able to overcome the challenges they faced in their career trajectories. The stories and strategies depicted are designed to enable readers — whether executives, entrepreneurs, or those starting out in their careers — insights for getting through various roadblocks faced in the business world.

Alacqua bookends “Obstacles to Opportunity” with theoretical tools he uses in empowering business leaders to succeed, and with takeaways for amplifying one’s performance to achieve enduring success. He first introduces his Entrepreneur to Enterprise Pathway framework that details five distinct stages of the entrepreneurial journey — from ideas, to an entrepreneurial venture, to a startup operation, to a proven business, and ultimately to a professionally managed enterprise.  Each stage along the pathway presents corresponding challenges critical to both personal career development and overall company success.

The common challenges he describes that all businesses confront in moving from one phase to the next include:

  • Recognizing customer needs
  • Managing resource stretch
  • Instituting professional management
  • Adapting organizational culture
  • Staying ahead of future problems before they emerge

The bulk of the book, however, profiles real-life leadership stories, each describing a career hurdle the individuals encountered and how they overcame it. These stories are segmented by themes, such as Time to Take Action that delves into action-oriented leadership, and Zoom Out to Zoom In, regarding challenges that require a micro focus.

For example, legendary sportscaster Bob Rathbun, known for his play-by-play sports commentary, dissects the challenges of communication in business — particularly in the lightening-speed world of messaging and texting. He cautions that impulsive actions driven by emotions can lead to trouble and harm relationships. Once we hit send, we can’t take the message back. He believes “…it is essential to limit reliance on technology and prioritize face-to-face interactions.”

Lessons in overcoming fear in the face of critical decision-making came from real estate guru, Alester Spears. He came to realize that instances in which he failed to take timely action were typically driven by his own fear — whether it was a financial concern or worries about societal expectations. He says that overcoming fear and making the best choice possible while staying aligned with his true self, is essential when pursuing goals and aspirations. He acknowledges that mistakes are inevitable, but adds, “Some of the most significant lessons and personal growth have stemmed from. making errors and learning from them.”

“Obstacles to Opportunity: Transforming Business Challenges Into Triumphs” provides a wealth of relevant examples, as well as tools and action steps, to assist in every business person’s leadership evolution.

An Interview With Former Canadian MP Kevin Vuong Of Toronto

By
Daniel Goh
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Kevin Vuong

Kevin Vuong

Kevin Vuong was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) from Spadina-Fort York in Ontario in 2021, becoming the youngest Asian-Canadian in Parliament. He focused his legislative efforts on public safety, security, and combating hate crimes. Vuong is a second-generation Canadian of Chinese heritage, the son of refugees from the Vietnam War.

He holds the rank of Lieutenant (Navy) in the Canadian Forces Naval Reserve. He is married to Elizabeth Vuong, and they have one daughter.

Q: Prior to politics, you started several businesses. How did you become an entrepreneur?

KEVIN VUONG: My parents raised me with a strong work ethic and a sense of self-reliance. We weren’t well off by any means, so earning enough money for financial security was important to me. I graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a business degree, and I went to work on Bay Street at TD Securities in their global leadership rotational program. My drive to find solutions led me to becoming an entrepreneur.

Fast forward through a few years of entrepreneurial ventures, some successful, others not, and I went on to co-found a political intelligence and monitoring B2B SaaS company, Delphic Research Group.

Q: What made you decide to transition to politics?

KEVIN VUONG: My parents were refugees who were welcomed into Canada, and I’ve always had a sense of gratitude to the country and the opportunities it’s given me and my family. This led me to volunteer to join the Royal Canadian Navy as a naval reserve officer, first as an intelligence officer, and I later transitioned to becoming a public affairs officer. I’ve been actively engaged in civic and social issues throughout my life.

In 2020, I was proud to be appointed Canada’s NATO 2030 Young Leader by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. It was an incredible opportunity to have a direct role in helping to shape the future of the Alliance, along with 13 other young leaders from member countries. I was motivated to pursue public service as a Member of Parliament, and it will always be a huge honour to have served my community, city, and country.

Q: What was the highlight of your time as MP?

KEVIN VUONG: Two immediately come to mind. The first was forcing the federal government to honour an election promise to permanently eliminate interest on federal student and apprenticeship loans that they clearly had no intention of fulfilling. I know from my own lived experience that education can be the ultimate equalizer, and there are few investments that a nation can make that are more impactful than investing in the education of our next generation.

The other highlight during my tenure was sponsoring a petition that called on the federal government to address the increasingly hostile antisemitism and hate we were seeing on Canada’s streets. The petition pushed for greater clarity on whether certain slogans contravene sections of the Criminal Code concerning the willful promotion of hatred and ultimately collected over 12,000 signatures. At a time of immense turmoil and darkness, the broad concern about the rise of antisemitism in our country gave me comfort in knowing that I was not alone and, perhaps most importantly, was a message to our Canadian Jewish brothers and sisters that they are also not alone.

Standing up against hate and advocating for the safety and dignity of all communities is a responsibility I took seriously as an MP and will continue to advocate for, as I see it as the responsibility of all Canadians to stand up for our neighbours.

Q: What other issues do you foresee advocating for as a private citizen?

KEVIN VUONG: I’ll remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our neighbourhoods, especially here in Toronto. As an MP, I addressed concerns about the placement of drug injection sites that impacted the quality of life for my constituents. I believe it’s essential to find a balance between providing necessary health services and maintaining safe, livable communities.

Toronto has been my home for over a third of my life; it’s where I was born, and I have lived in downtown Toronto since 2011. It breaks my heart to say that the crime has never been as bad as it is now. My wife and I are raising our daughter here, and I will continue to do everything I can to ensure that she and all Torontonians can live in a city that is safe and where everyone belongs.

Q: What is the most important job for new Prime Minister Mark Carney?

KEVIN VUONG: Prime Minister Carney’s main task is to steer Canada’s economic recovery while addressing the pressing social and political challenges. His business and financial experience won him the position, and now Canadians expect him to deliver.

We need solutions, not sound bites, and I will be watching for his ability to execute on the promises that he made during the election, and undoubtedly will make throughout his mandate.

 

Comparison Is The Silent Killer Of Creative Success

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by Devin Noir, Founder of Devil May Cry Tattoo

When you’re building something of your own, whether it’s a business, a brand, or a creative body of work, comparison can sneak in wearing a mask of motivation. It’ll tell you that studying someone else’s growth will help you grow. That measuring yourself against others will push you harder. But in reality, it rarely fuels creation. It usually just feeds self-doubt.

I’ve learned this the hard way, both as an artist and a business owner.

In the early days of my tattoo career, I couldn’t help but look around. At the artists whose techniques felt more refined. At the ones whose followings grew faster. At the ones who seemed to be moving with ease while I was still figuring out my voice. I didn’t realize at the time that comparison doesn’t just slow your momentum, it warps your perception of reality.

And in creative work, perception is reality.

What You See Isn’t the Whole Story

We live in a time when creators, founders, and entrepreneurs are expected to be visible. But visibility is a performance. Social media doesn’t show the missed opportunities, the moments of doubt, or the years of silent work that go into overnight success. It shows a highlight reel, edited for engagement.

When you compare yourself to someone’s public-facing version of their journey, you’re holding yourself to an illusion and punishing yourself for not measuring up to something that isn’t even fully real.

I’ve worked with dozens of people over the years who’ve told me, mid-tattoo, about their fears of falling behind. What they all had in common wasn’t a lack of talent. It was a lack of inner stillness. They were so consumed with tracking other people’s progress, they couldn’t hear their own inner voice.

Your Only Competition Is Who You Were Yesterday

There’s a myth that greatness comes from beating the person next to you. In my experience, greatness comes from beating the version of yourself that wanted to quit. That almost gave in to fear. That was tempted to imitate instead of innovate.

Every creative breakthrough I’ve had came when I tuned back into my instincts—when I stopped looking at the outside world for validation or permission and started creating what felt aligned with me. Not the trend. Not the algorithm. Me.

The truth is, your unique path can’t be replicated. And that means it can’t be compared, either.

How to Break the Comparison Cycle

Breaking free from comparison isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a practice, something you recommit to every day. Here are a few truths that have helped me keep my focus where it belongs:

  • Limit your intake. If consuming certain content makes you feel smaller, turn it off. Curate your environment like your mental health depends on it — because it does.
  • Create before you consume. Start your day by building something from your own mind before letting other people’s voices in.
  • Celebrate small wins. If you’re always looking at how far you have to go, you’ll never honor how far you’ve come.
  • Use envy as a mirror. When you feel jealousy, ask: “What does this reveal about what I want?” Let it inform you, not shame you.
  • Remember your why. Trends fade. Popularity is fickle. But purpose is fuel that doesn’t run out.

Real Power Is Authentic

There’s a reason my tattoo studio is called Devil May Cry. I believe in honoring power and vulnerability, and truth and transformation. Real creative power doesn’t come from doing what others are doing. It comes from doing what only you can do.

If there’s one thing I could offer to anyone building something new, it’s this: the most dangerous lie you can believe is that you’re not doing enough, fast enough, well enough. That lie is born of comparison, and it’s the enemy of growth.

You are already enough. And what you’re building will become extraordinary the moment you stop looking sideways and start looking inward.

 

Devin Noir is a veteran tattoo artist and founder of Devil May Cry Tattoo, with over 7 years of professional experience specializing in Neo-Noir, Blackwork, Sigil Craft, Cyber Sigilism, and Engraver-style design. Devin is invested in supporting the next generation of artists, and currently mentors emerging tattooers and is exploring the development of a formal training program to help advance the craft and culture of modern tattooing.

Your Investor Pitch Dies With Your Shaky Wi-Fi — Here’s How Your Lagging Connection Is Bleeding Your Startup Dry

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by Greg Davis, CEO at Bigleaf Networks

I’ve raised capital through four market cycles, and every serious investor I’ve met opens due diligence the same way: Show me your revenue, then prove you can protect it.

A private, hardened connection does more than keep attackers at bay — it broadcasts operational maturity. Customers share data more freely when they know packets move across encrypted, segregated paths. Regulators grant approvals faster when audits reveal airtight controls. And boards sleep at night because a robust security posture caps downside risk.

Startups that stitch security into day‑one architecture shorten sales cycles, command higher valuations, and reach break‑even sooner. In fact, a NordPass brief underscored that early‑stage companies now face the same ransomware, DDoS floods, and AI‑driven phishing barrages that besiege the Fortune 500, yet they often lack the brand resilience to rebound from a breach.

The Hidden Cost of an Unstable Connection

Most founders worry about catastrophic outages, but the real profit and loss (P&L) bleed usually comes from the gray zone of “unusable uptime.” A video‑based sales demo that freezes because of 250‑millisecond jitter costs more goodwill than a clean 404 page — at least the latter is honest about being down. Gartner famously put a number on that pain, estimating average downtime at US $5,600 per minute; for cloud‑native businesses, the tab rises quickly once latency spikes start throttling SaaS logins and payment APIs.​ Traditional band‑aid fixes, like dual‑WAN firewalls or BGP failover, only swing into action when a circuit goes completely dark, which misses the subtle packet loss that actually wrecks user experience.

Deploying SD‑WAN flips that script. Instead of treating every packet the same, an intelligent edge continuously samples link quality and steers traffic in real time according to business rules. If the fiber loop on ISP A starts dropping frames, SD‑WAN quietly shifts your video meeting onto the 5G backup without human intervention. Choose a firewall‑friendly platform, and you preserve your existing security stack while adding the self‑healing benefits of dynamic path control.

Bake Private Connectivity into Day One

Founders love to postpone infrastructure spending until “after the next round.” That mindset is lethal when your entire operation rides on cloud commits and remote talent. The launch checklist should therefore treat a private, secure link as non‑negotiable, right up there with payroll and version control.

Start with redundant physical paths. Provision at least two ISPs terminated in separate conduits so a backhoe on Main Street doesn’t single‑handedly halt revenue recognition. Let SD‑WAN or comparable link‑bonding software do the load sharing and automatic failover so users never notice a flap. Engineer a contingency runbook that outlines how the team will preserve business continuity if a region goes dark — pre‑approved data‑protection workflows, alternate collaboration channels, and snapshot‑based recovery timelines. When disaster strikes, people follow muscle memory, not wishful thinking (ideally).

Security lives at the human edge as much as in the routers. NordPass recommends enforcing strong password hygiene, blanket MFA on every SaaS console, and quarterly phishing drills so employees recognize spoofed Slack invites before credentials leak. Cybersecurity platforms and password management tools pair those habits with a stateful firewall, cloud‑based DDoS scrubbing, and encrypted object storage to keep both data in transit and at rest under lock and key. Keep firmware patched, sensors logging, and anomalies streaming to a managed security information and event management (SIEM)—ideally one monitored around the clock by an MSP whose sole job is to escalate before attackers laterally move.

Yes, all of this costs money. Continuous link monitoring alone runs three to twelve thousand dollars a year, and a basic backup‑and‑recovery footprint may land in the five‑figure range. But compare that to the burn rate of a growth‑stage startup idling through a two‑hour outage, or the valuation haircut that follows a public breach notice. Suddenly, the security budget looks less like overhead and more like discounted equity preservation.

Velocity Without Vulnerability

When connectivity is rock‑solid and private, product roadmaps accelerate. Engineers push to stage faster because they aren’t babysitting VPN tunnels. Sales closes bigger logos because procurement teams trust the controls behind the pitch deck. Even culture improves — nothing saps morale like telling a new hire, “Hang on, the Wi‑Fi’s acting up again.”

The market is unforgiving. Competitors backed by the same venture pool will copy your features, undercut your price, and shadow your SEO in months. What they can’t replicate overnight is the institutional discipline baked into a secure, redundant, intelligently managed network. That moat widens every quarter as your telemetry, customer data, and proprietary models compound safely under its protection.

Build now. Sign the second circuit, deploy the SD‑WAN, draft the incident‑response plan, and appoint someone who wakes up thinking about link health every morning. The spend will sting less than the first fundraising dilution and deliver far higher ROI. In a threat‑laden, always‑connected economy, a private, secure connection is the bedrock on which every other growth metric balances.

 

greg davis

Greg Davis has served on the Bigleaf Networks’ board of directors since 2020. He has a consistent track record scaling businesses and creating enterprise value through revenue growth, operational performance, and strategic acquisitions. Greg’s technology leadership career spans more than 25 years, where he has led multiple companies from start up to over $100 million in annual revenue.

 

Evaluating Business Opportunities In The New Year: How To Spot A Franchise With Real Staying Power

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by Jason Pritchard, Interim CEO at Main Line Brands

With the start of a new quarter comes new franchising opportunities. Franchising offers immense potential for growth, but with a new franchise opening every eight minutes during a single business day, it can be difficult for prospective entrepreneurs to identify business ventures with lasting potential and those that are merely passing trends.

As aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners pursue new franchising opportunities throughout 2025, it is important to know what to look for in a franchisor and the essential factors that set sustainable franchises apart.

Community-Minded Franchisor Support System

A franchise’s longevity is only as strong as its commitment to core values, community impact and franchisee support. When considering a franchise opportunity, pay attention not only to how well a franchisor talks about its commitment to being a community-minded business, but also to how clearly that commitment is displayed throughout the franchise system.

At Main Line Brands, what makes us stand out is our expertise in every aspect of pest control and fitness equipment repair and maintenance service. From service protocols and training to treatments, our mission is to provide the best experience possible. This is made possible by the impact our franchisees have in their local communities and our corporate team’s dedication to evolving the ways we support our owners, helping them serve their local neighborhoods and beyond. We have spent years developing training programs for our portfolio brands that not only cover franchisee orientation and onboarding but also train local technicians so that they are fully equipped to support new locations, easing the burden on new franchisees. If a franchisor says they’re committed to setting up new franchisees with the tools and skills needed to succeed, make sure their systems, training and resources match that promise. Franchisees must truly become part of the communities they serve for their business to thrive. If you’re expected to care for the families, pets and neighbors in your service area, your franchisor should show that same level of care for you and your business from the start.

A sustainable franchise is dedicated to prioritizing reliable and community-oriented service that further establishes the brand as a preferred provider across its franchise system. These franchises encourage innovation from within their networks, providing franchisees the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from system-wide improvements based on their learned experiences in the field. For example, it was a McDonald’s franchisee who first introduced breakfast, and this idea was later adopted by corporate and rolled out nationwide. Look for brands that have franchisee-led teams within their corporate structure. These environments are likely where franchisees are encouraged to collaborate and where it’s clear that the franchisor finds value in their owners’ feedback.

Franchisees who thrive in these systems with franchisee-led teams are those who prioritize customer service, ensuring that clients receive expert care and attention while closely monitoring feedback. Whether answering a simple customer inquiry or addressing a complex service need, strong franchises promote a community-focused, collaborative approach… from the corporate office to the local level.

Franchisee-First Culture

As previously mentioned, the best franchisor fit is one that prioritizes the success of its franchisees through meaningful support. Brands that cultivate a franchisee-first culture lead by example, including ensuring their corporate leaders have firsthand franchising experience themselves, and they value the voices and opinions of franchisees in everything they do. Franchisors must provide comprehensive support in technology, marketing, and operations to help new franchisees build a solid foundation. This includes regular communication with franchisees to gather feedback on product rollouts, marketing strategies and operational tools.

At Main Line Brands, our franchisees are highly collaborative through internal social networks. We have established both Franchise Advisory Councils (FACs) and franchisee-led Marketing Advisory Councils to provide peer-to-peer support from those who understand the unique challenges of operating a franchise. This structure empowers franchisees to feel confident in their decisions while giving our corporate team a bird’s-eye view of the system’s needs, enabling us to make strategic moves that benefit both the franchise system as a whole and individual owners. A truly franchisee-first culture requires a heavy investment into franchisee resources and training. As mentioned, our team not only provides franchisee training and onboarding, but also hands-on technician training at our newly opened headquarters, which now includes a dedicated space for practical skills development.

When evaluating franchisors, be sure to ask about their training and onboarding process, especially if you’re joining an industry in which you may not have prior experience. Franchisors that invest in training both franchisees and their employees help ease the burden on new franchisees, who are already managing the steep learning curve of launching a business. This approach ensures a smoother, more confident start for franchise partners and provides early insight into how the corporate team functions within the franchise system.

Maximizing Growth Opportunities

A franchise with staying power offers its entrepreneurs the ability to scale far beyond one transaction. While growth through geographic expansion is a huge opportunity, franchisors should also provide the resources and flexibility for franchisees to grow in additional ways. This includes opportunities to diversify service or product offerings and to build a portfolio of client contracts in commercial services. A growth-minded franchise model enables franchisees to grow from working directly with individual clients to securing longer-term business-to-business contracts, increasing revenue streams and driving growth.

Being part of a larger franchise network that supports multiple brands also provides strategic advantages. A franchise system with more than one brand facilitates the exchange of innovative ideas, strengthens vendor relationships and promotes the sharing of best practices. At Main Line Brands, for example, a franchisee from one of our three brands might bring a great idea, connect us with a new vendor, flag a trending marketing strategy, or recommend a technology solution that they’ve had success with. If applicable, these innovations can be adapted across all our other brands to benefit the entire network. This collaborative environment encourages continuous improvement and empowers every franchisee to leverage the collective innovation of the entire network. Additionally, joining a franchisor with multiple brands opens the door to future multi-brand franchise ownership, creating yet another potential revenue stream for prospective franchisees.

Starting a new franchise business isn’t something you should have to do alone. The most worthwhile franchise opportunities are those that prioritize franchisee support and amplify franchisee voices at every level. When evaluating entrepreneurship opportunities, ask franchisors what resources are available to you and how they view the role of franchisees within the brand. Look for opportunities that will allow you to strengthen your local community while simultaneously giving you the confidence to contribute to the broader franchise system, grow your business and thrive within your new journey as an entrepreneur.

 

Jason Pritchard

Jason Pritchard currently serves as interim chief executive officer at Main Line Brands, bringing more than a decade of experience in franchise operations, leadership and local owner support within the Mosquito Authority and Fitness Machine Technicians brands. Jason’s experience with the Mosquito Authority brand spans nearly 15 years, during which he held roles such as specialist, franchise operations director and franchise owner. His extensive experience in the pest control and fitness machine repair service industries, combined with his background as a franchise owner and operator, is instrumental in advancing Main Line Brands’ position as a leader in the home and commercial service industry.

 

Integrated vs Specialized Agencies: Navigating The Two Approaches To Marketing

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by Jordan Buning, President, ddm marketing + communications

Media consumption has undergone a massive shift in terms of which content (news, advertising, entertainment) is consumed on which platforms (television, social media, websites). Numerous means exist for reaching a targeted audience. Against this backdrop, marketers must remain vigilant about how to optimize their messaging for specific audiences across a broad spectrum of mediums. That’s easier said than done.

One integrated marketing agency can do that for your organization, or you can do that in partnership with a handful of specialized agencies. Regardless of how your organization allocates its marketing spend, there’s still a need to integrate it all under a unified strategy. The process of choosing between a specialized agency (who executes a designated portion of your campaign tied to their area of expertise) and an integrated agency (who executes and integrates a diversified campaign on your behalf) requires care. Avoiding the pitfalls of the wrong choice can save your business time and money upfront — and result in both a short- and long-term payoff via measurable ROI.

A closer look is needed at what integrated and specialized agencies can and can’t do, and why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which is the better choice.

Understanding integrated vs. specialized agencies

An integrated agency’s approach involves marketing by any method necessary to deliver a client’s desired results. Recognizing that the landscape is diverse and fragmented, they pull from a big toolbox to reach the intended audiences in a coordinated set of interactions. The integrated agency’s job is to be aware of the best means for reaching specific audiences, and pick the right tools.

Some, most, or all of the personnel responsible for the individual facets of a multimedia marketing campaign might be in-house employees of the integrated agency. Others might subcontract on an as-needed basis. Either way, the process looks the same: your organization contracts with the integrated agency, who executes the campaign from strategy positioning to execution.

Specialized agencies, by contrast, do not pull from a big toolbox. Their personnel specialize in specific forms of marketing — email, social media, SEO, media — and focus on that branch of the campaign. When contracting with a specialized agency, the process looks different: integrating the various facets of a campaign is often the client’s job, not the agency’s. The expectation is that each selected partner has depth of experience that will facilitate efficiency and quality in their specific effort.

It is the client’s job to determine which tools are needed to achieve the desired result, and to hire the best personnel to execute on the plan. Clients are also responsible for creating clarity and connection among its goals, resources, and outcomes. Whether they operate collaboratively or work with partners in isolation, clients bear greater responsibility to help outside partners visualize the broader picture.

Globally, the specialized-to-integrated agency ratio is roughly 1-to-1. But this might change over time. Specialists in email marketing did not exist 30 years ago; specialists in social media marketing arose in the last 15 years. Something will arise in the next 15 years that does not exist today. As the science of marketing evolves and the number of popular mediums expands, expect specialty marketers to proliferate further.

Risks in choosing integrated vs. specialized agencies

Both approaches to outsourcing marketing campaigns invite risk.

An integrated agency promises the ability to draw from a full toolbox, and know which tools are appropriate for the job. Each of the following issues can thwart their best intentions:

  • One or more tools are weaker than the others. All the tools are there, but not all are necessarily equal to the task at hand. An integrated agency might be able to execute a social media and email campaign, for example, but one delivers more consistent results than the other.
  • One necessary tool might be missing, but they don’t realize it. The integrated agency might not be facile with print advertising, for example, but might not consider that a problem for the job at hand. That could be a miscalculation if the ROI on the print campaign justifies the effort necessary.
  • One step in the process falls short. The integrated agency must be able to conceive, integrate, and execute a holistic campaign. Each of those steps invites the potential for missteps. Even choosing good tools, and the most appropriate tools for the job, cannot overcome a misstep early in the conception process.

A specialized agency avoids each of these issues in its own way. They must execute a plan conceived by their client; they need not integrate it with other components of the client’s marketing plan. They don’t have to shuffle between multiple tools; rather, they specialize in one marketing tool only. And if that one tool is weak in the client’s estimation, the specialized agency won’t (or shouldn’t) get the job in the first place.

When hiring a specialized agency, most of the risk lies on the hiring organization’s end. In either case, you should be able to discern your needs, and the marketing agency should be able to discern yours. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you might struggle to find it.

Choosing to partner with an integrated or specialized agency

Some organizations will be better served by partnering with an integrated agency. Others will prefer a specialized agency, particularly when their marketing needs are narrower or the campaign is more clearly defined.

A few factors worth considering:

  • Regulations in the European Union and California restrict how online advertisements can target users. Marketers who are unaware of these regulations — an agency with little experience in online marketing campaigns, perhaps — can easily overstep boundaries.
  • Sometimes the product at hand will self-select the kind of agency you partner with. What’s the motivation of someone looking to invest in an inherently exclusive product, like a million-dollar yacht or a giant piece of farming equipment? If I assume their reasons for buying a product are similar to different kinds of consumers, my messaging might miss the mark.
  • Some industries are more highly regulated than others — finance and healthcare, for example — around how marketers are able to target potential customers with ads. Not knowing these regulations could risk penalty under law.

In each case, a business must scrutinize a potential partner’s portfolio, carefully vetting whether their history suggests they are up to the task at hand. When requesting a proposal, include a checklist, then advance to more specific and granular conversations only if all the boxes are checked. Performing this due diligence upfront will help clarify whether a specialized or integrated agency is better suited for the job, and which agency suits your needs.

 

Jordan Buning

Jordan Buning is President of ddm marketing + communications, a leading marketing agency for highly complex and highly regulated industries. Throughout Jordan’s 28 years in marketing, he has served clients among a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, financial services and global manufacturing as well as public transportation, higher education, recreational products.

 

Coaching That Counts: How To Identify And Choose An Executive Coach for Your Unique Leadership Journey

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by Tom Preston, Founder of The Preston Associates and Luciana Nuñez, Head of Americas and Partner at The Preston Associates, co-authors of “Coaching Power: Leading With Coaching to Create Individual, Team, and Organizational Outperformance“

In today’s complex business landscape, executive coaching has emerged as a powerful tool that offers leaders personalized guidance, objective feedback, and strategic support for navigating uncertainty and accelerating their professional development.

Whether you’re seeking to enhance your leadership effectiveness, manage through organizational change, or simply reach your full potential, an executive coach can be your partner providing the structured reflection, accountability, and expertise you need.

Evaluating Which Coach is Right for You

If you are thinking about working with an executive coach, it is important to understand the type of firm and coach that would benefit you the most.

First, seek a firm that has the qualifications needed to be credible and impactful with you and your people. You can begin by reviewing a firm’s website and then speaking with their representative. In a conversation, they should be clear about how their coaches are trained and qualified, be clear as to where their experience and expertise lies, and the type of work they are best suited to do. It is important to understand, for example, whether their coaches have a business and leadership background, a psychological or organizational development background, or whether they have drawn on other experiences to develop their coaching practice and expertise.

Navigating the Coaching Landscape

One of the issues with the world of executive coaching today is the plethora of coaches out there and their varied experience, training, and areas of focus. It is also important, especially for international organizations wishing to deploy coaching across geographies, to understand the cultural awareness and experience of firms and coaches.

Increasingly, executive coaching is divided between the top echelon firms and the more mid-market firms. The former tend to have a strong cadre of coaches who are hand-picked, supervised, and developed by the firm they work with. The latter often act as coaching consolidators who aggregate a database of coaches but are not responsible for any uniformity of approach or quality across the coaches they represent. Further, as more digital coaching offerings become available, the democratization of coaching is an advantage in that it becomes more broadly available, yet has the potential disadvantage of not being of consistent quality or methodology and therefore risks achieving varied outcomes.

Rethinking Coaching Requirements

Many buyers of coaching assume that it is desirable for a coach to have had directly relevant experience — a lawyer who works with a coach who has been a lawyer, for example. We challenge this approach. What is important is that a coach has the context and experience of coaching in the field, but often being too closely associated with a particular set of experiences or a particular profession can result in the relationship being more akin to mentoring than to coaching, which are actually distinct activities and disciplines. We argue that business acumen and experience coupled with leadership familiarity and a broad understanding of the context of a particular sector or profession are of greater value than a “I’ve done exactly your job” approach.

The Value of Diversity in Coaching

We believe that it is important for coaching firms to represent as much diversity as possible in a way that mirrors the existing or desired level of diversity in an organization. This might be diversity of experience, cultures, operating environments and geographies, backgrounds, sectors, gender, and all the many other facets of diversity. Yet within that level of diversity a commonality of approach or framework will ensure that there is a consistency of outcome, no matter where the coaching is taking place or delivered.

The Initial Discovery Process

Suitable coaching firms and coaches should be open to taking the time to get to know you as part of the relationship building process. They should demonstrate commercial and personal curiosity as to what good looks like, be interested in an organization’s current and desired culture, and what is working or not for a particular leader or leadership challenge. This process, which is normally free, allows you to check whether you feel the fit is right and the type of questioning and dialogue is of the quality that you would expect.

Making the Most of the Pros

Once you have selected one or more coaches as possibilities, you should do the following before making your final decision about who to work with. 

Chemistry Is Key

Schedule a one-hour meeting with each of your possible coaches to establish how comfortable you would feel working with that person. We call these meetings chemistry meetings. These meetings will usually include an exploration of your coaching objectives, perhaps a look at career ambitions and aspirations and what would need to happen for those to be achieved, a look at your stakeholder constellation and which of those relationships might need work, and perhaps a look at how the coaching relationship might work in terms of frequency, location, and how to get a briefing from your line manager.

Terms of Engagement

Once you have chosen the coach you think best suited to you and your objectives, then move into agreeing on the number of hours to be delivered, the cost, and the feedback gathering process. Other items to discuss might include reporting procedures, invoicing, organizational briefings, or the use of psychometric tools or other interventions that could form part of the coaching process.

Feedback and Insights

Our strong recommendation is that all one-to-one coaching assignments should include a feedback and insights process. This is done by the coach speaking with key stakeholders to understand what the person is good at, could do more of, less of, start, or stop. This is in addition to any online type of 360-degree feedback that’s part of the general human resources approach to feedback, and is essential because it provides the coach with independent data about how others experience the person being coached. Without it, there is potential to obscure critical information from both the coach and the person being coached that could help address blind spots or the impact the leader actually has as opposed to the leadership impact they intend to have or need to have. 

Commitment to Growth

As you consider embarking on a coaching journey, remember that success depends on a combination of careful selection, chemistry with your coach, clarity of purpose, and your own commitment to growth. By approaching coaching as a strategic partnership rather than a quick fix, you position yourself to realize its full transformative potential.

 

Tom Preston, co-author of “Coaching Power“, is the founder of The Preston Associates, one of the world’s premier executive coaching firms. With decades of experience coaching leaders across industries and geographies, he has helped organizations achieve extraordinary outcomes. A former private equity executive and bestselling author of “Coach Yourself to Success“, he brings deep insights and practical wisdom to his work.

Luciana Nuñez, co-author of “Coaching Power“, is Head of Americas and Partner at The Preston Associates.  She is an accomplished executive coach and former CEO with more than 20 years of leadership experience at Fortune 500 companies, including Bayer, Danone, and Roche. She blends her strategic expertise with a passion for coaching, serving as a board member, investor, and advisor to entrepreneurs and executives worldwide.

 

Mentor Magic: Connecting With The People Who Will Help You Reach Your Goals

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by Adam Haston, president of Haston Equity Group and author of “The Wonder Effect: An Adventurous Guide for Igniting Your Passions and Pursuing Your Calling“

As you seek to build your business or cultivate the career of your dreams, the value of mentor relationships cannot be underestimated. A mentor who has seen – or is in close proximity to – the destination you seek, can give “directions” for getting there based on your present location.

Choosing Mentors

However, choosing a mentor should be done with care and caution. People love to give advice — or, more often, their opinions — but there are several guidelines to follow when looking for those people who will have the most impact on your goals.

When you want to pursue a business, career or even a passion, you should start reaching out to the people who will help make that exploration meaningful. The best mentors will become clearer as your journey progresses.

Even for the most unusual or “weirdest” pursuits, the mentors are clear. Take, for example, writer, actor, and comedian Fred Armisen. In interviews, Armisen has discussed the mentoring hand that director John Waters had on his success. The story goes that, while still in high school, Armisen submitted a homework assignment he intended to be humorous. Instead, it landed him in the school psychiatrist’s office. Confused by the discouragement, he decided to contact his idol, John Waters, explaining how the incident shook his confidence in his artistic abilities. He did not expect to hear back from Waters. But surprisingly, Waters replied. In the return letter of encouragement, Waters told Armisen that he was on the right path and should continue embracing the unique weirdness of his comedy. Years later, that path took Armisen to Saturday Night Live. After that, he co created unique and internationally famous shows like Documentary Now! and Portlandia.

Like Armisen did with Waters, you need to reach out to mentors not because they give you a golden ticket, but because it creates connection and direction. Mentors hardly ever lead you to the gold at the end of the rainbow. But they will point you toward a direction in which you will have a greater degree of confidence moving forward. From there, you will be more empowered to emotionally or intellectually dust yourself off as you stumble along the way.

Influencing Mentor

For Armisen, Waters acted as an influencing mentor, or somebody who affected the development or character of a person. Influencing mentors may not give you explicit advice on technical or legal things, but they have an important emotional and generative effect on you. They do this by lending credence to your belief in yourself by having the ability to connect with them. They’re humanized, which bridges the possibility of rising to their level. They thus gain more credibility in your mind and heart, and the guidance that they provide implicitly is a statement that the pursuit is possible.

Advisors

In addition to influencing mentors, there are at least two other types: advisors and connectors. Advisor mentors will help you learn new information about specific matters. If you are an aspiring artist, an advisor mentor might show you which brushes are most effective for certain painting techniques. If you are learning how to be an investor in real estate, an advisor mentor might teach you how to do due diligence.

Connectors

After influencers and advisors come the connector mentors. These go-betweens are folks who help you connect with the right advisor mentors. You’d be surprised at how wide of a net you can cast when you reach out to your connections. For example, there was a time when I was working on an out-of-state deal to buy property. Because each state has their own nuanced laws, I contacted a connector mentor who lives in the state in question. Because I trust him and have kept up a regular relationship with him, I asked him to recommend a real estate lawyer who could answer some of my questions.

To my surprise, he happened to be good friends with one of the most prestigious lawyers in the state and was happy to give me a wonderful and flattering introduction.

When you foster these positive relationships with mentors, there are few things as exciting as the real-time growth they provide. Mentors who have achieved substantial success in their respective fields have a clear perspective on the steps required. Because their vision can see beyond yours at the moment, they can guide you through any fog obstructing your vision.

Indirect Mentors

It’s important to add that not all mentors need to be people you directly communicate with frequently, nor do they need to be currently living. No, that wasn’t a typo. Some of the most potent mentors can be those who have passed on, but you are significantly influenced by the impact they left on the world. Maybe you have never met them, like a bestselling author or researcher from decades ago who lives on through their books and teachings. Mentors could also be podcast hosts or coaches. Immerse yourself in a mentor’s ideas from afar if their work is available to you.

Communicate Regularly

When you are interacting with your mentor, frequent and open communication is the best way to foster a positive relationship. It could be an email, an email blast to multiple people, a text, a social media post, a social media direct message, a phone call, or writing a letter. At conferences or meetups, communication could even be through informal luncheons. Emphasize that you are asking for advice and direction so the people you reach out to know how to help you.

And always remember to ask permission to continue seeking advice and guidance from them, including how often you can follow up with them. You want the relationship to be mutual, meaningful, and collaborative. You are not using them; the two of you are working together toward common goals, because you are like-minded. When collaborating, you don’t necessarily need to ask, “Will you be my mentor?” Instead, explain that there are things you are pursuing that may be outside your realm of expertise and you’d appreciate their perspective. While discussing those issues, ask if it would be okay to come back to them with specific questions.

When obstacles arise, mentors provide the experience and insights that help you overcome the hurdle. Obstacles will come up – which reveals another critical component to your life’s curriculum. You don’t need to be a genius to accomplish great things. You simply need to put in the time, effort, and energy.

 

Adam Haston

Adam Haston, author of “The Wonder Effect: An Adventurous Guide for Igniting Your Passions and Pursuing Your Calling“, is an entrepreneur, educator, and community leader dedicated to helping others unlock their potential. The founder and CEO of Haston Equity Group, a financial and real estate firm, he combines business acumen with a passion for personal growth. You can learn more at www.adamhaston.com.

 

6 Ways To Turn A Side Hustle Into A Real Business — And Know When You’re Ready

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woman video conference laptop

by Melissa Pepin and Corry Frazier, co-founders of The Business Reboot

Did you know that 42% of Americans have considered starting their own business? Independence, self-sufficiency, and the drive to create something meaningful are fueling a powerful entrepreneurial movement across the country. For many, the journey begins with a side hustle — a passion project that not only supplements income but also opens the door to new possibilities.

The rise of the side hustle shows no signs of slowing down. Workers eager to earn extra cash, explore their passions, and escape traditional corporate structures are embracing side hustles at unprecedented rates. In fact, 44% of entrepreneurs who launched a business in 2023 did so while still working for another employer, a significant jump from 26% in 2022. Even more striking, 72% of Americans managing side hustles express a strong preference for self-employment, and 73% report greater happiness juggling multiple roles than sticking to one job, according to a recent Quicken survey.

With more tools, resources, and community support available than ever before, there’s never been a better time to transform your side hustle into a full-time business. Here are six key ways to know when you’re ready — and how to make the leap successfully.

1. Get Clear on What You Want and Set Practical Goals.

Before you make a major life shift, take a step back and define what you truly want. Without clarity, it’s easy to get caught in endless “what-ifs” and feel overwhelmed by both your day job and your side hustle. If you’re planning big moves — like quitting your job, relocating, or changing major relationships — do it as a solution to a problem, not as an escape.

Unresolved issues don’t magically disappear with a new title or location. So ask yourself: What matters most — time, money, impact, or connection? Prioritizing your values will give you a guiding star as you navigate this transition. Also, don’t just rely on assumptions; test your ideas. Getting real feedback from potential customers early on will minimize risks and ensure you’re solving a genuine market need.

2. Know When You’re Ready: Consistent Demand Is the Key.

The question every side hustler faces: When do I know I’m ready? The answer is simple yet powerful — you’re ready when you have an offer that people consistently pay for. A few one-off sales aren’t enough; sustainable, repeated interest signals that you have a viable business, not just a passion project.

If clients or customers are coming back for more, if your service or product is gaining traction without heavy convincing, that’s your green light.

3. Understand Your Capacity and Resources.

Transitioning from a side hustle to a full-time business isn’t about doing less work — it’s about shifting where your energy goes. Be honest about how much time, energy, and money you currently dedicate to your hustle, and how much more it will require to thrive full-time.

Entrepreneurship often demands more hours, more resilience, and more investment — especially at the beginning. Many leave their 9-to-5s expecting more freedom, only to feel crushed by the responsibility of running a business without structure. Remember: you can’t run your side hustle like a side hustle and expect full-time results. Know your capacity and build realistic plans you can actually stick to.

4. Focus on the Numbers and Analyze the Data.

It’s tempting to “just go for it” fueled by excitement, but the smartest move is to ground your leap in solid financial reality. Look at the data. Is your side hustle consistently generating enough income to replace (or at least supplement significantly) your full-time salary?

Beyond revenue, study key business metrics: product performance, client retention, customer acquisition rates, and even seasonality trends. Have you experienced a full business cycle, complete with ups and downs? Can you operate lean if needed, or is expansion necessary? A full year of financial and performance data will help you make an informed decision and avoid turning your passion into an expensive hobby.

5. Leverage Your Existing Skills.

The expertise, leadership, and skills you’ve built in your full-time job don’t disappear when you pivot — they become some of your biggest assets. Whether it’s communication, project management, marketing, or industry-specific knowledge, your previous experience gives you a unique edge.

Entrepreneurship is a constant exercise in problem-solving and adaptation. The skills you already possess can shorten your learning curve, strengthen your operations, and allow you to build a solid foundation faster than starting from scratch.

6. Be Willing to Bet on Yourself.

At the end of the day, your belief in yourself is the most important factor for success. Confidence doesn’t mean arrogance — it means trusting in your ability to figure things out. Even if the journey is tough, even if success isn’t guaranteed, betting on yourself means giving yourself a chance to grow, evolve, and build something truly your own.

Taking the leap to full-time entrepreneurship is never without risk. But every challenge you face strengthens your resilience and makes you a better business owner. Even setbacks will teach you valuable lessons that fuel your next success.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to stop dreaming and start building, now is the time. Turn your side hustle into the thriving business you’ve always imagined—and take control of your future, one intentional step at a time.

 

Melissa Pepin and Corry Frazier

Melissa Pepin and Corry Frazier are moms, your career sidekicks, and co-founders of The Business Reboot, a business coaching hub for small business owners looking to grow, scale, and/or pivot. In addition to being Small Business Forbes Advisors,Corry and Melissa are also co-hosts of The Business Reboot Podcast, made for female entrepreneurs looking to grow, pivot, scale, and fall more in love with the business of their business! Their advice has recently been featured in Martha Stewart Living, Brit + Co and GoBankingRates.

 

The Future Of Business Education: Trends Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders

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Business education is rapidly evolving to keep pace with the demands of a complex and fast-changing world. Today’s business programs are not just about imparting traditional knowledge; they are about shaping leaders who can thrive amidst change. With innovations like online business degrees at St. Thomas University for example, there has never been a more exciting time to delve into business studies. These programs offer flexibility and specialized knowledge, preparing students to tackle real-world challenges with fresh insights.

Understanding the current trends in business education is crucial for aspiring leaders. From integrating technology in classrooms to embracing global perspectives, these trends enhance learning and ensure graduates are well-equipped to meet future demands. A robust education merges theoretical frameworks with practical know-how, empowering students to innovate and lead effectively. Business schools today are increasingly focusing on creating curriculums that are dynamic, relevant, and inclusive of the latest industry trends.

Introduction: The Changing Landscape of Business Education

Business education is transforming, driven by the need to equip future leaders with innovative skills and perspectives. The emergence of multidimensional programs reflects a shift towards a more holistic form of learning, encompassing business practices and adjacent fields like technology and social sciences. This interdisciplinary approach is critical in preparing students for the multifaceted challenges they will face.

Educational institutions are increasingly incorporating courses that promote critical thinking and problem-solving, equipping students with tools to address the complex issues of the modern business world.

The Rise of Multidisciplinary Learning

Today’s business leaders must manage various tasks spanning multiple domains. This has led to a surge in multidisciplinary learning, where students engage with subjects outside traditional business curricula. Integrating diverse fields enables students to foster creativity and develop innovative solutions essential for thriving in the modern business world.

By engaging with different fields, students gain a more comprehensive understanding of how various industries intersect, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. This learning environment encourages students to think beyond conventional boundaries, paving the way for breakthrough ideas and solutions.

Technology’s Role in the Classroom

Technological advancements have drastically altered the educational landscape, providing tools that enhance learning experiences. Interactive platforms, virtual reality, and AI-driven analytics are becoming common in classrooms, offering personalized and immersive learning experiences.

According to a recent report, these technologies are pivotal in equipping students with the skills to navigate a digitalized world. Integrating such technology allows for a tailored educational experience, adapting to different learning styles and paces, thus fostering an environment that supports individualized student progress. Moreover, technology in education is not limited to tools and platforms; it extends to how students interact with content, engage with peers, and collaborate on projects globally.

Globalization and Its Influence on Business Programs

The world is more interconnected than ever, and understanding global markets is crucial for business success. Business programs increasingly incorporate international perspectives and cross-cultural studies into their curricula, helping students appreciate and navigate cultural differences. This global approach ensures students graduate with a comprehensive understanding of diverse markets and enhanced critical thinking skills.

As businesses operate worldwide, the ability to work effectively across cultures and geographies becomes invaluable. Exposure to international case studies and projects enriches students’ learning, offering practical insights into global business dynamics.

Developing Soft Skills for Success

While academic knowledge is crucial, soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication are equally important. Many business programs now significantly emphasize these skills, often through collaborative projects and interactive workshops. These experiences are vital for grooming well-rounded professionals who can effectively lead teams and drive organizational success.

In an increasingly automated world, soft skills differentiate human capability from machine efficiency. Graduates who master these skills are often more adaptable and capable of leading in dynamic environments. Education systems that prioritize the development of such skills contribute to forming leaders who are empathetic, effective communicators, and collaborative team players.

Real-World Learning: Case Studies and Simulations

Integrating practical learning methods like case studies and business simulations allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios. Through these methods, students gain valuable insights and hands-on experience, essential for addressing the complex challenges they will face in their careers. Such experiential learning facilitates a deeper understanding of business operations and strategic decision-making.

These simulations prepare students for the unpredictability of the business world and enhance their analytical and decision-making abilities, providing a platform for them to test their ideas in a risk-free setting.

Online Education: Flexibility and Accessibility

The advent of online education has made business programs more accessible than ever before. Students can now pursue their degrees from anywhere worldwide, eliminating geographical barriers. This flexibility caters to diverse learning preferences and allows for a broader range of elective courses. However, online education requires self-discipline and time management skills to reap full benefits.

As the world moves towards a more flexible work-life balance, online education offers a viable solution for those seeking to advance their education without compromising their professional or personal commitments. Moreover, online platforms provide a wealth of resources and networking opportunities, connecting students with industry experts and peers across the globe.

Conclusion: Preparing Leaders for the Future

As the business landscape evolves, educational institutions must adapt and prepare students for the future. By embracing trends like multidisciplinary learning, technological integration, and global perspectives, educators can ensure that students are job-ready and primed to become innovative leaders in their fields. Ultimately, continuous learning and adaptation are key to success in the business world.

As challenges become more complex, the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn becomes the defining quality of successful business professionals, ensuring they can lead organizations to achieve sustainable growth and impact.

 

5 Top Tips For Starting A New Business

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The journey to starting a new business can be a long and winding one, but will be a rewarding process in the long term.

Whatever sector your company works within, starting a business involves sacrifice and financial investment, so ensuring that you tick all the boxes to create a successful company is important to your survival in the business world.

This could include attracting customers with lead generation, improving relationships with customers, and having an emergency funds pot.

If you want to start up your own business, here are five top tips to help you.

1. Use Lead Generation to Attract Customers.

Lead generation is one of the most important aspects of online marketing for your business. Companies like Funnelsmiths are a unique sales strategy that allows you to generate more customers for your company effortlessly and grow your business.

Lead generation is important for driving revenue and ultimately increasing your sales, as well as expanding your customer reach as well as brand awareness.

2. Have an Emergency Funds Pot.

The road to a successful business can be a rocky one and full of financial ups and downs.

In order to anticipate your next downturn, having an emergency savings pot can help to mitigate large expenses and prevent a disastrous amount of debt.

You can put a percentage of your income away each month, and allow it to build interest in savings until you need it.

If you need assistance with knowing how to build your savings pot, you can use bookshops like Waterstones to browse financial literature to enable you to build the very best strategy for your emergency fund.

3. Focus on Customer Relationships.

Your customers are the most important part of owning a business, and ensuring that you preserve and grow your relationship with them will enable you to keep your company flourishing for years to come.

To do this, you can improve on getting to know customers by knowing the names of your most frequent customers and what makes them tick. Additionally you could create loyalty schemes to entice new customers to shop with you, and retain existing ones.

If you want to create loyalty stamp cards, you can use retailers like Vistaprint to make a design and have it printed professionally. Choose from a huge range of templates to

4. Take Feedback on Board.

For a growing business, feedback is important for helping you to make the necessary changes to thrive and flourish.

Whether you receive good or bad feedback, acting on it proactively will shape your business to what your customers want and need from you.

If you receive bad feedback, acting on it will help to instill confidence in your target audience and entice them to come back for a repeat visit, and will show them that you’re serious about improving your offering to beat your competitors and achieve a loyal customer base.

If you need to glean anonymous feedback from your customers, using tools like Survey Monkey can allow you to set up surveys for customers in exchange for vouchers and incentives to provide honest feedback.

Do you have any tips for starting up a new business? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

 

From Local To Global: Strategies For Scaling Your Startup Internationally

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startup office

Breaking into international markets isn’t just a milestone — it’s a transformational leap that demands strategic foresight, operational agility, and a deep understanding of diverse consumer behaviors. While many startups dream of going global, few manage to scale effectively beyond their local base.

One often-overlooked detail in this process is the role of accurate postcode data in planning international logistics, understanding regional demographics, and optimizing delivery systems. If you’re preparing to expand across borders, having access to detailed global postcode datasets can make a measurable difference in how smoothly you scale.

You can find the largest postal and zip code database here, which can help streamline your international market analysis, logistics planning, and customer targeting efforts.

Understand the Landscape Before You Leap

International expansion isn’t a plug-and-play game. Every market has its own regulatory frameworks, cultural expectations, and economic realities. Conducting deep market research is the first critical step.

Rather than relying solely on assumptions or replicating your home market strategies, localize your research. Look into government reports, consumer surveys, and trade publications for the region you’re targeting. For U.S.-based startups, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a comprehensive guide on exporting products and navigating international growth — a great starting point for understanding both opportunities and compliance hurdles.

Prioritize One Market at a Time

It may be tempting to expand into multiple countries at once, but that approach often backfires. Instead, focus your energy on entering one new market with precision.

Look for regions where your product or service solves a clear problem. Consider factors such as:

  • Market demand
  • Ease of doing business
  • Cultural fit
  • Logistical complexity
  • Currency stability

Narrowing your expansion ensures you can fine-tune your approach, test your assumptions, and build internal processes before replicating elsewhere.

Localize Your Brand (Not Just Your Language)

Global expansion demands more than translation — it requires localization. That means adapting your product, marketing, and customer experience to fit the cultural, economic, and legal standards of the new market.

Here’s how:

  • Website localization: Go beyond language to reflect local currencies, metrics, contact forms, and region-specific content.
  • Cultural sensitivity: Understand how colors, symbols, or messaging could be interpreted in the new culture.
  • Payment preferences: Offer local payment methods and preferred currencies to reduce friction.

Failing to adapt can alienate your audience before they even try your product.

Build a Local Network

Whether it’s forming partnerships with regional distributors, hiring local employees, or tapping into in-country marketing consultants, having boots on the ground is invaluable. Local partners understand the nuances of the market — from consumer trust-building to navigating local regulations.

Attend international trade shows (in-person or virtual), participate in cross-border accelerator programs, or engage with international chambers of commerce to open up networking opportunities.

Leverage Scalable Tech Infrastructure

Going global without scalable systems is a recipe for chaos. Make sure your startup’s infrastructure can support cross-border operations:

  • CRM and ERP platforms that handle multi-currency transactions
  • Cloud-based collaboration tools for distributed teams
  • Data analytics tools that allow location-specific segmentation
  • Logistics tracking systems integrated with global delivery services

Tools like GeoPostcodes are also useful for mapping out distribution logistics, managing address validation, and understanding population clusters — all essential for optimizing customer experience abroad.

Invest in Regulatory and Compliance Readiness

Different countries bring different legal obligations — from data protection laws (like GDPR in Europe) to local labor laws, tariffs, and product standards. Don’t treat compliance as an afterthought.

It’s worth consulting with international law experts or hiring local legal counsel. Non-compliance can mean costly fines, revoked business licenses, or even bans from entering certain markets.

Build Multilingual, Culturally Fluent Teams

Even if you’re based in a single location, your team needs to think globally. Hiring team members who are fluent in the language and culture of your target markets is a powerful competitive edge. It improves customer service, enables better market understanding, and prevents tone-deaf missteps in communications.

Measure, Optimize, Repeat

Once you enter a new market, track everything:

  • Customer acquisition cost by region
  • Lifetime value of international customers
  • Retention rates in new markets
  • Conversion rates for localized campaigns

Use this data to make decisions about where to double down and where to pivot. Going global is an iterative process — the more agile your startup, the faster you’ll learn what works.

International growth isn’t just about broadening your footprint — it’s about strengthening your business model, adapting your value proposition, and thinking long-term. By approaching global expansion with data, cultural respect, and a localized mindset, startups can evolve from hometown heroes to global contenders — one smart step at a time.

 

Key Lessons For Entrepreneurs Looking To Enter The Wearable Market

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Lucyd Eyewear - wearables

Lucyd Eyewear - wearables

by Harrison Gross, CEO of Lucyd Eyewear

I believe strongly that wearables are going to be the dominant computing platform of the future, primarily due to ergonomics. They have the power to seamlessly integrate technology into our daily routines and add utility without disrupting our sense of style and personal identity. 

As the founder of Lucyd Eyewear, developing innovative wearables calls for an unwavering commitment to specialization in this cross-disciplinary category, exceptional design, and a team that believes in the mission with relentless passion.

The following are three core strategies that helped us carve out our own space in a market dominated by massive corporations. My hope is that this perspective encourages fellow tech entrepreneurs to look beyond short-term challenges and bring the next generation of practical wearable solutions to market.

How to Win Against Giants in the Market

The wearable tech landscape is competitive, and a seemingly insurmountable lead is held by tech giants. At first glance, it’s daunting for a small startup to go head-to-head with companies that have seemingly limitless resources, robust distribution channels, and powerful brand recognition. However, I’ve found that the “bigger is better” ethos can work against large corporations when it comes to hyper-focused specialization.

Instead of attempting to create a wide array of wearables (or, in the case of major players, releasing smart eyewear as just another product line), we devoted ourselves fully to the development of a single product platform—smartglasses. This strategy allowed us to become experts in every fine detail, from how a frame sits on the bridge of your nose, to the balancing of smart temples with fashion fronts, to what kind of embedded electronics can withstand daily wear and tear.

Another differentiator is customer-led development. From the start, we made user feedback the backbone of our design process. We regularly survey early adopters and our crowdfunders to find out what they love, what they need, and what they wish smart glasses could do. We obsessed over every element that customers told us mattered, namely comfort, prescription compatibility, battery life, and style. This hands-on dialogue helped us shape our product development while building a loyal community of supporters in our mission.

Outsize your competition not in sheer scale but in granular expertise and in the depth of connection with your customers. In an age of endless product choices, potential buyers often seek the brand that truly “gets” them. It all comes down to filling a gap in the market. 

Balancing Functionality and Consumer Appeal

One of the most common pitfalls with wearables is that they can veer too far into the realm of gadgetry. In my view, the ultimate goal should be to create something that people want to actually wear every day, not just another piece of tech for tech’s sake.

Our company adopted an “optical design first” philosophy. We prioritize style, comfort, and usability from the outset, so we’re able to preserve the traditional function of eyewear while enhancing the experience with intuitive, unobtrusive smart features.

When I’m asked how to balance the desire for cutting-edge features with ensuring genuine consumer appeal, I always say never lose sight of the everyday needs of your target customer. Ask yourself: Would I personally wear this? Does this solve a real problem, or is it just the next trendy product? Is this a tech built for the user, or a tech looking for a user? Being “trendy” may draw headlines, but solving a real-world pain point — or adding meaningful convenience — earns loyalty.

The Three T’s of Success

Through our journey, I’ve come to see that technology companies, particularly in the wearables space, are built on three fundamental pillars: Team, Tech, and Tenacity.

  • Team: No matter how groundbreaking your concept is, you won’t get far if you don’t have the right people by your side. Choose individuals who believe in the vision as much as you do, and be sure they can adapt to the unpredictable nature of a startup.
  • Tech: Your product must have a true competitive edge. In our case, we recognized that if we wanted to stand out, our technology—both the hardware and the accompanying software—had to be genuinely unique. We invested heavily in R&D for frames that are both aesthetically pleasing and optimized for connectivity. This meant making tough choices about which features to highlight and which to leave for later iterations.
  • Tenacity: Perhaps the most vital element is the commitment to keep going when immediate challenges seem overwhelming. It’s crucial to plan years in advance while staying confident enough to tackle short-term roadblocks without losing sight of the larger vision. Startups rarely make sense on paper, and the path is often filled with naysayers. Still, it takes a “leap of faith” mindset to push forward. 

Success in the wearables market doesn’t come from playing it safe or diluting your focus. It stems from deliberate specialization, user-informed design, and an unwavering belief in the long-term potential of your vision. Focus on the 3 T’s above and you will be on the path to building something great! 

The journey is not easy, and the challenges will keep coming. But if you keep your eyes on that horizon of one, three, and five years ahead, you’ll stand a very good chance of creating something that genuinely changes people’s lives.

 

Harrison Gross

Harrison Gross is the CEO and Co-Founder of Lucyd, the first Chat-GPT-enabled smart eyewear company.

 

 

 

 

Steps To Launching A Successful Personal Trainer Career

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personal training

Embarking on a personal trainer career can be exciting and rewarding. Whether you’re driven by a passion for fitness or a desire to help others lead healthier lives, personal training offers flexibility, personal satisfaction, and the opportunity to make a real impact. But like any career path, success doesn’t happen overnight. It requires planning, dedication, and the right qualifications.

If you’re considering stepping into the world of fitness professionally, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

1. Understand What the Job Involves.

Before diving into qualifications and training, take the time to understand what being a personal trainer really entails. It’s not just about designing workouts or spotting someone at the gym. It’s about building relationships, understanding client goals, motivating people through highs and lows, and sometimes dealing with injuries, setbacks, or lifestyle challenges. The most successful PTs are those who combine technical knowledge with emotional intelligence, patience, and adaptability.

2. Get the Right Qualifications.

You’ll need recognised industry qualifications to work as a personal trainer in the UK. Most gyms and insurance providers require a minimum level 3 certification.

Completing a Level 2 & 3 Combined Personal Training Course is the most efficient and popular route. This package combines:

  • Level 2 Gym Instructor: The foundational course that teaches you basic anatomy, physiology, and how to instruct gym-based exercises.
  • Level 3 Personal Trainer: Builds on Level 2 with advanced knowledge of programming, client assessments, and nutrition.

This combined route not only saves time but also allows you to qualify faster and begin working as a personal trainer straight away. Make sure the course is CIMSPA-accredited (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity), as this ensures your qualification is nationally recognised and respected.

3. Choose Your Path: Employment vs. Self-Employment.

Once you’re qualified, you’ll need to decide how you want to work. Most new trainers choose one of three routes:

  • Work for a gym or fitness chain (e.g., PureGym, David Lloyd): A great way to gain experience, build your reputation, and access a steady flow of clients.
  • Freelance within a gym: Rent space from a gym and manage your own clients and pricing.
  • Go fully self-employed: Offer mobile or online PT sessions, or even start your own studio.

Each has pros and cons. Employed roles offer stability, while self-employed paths give you full control over your income, schedule, and branding.

4. Develop a Personal Brand.

In a competitive market, standing out is key. Take time to think about what makes you different. Are you passionate about helping new mums regain strength? Do you specialise in strength training for over-50s? Are you offering online coaching for busy professionals?

Once you’ve defined your niche, build your brand around it. Create a professional website, set up social media profiles, and showcase your knowledge through content like videos, blogs, or client success stories. A clear brand helps you attract the right type of client and builds trust.

5. Keep Learning & Stay Certified.

The best trainers are lifelong learners. The health and fitness industry is constantly evolving with new research, trends, and tools. Consider adding CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses in areas like pre/postnatal training, nutrition coaching, kettlebell instruction, or sports massage.

Staying certified with organisations like CIMSPA and keeping your first aid qualifications up to date is also essential if you want to remain insured and legally compliant.

6. Focus on Client Experience.

Your qualifications will get your foot in the door, but what keeps clients coming back is the experience you offer. Be punctual, communicate, tailor your programmes to individual needs, and celebrate your clients’ wins.

Client retention is often more valuable than constantly chasing new leads. Happy clients not only stay longer but are more likely to refer friends and family.

7. Set Clear Business Goals.

Whether you’re employed or self-employed, treat your career like a business. Set monthly income goals, track expenses, manage bookings effectively, and invest in tools (like scheduling software or fitness apps) that streamline your work. If you’re self-employed, don’t forget to register with HMRC and stay on top of taxes.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a personal trainer is more than just a job — it’s a lifestyle. It requires passion, persistence, and a willingness to grow both professionally and personally. With the right qualifications, a clear niche, and a focus on delivering real results, you can launch a rewarding and successful career in the fitness industry.

The Level 2 & 3 Combined Personal Training Course is your first step toward turning your passion for fitness into a fulfilling profession. Get qualified, build your brand, and start changing lives — one client at a time.

 

Trust Through Transparency: 5 Steps To Enhance Your Leadership Communication

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by Mike Peterson, founder of Apex Consulting Partners and author of “Leading in the Age of Digital Disruption“

Transparent communication stands as a cornerstone of effective leadership, creating the essential bridge between trust and accountability in any organization. When leaders communicate openly and honestly, they enable team members to truly connect with organizational goals, address emerging challenges before they become crises, and feel genuinely valued as contributors to the shared mission.

While most leaders recognize the value of transparent communication, implementing it effectively requires a structured approach. I recommend following a five-step process that offers a clear pathway for creating an environment where transparency becomes not just a practice, but part of the organization’s DNA.

THE FIVE-STEP MODEL

Transparent communication is more than sharing information — it’s about fostering understanding, alignment, and accountability at every level of an organization.

1. Start with Clear Intentions.

Communication begins with clarity. Leaders must clearly articulate their goals and the purpose behind their message. When intentions are clear, it reduces misunderstandings and sets the tone for focused, purposeful dialogue.

Action step: make sure to establish regular check-ins where team members can share updates, raise concerns, and ask questions. These consistent meetings provide a reliable space for open dialogue. 

2. Explain Why the Issue Is Important.

The “why” matters. People are more likely to engage when they understand the significance of the task or decision at hand. By explaining why something is important, leaders connect the immediate conversation to broader goals, fostering a sense of purpose and ownership.

Action step: this is especially true when making important decisions. Clearly explaining how and why you made them helps team members feel connected to the decision-making process and reduces uncertainty.

3. Foster Two-Way Communication.

Great communication is a dialogue, not a monologue. Leaders must create opportunities for feedback, encouraging employees to share their thoughts, ask questions, and express concerns. Two-way communication builds a culture of respect and collaboration, ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued.

Action step: this means developing multiple avenues for feedback, recognizing that not everyone feels comfortable speaking up in meetings. Options might include anonymous surveys, suggestion boxes, or one-on-one conversations. You should also request feedback about your leadership. Show your team that you value their input by listening to their suggestions and acting on them when appropriate.

4. Align on Expectations and Goals.

Alignment is where clarity and collaboration converge. Leaders and teams must work together to set clear expectations and establish shared goals. This includes agreeing to a timeline — a key point of accountability. This step ensures everyone is moving in the same direction, reducing confusion and fostering accountability.

Action step: regular check-ins help ensure your team understands what’s expected and feels empowered to ask questions when things aren’t clear. Don’t assume understanding just because someone is nodding their head – ask about their perception. 

5. Provide Feedback.

Feedback — including communication back from the people who are receiving information — is the loop that completes the process. Constructive, timely feedback helps individuals grow, reinforces alignment, and keeps communication flowing. Leaders who provide clear, actionable feedback create an environment where improvement and learning are part of the culture.

Action step: feedback needs to be a balance of positive reinforcement and constructive criticism. Neither should dominate consistently.

CORE PRINCIPLES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Be Honest, Even When It’s Difficult.

Transparency requires honesty, especially during challenging times. Withholding information or sugarcoating the truth erodes trust. Your team needs to know you’re being upfront, even when situations are difficult.

Model the Behavior You Want to See.

As a leader, your communication style sets the tone for the entire team. If you want open communication, you must demonstrate it yourself. Be honest, share information proactively, and remain open to feedback. When your team sees you practicing transparency, they will follow your lead.

The Impact on Team Dynamics.

When communication is transparent, it strengthens relationships, boosts morale, and fosters accountability. Team members who can openly share thoughts without fear of judgment are more likely to collaborate, take ownership of their work, and feel invested in the team’s success.

Transparent communication also helps address problems before they escalate. Minor issues, if left unspoken, can grow into major challenges. When teams communicate openly, they can solve problems quickly and effectively.

FINAL THOUGHT

Transparent communication isn’t just about leaders sharing information — it’s about fostering an environment where open, honest dialogue flows in all directions. As a leader, your responsibility is to create conditions where this kind of communication can thrive. By implementing the five-step model, you build a team that feels empowered, respected, and aligned with organizational goals.

 

mike peterson

Mike Peterson is the founder and managing partner of Apex Consulting Partners and the author of “Leading in the Age of Digital Disruption“. With nearly two decades of experience in HR and IT, he has held global leadership roles at BioMarin, Zogenix, UCB, and Structure Therapeutics. Peterson has been certified by both SHRM and the HR Certification Institute. Learn more at www.apexconsulting.partners.

 

What Is Employee Engagement?

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by Minal Joshi Jaeckli, founder of OpenElevator and author of “The Goldilocks Team: Master Retention and Hiring“

Employee engagement is obviously extremely important. But what does it mean, exactly? Perhaps like me, you’ve worked for years without giving engagement a thought. Ironically, what got me interested in workplace engagement was my own disengagement.

After working across three industries on two continents and in about ten different mostly rewarding, if not totally fun, positions, from chemist in the pharmaceutical sector to product manager in the semiconductor industry to investor relations for a wealth manager, I joined Credit Suisse. I had a rich and diverse experience base to take on what sounded like a great opportunity. Beyond work, I was a lucky new mom, with the most wonderful husband. All was well. Even though I had joined the workforce over a decade ago, I had never said, much less thought about the phrase “Employee Engagement.”

At Credit Suisse it felt like the music stopped. Within a few weeks, I found myself completely disengaged.

While I’d had the usual career ups and downs, for the most part I had been very fortunate. I didn’t fully grasp how fortunate until I joined Credit Suisse. As I often tell people, engagement isn’t like a Bollywood movie, there’s no dancing in fields of daisies when you’re happy. It just feels normal, just like what you’d expect. However, when you’re unhappy, dread Mondays, and feel a deep, soul-crushing aversion for your job, the difference becomes painfully clear.

Having worked in so many different environments, I tried to identify the throughline, the common thread among the positions that made them great (or at least fine). And what was missing now that was making me so unhappy? What was not working? What did I need to be happy?

I was horrified when I realized my disengagement at Credit Suisse wasn’t an isolated issue but a systemic problem. I was struck by my colleagues’ discontent. Every conversation revolved around the latest management upheavals, contained sarcastic comments about internal communications, and was evidence of everyone’s overwhelming sense of frustration with their jobs, bosses, and the organization as a whole. My coworkers didn’t just complain; people busied themselves, constantly networking to find another position to jump to, playing a desperate game of musical chairs. I wondered how any work got done. It was completely bizarre and nauseating
to me. Unhappiness at work was not just an individual experience but a collective norm. Witnessing how they had normalized unhappiness at work was disturbing to me.

I felt like a spoiled brat for expecting more from work.

Was it that bad at Credit Suisse? Yes. Was I expecting too much from an employer, and from work, because of my own previous, rewarding work experiences? No.

It’s striking how much our expectations and standards are shaped by our experiences and beliefs. In stark contrast to my previous positive experiences, I was now part of an environment where discontent was routine, and the pursuit of a fulfilling career was overshadowed by a prevailing sense of desperation and resignation. But I don’t do desperation or resignation. I’m like a heat-seeking missile when it comes to problem solving; a dog that just can’t let go of a bone (not always an enjoyable attribute for those around me). I needed a solution. So I set out to find one.

Of course you know, before solutions comes knowledge. Lucky for me, learning new things, new industries, new technologies, new functions, and new geographies, was the hallmark of my career. Instinctively, I set out to learn everything I could about what we need from work, what makes us happy at work, what drives engagement.

As I began to understand more about workplace happiness, I realized the depth of the problem. It wasn’t just me, or The Credit Suisse Group. Employees and employers all over the world urgently need a different, better approach to talent management. This increasingly took hold and called me to develop a solution.

In the years that followed, I learned several critical lessons about talent management. Firstly, I understood that a toxic work environment can become an accepted norm if left unchecked. Knowing this has led me to focus on creating tools and strategies for companies to hire for engagement and build workplaces where satisfaction and contribution are prioritized from the start.

Like any first-order solution, addressing the root causes of disengagement is paramount. It is key to transforming both individual experiences and organizational cultures, powerfully impacting employee quality of life and company bottom line.

 

*excerpted from “The Goldilocks Team: Master Retention and Hiring“

 

Minal Joshi Jaeckli

Minal Joshi Jaeckli is the founder of OpenElevator, a pioneering platform designed to help companies break the cycle of employee turnover through a proprietary, connection-driven system. Minal is author of “The Goldilocks Team: Master Retention and Hiring“. With this book, she guides mission-driven leaders on how to build top-performing teams. She provides a strategic blueprint for gaining an unfair advantage in employee retention and hiring success — helping leaders create winning teams that not only perform but also thrive.

 

Empowering Your Day: Actionable Balance Strategies For Women Thriving In Work And Business

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by Solveig Eitungjerde

The reality for many driven women in careers and business is that juggling everything often leaves you feeling like you’re running on empty. But it’s not about constantly draining yourself; it’s about finding a lasting balance that supports your well-being.

In this article, you´ll get practical tips to help you manage your energy, set healthy boundaries, and make feeling good a regular part of your busy schedule.

Keeping Your Energy Up

Think of your energy like the fuel in your car. If it runs out, you can’t go anywhere. Here are some easy ways to keep your tank full:

  • Quick Energy Boosts: Instead of pushing through when you’re tired, take short breaks. Stand up, stretch a little, take a few deep breaths, or just look away from your screen for a minute. Try to do this every hour – it’s like a mini-reset for your brain. For example, if you’ve been writing emails for an hour, get up and walk to the kitchen to grab a glass of fresh water.
  • Focus Time: Picture your day as having specific slots for different things. Schedule blocks of time to really concentrate on important tasks, like “10 AM – 11:30 AM: Work on the presentation.” This helps you avoid getting distracted and lets you use your best energy for what matters most.
  • Fuel Your Body Well: What you eat is like the gas you put in your car. Cheap gas might get you going for a bit, but it won’t keep you running well for long. Focus on healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein to have steady energy throughout the day. For example, instead of grabbing a candy bar for a snack, try some yogurt and berries.
  • Move Your Body a Little: Even a little bit of exercise can wake you up. Think of it like shaking off sleepiness. A quick walk during lunch or putting on some music and dancing for a few minutes can lift your mood and give you more energy. Find something you enjoy and try to do it most days.

Protecting Your Time and Yourself

Learning to say “no” is like putting up a fence around your time and energy. It helps prevent you from getting overwhelmed. Here´s how you can go about it:

  • Know What Really Matters: Figure out what’s truly important to you, both at work and in your personal life. This helps you decide where to spend your time and what you might need to say “no” to. For example, if spending your evenings with family is a top priority, you might need to decline a late afternoon work session that isn’t absolutely essential.
  • Speak Up Clearly: Don’t be afraid to politely tell people what your limits are. Whether it’s letting someone know you can’t take on another project right now or that you’ll only answer emails during certain hours, clear communication helps avoid problems. For example, instead of just saying “maybe” when asked to do something you don’t have time for, try saying, “Thanks for the offer, but my schedule is pretty full at the moment.”
  • Build in Breathing Room: Think of your schedule like packing a suitcase. If you stuff everything in tightly, it might burst. Leave some extra time between meetings and tasks. This gives you a chance to switch gears, catch up, or just take a breath before moving on.
  • Unplug from Work: Imagine work as a light switch – you need to turn it off sometimes to recharge. Set specific times when you’re completely done with work emails and tasks. This could be during dinner or on weekends. This “digital detox” helps you truly relax and focus on other parts of your life.

Making Feeling Good a Priority

Taking care of yourself isn’t just something you “should do”; it’s as important as the work you do. Try creating a daily routine to make these habits a regular part of your day:

  • Get Good Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Think of sleep as charging your phone overnight. A regular bedtime routine, like reading a book or taking a warm bath, can help you sleep better.
  • Quiet Your Mind for a Bit: Even a few minutes of calm can make a big difference. Try focusing on your breathing for a minute or two, or take a walk in nature. It’s like hitting the pause button on a busy day.
  • Connect with People You Care About: Your friends and family are like your support team. Make time for them. Talking, laughing, and sharing experiences help you feel good and less alone.
  • Be Kind to Yourself: Everyone makes mistakes or has tough days. Treat yourself like you would a good friend. Recognize your efforts and be understanding when things don’t go perfectly.

Taking charge of your day and finding balance is a journey, not a quick fix. By making these simple changes, you can create a more sustainable and enjoyable life where you excel in both your work and your personal life. Remember, looking after yourself is the smartest thing you can do for your well-being.

 

Solveig Eitungjerde

Solveig Eitungjerde is a certified health coach who helps women who juggle that never-ending to-do list while wanting to be present and productive – manage their time and energy, avoid burnout, and make space for what truly matters. Through personalized coaching, she helps her clients design a life with a better work-life balance. If you´d like more practical tips to protect your time and energy, you can join her free 3-day mini audio course, “Balance Work, Entrepreneurship & Fun: 3 Days to More Time & No More Burnout,”. Connect with Solveig on Instagram, email her at solveig@livewellandexplore.com, or visit her blog.

 

4 Vital Ways To Build Trust With Your Online Customers Every Time

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Trust is one of those things that is not just the cornerstone of life relationships- it serves as the most important foundation for every successful online business. Without it, the most innovative services or products can struggle to attract and retain customers. In the digital world where face-to-face interactions are rare, your website, your content, and of course your manner of dealing with customers become the key ways to reassure that your business is credible, reliable, and safe to engage with.

What does it take to build trust in the right ways?

Safeguard Customer Transactions

With something like accepting payments online, trust is particularly important. Many businesses, particularly those in industries that are considered higher risk, may need to work with a high risk merchant provider to process transactions securely. These providers are specialized payment solutions that will safeguard transactions, ensure smooth payment experiences, and of course, protect customer data. 

We hear much more about widespread cyber attacks than ever these days, and therefore, ensuring that you are protecting yourself and customers from fraud and chargebacks is pivotal.

Consistent Branding and Clear Messaging

Credibility is all about consistency. Your brand needs to have the right colors, logo, tone of voice, and messaging across all aspects- from your website to social media and your marketing. 

Consistency is going to reassure customers that your business is legitimate and professional, and this means it’s easier for them to remember you, and of course, they will trust you. Regularly auditing your online presence through an external auditor ensures your brand values and promises are clearly communicated at every single touchpoint.

The Proof

What they call social proof through testimonials and case studies is a powerful strategy for building trust. Positive feedback from satisfied customers is social proof, which shows potential buyers that others have had good interactions with your business. 

Case studies provide real-world examples of how your products and services have solved problems, further demonstrating your expertise and reliability. It may go without saying, but if you want to build trust, ensure that those testimonials are actually real. There is a temptation to fabricate testimonials, particularly if you are at the very outset of your business journey. Instead, focus on the quality of services that can generate that social proof.

Engaging Authentically

Social media platforms are pivotal for building relationships and fostering trust. Responding to comments and messages promptly, participating in conversations relevant to your audience, and sharing behind-the-scenes content humanizes the brand and demonstrates that you value your customers’ input and feedback. 

In a world where we demand instant gratification, building trust can seem like a very frustrating part of the entire process. You need to gradually progress and present that cohesive brand, but also focus on how you can start building a culture and lay a strong foundation for lasting customer relationships. 

Trust is something that’s even harder to come by, which means that we have to double down on this. Get it right and you will have not just a customer for life, but the right type of customer.

 

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