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Spirit Airlines has rejected a merger offer with Frontier as it prepares to exit bankruptcy. Wednesday, Frontier made its second offer to merge with the bankrupt Spirit Airlines, but Spirit rejected it on the grounds that it was financially insufficient. In 2022, Frontier offered to acquire Spirit for $2.9 billion, but the offer was ultimately rejected when Spirit chose to accept a higher offer from JetBlue (which was later blocked for antitrust concerns). Frontier Airlines put forward its current merger offer in hopes of creating a strong, low-fare airline together. “We have long believed a combination with Spirit would allow us to unlock additional value-creation opportunities,” said Barry Biffle, CEO of Frontier, in a statement. In a joint letter to Spirit’s chair and CEO, Biffle and Frontier’s chair of the board added that they believe the transaction “generates more value for all Spirit stakeholders” than Spirit’s current plan filed to the Bankruptcy Court. But Frontier’s offer was lower than the amount the two parties had discussed in 2022, Raniero D’Aversa, an attorney and market-leading practitioner in bankruptcies, out-of-court restructurings, and creditors’ rights controversies, tells Fast Company. In Frontier’s offer, debt holders would receive $400 million in new debt and 19% of Frontier’s common equity. It would also require stakeholders to invest $350 million in equity, which they were “not willing to do,” according to a regulatory filing. “The offer appears to be too little, too late,” D’Aversa says. In its rejection of the offer, Spirit said that the board believes Frontier’s proposal is “so insufficient as not to merit a counter.” Accepting or considering this offer could also interfere with the airline’s plans to exit bankruptcy, which it had filed for in November. Spirit Airlines is “on a fast track to exit,” D’Aversa says. “Any serious consideration of the Frontier offer would derail the whole bankruptcy process, which is overwhelmingly supported by its constituents.” The airline has a February 13 court date to finalize its exit plan. While a company and its board have a fiduciary obligation to consider any deal for the benefit of its constituents and equity holders—and in the case of bankruptcy, its creditors—they’re under no obligation to actually accept it. Although Spirit has operated normally during its bankruptcy, the airline has cut 200 jobs and sold some Airbus planes in order to raise millions of dollars. D’Aversa compares the situation to the classic “a bird in the hand . . . ” idiom. Spirit is lined up to come out of bankruptcy imminently, and it appears the airline is ready to fight through its final month rather than merge. View the full article

If your Garmin watch is showing a blue triangle, you’re not alone—Garmin has acknowledged that other users are experiencing this, and has published instructions for fixing it. The issue affects several models of watch, including Fenix, Epix, and Forerunner watches. As of January 29, they say the issue has been resolved (but your watch may still need a hard reset to make use of the fix.) The company initially told me in an email: “Garmin is researching reports of devices displaying a blue triangle when starting a GPS activity. A reset by pressing and holding the power button may restore functionality. We will provide more information on a permanent fix when available.” Garmin has since updated the message on their website to say: "We have resolved the underlying issue causing some devices to be stuck on the start up screen or a blue triangle. If you are still experiencing this, please visit support.garmin.com for steps to resolve the issue." Click that link for instructions on how to restart your watch if it's stuck on that blue triangle boot screen. What is the problem?Users have reported that their watch will go into a “boot loop,” where it keeps rebooting but never managing to fully start up. The watch displays a blue triangle, as shown in this Reddit post. Epix, Fenix, Forerunner, Venu, and Vivoactive watches seem to be affected, according to comments in various Reddit posts. The page that Garmin linked with reset instructions also mentions Edge bike computers, and Instinct and Approach watches. Only some models are affected; for example, the Vivoactive 4 is mentioned on that support page, but the Vivoactive 5 is not. The blue triangle issue may have been triggered by starting a GPS activity, which Garmin acknowledged in its initial statement, but the company has not confirmed whether this is the precise cause. Some users noticed it happened after logging a non-GPS activity, and one says it started when they scrolled over a “weather app/widget.” Reddit users are speculating that the issue may have been caused by a faulty GPS file. According to this theory, it doesn’t matter when your watch was last updated, or whether you are in the beta program (which grants early access to new features). Rather, the corrupted file would be synced to your watch during normal use. That would explain why it started affecting so many people at once. That said, I wasn’t able to reproduce this issue on a Vivoactive 5 or a Forerunner 265. On both, I started and finished a GPS "Walk" activity several times and the watch stayed functional. I also did a non-GPS strength activity on a Forerunner 265S. Perhaps I missed the window of time when the corrupted file was live; in any case, not all users experienced this issue. How to fix the issue (maybe)Garmin's official advice is on this page. The fix varies by model, but to give an overview of what's needed for each device: Fenix 8 and Lily 2: Power down the watch by holding in the power/light button, then turn it on again, and sync the watch to your phone or computer. Approach S70, Forerunner watches, Venu 3, Vivoactive 4, Vivoactive 5: Perform a factory reset. D2, Epix gen 2, Enduro gen 2, Fenix 7, Quatix 7, Tactix 7, Instinct 3: Connect the watch to a computer with a power/data cable and use Garmin Express to sync the watch. Edge cycling computers: Connect the device to a PC running Windows, and delete the CPE.bin file. If this doesn't resolve the issue, do a master reset. For detailed instructions on those steps, check this support page. Note that a factory reset will delete some data, like your Wallet setup and some of your Body Battery and step count data. Once you do that reset, you'll need to reconnect your watch to your phone. Redditors came up with an alternate solution while waiting for this one, recommending that users connect the watch to a PC with a data/charging cable, and deleting a specific file from the watch. Here is the Reddit comment describing this procedure, but note that Garmin only recommends this for Edge computers. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Two years ago, I discovered that clean smarties around the Internet were using their handheld steamers to clean their homes and I thought that was brilliant, so I started doing it right away, too. Professional steam cleaners are awesome because they heat up so much that they can even disinfect surfaces—and while I've never been totally convinced my little garment steamer from Amazon is quite as powerful as all that, I've still found a lot of ways to use it around the house. Here is the steamer I have, which retails for about $26 and comes with a brush you can stick on the front. I try to avoid using the brush when I'm cleaning, just so I don't accidentally transfer any messy gunk onto my clothes when I use the steamer for its intended purpose, but in a pinch, it does come in handy. Handheld Garment Steamer $26.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $29.99 Save $3.00 Shop Now Shop Now $26.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $29.99 Save $3.00 I steam any stain of dubious originFirst up, if I find a stain anywhere and I don't know exactly what it is, I steam it. Granted, you can steam any kind of stain, since the heat loosens it and the little bit of moisture helps draw it out, but I especially like this technique for messes that I can't quite explain, since I feel better knowing my first line of attack against them is germ-killing heat. Today, I moved a bunch of stuff near my sink and discovered some marks underneath it all. I couldn't be sure what caused the streaks, but I could be sure that I was attacking them with heat and power. Besides its potential for germ-destroying, steam is fantastic for quickly loosening any stuck-on grime. I've used my steamer to get baked-on food off of oven racks, for instance. Of course, you can use oven cleaner or hot, soapy water, but that takes a lot longer. Blasting caked-on goo with steam loosens it fast and lets you move on to the soapy, more serious disinfecting quicker. The steamer blasting through some streaks by my sink. Credit: Lindsey Ellefson Just a few seconds into the steaming of the streaks by my sink, they disappeared. Of course, I went back in with cleaning solution after that, but I was feeling pretty smug by that point. They came right up and off without me having to do so much as scrub (plus I never had to touch anything gross). I steam my dirty dishesIf you do your dishes right away, food doesn't have time to get stuck on them. Blah, blah, I know. But sometimes I'm busy. Sometimes I'm lazy. What I'm saying is that food gets stuck on my dishes and I hate scrubbing it off with a sponge, but not enough to ever learn a lesson about washing them in a speedier fashion. This is where my steamer comes in. I don't have a dishwasher because I live in a small apartment, so I can't toss them in there and let the heat do its job. What I can do is blast those bad boys with the steamer for a second or two, which makes the task of cleaning them off so much faster than if I let them sit in hot water or, God forbid, just got to work scrubbing. Stuck-on food besmirching my spoon before getting annihilated by the steamer. Credit: Lindsey Ellefson I like making quick work of the dishes and, of course, that the heat tackles some germs even before I get at them with the dish soap. Today, there was a spoon in the sink that had a very stuck-on line of food in its bowl (likely from a cheap microwavable soup, I'm sorry to say) but the steamer dislodged it like it was nothing. I did try a little with my fingernail and a sponge before blasting it, just to see how bad it was, and neither made any impact—but the steamer sure did. From there, I soaped the whole thing up, dried it, and went on with my day. I steam my mirrors, tooWhile on my steam-cleaning mission today, I did not need to clean my mirrors (humble brag) because I already did that recently. What I can't provide in photographic evidence I'll make up for in testimony: I love steaming my mirrors because it works so fast and leaves them streak-free. Windex is fine and all, but you have to really wipe to clear out those streaks. Steam is much easier to wipe off and leaves behind no chemicals. I also really like it because one of the main mirrors in my apartment is backlit and relies on electricity. I try to avoid getting it wet, to the extent possible, so the minimal amount of moisture provided by the steam machine is far preferable to the direct wetness of a spritz of window cleaner. The steam quickly destroys water stains and other splotches, although I caution that you may need to go two or three rounds with hairspray that's stuck to your glass. It takes me a few passes to break all the way through setting spray, hair spray, and other sticky chemicals the likes of which you use in front of the mirror. Other than that, this technique works great on shower glass, tile, ceramic, or any other smooth surface where you have water stains or other buildups. You don't need chemicals or a bunch of tools as long as you have your steamer and a rag to wipe everything down with. View the full article

Well, well, well—look who suddenly wants a word with the sheriff in the fair-use Wild West landscape of artificial intelligence. As Bloomberg reports, Microsoft and its partner company OpenAI are investigating the white-hot Chinese startup DeepSeek after Microsoft security researchers allegedly discovered people linked to DeepSeek withdrawing large amounts of data through the company’s API last fall. Elsewhere, White House AI czar David Sacks told Fox News on Tuesday that there is “substantial evidence” that DeepSeek “distilled” knowledge from OpenAI’s AI models. These allegations align with other suspicious aspects of the new AI. For instance, when a Fast Company editor took DeepSeek for a test run earlier this week, the chatbot insisted it was made by Microsoft. Perhaps the Chinese company—which built its new model in a matter of months with shockingly little funding and computing power—violated the law by using OpenAI’s output to develop its tech. Or maybe it operated entirely within a legal gray area. Either way, it’s ironic that a company whose entire business model is predicated on repurposing copyrighted material is now crying foul over another company repurposing its material. Ever since OpenAI’s ChatGPT normalized generative AI in 2022, creators have accused it of essentially being a plagiarism machine. Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT require for their training immense sums of information about the world. That info often comes from the copyrighted work of human creators, many of whom did not sign off on their material being used for this purpose. Sometimes, the material is sourced and linked to; other times, not. But the direct use of copyrighted material is just standard AI. A February 2024 report from plagiarism detector Copyleaks found that 60% of ChatGPT’s output contained some form of plagiarism. Lawsuits, litigation, and legal gray areas It should come as little surprise that all this plagiarism has kept Microsoft and OpenAI entangled in nonstop litigation over the past two years. The companies have faced class-action lawsuits from a group of nonfiction authors led by Julian Sancton and class-action lawsuits from such novelists as Jonathan Franzen and Jodi Picoult. Comedian Sarah Silverman, who is also an author, jumped in on yet another of these lawsuits, accusing not only OpenAI but also Meta of using copyrighted work “without consent, without credit, and without compensation.” And while publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Vox, and The Atlantic have entered into if-you-can’t-beat-‘em-join-‘em partnership deals with Microsoft and OpenAI, the New York Times Company sued both companies for alleged copyright infringement in December of 2023. As of now, most of these cases are still ongoing, and the rules for fair use in training LLMs remain in flux. What’s illuminating in light of OpenAI’s allegations against DeepSeek, however, is how OpenAI has defended its use of copyrighted material. During trial arguments earlier this month in the NYT Company case, OpenAI claimed (as ever) that its output is covered by the fair use doctrine, which permits the use of copyrighted material to create something new, as long as it doesn’t compete with the original work. OpenAI’s attorneys characterize ChatGPT as not actually storing copyrighted material, but merely relying on the aftereffects of material passing through its models during the training process. According to Digiday’s reporting on the hearing, an attorney representing OpenAI claimed, “If I say to you, ‘Yesterday all my troubles seemed so . . . ,’ we will all think ‘far away’ because we have been exposed to that text so many times,” alluding to the lyrics of “Yesterday” by the Beatles. “That doesn’t mean you have a copy of that song somewhere in your brain.” (It should be noted here that former Beatle Paul McCartney has also been quite vocal in his criticism of AI repurposing the work and creativity of human artists.) By OpenAI’s own logic, maybe DeepSeek simply allowed output from a U.S. competitor to flow through its model during the training process. At this point, we don’t know. (Microsoft declined to comment on what’s alleged in the Bloomberg report. Fast Company also reached out to OpenAI and will update this post as needed.) For years now, authors, journalists, artists, and all sorts of creators have been screaming at the top of their lungs, in and out of court, that AI platforms should either find a more ethical approach to their mission or abandon it altogether. Now that the entire American AI industry is reeling from a $1 trillion stock hit because a small startup allegedly gave them a taste of their own medicine, it’s no wonder that the response on social media has been a schadenfreude bonanza. Live by the fair use doctrine, die by the fair use doctrine. View the full article

Subscribe to Work LifeGet stories like this in your inbox Subscribe 5-second summary Time management strategies are specific frameworks or systems to maximize your time and energy We’ve gathered five time management strategies that put you in the driver’s seat of your tasks, schedule, time, and energy, each in a different way. Take our one-minute quiz to find out which strategy will be the biggest difference-maker for you. Where the heck did the day go? Time slipped right through my fingers. Next week, things will calm down. Every single one of us has had those exact thoughts about our workdays. But here’s the harsh truth: You won’t magically find or manufacture more time. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Not when that big project is wrapped up. So, according to the laws of physics, you need to make the most of the time you already have. That’s where time management strategies come into play. These models go beyond the daily war with your to-do list, helping you execute meaningful work in an efficient and fulfilling way. Jump to the quiz How do time management strategies help? Time management strategies are specific frameworks or systems to maximize your time and energy. Put another way, they help you overcome several common time management roadblocks. Multitasking: Research shows that the human brain is incapable of doing more than one thing at once (unless you count autonomous tasks like breathing). When you think you’re multitasking, you’re actually context switching – rapidly jumping between various tasks. While it might make you feel like you’re dominating your to-do list, this constant switching of gears is a drag on your productivity. Time management strategies help you stop juggling and start focusing. Fires and emergencies: You know the feeling. Your intentions for your workday are quickly sidetracked by the latest three-alarm emergency that lands in your inbox. While time management strategies won’t keep these red alerts off your desk entirely, they will help you better discern what actually deserves your immediate attention, rather than continuing to play inbox whack-a-mole. Information overload: Meetings. Emails. Notifications. Calls. Documents. Requests. Day in and day out, you’re inundated with information. That cognitive overload (which is what happens when the volume or complexity of incoming information exceeds your ability to absorb it) causes us to be less effective by seeking out low-value tasks, overlooking important details, and overall just feeling stuck. The right time management strategy can help you filter through the relentless noise to find your starting point. Energy depletion: Everything we’ve already mentioned – from the last-minute requests to an information avalanche – quickly drains your tank. Time management strategies allow you to be more mindful of not only your time but also your energy levels. With the right approach in your toolbox, you’ll be better equipped to schedule work more strategically and avoid running yourself ragged. There are plenty of hurdles that time management strategies will get you over, but they’re not a fix-all. If you’re struggling with an unmanageable workload, bona fide burnout, or other mental health challenges, the right time management hack probably isn’t your answer. Those more complex issues require conversations with your company leadership and/or a trusted mental health professional. The fundamentals: 13 time management best practices that always hold water There are several specific time management strategies you can use to make better use of your work hours. We’ll get to those frameworks in a minute. But, regardless of which of those you try, there are a few general time management best practices that are always a good idea – and a good place to start. Audit your time: Want to make better use of your time? You need to know where you’re starting. Whether you use an automated time tracker or a simple notepad, keep track of your work hours and what you get done. Do this for at least a couple of weeks so you can spot trends and identify improvement areas. Set goals: Your ultimate objective is to manage your time better, but that can feel broad and intangible. Instead, set time management-related SMART goals to encourage and monitor your progress, such as signing off every weekday by 5PM, or spending the first 15 minutes of every morning making a to-do list. Stop procrastinating: Procrastination is one of the biggest culprits eating away at your precious work hours, but it can be tough to overcome. Set a timer, enlist an accountability buddy, or find another hack that nudges you to just get started. Break down big tasks: Intimidation could be behind your persistent procrastination. So, break that big undertaking down into more manageable tasks and milestones. It’ll feel less daunting and also give you regular intervals to recognize and celebrate your progress. Incentivize yourself: When you reach a milestone or cross off another task, treat yourself. Whether you go for a quick walk or grab your favorite snack, even small, seemingly insignificant rewards can encourage you to keep moving forward. Prioritize: Time management is about focusing on your most important work. To do so, you need to parse out the meaningful from the mundane. Strategically ordering your work based on criteria like impact, deadlines, and effort required serves as a good foundation for any time management strategy. Schedule breaks: Even the most productive people need adequate time to rest and recharge. No time management system should be synonymous with constant, dogged work. Your brain quite literally needs breaks – brain activity research says so. Limit distractions: Even the best time management strategy will suffer if you’re consistently waylaid by pings, pushes, and drop-bys. Try your best to minimize distractions, especially during times when you’re doing deep work. Check your environment: Your work environment has a direct impact on your productivity. Sitting on your couch in the dark while hunched over your laptop isn’t conducive to peak focus. Find or create a quiet space with some natural light and at least a somewhat ergonomic setup to support your best work (and, you know, your back). Get organized: Searching for what you need isn’t the most efficient use of your time. Get a decent organization system in place so that, when you’re ready to work, you can jump right in. Avoid multitasking: Even if you think you’re a whiz at doing several things at once, you’re doing your brain a disservice by trying to multitask. Instead, pick one task to focus on at a time. You’ll get it done better – and faster – than if you had simultaneously juggled it with two other to-do’s. Understand your peaks and valleys: You know you best, so think about how your energy tends to ebb and flow throughout the workday. Paying attention to when you’re most focused and energized will help you make the most of those energetic hours, like saving your morning for deep work and cleaning out your inbox after lunch. Delegate: You can only do so much with the hours you have. But there’s good news: You don’t have to do it all alone. Knowing what you can delegate (whether you hand tasks off to technology or another person) is one of the best ways to buy yourself more time and reserve your focus for your most meaningful and impactful work. Related Article Night owl or early bird? Discover your circadian personality By Tracy Middleton In Productivity 5 time management strategies to maximize your time and energy Now that you’re schooled on the basics, let’s take a look at four widely used time management frameworks. 1. Eisenhower Matrix What it is: A four-quadrant chart that helps you categorize all your tasks based on their urgency and their importance or impact How it works: Draw a square and separate it into four even quadrants. Along the y-axis, label those boxes with “important” and “not important.” On the top x-axis, label those boxes with “urgent” and “not urgent.” Next, categorize each task on your to-do list. Is that slide deck important and urgent? It goes in the top left box. Is your expense report not important but urgent? It goes in the bottom left box. Once everything is sorted, you can approach each category like this: Urgent and important: Do these first! Urgent and not important: Delegate these if you can. Otherwise, tackle them next. Not urgent and important: Schedule time for these in the coming weeks. Not urgent and not important: These can fall off your to-do list entirely. Also called a “prioritization matrix,” this handy tool helps you filter through a lengthy task list and pull out the items that require your immediate attention. From the PlaybookAllthethings Prioritization Matrix Run the Play 2. 80/20 Rule What it is: A principle positing that 80% of your results come from only 20% of your efforts. How it works: Since time management is about getting the most meaningful work done, this strategy (also called the Pareto Principle) focuses on finding the highest-impact tasks on your list – with the idea that those will generate the biggest outcomes for your workday. You’ll likely be drawn to the low-hanging fruit and quick wins on your to-do list, but this guiding principle forces you to look at your tasks through a new lens: Which ones will have the biggest impact? Cleaning up your inbox probably won’t lead to a substantial result. However, compiling all the data that another team has been waiting on for days will. 3. Time blocking What it is: A method that involves splitting your day into segments of time and dedicating each one to a specific task. How it works: Remember when you were in school and you knew what to expect during every moment of your day? At 11am you’re in chemistry class, at noon you have lunch, and so on. Time blocking is a lot like that. You’ll create blocks of time on your calendar and assign certain tasks or groups of tasks to that specific spot on your schedule. For example, maybe you’ll address your emails from 8am to 9am, meet with the design team from 9am to 9:30am, and draft copy for a project from 9:30am to 11:30am. It might feel overly prescriptive or rigid. But this level of detail helps you take a more proactive approach to your workday, rather than letting emails, requests, and other people control your entire schedule. 4. Pomodoro Technique What it is: A strategy that breaks your workday into smaller chunks of time (usually 25 minutes) separated by five-minute breaks. How it works: Your workday might feel daunting, but you could likely do pretty much anything if you knew it’d only take 25 minutes, right? That’s the concept behind the Pomodoro Technique. The gist is that you’ll set a timer and work for a period of 25 minutes. When the timer goes off, you take a five-minute break. After doing that cycle (called a “pomodoro”) four times, you take a longer break of about 20 minutes. It’s helpful for a few reasons. For starters, it can amp up your focus by instilling a greater sense of urgency. Most of us are naturally competitive, so you’ll likely challenge yourself to get as much done as you can in that 25-minute chunk before your timer goes off. Plus, the Pomodoro Technique has built-in breaks. As counterintuitive as it seems, those regular opportunities to step away can give a major boost to your energy and productivity. 5. Not-to-do list What it is: A documented list of time-wasting tasks and negative behaviors you’ll consistently and reliably avoid How it works: You’re familiar with a to-do list, but this is the exact opposite. Rather than making a list of all of the things you want to get done, you’ll write a list of the things you won’t do. What are the vices or bad habits that consistently distract you from your work? Or the tasks that you’ve supposedly delegated but still manage to find you anyway? Or the things you know you should say “no” to but have a hard time resisting? Those are the types of things that go on your not-to-do list. While it might sound like a silly exercise, writing things down is powerful. This simple activity can help you gain clarity about the areas where you need to be careful and resist falling into old, unproductive patterns and routines. Which time management strategy should you try? These five time management strategies put you in the driver’s seat of your tasks, schedule, time, and energy, each in a different way. But that doesn’t mean you should roll out all of them at once. You’ll see better results if you pick one. Not sure how to figure out which one will be the biggest difference-maker for you? This one-minute quiz will point you in the right direction. Once you know which time management strategy is best suited to you and your goals, test it out and see if it makes a noticeable difference. If it’s the right fit, you shouldn’t just get more done – you should feel more fulfilled and energized by what you’ve accomplished. Subscribe to Work LifeGet stories like this in your inbox Subscribe The post Quiz: Which time management strategy is right for you? appeared first on Work Life by Atlassian. View the full article

If there words or phrases you want to remove from you vocabulary, but can't seem to shake, there's a helpful trick I have learned over the years: Set up your computer and phone to automatically replace the word when you type it. I've written about Mac computers for a long time, which among other things means I mention the menu bar—that strip at the top of the screen with text menus and icons—multiple times a week while writing. For a long time, I combined those two words, writing "menubar," even though that is technically incorrect. A former editor of mine hated that I did this. Like, really hated it. He got so sick of it that he told me to go into my Mac's settings and set up my computer to automatically replace the word "menubar" with the words "menu bar." From that point on, anytime I typed "menubar," my Mac would not only replace it but make a sound letting me know it replaced it. Eventually, I stopped typing it incorrectly. Now, my use case here is admittedly niche. But you can do so much more than annoy editors less with this technique. Maybe you're trying to swear less—you could set up your device to replace curse words with cutesy alternatives, thus embarrassing yourself into re-writing your sentences. Maybe you'd like your word choices to be more gender inclusive—you could set up your devices to replace words like "guys" with "everyone." Or maybe you're trying to use less wishy-washy language at work—you could set up your computer to change phrases like "kind of" with "I'm not sure." The specifics here don't matter—the idea is to think of the things that you, yourself, would like to change about the way you talk. How to set up text replacements on any deviceApple devices come with this feature built in. On a Mac, you just need to open System Settings and head to Keyboard. On an iPhone or iPad, you can open Settings and head to General > Keyboard, and you'll see the Text Replacements option. Here you can add as many words to replace with other words as you like. Android has a similar feature buried in the settings. Assuming you're using GBoard, the default keyboard app, open the settings for your keyboard and go to Dictionary. Open your current dictionary and hit the plus button to add a Text Shortcut. Add the word you want to replace as the "Shortcut" and the word you want to replace it with in the main text field. Credit: Justin Pot Windows, sadly, doesn't have a dedicated tool for this. The good news is that you've got options. Espanso is an open source text expansion tool I wrote about last year—it takes some time to set up but works great. If you'd prefer something made specifically for Windows, you can check out Beeftext, which is also free and open source. View the full article

The former CEO of the Broker Action Coalition left that post after 10 months following that group's split from the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts. View the full article

Compromised passwords are a leading reason for data breaches. In fact, more than 80% of hacking-related breaches are caused by password-related issues. A strong password policy can help ensure everyone in your business uses strong passwords. So, what is a password policy? How can you create a standard password policy? And what are password policy best practices? Let’s find out below. What Is a Password Policy? A password policy is a set of guidelines to make everyone in a company create a strong password and use them properly to enhance computer security and online security. A standard password policy includes what users need to consider and what they should avoid when creating, changing, storing, or sharing passwords. For example, your password policy can dictate that users must create longer passwords, including a certain number of special characters. Depending on your organization’s needs, you can make your password policy advisory mandatory. Why are Password Policies Important? A password policy can help you enforce the practice of using strong, unique passwords in your business to enhance password security. Here are key reasons why implementing a strong password security policy is critical for your business: Password reuse is a security blunder. A password policy can quickly rule out password reuse practice A strong password policy with a clause of multi-factor authentication helps you minimize various security risks to a great extent Everyone in your company will start creating complex passwords and storing them safely. As a result, your passwords will be safe from brute force attacks and other password-related attacks A strong password policy signals to your customers and vendors that you are taking strict measures to safeguard passwords. This can help build trust with them Last but not least, a password policy cultivates a cybersecurity culture that is of utmost importance in today’s world, as small businesses are increasingly becoming the target of various types of cybersecurity attacks. How to Create a Standard Password Policy The following is a step-by-step process to create a strong password policy: Set Password Complexity Requirements System administrators or IT departments should set password complexity guidelines to ensure strong password creation. Here are the key password requirements to incorporate into your password policy, aimed at helping users prevent the creation of weak passwords: Passwords should be at least ten characters long (Longer is better) Users must include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and special characters in passwords Including misspelled words is a good tactic for creating complex passwords Take into account not only the use of different character types but also the need to avoid common substitutions (for example, “Pa$$w0rd!” remains a weak choice). Encourage the use of passphrase-based passwords, which are longer and can be easier to remember, such as a line from a favorite song or book, with modifications to incorporate complexity. Brute force attacks and dictionary attacks can crack simple passwords. So your password policy must have complexity requirements to encourage users to create hacker-proof passwords. Create a Password Deny List In addition to having what users should do, your password policy should also state things users must avoid when creating passwords. A password deny list can include the following: Person-related information such as name, date of birth, place of birth, job title, etc. Telephone numbers, house numbers, or street number Name of spouse, children, or loved ones Reusing the same password on multiple accounts Regularly update the deny list with passwords exposed in recent breaches, utilizing resources like “Have I Been Pwned” to stay current. Include commonly used passwords by attackers in automated login attempts, even if they’re not personal information but often guessed passwords like “admin” or “password1”. As a thumb rule, your password policy’s deny list should include any type of personal information or a simple pattern (like QWERTY to 123456). Set a Password Expiration Period The primary purpose of establishing a password expiration period is to ensure that hackers cannot determine if the passwords obtained from an old data breach are still valid. For example, your password is disclosed in a two-month-old data breach incident. And you change your password every month. Hackers will not be able to gain access to your account using that leaked password. Ideally, the password expiration period should be set to three months. But you can adjust this period, depending on the needs of your business. Also, you should ensure that your employees don’t reuse the same passwords for other accounts. Balance security with user convenience by considering the use of longer expiration periods for systems with additional security measures (e.g., accounts protected by multi-factor authentication might have longer expiration periods). Implement user-friendly notifications and guides for password changes to encourage compliance without causing frustration. Enforce Multi-factor Authentication Multi-factor authentication (MFA) can increase the security of accounts in your business. This is because hackers won’t be able to gain access to accounts even if they get hold of logins and passwords for those accounts. Therefore, your password policy must make it mandatory for users to implement MFA for all accounts that allow this feature. Provide training and resources to ensure users understand the importance of MFA and know how to use it effectively. Offer options for MFA methods (e.g., mobile app-based, SMS codes, hardware tokens) to accommodate different user needs and preferences. Include Account Lockout Threshold The account lockout threshold allows user accounts to be locked after a specified number of unsuccessful login attempts. This feature safeguards your accounts against Brute Force attacks and dictionary attacks. Ideally, you can set the account lockout threshold to five failed login attempts. This includes implementing an account lockout period of 15 minutes. Implement a progressive increase in lockout duration for repeated lockout triggers to deter attackers while minimizing inconvenience for legitimate users. Offer a secure, user-friendly process for account recovery to reduce the workload on IT support and minimize user downtime. Have Guidelines on How to Store Passwords Do you know that 55 percent of employees save passwords in sticky notes? How your employees store passwords impacts password security. Storing passwords in email, note app on a phone, paper notes, and documents on a computer is a bad practice. Doing so weakens the security of passwords, even if the passwords are long and complex. Therefore, your password security policy must include clear guidelines for storing passwords securely. One way to do it is to use a password manager, which keeps your password encrypted and stored securely behind the master password. Though most browsers these days have a feature to store passwords, using a password manager to store passwords is a more secure option. A password manager also offers secure ways to share passwords among different users. Recommend and, if possible, provide access to enterprise-grade password managers for secure password storage and sharing. Educate users on the risks associated with insecure password storage methods and the benefits of using a password manager. Set Consequences for Policy Violators You have created a password security policy to secure computers and online accounts. So everyone should follow it religiously. Setting some consequences for those who frequently violate the policy can be a good idea to encourage all users to abide by the password policy, However, you should devise creative ways to make password policy violators feel they have made mistakes. Any harsh punishment can turn them into an inside threat. Provide policy violators with more awareness training sessions and encourage them to follow the password policy. But if someone repeatedly makes mistakes despite many warnings, letting them go can be the best option, as they’re risking your business. Develop a tiered response to policy violations that includes education and retraining for first-time violations and escalates for repeated non-compliance. Incorporate a feedback mechanism for employees to report difficulties in adhering to the policy, allowing for adjustments and accommodations. Update Your Password Policy Regularly Your password policy should not be something set in stone. Instead, you should review your password policy from time to time and check if it is successful: Ensuring that users create long, complex passwords Preventing users from creating new passwords that are easy to hack Encouraging users to change passwords frequently, as recommended in the policy Preventing users from using the same password for multiple accounts Schedule regular reviews of the password policy in response to emerging threats and advancements in password security practices. Involve users in the review process to gain insights into practical challenges and perceptions, ensuring the policy remains both effective and user-friendly. Adjusting your password policy based on insights gained from regular password audits enables you to develop a strong password policy that improves password security within your business. Password Policy Best Practices The following are the best practices to maximize the success of your password policy: Have an Easy-to-access Password Policy A comprehensive password policy is essential, but its effectiveness lies in its accessibility and user-friendliness. Users should find the guidelines easy to understand and follow, with clear delineations between critical sections like those for generating passwords and safely storing them. By offering both a printed guide and a digital version, you cater to individual preferences and needs, ensuring everyone, regardless of their tech-savvy, can refer to the policy at any given time. Adopt a Password Management System In today’s interconnected digital world, an individual is often juggling multiple accounts, leading to potential password fatigue. The challenge of creating and remembering unique passwords for every account can be daunting. By integrating a robust password management system into your organization’s digital infrastructure, employees can bypass this challenge. These systems not only auto-generate strong passwords but store them securely, reducing the chances of breaches. Making the adoption of such systems mandatory significantly boosts an organization’s cybersecurity posture. Forbid Insecure Password Sharing Password sharing, while convenient for collaborative projects, can become a significant security loophole if not managed correctly. Often, employees might resort to insecure sharing methods, such as sending passwords through easily intercepted channels like emails or text messages. Promoting secure sharing methods is essential. Many leading password managers offer features that enable encrypted password sharing, allowing team members to share access without jeopardizing security. Implement Login Time Restrictions Unrestricted access to organizational systems is akin to leaving the front door unlocked. Employees should be conditioned to log in only when they’re actively using certain accounts or systems and to promptly log out afterward. This minimizes the window of opportunity for unauthorized access, especially in scenarios where a workstation might be left unattended. A stringent password policy will reinforce the importance of this practice, highlighting the risks of prolonged, unnecessary logins. Do Regular Password Audits Simply having a password policy isn’t enough; its real-world effectiveness needs to be gauged regularly. Through systematic password audits, an organization can assess employee adherence levels and the policy’s overall efficiency. These audits serve a dual purpose: they help pinpoint potential vulnerabilities, and they offer insights into areas where the policy might need revisions or updates. This proactive approach ensures that the organization’s cybersecurity measures evolve in tandem with emerging threats. Password Policy Do’s and Don’ts Do'sDon'ts Create passwords with at least ten charactersUse personal information like name, DOB, job title Include uppercase, lowercase letters, & special charactersUse easily guessed patterns like QWERTY or 123456 Use misspelled words for complexityReuse the same password on multiple accounts Set a password expiration periodStore passwords in emails, note apps, or sticky notes Enforce Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)Share passwords via text, email, or instant messages Use a password manager for secure storageKeep systems logged in when not in use Update your password policy regularlyIgnore password policy guidelines What Are the NIST Password Guidelines? The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines have evolved over the years to reflect a more user-centric approach. Among their recommendations, users should create passwords that are a minimum of eight characters in length. Instead of forcing users to incorporate complicated symbols and characters, NIST emphasizes password length over arbitrary complexity. They advise against mandatory periodic password changes unless there’s evidence of a breach. NIST also suggests allowing the ‘show password’ option to help users avoid mistakes when entering their password. Moreover, they highly recommend implementing two-factor or multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. Are Complex Passwords As Important as Minimum Password Length? While complexity in passwords (such as including symbols, numbers, and both uppercase and lowercase letters) certainly helps against brute-force attacks, recent trends in cybersecurity suggest that length is a more critical factor. A longer password naturally increases the total number of potential combinations, making it exponentially harder to crack. However, an undue emphasis on complexity often results in users resorting to predictable patterns or writing passwords down. If feasible, users should be encouraged to use longer passphrases that are easy to remember but hard for automated systems to guess. When using a password manager, which takes the burden of memory off the user, combining both length and complexity is ideal. How Often Should Passwords Be Changed? Conventional wisdom once dictated that regular password changes (e.g., every 60 or 90 days) were essential. However, NIST’s revised guidelines suggest avoiding routine password changes unless there’s a specific reason, like a suspected security breach. Changing passwords too frequently can result in weaker passwords, as users may choose slight, predictable variations of their old passwords or even reuse them across different platforms. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to be proactive. Using password managers with breach notification capabilities can alert users if their passwords are compromised, prompting timely changes. Should Small Businesses Use a Password Manager? Absolutely. Cybersecurity should never be an afterthought, even for small businesses. Password managers provide many advantages, including the ability to generate strong, unique passwords for every account and securely store them in encrypted vaults. Furthermore, they facilitate secure password sharing, which is especially useful in collaborative environments. By centralizing password management, businesses can maintain tighter control over access to sensitive information, thereby mitigating risks. What Is the Ideal Password Policy? The ultimate password policy should strike a balance between user convenience and robust security. It would emphasize the creation of long, unique passwords or passphrases, ideally without forcing arbitrary complexity rules. Secure storage practices, such as using encrypted databases or reliable password managers, are essential. Promoting the use of unique passwords for each account helps ensure that a breach on one platform does not compromise others. Regular monitoring for breaches and compromised passwords, paired with an understanding of when (and when not) to change passwords, can round out a comprehensive, effective policy. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Sharing Business WiFi Passwords Doesn’t Have to Be Hard, Use QR Codes Like This Image: Envato Elements This article, "What is a Password Policy and How to Create One?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Open-ear design earbuds have been getting popular, likely because active noise-canceling tech has gotten so good that people have forgotten what nature sounds like. The Ultra Open Earbuds are Bose's attempt at the trending tech, and they're decent. But at their current price of $179.99 (originally $299.99) from Woot, they are a steal. These earbuds have never been below the $200 mark on Amazon, but you can get them "unopened" (which is exactly what it sounds like) from Woot for the lowest price they've ever been, according to price tracking tools. Woot only ships to the 48 contiguous states in the U.S. If you have Amazon Prime, you get free shipping; otherwise, it’ll be $6 to ship. Bose Ultra Open $179.99 at Woot $299.99 Save $120.00 Get Deal Get Deal $179.99 at Woot $299.99 Save $120.00 Open-ear designs are not for everyone—especially audiophiles. They have the same downside as bone conduction headphones, they let noise pollution in, and the bass and some mids are weak. But you can hear if a cyclist is about to hit you because you're running on the bike path. The Bose Ultra Open are not waterproof, but they are water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, meaning they can take some splashes, but don't put them under a running faucet. There is a wireless charging case you can get separately if you don't want to use the USB-C connection to charge it. You'll get about 7.5 hours of juice if you have the Immersive Audio feature off, and about two charges with the case for a total of around 27 hours. While these earbuds don't have multipoint connection, they do have a feature to pair two devices simultaneously and switch between them by pressing a button on the earbud—acontrolled multipoint connection of sorts. They are compatible with Bluetooth 5.3 and work with the AAC, AptX Adaptive, and SBC codecs, so Android devices will get better audio than Apple users. Both users will be able to customize the EQ on the app and use features that you can read more about in CNET's review. View the full article

A year after the launch of the short-lived Coca-Cola Spiced, Coke is adding another new flavor to its lineup. Coca-Cola Orange Cream is scheduled to go on sale Feb. 10 in the U.S. and Canada. It will be sold in regular and zero sugar varieties. Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co. said Monday that it developed the soda, which mixes cola with orange and vanilla flavors, in response to growing consumer demand for the comforting, nostalgic flavor. Orange cream — first introduced with the Creamsicle ice cream bar in 1937 – has enjoyed a recent renaissance. Olipop, a probiotic soda, introduced an orange cream flavor in 2021. Carvel reintroduced its Orange Dreamy Creamy ice cream last year for the first time since 1972. Wendy’s also debuted an Orange Dreamsicle Frosty last spring. Coca-Cola has been experimenting with new flavors to help keep customers engaged with its signature product. In 2022, it launched Coca-Cola Creations, a series of limited-edition Coke flavors in colorful cans and bottles. Coke added hints of coconut, strawberry and even Oreos to the drinks. The company introduced raspberry-flavored Coca-Cola Spiced last February, saying the offering would be a permanent addition to its lineup. But the company abruptly pulled Coca-Cola Spiced off the market in September, saying it would be replaced with a new flavor this year. Coke said Coca-Cola Orange Cream won’t be a permanent flavor but would remain on sale at least through the first quarter of 2026. In an interview last year, Coca-Cola’s North American marketing chief, Shakir Moin, said it used to take the company at least a year to develop a new product. But it’s trying to move more quickly. “Consumers are moving faster. The market is moving forward faster. We’ve got to be faster than the speed of the market,” he said. —Dee-Ann Durbin, Associated Press View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Welcome to “Cookbook of the Week.” This is a series where I highlight cookbooks that are unique, easy to use, or just special to me. While finding a particular recipe online serves a quick purpose, flipping through a truly excellent cookbook has a magic all its own. I’m always happy to see new cookbooks on the scene, but in truth, most weeks I’m flipping through my archives; revisiting older books I’ve picked up along the way. Some cookbooks I keep because they’re a treasure trove of reliable recipes (like this one), and others I keep because there are a few dishes in there that I’ve always loved. One of the latter is Miette. This week’s cookbook comes from the eponymous bakery in San Francisco. I bought this cookbook of sweet treats many years ago, when I worked at Borders bookstore—before I went to culinary school, before I had ever been to San Francisco, and before I knew how baking would shape my life. The vintage cake designs, scalloped edges of the pages, and classic recipes like walnut brownies, shortbread cookies, and salted caramels drew me in, and in these pages I could sense that baking would be a tool of comfort and meditation for me. A bit about the bookMiette first published in 2011, and comes from Meg Ray, the chef and founder of Miette bakery in California. Like many cookbooks that hit the market, it all starts with a popular restaurant or bakery, and if all is going well then a cookbook is sure to follow. I get the appeal. The bakery’s offerings are European in backbone but have a distinctly retro American look. The desserts are classic, and true to how the bakery produces their products. That means you end up seeing recipes that are simple, like the shortbreads, and others that take patience and a bit of know-how. Keep in mind that you’re looking for the most recent version. The 2011 cover features their three layer Tomboy cake. You’ll want to grab the 2023 updated edition here, which has their single layer Old Fashioned Cake on the cover. The newest edition includes corrections of errors that were in the first publication. A great cookbook for someone who bakes for othersI admit that I don’t use all of the recipes in this cookbook (I have other cookbooks I rely on for excellent cake recipes), but I love the small, packable recipes in Miette because they make beautiful gifts for my friends and family. Among many things, I’m a sucker for giving gifts, and if it’s something I’ve baked then I enjoy sharing it even more. This book is great for bakers who ship cookies out every holiday season, the person who drops off treats to their neighbors just because, and the coworker who brings in peanut butter cookies to share with his colleagues when they all go into the office on Thursdays. The cookies are often cut to have fluted edges, the brownies can be baked individually in cupcake pans, and the caramels can be wrapped like miniature gifts of their own. These treats were born to be gifts. The dish I made this weekThis week I was completely torn between the walnut brownies and the thumbprint cookies. If you’ve come across my hallongrottor post then you’re aware that I have a severe dependency on jam-filled baked goods. After a few back and forths, I marked the page for thumbprints. The recipe is very simple and that’s what I like about many of the cookie recipes, like the graham crackers or peanut butter cookies—Miette is not reinventing the classics. This thumbprint recipe has everything you might expect, flour, sugar, egg, butter, baking powder, and extracts. Solid. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann The instructions lean toward how they do production in their bakery, so you’ll mainly see mixing methods that use stand mixers. However, when cookie batches are small for home production I’ll often just do it by hand. This recipe was one of those that work just fine in a bowl with a wooden spoon. I mixed, I scooped, I rolled, and I thumbprinted. (Well, I use an old wine cork, actually—corks are superior to thumbs, here). This recipe, unlike many others, has the jam go in the imprint after the bake instead of before. It’s a little bit of a different vibe, but the jam stays glossy and doesn’t become a chewy disk after baking. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann The cookie was exactly as I hoped: pudgy and round with a dollop of sweet raspberry. A classic thumbprint cookie perfect for serving to friends or dropping off to your grandkids. The dough includes a healthy dose of vanilla extract, which I questioned at first, but not for very long. The cookie reminds me of raspberry vanilla ice cream and I’m not mad about it. How to buy the book The hardcover of Miette is available online or as an ebook. I highly recommend supporting your local brick and mortar bookstores by asking them to order it to their location if they don’t already have it in stock. Miette: Recipes from San Francisco's Most Charming Pastry Shop (Sweets and Dessert Cookbook, French Bakery) $18.21 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $34.99 Save $16.78 Shop Now Shop Now $18.21 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $34.99 Save $16.78 View the full article

Chinese tech company Alibaba on Wednesday released a new version of its Qwen 2.5 artificial intelligence model that it claimed surpassed the highly-acclaimed DeepSeek-V3. The unusual timing of the Qwen 2.5-Max’s release, on the first day of the Lunar New Year when most Chinese people are off work and with their families, points to the pressure Chinese AI startup DeepSeek’s meteoric rise in the past three weeks has placed on not just overseas rivals, but also its domestic competition. “Qwen 2.5-Max outperforms … almost across the board GPT-4o, DeepSeek-V3 and Llama-3.1-405B,” Alibaba’s cloud unit said in an announcement posted on its official WeChat account, referring to OpenAI and Meta’s most advanced open-source AI models. The Jan. 10 release of DeepSeek’s AI assistant, powered by the DeepSeek-V3 model, as well as the Jan. 20 release of its R1 model, has shocked Silicon Valley and caused tech shares to plunge, with the Chinese startup’s purportedly low development and usage costs prompting investors to question huge spending plans by leading AI firms in the United States. But DeepSeek’s success has also led to a scramble among its domestic competitors to upgrade their own AI models. Two days after the release of DeepSeek-R1, TikTok owner ByteDance released an update to its flagship AI model, which it claimed outperformed Microsoft-backed OpenAI’s o1 in AIME, a benchmark test that measures how well AI models understand and respond to complex instructions. This echoed DeepSeek’s claim that its R1 model rivalled OpenAI’s o1 on several performance benchmarks. DeepSeek versus domestic competitors The predecessor of DeepSeek’s V3 model, DeepSeek-V2, triggered an AI model price war in China after it was released last May. The fact that DeepSeek-V2 was open-source and unprecedentedly cheap, only 1 yuan ($0.14) per 1 million tokens – or units of data processed by the AI model – led to Alibaba’s cloud unit announcing price cuts of up to 97% on a range of models. Other Chinese tech companies followed suit, including Baidu, which released China’s first equivalent to ChatGPT in March 2023, and the country’s most valuable internet company Tencent. Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek’s enigmatic founder, said in a rare interview with Chinese media outlet Waves in July that the startup “did not care” about price wars and that achieving AGI (artificial general intelligence) was its main goal. OpenAI defines AGI as autonomous systems that surpass humans in most economically valuable tasks. While large Chinese tech companies like Alibaba have hundreds of thousands of employees, DeepSeek operates like a research lab, staffed mainly by young graduates and doctorate students from top Chinese universities. Liang said in his July interview that he believed China’s largest tech companies might not be well suited to the future of the AI industry, contrasting their high costs and top-down structures with DeepSeek’s lean operation and loose management style. “Large foundational models require continued innovation, tech giants’ capabilities have their limits,” he said. —Eduardo Baptista, Reuters View the full article

Starting a business is filled with potential rewards. It gives you the chance to live and work on your own terms, free from bosses or supervisors. Brainstorming and coming up with small business ideas for launching your own enterprise can also provide a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Additionally, it allows you to build a community, create jobs, and make valuable contributions to your local economy. There are a variety of potential small business ideas to explore that could be a right fit for you. A lot of small business ideas will require small funds to start up but will also depend largely on what skills you have as well as your previous knowledge of the business. Small businesses are the backbone of the US, with over 30 million small businesses fueling the American economy. The options for you to open your own small business are endless. All you need is a great small business idea, some thorough reflection, funding, and the required expertise to run the business. If you are looking for small business ideas to start your own enterprise, below is our exhaustive list of the best small business ideas to consider. Our Methodology: Small Business Ideas As entrepreneurs and small business owners explore potential ventures, it’s vital to have a robust framework for evaluation. We’ve developed a set of criteria, each rated on an importance scale where 10 denotes the highest level of importance. This scale helps prioritize the aspects that are most crucial for the success and sustainability of a small business idea. Below is our methodology, detailed with this scale in mind: Market Demand Our Importance Scale: 10/10 The key is understanding the current and anticipated demand for the product or service. High market demand is a strong indicator of potential success. Profit Potential Our Importance Scale: 9/10 Analyzing profitability, including margins and revenue potential, is essential for assessing the financial health and viability of the business idea. Startup Costs Our Importance Scale: 8/10 Initial investment and ongoing operational costs must be weighed to ensure the idea is financially feasible. Skill and Knowledge Requirements Our Importance Scale: 7/10 The skills and expertise required for the business are critical. Alignment with your current skill set can reduce the startup learning curve. Competition Our Importance Scale: 7/10 Understanding the competitive landscape is crucial for identifying market gaps and the unique selling proposition of your idea. Scalability Our Importance Scale: 6/10 Assessing the potential for growth and expansion is important for future success and viability. Adaptability and Flexibility Our Importance Scale: 6/10 The business idea’s ability to adapt to market changes and evolving customer preferences is an important consideration. Regulatory and Legal Considerations Our Importance Scale: 5/10 Awareness of legal and regulatory requirements is essential to mitigate future risks and complications. Impact of Technology and Trends Our Importance Scale: 5/10 Evaluating the influence of current and emerging technologies on the business idea is important for staying relevant. Work-Life Balance Our Importance Scale: 4/10 The impact of the business on personal life and commitments should be considered for overall well-being and sustainability. This framework offers a structured approach to systematically analyze and compare different small business ideas, helping entrepreneurs make informed decisions that align with their objectives and market realities. The Ultimate Small Business Ideas List Are you thinking of making a leap into entrepreneurship? Do you want to start a business but don’t know how to start a business? If Yes, here are 40 small business ideas to start. Dog Walking Business If you like dogs and the outdoors, dog walking can be a lucrative small business idea. There are plenty of pet owners who can’t walk their dogs and don’t want their pets cooped up indoors. By starting a dog walking business ,you get to offer your furry friends some workout while making some extra cash in the process. You can charge a small fee for daily or weekly walks with a dog walking business. Not only is the demand for dog walking high, but the business also has a relatively low barrier to entry. All you need is the right training, some gear, and be an animal lover. If you are really good at what you do you can capitalize on good referrals from your clientele to take on more clients and add more services like a mobile pet grooming business. You can market your services through social media and local advertising flyers and partner with pet shops, veterinarians, and pet groomers. Consulting Business If you have business expertise, then you can offer your services as a consultant, where you help others by offering insights and guidance. This is a flexible business that can offer excellent work-life balance and profit potential. To start running your consulting business, you will, however, need to assess your skills and strengths to choose your niche. As a consultant, you stand to offer a diverse range of services, from HR to strategy development, technology, accounting, and more, while helping other businesses to improve and grow.For you to succeed you will need to analyze your market needs and pain points that your customers experience to better succeed in your consulting endeavor. To get started on this business idea, you’ll need to create a website and social media presence to promote your services. You can also reach out to local businesses and offer your consulting services directly. considered among the best small business ideas, you can start your consulting practice during your free time and gradually grow into a full-fledged consulting firm. Catering Business A catering business offers lower startup costs compared to opening a restaurant or a diner. With a home-based catering business, you can set your own hours and dishes you prepare from the comfort of your home. You can do the prep work at home and bring everything to the event location for the final cooking and plating. Or you could do all the cooking from your home kitchen and deliver the completed dishes to the venue. Besides letting you cut costs compared to your brick-and-mortar, you have the option between offering on-site and off-site catering services. With on-site catering, the food is prepared and served at the event location, whereas with off-site catering, the food is prepared elsewhere and then transported to the event venue. Keep in mind that this small business idea relies significantly on positive referrals stemming from high-quality service and customer satisfaction. As a food-based business, it’s essential to ensure that you obtain all necessary licenses and have proper insurance. Food Truck Business A food truck business can be a rewarding venture if you like making meals on the go. With a food truck business, you don’t have to spend the time and money to set up a dedicated location. You can start with just a vehicle, cooking equipment, and some great ingredients. Not only can you make some good cash from your own food truck business, but you can take your business to different locations based on demand during different periods of the day or week, giving you more options to capture customers. This business idea costs less than a third of what it costs to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant, offering you some savings in terms of the initial investment. This can be a great option if you are a food-minded entrepreneur and can be run in your free time without the risk of completely committing to the business as a full-time gig .However, you will need to check and comply with your state’s ordinances, business licenses, and safety standards. Online Courses Business With the advent of technology and the internet, you can offer online courses with little startup capital. In today’s busy world people are looking for opportunities to acquire new skills and training online as it allows them more flexibility to learn new things. If you have a specific skill set or knowledge that people might be interested in why not earn some extra cash by offering an online course? All you need is to design a great course topic and a platform to build and launch your online course. So there are low startup costs, and it’s easy to get started and grow your business over time. Offering online courses can be an excellent way to earn some extra income, especially if you have prior teaching experience. The possibilities for what you can teach are endless; you can create courses on business skills, art, graphic design, music, and much more! Because online courses are not limited to your specific area, you can generate a global clientele. You can also spruce up your courses by offering tutorials, video content, ebooks, and other resources. Digital Marketing Services In today’s competitive world businesses are in bad need of digital marketing to help their brands reach audiences and promote their products or services. If you have skills in digital marketing, then you can offer your services to help businesses reach target audiences by promoting them and connecting with potential customers using the internet and social media. The perks of digital marketing are evident as they are more cost-effective than traditional marketing. In addition, they help users to measure success and make marketing changes as they see fit. There is a huge demand for digital marketing services as more and more businesses are moving towards online operations in a bid to capture more markets and bolster their brands. Your job will involve Search Engine Optimization (SEO), creating and managing social media accounts, email marketing, media buying, and managing your client’s online reputation. One of the best ways to start your digital marketing business idea is to start your own blog to showcase your skills and portfolio to attract potential clients. As your business grows, you can fulfill your staffing needs by setting up remote teams and looking for virtual assistants. Cleaning Service Starting a cleaning business offers some good financial incentives thanks to the high demand for cleaning services. This kind of business is less expensive to set up and requires some basic supplies and transportation. A smart cleaning service business will look towards attracting both homeowners and businesses and hopefully build some recurring clients. you can increase your chances of succeeding in a small business idea by opening mobile cleaning services. With the right equipment, you can offer additional services with minimal additional capital investments. Small business ideas like a cleaning service will allow you to work on your own schedule and grow your business at your own pace. However, despite this type of business being easy to start and scale, competition among cleaning services can be intense. To stand out, you will need to make sure that your branding is on point and that your pricing points are competitive for your local area. What makes cleaning services a good business idea is that you get repeat business from private homes and commercial establishments to fuel your growth and profits. Landscaping Business If you are passionate about gardening, then you might want to consider embarking on a landscaping business. Depending on your skill set your landscaping work could entail a simple mow-and-go service, or it could be one that creates beautiful landscapes, complete with water features, wildlife areas, and even golf holes. when it comes to equipment you will need standard gardening equipment that includes shovels, trowels, pruners, and wheelbarrows. Once you have invested in these, you are practically set for years. Starting a home-based landscaping service comes with many perks. for one, you can commit as much or as little time to the business as you want and let your small business ideas grow organically. In addition, because you work within your community,y you get to have a short commute and be able to sprout additional small business ideas such as a plant nursery, lawn care service, floral business, and more. This line of business offers you a client base from small households to resorts, hotels, and even corporations. given the nature of your business being visual, don’t forget to include some great snaps of your previous work in all your marketing materials. You can start building relations with potential clients through traditional direct marketing via brochures and flyers by going door-to-door distributing them. Ice Cream Shop Opening and running an ice cream shop business can be a fun way to start your own business. You can spin several great business ideas for your business based on flavors and toppings to create specialties like gelato, popsicles, smoothies, ice cream tacos, doggy cones, and more. you can even offer alternatives like low-calorie, sugar-free, lactose-free, and plant-based. While your business may boom in the summer, you may be surprised that the market demand for ice cream is year-round. Your earnings will, however, vary depending on your location, size, and other market factors in your area. To start with, you don’t need a lot of flavors or specialty products to succeed; you will need to focus on two things– making customers happy and making a profit. An ice cream business comes with a simple business structure which makes launching and building the business relatively easy. Starting and owning an ice cream shop requires little experience and no specific certifications or qualifications what you need is hard work, determination, and the desire to achieve success. You can tweak your business structure by offering deliveries, offering promotions and special offers, participating in food and music festivals, and hosting fun events to draw in the crowds during lean seasons. Property Management By starting your property management business, you help property owners by overseeing and managing the daily operations of their property or properties. As a property manager, your business will be responsible for collecting rent, handling inquiries, handling maintenance requests, setting the budget for the property, processing rental applications, and more. Before opening your property management business, you need to consider capital and operating expenses to start your property management business on average, this type of business comes with a price tag of $19,267. Busy property owners see the advantage to hiring a property manager as it removes the need for them to be nearby and actively manage the property and focus on other aspects of their business. if you are a natural problem solver, then being a property manager can be a profitable business idea to explore. Your services will be much appreciated as property owners will, in return, focus on investing in quality properties rather than managing the portfolio of properties they currently own. Personal Trainer There are many clients people out there looking for personal trainers, wellness advice, tips on nutrition, and reducing stress. If you are passionate about fitness and like working with people? You could be a great personal trainer, helping people get fit and feel good about themselves. To start your personal training business, you will need to get certified. You have the option to work with gyms to offer your services, train people in their homes, or perhaps offer training at a facility of your own. Reputation and personal referrals can help boost your clientele. You can also offer virtual training through Skype and other platforms to reach out to broader customer bases. The key word in personal training is to offer a personalized training program taking into account your client’s specific needs as well as any health conditions. You should also be able to monitor clients’ medical conditions as they perform their workouts as well. To see your market potential, you will need to canvas available health clubs, gyms, and community centers in your area. Look for ways to present custom programs that are Graphic Designing If you have some mad graphic design skills, it could come in handy to start your own graphic design business. An increasing number of businesses are looking for graphic design services for marketing materials like logos, brochures, business cards, leaflets, banners, and more. Essentially your business task is to help translate your clients’ corporate identity to be recognizable and to help create order and logic in printed marketing materials. Your responsibilities will also include working with professional printers to specify colors, paper, and other processes. To promote your skills, you can send your portfolio to businesses in your area and even ask friends and family to recommend your services. In addition, you can help businesses design and develop their social media pages for promoting and advertising their business. To get started with this business idea, you will need to fine-tune your design skills; luckily, there are plenty of online courses that you can take to learn them. With this business idea, you literally have no overhead costs and can help small-business owners create great marketing collateral. Dropshipping Dropshipping is one of the easiest ways to break into eCommerce and is one of the fastest-growing small business ideas in the world. If you’re wondering how to start dropshipping, it’s a business model where you, as a retailer, do not keep goods in stock. Instead, you transfer customers’ orders and shipment details to either the manufacturer or a third party that ships directly to the customer. This means you can focus on marketing and sales without the need to handle inventory or logistics. To get started with dropshipping, you’ll need to find reliable suppliers, set up an online store, and learn effective marketing strategies to attract customers to your products. With the right approach and dedication, starting a dropshipping business can be a lucrative venture in the eCommerce industry. Not only is dropshipping a very lucrative business, but it also offers lower risks compared to the traditional retail business model, where retailers are responsible for the order fulfillment process from start to finish. Dropshipping eases the pressure on you and lets you not worry about keeping items in stock, packing, and fulfillment. You can also dropship products out of your own home or garage and set your own working hours. Platforms like Amazon and eBay offer robust support for you to start up your own dropshipping business easily. To succeed in the dropshipping business, you should have a knack for selecting the right products at the right margin from reliable suppliers. You will need to also focus on a specific niche or look for trends you can capitalize on to make a profit. There are plenty of home-based business ideas that you can try based on your skills and budget. Photographer Both businesses and private individuals need some professional photography services. Whether it’s for weddings, parties, websites, billboards, printed materials, or social media, professional photography services are in high demand. Besides taking some great snaps you can enhance your editing skills as well to offer a complete package for your services. You should also consider becoming a stock photographer where you create stock pictures of popular themes such as finance, productivity, landscapes, and more and cash in from royalties and licensing fees. Event Planner Event planners serve an essential business need where they can put their party experience to good use by planning, designing, and throwing events for both private and corporate clients. As an event planner, you will need to be well-organized, detail-oriented, and have great interpersonal skills. As an event planner, you are required to wear several hats and handle each and every aspect of the event, including selecting locations, catering, security, and all other facets to create a memorable event. An important aspect of event planning entails having a great relationship with suppliers, talent, and a growing number of satisfied customers. On the latter point, encourage customers to share their testimonials of your business and engage in social media marketing. Food Delivery Service If starting your own restaurant seems a daunting task you should perhaps consider entering into the food delivery business. With a food delivery service, you can start your business with little rent, labor, and startup capital. As a business, delivering food to people can help expand your customer base and increase your revenue while at the same time giving your customers a variety of options in terms of the food they want to be delivered to their homes and businesses. You can get started with this business idea by first contacting local restaurants and seeing if they are willing to partner with you. You can also sign up for a food delivery service like DoorDash or Uber Eats. Technology is constantly evolving in this area to make this service even more efficient. Daycare Service There are lots of working parents who need the support of childcare providers. if you are passionate about looking after kids, whether part-time or full-time time, your daycare solution can help you earn plenty of side income by looking after children while their parents are away. To succeed, you will need to identify the particular age group you’re comfortable caring for, have a passion for children, childproof your establishment, and have all the necessary certifications. Besides offering financial rewards, childcare can be extremely gratifying as you get to be a part of a community that helps children learn, grow, and develop. This can be a great home-based business idea where you can expand and offer a day nursery for children of different ages. You’ll, however, be expected to provide a basic educational program, refreshment,s and fun activities for the children. Also, be aware of any regulatory and licensing requirements in your area. Affiliate Marketing If you are a website owner, writer, blogger, or social media influencer, you can create a side hustle through affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketers help to drive traffic to a business’s website and then earn a commission on any sales that they help generate. There are almost no startup cost,s and this is an incredibly flexible opportunity. You can even scale over time by adding additional revenue streams. Through affiliate marketing, you can literally earn money with little effort by simply adding tracked affiliate links into the text of your blog or website. To start, all you have to do is have a captive audience join an affiliate program, and get paid commissions for new leads or sales you bring when readers click on the links. Businesses love affiliate marketing because they only pay if a defined action occurs, leading to an increase in sales. As a marketing affiliate, you can make some quick cash by providing your readers with great suggestions for products and services. To get started, you will, however, find businesses that offer affiliate programs, such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, Clickbank, and eBay. Freelance Copywriting If you have a diverse knowledge of subjects and have a natural talent for churning out compelling content then you should consider offering your services by writing copy for businesses and publications. There is an abundance of demand for content for blogs, websites, press releases, social media, and publications, with companies willing to pay for your services. You can also increase your value by using Search Engine Optimization (SEO) skills to help your clients craft a strategy around specific keywords that their target audiences are already using in their online searches. With a freelance writing business, you have the luxury to work from the comfort of your own home without investing in office space. Real Estate If you have a sharp eye for apartment buildings, commercial properties, or single-family homes and know how to flip them, then you should consider entering the real estate industry. Despite fluctuations in the market, historically, the real estate sector remains among the best investment options available. A real estate business affords you a flexible schedule and a steady income, provided that you know how to navigate the legal, financial, and commercial aspects of the business. What is important is that you will need to research your purchases thoroughly and be willing to hold on to properties for an extended period of time for them to appreciate in price. Interior Designing There are more and more people looking for guidance in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing homes and workspaces. Choosing the right fixtures, desks, chairs, and lighting can be a challenge for many. Does decorating excite you? does hunting for interior decoration items sound like something you would like to do for a living? Then why not offer your keen eye for function and aesthetics to help boost productivity and create some great ambiance? You can start by taking courses on interior design at community colleges and major universities. You could also gain a lot of insight and information about interior design through books and websites. You can even consult catalogs to learn more about current trends and practices. Specialty Cake Baker By starting your specialty cake bakery, you can create custom cakes for celebrations and special occasions. To start, you will need some expertise in regards to baking and cake making and have all the kitchen equipment needed to produce your cakes and cookies. You can start your unique bakery from the comfort of your kitchen, and if business booms, you can opt for starting a commercial kitchen complete with commercial mixers and ovens. When it comes to customers, you can start by taking orders from family and friends and selling your produce at local farmers’ markets, online, and at fares. If you are great with your hands and are good at crafts perhaps you can also consider some craft business ideas. Laundromat Business Let’s face it: not everyone has the time or the energy to do their laundry. There is a growing number of people looking for simple and reliable laundry services. To start, however, you will need to invest in low-cost and large-capacity laundry machines. Typically, a laundromat business comes with simple operations and low labor costs as your customers provide much of the labor themselves. With this business model, your customers pay you upfront for your service, making for a healthy cash flow. And because you require little inventory, you won’t have money tied up in unused stock. You will also need to learn the basics about detergents, fabric softeners, and how to correctly wash clothes without damaging them. Through time, you can add on to your services, such as folding clothes, full laundry services, and pickup and delivery to generate additional revenues. Translation Service If you are fluent in more than one language, then you can start a translation business where you can translate from one language to another. By providing translation services you help provide a valuable service to businesses needing translation services. However, to effectively start a translation business you will need to decide on a niche that you are proficient at by specializing in a specific genre of translation, this could be legal, medical, or financial depending on the demand. Transcription Services A transcription business offers its services by converting audio-recorded memos, notes, and manuscripts into a written or electronic text document. The business helps to serve a wide range of businesses in fields such as journalism, law, medicine, research, and corporate executives. Equipped with some copyediting and proofreading skill,s this line of business can be a great way to start generating some steady income by provided that you can deliver the service within a limited period of time. You can start this kind of business with basic equipment such as an earphone and a laptop and test it out as a part-time job before undertaking it as a full-time project. Virtual Assistant If you have strong organizational skills and can offer administrative, technical, and creative solutions, then you should consider being a virtual assistant. As a virtual assistant, you can offer a range of services to businesses, acting as remote workers and helping businesses with correspondence, managing schedules, acting as a social media manager, administrative services, business development, social media, marketing, or other tasks. As a virtual assistant, you can offer these services to both individuals and businesses. This kind of business gives you more flexibility in your day-to-day life, more control over your future and freedom, and earn a supplemental income. Website Hosting Services In an ever-connected world, many businesses are seeking online solutions to capture more markets and remain competitive. If you have website hosting experience and can write code, then you can use your expertise to help them manage and host their website. What is required is that you are good with computers and have an eye for design and web development to start the business. In today’s digital world, nearly every business needs a website this is where you can help other businesses create the perfect website for their needs. Web hosting offers a great business model and can generate some good profits in the long term. It comes with a recurring payment system as your customers will pay you monthly. Looking for a guide on how to start a website? Check out our article website startup guide. Bed and Breakfast Business If you happen to live in a popular tourist area and have extra room to let out, why not consider a Bed and Breakfast (B&B) business? Typically, a bed and breakfast business offers accommodation, typically owned and operated by a family or small team who also live on site. The draw of B&Bs is that guests usually expect a homely atmosphere, a sense of individuality, and authentic food and beverage experiences. They are especially popular for weekends away, romantic trips, or special occasions such as traveling for a wedding. To succeed you will need to consider what guests will be traveling to your area and create special packages and themed stays that coincide with their interests in your area. To further reach out to potential clients, you will need to be available in local listings, including platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. Franchisee If you are not confident about managing and starting your own business perhaps you could consider entering a franchise business. By being a franchisee, you don’t necessarily need business experience to run a franchise, and you are already buying into a successful business model with a clear plan to grow. Franchisors will usually provide the training, resources, and support you need to operate their business model. As a franchisee, you will, however, need to pay an initial franchise fee to the franchisor for the rights to use their brand in addition to ongoing franchise fees for marketing, royalties, and more. To begin, you will have to do your own due diligence, such as seeing if your franchise of choice is available in your area and whether the franchise model would do well in your area. Also, make sure to check for existing versions of any franchise in your area, as many franchisees are unlikely to allow multiple franchises in the same market location. Clothing Store If you have an eye for fashion and love helping people coordinate outfits, you may have considered starting a clothing store. What is important is that you should find a niche that will help you stand out from the competition. Besides gauging the pulse of the latest fashion trends you will succeed if you also focus on better service and developing a competitive advantage. In addition, having some retail experience could come in handy Bookstore If you are passionate about books and want to help customers find love in reading books, why not be a literary entrepreneur? As a bookstore owner passion and knowledge combined with business acumen are the ingredients to success. Once you have chosen your location, inventory, and startup capital, shift your focus to attracting customers. You will need to draw in customers with events, special promotions, and advertising that can contribute to your success. Florist Flower shops are a popular business as they serve a variety of needs, from decorating weddings and funerals to selling arrangements on major holidays and special events. If you have a passion for flowers and plants and know how to serve your target market, consider opening a florist business. You will need to first develop an understanding of the floral industry and how it works and capitalize on floral market trends. The floral business comes with various services that include flower care, flower arranging, floral design, merchandising, and flower delivery. Business ideas like these can also go on the road, allowing you to generate great revenues by selling them at fairs, online, or farmers’ markets. Running a flower business can be a fantastic venture once you understand your pricing, track your costs, and effectively manage your customers. The secret to your success lies in how you present your products, create joy in people’s lives, and increase your online presence. Additionally, consider launching side businesses like floral design and event decoration. Gift Store A gift store can be a lucrative business venture provided that it offers unique items and personalization and comes with a variety of price points. The market is abundantly clear; millions of people buy gifts for friends every year, whether for holidays, functions, anniversaries, or special occasions. Gift shops have no shortage of items to sell and cover an endless range of items ,including toys, memorabilia, arts and crafts, greeting cards, home décor, and jewelry. To successfully run your very own gift shop you will need to fine-tune your business against your local competition in addition to online retailers. You must be ready to distinguish yourself and think differently while properly planning and researching your business model. For more insights, check out our article on 30 unique business ideas. Tax Return Preparer Tax preparation isn’t an easy task for everyone. In fact, many businesses every year grapple with their tax returns. If you are a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and have a foundational tax knowledge of taxes perhaps you should consider offering your services and helping others. Tax preparation is a profitable business and comes with minimal expenses. You can start by first obtaining a Preparer Tax Identification Number with the IRS and completing the registration requirements in your state. Practically all businesses are required to not only pay taxes but also record their financial dealings, conduct audits, pay bills, and manage their finances. You can also increase your revenue services by offering bookkeeping and accounting services as well. Videographer Video content is a much sought-after service for both private and business purposes. Besides being a lucrative business, it allows you to express your creativity and tell stories through the medium of film. The application for videography not only helps capture memories and important life events but is also a marketing tool for brands to raise their profile. Starting your own video production company allows you to create the films you envision while enjoying flexible working hours. If you possess storytelling and filmmaking skills, you could launch a video production company with the proper equipment and minimal startup capital. In addition to assisting businesses with their video projects, you can also curate your own stock videos and license them to others. Social Media Influencer a social media influencer is someone who earns money by influencing the buying habits of others through social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Tiktok. Social media influencers communicate with people who follow them and partner with brands and businesses to help them connect their brands with customers. This can be a flexible business that you can scale over time with a growing following. Unlike celebrities who gain followers because of their music or movies, social influencers gain followers based on their ability to create specific niche content based on the interests of their followers. They achieve this through a myriad of ways that include sponsored social media posts, offering webinars, becoming brand ambassadors, making appearances in corporate events, affiliate marketing, podcasts, and more. Social media influencers can have a following ranging from a few thousand to millions of followers. The revenue that social media influencers earn varies based on their niche, the specific social media platform they utilize, and their ability to create engaging content. For instance, the average minimum price per post for Instagram influencers with 100,000 to one million followers is approximately $185, while the average maximum price can reach $2,500. In fact, the influencer market has grown considerably, rivaling traditional advertising with global brands allocating millions to hire top influencers. There is no requirement to be an influencer besides being able to create compelling content and having a huge following. Influencers today can be anyone from celebrities to bloggers, fitness trainers, and more. To start on your path to being a social media influencer, you will first need to choose a particular network to focus on building your following. once you have achieved this you will need to build a theme around your content, it would be best if choose a theme that you are knowledgeable about so that you can build yourself as an expert. once you are set up, make sure to churn out a continuous body of regular content to get your followers engaged and anticipate your posts. Podcasting Podcasting can be a great way to market yourself and connect with potential customers who are interested in what you have to say. Essentially, it combines the instant information exchange of blogging with audio files that can be played on a computer or mobile device. Podcasts are relatively easy to produce and allow people to show off their craft to anyone with an Internet connection. you can easily start generating revenues through ads, sponsored content, and even as an influencer. In recent years, podcasting has gained tremendous popularity, emerging as the new form of talk radio accessible on mobile devices. It has become so widespread that nearly 180 million Americans now listen to podcasts, representing an impressive 62% of the population. Most listeners engage with an average of eight podcasts each week. The value of podcasts is not lost on businesses as it allows them to build their authority, repurpose high-performing content, make deeper connections, and reach new audiences. they are ever more using podcasts for calls to action, use podcast reviews as testimonials, improve conversion rates, and more. Coffee Shop Owner Coffee is considered one of the most popular drinks in the world with millions of people consuming it daily. People are ever more interested in getting their daily fix in trendy places and socializing over coffee. Besides your love for coffee java, you’ll want to create a community and boost your local coffee culture. You can continue to grow the business by expanding beyond the standard coffee drinks by offering other drinks and pastries. The success of your coffee shop is hinged on the experience you want to offer, how you market yourself, your interior design, and the quality of your service, and is located in a heavy foot traffic area. Make sure your offering goes beyond the staple offering of a coffee shop think about gifts, seasonal menus, and an interactive experience. To succeed in this business idea, you’ll need the basic equipment and Barista knowledge. Moving Service A moving service assists businesses, individuals, or families in transporting physical goods from one location to another. This service includes packing, loading, moving, unloading, and unpacking, facilitating the relocation process for both people and businesses. To ensure the success of your moving business, you must possess strong organizational skills and ensure that cargo is handled safely to prevent injury or damage to the items being transported. To start your moving small business you don’t necessarily need direct experience in the moving business. What is important is that you will need to be a great leader, and have the experience and skill set to oversee and manage fast-paced, service-oriented operations which focuses on excellent customer service. Equally important, make sure to treat each one of your customers well, as there is no substitute that helps a business grow more than happy customers leaving amazing reviews and telling friends and family. To get your moving small business idea up and running, you will need good insurance, the right permits, manpower, and a moving van. When on the right track you can further grow your moving business by adding complementary services as well. s you can see, there are plenty of ways to capitalize on your interests, skills, and income goals within the moving industry. There are also plenty of ways that you can specialize by starting a moving company that offers niche services and support to new and existing customers. you can opt to offer packing materials for purchase, offer packing and unboxing services, offer specialized services such as moving large, fragile, or antique cargo, offer temporary storage options, and provide a self-service option that includes trucks, materials, and equipment. This business idea might not generate as many customers as people on average. Businesses move every four to seven years, and you can increase your chances of getting clients by putting your business in directories, local listing, networking, and partnering with real estate agents. T-shirt Printing A T-shirt printing business can start as a side hustle and grow into a full-fledged business. T-shirts are ubiquitous. besides being a staple of casual wear, they also help to reflect individual personalities, interests, and identities. They also serve various corporate goals such as branding, uniforms, promoting team spirit, marketing, and promotions You don’t necessarily need any artistic or graphic design skills but having one will increase the chances for your success. This type of business comes with low costs and risks and you can offer T-Shirts to multiple kinds of audiences, from tourists, mom and pop shops to corporations. You can get ahead of the competition by marketing online and start getting printing work done by third-party print service providers. Like any other printing business, t-shirt printing, apart from the initial investment, is very cheap to run, with costs coming down with proper maintenance of machines- the only recurring cost being ink and other printing material costs. You can start building your client ist by reaching out to your local businesses, charities, sports teams, hospitals, and more. You don’t need to stretch the capacity of your operation by focusing on distributions. you can opt to be solely a t-shirt manufacturer by producing your t-shirts en masse and then selling them to wholesalers. There are plenty of low-cost business ideas with high-profit potential. What Makes a Good Small Business Idea? A good small business idea should fill a gap in the market. This means you should provide customers with products or services that cater to an identifiable need in a specific customer base. Additionally, it should be scalable. This refers to the ability to expand production or reach more customers without negatively impacting quality or revenue. Importantly, your business should be affordable to start, requiring minimal financial capital to get off the ground. Additional characteristics of a successful small business idea include: Market demand: Your product or service should have sufficient demand in the market. If there isn’t enough demand, it won’t generate profit. Similarly, the market needs to be sustainable enough to secure recurrent sales otherwise your business might run out of customers. Profit generation: Your small business idea needs to be able to make money. If you’re operating at a loss or breakeven point, it could hinder your business’s growth and survival. Understanding the cost to produce your product, including labor costs, manufacturing costs, input costs, and the ultimate selling price, is crucial. Potential for growth: Turning a profit is important, but the best businesses also show potential for further growth. You should aim to generate enough profit to cover your initial investment and to allow your business to expand. If you want to know more about seasonal business ideas, check out our article 32 Winter Business Ideas. Be sure to check out Codie Sanchez’s enlightening video, ‘Businesses that Never Fail? 6 Businesses with Amazingly Low Failure Rates.’ This video serves as an excellent companion to our article, providing further insights into top business ideas with high success rates. Sanchez breaks down real data to highlight businesses that have consistently thrived, giving you a comprehensive view that’s not just theory but proven fact. Starting a Small Business with the Help of AI The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various sectors, and the realm of small businesses is no exception. Utilizing AI can help streamline operations, make data-driven decisions, and even interact with customers. In this article, we’ll delve into the pros, cons, benefits, and risks associated with leveraging AI for starting a small business. Pros of Using AI in Small Business: Efficiency and Automation: AI can handle repetitive tasks such as data entry, bookkeeping, and customer inquiries, freeing up time for business owners to focus on core activities. Data Analysis: AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, providing insights that help in decision-making, trend spotting, and forecasting. Personalization: AI-driven tools can customize marketing campaigns and product recommendations based on individual customer behavior and preferences. Cost Reduction: Over time, the automation and optimization provided by AI can lead to significant cost savings. Cons of Using AI in Small Business: Initial Costs: Setting up AI-driven tools and systems can be expensive, especially for startups with limited capital. Dependency: Over-reliance on AI systems can make businesses vulnerable if there’s a system failure or malfunction. Learning Curve: Implementing and understanding AI solutions may require training and can be time-consuming. Job Displacement: While AI can handle many tasks, it might lead to reduced hiring, which can affect job opportunities in certain sectors. Benefits of Using AI in Small Business: Enhanced Customer Experience: Chatbots and virtual assistants can provide 24/7 customer support, leading to increased customer satisfaction. Scalability: AI-driven solutions can easily adapt to increasing data or tasks as the business grows without the need for major changes or upgrades. Competitive Edge: Small businesses can level the playing field against larger competitors by utilizing AI for analytics, marketing, and operations. Innovation: AI opens doors to new business models, products, and services that might not have been possible otherwise. Risks Associated with Using AI in Small Business: Data Privacy Concerns: Using AI requires collecting and analyzing customer data, which can raise privacy issues and regulatory challenges. Unpredictable Outcomes: AI algorithms, especially those that use deep learning, can sometimes produce unexpected results or decisions. Security Vulnerabilities: AI-driven systems can be targeted by hackers, leading to data breaches or system compromises. Ethical Dilemmas: Businesses may face ethical questions related to AI, such as bias in decision-making algorithms or the implications of fully autonomous systems. Integrating AI into a small business strategy presents a multitude of opportunities to enhance operations, engage with customers, and drive growth. However, entrepreneurs must be aware of the challenges and potential pitfalls that come with this technology. It’s crucial to strike a balance: harness the power of AI while maintaining a human touch and adhering to ethical and regulatory standards. With the right approach, AI can be a game-changer for aspiring and established small business owners alike. How to Choose the Perfect Small Business Idea If you have your heart set on starting your own business, then you probably have got some lucrative business ideas circling in your head. Choosing the right small business idea to start can be challenging. There are many small business ideas that can be profitable. When working on your business idea, you must weigh various factors during the decision-making process, including: Focus on your skills, experience, and passion: It is best that you choose a business that you already are passionate about and know about. Leveraging the skills and experience you already have can help increase your chances of success. Research Your Small Business: After narrowing down the business ideas you’re passionate about comes the research stage. At this stage, you will need to research different types of small businesses and get a feel for the effort and dedication they require. Test your business idea: it is important before launching your business to first test it out. you should be asking questions like: Is there enough demand for the product or service in your market? Can you afford the startup costs? How will you stand out from competitors and more? Testing your business idea gives you an understanding of whether you are really prepared to execute the business idea. Identify what you will need to start the business: ask yourself if you have the necessary funds to start a business. Whether you will be doing all or most of the work yourself to keep costs down? Are your personal and business finances in order? Can you outsource some components of your business, do you have enough of a market to sustain your business, is your supply chain strong, etc? Evaluate business-life fit: one of the reasons to start a small business is to be your own boss and pursue your passion. You will need to make sure that you have a balance between work and family life or risk getting burnt out or succumbing to stress. Write your business plan: Before investing a significant amount of money and effort in your business idea you will need to craft your business plan. Learning how to write a business plan will help you identify, describe ,and analyze the business opportunity by probing through technical, economic, and financial feasibility. It not only brings clarity to your entrepreneurial endeavor but also helps to identify your future financial needs and acts as a guide to deciding courses of action. Find the right financing: finding the seed money to finance your small business ideas can be stressful. This is because some traditional business loans will often require multiple years of business history for loans to get approval. You can source funds from microloans, grants, crowdfunding, or asking friends or family to invest in your business idea. For example, the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers grants for small businesses and advice as well. Equally important is that you keep your business finances separate from your private savings. Weigh profitability: the financial health and longevity of your business lie in how profitable it is. When selecting a business idea, it is important that you factor in profitability. Costs related to your product or service offering should include its necessity, market size, marketing costs, manufacturing costs, retail value, and scale of production. Before going all in, you will need to understand the earning potential of your business. This table breaks down the process of choosing a small business idea into easy steps. It’s a simple guide to help you navigate through the important parts of starting your own business. Steps in Decision MakingExplanation Assess Skills, Experience, and PassionChoose a business that aligns with your interests, skills, and experience. This increases the likelihood of success. Research Your Small Business IdeaAfter identifying a business idea that you're passionate about, research it. Understand the level of effort and dedication it requires. Test Your Business IdeaTry your business idea out before fully launching. Determine the demand for your product/service, assess startup costs, understand your competition, and more. Identify What You Will Need to Start the BusinessDo you have necessary funds? Will you do most of the work yourself to minimize costs? Is your supply chain robust? Are your personal and business finances organized? Evaluate Business-Life FitEnsure that your business doesn't negatively impact your personal life. Maintaining a balance is essential to avoid burnout and stress. Write Your Business PlanA business plan helps you analyze your business opportunity in terms of technical, economic, and financial feasibility. It also identifies your future financial needs and acts as a guide for action. Find the Right FinancingFinding funds for your business can be challenging. Consider microloans, grants, crowdfunding, or investments from friends and family. Separating business finances from personal savings is important. Weigh ProfitabilityConsider the profitability of your business idea. Understand your earning potential and the costs related to your offering, including market size, marketing costs, manufacturing costs, and more. How to Protect an Idea for a Small Business Very often, startups overlook the need to protect their business idea and guarantee ownership of their products and services. A mark of a successful business comes from its uniqueness and the ability to distinguish itself from the competition. Your business idea, besides having distinct Unique Selling Points (USPs) and being commercially viable, should have legal protection. Depending on your business line, make sure you are legally protected in terms of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and intellectual property rights. Identifying Your Niche: Tailoring Small Business Ideas to Your Skills and Passions Identifying your niche is a crucial step for budding entrepreneurs. Embarking on a small business journey aligned with your personal skills and passions not only enhances your chances of success but also ensures a more gratifying and sustainable entrepreneurial experience. This approach allows you to leverage your inherent strengths and expertise, providing a unique edge in the competitive business landscape. When your business reflects your interests and skills, it often leads to innovative ideas and a deeper connection with your target audience. Moreover, this alignment fosters authenticity, a key ingredient in building brand trust and customer loyalty. To identify your niche, introspect about what you love doing, the skills you excel in, and how these can address a specific market need. This synergy between passion and proficiency is the foundation of a business that not only thrives but also brings personal fulfillment. Time to Start a Business The best small business ideas are those that can be started quickly and easily. The best time to start a business is when you know you have clearly identified your target audience, are financially prepared, and have developed a business plan. Testing your product or service will help you identify areas for improvement. In most cases starting a business can take between six months to a year. What Is the Most Profitable Small Business? Most profitable business ideas are products of a solid business model, hard work, and determination. Whether you enter a high-growth industry o a niche market there are several online tools and solutions that can help give your business that extra edge in terms of marketing, project management, accounting, and more. when it comes to profitable business ideas, focus on a business where there is high demand and unmet supply. For example, food truck businesses are all the craze. Not only do they allow you more mobility, but they afford you the ability to tweak your offering for special events, around heavy foot traffic areas, or even during rush hours. if you play your cards right, you will be able to grow a healthy client base by offering convenience, great customer service, and competitive pricing. What Are the Easiest Online Business Ideas to Start? Virtual assistant jobs and online e-commerce stores are considered some of the easiest online businesses to start. They not only offer easy start-up investments but also let you work on your own hours. Starting an online business is quick, easy, and cost-effective all you need is a laptop and an internet connection. For more insights, check out our article Business Startup Checklist. What Small Business Idea Has the Lowest Startup Costs? Small business ideas are the best way to start your own business. Despite many people aspiring to become entrepreneurs, many find it difficult to pursue their dreams because of the significant costs associated with starting a business. However, there are many low-cost business ideas that one can launch with little or no cash required. Some excellent small business ideas can be straightforward to execute,e and they help you build an enduring brand. A great business idea can come with little or no startup capital and can include copywriting, virtual assistants, offering online courses, and digital marketing services. Which business is most profitable for beginners? In an ever more connected world, people are looking for products that they can get with minimal hassles. For savvy entrepreneurs, dropshipping can be an easy, low-cost business to start. Simply put, dropshipping follows a fulfillment model where third-party supplies, stores, and ships the products to customers on your behalf. The perks of running a dropshipping operation are that it comes with low overhead, reduces your risk in terms of handling and storage, and is scalable,e where you can source products from one or more suppliers into your own online store. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Best Small Business Ideas to Start" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Do you want to haul out your fridge every time you clean under it? I'm not strong or motivated enough to do all that. Frankly, I'm lazy enough to avoid even moving shelving or furniture unless I absolutely have to. This trick from TikTok allows you to clean under larger pieces—and while you'll still have to yank them out at some point, you can extend the amount of time between your feats of manual labor. Grab a sponge and a spatulaI saw this video on the Washy Wash account a few days ago. In just 14 seconds, it shows how you can easily clean under heavy furniture and appliances with only a sponge and a spatula. My thin spatula and nasty old melamine sponge. Credit: Lindsey Ellefson I don't use regular sponges very often (because I am such a fan of reusable silicone ones), so I didn't have a grimy old sponge to sacrifice to the experiment. What I did have, of course, was a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Ultra Foamy, which I have talked and talked about and will never abandon. I used this particular Magic Eraser a lot last week, so it was looking pretty busted and I felt fine destroying it in the name of science. I referred back to the video and found that I was supposed to cut a hole in the edge of the sponge and shove a spatula in there. My regular spatulas are pretty wide and I felt like they'd eventually burst the whole sponge open, making it unusable, so I used a thin icing spatula instead. One benefit of using a melamine sponge like the Magic Eraser over a harder sponge is that it was extremely easy to cut a hole in the side. I think there would have been more resistance with, say, a standard cellulose sponge. Pushing the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser under the fridge and hoping for the best. Credit: Lindsey Ellefson The next part was easy: After stuffing my spatula in the hole, I wet the sponge and dragged it around under my fridge, using the handle of the spatula to push and pull the Magic Eraser. Things to keep in mind with this trickObviously, you can only push the sponge in as far as your handle can reach (and, in cases where you're dealing with appliances like the fridge, only until some large, low-hanging component gets in your way). This isn't a substitute for pulling out the appliance or furniture and really cleaning under there. Rather, it's something you can do in between bigger cleanings to address the dirt and grime that gets stuck under the overhang of your larger pieces. The good news is there's plenty of dirt near the outer edges of appliances, since that's where it ends up when it gets kicked and swept. I got plenty of dirt using this method. Credit: Lindsey Ellefson If you're using a regular sponge, use a soap-and-water mixture or your favorite cleaning solution to address the dirt, but no matter what you use, make sure to go back in with a different sponge using only water, rinsing away any sticky residue. My Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Ultra Foamy comes with soap pods inside, so I had to use a plain rag wrapped around my spatula to rinse when I was finished. It worked fine! Overall, this is a simple way to extend the time in between larger cleanings under your big appliances. When I do it again in the future, I'm going to try to use a longer tool, like a yardstick, to really get in there. View the full article

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified a recall of Frito-Lay potato chips at the highest level of risk. The newly announced classification means that under certain conditions, those who consume the chips are at risk of experiencing serious adverse health consequences or even death. Here’s what you need to know about the Frito-Lay potato chips recall. What’s happened? On December 16, 2024, Frito-Lay issued a voluntary limited recall on select packages of some of its Lay’s Classic Potato Chips. The recall was first published on the FDA’s website two days later. But this week, the FDA said in its enforcement database that it has classified the recall as a “Class 1.” An FDA spokesperson confirmed the classification with Fast Company. What is a Class 1 FDA recall? The FDA has three classifications into which the agency slots recalls based on potential hazards and risks to the public. A Class III recall is the least serious. According to the FDA, this type of recalled product “is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.” A Class II recall is a little more concerning, but the use of or interaction with the product is unlikely to cause lasting harm. As the FDA notes, exposure to the product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” A Class I recall is the most serious. It means the use of or exposure to the product has a “reasonable probability” of causing “serious adverse health consequences or death,” according to the FDA. Class 1 is the status the recalled Frito-Lay potato chips now fall under. Why is the Frito-Lay potato chips recall a Class 1 recall? The Frito-Lay potato chip recall is classified as a Class 1 recall because the chips may contain undeclared milk. For those with milk allergies, this can represent a significant risk to health—up to and including death. According to the Mayo Clinic, a milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies among children. What Frito-Lay potato chips are part of the recall? According to Frito-Lay’s recall notice posted on December 16 and the FDA notice posted on December 18, only one product is being recalled: Lay’s Classic Potato Chips with the following characteristics: Size: 13 oz. (368.5 grams) UPC: 28400 31041 “Guaranteed Fresh” date: 11 FEB 2025 Manufacturing Code: 6462307xx or 6463307xx The FDA notice states that the chips must have the “guaranteed fresh” date above plus one of the two manufacturing codes to be included in the recall. According to the FDA, more than 6,300 bags of chips were impacted. An image of the recalled product can be seen here. Where and when were the recalled Frito Lay potato chips sold? The recalled chips were distributed in Oregon and Washington “to certain retail stores and e-commerce distributors,” according to the FDA notice. The notice does not state which online retailers and retail stores received the distributed chips. The recalled chips were sold as early as November 3, 2024, and the first recall notice was not published until December 16. That means people had plenty of time to stock up on the chips before the holidays. Further, since the recalled chips have a “guaranteed fresh” date of February 11, 2025, many people could still have the recalled chips in their possession. What should I do if I have the recalled chips? Be sure to read the full recall notice here. The recall notice warns, “Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the recalled product.” According to the notice, if you have a sensitivity or allergy to milk, you should not consume the recalled chips and dispose of them immediately. Those with further questions about the recall can contact Frito-Lay Consumer Relations at 1-800-352-4477 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday. View the full article

There’s nothing worse than seeing the perfect house and finding out it’s already the object of a bidding war. As mortgage rates remain high and inventory remains low, the competition for homes is only getting more intense. If you’re looking for a house and you’ve been frustrated at how quickly they sell, or you’re struggling to find houses that meet your needs, there’s probably an untapped resource you can take advantage of: pocket listings. What's a "pocket listing"?A “pocket listing” (sometimes called an “off-market” listing) is a property for sale that isn’t listed in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). That means that while a real estate pro is actively trying to sell the house, it isn’t easily discoverable and doesn’t show up when people search for available properties. There are two main reasons real estate agents do this: One, if the seller doesn’t want their property advertised on the MLS for their own reasons, and signs an opt-out form; and two, in order to sell the property to someone in their network, either because they know it’s the ideal property for their needs or because there’s potential for a higher commission because there won’t be another agent involved. Pocket listings are somewhat controversial in the real estate world. Although they’re 100% legal, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) issued a rule in 2019 that requires licensed real estate agents to list a property on the MLS within one business day of “marketing a property to the public.” It’s still perfectly okay to market the property to other agents or to a specific potential buyer without listing it on the MLS, however, so pocket listings endure—and agents have a few tricks they use to stay within the letter of the NAR rule while getting the advantages of a pocket listing. This means that there’s a relatively small but crucial supply of homes for sale that you might not see if you’re searching online or even if you’re working with an agent, because they’re not yet listed on the MLS. But you can still find them, and that means you can get in early and make an offer before the whole world stampedes in to snag your dream home out from under you. How to find pocket listingsFinding pocket listings can take some legwork. But if you’re in a tight market and have a very specific area you want to buy in, that work can pay off big time. Contact local agents. If there are pocket listings in a neighborhood, a local real estate agent is probably involved. Contact the agents in the area and ask if they have exclusives or off-market listings in the area you’re targeting. Search online. Zillow has a “coming soon” category where agents can list off-market properties up to 30 days before they’re officially listed in the MLS. This is often used as a way to drum up interest in the property, but it also affords you an opportunity to make contact before the listing goes wide. FSBO. Zillow and other real estate listing sites have For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sections, and homeowners going the FSBO route also post on places like Craigslist or For Sale By Owner. These are off-market listings even though a real estate agent isn’t involved. Homeowners. One last option is to contact the folks already living in your desired neighborhood and just ask them if they or someone they know is selling or thinking of selling their house. This is probably your least efficient option, but it might turn up a lead. View the full article

The future may be female, but in economic terms, the present is as well. The gender gap—which references how much more the average man in the United States earns compared to the average woman—has eroded in recent years, largely because women are earning more money, according to new data from the Bank of America Institute. In a report published this month, the data shows that women’s median discretionary spending increased 0.9% year-over-year during November, and that it’s been growing faster than men’s spending over the previous two-year period. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, female workers’ median annual income growth is growing faster than male workers, in large part due to bigger pay jumps when changing jobs. While the past few years have seen wages grow overall in the wake of the pandemic, the important point unearthed in the data is that women are seeing bigger pay increases, and in aggregate, it’s “evidence of a narrowing gender pay gap,” says Taylor Bowley, an economist at Bank of America Institute and author of the publication. While the gender pay gap can vary by a few percentage points depending on the specific data used to calculate it, the most recent numbers from the Department of Labor, published last year, show that the average full-time working woman earns 84% of what men are paid. But again, Bank of America Institute’s numbers show that number creeping up. Not only that, but with women earning more money, and spending more of it, they’ve been something of an economic engine in recent years, too. “Women are helping drive growth,” says Bowley. “Even pre-pandemic discretionary spending for women was up compared to men’s,” she says. “There’s increased potential for women to continue to be key players in the economy’s strength. The data is highly encouraging.” What forces drive women to earn more, fuel the economy, and erode the gender pay gap? There are a lot of variables in the mix, Bowley says, but a good place to start looking is at education numbers. “Public data shows that women’s enrollment in four-year degree programs has been outpacing men’s for a while. More education translates into more opportunities. That also helps drive women’s labor force participation rates,” she says. In all, women are more educated, earning more money, and becoming an increasingly important pillar of economic growth. That, if anything, Bowley says, is the key takeaway from the data: “Women are a key source of strength for the economy, and it’s increasingly important.” View the full article

Beginning your journey with Amazon Lending can be a transformative step towards dynamically scaling your small business. With it, you can harness the power and flexibility that comes with partnering with one of the largest e-commerce platforms globally. With “Sell here, borrow here” as your mantra, unlocking the potential of Amazon Lending becomes a breeze. Once you set up a seller’s account with Amazon, you open the gateway to possibly borrowing up to $750,000, providing a substantial financial cushion to innovate, expand, and excel in your entrepreneurial endeavors. This initiative is designed to fuel your business growth, placing the tools for success right at your fingertips. Read on to find out how you can take full advantage of Amazon Lending’s robust features to elevate your business to new heights. What is Amazon Lending? Amazon launched Amazon Community Lending as a pilot program. Over the course of several years, borrowers received about $710 million in funding. Amazon Lending provides short-term business loans for qualified sellers. The sellers use the funds to get additional inventory. Amazon Lending works in partnership with Goldman Sachs and other third-party lenders. The available products include term loans, interest-only loans, and lines of credit for US-based businesses. How does Amazon Lending Work? You must have an Amazon seller’s account. The loans are by invitation only. There’s no credit check in the traditional style. Amazon automatically looks at select metrics, such as your sales volume and invites you to apply. What’s the payment method? Your monthly payments are automatically deducted from your seller’s account based on a percentage of sales from your Seller’s Account. If there’s not enough money in your Seller’s Account to cover the loan payment on the due date, the funds are withdrawn from the credit card information you provided when you set up the loan. There are various financial programs. You can follow the steps to choose which is best for you. How Does Amazon Financing Help Propel Your Business Growth? Amazon Lending can be an essential resource for effectively scaling your small business. Here’s how it can greatly benefit your enterprise: Enhanced Inventory Management: Acquire a larger variety of inventory to meet customer demands. Implement advanced inventory management systems for efficient operations. Expanding Product Line: Diversify and enlarge your product line to attract a wider audience. Utilize insights and analytics to identify promising product additions. Widened Customer Reach: Increase your marketing efforts to reach more potential customers. Leverage Amazon’s extensive network to tap into new market segments. Strategic Company Positioning: Strengthen your brand presence on the platform. Develop unique selling propositions to distinguish your company from competitors. In short, by taking advantage of Amazon Financing, you can infuse your business with the necessary resources to escalate growth, streamline operations, and establish a stronger foothold in your industry. Here’s a word from FastTrackFBA about how they doubled their revenue with Amazon Lending: Am I Eligible for an Amazon Loan? Once you establish a Seller’s Account on Amazon Marketplace, Amazon will let you know. If you aren’t immediately eligible, you won’t receive an invitation to apply for an Amazon loan. If you get the nod, it is one of the better small business funding options in the market. Amazon wants to enhance and grow businesses owned by historically disadvantaged sellers and those of low to moderate income. During the online application process, Amazon does not consider your credit score a factor when making a loan decision. As you sell on Amazon, you may later become eligible due to sales volume. Eligible sellers may receive an invitation later. How Much Could I Borrow from Amazon Lending? There are minimum and maximum loan amounts for each type of loan. You can borrow from $1,000 to $750,000. The majority of high-dollar loans are lines of credit loans. Does Amazon Financing Have High Loan Payments The lending program has various loan rates. The loan rates are determined by the loan size, the term, and the quality of your credit, as determined by Amazon. As with all small business loans, you’ll pay an additional fee for late payments. The annual interest rates range from 6.99% to 20.99%. For Line of Credit loans, there is an additional maintenance fee if you don’t use 30% of your line of credit amount. The Evolution of Amazon Lending Amazon Lending has significantly evolved since its inception. Initially, it served as a straightforward lending service for Amazon sellers to boost their inventory. Over time, it has expanded to offer diverse financial products, catering to various business needs. Amazon’s lending program reflects the company’s deepening involvement in financial services, targeting the unique needs of e-commerce businesses. This evolution showcases Amazon’s commitment to providing comprehensive support to its seller community, not just in sales and logistics but also in financing growth and expansion. The Global Impact of Amazon Lending Amazon Lending has made a global impact, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses that operate on the Amazon platform. It has become a vital financial lifeline for these businesses, allowing them to scale operations, expand product lines, and enter new markets. Amazon’s lending program is more than just a financial service; it’s a strategic tool that has helped numerous businesses around the world leverage the vast marketplace that Amazon offers. The success stories from different countries highlight the program’s effectiveness in promoting business growth worldwide. Sustainable Practices in Amazon Lending The sustainability of Amazon Lending is evident in its commitment to supporting small businesses, especially those that may lack access to conventional banking services. By providing these businesses with the necessary funds to grow, Amazon Lending helps in creating sustainable economic opportunities. Furthermore, Amazon’s focus on data-driven lending decisions promotes financial responsibility and reduces the risk of over-indebtedness. This sustainable approach ensures that businesses are not just growing but doing so in a manner that is financially sound and viable in the long term. Technology and Innovation in Amazon Lending Amazon Lending is at the forefront of integrating technology and innovation into its financial services. By leveraging its vast data on sellers’ performance and market trends, Amazon can offer tailored financing options that suit individual business needs. This data-driven approach allows for quicker loan approvals and more accurate risk assessment. Moreover, Amazon’s use of technology streamlines the entire lending process, making it more efficient and user-friendly. The integration of advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms is continually enhancing the program, making it adaptable and responsive to the changing needs of Amazon sellers. Amazon Lending Program vs. Traditional Small Business Loan If you choose a bank loan, you’ll most likely make payments from your business bank account. There are other factors that influence this bottom line, such as utility and insurance payments. With Amazon Lending, you’re borrowing money to buy inventory and using inventory sales through the online marketplace to pay the loan. That’s simple to track and analyze compared to other business financing options, making it one of the biggest alternative lenders for small businesses. The only drawback is that you have to be on the Amazon platform. With Amazon Lendin,g early payments aren’t penalized. If you make the full loan payment early, erasing the loan early, there’s no prepayment penalty. That means with early payment, you’ll have interest savings. As a credit option, the Amazon business lending program is fast, with the time from business completed applications to approved loans issued often within 2-5 business days. That’s a huge plus for business financing options. Typically, a small business loan requires a 600 and better score and a requirement that you’ve been in operation for 12 months. Small businesses might get better interest rates on merchant cash advances, business credit cards, or a business line of credit from other lending institutions, but small businesses typically wait 2 or 3 months for a decision. There may be various fees associated with your loan. And even with a short-term loan, you may pay a penalty if you pay your loan balance early, which is one of the main hidden fees in the fine print. If you default on the loan by not making payments and your credit card is declined, Amazon may do a first-seller account disbursement. That means that Amazon can use and sell your remaining inventory to use against your remaining loan payout. 5 Steps to Apply Eligible businesses can create a seller account on Amazon Seller Central. Below is a concise overview of the steps involved: Step 1. Sign in to Your Amazon Sellers Account on Seller Central If you’re new to Amazon Sellers, don’t despair if you don’t receive an invitation for a loan. As your business grows, Amazon will automatically take another look. After opening and running your seller’s account for some time, you may become eligible for a loan. Step 2. Verify Eligibility If you’re eligible for Amazon loans as an Amazon seller, your online business will get an invitation. Step 3. Choose a Financing Option First, carefully determine the loan amount that aligns with your business objectives. Then, navigate through the user-friendly application process. Opt for a financing solution tailored to your enterprise’s unique needs, be it a term loan for long-term investments, an interest-only loan to preserve cash flow, or a flexible line of credit for ongoing expenses. Identifying the option that promotes sustainable growth and enhances your business’s financial health is essential. Step 4. Send Your Application Submit your application for an Amazon loan. Step 5. Wait for Your Application to be Processed You should get a response on your Amazon business loan application in 2-5 business days, with loans issued immediately. Structured Overview for Setting up Your Seller’s Account Business owners can refer to this concise table as a quick reference while working through the Amazon Financing application steps. It’s designed to streamline the process, helping small business owners navigate each phase with clarity and confidence. Step ComponentDescription Sign in to Your Amazon Sellers Account on Seller CentralBegin by logging into your Amazon Sellers account. If you're new, don't worry if you don't receive an immediate invitation for a loan; Amazon will reassess your eligibility as your business grows. It's recommended to actively manage your account as it can increase your chances of qualifying in the future. Verify EligibilityOnce you are deemed eligible, your business will receive an invitation to apply for Amazon loans. This is an acknowledgment of your growing enterprise and a chance to further expand it. Choose a Financing OptionDecide on the loan amount needed, considering your business goals. Navigate the application process and choose a financing option that aligns with your needs, such as a term loan, interest-only loan, or a line of credit. Selecting the right option can foster sustainable growth and financial stability. Send Your ApplicationAfter selecting the most suitable financing option, proceed to fill out and submit your application form for an Amazon loan. This step is crucial as it initiates the official request for funds. Wait for Your Application to be ProcessedOnce your application is submitted, expect a response within 2-5 business days. If approved, the loan will be issued promptly, enabling you to implement your business expansion strategies without delay. Does Amazon financing affect credit? No. If you’re seeking finances from potential lenders outside Amazon, they won’t be able to access information about your Amazon Lending activities. The loan issued and ongoing payments against the remaining balance are internal transactions within Amazon. Does Amazon have 18-month financing? No. The repayment terms are up to one year. You can get 18-month financing on a short-term business loan through a traditional lender. Image: amazon This article, "Amazon Lending: How to Boost Your Small Business Dynamically" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A growing number of American workers are taking time off for mental and emotional well-being, a practice known as “unhappy leave.” According to a new survey by Sidehustles.com, 60% of employees took unhappy leave in the past year, with support for the policy gaining traction among managers who see it as a tool to improve productivity, job satisfaction, and employee retention. Workers Report Productivity Gains After Unhappy Leave The survey, which included 500 employees and 500 managers, found that employees who take unhappy leave experience significant improvements in their work performance. After stepping away from work for mental health reasons, respondents reported: 72% saw an improvement in overall well-being. 69% experienced better focus. 68% felt lower stress levels. 62% saw increased productivity. 49% reported greater job satisfaction. Despite these benefits, nearly 50% of employees said they would consider switching jobs if another employer offered unhappy leave as a benefit, highlighting its growing role in workplace decisions. Managers See Unhappy Leave as a Retention Strategy Support for unhappy leave is strong among company leadership. The survey found that: 75% of managers support their team members taking unhappy leave. Nearly 2 in 5 managers have taken unhappy leave themselves. 4 in 5 managers believe offering unhappy leave would make their organization more attractive to potential employees. 3 in 4 managers view unhappy leave as an important tool for employee retention. Industries Leading the Way Certain industries have embraced unhappy leave more than others. The top sectors where employees report taking unhappy leave include: Technology Government/Public Administration Education Among employees who took unhappy leave, 20% cited a toxic company culture or negative work environment as a contributing factor. Corporate Concerns and Policy Considerations While interest in unhappy leave policies is rising, many companies remain cautious about implementation. The survey found that 1 in 5 organizations are considering adding an unhappy leave policy, particularly in tech, healthcare, and education. However, managers cited key concerns, including: 55% worry about employee misuse or overuse. 41% are concerned about workload coverage. 40% see challenges in distinguishing unhappy leave from regular sick leave. 40% want clearer guidelines on eligibility. Despite these concerns, companies are increasingly expanding emotional wellness benefits. Nearly 47% of organizations are considering options such as mental health counseling, flexible work hours, and stress management resources. Image: Envato This article, "Workplaces Embrace ‘Unhappy Leave’ as a Tool for Employee Well-Being and Retention" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

TikTok has had a wild start to 2025. The app was banned in the United States, went dark, then came back online. New users can't download it, since the app hasn't returned to U.S. app stores, but those with existing access to the app (or simply the website) can continue watching videos like the ban never happened—at least, for now. The thing is, ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, has owned and operated other apps within the U.S. You might've learned that over the past couple weeks, as other popular apps went dark and disappeared from app stores alongside TikTok. While these apps were not a part of the major discussion around the ban, they all should, in theory, have many of the same concerns that caused the government to go after TikTok. ByteDance is based in China, and, as such, would be beholden to the Chinese government should the latter ask for the data of any American users. In fact, the ban makes it clear no ByteDance app is safe. At the top of the law, it says the act's goal is "To protect the national security of the United States from the threat posed by foreign adversary controlled applications, such as TikTok and any successor application or service and any other application or service developed or provided by ByteDance Ltd. or an entity under the control of ByteDance Ltd." Since then, all the apps on this list have been removed from app stores, and while most allow you to use them if you already had the app on your phone, only one has been added back to marketplaces. TikTokThis is the big one: ByteDance, of course, owns TikTok, the app at the center of all this national security drama. You might be addicted to the app yourself. What you might not know, however, is that the TikTok we know started out life not as a ByteDance property, nor as "TikTok" itself; rather, the app was originally called Musical.ly, and was designed for users to post short videos lip-syncing to popular songs. It amassed a large following, which caught ByteDance's attention, just as it had its sights set on expanding its short-form social media app, Douyin, globally. ByteDance went international with a new version of Douyin, TikTok, in 2017, and almost immediately after, acquired Musical.ly for nearly $1 billion. The rest, of course, is history. TikTok has become a world-wide phenomenon, capturing the attentions of one billion users. 170 million of those users happen to be in the U.S., which makes you wonder how a looming ban of the app will affect TikTok's bottom line. TikTok LiteIf you have an Android device, you might have seen TikTok Lite before. This app is TikTok, only a lighter, more streamlined version. Like other "lite" apps, this one is designed for phones with limited RAM, data, or unstable connections. TikTok Lite is not that popular, especially when compared to TikTok proper. It only has 100,000 downloads compared to TikTok's more than one billion. It wasn't a part of the ban discussion, but it's currently off the Play Store nonetheless. TikTok Studio and TikTok Shop SellerTikTok Studio isn't made for consumers. Rather, it's an app for TikTok creators to manage posts on their accounts. Similarly, there's TikTok Shop Seller Center, an app for users who sell products on TikTok to manage their digital shops. CapCutIn the past, if you wanted to get into video production, you need to spend quite a bit of money: You needed a camera, a computer, and editing software, none of which came cheap, and most of which required a good deal of technical know-how. These days, anyone with a smartphone can make videos. Many of us interested in doing so have turned to CapCut, which just so happens to be owned by none other than ByteDance. To say CapCut is popular is a wild understatement. The app has over a billion downloads on Android alone, and is also available on iOS, Mac, and Windows—assuming you downloaded it before the ban. (It's also available on the web.) Like other video editors, CapCut offers tools for chopping up your clips into content to post on your socials, but there are a number of extra features available as well. That includes templates to get a part of your video started, video effects, AI features, music integration, stock videos, and more. All these features aside, the reason CapCut is so popular has likely just as much (if not more) to do with the fact that it is owned by the same parent company as TikTok. That means a few things: CapCut offers an easy workflow from editing to posting on TikTok; TikTokers use the app and promote it themselves; and ByteDance can advertise CapCut on TikTok as much as it wants. If you missed out and can no longer download CapCut, there are other great alternatives you can try. HypicOn the other side of the editing aisle, there's Hypic, ByteDance's photo editing tool. This app isn't nearly as big as CapCut, but it's still pretty large (over 10 million downloads on the Play Store). The app offers standard photo editing tools, but also other perks: There are AI-powered tools, such as cutouts, background removal, and filters; a feature that lets you add "trending" makeup to images; and other options, like stickers and templates. Lemon8In protest of the government's potential ban on TikTok, users flocked to other Chinese-based social media apps in protest. One of those apps was Lemon8, a "lifestyle" social media platform. Like TikTok, Lemon8 also supports video sharing, but that's not its only focus. Users can also post images, including to carousels, offering an Instagram-like experience. Plus, you can engage with multiple types of content at the same time, akin to Pinterest. As Jessica Maddox, associate professor of digital media technology, tells NBC News, “If those three apps came together and had a baby, it would be Lemon8." It's not clear how popular Lemon8 still is now that isn't not available on app stores, however. Marvel Snap (returned to app stores)Marvel Snap is a popular mobile card game, incorporating character from the Marvel universe. Players draw decks of 12 cards, and play for control of three locations. Whichever player controls at least two locations after six turns wins. While Marvel itself might be an American property, the game is operated by Nuverse, which is a ByteDance subsidiary. As such, Marvel Snap was snapped out of existence (or, at least, from app stores) following the ban. However, as of Jan. 28, the app is back. As The Verge reports, the game developers are working to bring "almost all operational and publishing responsibilities in-house," working Skytone Games, a U.S.-based publisher. It's the first of the ByteDance apps to return to app stores since the ban. Land of EmpiresLand of Empires is another game owned by Nuverse. This title is a strategy game that pits you against an enemy army of demons. Like other strategy games, you fortify your lands, fight enemies in combat, and engage in large battles. It's not quite as popular as Marvel Snap, but it's not all that niche, either, sporting over a million downloads on the Play Store. It, however, has not returned. LarkChances are, you've never heard of Lark. (I certainly hadn't.) Lark offers a collection of business apps and services. The standalone Lark app for iOS and Android is described as a "team collaboration" app, which, for all intents and purposes, means its basically a Microsoft Teams or Slack competitor. Lark has features like in-app messaging and video calling, as well as collaborative document sharing. This probably isn't something you'll ever use on your own, but rather a service you use through your company. It's likely one of the smaller groups affected by the ban. Tokopedia and Tokopedia STARTTokopedia is a shopping service based out of Indonesia, but it had apps available to users in the U.S. prior to the law. Also available from the company was Tokopedia START, an app that appears to have been made for a 2022 tech conference. Tokopedia, as you may have guessed, is a subsidiary of ByteDance. View the full article

A business email is an incredibly important tool. It helps you keep your personal life separate instead of mixing it all together, and it looks more professional overall. Using business email addresses, you can create a better customer experience for others while also keeping things organized. There are plenty of free business email account options available for you to choose from. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best free business email address options out there and how to get started. How to Create a Business Email Address The steps to create a business email address will vary depending on the email client you are using, but the process tends to be pretty straightforward. Here’s how to create a business email address: Purchase your domain name and sign up for a hosting provider, or opt for an email service. Create your business email address, which can include generic email accounts such as contact@yourdomain.com or hello@yourdomain.com. You can also set up your business email inbox with your name if easier. Add an email signature, including your name, title, company’s logo, and an alternative form of contract. Add your business email address to your website and social media so that customers and clients know how to contact you. StepDescription Purchase Domain and Sign Up for HostingChoose and register your domain name through a domain registrar and sign up for hosting service. Create Business Email AddressSet up a custom business email address, like contact@yourdomain.com or yourname@yourdomain.com. Add Email SignaturePersonalize your emails with a signature including your name, title, company logo, and contacts. Integrate Email Address on Website and Social MediaDisplay your business email on your website and social media profiles for easy contact access. What is a Business Email Address? A business email address is essentially just that – an email address connected to your business. It generally shares the same domain name as your business, so @yourbusiness.com rather than @gmail.com or @hotmail.com. Using your own domain keeps it consistent for customers and clients to reach you, and it’s easier to identify when browsing your website. Why You Need a Business Email Address The importance of a professional email address or a business email account can’t be understated in today’s digital ecosystem. It is important for many reasons, such as: Appears professional: A business email with a custom domain presents a more professional image and is more likely to attract customers. Keep things organized: Business email accounts can help streamline your work and ensure that you can keep track of everything in one place. Promotes your brand: Every time you send an email from your business email, it gives you more brand recognition. Enhances discoverability: Customers find it significantly easier to search for and reach out to a professional email rather than a personal one. How to Make a Business Email Professional There are several ways to make your professional business email address look good and gain customer trust. Let’s look at the top things you should consider. Top Things to Include Custom domain with your business name Email client that offers a good hosting plan Online storage such as cloud storage Short and easy emails such as ‘hello@yourbusinessname.com’ or ‘contact@yourbusinessname.com) Email signature with your company name and more details on how to get in touch Additional email aliases if needed to stay organized (i.e., separating customer feedback from general emails) The Best Platforms to Create Business Email Addresses When searching for platforms to learn how to create a business email, there are several factors to consider. It’s important to find a provider that offers custom email domains, allowing you to set up a domain-based email address. Typically, most providers will include a web hosting account along with a custom business email address. Gmail Formerly G Suite, a Google Workspace account, is one of the best options for comprehensive email services. You can access other Google apps alongside Gmail, such as Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and more, so there is a lot of value. Basic plans for Google Workspace begin at $6, and there are numerous hosting options available to accommodate your business as it expands. Bluehost Bluehost email is useful if you have a WordPress website or plan to have one. Bluehost is a hosting provider and offers a web hosting package alongside business emails. With a Bluehost account, you can create business emails with your own domain and tie your mail client with your website to make it easier to manage. GoDaddy GoDaddy is another web hosting provider for a WordPress website, and they also offer free business email accounts with their hosting package. GoDaddy uses its own workspace and email client or a Microsoft email client. Options for email accounts can vary depending on what kind of hosting is purchased. However, it’s one of the easier solutions since you can create a free business email that is tied to your hosting account. Zoho Mail Zoho Mail is an email service provider that can be tied to your domain name. Zoho Mail provides a safe and secure email service for businesses, and you can easily tie your business email to an existing domain name for ease. Zoho Mail also comes with productivity tools similar to Google Workspace for added value. Zoho Mail offers a lot of privacy with its email service, and it can be a great option for smaller teams that are looking to scale. Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Outlook is an excellent choice for a free business email due to its simplicity and user-friendliness. This email service allows you to easily create a free business email. If you are interested in more Microsoft products, you can access them with a paid plan. Microsoft is often regarded as a gold standard in email clients, making it a consistently popular option for a business email address. How to Get a Business Email Address for Free There are quite a few avenues to look at if you’re looking for a free business email address. Many hosting providers tend to have it as a value-add to web hosting, so it’s worth looking at those options for – especially if you have a WordPress site. Email service providers where you can create a free business email address include: GoDaddy (with a domain name or hosting purchase) Bluehost (with a custom domain or hosting purchasing) Microsoft Outlook What is the best way to get a professional email address? There are many platforms available to get a professional email address for your business. For example, you can use platforms such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Outlook, and Zoho Mail to get a business email address for your business using your own domain name to tie it back to your business. Is Gmail for business free? Gmail for business has a variety of paid plans available depending on needs. For a business email address and other G Suite apps, a basic plan starts at $6 per user. Prices go up to $12 or $18 per user, depending on cloud storage needs and other considerations. Integrating Business Email with Other Business Tools Integrating a business email with CRM systems, project management tools, and other business software can significantly streamline workflows. This integration enhances efficiency, reduces manual data entry, and ensures that all business communications are centralized and easily accessible. Maintaining Professionalism in Email Communication To maintain professionalism in email communication, it’s essential to focus on clear and concise language, maintain a respectful tone, and ensure prompt responses. Regularly updating your email signature with relevant contact information and professional credentials also contributes to a positive and professional image. Creating a Business Email for Growth and Professionalism In conclusion, a professional business email address is not just a communication tool but a vital asset for branding and customer trust. Selecting the right email platform, integrating it effectively with other business tools, and adhering to professional email communication standards can significantly enhance a business’s operational efficiency and professional image. Having a professional business email address is essential for any business in today’s digital world. It not only looks more professional but also helps in brand promotion and customer trust. With various free and paid options available, businesses can easily create a custom domain-based email address. Platforms such as Gmail, Bluehost, GoDaddy, Zoho Mail, and Microsoft Outlook provide outstanding options for how to create a business email address. By following simple steps, businesses can set up their email address, add an email signature, and integrate it into their website and social media for easy customer contact. Whether opting for a free or paid service, a professional business email address is a valuable asset that can enhance communication and credibility with customers and clients. Image: Depositphotos This article, "How to Create a Business Email" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Part-time work is great for increased flexibility, but a significant bummer when it comes to benefits. Luckily, a new rule now opens the door for millions of part-time workers to start building their nest eggs earlier through employer-sponsored retirement plans. This rule—part of the Secure Act 2.0 passed in 2022—reduces the waiting period for part-time employees to join their company's 401(k) or 403(b) plans. Here's what you need to know to take advantage of this change and maximize your savings this year. How part-time workers can save more for retirementUnder the new rules, part-time workers can qualify for their employer's retirement plan after just two years of service, provided they work at least 500 hours in each year. This is down from the previous three-year requirement, making it significantly easier for part-time employees to start saving for retirement through their workplace plans. To put this in perspective, 500 hours per year amounts to roughly 10 hours per week, meaning even those working limited schedules can qualify for these important benefits more quickly than before. Whatever your image of part-time work looks like, this rule benefits a wide range of people: Recent hires who work steady part-time schedules can begin saving a full year earlier than under previous rules. Workers juggling multiple part-time positions can now more quickly access benefits at their longer-term employers. Parents or caregivers working reduced hours can start building retirement savings sooner. Students working part-time while in school can begin their retirement savings journey earlier in their careers. Read the fine printFirst, bit of clarification: Whereas freelancers are self-employed (and eligible for their own types of plans), this rule applies to long-term, part-time workers, who are still considered to be a part of the company and eligible for corporate benefits. Additionally, the new provision comes with several key stipulations: The rule applies to most 401(k) plans and certain 403(b) plans. Collectively bargained plans are exempt from these requirements. Service hours accumulated before 2021 don't count toward the eligibility requirement. Employers must still offer plan participation to those who work 1,000 hours in a single year. Maximizing your retirement savingsFor part-time workers now eligible for retirement plans, consider taking these steps. Review your employer's match program, if available, and try to contribute enough to capture the full match. Calculate how much you can consistently contribute from each paycheck. Consider automatic contribution increases to gradually boost your savings rate. Research your plan's investment options and choose a diversified portfolio aligned with your retirement timeline. Understand any vesting schedules for employer contributions. The bottom line: Part-time employees should check with their HR departments about eligibility and plan details, as employers will need to implement these changes in their retirement plan administration asap. Starting to save earlier, even in small amounts, can make a meaningful difference in long-term retirement. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. After the release of the Google Pixel 9 last fall, the Pixel 8 lineup dropped in price, as was expected. While the Pixel 8 Pro isn't the latest Pixel, it is still considered one of the best Android phones for 2025, according to CNET. The unlocked 128 GB Pixel 8 Pro is currently $599 (originally $999), a 40% discount. That's matching the lowest price the device has reached, according to price-tracking tools. Google Pixel 8 Pro $599.00 at Amazon $999.00 Save $400.00 Get Deal Get Deal $599.00 at Amazon $999.00 Save $400.00 You'll get about nine hours of battery life from the Pixel 8 Pro; a 50MP, 48MP, 48MP rear camera; and a 10.5MP front-facing camera. The OLED screen is 6.7 inches with a 2,992 by 1,344-pixel resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The peak brightness hits 2,400 nits, a big jump from the previous version. You can read more about it in PCMag's "excellent" review. The Pixel 8 Pro is still a great phone in 2025, with support for tons of AI features that make the phone feel fresh even a year after its release. Google has also been working hard to patch up the vulnerabilities on their Pixel phones as far back as the Pixel 6, meaning the Pixel 8 Pro will be supported with software updates for a while (as long as seven years). Google also keeps dropping new Pixel features every few months, including the “Audio Magic Eraser,” which gets rid of distracting sounds in videos, and the “Best Take” feature, which lets you pick the best shot from a series of photos. While the new Pixel 9 lineup may seem enticing—the most basic model, the 128 GB Pixel 9, starts at $719 (originally $799), also a great price for an excellent phone—if you value performance and the camera over design and features, you're better off saving yourself the money with the Pixel 8 Pro. View the full article

Consumers seeking jumbo home loans last week encountered the same 7.02% average contract interest rate as 30-year confirming loan borrowers. View the full article

A travel blog is a great way to document your travels, share your experiences, and show the amazing destinations you’re visiting. Becoming a successful travel blogger is all about creating great content for users on a consistent basis. Once you establish a travel blog and a following, you can find ways to monetize it and grow your channel. Let’s go through how to start a travel blog and how to make money blogging. Starting a Travel Blog in 13 Simple Steps Starting your own travel blog isn’t as hard as it might seem. You can create a brand new blog in a few simple steps and optimize for Google search to increase your reach. We’ll go through some of the steps successful travel bloggers have taken to start their blogs and how you can create successful blogs. Step 1. Learn Everything You Can About Travel Blogging Before starting with a blog and blogging platform, establish a solid foundation for your blog by taking courses. You can take a travel blogging course specifically and general freelance writing courses, depending on the medium you choose for your travel blog. You might want to familiarize yourself with successful travel bloggers and understand their journey and the challenges they face. Their insights can give you a real-world perspective on what it’s like to be a travel blogger and the pitfalls to avoid. There’s also a wealth of written and video resources available online that can offer practical advice on starting a travel blog and making it successful. Step 2. Choose a Niche A general blog can get lost in the competition. What is the best way to differentiate? Choose a niche when creating your personal brand. The niche will depend on the types of trips and your interests, but some examples include solo travel, budget travel, luxury travel, off-the-beaten-path, and more for your travel blog theme. Once you’ve selected a niche, remain dedicated to it. Maintaining consistency in your content builds your authority in that specific area and can help you draw in a loyal audience. Keep in mind that it’s not about trying to please everyone; it’s about defining a unique space in the travel blogging realm and becoming an expert in that niche. Step 3. Look at Your Competition Once you’ve selected a niche, take a look at what other travel blogs are doing and how professional travel bloggers are building their following. Some things to note are how often they post, what kind of content seems to get them more engagement, and how they interact with followers on social media platforms. Understanding their content strategy, how they approach storytelling, and what kind of visuals they use can also provide you with inspiration and ideas for your own blog. It can also help you identify gaps in their content that you can fill, providing a unique offering that sets you apart from the competition. Step 4. Get the Necessary Tools There are many digital marketing tools that can help you become a successful blogger. Make sure to undertake search engine optimization for your posts using tools such as Yoast SEO to gain visibility. You can also use tools like Google Analytics to understand traffic on your own site and optimize accordingly. Google Analytics features detailed analytics, including clicks, bounce rates, and user behavior, to help you identify how users are interacting with your content. Tools such as Canva are useful for designing attractive graphics for your blog and social media channels. For email marketing, platforms like MailChimp can assist you in building an email list and distributing newsletters to your subscribers. Step 5. Choose a Web Hosting Provider There are many different hosting companies with various deals available, so take the time to select a hosting company for your website. Most travel blogs are created on a self-hosted WordPress account, making them easy to set up. Look for a hosting provider that you can use with the WordPress platform to make it easy to set up and host basic pages of your blog. Consider the uptime guarantee, speed, customer support, and scalability when choosing a web hosting provider. You want to ensure that as your blog grows, your hosting provider can accommodate that growth without compromising on performance. Step 6. Buy a Travel Blog Domain Once you’ve chosen a hosting provider, go through their hosting plan in detail. You should purchase an exclusive domain name and domain privacy protection for your travel website. Some may have offers if you buy hosting, so look for exclusive deals to gain a free domain name for your travel blog. Keep in mind that your domain name is part of your brand, so choose something that’s easy to remember, unique, and relevant to the content of your blog. A good domain name can contribute to your blog’s success by making it easier for people to find you online. Step 7. Create Your Travel Blog Once you have the domain and hosting set up, you’re ready to start. Install WordPress to make it easy to set up and maintain your first blog posts. A WordPress blog is easy to format and post. You can also find additional tools on the WordPress dashboard to enhance your blog by adding WordPress plugins. You can use free themes for your WordPress site or a premium theme that you purchase for website design. If you’re not comfortable setting up your WordPress theme, you can work with a cheap web developer to get the website up and running with a free theme. Familiarize yourself with the basics of web design and the user experience. Your blog should be easy to navigate, with a clear layout and intuitive menu structure. Keep in mind that your blog design should reflect your brand and make it easy for readers to find the information they’re looking for. Step 8. Organize Your Site Now that your site is designed, you should use the WordPress content management system to organize your content and make it easy for users to find content on your site. Look at other professional websites to see how other bloggers have set up their website sections. Ensure your site has essential pages such as an ‘About Me’ page, a ‘Contact’ page, and a ‘Disclaimer’ page. These pages help to build trust with your readers and also make it easier for brands and other bloggers to get in touch with you. Additionally, a well-organized site will help search engines to crawl your site more efficiently, improving your visibility in search engine results. Step 9. Write Your First Blog Post The next step is to start writing your first blog and posting it. You can talk about exclusive travel tips, your experiences in a country, or really anything that you’d like. Focus on making it valuable for users, and include information you wish you had known beforehand to give users an exclusive look at your travel. Remember to add a personal touch to your blog posts. Sharing your own experiences, thoughts, and insights can help to engage your readers and make your content stand out. Moreover, ensure that your content is well-researched and accurate. Providing valuable, reliable information will help you build credibility with your readers. Developing a Content Strategy for Your Travel Blog Creating a successful travel blog goes beyond simply sharing your travel adventures; it necessitates a carefully planned content strategy. Here are essential steps to help you develop one: Identify Your Unique Angle: Determine what makes your blog different. Are you focusing on budget travel, luxury escapes, or off-the-beaten-path adventures? Your unique angle will guide your content. Content Calendar Creation: Develop a content calendar to plan your posts. This can include destination guides, travel tips, personal stories, and photography showcases. Consistency is key in blogging, so decide how often you will post and stick to it. Engaging Content: Your content should not only inform but also engage your audience. Use storytelling techniques to bring your travels to life. Include personal anecdotes, tips, and beautiful imagery. Audience Interaction: Encourage audience interaction by ending posts with questions or prompts for comments. Engage with your readers by responding to comments and messages. Diversify Content Types: Experiment with different types of content like videos, podcasts, or infographics to see what resonates most with your audience. SEO Optimization: Incorporate SEO best practices to improve your blog’s visibility. Use relevant keywords and meta descriptions, and optimize your images. Step 10. Optimize Your Blog Post for SEO Making sure search engines can find your posts helps you gain more followers as that can help with making money. Add in relevant keywords based on what people are searching for in travel blogs and the destinations you’re writing for. Posting regularly and optimizing for SEO as much as possible will help you grow your travel blog exponentially. Along with optimizing your content, ensure you’re using alt tags for your images and that you have a responsive design for mobile users. This not only makes your blog more accessible to your readers, but it’s also a ranking factor for Google. Step 11. Publish Your Post After you’ve written the post, it’s time to publish it. You’ll need to preview the formatting to ensure it shows up on the website correctly and hit publish. You can find helpful articles on publishing the blog on a free WordPress website if you’re unsure how to. When you publish your post, make sure to include a compelling title and an interesting meta description. These elements are what potential readers will see in search engine results, and they can influence whether or not someone clicks through to read your post. Additionally, remember to double-check everything before hitting the publish button. Proofread your post for any grammar or spelling errors, and make sure all your links are working correctly. Step 12. Share on Social Media Now that the blog is up, it’s time to promote it! Word-of-mouth marketing helps increase social media coverage to drive more views and traffic to your business. You can promote the post within your own network on any social media platform to start with. Ask for feedback to gauge whether people can tell how much effort you put in and what users would like to see so you can improve moving forward. In addition to sharing your blog posts on your personal social media accounts, consider creating separate accounts for your blog. This can help you build a dedicated community of followers who are interested in your content. Remember to engage with your followers, reply to their comments, and encourage them to share your posts. Step 13. Grow Your Travel Blog After the first post is published and promoted, you’re on your way to becoming a seasoned travel blogger. A successful blog is all about ensuring that you’re posting consistently and that users find your content valuable (and tell you that!). Encourage users to leave comments, like posts, and ask questions to build your following. Once you start seeing engagement, you can seek opportunities for sponsored posts and affiliate marketing to become a successful owner of your blog. Finally, remember that growing a travel blog takes time and effort. Be patient, keep improving your skills, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. With dedication and a passion for travel, you can create a travel blog that stands out from the crowd. What is a Travel Blog? A travel blog is a website or online journal that documents the travels of one or more people. Travel blogs typically include travelogues, photographs, and videos, and they can be used to share travel tips, provide inspiration, or simply document the author’s personal experiences. Travel blogs have become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people have turned to the internet to plan their travels. Travel blogs can be a valuable resource for travelers, as they can provide insights into different destinations, offer recommendations on where to stay and what to do, and help travelers connect with other travelers. There are many different types of travel blogs, and each blog has its own unique focus. Some travel blogs focus on a specific destination, while others focus on a particular type of travel, such as backpacking, luxury travel, or family travel. Some travel blogs are written by professional travel writers, while others are written by everyday travelers who share their experiences on a more personal level. No matter what their focus is, all travel blogs share one common goal: to inspire and inform readers about travel. Travel blogs can help people plan their next vacation, learn about new cultures, or simply dream about far-off places. Here are some of the benefits of starting a travel blog: Share your travel experiences with others. If you love to travel, a travel blog is a great way to share your experiences with others. You can write about your favorite places to visit, the best restaurants to eat at, and the hidden gems that you’ve found. Assist others in planning their trips. Your travel blog can serve as an invaluable resource for fellow travelers. Share your insights on accommodations, activities, and navigation. Additionally, you can help readers discover the best deals on flights and hotels. Make money from your blog. There are a number of ways to make money from your travel blog. You can sell advertising, promote affiliate products, or offer travel services. Build a community of travel enthusiasts. Your travel blog can be a great way to connect with other travel enthusiasts. You can share your experiences, ask questions, and get advice from other travelers. Starting a travel blog can be a lot of fun, and it can also be a great way to share your love of travel with others. Why You Should Start a Travel Blog Becoming a travel blogger is one of the best ways to share your experiences, and it has many benefits, such as: Monetization: As you grow your following, you can monetize your blog through different avenues earn money (which helps you travel more!), and create a profitable travel blog. Advice: You can share advice, helpful tips, and your experiences with others which can be beneficial for travel destination research. Memories: As you travel, you have a way to document your trips and preserve your adventures and memories online on your own blog. Connections: You can connect with other travelers online and offline by sharing your content on a serious travel blog so you can get advice, meet new people, and have new experiences wherever you go through a travel blogging community. Travel Blogging Tips Tips for Creating and Growing a Travel Blog Be youBe authentic and honest, build your unique brand CommunicatePost consistently and keep followers updated on your plans Maintain a social media presenceBe active on multiple platforms (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok) Plan aheadCreate a content schedule to avoid feeling stuck Choose a nicheDecide on a specific focus for your travel blog Write great contentProvide well-written, informative, and helpful posts Use high-quality images and videosUse captivating and high-quality visual content Promote your blogShare on social media, submit to travel directories, guest blog Creating a successful travel blog is about consistency, value, and adding a unique voice to the mix. Here are some top tips to make your travel blog even better: Be you: You can look at other blogs to get a sense of people’s styles, but ultimately, users are coming for your perspective. So be authentic and honest rather than trying to go for someone else’s style and build your unique brand. Communicate: Posting consistently is a huge part of the blogging experience, but so is communication. Keep your followers updated on what you’re up to, what your plans are, and if there will be delays in the content. Maintain a social media presence: A social media presence across different platforms ensures that you reach users where they are and have a solid following. Don’t just stick to one platform. Try to vary content across Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and even TikTok to reach new audiences. Plan ahead: It’s a lot of pressure to regularly create fresh content, which is why it’s crucial to plan and create a schedule. Even if it’s a loose plan, map out what you’d like to write about so you’re not feeling stuck for content. Choose a niche: What kind of travel blog do you want to create? Will you focus on a specific destination, type of travel, or travel style? Write great content: Your travel blog should be well-written and informative. Share your personal experiences, but also provide helpful tips and advice. Use high-quality images and videos: Images and videos can help to bring your travel blog to life. Make sure to use high-quality images that will capture the attention of your readers. Promote your blog: Once you’ve created your travel blog, you need to promote it so that people can find it. Share your blog posts on social media, submit them to travel directories, and guest blog on other travel websites. Monetization Strategies for Travel Bloggers Turning your travel blog into a profitable venture involves exploring various monetization strategies: Affiliate Marketing: Join affiliate programs where you earn a commission for products or services sold through links on your blog. Focus on affiliates that resonate with your travel niche. Sponsored Content: Collaborate with travel brands or tourism boards to create sponsored posts. Ensure you maintain transparency with your audience about sponsored content. Sell Digital Products: Create and sell digital products like travel guides, e-books, or online courses. Advertising: Utilize display advertising on your blog. Google AdSense is a popular platform, but there are others to consider as well. Freelance Writing: Offer your writing services to other publications or blogs. Use your blog as a portfolio to showcase your work. Photography Sales: Sell your travel photography as prints or digital downloads. Brand Partnerships: Develop long-term partnerships with brands that align with your travel style and audience. Membership or Subscription Models: Offer exclusive content, discounts, or other benefits to subscribers or members for a fee. Remember, it’s important to choose monetization strategies that align with your blog’s values and audience preferences to maintain trust and authenticity. How much does it cost to start a travel blog? The cost of starting a travel blog varies based on how much investment you’re willing to put in and how you set it up. Some of the main expenses include Website hosting and domain name Website development costs Social media marketing Travel blogging equipment, such as a camera and mic How do travel bloggers get paid? A professional travel blogger can make money in different ways, depending on the type of content and user engagement. Some of the ways travel bloggers can get paid include: Sponsored content: Collaborating with brands and destinations to develop sponsored content that meets specific requirements Affiliate marketing: Gaining a commission from products sold through the blog, including clothing, equipment, travel essentials Subscriptions: Creating exclusive content and rewards for users who pay a monthly subscription fee Is it worth starting a travel blog? If you travel a lot and want to share your experiences, a travel blog can be a fun way to accomplish that. You can document your trips and gain enough of a following to start making some income from it. Of course, how much time and money you get from it will depend on the level of time and investment you’re willing to put in, but it can be worthwhile. If you’re unsure whether a travel blog is right for you, you can start one and run it for just a year and see how much traction you get before fully committing to it. https://youtube.com/watch?v=8LKwRAI-ut8 FAQs How do I start a travel blog? Starting a travel blog involves several steps including learning about travel blogging, choosing a niche, examining the competition, getting necessary digital tools, choosing a web hosting provider, buying a domain name, creating the blog, organizing your site, writing and optimizing your blog post for SEO, publishing your post, sharing it on social media, and growing your blog over time. What is a good niche for a travel blog? A good niche for a travel blog depends on your interests and experiences. Some popular niches include solo travel, budget travel, luxury travel, adventure travel, or focusing on a specific region or type of travel activity. How often should I post on my travel blog? As a general guideline, you should strive to publish new content at least once a week. This practice keeps your content up-to-date and encourages your readers to visit your blog more frequently. What digital tools do I need for my travel blog? Some digital tools that can help you manage and grow your travel blog include SEO tools like Yoast SEO, analytic tools like Google Analytics, and social media platforms for promoting your content. How do I choose a domain name for my travel blog? Your domain name should ideally represent the content and feel of your travel blog. It should be unique, easy to remember, and easy to type. How do I optimize my blog posts for SEO? To optimize your blog posts for SEO, make sure to include relevant keywords in your content, meta descriptions, and image alt texts. Also, make sure to provide high-quality, original content and ensure your site is fast and mobile-friendly. How can I grow my travel blog? Growing your travel blog involves consistently producing high-quality content, optimizing your posts for SEO, promoting your content on social media, and engaging with your readers. Image: Depositphotos This article, "How to Start a Travel Blog" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article