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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

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

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

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

When disaster strikes, government emergency alert systems offer a simple promise: Residents will get information about nearby dangers and instructions to help them stay safe. As the deadly L.A. wildfires and other major emergencies have shown, alerts rely on a complicated chain of communication between first responders, government administrators, third-party companies, and the public. Sometimes, the chain breaks. After the wind-driven wildfires broke out in Southern California on January 7, evacuation orders for some neighborhoods—including the part of Altadena where the majority of deaths occurred—came long after houses were reported on fire. On Tuesday, Los Angeles County officials approved an outside review of how alerts functioned in the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire in response to residents’ demands. City officials declined to answer AP’s questions about a lag in some Palisades Fire alerts, though Fire Capt. Branden Silverman said responding to a fire and determining evacuation needs can take some time. It’s an increasingly common issue: After-action reports and investigations revealed issues with alert systems in other California blazes: in the 2017 Tubbs Fire, which killed 22 people in Santa Rosa; the 2018 Camp Fire, which killed 85 people in Paradise; the Woolsey fire, which started the same day and killed three in Malibu; as well as in Colorado’s 2021 Marshall Fire, which destroyed more than 1,000 homes outside Denver; and in Hawaii’s 2023 Lahaina Fire, which decimated that historic town and killed 102. It could take months to know why some evacuation orders lagged in the Los Angeles fires. Several residents who lost homes in the Eaton Fire told The Associated Press they received no notifications about their neighborhoods. For others, the first warning was an urgent text message in the middle of the night. Susan Lee Streets, who signed up for the alert app Nixle, did not get any alerts specific to her west Altadena neighborhood before she and her family left of their own accord around 10 p.m. after losing power and cell reception. “If we had even been informed that houses and other structures were burning down, we would have known better what was happening,” she said. “We almost went to sleep that night with two kids and a dog and two cats in the house.” Only after 3 a.m. did an alert hit her phone. Destroyed along with the house are the Christmas ornaments she saved for her children, and countless other family keepsakes. “We lost everything, everything,” Streets said, breaking into tears. Tricia Wachtendorf, director of the Disaster Research Center at the University of Delaware, said alerts have to be specific and clear. Research has shown that for them to be effective, people have to hear, understand, believe, personalize and confirm them before they react. “Just because you send the message at 3 a.m. doesn’t mean someone is hearing it,” Wachtendorf said. The hours between midnight and 3:30 a.m. appear to have been particularly challenging for first responders in Los Angeles County, based on an AP review of scanner traffic recordings and data from CalFire, the state’s chief fire agency; the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA; and the Watch Duty app. Resources were stretched thin, and hurricane-force winds had grounded air support, limiting authorities’ ability to get a top-down perspective on the flames. Calls reporting burning homes were flooding in as embers blew onto roofs and yards. During one half-hour period, 17 new addresses were relayed to firefighters, even as some crews ran low on fuel. By 12:07 a.m., CalFire records show, dozens of neighborhoods had been ordered to evacuate because of the Eaton Fire, all of them east of Altadena’s North Lake Avenue. None of the neighborhoods to the west — where all of the 17 confirmed fatalities occurred, as first reported by the Los Angeles Times — had received evacuation warnings or orders, despite house fires being reported there more than an hour earlier. Over the next three hours, fire crews would go from begging for resources on the eastern flank of the blaze to radioing the command center to make sure it knew the fire was spreading west along the foothills near Sunset Ridge. Just before 3:30 a.m., evacuation orders expanded significantly, with residents in 12 areas of Altadena and elsewhere told to “leave now.” Jodi and Jeff Moreno first heard about the fire from a neighborhood app. But the first official warning only came around 2:30 a.m., when authorities yelled through a bullhorn to evacuate. The couple grabbed their three daughters, their dog and some important papers, and fled. There were no text alerts until after they were gone. “On the neighborhood apps, some people were going, some people were staying. It was a wide variety of responses. We were navigating it on our own,” Jodi Moreno said. “It’s hard for us to gauge where exactly is that fire, where are the embers blowing. … Those are things I would rely on people who are monitoring it” for information. Desperate for more information, both the Morenos and Streets downloaded the Watch Duty app, which maps evacuation zones and consolidates information from multiple sources into a single stream. Launched in 2021 and today covering 22 states, it became a lifeline for them. “The ideal system for warning people is informing them, right?” said Nick Russell, vice president for operations at Watch Duty. “There’s certainly diligence necessary in the execution of official evacuation warning and orders or shelter in place, whatever the condition might be,” he said. “But telling people why that discussion is taking place between law enforcement and fire is important. And that’s what we’re doing.” The process of issuing evacuation notices starts with firefighters or other personnel on the ground recommending action, Russell said. It then moves up the chain of command to sheriffs, who ultimately put out any order. During major emergencies that communication can be hampered by issues such as limited radio connectivity, wind noise or other technical problems. Incident command stations may have trouble synthesizing the large amounts of information they are getting from different agencies, something that is critical for understanding the scope of an emergency like a fire. In Los Angeles County, residents who sign up for emergency notifications through the AlertLACounty website are then directed to a list of 57 links to other specific neighborhood or city alert system signups, as well as a general one covering 19 other cities. The city of Los Angeles and the Sheriff’s Department also have alert systems. It is not clear how the overlapping systems, which use different software programs, work together, or whether officials coordinate. A 2024 Hazard Mitigation plan directed the city’s Emergency Management Department to assess gaps in alert and warning systems in areas with poor cellphone connectivity and then implement a solution to ensure alerts reach people. But that goal was given a “medium” priority level and a long-term timeline, with completion expected sometime in the next 10 years. Meanwhile the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, last updated in 2020, did not include a focus on emergency alerts or public notifications. Instead its high-priority goals had to do with educating people about wind’s impact on wildfire risk and with community wildfire protection. Officials at the County’s Coordinated Joint Information Center declined to comment other than to say that an independent review of evacuations and emergency notifications is planned and the Office of Emergency Management, County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department plan to fully engage with it. —Christopher L. Keller, Claudia Lauer, Amy Taxin and Rebecca Boone, Associated Press View the full article

If you're tired of how your Mac desktop looks, consider changing your app icons. It can be a fiddly process by default, but luckily, there are ways to make it easier. By using these methods, you can make your dock reflect your wallpaper's aesthetic, ensure that all app icons are the same size, or just replace ugly app icons with something better. Where to find Mac app icons Credit: Pranay Parab While you can easily find icons for various Mac apps with a quick web search, it's much easier to get them from a site dedicated to icons. One of my favorites is macOSicons.com, which lists over 25,000 alternative icons, meaning you should be able to find multiple options for popular apps with ease. Changing Mac app icons using the built-in methodmacOS allows you to change an app's icon manually, but it has one frustrating drawback. Getting started, however, is easy. First, download or create an alternate icon, then open Finder and go to the Applications folder in the left pane. Select any app and press Command-I to open an Info pane. Now drag-and-drop the new app icon into the top-left corner of the Info pane. This will replace the app icon for you. This method is fast and free, but annoyingly, your app will go back to using its default icon with every update. Using free apps to replace macOS icons Credit: Pranay Parab You can also use one of two free apps to replace macOS app icons for you. These are IconChamp and Pictogram. Both show you a list of your Mac's installed apps and let you manually pick an alternative icon. As much as I want to recommend these options, both apps haven't been updated for years, so they don't always work reliably. For instance, IconChamp has a premium tier that supposedly lets you pay a one-time fee that unlocks the ability to change system app icons. However, the purchase page for this tier doesn't load and there's no way to buy it at time of writing. These free apps might work in a pinch, but if you want a more robust solution to changing app icons, consider paying for a better alternative. A paid app that can change icons for you Credit: Pranay Parab That brings me to Replacicon, which costs $8 and is probably the best way to customize your Mac icons. Although $8 is steep for what is essentially a single-purpose app, Replacicon has a few features that may justify the cost for some people. The best one is that it installs a helper tool to monitor app updates and it retains your replaced icons even after apps are updated. This feature alone is enough to justify the purchase to those serious about macOS theming. Replacicon also has an easy-to-understand interface that provides a bunch of alternative app icons for each app installed on your Mac. Changing an app icon is as simple as clicking on one of the alternatives. To use an icon that's not listed as an alternative by default, you can also click the + button next to the list and choose one of three options: use a downloaded icon file, create an icon from any saved image on your Mac, and use Apple Intelligence to generate an app icon. All three options open a pop-up window, and once you've selected or generated an icon, the app will automatically add it to its list of icons and replace your existing icon for you. Not having to leave Replacicon to go looking for files is great, and it makes the process seamless. To make your list of apps more manageable, Replacicon provides two filters. One of these lets you view only the apps that are currently in the Dock, and another highlights only apps that have legacy icons—from the time when macOS icons used to be of different shapes and sizes. Nowadays, macOS icons have adopted an iOS-style uniform size with rounded corners, and you can use the legacy icon filter to spot the icons in need of uniformity with the rest of the Dock. View the full article

Real estate agents make from $20,000 to more than $100,000 annually. The wide range happens due to the wide variety in types of real estate agents. There are those who are just getting started and doing the work as a side gig. There are top performers who are working deals all their waking hours. Which one are you? The earning potential of a real estate agent is open-ended. If you don’t mind working long hours – including evenings and weekends – and like helping people, this is a great field for you. How do Realtors Get Paid? First, a couple of key definitions. A real estate agent can act as a buyer’s agent or a seller’s agent. A buyer’s agent represents the buyer. The seller’s agent (or listing agent) represents the seller. It’s possible that real estate agents can handle both ends of the transaction by bringing a buyer to a house the agent has listed for a seller. Realtors earn their income through commissions, typically divided equally between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. In cases where the property is priced lower, the agents might receive a flat fee instead. For those just beginning their careers, it’s essential to understand that effectively marketing yourself is crucial for achieving long-term success. Stay updated with the latest real estate marketing tips to maintain a competitive edge. How Does Real Estate Commission Work? Real estate agents work under brokers. The broker is a real estate company. How does the commission work? A typical real estate agent commission fee might be 6%, which is 6% of the sales price. The 6% commission split is 3% for each agent (seller and buyer). Each real estate agent doesn’t get the entire 3%. Instead, the individual agent usually splits the 3% fee with the broker. The split is usually 50-50. Real estate agents may charge higher or lower commission percentage fees, depending on what is set by the real estate broker. Real estate agents usually are also paid a base salary. How to Make Money as a Real Estate Agent Most realtors handle residential properties. Some agents specialize in land and commercial property sales. Real estate commissions for land and residential sales range from 6 to 8 percent. Commissions on commercial sales may be higher. An agent earns a commission with each real estate transaction. How much you make depends on the land, commercial property, or home’s selling price. More sales lead to higher earnings. Whether you’re working with a single brokerage or one of the numerous real estate franchises, it’s essential to carefully examine the payment structures, as they can vary significantly from one firm to another. Here are some ways you can make money as a real estate agent: Listing Agent or Listing Broker The listing agent collaborates with the seller to establish a sales price for the property. They are responsible for gathering the necessary descriptions and images to post on real estate websites. Additionally, listing agents may provide recommendations on improvements that could facilitate the sale. After a listing agreement is signed, the agent posts the property to the real estate agency website and a multiple listing service. Buyer’s Agent Buyer’s agents engage with individuals looking for residential, land, or commercial properties. They attentively consider the buyer’s preferences and requirements. Following this, the agent strives to locate a property that aligns with the buyer’s needs. Additionally, most real estate agents connect buyers with businesses that provide necessary pre-sale inspections, including appraisals and tests for pest infestations, radon, and mold. Key Responsibilities Involved in Real Estate Transactions Agents coordinate appointments with sellers, buyers, and fellow agents. They manage various factors, including previously scheduled showings, homes that require tenant notifications, and even weather conditions. Most agents conduct open houses. Many real estate agents utilize these events for networking, allowing them to connect with a larger pool of potential buyers. Many agents ensure that the buyer is pre-qualified. The buyer approaches a bank or lending institution, submits their financial information, and determines how much money can be borrowed. Agents schedule showings. Often, showings take place after work hours and on weekends. To work in the field, you must be willing to work those hours. The buyer’s representative schedules and coordinates appraisals and inspections. Both agents earn their real estate agent commissions by overseeing the negotiations. They usually work from a “punch list” of sorts, taking care of needed items such as a home appraisal one by one as part of services rendered. The average real estate transaction takes at least one month at a minimum. Contracts are created and signed. Real estate taxes need to be calculated and prorated. Additionally, there are other taxes, filing fees, and attorney fees to consider. The seller is responsible for paying the commission. Both the seller and the buyer should receive an estimate of the closing costs prior to the closing date. The agent for the seller must update the property’s status as a pending sale. The vast majority of successful agents keep track of the flexible real estate market, paying attention to sales and doing market research. There are key differences between the average agents and super successful agents. As with other professions, the person who focuses on networking and building relationships in the community will earn the most money. How much do realtors make each year? After obtaining a real estate license, those new agents to the field most often work for a broker. They will earn a base salary plus a commission. There are several factors – such as the amount of the salary – but how much each person makes depends on how many transactions they negotiate. The statistics about average salary come from the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. The lowest performers may be those who are dabbing in real estate part time as a way to make extra income. They may earn about $20,000 a year. Many real estate agents are high performers who earn $100,000 or more a year. The average real estate agent salary is $44,000. Where do realtors make the most money? Where do the highest earnings come from? This is closely related to the locations where the average home sale prices are the highest, based on labor statistics. Here are the 5 leading states: New York $103,907 Colorado $103,371 South Dakota $101.124 West Virginia $101,068 Washington $100,507 Image: Depositphotos This article, "How Much Money do Real Estate Agents Make?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The “influencer accent” is taking over TikTok. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, scroll through your FYP page and listen. British singer-songwriter Cassyette pointed out this trend in a recent TikTok video, calling out influencers for raising their tone at the end of sentences, almost as if they’re asking a question. In the video, which has been viewed 1.2 million times, she asked: “Guys, serious question, is it just me, or is there this new influencer voice that English influencers specifically use?” Mimicking the voice, she continued: “It sounds like I’m asking you a question, which might be really confusing, but I’m actually not. I’m just going up at the end of every sentence. Like, what is this voice?” American influencers have long been accused of adopting the influencer accent. One influencer, whose video racked up 5.1 million views, posted a clip back in 2023 with the caption, “the cadence of every bland influencer’s morning vlog.” “Gooduh. Morning. Yew. Guise,” she says in a drawn-out tone. However, a more recent video introduced a new variation that just dropped, not so much an accent as a speaking style that combines the traditional influencer voice with specific mouth movements. “It’s like a valley girl accent with vocal fry,” the creator says, “but also enunciating from the bottom of your mouth while mumbling.” Influencing linguistics The “influencer accent” isn’t new; it was around long before TikTok. Linguistic quirks have been emerging on platforms like YouTube and Instagram for over a decade. A few years ago, it was all about the YouTube voice: “Hey guys! Don’t forget to subscribe!” As Rebecca Jennings described for Vox, it was a style marked by “drawn-out dramatics” with a focus on pronunciation and phrasing. Now TikTok’s low barrier to entry has meant there are more influencers than ever, especially female creators. With more people jumping on the influencer bandwagon, “influencer speak” has evolved to the point where it is infiltrating our everyday lives. What exactly is it, though? To the untrained ear, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what defines the influencer accent. It includes ending sentences with a questioning tone, using vocal fry (where speech dips into a low, gravelly register), and uptalk, which involves raising the pitch at the end of sentences as though asking a question. While some may find it annoying, there is a reason behind it. Studies have shown that uptalk successfully grabs our attention, as it implicitly invites the listener to confirm that they are listening. As one creator explains, “Nobody actually talks like that. It’s a form of code-switching that influencers learn on this app because it keeps people watching their videos.” It’s also hardly suprising that everyone on TikTok sounds alike. On social media, conformity tends to be rewarded more than originality. However, if you catch yourself raising the pitch at the end of a sentence, maybe it’s time to take a break from scrolling. View the full article

All of the devices you own and every app running on those devices is eager for your attention, which can make it difficult to actually get anything done— and Windows is no different when it comes to regularly distracting you with pings and pop-ups. Leave the default notification settings in place, and it can get a bit overwhelming. Windows does give you plenty of control over how notifications work, though, including which apps and system events are allowed to bother you and when—there are even various Do Not Disturb options and modes you can take advantage of. Here's how to set Windows 11 notifications up to suit you. Notification settingsTo get started with notification management, head to Settings from the Start menu, then choose System > Notifications. Right away you'll see a Notifications toggle switch: Turn this off and you won't be bothered by any notifications at all. You can also click on the Notifications heading to choose whether or not these alerts come with sounds attached and appear on the lock screen. Further down the same screen you get a list of all the programs installed on your computer, where you can set the notification options for each individual piece of software. If there's an app you don't want to hear from at all, just turn the relevant toggle switch off. Alternatively, you can take more granular control over what each app can do. The notification settings in Windows. Credit: Lifehacker You can choose whether apps can show notification pop-ups, or have their alerts shown in the notification center (which appears when you click on the time and date in the lower right corner). You can also enable or disable sounds for an app's notifications, and choose the priority of its messages in the notification center: Top, High, or Normal. Enable Allow app to send important notifications when do not disturb is on to give the program permission to interrupt you when Do Not Disturb is active (more on that in a moment)—what counts as an "important" notification is down to the developer. Note you can also manage an app's notifications from the notification center, by clicking the three dots on any of its alerts. Do Not Disturb and Focus modesThe familiar Do Not Disturb mode, temporarily blocking notifications, is available on Windows: From the Notifications screen, you can either use the Do not disturb toggle switch to enable or disable it manually, or select Turn on do not disturb automatically, which lets you schedule the feature (and have it turn on automatically if you're gaming). Click Select priority notifications and you're able to take more control over which apps can break through the Do Not Disturb restrictions. By default, reminders and alarms are on, for example, because you probably still want to see these—but you can disable them if needed. Any app can be added here, and all of its notifications will be allowed (not just the important ones, as covered by the setting mentioned earlier). You can set Do Not Disturb to operate on a schedule. Credit: Lifehacker Back on the Notifications screen, you can use the Focus option as an extension of Do Not Disturb: This lets you configure specific sessions of heads-down, notification-free Windows computing, and in addition to applying all the restrictions that Do Not Disturb puts in place, you can also stop badges and flashes appearing from programs on the taskbar. Focus mode will also put a timer on screen, if you want one. To start a Focus session, choose how long you want it to last for, then click Start focus session. You'll notice it's also available in the notification center, where it's easier to access: Click the time and date in the lower right corner, set your timer, then click Focus. Windows opens up the Clock app, which manages the Focus feature, and your session will get underway. Individual appsAs with Android or iOS on your phone, individual apps on Windows are going to come with their own notification settings you can use in addition to the ones available in Windows. For a truly customized notifications regime, you need to dive into the apps you use regularly, and maybe even into alert settings for individual websites. Take Microsoft Edge, for example: Click the three dots (top right) then Settings, then choose Cookies and site permissions and Notifications to see which websites can and can't bother you. By default, sites will ask permission when they want to show notifications, but you can disable this so you're not even interrupted by any requests to display alerts. Accessing site permissions in Microsoft Edge. Credit: Lifehacker And you can dig down even deeper if you'd like to: Plenty of websites have notification settings of their own. There's not the space here to cover every single site out there, but Slack is one of them—if you click your workspace name in the top left corner and then Preferences and Notifications, you can set particular times when Slack isn't allowed to disturb you (independently of the settings in Edge and Windows). The Microsoft Store is another Windows app with its own notification settings to dig into. Click your Microsoft account avatar (at the top), then choose Settings: Turn off the Notifications for app installations toggle switch and you won't be bothered whenever a program is updated through the Microsoft Store. View the full article

Overalls, a workplace productivity platform, has released its 2024 year-in-review report, highlighting the substantial impact of life stressors on employee focus and efficiency. Based on data from over 23,000 employee support requests and more than 250,000 data points, the report quantifies the productivity lost due to personal distractions and how businesses can reclaim lost time. Key Findings: Productivity Disruptions and Time Lost The report identifies common life stressors—such as navigating medical insurance, moving, financial concerns, and travel—that divert employees from work responsibilities. Employees dealing with these stressors lose an average of 2.3 hours per incident, affecting business efficiency. Among the top employee support requests received by Overalls in 2024: Medical & Benefits – 21% Wildcard (miscellaneous life stressors) – 20% Home & Moving – 21% Travel – 11% Finances – 9% On average, Overalls users saved: 3.2 hours on health and well-being tasks 3.2 hours on financial matters 3.3 hours on caregiving responsibilities 2.8 hours on pet care 2.6 hours on navigating employee benefits By addressing these disruptions, businesses can redirect lost time toward operational growth and innovation. Workplace Impact: Addressing Stressors to Improve Efficiency The report underscores that personal stressors are deeply embedded within work hours, with 91% of employee requests occurring on weekdays, peaking between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. This highlights the challenge businesses face in maintaining productivity as employees juggle personal and professional responsibilities. “Life stressors aren’t just personal, in aggregate, they represent a tremendous loss of productivity. Employees juggling life-tasks, such as finding a medical specialist or coordinating a move during the workday, lose hours of focus and productivity,” said Jon Cooper, Founder and CEO of Overalls. Demographic Insights: Stressors Affect All Employees The report also provides insights into how life stressors vary across different employee demographics, reinforcing the need for tailored employer support: Young Families: Medical/Employer Benefits (20%), Wildcard (20%), Home/Moving (21%) Single Parents: Home/Moving (26%), Family (14%), Finances (12%) Singles Without Children: Medical/Employer Benefits (26%), Home/Moving (22%), Wildcard (19%) New Hires: Wildcard (27%), Medical/Employer Benefits (23%), Finances (13%) Image: Envato This article, "Overalls Report Reveals Life Stressors Significantly Reduce Employee Productivity" 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. The Jabra Evolve2 65 headphones, which earned an Editors' Choice and an Outstanding rating from PCMag, are currently $203.31 (down from $301). (Note that this is up from yesterday's price of 149.99, their lowest price ever on Amazon, according to price trackers, so the price may go down again. Also, the price seems to be fluctuating slightly depending on location.) Jabra Evolve2 65 UC Wireless Headphones with Link380a $203.31 at Amazon $301.00 Save $97.69 Get Deal Get Deal $203.31 at Amazon $301.00 Save $97.69 They look like a regular pair of on-ear headphones, except for the boom mic—a three-mic MEMS array with a 100Hz to 8kHz frequency response (meaning your voice will sound clear and background noise won’t be an issue) that makes it a solid work headset. Flipping the mic up completely mutes it while bringing it back down unmutes and answers calls. You'll find a three-button control for playback, volume, and call management on the right earcup, which also houses a status LED (or busy light) that glows red when you're on a call. Its 40mm drivers deliver deep bass and crisp highs (with no distortion at max volume) across a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range. If you like customizing your audio or want more control over your headset, the Jabra Sound+ app lets you adjust EQ settings, disable the busy light, or play white noise to help you tune out distractions. As for noise isolation, it does an OK job, but don’t expect it to completely block out loud street sounds—sirens and honking might still get through. Jabra claims about 37 hours of battery life, but actual mileage will depend on your volume preference and usage. On the connectivity front, this headset works with any VoIP service (is UC-certified) and runs on Bluetooth 5.0, but it only supports SBC, so if you were hoping for AAC or AptX codecs, you're out of luck. That said, it makes up for it with multi-device pairing (it can remember up to eight devices and connect to two at the same time). Plus, you get a USB-A dongle for easy pairing with a computer. Switching between a phone and a computer is mostly seamless—audio pauses on one when a call comes in on the other. However, playback doesn’t always resume automatically, and if you’ve got a music app open on both devices, the headset’s play button can get confused, sometimes toggling between sources instead of stopping the music altogether, as noted in this PCMag review. View the full article

If you’re looking for a business opportunity that is both profitable and has a lot of growth potential, you’ll want to consider starting one of the businesses on this list. These small businesses have the potential to be some of the most profitable businesses in the coming year, and there’s still time to get in on the action. Let’s get started! READ MORE: 20 of the Most Profitable Small Businesses Our Methodology: The Most Profitable Small Businesses When diving into the entrepreneurial world, one of the key attractions is profitability. However, identifying the most profitable small businesses requires a keen understanding of market dynamics, consumer needs, and emerging trends. To assist entrepreneurs in selecting small business ideas that offer the best potential for profitability, we’ve considered a range of factors. These criteria are rated on a scale from 10 (most crucial) to 1 (least crucial), ensuring that our recommendations cater to the practicality, market demand, and financial viability of starting a small business. Market Demand and Growth Potential: Importance 10/10 Current and projected demand for the products or services. Trends and growth potential in the target market. Niche opportunities with less competition. Initial Investment and Startup Costs: Importance 9/10 Required capital to start the business. Costs for equipment, inventory, and initial operations. Feasibility for bootstrapping or low initial investment options. Profit Margins and Revenue Streams: Importance 8/10 Potential for high-profit margins in the business. Diverse revenue streams for financial stability. Break-even analysis and time to profitability. Scalability and Expansion Opportunities: Importance 7/10 Ability to scale the business over time. Expansion opportunities, both geographically and in product/service offerings. Flexibility to adapt and grow with market changes. Operational Complexity and Expertise: Importance 6/10 Required skills and expertise to run the business. Complexity in daily operations and management. Availability of skilled labor or need for specialized training. Online Presence and E-commerce Potential: Importance 6/10 Opportunities for online sales and digital marketing. Potential to leverage social media and online platforms. E-commerce integration and online customer reach. Regulatory and Legal Considerations: Importance 5/10 Compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements. Need for permits, licenses, or certifications. Intellectual property considerations or legal liabilities. Sustainability and Environmental Impact: Importance 4/10 Alignment with sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Demand for green and ethical products/services. Long-term viability considering environmental impact. Identifying the most profitable small businesses involves a balance of these factors, considering what each business can manage, its market, and its unique value propositions. This blend ensures the businesses we recommend have a robust foundation for profitability and success. Most Profitable Small Business Ideas Take a look at these top 25 business opportunities to start this year. Social Media Management If you have an internet connection and are good at social media marketing, then starting a social media management business might be a good option for you. By establishing an excellent social media management business, you can help businesses connect with their customers and grow. This sector is highly in demand and there’s tons of potential for growth and profitability. Cleaning Services Cleaning services is a business that will always be in demand. People are always looking for ways to save time and money, and hiring a cleaning service is a great way to do that. Creating Online Courses If you’re an expert in a particular subject, you can create an online course and sell it to people who want to learn more about that topic. This is a great way to make money while helping others learn. And with low startup costs, there’s plenty of room for profits. Business Consulting Starting a consulting business can be a great way to earn a good income. If you have experience in business, you can help others start and grow their businesses. Graphic Design Services Are you a creative individual? If yes, you can launch a graphic design business to assist companies with their branding and marketing initiatives. The demand is high, and the startup costs are low, resulting in great profitability for skilled designers. Digital Marketing Services One thing that will always be in demand is digital marketing services. As long as businesses want to reach their customers online, there will be a need for digital marketers. App Development If you’re a tech-savvy individual, you can start an app development business. With the right idea, you can create an app that will be a hit with users and earn you a good income. You can also choose to offer app development services to other businesses. Personal Training If you’re passionate about fitness and helping others, becoming a personal trainer might be the perfect business for you. You can start your own personal training business or work for a gym or other fitness facility. It’s even possible to start at home or online to keep startup costs low. Web Development This year, businesses will still need websites, and they’ll need someone to create them. If you have the skills, you can start a web development business and help businesses get online with minimal startup costs. Courier Services If you own a vehicle and are open to doing some driving, starting a courier service could be a great option. This business is ideal for individuals who are organized and possess strong customer service skills. READ MORE: What is a Good Profit Margin for Your Business? More of the Most Profitable Business Ideas As the small business sector continues to grow, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest and most profitable business opportunities. Here are 10 more of the most successful small businesses for you to consider starting. Catering Business Do you love to cook? If so, you can start a catering business. This is a great option for those who want to work from home and have the ability to cook large quantities of food. Real Estate Investing If you’re looking for a passive income business, real estate investing might be a good option for you. You can earn money by owning and renting out residential and commercial properties. It doesn’t require much work and is an opportunity that you can grow over time. Virtual Assistant Services The need for virtual assistants will increase as businesses continue to move online. If you have administrative or customer service experience, you can start a virtual assistant business and help businesses with their online tasks. Online Tutoring Are you an expert in a particular subject? If so, you can start an online tutoring business and help students learn. This is a great option for those who want to work from home, set their own hours, and are good with people. Technology Repair Services As technology becomes more and more prevalent in our lives, the need for technology repair services will also increase. If you’re good with computers and other electronic devices, you can start a business that provides these services. IT Support Today, businesses rely heavily on technology, making it essential for them to have IT support services. If you have a good understanding of computers and networking, you can establish an IT support business to assist companies in maintaining their systems and ensuring they operate smoothly. Freelance Writing Do you have a knack for writing? If so, you can start a freelance writing business. This is a great option for those who want to work from home working on a business they love. Food Truck A food truck is a great option for those who love to cook and have a passion for food. You can start your own food truck business or work for an existing one. It’s also possible to scale this business with multiple locations as your company grows. Property Management If you’re good with people and have experience in the property management field, you can start your own property management business. This is a great way to get into the real estate industry and grow your business over time. Legal Services Also making our list of the most profitable businesses to start this year is a legal services business. If you have experience in the legal field, you can start a business that provides legal services to businesses and individuals, such as wills and trusts, contract reviews, and more. E-Commerce Specialization The surge in online shopping has created a fertile ground for e-commerce businesses, especially those focusing on niche markets. By specializing in specific product categories, such as eco-friendly products, artisan crafts, or specialized tech gadgets, small businesses can cater to particular consumer interests. This specialization allows for targeted marketing strategies and the development of a loyal customer base. Success in this realm involves understanding e-commerce platforms, digital marketing, and supply chain management to effectively reach and serve a global audience. Health and Wellness Services The health and wellness sector offers diverse opportunities, from personal training and nutrition consulting to mental health and wellness coaching. With a growing awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, these services are in high demand. Entrepreneurs can offer these services in person, online, or through hybrid models. This field requires expertise in the respective health and wellness area and a strong emphasis on building client relationships and trust. Innovations in this sector could include personalized wellness plans, online coaching sessions, or wellness workshops. Home Improvement and Repair Services With the real estate market’s evolution, there is an increasing demand for home improvement and repair services. This can range from interior decorating and landscape design to essential home repairs and smart home installations. Small businesses can capitalize on this need by offering reliable, quality services in their local area. Success in this industry depends on skilled craftsmanship, excellent customer service, and the ability to adapt to the latest home improvement trends. Remote Work Solutions As remote work continues to gain popularity, there is an increasing demand for products and services that enhance effective remote working. This includes virtual collaboration tools, ergonomic furniture, and productivity software. Small businesses can thrive by offering innovative solutions that enhance the remote work experience. The key to success here is understanding the challenges of remote work and developing solutions that are both practical and user-friendly. Sustainable Goods and Services Sustainability is more than a trend; it’s a consumer shift towards environmentally friendly products and services. Businesses that offer sustainable alternatives, like biodegradable products, zero-waste goods, or eco-friendly services, tap into a conscious consumer market. This venture requires a commitment to sustainability, knowledge of eco-friendly practices, and the ability to communicate the value of sustainable choices to customers. Businesses could consider offering products made from recycled materials, sustainable lifestyle consulting, or eco-friendly home services. Each of these business ideas holds the potential for profitability and growth this year. The key is to align these ideas with your skills, market needs, and personal interests, ensuring that your business not only succeeds financially but also brings personal fulfillment and makes a positive impact. The Small Business Sector Today The current small business landscape shows that 65% of small business owners reported being profitable, with 51.04% looking to increase staff, according to a poll conducted by Guidant Financial. What’s even more promising is the fact that 41.02% of small businesses are looking to expand or remodel their business. However, 70.73% of small business owners said that trying to hire workers has been more difficult this year versus previous years. This could explain why 63.17% of small business owners have increased worker compensation, with 33% admitting to making significant efforts to keep their current employees. READ MORE: 10 Tips to Help You Start Your Small Business (Even on a Low Budget) What Do You Need to Start a Successful Business? Starting a successful business demands thorough planning and attention to several key factors. In addition to startup costs, here are some other critical elements you should consider: A Solid Business Plan: Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your vision, target market, products or services, marketing strategies, financial projections, and growth plans. Market Research: Conduct thorough market research to understand your industry, competition, and target audience. Identify gaps and opportunities to position your business for success. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Register your business and obtain all necessary permits and licenses to operate legally. This ensures you stay compliant with local and national regulations. Clear Value Proposition: Clearly articulate what sets your business apart and explain how it fulfills your customers’ needs more effectively than your competitors. Financial Management: Implement effective financial management practices to track income, expenses, and profitability. Create a budget and stick to it. Marketing and Branding: Develop a strong brand identity and marketing strategy to create awareness and attract customers. Customer Focus: Prioritize excellent customer service and build strong relationships with your clients. Skilled Team: Hire talented and dedicated employees who share your vision and contribute to the success of your business. Adaptability: Stay flexible and open to adapting your business strategies based on market feedback and changing conditions. Passion and Determination: Running a successful business requires dedication, hard work, and a genuine passion for what you do. By addressing these crucial elements, you can lay a strong foundation for your business’s success and increase your chances of achieving your entrepreneurial goals. Key Elements for a Successful Business 1. Startup Costs 2. Solid Business Plan 3. Market Research 4. Legal and Regulatory Compliance 5. Clear Value Proposition 6. Financial Management 7. Marketing and Branding 8. Customer Focus 9. Skilled Team 10. Adaptability 11. Passion and Determination What Are the Most Profitable Small Businesses? Owning your own business is a great way to be in control of your income and your future. Many small businesses can be profitable, but some are more so than others. Some of the best small business ideas that can be very profitable include owning and operating a franchise, starting a home-based business, or becoming a consultant. These businesses offer the potential for flexibility, independence, and profitability. So, if you’re ready to take the plunge into entrepreneurship, these are three great options to consider. Conclusion As we step into the coming year, the small business landscape is brimming with opportunities for those who are eager to embark on the entrepreneurial journey. This list of 25 small business ideas not only holds the potential for profitability but also reflects the evolving needs and trends of our ever-changing world. The statistics paint a promising picture for small businesses. With 65% of small business owners reporting profitability, it’s clear that success is attainable. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the challenges they face, such as hiring difficulties. Yet, the fact that 41.02% of small businesses are planning to expand or remodel demonstrates the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship and growth. Now, let’s delve into the small business ideas that hold the promise of profitability this year: Social Media Management: With businesses increasingly relying on social media, starting a social media management business offers a chance to help them connect with customers and grow. Cleaning Services: The demand for cleaning services remains constant, making it a reliable and profitable business. Creating Online Courses: Sharing your expertise by creating online courses can be a lucrative endeavor, benefiting both you and those eager to learn. Business Consulting: Leverage your business experience to help others start and expand their ventures, offering valuable insights and guidance. Graphic Design Services: Tap into your creativity by assisting businesses with branding and marketing through graphic design services. Digital Marketing Services: In a world where businesses continuously strive to reach customers online, digital marketing services will always be in high demand. App Development: If you possess technical skills, an app development business could yield substantial income by creating apps or offering development services to other businesses. Personal Training: Combine your passion for fitness with entrepreneurship by becoming a personal trainer, either independently or with a gym or fitness facility. Web Development: Websites remain essential for businesses, creating a steady demand for web development services. Courier Services: Use your vehicle and organizational skills to establish a courier service, catering to delivery needs. Catering Business: If you love to cook, a catering business offers the chance to work from home and serve delicious meals. Real Estate Investing: If you’re looking for passive income, investing in residential and commercial properties can offer financial stability. Virtual Assistant Services: As businesses move online, the need for virtual assistants continues to grow, providing opportunities for administrative and customer service professionals. Online Tutoring: Offering your knowledge in a particular subject can be both fulfilling and lucrative when engaging in online tutoring. Technology Repair Services: As technology becomes more integrated into our lives, the demand for technology repair services increases. IT Support: With businesses relying heavily on technology, IT support services are crucial for maintaining smooth operations. Freelance Writing: If you have a talent for writing, freelance writing offers flexibility and the chance to work on projects you love. Food Truck: Express your passion for food through a food truck business, delivering culinary delights to your community. Property Management: Leverage your people skills and property management experience to help others in the real estate industry. Legal Services: Providing legal services, such as wills, trusts, and contract reviews, is a valuable contribution to businesses and individuals. E-Commerce Specialization: With the ongoing boom in online shopping, e-commerce businesses that specialize in niche products or services have significant potential. Health and Wellness Services: The health and wellness sector continues to grow, with opportunities ranging from personal training to wellness coaching. Home Improvement and Repair Services: As homeowners continue to invest in their properties, businesses that offer home improvement and repair services are in high demand. Remote Work Solutions: Providing solutions that facilitate remote work, such as virtual collaboration tools or ergonomic home office products, can be highly profitable. Sustainable Goods and Services: Businesses that offer sustainable, eco-friendly products or services align with the increasing consumer preference for green options. To start a successful business, it’s essential to have a solid business plan, conduct thorough market research, ensure legal and regulatory compliance, and offer a clear value proposition. Financial management, effective marketing, excellent customer service, and a skilled team are also crucial. Furthermore, adaptability and a relentless passion for your venture will drive your success. As you navigate the small business landscape, remember that each of these opportunities presents its unique challenges and rewards. Success often stems from your ability to align your skills, interests, and determination with the right business idea. By combining these elements and addressing key factors, you can carve a path toward profitability and fulfillment in the world of entrepreneurship. The small business sector is ripe with possibilities. It’s up to you to seize the moment, turn your aspirations into action, and embark on the journey of building a profitable and rewarding business. Whether you choose to venture into social media management, web development, or any of the other exciting opportunities listed here, the potential for success awaits those who are willing to take the leap into the world of entrepreneurship. Image: Envato Elements This article, "The Most Profitable Small Businesses You Can Start Today" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The pre-Super Bowl hype weeks have begun, and with them comes the annual American tradition of calling the NFL rigged. Local drunks, AM radio sports show hosts, and message board experts are all in agreement: The fix is in. Last year, the most interesting conspiracy theory held that the Pentagon rigged the entire 2024 NFL season so the Chiefs could appear in the Super Bowl and Taylor Swift could help Democrats get re-elected in 2024. (Oops.) This year's football truthers have a less esoteric theory for why the Chiefs are definitely going to win the Super Bowl: Follow the money. They make a compelling case, but they're wrong. Why "they" would fix the Super BowlThe rough consensus among NFL conspiracy theorists is that the National Football League fixed the 2025 season in favor of the Kansas City Chiefs because it makes everyone the most money. If the Chiefs have been blown out in the playoff, the league wouldn't have sold as many Patrick Mahomes jerseys. ABC wouldn't be able to charge as much for the commercials that air during the game. We might not have to listen to Chiefs' coach Andy Reid say "bundle-rooski" so often; online gambling companies would have fewer bettors; the guys who sell hot dogs outside the stadium in New Orleans would sell fewer hot dogs. You get the idea: The Chiefs doing well is good business. Is it even possible to fix an NFL game?It's definitely possible to fix a football game—not like they fix professional wrestling matches, but it could happen, and happen without players, coaches, trainers, and team owners having to agree to a predetermined outcome. You could, theoretically, fix a football game with a handful of crooked referees. NFL football teams are usually roughly evenly matched (especially when we're talking about the Super Bowl) and games are decided by a single decisions from officials regularly. And football's esoteric rules make it easy. Refereeing a football game requires subjective interpretation of vaguely worded text—in order for the ball to be "caught," for instance, the receiver must "performs any act common to the game (e.g., tuck the ball away, extend it forward, take an additional step, turn upfield, or avoid or ward off an opponent)," or "maintain control of the ball long enough to do so." So there's room for interpretation. Officials also decide where the ball is placed after a play, whether a blocker is holding another player, how much pass interference "counts," whether conduct is "unsportsmanlike," and a million other judgement calls. Refs can even arbitrarily award a touchdown in some situations, so you could see how officials could hand a ball game to either team. And it's not like it never happened before. Evidence that the referees are helping Kansas CityHere are a few of the questionable calls in this weekend's very close playoff game between The Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills: Remember that definition of "catch?" This is not an example of one: This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. It's an incomplete pass. Or it's an interception. And speaking of the refs deciding where the ball is spotted, in the below clip, The Bills are either just over or just behind the first down line. One ref immediately says first down. The other disagrees. Decision: Chiefs. Even though a close reading shows it was, in fact, a first down. This was the second first down the Bills earned in the same set of downs, by the way. The third down call was BS too: This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. It wasn't just the final game of the playoffs, either. Throughout the season, fans have been pointing out how tackles against Patrick Mahomes are called as "roughing the passer," despite not being particularly rough. Check out this "massive hit" in the Chief's playoff game against the Houston Texans. (Video only available on YouTube.) Note the incredulity in the voices of the commentators and note Mahomes' obvious flop. Here's another flop, just because it's funny: This has been going on all season, too. Over the last nine Chiefs games, they have not been called for a single roughing-the-passer penalty, while opponents have been hit with that costly penalty six times. The case against the NFL rigging football for the ChiefsIt's hard to watch the Chiefs this season and come to any conclusion but "the fix is in." The sheer number of tight games where the Chiefs managed to eke out a last-minute victory, often with the help of a favorable call is evidence enough—11 games in one season that were won with a one-score margin of victory? It sure looks like cheating—unless you're a Chiefs fan. If you're a Chiefs fan, you're seeing the best football team in the world, led by perhaps the best quarterback to ever play, and coached by the best coach since Vince Lombardi. The last-minute, tight victories are evidence of superior clock management: The Chiefs do just enough to win, and they do it like that on purpose. The deluge of roughing-the-passer penalties? Also strategic: Mahomes flops because it's legal and it it works. He's also a running quarterback, so he's going to get hit more often than a more stationary player, and thus draw more penalties. Putting extra importance on events that confirm our biases and ignoring the ones that don't is human nature. Believe it or not, rabid sports fans might not be collectively checking themselves for confirmation bias as rigorously as they should be. How many roughing-the-passer calls are made against other running quarterbacks? Someone is probably keeping track, but fans aren't too interested in a comparative analysis. Always consider the motiveThe idea that the NFL, as an organization, would have the power and clout to fix a football season (assuming they wanted to) seems farfetched enough to dismiss out of hand. NFL teams are owned by different millionaires and billionaires, who likely wield as much power as the league. They would not accept a rigged game (unless it was rigged in their team's favor.) As for the "storyline" argument, I'd be very surprised if the NFL believes that the people who watch football are excited to see the freaking Chiefs win another Super Bowl. I have no evidence except vibes, but if the idea is to produce a compelling narrative, the NFL needs better writers. The Chiefs winning three in a row is a lame story compared to "The always-terrible Washington Commanders, led by a rookie quarterback, manage to win the Super Bowl against all expectations," or even "Holy crap, the Detroit Lions are good this year?" This just leaves the refs. The 2007 cheating scandal that shook the NBA really happened and involved a referee, but it was one referee, and he only fixed the games he was picked to officiate. He wasn't trying to engineer victory for one squad over time. A league-wide conspiracy to support the Chiefs (or any other team) would be way more complex than the NBA chiseler's scheme, and would require many refs, linemen, the mysterious people who review contested calls, and who knows who else to agree to it. Someone would talk. Referees are people, just like usReferees and line judges are as prone to unconscious bias as anyone else. They make mistakes. Could it be that the officials are a little more likely to call penalties that favor the most famous player in the league? Sure, especially since he flops around like a damn soccer player. But are they doing it on purpose? Unlikely. NFL referees work their way up to the league, probably from high school sports, and if they do make the big show, they earn about a quarter million a year, and get to sometimes see Taylor Swift in the stands. It's the kind of job you'd want to keep. Plus, I assume most referees, like most everyone, take pride in doing their job well, and would be unlikely to risk throwing it all away for some short-term gain. As Mike Pereira, the rules analyst for Fox Sports and former head of NFL officiating, recently put it: "The fact that [officials] are looking out for any team or any individual is an absolute myth. You don't want to get fired. You want to be right. People that say that don't know a damn thing about officiating. Until you put the uniform on, until you have to make those quick judgments. ... get off my train. Period." Thankfully, the Super Bowl on Feb. 9 will answer the question of NFL rigging once and for all. If the vastly superior Philadelphia Eagles lose to the overrated Chiefs, we'll all know that the fix is in. View the full article

You likely send dozens of emails each day, but are your messages being well received? Are some of your emails frustrating recipients? You might be violating some fundamental rules of business email etiquette. Our editorial team gets and sends hundreds of emails a day. We’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly. So, we’ve come up with email etiquette guidelines that business people should follow for solid email communications. Business Email Etiquette Guidelines Here are some email etiquette guidelines you may wish to consider for your own small business. Get the Salutation and Closing Right Writing effective emails starts with the proper salutation and closing. A Perkbox Insights survey of 1,928 professionals found there is a real preference for certain email greetings and closings versus others. Almost half of those surveyed prefer emails that start with the greeting “Hi”. Other popular greetings include: Good morning/afternoon (48%) Hello (21%) Dear (20%) When it comes to closing expressions for business emails, survey respondents preferred the following: Kind regards (69%) Thanks or thanks again (46%) Regards (31%) Thanks in advance (21%) Best wishes (20%) And what is the worst way to end business emails? “Love”, “Warmly”, and using no sign-off rated the worst ways to close. Don’t Leave People Hanging Confirm receipt for messages you can’t get to right away. Let the sender know that you got it and will respond at a later date. Tell them when to expect it. Set a date and time and stick to it. When you go on vacation or out of the office for more than a day or two, set up an out-of-office reply or away message so people will get a prompt response, ensuring they are not left wondering. Include the date you’ll be back in the office and when you expect to respond. Give people an alternate contact for urgent matters in case they need to reach someone in your company right away. Limit Acronyms and Jargon Before using business abbreviations, acronyms, or jargon in your emails, assess the familiarity and understanding of your audience. Consider the knowledge of the recipient. If you’re dealing with clients in different industries, for example, you might want to include more information than you would with your co-workers. Overusing acronyms can alienate or confuse participants, reducing clarity. Only Use ‘Reply All’ When Necessary When you get emails that include several people, you might be tempted to just reply to everyone. Consider the relevance of your response to all recipients before doing so. But this can lead to a lot of wasted time for recipients if the message isn’t relevant to them. It can be quite embarrassing if your response contains sensitive company information and is sent to a client who is accidentally copied. Consider the necessity and potential impact of your message carefully. Therefore, exercise caution and only use “reply all” when it is truly essential. Use the Undo Send Feature Some email clients like Gmail have a feature that allows you to undo sending an email for up to 30 seconds. This gives you a brief window to reconsider or rectify any mistakes that can cast a long shadow if you breach email etiquette. If you forgot to check for typos or an attachment, or if you have second thoughts about the content or tone of your message, act quickly, and you can cancel sending the email before it arrives at the other end, preventing potential misunderstandings or the need for follow-up explanations. Utilize this feature wisely to ensure your communications are accurate and convey the intended message. Wait 24 Hours Before Sending Emotional Messages If you find yourself inclined to send an angry or emotional email, take a moment to carefully craft your message. Consider the potential consequences of your words. Refrain from hitting send until you have taken a day to step back and clear your mind. This pause allows for a calmer perspective. Work-related emails should be devoid of negative emotion. It’s painful for others to receive emotional words, and it can lead to unintended consequences. Avoid Using All Caps Don’t go crazy with the CAPS LOCK, as 67% of people can’t tolerate it, according to the survey. This type of message is perceived as shouting, which is often unwelcome. Always use sentence case. Capital letters can emphasize your message, but they may be perceived as shouting, which can alienate your audience instead of engaging them. Instead, think about using italics or color to highlight key points in a way that is more inviting and less overwhelming for readers. Keep it Short About 29% of individuals report that they cannot tolerate lengthy emails. Do you really want to risk losing nearly a third of your readers due to the size of your message? It’s important to respect the time of your team and business associates. Utilize short paragraphs and formatting techniques like bullet points to make your emails easier to skim. Instead of a long email, try an alternative: a video call, face-to-face meeting, or phone call. If it has to be in writing, create a separate report in an attachment or shared cloud document. A Clear Subject Line is a Must Subject lines should accurately reflect the content. A clear subject line is a courtesy that informs the recipient what to expect before opening your message. More than that, it may make the difference between people opening your email or ignoring it, ensuring your communication is timely and effective. An ambiguous subject can delay response times. Don’t Share Confidential Information Emails are all too easy to forward and share or to accidentally send to the wrong person, making them a risky choice for sensitive content. Most email messages are not the right format to share confidential information as they lack the security measures necessary to protect such data, underscoring the importance of using secure, encrypted channels for sensitive exchanges. Use Humor with Caution You might be tempted to add a little fun or humor to your emails. But without body language, humor and tone can be difficult to decipher in emails, potentially leading to misunderstandings or offense. Never include jokes in your emails unless you have a strong rapport with the recipient and are confident they will appreciate the humor. This way, you can ensure that your intent is clearly understood. Limit Emoji and Emoticons When it comes to emojis, smileys, and emoticons, keep those to conversations with friends and close co-workers where the context and relationships support their use. Customers and sales prospects may see them as unprofessional or too casual for business communications, potentially undermining your message’s seriousness or professionalism. Don’t Be Hasty with Reminders Give a recipient a day or two to respond, depending on the type of inquiry. A recipient may feel chastised by getting a reminder when he or she has been out of the office or in meetings all day. Also, before sending reminders, please check your junk or spam folder. Put yourself in the recipient’s shoes. Has anyone ever complained they did not receive one of your messages, forcing you to go out of your way to re-send it, only to then reply, “Oh, it was in my spam folder?” You probably felt slightly annoyed, thinking, “Why didn’t you look there in the first place?” Be Careful with BCC BCC stands for blind carbon copy and it means that others do not see the blind-copied person on the recipient list. BCC is good etiquette if you want to inform other people in your organization and protect their name, title, or email address from going to, say, a sales rep for an outside vendor. But BCC can be bad etiquette if your purpose is to be devious and go behind a coworker’s back. How will you feel if your coworker learns that his boss was blind copied? If it could upset him, then don’t use it. Add a Personal Message When Forwarding When you need to forward an email to a coworker, add an introduction at the top instead of just hitting send. This personal touch can clarify the relevance and ensure the recipient understands the context. Don’t force associates to read through an unfamiliar email thread without context. Also, consider changing the subject line title so it makes more sense and directly relates to the current discussion or task at hand. Add the Email Address Last If you’re drafting a brand new email, start with the subject and content before adding email addresses. This will prevent you from accidentally sending it too early and having to waste everyone’s time telling them to ignore your incomplete message. Have a Clear Call to Action What do you want the recipient to do with your message if anything? If it’s purely to inform the other person, then so state. But if you expect a reply, a decision, or another thing, be crystal clear. It’s amazing how many emails are vague about what the recipient is being asked to do (or not do). Include Contact Information Twenty-three percent of email users say it is poor etiquette to not have an email signature block. A professional email signature with relevant information doesn’t just make you look more professional; it also makes it easier for the person you’re contacting. Include relevant information like your phone number, company website, and social media handles so they can easily reach out if they have extra questions. If your email includes specific instructions for a person to call you or contact you in another way, include those details in the body as well. Stick to Black and White Some individuals try to add some pizazz to their emails with unique colors, fonts, or design elements. But this can rub some recipients the wrong way. And the styles that appeal to you may make it less appealing to others. Avoid using unique font colors and background patterns in your emails. Classic black and white is the easiest to read. And pair it with basic fonts like Times New Roman. This can help you make a professional impression, whether you’re communicating with employees or partners. . Limit Exclamation Points Some use exclamation marks to show excitement or convey friendliness. However, they should be used sparingly in professional email. In fact, 16% say this punctuation mark is unacceptable, while 48% will tolerate only one per email. Keep in mind the tone of the email. For example, an email announcing exciting new products or services may accommodate more than an email about an employee communication issue. And then read through it at the end to double check that it’s not packed full of excess excitement. Proofread You don’t want to take the time to craft a great email message only to have it littered with spelling and grammar mistakes. Take a minute to proofread and spell-check before sending so you can catch any potential errors. Look for both spelling and grammatical issues. Additionally, read through your message with a mind on how your recipient will read it. Think about the tone to make sure it doesn’t get taken in a different way. Then go back and make sure that you spelled the person’s name correctly in your email. You can’t be too careful in this instance. Also choose the proper email address — it’s embarrassing to send to the wrong email accounts. Know When to Be Formal Keep things more formal with those you’re emailing for the first time. Err on the side of being more formal and professional with clients and superiors as well. Formality shows respect and is less likely to be misinterpreted. Once you get to know someone more, you can get less formal. For instance, you might use first names or a nickname instead of full names. Or you could shorten your greeting or sign off with those you communicate with regularly. Don’t Forget to Attach It’s quite common to mention that you are attaching a file and then forget to include it. This oversight not only makes you appear forgetful but also requires the recipient to follow up with a reminder. Therefore, be sure to double-check before hitting send. Additionally, name your attachments appropriately if there are several. This allows them to avoid opening each one to see what it is. And it can even help them avoid opening attachments with viruses or malware. If possible, send PDFs instead of files that require a specific program so they don’t need to download extras to see what you’ve sent. Consider Different Cultures and Languages When corresponding via email with individuals from diverse cultures or backgrounds, it’s important to keep this in mind while crafting your responses to avoid causing offense or confusion. For example, use simple, widely recognized terms instead of American-centered slang. If you regularly communicate with teams or recipients in a particular country, research info about that culture to get even more specific and avoid miscommunication. Start a New Email Chain for New Subjects When emailing someone who you correspond with frequently, it can be tempting to keep just one chain going continuously. But this can make it difficult to keep your conversations organized. So start a new chain for each new subject. Along the same lines, only forward messages when absolutely necessary. Avoid hitting reply all when you only need to message one or two recipients on an email chain. GuidelinesDos/Dont'sAdditional Info Salutation and Closing- Use appropriate greetings and closings. - Avoid inappropriate greetings or closings.Survey preferences: "Hi", "Good morning/afternoon", etc. Confirm Receipt and Out-of-Office- Confirm receipt and specify response timeframe. - Set out-of-office replies during vacations.Provide date of return and alternate contact during OOO. Limit Acronyms and Jargon- Use clear language. - Avoid excessive acronyms and jargon.Adapt language based on recipient's industry knowledge. Only Use 'Reply All' When Necessary- Be cautious with "reply all." - Avoid sending irrelevant emails to everyone.Prevent wasted time and potential embarrassment. Use the Undo Send Feature- Act quickly to undo sent emails for corrections.Available in some email clients like Gmail. Wait 24 Hours Before Sending Emotional Messages- Avoid sending emotional emails immediately.Maintain a professional tone in work-related emails. What are the dos and don’ts of business email? Dos: Do keep business correspondence professional. Do compose emails that respect people’s time. Do stick to the subject matter and get to the point. Don’ts: Don’t overuse emojis or exclamation points. Don’t use slang with clients or business associates you don’t know well. Don’t use emotional words. Don’t use sarcasm, and be careful with humor and tone so that you don’t inadvertently offend when you send an email. What are the benefits of email etiquette? There are five advantages to adopting email etiquette rules: Professionalism. Improved company image. Better response to sales messages. Organizational efficiency and time savings. Lower workplace liability by avoiding improper tone or misinterpretation. DosDon'ts Keep business correspondence professional.Overuse emojis or exclamation points. Compose emails that respect people's time.Use slang with clients or unfamiliar associates. Stick to the subject matter and get to the point.Use emotional words. Use sarcasm, offensive humor, or unclear tone. More etiquette tips: Office Etiquette Tips Online Meeting Etiquette Image: Depositphotos This article, "Email Etiquette Tips for Professional Communication" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Welcome to Pressing Questions, Fast Company’s work-life advice column. Every week, deputy editor Kathleen Davis, host of The New Way We Work podcast, will answer the biggest and most pressing workplace questions. Q: How can I get more sleep? A: I am writing this at 11:12 p.m., so this advice is as much for myself as it is for anyone else. Here’s what we should all be doing differently: First, set a schedule and stick to it. The “stick to it” part is hard. But it’s called the golden rule of sleep for a reason. Set a bedtime, and then plan at least 20-40 minutes back from that time to start your bedtime routine. You might even need an alarm to remind you that it’s time to end what you’re doing. So, if you have to get up at 7 a.m. and you want to get seven hours of sleep, you want to be asleep by midnight. That means you should start your bedtime routine by 11:30 p.m.. And speaking of bedtime routine, you know you can’t go directly from staring at a screen to lights out, right? Your mind needs to wind down. Sleep experts recommend that you not only stick to the same bedtime every night, but that you also stick to the same (or similar) process each night. One option is to take things in 15-20 minute stages. First, prep for the next day (pack lunches, set out clothes) and do your nightly hygiene routine. Then spend 20 minutes doing a relaxing activity like reading. Whatever you do, don’t sleep with your phone next to you. The other golden piece of sleep advice is intuitive but many of us with desk jobs skip it: Do some kind of physical activity during the day—but not right before bed. If you spend 30-40 minutes a day being active, you will be more physically tired and it will be easier to fall asleep. Want more advice on how to get more sleep? Here you go: Ultimate guide to getting more sleep 5 ways to get a better night’s sleep Having trouble sleeping? Ask yourself these 6 questions View the full article

Illinois lawyer Mathew Kerbis markets himself as the Subscription Attorney, charging businesses and individual clients a monthly rate for legal advice and offering additional services like contract review and legal document drafting for a flat fee. Kerbis is a fairly tech-savvy lawyer—he’s a regular at the American Bar Association’s ABA Techshow conference, he hosts a podcast about subscription-based billing and other industry innovations, and he uses a Stripe-integrated web portal to streamline client payments. So it’s not surprising that he’s spent time experimenting with AI tools to help him do legal research, draft documents, and otherwise assist clients more efficiently. “The faster I can get something to a client, if you think about it in terms of time equals money, the more money I make,” he says. “But also, the more valuable it is to the clients to actually get things faster.” Today, Kerbis is a customer of Paxton AI, a legal AI provider that boasts it can help lawyers quickly draft legal documents, analyze everything from contracts to court filings, and conduct research on legal questions based on up-to-date laws and court precedent. He says Paxton can help tweak model contracts for a client’s situation, find relevant sections of law for a particular legal issue, and review proposed agreements for potentially troublesome terms. Doing the work of a young attorney—at superhuman speed “If a client books a call with me and gives me a contract right there on the phone with them, we could start identifying problematic issues before I’ve even put human eyes on the contract,” Kerbis says. Paxton, a startup that just announced a $22 million Series A funding round, is one of a number of companies offering AI-powered assistance to lawyers. Its competitors range from established legal data vendors like LexisNexis and Thomson Reuters to other startups, all looking to use the text-processing power of large language model AI to more speedily parse, analyze, and draft the voluminous and precise documents that are inherent to the practice of law—and part of the reason for lawyers’ notoriously long hours. “The idea is to do the work of, say, a young assistant or even a young attorney at a firm, but to do it at superhuman speed,” says Jake Heller, head of product for CoCounsel, a legal AI tool from Thomson Reuters. “If you talk to lawyers, I think there’s a universal feeling that there aren’t enough hours in the day to do all the things they want to do for the companies they work for, their clients, their law firms.” [Screenshot: courtesy of Paxton] A 2024 study by legal tech provider Clio found that 79% of legal professionals already use artificial intelligence tools to some degree. Roughly 25% “have adopted AI widely or universally,” according to the survey. Clio CTO Jonathan Watson says Clio Duo AI is the fastest-growing product in the company’s history; it helps lawyers answer questions about particular documents, schedule meetings, and even analyze data from the company’s law firm management software—all of which allows them to focus more on legal work and less on rote tasks. “What we ultimately want to do is free them of that burden, so they can get back to doing what they do best, and that’s practicing law,” Watson says. Putting AI through law school And while lawyers’ misuse of AI has sometimes generated headlines when they’ve submitted court filings with hallucinated quotes and citations, legal AI providers generally say they’ve built their software with guardrails to reduce such errors—as well as protections for attorney-client confidentiality—and linked their language models to specialized legal knowledge bases. “In order to be a proper legal assistant, you need legal training,” says Paxton AI cofounder and CEO Tanguy Chau. “And what that means to us is a complete understanding of all the laws, rules, regulations, statutes that govern the legal practice.” Paxton AI has used a large language model to help analyze court decisions and document how they reference each other in a network graph structure, says cofounder and CTO Michael Ulin. “We have the LLM make a determination as to whether it’s been upheld or overturned,” he says, something that was historically done by human attorneys updating legal reference books and databases. Those sorts of materials are, in fact, part of what helps power CoCounsel, with Heller pointing to a company history of publishing legal information and references dating back to the founding of lawbook giant West Publishing—now part of Thomson Reuters—in the 1800s. “They’ve hired some of the best attorneys in the country and said, ‘Well, give us your commentary or thoughts on this topic,’” Heller says, with that material now accessible to the AI. “It’s able to also do what a lawyer would do, which is draw from these resources, read them first, get a deep understanding of a topic or field from the world’s best experts that really only we have, and then that informs its decision-making process.” Lowering the risk of hallucination Legal AI tools generally use the technique known as retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), in which search-engine-like processes first locate relevant source materials, then provide them to language models to use in providing a well-cited, on-point response with less risk of hallucination. “Even several years ago, it was very clear that the retrieval—you know, the R element to the RAG—was the most important part of this whole process, being able to properly identify what cases are responsive. Not just cases, but legislation, regulation,” says Mark Doble, cofounder and CEO of Alexi, which offers legal AI with a focus on litigation. “And so we’ve done a ton of work in making sure that the retrieval component is really good.” Alexi has also developed rigorous automated and manual systems to verify its AI consistently and statistically predictably gives accurate responses, Doble says. Similarly, CoCounsel is routinely quizzed on tens of thousands of test cases, Heller says, and Paxton has published to GitHub its AI’s results on two legal AI benchmarks, including one developed by scholars at Stanford and Yale as part of a study of legal hallucinations by LLMs, where Paxton claims a nearly 94% accuracy rate. [Screenshot: courtesy of Paxton] Still, even the most rigorously tested AI systems aren’t immune to making mistakes. RAG-powered systems can still hallucinate, particularly if the underlying retrieval process produces irrelevant or misleading hits, something familiar to anyone who has read the AI summaries that now top many internet search results. “From the perspective of general AI research, we know that RAG can reduce the hallucination rate, but it is no silver bullet,” says Daniel E. Ho, a professor at Stanford Law School. Ho is one of the authors of the legal hallucination study and an additional paper looking specifically at errors made by legal-focused AI. In one example, Ho and his colleagues found that a RAG-powered legal AI system asked to identify notable opinions written by “Judge Luther A. Wilgarten” (a fictitious jurist with the notable initials L.A.W.) pointed to a case called Luther v. Locke. It was presumably the result of a routine false-positive search result based on the made-up judge’s first name. While a human lawyer searching a decision database would have realized the mix-up and quickly skipped past that search result, the AI was apparently unable to note that the case was decided by a differently named judge. “It would not surprise any lawyer who’s spent time trying to research cases that there are going to be false positives in those retrieved results,” Ho says. “And when those form the basis of the generated statement through RAG, that’s when hallucinations can result.” Even so, Ho says, the tools can still be useful in legal research, drafting, and other tasks, provided they’re not treated as out-and-out replacements for human lawyers and, ideally, with AI developers providing information about how they’re built and how they perform. [Screenshot: courtesy of Paxton] “The lawyer is fully responsible for the work on behalf of the client” Since lawyers are already used to picking apart documents, arguments, and citations, as well as double-checking the work of junior associates and paralegals, they may be as well equipped as any professional to use AI as a helpful tool—the first or last pair of eyes on a document, or a path to finding case law relevant to a particular question—rather than an omniscient oracle. “This is something you’re asking to infer how to respond to you, and you need to look at that with a critical eye and go, does that make sense?” says Clio’s Watson. As some attorneys using general-purpose AI tools have learned the hard way, groups like the American Bar Association have said relying on AI doesn’t absolve lawyers of their basic duties to competently represent their clients, safeguard their confidentiality, and ensure what they present in court is accurate and truthful. “In short, regardless of the level of review the lawyer selects, the lawyer is fully responsible for the work on behalf of the client,” according to a formal American Bar Association opinion from July. Experts have suggested that lawyers who rely on mistaken AI-generated information could be sued by clients for malpractice. Even law-focused AI solutions often disclaim legal responsibility for errors, meaning lawyers are likely on the hook for any AI mistakes they fail to catch. Kerbis says he uses Paxton AI to find on-point sections of the law, but he’ll still read the actual cited references. And when he asks the AI to find potential red flags in a contract, he’ll naturally evaluate them himself. Other Paxton customers use the tool to look for the relevant “needle in a haystack” in bulky document repositories, like medical records involved in an injury suit, Ulin says. Since AI can work so quickly, and its findings can often be quickly verified by human attorneys, there may be little reason not to at least see what it can find. Kerbis says the AI sometimes flags a section of a contract that’s ultimately unobjectionable, like an unusually long contract term that actually benefits his client, but such findings are easy enough to skip past. Since Kerbis generally charges clients flat fees instead of an hourly rate, it’s to his advantage if he can do good legal work faster. Some experts predict such arrangements will be more common if AI helps more lawyers work more quickly, though previous predictions of the end of the billable hour have proven premature. Also yet to be determined is whether AI-forward lawyers and law firms will ultimately prefer to get AI tools through an existing vendor like Thomson Reuters or Clio, or from an AI-focused startup like Alexi or Paxton. And it remains to be seen whether the technology will really provide lawyers the level of productivity boost proponents and AI vendors hope for. If it does, it may well become as necessary to the modern practice of law as Microsoft Word. Already, some of those paying the bills and waiting on legal advice have begun to urge lawyers to adopt AI, says Doble, adding, “It’s not clients getting angry when lawyers use AI tools. It’s clients getting angry when lawyers don’t use AI tools.” View the full article

A lawn care business is an excellent way to become an entrepreneur and be your own boss. Homeowners are multitasking more and more and they need these services. Small businesses always want to make a great first impression with a well-manicured lawn. This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about how to start a lawn care business, from equipment selection to initial planning and marketing, plus customer retention. The Basics of a Lawn Care Business The lawn care industry is thriving. It has experienced significant growth and outpaced the overall economy. Lawns typically require ongoing maintenance, and there are cross-selling opportunities such as pest control. If you want to know how to start a lawn care business, this is an encouraging environment. What is a Lawn Care Business? A lawn care business does several things, like regular grass cutting. Other services include control and fertilization plus pest and disease control, to name a few. The potential clients include residential homeowners and commercial properties. Recreational facilities, schools, and hospitals can also be clients. Why Lawn Care Services Are Essential Lawn care services play a pivotal role in enhancing outdoor spaces’ aesthetic appeal and health. A well-maintained lawn not only boosts the overall visual appeal of a property but also provides various environmental and health benefits. Lawns act as natural filters, capturing dust, smoke particles, and other pollutants to provide cleaner air. Additionally, they help prevent soil erosion, reduce noise pollution, and even increase a property’s value. Engaging in regular lawn care ensures that these green spaces remain vibrant, healthy, and beneficial for both the environment and the residents of the property. Aesthetic Appeal: A well-maintained lawn beautifies the surroundings and creates a pleasant outdoor environment. Environmental Benefits: Lawns serve as carbon sinks by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which contributes to cleaner air. Soil Protection: Healthy grass roots hold the soil together, preventing erosion and runoff, especially during heavy rains. Noise Reduction: Lawns can significantly reduce noise pollution by absorbing and deflecting sounds. Property Value: A beautifully maintained lawn can increase a property’s market value and curb appeal. Recreation and Well-being: Green, well-kept lawns provide spaces for recreational activities and have been shown to reduce stress and promote well-being. Temperature Regulation: Lawns can act as natural coolants, reducing the surrounding temperature and minimizing the heat island effect in urban areas. Habitat for Wildlife: Healthy lawns can provide habitats for various small creatures and support local biodiversity. Steps to Launch Your Own Lawn Care Business Following are the steps for how to start a business and offer lawn care services to your community. Evaluating Your Market: Commercial vs. Residential Lawn Care You need to know the differences between serving residential and commercial clients. Residential properties tend to be smaller and easier to maintain. In contrast, commercial clients typically require additional services, such as an irrigation system and more frequent visits. The contracts vary as well. Residential clients may prefer seasonal or one-time services, whereas commercial clients typically seek longer-term agreements. Drafting a Business Plan A business plan offers financial projections and background information. These can help you define your objectives and attract investors like banks and potential partners. Components include: The executive summary. The business description. Marketing strategy and analysis The services and products. A competitive analysis Financial projections. Business plans can help you get funding and create a marketing roadmap. Choosing a Business Structure You have several common business structures to choose from. The sole proprietor is easy to set up, and you have full control over the business. Personal liability is one of the downsides. A partnership has more potential for resources. It can be difficult to transfer ownership with these. A limited liability company has a flexible management structure and pass-through taxation. However, having a few members means tax complications. A Corporation has strong liability protections in place. The con here is complex regulations and legal requirements. Securing Financing Here’s a list of some of the financing options available. Bootstrapping Bootstrapping can entail contributions from family and personal savings used to start a business. Venture Capital These companies invest in startups with good potential and ask for equity in exchange. You get access to investors with experience. Bank Loans These usually have strict credit criteria. Small Business Administration Loans These government-backed loans have longer repayment times. Crowdfunding Kickstarter serves as an example of a platform that allows individuals to raise funds from a wide audience. However, managing these campaigns can be time-consuming. Designing an Effective Lawn Care Website Websites are a cost-effective way to get global exposure. A carefully designed site is available 24/7. A successful website features strong branding with consistent messaging and logos. Begin by researching the best landscaping business name ideas and choose one that aligns with your services. Next, acquire a matching domain. The design should be user-friendly across tablets, mobile devices, and desktops. Make sure it is optimized for SEO, and refer to this website startup guide for additional tips. Creating a Unique Brand Identity for Your Lawn Care Company Good branding for your company increases exposure. A good logo is simple and clean. Establish clear guidelines on consistency as to where and how it gets used. Colors make a big difference. They need to meet accessibility standards. Using at least one primary color in the logo for any lawn care business is a good idea. Include a mission statement as the driving force behind your branding. It should be concise and clear. Securing Essential Lawn Care Equipment Of course, you need landscaping tools and equipment to get started. A Lawn Mower and Other Tools Smaller lawns only need a walk-behind lawn mower unit. Bigger commercial properties might require a riding mower. Keeping lawns in good shape means having professional edgers and trimmers. A good blower will clean up debris like leaves and grass clippings. Working with bushes and trees means getting a pair of pruning shears. Don’t forget personal safety equipment like glasses and gloves and ear protection. Buying Or Renting Lawn care companies must decide whether buying or renting is the best choice. Buying the equipment means you’ll have it whenever you need it. However, there is a significant investment at first. Renting usually has maintenance included. However, there are no assets to sell later on. FactorBuying EquipmentRenting Equipment Initial CostHigh upfront costs to purchase machinery and tools outright.Lower initial costs, only paying for the duration of use. Maintenance & RepairsOwner is responsible for all maintenance and repair costs.Maintenance and repairs typically covered by the rental company. DepreciationEquipment will depreciate in value over time.No concerns about depreciation as equipment is returned after use. FlexibilityEquipment is available at any time for business operations.Flexibility to rent specific tools as needed for specialized jobs. Long-term CostsMight be cheaper in the long run if equipment is used regularly and maintained well.Can become expensive if renting frequently or for extended periods. StorageNeed dedicated space to store equipment when not in use.No storage concerns, as equipment is returned after use. Equipment UpdatesUpdating or upgrading requires selling old equipment and purchasing new.Easier to access the latest equipment models as needed. Asset OwnershipEquipment becomes a business asset and can be sold later.No ownership; therefore, no asset to sell or leverage in the future. Tax ImplicationsPotential tax benefits from depreciation or capital write-offs.Renting expenses can be written off as a business expense. Cash Flow ImpactSignificant initial expenditure can impact cash flow.Spread out costs can be easier on cash flow, especially for startups. Pricing and Service Packages Good lawn care businesses offer basic, standard, and premium packages that give customers a choice. Legal and Licensing Considerations Consider the following: A Business License allows you to operate in your city or county. A Landscaper Contractor License may be required if you plan on doing landscaping work. Some areas will need a Water Use Permit. General Liability Insurance covers your business in the event of property damage or personal injury. There can be other requirements, too, depending on the scope of your business. Hiring and Training Consider hiring extra staff during peak demand seasons in the spring and summer. Be sure to train them in proper safety procedures for equipment. Social media and industry-specific websites are good recruitment channels to start with. Developing a Service Menu A service list might look like this. Lawn Mowing and Fertilization Weed Control Insect and Pest Control Lawn Aeration For each of these and others, you should highlight the convenience of the service and your expertise. Explain the benefits of other features like flower bed maintenance and mulching. ServiceDescriptionFrequencyAverage DurationPrice Range* Lawn MowingCutting grass to a specified height. Often includes trimming edges near walkways, driveways, and other structures.Weekly/Bi-weekly30 min - 2 hrs$30 - $100 FertilizationApplying fertilizers to promote healthy grass growth and prevent weeds.Seasonally30 min - 1 hr$40 - $100 Weed ControlUsing herbicides or manual methods to reduce or eliminate weeds from the lawn.As needed30 min - 2 hrs$50 - $150 AerationPuncturing the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate to the grassroots.Annually1 - 3 hrs$70 - $200 DethatchingRemoving thick layer of roots, stems, and debris that can build up on a lawn's surface.Annually/As needed1 - 3 hrs$100 - $300 Pest ControlApplying treatments to deter or eradicate common lawn pests like grubs, ants, and more.As needed30 min - 2 hrs$50 - $150 OverseedingPlanting grass seeds directly into existing turf to improve density or introduce a new grass variety.Seasonally/As needed1 - 2 hrs$100 - $300 Landscaping & DesignPlanning and creating aesthetic features, including planting beds, walkways, water features, etc.One-timeVaries greatly$500+ Leaf RemovalClearing leaves from the lawn during the fall season or as needed.Seasonally1 - 3 hrs$50 - $200 Irrigation MaintenanceChecking and maintaining sprinkler systems to ensure proper water distribution.Annually/As needed1 - 2 hrs$70 - $200 Obtaining Licenses and Permits Licenses and permits can vary depending on the state you’re in. There are some general ones you should look into, like: A Business License This allows you to operate in a legal manner in your jurisdiction. Sales Tax Permit You might need one to remit and collect sales tax. Zoning Permits Your business needs to comply with local zoning requirements. Look into Lawn Care Business Insurance There are several types of insurance that fall under the small business insurance category, including general liability insurance. This type of insurance protects your business against third-party claims for damage and bodily injury. Additionally, if you employ workers, lawn care businesses are required to have Workmen’s Compensation insurance. Property insurance is important to protect your inventory and equipment. Building a Client Contract Make sure to add in the contract details, like additional charges for special services and the frequency of visits. Be specific about the services, like weed control and mowing. Implementing a Booking and Scheduling System A digital system streamlines appointments and provides real-time updates. Formulating an Environmentally Friendly Approach Remember, environmentally conscious clients are looking for sustainable practices. Reduce the need for chemical treatments and water consumption. Networking and Building Industry Relationships Establishing local connections builds trust. Gaining knowledge from others in the industry helps you to stay updated. Safety Protocols and Equipment Maintenance Detailed records of equipment inspections, repairs, and maintenance are important. Regular safety meetings to review procedures are critical. Setting Up a Business Bank Account Separate personal and business finances for tax purposes. Supply an employee identification number (EIN) for the IRS. Effective Marketing for Your Lawn Care Business So what is marketing for a lawn care service? Effective strategies include both online and offline elements. For example: Advertise in local newspapers. Network at business events. Create a professional website showcasing your services. Google ads and Facebook ads work, too. Building a Loyal Clientele Retaining clients is about effective communication and consistent quality service. Offer seasonal maintenance plans and loyalty programs. Continuous Learning and Upgrading Staying on top of industry trends will help your company to grow. You’ll learn about environmental regulations as well as new techniques and equipment. Consider joining a professional organization. How Much Does it Cost to Start a Lawn Care Business? Generally, a start-up costs between $1,450 and $2,500. A basic mower ranges from $200 to $400. Hand tools such as a shovel and rake can cost as much as $400. Marketing can cost you between $200 and $500 for advertisements and flyers. Other costs include business licensing or registration and your vehicle. What is the Profit Margin for a Successful Lawn Care Business? A one-man operation can have profit margins of around 15 to 20%. The higher overhead costs and additional labor mean bigger businesses have a lower margin of around 10 to 12%. What Challenges May a Lawn Care Business Owner Face? A lawn care company operates in an industry that might seem straightforward on the surface but can be fraught with numerous challenges, including the following: Unpredictable Weather Patterns: Weather affects grass growth pest activity and can delay scheduled jobs. Increased Competition: A surge in new startups and other competitors can make it challenging to secure clients and differentiate services. Fluctuating Fuel Prices: Any rise in fuel costs directly influences the operating costs, especially for companies with heavy machinery and transportation requirements. Labor Issues: Finding, training, and keeping skilled workers can be difficult because of the job’s physical demands and its seasonal nature. Staying Updated: Keeping up with the latest in landscaping techniques, eco-friendly practices, and local regulations requires continuous learning and adaptation. Tips from Lawn Care Professionals: Ensuring Success in Your Business Here’s some advice gathered from budding entrepreneurs. Stay updated on different regulations and best practices. Get the information you need from industry publications and conferences. Be willing to adjust your business strategy as the market changes. https://youtube.com/watch?v=LxdA_5M7TRQ%3Fsi%3D4mJ8XctdPKT_4CvE FAQ: Starting a Lawn Mowing Business Is a Lawn Care Service a Good Business to Start? Yes, starting a landscaping business can lead to a consistent income, and you have the opportunity to expand your operations over time. Is Lawn Mowing Business a Good Side Hustle? This is a good side hustle because there are low start-up costs. Use the post above as a business startup checklist. Is it Essential to Have a Background in Horticulture to be a Lawn Care Professional? It’s not an essential qualification, but this expertise gives you in-depth knowledge of soils and landscaping. Which State has the Longest Lawn Mowing Season? Florida has the longest mowing season. It can extend through most of the year. How can Seasonal downtime be handled in the Lawn Care industry? Adding on off-season services like snow removal or holiday light installation can help. You might also look into other types of businesses with a year-round model. For example, research how to start a handyman business. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Start a Lawn Care Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article