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Find out how to accurately analyze and interpret data in Google Analytics 4 by using additional verification methods. The post Where Are The Missing Data Holes In GA4 That Brands Need? appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

For all the industries that are facing existential crises from the emergence of artificial intelligence, one is seeing a happily profitable outcome. Architects are increasingly being commissioned to design the brick-and-mortar infrastructure supporting the AI boom. These data centers—big warehouse-like buildings stuffed with whirring servers sucking up hundreds of megawatts of power—are becoming a major, and majorly lucrative, part of the architecture industry’s bottom line. “We’ve got about 200 people working strictly on data center projects,” says Joy Hughes, a design manager at the architecture and design firm Gensler. It’s a subset of the architecture business that has surged in recent years. During the Covid pandemic, the demand for cloud-based online services from Zoom calls to streaming movies caused a spike in data center construction. “Now we’re seeing another jump in growth because of AI and machine learning coming on board,” Hughes says. Gensler, which has more than 6,000 employees in 57 offices worldwide, has seen its data center business skyrocket. The practice area is up 87% year over year from 2023, and the firm is projecting a growth of 40% for 2025. Gensler is not alone. Many other architecture firms, both big and small, are seeing data center work drive significant revenues. More than a dozen firms pulled in $1 million or more in data center revenue in 2023, according to Building Design + Construction’s annual list of architecture firm revenue. Ten firms earned more than $20 million in data center-related revenue in 2023. Third-ranked Gensler’s take was more than $69 million; Corgan, at the top of the list, raked in $135 million. Gabe Clark, data centers sector leader for Corgan, says the firm has been designing data centers for more than 15 years and anticipates year-over-year growth for at least the next five years. “We started executing one megawatt builds. We’re now designing now one gigawatt campuses,” he says. “There’s truly exponential growth in the marketplace, both in advancement of what data center design is and clearly in the need and the demand. And we don’t see that slowing down anytime soon.” The story behind these staggering figures is a simple one of demand. A recent report from McKinsey estimates that global demand for data center capacity could rise at an annual rate of between 19 and 22% through 2030. For architecture firms, that’s a steady pipeline of new projects for years to come. “Under construction data centers are expected to reach record highs in 2025. Demand for modern data center facilities continues to soar,” says Gordon Dolven, director of Americas data center research at the commercial real estate advisory CBRE. Databank Atlanta [Photo: courtesy of Gensler] Data center design evolves This boom is opening up new avenues for design. It’s an unexpected evolution for a very utilitarian building typology, which usually consists of a big warehouse with a few offices tucked in a corner and the majority of the space filled with precise rows of server racks. Gensler’s Hughes, who started her career with the firm doing IT work, has spent a lot of time in data centers and knows that their design is rarely the first priority. “When I walked into my first data center, there were no windows. You are walking into a concrete box,” she says. “A big gray box, sitting out in a corn field or a potato field or whatever. It wasn’t even painted. It was very, very nebulous.” But this is beginning to change, for reasons ranging from location to environmental concern to the availability of power. Hughes says some of Gensler’s large data center projects are being developed in a wide range of places, including the remote greenfields of the past as well as more suburban areas closer to end users. These data centers, often covering hundreds of acres, are becoming a bit more sensitive to their surroundings. Hughes says Gensler’s designers are adding public-facing amenities to them, like hiking trails and open spaces, to soften their edges and reduce the negative visual impact on communities. This is especially relevant for those data centers with their own power supplies, which often require large industrial infrastructure, substations, and power lines that can take up significant amounts of land. “We’ll probably start to see a lot more of that as on-site generation starts to take shape here in the U.S., especially in some of those more suburban and urban locations where we’re seeing some of these pop up,” she says. Databank Atlanta [Photo: courtesy of Gensler] Some data centers are even being built right within the footprint of existing office complexes. Gensler completed a project in midtown Atlanta in 2019 that’s nestled in a mixed use commercial development at Georgia Tech, providing data hall space for the university as well as leasable data center facilities for private sector clients such as the aerospace, security, and defense companies located in the area. “These types of data centers tend to be smaller, more compact, so they can fit within an office building, they can fit within an urban space,” Hughes says. Comarch [Photo: courtesy of Gensler] The overall look of data centers is also undergoing a change. One Gensler-designed project for the IT company Comarch is located in Mesa, Arizona, and the 50,000-square-foot building was designed to include a welcoming front-of-house area for the center’s staff, with lounge seating and informal meeting areas drenched in daylight. “You have floor-to-ceiling glass, you have all of this natural light, and you have all of these views out into the desert,” she says. “We design these buildings for computers, but we have to remember that even though there’s not a lot of people in them, there are still people in them. We still have to design for those people.” Environmental concerns are also affecting the way data centers are designed. Clark says Corgan’s wide range of data center projects are becoming increasingly focused on reducing not only their surging operational energy consumption but also the environmental footprint of the buildings themselves. Lower carbon materials, like mass timber, are becoming more common, as is insulation that allows for the buildings to be cooled more efficiently. “We have seen tremendously more opportunities over the last five years to work with clients to enhance their building image, both purely aesthetically, but also from a sustainability perspective,” Clark says. “There’s also a lot of eyes on data centers out in the world these days and knowing that these facilities are being built and powered in the most sustainable way possible is becoming more and more critical to our clients.” This kind of design thinking is also happening at a more abstract level. Goodman Group, a global data center operator recently announced a partnership with Oxman, designer Neri Oxman’s interdisciplinary innovation lab, to reinvent its building practices. The partnership is focused on developing practices that “maximize the ecological presence and utility of the built environment.” Microsoft [Photo: courtesy of Gensler] Land and power With such high demand for data centers, some of these concerns are pushed aside. Many data center developers and “hyperscaler” data center owner-operators like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon Web Services can’t build data centers fast enough. “Data center operators are willing to pay a pretty penny to get these up to meet demand, so getting them up quickly is really important,” says Jennie Karnes, a vice president in the Data Center Solutions group at CBRE. Access to power is the primary parameter guiding the location, size, and design of data centers, according to Karnes, and that’s led to a variety of approaches. Some operators are buying up sites that can easily latch into the electricity grid, while others are building facilities that have their own substations and power sources, including solar arrays, wind turbines, and natural gas. Some are being considered for construction on the sites of shuttered coal power plants, and others are looking at getting permitted for nuclear small module reactors. Karnes says that even though the power demands of data centers are growing—many are being designed to accommodate hundreds of megawatts of demand per hour—the size of the actual data halls in these facilities is remaining relatively stable. New chips, graphics processing units (GPUs), and improved cooling techniques means that the cabinets of servers inside a data center can operate at much higher power densities. “The same cabinet that used to take five kilowatts of power, now we’re looking at designing it to support 100 to 250 kilowatts of power. So 20 to 50 times what we saw five years ago,” Karnes says. That’s leading some data center racks to grow in height, raising ceilings in new builds to upwards of 16 feet. AI is driving much of this increased energy demand. And the higher the power density of a server rack, the more cooling it requires. Clark says that the AI boom is leading data center developers to integrate new approaches for cooling, and that additional mechanical equipment means data center facilities are requiring more space than in the recent past. Clark says data centers built primarily to support cloud services just a few years ago could often fit all of this attendant mechanical equipment on their roofs. Now, with AI in the mix, data centers have to have additional square footage outside the building. “All of the mechanical and electrical infrastructure to support that same footprint of data module or data hall has now, in some cases, doubled,” Clark says. Some of the concern around electricity demand may be tempered by the recent release of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that built state-of-the-art model using a midrange type of computer chip. Because these chips can run using less energy, some have questioned whether data center energy demand will remain so high. But given the growth of AI, more efficient chip utilization isn’t likely to cause the size of data centers to go down, nor to reduce the demand for new facilities. Big boxes will still be built out in empty fields, and many are under construction now. Stargate, a joint venture between SoftBank, OpenAI, and Oracle, plans to feed AI’s demand by building up to $500 billion worth of large data centers in the coming years. One of Stargate’s first announced data center projects is a 1.2-gigawatt facility being built on more than 1,100 acres in Abilene, Texas. In terms of the form and size of data center designs, there’s no real model to follow. “If you look back even four years ago when everything was cloud-based, the market had kind of gelled around a program,” Clark says. “Generally, they were pretty homogeneous at the end of the day. What’s going on in the world now in regard to designing around AI, it’s a little bit of the Wild West. Everybody’s still trying to find what is the best approach.” [Photo: courtesy Lonestar Data Holdings] To the moon Some are looking far beyond the Wild West. Lonestar Data Holdings is a backup data storage provider that has developed a novel type of extraterritorial data center that are designed to operate beyond the surface of the earth. Its newest data center is the Future Payload, a solar-powered eight terabyte data backup device that will be part of a lunar lander mission launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in late February. Lonestar calls it the first data center to be sent to space. More prototype than product, it is designed to operate from the surface of the moon for a single lunar day, just 14 days here on Earth. Even this niche of the data center business is proving to be a boon to the architecture industry. Lonestar commissioned the architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) to design the data center. The device, which measures just 10 by 7 inches will be attached to the side of Athena, a lander developed by Intuitive Machines through NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. A thin 3D printed device, it was designed to cast shadows of the silhouettes of the faces of two NASA astronauts as the sun passes overhead. “BIG designs the future I want to live in. The future I thought I’d be living in. The future we’re working to build,” Lonestar CEO Chris Stott tells Fast Company by email. “The Freedom Payload is meant to be a symbol for all of humanity, a beacon of hope to the world as we strive towards that better future.” Compared to terrestrial data centers that can stretch across hundreds of acres and draw hundreds of megawatts of electricity around the clock, this lunar data center is a proof of concept both quaint and complex. But just like its counterparts whirring away on earth, the data center that could soon be running on the moon is the result of a significant amount of design and consideration. “As we prepare to return to the Moon to stay, it is important that everything we do these coming years of lunar settlement is done with intention and care,” says Bjarke Ingels, BIG founder and creative director. “Even if modest in scale, this data center is one of very few artifacts designed to remain part of the lunar landscape for years to come.” View the full article

SEO and PPC are two of the most important strategies for increasing your website’s visibility. While they both aim to attract more traffic, they operate differently. They also serve different purposes. Here, we’ll discuss SEO vs. Pay-per-click advertising and how to choose the best option for you. Table of contents Understanding SEO and PPC What’s the difference between SEO and PPC? Pros and cons of SEO Pros and cons of PPC Conclusion SEO vs Pay-per-click Understanding SEO and PPC As we all know, SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It consists of everything you do to get your site higher rankings in the original search results. Those tactics are thoroughly researching which keywords to target, writing high-quality content, and making sure that your site is structurally and technically sound. The goal is to get the organic traffic you want by making your site relevant and authoritative. Pay-per-click (PPC), on the other hand, is all about paying for ads — the sponsored listings — that appear at the top of search results. So, every time someone clicks your ad, it costs you money. As it lets you target advertising based on user demographics, this model can lead to immediate results. An example of PPC ads vs organic results for a search term in Google What’s the difference between SEO and PPC? SEO and pay-per-click advertising are both popular options to get traffic to your site. However, both options have their advantages to help you reach those goals. Cost structure For SEO, the costs mostly lie in the initial work and ongoing maintenance. You have to invest in creating high-quality content, optimizing your site, and reaching out to build good links and relationships. With SEO, there are no direct costs per click, but it does require consistent effort and resources to get results. With PPC, you pay every time someone clicks your sponsored listing. To make it manageable, you set a budget; when this budget runs out, your ads will no longer be visible. PPC gives you control over budget, but costs can quickly ramp up — especially in high-demand markets or for competitive keywords. Time to results We always say that SEO is a marathon and not a sprint. Building authority takes time, so it can take months to see rankings go up. But the wait is worth it, as it leads to better and more stable results in the long run. PPC is more direct and to the point. Launch a campaign, and the visitors should come in straight away. As such, this is a great tool for time-sensitive stuff like promotions and launches or when you need instant visibility and reach. Sustainability and impact SEO is the more sustainable option. With your initial work done, you can reap the rewards for a long time. Of course, there’s always more to do with your SEO tasks, but that’s normal. Building a brand is something that will pay off big time. With PPC, you get an incredible boost for a short period — the time you pay for the sponsored listings. Targeting capabilities SEO targets users based on content and keywords. You can target your content on different search intents, but the options are not as direct as with PPC. This offers more precise options, allowing you to publish ads to specific demographics, locations, times, and user behavior. Flexibility and control With SEO, you do put yourself in the hands of search engine algorithms. Algorithm updates could harm your rankings. As a result, you should reevaluate your strategy. You have control over everything on your site, but not search engines. PPC, though, does give full control over your ads. It makes it easier to adapt to changes and needs. Measurement and analytics It’s important to measure your success. For SEO, you are looking at a longer period and need to keep track of traffic and keyword rankings. It can be difficult to get usable insights from data. With PPC, you get detailed insights that show you how your campaigns are doing. You’ll also get the tools to adjust instantly. SEO and PPC, while different channels that require different skills and have different goals, can really complement each other in the long term. To me, PPC is considered more of a science than the art of SEO. The great thing about PPC for SEOs is that it not only attracts quicker returns (that can also be calculated with more precision) but also provides the same accurate and actionable data for SEOs. I have always found data from PPC extremely useful in directing an SEO strategy. Alex Moss – Principal SEO expert at Yoast Pros and cons of SEO Both SEO and PPC have their pros and cons. Let’s go over these. Pros of SEO SEO is cost-effective in the long run. Once you have a strategy and an optimized site, it can continue attracting traffic without additional costs, leading to a sustainable traffic source. Ranking well gives your site a sense of trust and credibility, as people trust sponsored listings less than organic search results. High rankings can boost your brand. Of course, higher rankings lead to a high CTR, and many users simply skip ads because they don’t like them. As SEO improves the general user experience of the website, it will become a better investment for your money overall. Investing in SEO can lead to higher engagement and conversion rates. Cons of SEO Of course, SEO isn’t the end-all solution to everything. For one, building up authority and higher rankings takes a lot of time. It’s not the solution if you want quick results. You must also work on your strategy, content, and site quality. The more work you put in, the better your results can be. And as search engines keep evolving, you must evolve as well. SEO operates in a highly competitive landscape. For some markets, it’s almost impossible to break into the top ten of the results. Plus, it might take a ton of money to do that. And that’s another con for SEO: the results are uncertain due to algorithm changes, competition, and market conditions. Pros and cons of PPC Pay-per-click advertising also has its own good points and bad points, as you’ll read below: Pros of PPC The biggest benefit of PPC is getting immediate results for your money. You can set up campaigns quickly and get results going without much hassle. You also have full control over the budget, so you only pay for what you want to pay for. PPC is also flexible and precise. You have much control over who you target and when, leading to more precise results. And if your strategy needs adjustments, you can update your sponsored listings quickly. Pay-per-click ad systems give you all the data you need to make the proper decisions. Cons of PPC One of the main drawbacks of pay-per-click is that costs could rise quickly. Another main drawback is that you’ll only get results as long as you pay — no money, no results. This makes PPC a viable option only for specific campaigns. How well ads perform also depends on how users perceive them — ad fatigue is a thing. You must experiment with placements and forms to see what works best. For this, you should adhere to the rules of the platforms on which you’re running your ads. Conclusion SEO vs Pay-per-click Whether you choose between SEO and PPC depends on your needs, strategy, and timeline. SEO is amazing for long-term results, while PPC can quickly produce results. Most businesses will probably use a combination of both. You can use the strength of both strategic tools in your toolset to get the results your business is looking for. The post SEO vs. Pay-per-click advertising: Which one should you choose? appeared first on Yoast. View the full article

As a McAfee subscription customer, it’s important that you’re aware of the various scams that are going around so you can protect your computer and data. That’s why, in this article, we’ll reveal McAfee scams you need to watch out for related to phishing emails, your McAfee subscription, and more. Let’s get started! Can You Get Scammed From a Computer Security Software Company Like McAfee? Getting scammed by the official McAfee company is quite unlikely. However, there are many scammers who try to take advantage of the well-known McAfee name. Scammers trick people and gain access to their money or personal information using malicious software. READ MORE: McAfee and Visa Form Partnership Top McAfee Scams Every Small Business Owner Should Know Similar to other widely used antivirus programs, McAfee attracts scammers who focus on identity theft. Below are some of the most prevalent mcafee scams that small business owners should be mindful of: McAfee Phishing Scams Phishing emails are one of the most common types of scams. For this phishing scam, fake email messages are sent by a scammer who poses as a legitimate company. They send phishing emails to try and trick you into clicking suspicious links to a fake company website and giving them your personal information or money. How to Stay Safe: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from suspicious emails. Verify the authenticity of the email by checking the sender’s address. Use McAfee’s official website for any subscription-related actions. McAfee Pop-Ups Scam Another common scam is fake pop-ups that claim to be from McAfee. These pop-ups usually contain a virus or will install malware that can infect your computer if you click on them. So, be very careful when you see any pop-ups on your computer, even if they claim to be from a reputable company like McAfee. How to Stay Safe: Do not click on unsolicited pop-ups, even if they appear to be from McAfee. Keep your browser and antivirus software updated to block malicious pop-ups. Use pop-up blockers and avoid visiting untrusted websites. McAfee Scam Emails Scam emails are another way that scammers try to trick you into giving them your personal information. These fake emails often contain official-looking offers or deals that seem too good to be true. So, be very careful when you receive any emails claiming to be from McAfee. How to Stay Safe: Be skeptical of emails with offers or deals that seem too good to be true. Look for inconsistencies in the email content, such as spelling and grammatical errors. Always verify offers by visiting McAfee’s official website. McAfee Renewal Scam The McAfee renewal scam is when scammers contact you and try to trick you into renewing your McAfee subscription. They do this by providing fake invoices and offering a special deal or a discount on the renewal price. However, if you give them your login credentials or credit card information, they will actually bill you for a much higher amount than what you were originally quoted. How to Stay Safe: Renew your subscription directly through the official McAfee website or authorized retailers. Be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails offering renewal deals. Do not provide credit card information over the phone to unknown callers. McAfee Antivirus Plus Scam For this scam, scammers contact you and try to sell you a fake version of McAfee’s Antivirus Plus program. They may even send you an email with a link to download the program. However, this program is actually a virus that can infect your computer. How to Stay Safe: Purchase McAfee products only from the official website or authorized retailers. Be wary of emails or websites offering discounted McAfee software. Verify the authenticity of the software before downloading. McAfee Tech Support Scam First and foremost, McAfee tech support will only call you if you have reached out to them first. Therefore, if you receive a call from someone claiming to be from McAfee tech support, it’s a scam. These scammers often attempt to gain remote access to your computer, which allows them to install a virus or steal your sensitive information. How to Stay Safe: Remember that McAfee’s official tech support will not contact you unless requested. Do not grant remote access to your computer to unsolicited callers. If in doubt, contact McAfee’s official support for verification. McAfee Fake Virus Scan Scam This is a scam where scammers create a fake virus scan and claim that your computer is infected with a virus. They will then try to sell you a fake antivirus program to remove the supposed virus so you no longer have your computer “infected.” How to Stay Safe: Do not trust unsolicited virus scan alerts, especially from unknown sources. Use McAfee’s official antivirus tools for scanning your computer. Avoid downloading software from pop-up alerts or unfamiliar websites. McAfee Free Trial Scam The McAfee free trial scam is when scammers offer you a free trial of their fake antivirus program. However, once the trial is up, they will bill you for the full price of the program, which is usually a lot more than what you would pay for a legitimate antivirus program. How to Stay Safe: Sign up for free trials only through the official McAfee website. Read the terms and conditions of any free trial offer carefully. Be cautious of providing payment details for a free trial offer. McAfee Subscription Cancellation Scam This scam involves fraudsters contacting McAfee users, claiming that their subscription is about to be automatically renewed, and offering to cancel it for a fee. The scammer may ask for remote access to your computer to “assist” with the cancellation, during which they install malware or steal sensitive information. How to Stay Safe: Never give remote access to your computer to unsolicited callers. If you receive a call about your McAfee subscription, verify its legitimacy by contacting McAfee directly through their official website. Be aware that legitimate companies like McAfee will not charge you to cancel a subscription. McAfee Refund Scam In this scam, you might receive an email or call claiming that you are eligible for a refund from McAfee. The scammers will ask for bank details to process the supposed refund, but instead, they use this information to steal money from your account. How to Stay Safe: Be skeptical of unsolicited refund offers. Never share your banking details over email or phone with someone claiming to be from McAfee. Verify any refund claims by contacting McAfee through their official channels. Fake McAfee Job Offer Scam Scammers posing as McAfee HR representatives offer fake job opportunities. They may ask for personal information or money for “training” or “equipment” as part of the hiring process. How to Stay Safe: Verify the job offer by contacting McAfee directly through their official website. Remember, legitimate companies will not ask for money during the hiring process. Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, especially if you did not apply for the job. McAfee Mobile App Scam Cybercriminals create fake McAfee mobile apps and upload them to app stores. Once downloaded, these apps can infect your device with malware or steal personal data. How to Stay Safe: Always download apps from official and reputable app stores. Check reviews and ratings before downloading any app. Look for inconsistencies in the app’s description and avoid apps with poor grammar or spelling. How to Avoid a McAfee Scam McAfee antivirus software is a popular choice for computer protection, but cybercriminals are now using McAfee branding to scam people. Here are five tips to avoid phishing scams that use the McAfee name and protect your bank account: Check the URL before you click. Cybercriminals will often create fake websites that look like legitimate companies in order to phish for your personal information. Before you click on any links, check to make sure the URL is correct. Grammatical errors. A common method to identify a fake website is to check for grammatical mistakes. Since many scammers are not native English speakers, they often make errors in their grammar. Sender’s address. Be cautious of any emails that come from a free email service like Gmail or Yahoo. These are more likely to be scams. Hover over links. Before you click on any links in an email, hover your mouse over the link to see where it will take you. If the URL looks suspicious, don’t click on it. Call the company. If you’re unsure whether an email or website is legitimate, call the company to verify. Don’t use the contact information in the email, look for the company’s contact information on their website. TipDescription Check the URL before you clickVerify the authenticity of URLs before clicking on them to prevent falling victim to fake websites and phishing attempts. Grammatical errorsIdentify potential scams by examining the grammar in communications. Scammers often make grammatical mistakes due to language barriers. Sender's addressExercise caution with emails from free email services like Gmail or Yahoo, as they are commonly used by scammers. Hover over linksHover your mouse cursor over links in emails to preview the actual destination URL. If it seems suspicious, avoid clicking on it to prevent malware installation. Call the companyWhen in doubt about an email or website's legitimacy, contact the company directly using official contact details from their website to verify the information. Why Do You Keep Getting Fake McAfee Emails? Spam filters are not foolproof, and occasionally, fake emails can get through. If you continue to receive fake McAfee emails, it’s probable that your email address has been included on a list sold to scammers. While you can attempt to block the sender, they will likely use a different email address. The most effective action is to delete the email and report it as spam. Is the McAfee Renewal Email Asking for Credit Card Details a Phishing Scam? The McAfee Renewal email is a phishing scam. The email asks you to update your credit card payment information and renew your subscription. However, the email is not from McAfee, and clicking on the link will take you to a fake website where your personal information can be stolen. Where Do You Report McAfee Scams? If you have been the victim of a McAfee scam, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also report the scam to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) if you have lost money or personal information as a result of the scam. Finally, you can report the scam to McAfee’s Anti-Spam Abuse department. Can You Get Your Money Back From a McAfee Scam? If you have been scammed by a fake McAfee website, it is possible to recover your money. If you paid with a credit card, you can dispute the charges by contacting your credit card company. Be prepared to provide the transaction date, the name of the company, and the amount charged. However, if you paid via wire transfer, recovering your money is unlikely. You can report the scam to the IC3, but they can only assist if the scammer is located in the United States. Protecting Yourself from McAfee Scams: Tips and Actions As a vigilant McAfee subscription customer, safeguarding your computer and personal information is paramount. In the digital landscape, scams abound, and being aware of potential threats is crucial. Here are valuable insights to help you stay secure and outsmart scammers: Be Wary of Suspicious URLs: Before clicking on any links, examine the URL closely. Cybercriminals often create fake websites resembling legitimate companies. Verify the URL’s authenticity to avoid falling prey to phishing attempts. Spot Grammatical Errors: Scammers often display poor grammar in their communications, which may be a result of language barriers. If you come across an email or website with obvious grammatical errors, it’s important to be cautious, as it could indicate a fraudulent attempt, possibly related to McAfee scams. Evaluate Sender’s Address: Scammers frequently use free email services like Gmail or Yahoo. Emails from such addresses should raise a red flag. Be skeptical of emails originating from suspicious sources. Hover over Links: Hover your mouse cursor over links in emails before clicking them. This action reveals the actual URL destination. If the link appears suspicious, refrain from clicking to prevent potential malware installation. Contact the Company Directly: When in doubt about an email’s legitimacy, contact the company through official channels. Do not use the contact information provided in the suspicious email. Seek out the company’s contact details on their official website for verification. Report Fake Emails and Scams: If you encounter a fake McAfee email or fall victim to a scam, promptly report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), especially if you’ve suffered financial losses or personal information compromised. Responding to McAfee Renewal Emails: Beware of McAfee renewal emails asking for credit card details; these are phishing scams. Authentic McAfee renewal communications would never solicit sensitive information via email. Always verify the legitimacy of such requests through official channels. Recovering from Scams: In the unfortunate event of falling victim to a McAfee scam, take immediate action. If payments were made via credit card, contact your credit card company to dispute charges. For wire transfers, recovery options may be limited. Reporting the scam to the IC3 can help if the scammer operates within the United States. Educating Yourself is Key: Staying informed about scams and developing a strong sense of digital security is essential. Keep up-to-date with the latest scam tactics and learn to recognize red flags to bolster your defenses against scammers. By following these precautions and remaining vigilant, you can protect yourself from falling victim to McAfee-related scams and other malicious activities. A proactive stance combined with informed decision-making empowers you to navigate the digital world with confidence and security. Conclusion As a customer of McAfee, being aware of common scams is your best defense against cyber threats. This in-depth look at McAfee scams has provided you with valuable insights into the methods scammers use to take advantage of your trust and access your sensitive information. By remaining informed and vigilant, you can effectively protect your computer and personal data. Remember, although McAfee scams targeting users are common, they can be managed effectively. By adopting the suggested security practices—such as checking URLs, examining sender addresses, and being wary of phishing attempts—you can greatly decrease your chances of becoming a victim of these scams. In the ever-evolving landscape of cybercrime, knowledge is your greatest ally. Educate yourself, stay alert, and leverage the available resources to report scams promptly. Through your proactive efforts, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to a safer digital environment for everyone. As technology advances, so do the strategies of cybercriminals. However, armed with the insights and precautions provided in this article, you are well-equipped to navigate the digital realm with confidence, resilience, and the ability to thwart even the most sophisticated scams. Stay informed, stay cautious, and stay secure. Image: Depositphotos This article, "McAfee Scams to Watch Out For" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

As a McAfee subscription customer, it’s important that you’re aware of the various scams that are going around so you can protect your computer and data. That’s why, in this article, we’ll reveal McAfee scams you need to watch out for related to phishing emails, your McAfee subscription, and more. Let’s get started! Can You Get Scammed From a Computer Security Software Company Like McAfee? Getting scammed by the official McAfee company is quite unlikely. However, there are many scammers who try to take advantage of the well-known McAfee name. Scammers trick people and gain access to their money or personal information using malicious software. READ MORE: McAfee and Visa Form Partnership Top McAfee Scams Every Small Business Owner Should Know Similar to other widely used antivirus programs, McAfee attracts scammers who focus on identity theft. Below are some of the most prevalent mcafee scams that small business owners should be mindful of: McAfee Phishing Scams Phishing emails are one of the most common types of scams. For this phishing scam, fake email messages are sent by a scammer who poses as a legitimate company. They send phishing emails to try and trick you into clicking suspicious links to a fake company website and giving them your personal information or money. How to Stay Safe: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from suspicious emails. Verify the authenticity of the email by checking the sender’s address. Use McAfee’s official website for any subscription-related actions. McAfee Pop-Ups Scam Another common scam is fake pop-ups that claim to be from McAfee. These pop-ups usually contain a virus or will install malware that can infect your computer if you click on them. So, be very careful when you see any pop-ups on your computer, even if they claim to be from a reputable company like McAfee. How to Stay Safe: Do not click on unsolicited pop-ups, even if they appear to be from McAfee. Keep your browser and antivirus software updated to block malicious pop-ups. Use pop-up blockers and avoid visiting untrusted websites. McAfee Scam Emails Scam emails are another way that scammers try to trick you into giving them your personal information. These fake emails often contain official-looking offers or deals that seem too good to be true. So, be very careful when you receive any emails claiming to be from McAfee. How to Stay Safe: Be skeptical of emails with offers or deals that seem too good to be true. Look for inconsistencies in the email content, such as spelling and grammatical errors. Always verify offers by visiting McAfee’s official website. McAfee Renewal Scam The McAfee renewal scam is when scammers contact you and try to trick you into renewing your McAfee subscription. They do this by providing fake invoices and offering a special deal or a discount on the renewal price. However, if you give them your login credentials or credit card information, they will actually bill you for a much higher amount than what you were originally quoted. How to Stay Safe: Renew your subscription directly through the official McAfee website or authorized retailers. Be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails offering renewal deals. Do not provide credit card information over the phone to unknown callers. McAfee Antivirus Plus Scam For this scam, scammers contact you and try to sell you a fake version of McAfee’s Antivirus Plus program. They may even send you an email with a link to download the program. However, this program is actually a virus that can infect your computer. How to Stay Safe: Purchase McAfee products only from the official website or authorized retailers. Be wary of emails or websites offering discounted McAfee software. Verify the authenticity of the software before downloading. McAfee Tech Support Scam First and foremost, McAfee tech support will only call you if you have reached out to them first. Therefore, if you receive a call from someone claiming to be from McAfee tech support, it’s a scam. These scammers often attempt to gain remote access to your computer, which allows them to install a virus or steal your sensitive information. How to Stay Safe: Remember that McAfee’s official tech support will not contact you unless requested. Do not grant remote access to your computer to unsolicited callers. If in doubt, contact McAfee’s official support for verification. McAfee Fake Virus Scan Scam This is a scam where scammers create a fake virus scan and claim that your computer is infected with a virus. They will then try to sell you a fake antivirus program to remove the supposed virus so you no longer have your computer “infected.” How to Stay Safe: Do not trust unsolicited virus scan alerts, especially from unknown sources. Use McAfee’s official antivirus tools for scanning your computer. Avoid downloading software from pop-up alerts or unfamiliar websites. McAfee Free Trial Scam The McAfee free trial scam is when scammers offer you a free trial of their fake antivirus program. However, once the trial is up, they will bill you for the full price of the program, which is usually a lot more than what you would pay for a legitimate antivirus program. How to Stay Safe: Sign up for free trials only through the official McAfee website. Read the terms and conditions of any free trial offer carefully. Be cautious of providing payment details for a free trial offer. McAfee Subscription Cancellation Scam This scam involves fraudsters contacting McAfee users, claiming that their subscription is about to be automatically renewed, and offering to cancel it for a fee. The scammer may ask for remote access to your computer to “assist” with the cancellation, during which they install malware or steal sensitive information. How to Stay Safe: Never give remote access to your computer to unsolicited callers. If you receive a call about your McAfee subscription, verify its legitimacy by contacting McAfee directly through their official website. Be aware that legitimate companies like McAfee will not charge you to cancel a subscription. McAfee Refund Scam In this scam, you might receive an email or call claiming that you are eligible for a refund from McAfee. The scammers will ask for bank details to process the supposed refund, but instead, they use this information to steal money from your account. How to Stay Safe: Be skeptical of unsolicited refund offers. Never share your banking details over email or phone with someone claiming to be from McAfee. Verify any refund claims by contacting McAfee through their official channels. Fake McAfee Job Offer Scam Scammers posing as McAfee HR representatives offer fake job opportunities. They may ask for personal information or money for “training” or “equipment” as part of the hiring process. How to Stay Safe: Verify the job offer by contacting McAfee directly through their official website. Remember, legitimate companies will not ask for money during the hiring process. Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, especially if you did not apply for the job. McAfee Mobile App Scam Cybercriminals create fake McAfee mobile apps and upload them to app stores. Once downloaded, these apps can infect your device with malware or steal personal data. How to Stay Safe: Always download apps from official and reputable app stores. Check reviews and ratings before downloading any app. Look for inconsistencies in the app’s description and avoid apps with poor grammar or spelling. How to Avoid a McAfee Scam McAfee antivirus software is a popular choice for computer protection, but cybercriminals are now using McAfee branding to scam people. Here are five tips to avoid phishing scams that use the McAfee name and protect your bank account: Check the URL before you click. Cybercriminals will often create fake websites that look like legitimate companies in order to phish for your personal information. Before you click on any links, check to make sure the URL is correct. Grammatical errors. A common method to identify a fake website is to check for grammatical mistakes. Since many scammers are not native English speakers, they often make errors in their grammar. Sender’s address. Be cautious of any emails that come from a free email service like Gmail or Yahoo. These are more likely to be scams. Hover over links. Before you click on any links in an email, hover your mouse over the link to see where it will take you. If the URL looks suspicious, don’t click on it. Call the company. If you’re unsure whether an email or website is legitimate, call the company to verify. Don’t use the contact information in the email, look for the company’s contact information on their website. TipDescription Check the URL before you clickVerify the authenticity of URLs before clicking on them to prevent falling victim to fake websites and phishing attempts. Grammatical errorsIdentify potential scams by examining the grammar in communications. Scammers often make grammatical mistakes due to language barriers. Sender's addressExercise caution with emails from free email services like Gmail or Yahoo, as they are commonly used by scammers. Hover over linksHover your mouse cursor over links in emails to preview the actual destination URL. If it seems suspicious, avoid clicking on it to prevent malware installation. Call the companyWhen in doubt about an email or website's legitimacy, contact the company directly using official contact details from their website to verify the information. Why Do You Keep Getting Fake McAfee Emails? Spam filters are not foolproof, and occasionally, fake emails can get through. If you continue to receive fake McAfee emails, it’s probable that your email address has been included on a list sold to scammers. While you can attempt to block the sender, they will likely use a different email address. The most effective action is to delete the email and report it as spam. Is the McAfee Renewal Email Asking for Credit Card Details a Phishing Scam? The McAfee Renewal email is a phishing scam. The email asks you to update your credit card payment information and renew your subscription. However, the email is not from McAfee, and clicking on the link will take you to a fake website where your personal information can be stolen. Where Do You Report McAfee Scams? If you have been the victim of a McAfee scam, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also report the scam to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) if you have lost money or personal information as a result of the scam. Finally, you can report the scam to McAfee’s Anti-Spam Abuse department. Can You Get Your Money Back From a McAfee Scam? If you have been scammed by a fake McAfee website, it is possible to recover your money. If you paid with a credit card, you can dispute the charges by contacting your credit card company. Be prepared to provide the transaction date, the name of the company, and the amount charged. However, if you paid via wire transfer, recovering your money is unlikely. You can report the scam to the IC3, but they can only assist if the scammer is located in the United States. Protecting Yourself from McAfee Scams: Tips and Actions As a vigilant McAfee subscription customer, safeguarding your computer and personal information is paramount. In the digital landscape, scams abound, and being aware of potential threats is crucial. Here are valuable insights to help you stay secure and outsmart scammers: Be Wary of Suspicious URLs: Before clicking on any links, examine the URL closely. Cybercriminals often create fake websites resembling legitimate companies. Verify the URL’s authenticity to avoid falling prey to phishing attempts. Spot Grammatical Errors: Scammers often display poor grammar in their communications, which may be a result of language barriers. If you come across an email or website with obvious grammatical errors, it’s important to be cautious, as it could indicate a fraudulent attempt, possibly related to McAfee scams. Evaluate Sender’s Address: Scammers frequently use free email services like Gmail or Yahoo. Emails from such addresses should raise a red flag. Be skeptical of emails originating from suspicious sources. Hover over Links: Hover your mouse cursor over links in emails before clicking them. This action reveals the actual URL destination. If the link appears suspicious, refrain from clicking to prevent potential malware installation. Contact the Company Directly: When in doubt about an email’s legitimacy, contact the company through official channels. Do not use the contact information provided in the suspicious email. Seek out the company’s contact details on their official website for verification. Report Fake Emails and Scams: If you encounter a fake McAfee email or fall victim to a scam, promptly report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), especially if you’ve suffered financial losses or personal information compromised. Responding to McAfee Renewal Emails: Beware of McAfee renewal emails asking for credit card details; these are phishing scams. Authentic McAfee renewal communications would never solicit sensitive information via email. Always verify the legitimacy of such requests through official channels. Recovering from Scams: In the unfortunate event of falling victim to a McAfee scam, take immediate action. If payments were made via credit card, contact your credit card company to dispute charges. For wire transfers, recovery options may be limited. Reporting the scam to the IC3 can help if the scammer operates within the United States. Educating Yourself is Key: Staying informed about scams and developing a strong sense of digital security is essential. Keep up-to-date with the latest scam tactics and learn to recognize red flags to bolster your defenses against scammers. By following these precautions and remaining vigilant, you can protect yourself from falling victim to McAfee-related scams and other malicious activities. A proactive stance combined with informed decision-making empowers you to navigate the digital world with confidence and security. Conclusion As a customer of McAfee, being aware of common scams is your best defense against cyber threats. This in-depth look at McAfee scams has provided you with valuable insights into the methods scammers use to take advantage of your trust and access your sensitive information. By remaining informed and vigilant, you can effectively protect your computer and personal data. Remember, although McAfee scams targeting users are common, they can be managed effectively. By adopting the suggested security practices—such as checking URLs, examining sender addresses, and being wary of phishing attempts—you can greatly decrease your chances of becoming a victim of these scams. In the ever-evolving landscape of cybercrime, knowledge is your greatest ally. Educate yourself, stay alert, and leverage the available resources to report scams promptly. Through your proactive efforts, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to a safer digital environment for everyone. As technology advances, so do the strategies of cybercriminals. However, armed with the insights and precautions provided in this article, you are well-equipped to navigate the digital realm with confidence, resilience, and the ability to thwart even the most sophisticated scams. Stay informed, stay cautious, and stay secure. Image: Depositphotos This article, "McAfee Scams to Watch Out For" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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The branding and packaging for Target’s beloved Up&Up brand is now more colorful than ever. Over the course of three years, design agency Collins reimagined the wide-ranging private-label brand, which has more than 2,000 products spanning aluminum foil and copy paper to pet grooming products and a wrist blood pressure monitor. The Up&Up brand does nearly $3 billion in annual sales for Target. The retailer wanted to relaunch it with reformulated products, reduced plastic usage, and hundreds of new items, which began rolling out in stores last year and will continue through early 2025. [Image: Target]New private-label packaging elevates bargain shoppingThis comes at a time when competitors like Walmart and CVS have invested in relaunching their own private-label brands to appeal to premium shoppers who traded down to beat rising prices. The packaging overhauls had a similar approach. They’re personality-driven and expressive, using color-on-color type or flat graphics that might be familiar to those who shop pricier direct-to-consumer brands. Together, they offer a new design-forward look to generic brands. But Target has long been a category leader, and the retailer sees its more than 45 private labels as key to clawing back market share from competitors. From left: Before and after [Image: Target]Target’s previous Up&Up packaging used matching colors for the typography and arrow logo against a white background. The new packaging dials up the color use. Collins says that during two months of face-to-face research with Target customers, one said, “My life is filled with color, why shouldn’t my products be the same?” That resonated with the design team and gave them permission to be more colorful. [Image: Target]More color and an improved experience This time around, the team designed the packaging for better clarity, with vivid color blocking, a larger logo, and type that’s easier to read, whether on store shelves or while scrolling on a smartphone to shop online. “It’s a lot of work, right?” the design firm’s founder, Brian Collins, says. “But it’s not a complicated thing. The system is incredibly simple.” [Image: Target]The agency also worked with occupational therapists to improve the utility and ergonomics of Up&Up’s product packaging “so you don’t have to feel like you’re cracking a safe to open up” items like a household cleaner or toothpaste, Collins says. The overhaul includes product design improvements throughout the Up&Up line. The team redesigned toothbrushes to last longer, and made the walls of food storage containers thicker so that they’re more durable, Target says. [Image: Target]The key to designing a line with such varied items is to understand what consumers are looking for with each product category and reflect that, according to Collins. “You have to know when to be charming, whimsical, serious, funny, purposeful, lighthearted . . . and you have to learn that each of these categories has a certain personality,” he says. “I remember the caliber of the private-label brands that I grew up with in terms of their quality,” Collins continues, noting that they were bland, and “the packaging design was just terrible.” Target’s approach is all about quality. The goal for Up&Up is similar to that of other private labels: to make a bargain brand feel more valuable by elevating its packaging. “There’s a sense of optimism about this brand,” Collins says. “There’s a sense of joyfulness about it. I think it feels fun.” View the full article

Two-thirds of people have imposter syndrome, according to a 2011 article published in the International Journal Of Behavioral Science. These are people who often feel like a fraud or believe their achievements were a fluke. Bearing those statistics in mind, there’s a high likelihood that mentors suffer from this as well. How is someone who doesn’t recognize the inherent value of their own achievements supposed to mentor others? Imposter syndrome amongst mentors Mentorship discussions typically focus on the mentee’s imposter syndrome but neglect the mentor’s own struggles. When someone, no matter how successful, feels like an imposter (assuming they can get over the first hurdle and agree to mentor someone) it impacts how effective they are in the relationship. They might over-prepare for mentoring sessions and hesitate to offer advice for fear of being wrong. When the mentee succeeds, it can amplify their imposter feelings. If they don’t take steps to address this, it can erode the trust between themselves and the mentee. Nearly half of all Nobel Prize winners had mentors that were award-winners (or their direct professional descendants). In a small sample of 10 Nobel Prize Winners who came out of the Yellow Beret program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) during the Vietnam War, 100% either trained with a Nobel Laureate (or those only one degree removed). Living in that ecosystem of extreme achievement can increase the pressure to live up to expectations, and might trigger feelings of fraud and doubt. Mentors don’t necessarily need to have all the answers, so they need to know where to look or who to ask. In many cases, they are in in uncharted territory, guiding mentees in fields or skills where they might be less experienced. This can breed feelings of inadequacy. If someone is already battling with imposter syndrome, guiding another person in an unfamiliar area can exacerbate that feeling. Caroline Flanagan, in her insightful work on this subject, highlights that mentors can benefit from actionable strategies to turn their insecurities into opportunities for growth. If you’re a mentor suffering from imposter syndrome, you will benefit from adopting the following mindset and actions. Reframe self-doubt as growth Just because it’s new, doesn’t mean it should cause doubt. You’re learning alongside your mentee, but your experience might lead you to connect dots your mentee doesn’t have the experience of hindsight to see. Go on the journey of exploration together and share the joy of mutual discovery alongside the practical win of helping your mentee. Seek peer mentorship Mentors need mentors—no matter how experienced they are. Having someone to share experiences with can normalize self-doubt. Consider seeking a mentoring supervisor that you can share your challenges with. Having that support can go a long way. Focus on your values and share your experiences No one is an expert on everything, so focus on what you do know. Take some time to reflect on your accomplishments, no matter how big or small they are. Sharing what you have learned on your journey, whether from your successes or your mistakes, can add value and take them down a new line of innovation. Be clear about what you bring to the table, rather than just worrying about what you don’t. Share your vulnerability and be okay with saying ‘I don’t know’ Let your mentee know that you don’t have all the answers—and that you’re fine with that. You’re modeling that it’s okay to show vulnerability. Work with your mentee to find out who does have the answers, because you’ll likely have a stronger network than they will. Being vulnerable with yourself, and accepting your limitations, is also an important conversation for you to have. Celebrate milestones together You should celebrate every milestone on the way to success. Not every one of your mentee’s successes will be because of your actions, but be okay with that. Celebrate their overall progress and your role in your mentee’s journey. Even if you don’t have all the answers, you’re shaping your mentee’s path to success. As a mentor, you might occasionally feel like an imposter, but your mentees don’t see you in that light. They see you as a leader, guide, cheerleader, and champion. View the full article

Jane, a vice president of Human Resources at a growing tech company, often found herself overwhelmed by her team’s reliance on her. Because her job required her to manage a flat, decentralized organization with a mix of senior managers, rising leaders, and embedded HR personnel within the product business units, she was frequently the go-to person for problem-solving. One particularly hectic week, she skipped lunch for three days. Despite her exhaustion, she agreed to a last-minute meeting late in the day before heading out to her daughter’s soccer match. When her direct report, Jesse, presented a complex issue, Jane, feeling pressed for time, interrupted: “I do not have time for this. Come back tomorrow with your recommendations.” Her response was understandable, but it inadvertently reinforced a culture of dependency, which leaves her team reliant on her and stalling their growth in the process. Jane’s experience highlights a common challenge for leaders in flat organizations—balancing immediate demands while fostering team independence. Overcoming this requires intentional strategies to build autonomy, resilience, and self-reliance within teams. Below are some of the common reasons that explain why organizations create dependency. The need to control outcomes Leaders often hesitate to delegate because they’re worried that their team will make mistakes or can’t handle complex challenges. While this need for control is understandable, it can hinder team growth and create a bottleneck. This leaves leaders overwhelmed and can leave their teams feeling disempowered. Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2024 Report shows that 70% of variance in team engagement depends on managers, underscoring the importance of empowering leadership behaviors. Lack of trust in the team A lack of trust in team members’ skills or judgment can lead to micromanagement. While the leader might take this approach to reduce risks, this deprives the team of learning opportunities, and reinforces reliance on the leader. Inadequate training or clarity on roles According to Gallup’s 2025 US Engagement research, only 46% of employees clearly understand what is expected of them at work—a significant drop from 56% in March 2020. This uncertainty fosters disengagement and diminishes accountability. When team members lack the necessary training or clearly defined responsibilities, they’re less likely to be proactive and act independently. Without a structured decision-making framework, even skilled employees avoid taking risks. They perceive mistakes as failures, rather than growth opportunities. Strategies for addressing dependency Deloitte’s 2024 Global Human Capital Trends report highlights a significant disconnect: 89% of executives believe they are promoting human sustainability, but only 41% of employees share this view. This underscores the importance of investing in workforce development to build trust, enhance engagement, and align with organizational goals. Managers need to foster independence by training direct reports to be self-sufficient problem-solvers. Leaders should also drive growth by cultivating critical thinking and self-reliance, empowering teams and ensuring long-term success. 1. Adopt a coaching mindset Leaders should shift from solving problems to guiding their teams to find solutions. Thus, encouraging greater accountability. One effective technique is the Socratic Method, which uses open-ended questions to explore perspectives, clarify concepts, and challenge assumptions. This approach encourages a discovery process and an experimentation mindset, countering the rigidity of a fixed mindset that views mistakes as failures rather than opportunities for growth. For example, managers ask questions like, “What steps have you already taken?” or “What options are you considering?” The GROW model also offers a structured approach to fostering critical thinking and self-reliance. It stands for the following: Goal setting: “What do you want to achieve?” Reality assessment: “What is the current situation?” Options generation: “What possible strategies can you pursue?” Way forward: “What specific actions will you take?” By utilizing these methods, team members gain on-the-job experience and develop confidence and skills over time. 2. Clarify roles and decision protocols Ambiguity in roles often leads to unnecessary escalation. Establishing clear expectations about when and how to escalate issues can address this challenge. For example, leaders might require team members to conduct stakeholder analyses or gather key insights before seeking guidance. McKinsey’s DARE decision-making model offers a structured approach to clarify roles and responsibilities, enhancing team efficiency and accountability. DARE categorizes roles as: Deciders: The individuals with final decision-making authority. Advisors: Experts who provide insights to inform decisions but do not have the authority to make them. Recommenders: Team members responsible for conducting analyses and presenting options. Execution Stakeholders: Those responsible for implementing decisions and ensuring desired outcomes. In Jane’s case, applying the DARE model brought much-needed clarity and structure to her team’s decision-making process. As the Decider, Jane retained ultimate authority, ensuring accountability for outcomes and alignment with organizational goals. Senior HR and Labor Law experts acted as Advisors, providing critical insights and guidance. Jesse stepped into the Recommender role, conducting analyses, exploring options, and presenting well-researched recommendations. Finally, the Execution Stakeholders, who were the other team members, took responsibility for implementing the decisions, asking clarifying questions, and addressing challenges to ensure success. With these clearly defined roles, managers can effectively distribute decision-making responsibilities, reduce bottlenecks, and empower their teams to operate independently and efficiently. 3. Conduct reflection check-ins and after-action reviews Structured reflection promotes continuous learning and growth. Using the ORID model, leaders engage with employees in brief but meaningful reflection sessions to analyze their actions and decisions with questions like: Objective: “What facts or events were relevant to this situation?” Reflective: “How did this situation make you feel?” Interpretive: “What does this experience reveal about our processes?” Decisional: “What actions will you take?” The After-Action Review (AAR) framework complements reflective practices by guiding teams through a structured evaluation of outcomes. Key questions such as, “What was supposed to happen?”, “What worked well?”, and “What will you do differently next time?” helps ensure a thorough comparison of expectations and actual results, highlighting both successes and areas for growth. These reflective practices play a crucial role in helping team members internalize lessons and apply them in future scenarios, fostering greater independence and resilience. Leaders in flat organizations need to shift from being problem-solvers to enablers of growth and autonomy. By adopting coaching techniques, clarifying roles, and embedding reflection into their team’s workflow, leaders like Jane can reduce reliance on themselves while building a more confident, capable, and self-sufficient team. Over time, these strategies cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and proactive decision-making, empowering everyone to thrive. View the full article

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“Happy is the man who can make a living by his hobby.” This quote from renowned dramatist George Bernard Shaw highlights a profound truth. Hobbies offer us a chance to unwind, alleviate stress, and find joy. Imagine how much more rewarding it would be to earn an income from crafts you can sell. Turning leisure time into a source of income is certainly appealing. Thankfully, many people have successfully discovered ways to generate income from a wide range of hobbies that make money. How to Start Making Money from a Hobby What is your favorite hobby? Do you think you can earn money from it? You might be surprised how many money-making hobby options are available, and how many already apply to your favored pastimes. Do you enjoy sewing, photography, or music? Each of those hobbies can become a side gig or a full-time hustle through the following steps: Choose a hobby you enjoy. After all, if you aren’t enjoying yourself while you’re doing it, your hobby is just another form of work. If you have a woodshop at home, look into the most profitable woodworking projects to build and sell. Look for community needs. Many hobbies can be used to make money in a variety of ways, so look around and be sure there is a market need for your side gig. Find out where to sell handmade items locally or online. Practice your techniques. You need to combine skill with your hobby if you want to turn it into a side hustle. Anybody can bake cookies, but not everyone can make mouth-watering sweet treats that customers will demand. Start a side gig. Don’t quit your day job just yet. Most small businesses take time to become profitable, and you need to support your lifestyle and your new business venture until that time comes. Start off making money from your hobby as a side hustle, attract a few clients, and work toward turning a profit. Expand your small business. Once you start making money from your hobby, you can consider expanding your side gig into a full-time small business. This is also a good time to learn how to sell crafts online. Try Out Some Hobbies That Make Money Today There are all sorts of hobbies that make money, and many hobbies can be used to earn money in a variety of ways. For example, a person who loves writing can work as a freelance journalist or a blogger, or they can try their hand at crafting their own literature. Likewise, a pet lover could start a side hustle walking dogs, pet sitting or baking their own dog treats. If you don’t already have a hobby, you can try a few of the following hobbies that make money and find where your passion lies. Hobbies That Can Make You Money Are you searching for a lucrative hobby or seeking to transform a beloved pastime into additional income? Explore the following hobbies that make money for inspiration: Jewelry Do you love everything about jewelry? You can make money selling jewelry, either gems that you buy or jewelry that you make yourself. Perhaps you’ve already accumulated a collection of jewelry you can sell, or you have an eye for finding great buys on attractive baubles. There are ways to create easy jewelry to make and sell online in marketplaces like Etsy or Facebook Marketplace as well as locally. Crafts Jewelry isn’t the only craft that can become a full-time business. No matter what it is you like making with your hands, from crocheted scarves to wood-burned signs and even needlepoint, there are things to sew and sell. Chances are there is a market for the products you create. And remember there are a lot of sources if you don’t have a new idea. From Christmas craft ideas to sell to other holidays, birthdays, and other occasions, always be on the lookout for new ways to express your craft. If you aren’t already a skilled craftsperson, you can get ideas for products to make from online marketplaces like Etsy and Artfire. Once you start creating crafts to sell, you can establish your own online store, use Amazon Handmade, or sell your wares at local events. Writing There are numerous ways to turn your writing hobby into a source of income. Many professional writers begin their careers by freelancing part-time while they develop their portfolios and establish a client base. Consider searching for blogs that compensate writers or explore freelance writing opportunities on online job boards like Contena or Upwork. Additionally, skilled writers with strong grammar can look for opportunities to edit work for publications or assist other freelance writers. Dog Walking Are you an animal lover who has a knack for connecting with other people’s pets? If so, you can transform your passion into a small business by becoming a dog walker. While many people adore their dogs, few actually enjoy the task of walking them, and many simply lack the time in their hectic schedules. By arranging to walk multiple dogs for different clients at set times throughout the day and week, your love for animals can quickly evolve into a thriving small business. Graphic Design Do you love to draw or have an eye for design? You can earn money from your artistic hobbies by finding work as a graphic designer. You can start a side gig designing logos or other graphics for fellow small business owners, building your portfolio along the way. You can also make money from graphic design by selling prints of your designs with services like Spreadshirt or Merch by Amazon, which lets you sell your designs printed on everything from t-shirts and bags to cups and phone cases. Social Media Do you already find yourself spending hours each week on social media platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram? What if you could turn your social media hobby into good money? You can turn your social media skills into a side hustle and earn extra income by managing the social media accounts of other small businesses, brands, and personalities. You can then expand your social media manager business by showing influencers how you can boost engagement with their Instagram account and other social media platforms. Who knows, you might even become a social media influencer in your own right. Blogging Blogging is a great side hustle for people whose hobby is writing. Anyone can create their own blog and write about their personal knowledge and experiences. You can promote your blog through social media channels, and once you’ve established a following, you can make money blogging by selling advertisements on your own website. You can monetize your blog with this ad revenue, as well as by partnering with affiliates to influence sales and discounts offered to their customers. Pet Sitting Animal lovers can expand their money-making hobbies beyond just walking dogs. Why not make some extra income by caring for other people’s furry family members when they’re unavailable? You can transform your love for pets into a side business by offering dog and cat-sitting services, whether in a daycare setting or a boarding environment, where you look after pets for days or weeks while their owners are away. By building a strong reputation as a reliable animal lover, you may be able to grow your small business into a full-time endeavor. Making Videos Do you love making creative videos? You can turn your videography hobby into a small business by making videos and posting the content to a YouTube channel, TikTok, Instagram, or another popular platform. People will follow your channel to see creative and engaging content, and you can make money in ways similar to a blogger through advertising on your own channel and affiliate marketing. Playing Video Games If your dream job is getting paid to play video games, you’re not alone. Believe it or not, you can make money from playing video games. Some talented game players have made thousands in the past few years by streaming their gameplay online with platforms like Twitch, but you can also make some money from playing games through loyalty programs that pay you to play games and from posting videos of your gameplay to your YouTube channel, which you can then monetize with ads. Certain gamers have even found full-time jobs testing video games for developers. Website Creation If you enjoy website design in your spare time, you can make money from your hobby by creating websites, either designing websites for others or creating your own website. There is always a demand for web designers, and that demand only promises to grow as the online marketplace expands. Start by designing your own website. Not only will it serve as a start for your portfolio, but it also can be used to make money online as a source of passive income and some extra cash. With a successful web design under your belt, you can start building websites for other small businesses and organizations. Sharing Opinions Do you often spend your spare time expressing your opinions online? If you enjoy sharing your thoughts, you can earn money by participating in online surveys. While surveys are one of the most popular options for making extra money online, they typically pay only a few dollars each, making it difficult for most people to rely on this income alone. However, over time, these earnings can accumulate and provide a productive and dependable side gig. Numerous sources offer online surveys for pay, as companies depend on this valuable market insight to inform their important decisions. Flipping Merch Do you have a great eye for a bargain? Is your idea of a fun hobby visiting yard sales and going on hunts to garage sales? How would you like to make a few hundred dollars from what you would call a typical weekend trip to the local thrift stores or flea markets? You can turn your love for shopping into a thriving business idea by buying and selling used merchandise. Just look for the best deals and bargains, buy the merchandise at discounted prices, then resell it for a profit through online outlets like Facebook Marketplace and eBay. If you have restoration skills and can clean up the used products, you often can fetch an even higher profit. Exercising Did you know exercising is not only great for your health but also can be one of the more profitable hobbies if you turn it into a career or a side gig? Do you enjoy riding your bike? Why not make deliveries while you’re at it? Are you always working out at the gym? Look into starting a small business as a personal trainer. Is dancing more your style? Why not earn some extra cash working as a street or theater performer? Or, if you’re a highly skilled dancer, why not teach a class and make money sharing your passion with others? Shopping Could people call you a shop-a-holic? Do you love hitting the local stores, no matter what you happen to be shopping for? Would you love to make money from shopping instead of spending it? Believe it or not, shopping is a hobby that can turn into a moneymaker. Plenty of people need assistance with their grocery shopping, and you can earn money doing exactly what you love by filling that role. Other ways to make money from shopping include serving as a mystery shopper and working as a personal shopper or personal assistant for another small business owner. Gardening Gardening is a great hobby for relaxation, and it’s also a hobby that can pay. You can make money by growing your own plants and produce and selling your wares at local farmers’ markets. You can also use your gardening skills to help others beautify their own properties and start a small business as a gardener and landscaper, where you are paid to tend to others’ lawns and gardens. Photography You can transform your love for photography into a thriving business. There are numerous ways to make money with photography, such as capturing portraits and other images for clients, selling prints and various merchandise, or even generating income online by launching a photography blog that you can monetize through advertising. Many photography fans begin by taking on a few small jobs as side gigs, but you can increase your earnings by growing your efforts into a successful small business. Makeup Artistry Are you fascinated by makeup? Do you find yourself watching all the latest beauty tutorials on YouTube and trying the looks out for yourself? You can turn your hobby into a side hustle by working as a makeup artist. You also can start your own YouTube channel with plenty of how-to videos, and before you know it you, too, could be a successful beauty influencer. Reading Books Did you know you can even make money if your hobby is reading a good book? Organizations like Online Book Club and Kirkus Media are always looking for people to read books and write reviews of them. While you won’t earn a full-time salary from reviewing books, it’s a simple way to make extra money doing what you love. Music It’s no secret that you can make money as a musician, but most people don’t realize you don’t have to be a superstar to earn money from your music hobby. You can make money as a performer by playing music in a band or as a solo artist in a local venue. You also can make money by teaching music, passing your passion and skill on to students through in-person classes, or by teaching an online course. You also can share your music with the world on a Youtube channel, TikTok profile or another social media platform, which you then can monetize based on the size of your following. Image: Depositphotos This article, "Hobbies that Make Money" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

“Happy is the man who can make a living by his hobby.” This quote from renowned dramatist George Bernard Shaw highlights a profound truth. Hobbies offer us a chance to unwind, alleviate stress, and find joy. Imagine how much more rewarding it would be to earn an income from crafts you can sell. Turning leisure time into a source of income is certainly appealing. Thankfully, many people have successfully discovered ways to generate income from a wide range of hobbies that make money. How to Start Making Money from a Hobby What is your favorite hobby? Do you think you can earn money from it? You might be surprised how many money-making hobby options are available, and how many already apply to your favored pastimes. Do you enjoy sewing, photography, or music? Each of those hobbies can become a side gig or a full-time hustle through the following steps: Choose a hobby you enjoy. After all, if you aren’t enjoying yourself while you’re doing it, your hobby is just another form of work. If you have a woodshop at home, look into the most profitable woodworking projects to build and sell. Look for community needs. Many hobbies can be used to make money in a variety of ways, so look around and be sure there is a market need for your side gig. Find out where to sell handmade items locally or online. Practice your techniques. You need to combine skill with your hobby if you want to turn it into a side hustle. Anybody can bake cookies, but not everyone can make mouth-watering sweet treats that customers will demand. Start a side gig. Don’t quit your day job just yet. Most small businesses take time to become profitable, and you need to support your lifestyle and your new business venture until that time comes. Start off making money from your hobby as a side hustle, attract a few clients, and work toward turning a profit. Expand your small business. Once you start making money from your hobby, you can consider expanding your side gig into a full-time small business. This is also a good time to learn how to sell crafts online. Try Out Some Hobbies That Make Money Today There are all sorts of hobbies that make money, and many hobbies can be used to earn money in a variety of ways. For example, a person who loves writing can work as a freelance journalist or a blogger, or they can try their hand at crafting their own literature. Likewise, a pet lover could start a side hustle walking dogs, pet sitting or baking their own dog treats. If you don’t already have a hobby, you can try a few of the following hobbies that make money and find where your passion lies. Hobbies That Can Make You Money Are you searching for a lucrative hobby or seeking to transform a beloved pastime into additional income? Explore the following hobbies that make money for inspiration: Jewelry Do you love everything about jewelry? You can make money selling jewelry, either gems that you buy or jewelry that you make yourself. Perhaps you’ve already accumulated a collection of jewelry you can sell, or you have an eye for finding great buys on attractive baubles. There are ways to create easy jewelry to make and sell online in marketplaces like Etsy or Facebook Marketplace as well as locally. Crafts Jewelry isn’t the only craft that can become a full-time business. No matter what it is you like making with your hands, from crocheted scarves to wood-burned signs and even needlepoint, there are things to sew and sell. Chances are there is a market for the products you create. And remember there are a lot of sources if you don’t have a new idea. From Christmas craft ideas to sell to other holidays, birthdays, and other occasions, always be on the lookout for new ways to express your craft. If you aren’t already a skilled craftsperson, you can get ideas for products to make from online marketplaces like Etsy and Artfire. Once you start creating crafts to sell, you can establish your own online store, use Amazon Handmade, or sell your wares at local events. Writing There are numerous ways to turn your writing hobby into a source of income. Many professional writers begin their careers by freelancing part-time while they develop their portfolios and establish a client base. Consider searching for blogs that compensate writers or explore freelance writing opportunities on online job boards like Contena or Upwork. Additionally, skilled writers with strong grammar can look for opportunities to edit work for publications or assist other freelance writers. Dog Walking Are you an animal lover who has a knack for connecting with other people’s pets? If so, you can transform your passion into a small business by becoming a dog walker. While many people adore their dogs, few actually enjoy the task of walking them, and many simply lack the time in their hectic schedules. By arranging to walk multiple dogs for different clients at set times throughout the day and week, your love for animals can quickly evolve into a thriving small business. Graphic Design Do you love to draw or have an eye for design? You can earn money from your artistic hobbies by finding work as a graphic designer. You can start a side gig designing logos or other graphics for fellow small business owners, building your portfolio along the way. You can also make money from graphic design by selling prints of your designs with services like Spreadshirt or Merch by Amazon, which lets you sell your designs printed on everything from t-shirts and bags to cups and phone cases. Social Media Do you already find yourself spending hours each week on social media platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram? What if you could turn your social media hobby into good money? You can turn your social media skills into a side hustle and earn extra income by managing the social media accounts of other small businesses, brands, and personalities. You can then expand your social media manager business by showing influencers how you can boost engagement with their Instagram account and other social media platforms. Who knows, you might even become a social media influencer in your own right. Blogging Blogging is a great side hustle for people whose hobby is writing. Anyone can create their own blog and write about their personal knowledge and experiences. You can promote your blog through social media channels, and once you’ve established a following, you can make money blogging by selling advertisements on your own website. You can monetize your blog with this ad revenue, as well as by partnering with affiliates to influence sales and discounts offered to their customers. Pet Sitting Animal lovers can expand their money-making hobbies beyond just walking dogs. Why not make some extra income by caring for other people’s furry family members when they’re unavailable? You can transform your love for pets into a side business by offering dog and cat-sitting services, whether in a daycare setting or a boarding environment, where you look after pets for days or weeks while their owners are away. By building a strong reputation as a reliable animal lover, you may be able to grow your small business into a full-time endeavor. Making Videos Do you love making creative videos? You can turn your videography hobby into a small business by making videos and posting the content to a YouTube channel, TikTok, Instagram, or another popular platform. People will follow your channel to see creative and engaging content, and you can make money in ways similar to a blogger through advertising on your own channel and affiliate marketing. Playing Video Games If your dream job is getting paid to play video games, you’re not alone. Believe it or not, you can make money from playing video games. Some talented game players have made thousands in the past few years by streaming their gameplay online with platforms like Twitch, but you can also make some money from playing games through loyalty programs that pay you to play games and from posting videos of your gameplay to your YouTube channel, which you can then monetize with ads. Certain gamers have even found full-time jobs testing video games for developers. Website Creation If you enjoy website design in your spare time, you can make money from your hobby by creating websites, either designing websites for others or creating your own website. There is always a demand for web designers, and that demand only promises to grow as the online marketplace expands. Start by designing your own website. Not only will it serve as a start for your portfolio, but it also can be used to make money online as a source of passive income and some extra cash. With a successful web design under your belt, you can start building websites for other small businesses and organizations. Sharing Opinions Do you often spend your spare time expressing your opinions online? If you enjoy sharing your thoughts, you can earn money by participating in online surveys. While surveys are one of the most popular options for making extra money online, they typically pay only a few dollars each, making it difficult for most people to rely on this income alone. However, over time, these earnings can accumulate and provide a productive and dependable side gig. Numerous sources offer online surveys for pay, as companies depend on this valuable market insight to inform their important decisions. Flipping Merch Do you have a great eye for a bargain? Is your idea of a fun hobby visiting yard sales and going on hunts to garage sales? How would you like to make a few hundred dollars from what you would call a typical weekend trip to the local thrift stores or flea markets? You can turn your love for shopping into a thriving business idea by buying and selling used merchandise. Just look for the best deals and bargains, buy the merchandise at discounted prices, then resell it for a profit through online outlets like Facebook Marketplace and eBay. If you have restoration skills and can clean up the used products, you often can fetch an even higher profit. Exercising Did you know exercising is not only great for your health but also can be one of the more profitable hobbies if you turn it into a career or a side gig? Do you enjoy riding your bike? Why not make deliveries while you’re at it? Are you always working out at the gym? Look into starting a small business as a personal trainer. Is dancing more your style? Why not earn some extra cash working as a street or theater performer? Or, if you’re a highly skilled dancer, why not teach a class and make money sharing your passion with others? Shopping Could people call you a shop-a-holic? Do you love hitting the local stores, no matter what you happen to be shopping for? Would you love to make money from shopping instead of spending it? Believe it or not, shopping is a hobby that can turn into a moneymaker. Plenty of people need assistance with their grocery shopping, and you can earn money doing exactly what you love by filling that role. Other ways to make money from shopping include serving as a mystery shopper and working as a personal shopper or personal assistant for another small business owner. Gardening Gardening is a great hobby for relaxation, and it’s also a hobby that can pay. You can make money by growing your own plants and produce and selling your wares at local farmers’ markets. You can also use your gardening skills to help others beautify their own properties and start a small business as a gardener and landscaper, where you are paid to tend to others’ lawns and gardens. Photography You can transform your love for photography into a thriving business. There are numerous ways to make money with photography, such as capturing portraits and other images for clients, selling prints and various merchandise, or even generating income online by launching a photography blog that you can monetize through advertising. Many photography fans begin by taking on a few small jobs as side gigs, but you can increase your earnings by growing your efforts into a successful small business. Makeup Artistry Are you fascinated by makeup? Do you find yourself watching all the latest beauty tutorials on YouTube and trying the looks out for yourself? You can turn your hobby into a side hustle by working as a makeup artist. You also can start your own YouTube channel with plenty of how-to videos, and before you know it you, too, could be a successful beauty influencer. Reading Books Did you know you can even make money if your hobby is reading a good book? Organizations like Online Book Club and Kirkus Media are always looking for people to read books and write reviews of them. While you won’t earn a full-time salary from reviewing books, it’s a simple way to make extra money doing what you love. Music It’s no secret that you can make money as a musician, but most people don’t realize you don’t have to be a superstar to earn money from your music hobby. You can make money as a performer by playing music in a band or as a solo artist in a local venue. You also can make money by teaching music, passing your passion and skill on to students through in-person classes, or by teaching an online course. You also can share your music with the world on a Youtube channel, TikTok profile or another social media platform, which you then can monetize based on the size of your following. Image: Depositphotos This article, "Hobbies that Make Money" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

US president’s outlandish idea has dramatically raised stakes and would create another catastrophe for PalestiniansView the full article

After years of pressure from the pandemic, the challenges of managing remote, hybrid, and RTO workplaces, and inconsistent organizational support, managers are on the brink of a crash. The coming manager collapse is kicking off a vicious cycle for organizations. As managers struggle, Gen Z sees the toll of the job and backs away, leaving fewer employees to rise into management roles. This puts more pressure on remaining managers. At the same time, several years of manager layoffs have left fewer people taking on these responsibilities. In 2023 alone, middle managers made up over a third of all layoffs. The remaining managers are under more pressure, with growing stress leading to higher rates of burnout. New research from my organization, meQuilibrium, shows just how deep the manager shortage could become. In addition to higher expectations for their performance, managers experience 59% higher emotional demands than their team members. They often face these elevated risks in isolation, being 12% less likely to receive support when they need it. The risks are also known precursors to burnout, disengagement, and quitting. UKG has found that almost half of middle managers would likely quit within the year due to stress. Organizations can’t attain their goals for growth without resilient managers who have the skills to support their teams, says meQuilibrium’s Alanna Fincke, SVP Content and Head of Learning, who first identified the likelihood of a manager crash earlier this year. Employees who don’t feel supported by their managers are more than four times as likely to quit their jobs, and twice as likely to report poor overall well-being. When this house of cards falls, it will impact the entire organization. On the flip side, employees who feel strongly supported are more protected from psychosocial risks at work, such as mistrust, conflict, and excessive work pace. These employees are two times as likely to perceive that conflicts are resolved fairly and 2.6 times more likely to receive help when needed. Strongly supported employees are also much more likely to feel like the pace of work moves at a sustainable rate in which they can complete their tasks. The manager role is indispensable for high workforce performance. But if today’s managers crash, who will be there to pick up the pieces? Gen Z Says ‘No Thanks’ Next-generation employees show little interest in the challenges of management. Despite Gen Z’s greater openness to change, a recent Robert Walters survey revealed that 72% of Gen Z respondents would choose an individual route to progression over managing others. Sixty-nine percent say middle management is too high-stress and low-reward. (It’s not just Gen Z. CNBC reports 42% of U.S. workers say they’d turn down a promotion.) There’s another complication, too. Even if Gen Z workers were looking for management jobs, our research shows many don’t yet have the skills to handle the emotional turbulence of change, which is part and parcel of managing teams. Compared to their older colleagues, Gen Z employees experience 34% higher change anxiety and 25% lower emotional stability in the face of change. This anxiety may be spurring them to self-select out of manager roles they could excel in. To stop and reverse the draining of present and future manager talent—and prevent organizational growth from stagnating—leaders have to do two things. First, they have to change how their organizations support their managers. Second, leaders need to equip younger employees with the skills to handle change. The following actions are key: Assess and address workplace psychosocial risks Psychosocial risks are characteristics of work design and management that negatively influence performance. They include high workload, poor work-life balance, workplace conflict, lack of control, lack of meaning at work, and inadequate support. These risks are often measured as environmental impacts, affecting teams, business units, and entire workforces. For example, a meQ customer recently sent a psychosocial risk survey to 34,000 employees and contractors. With a 50% response rate, the company gained significant data to identify risk factors across job functions, such as a lack of meaning for finance employees and a lack of control in the manufacturing unit. Tight deadlines are the most common psychosocial risk, according to research by the University of Washington School of Public Health, with 43% of all U.S. workers exposed. Consider an engineering team that feels like the demands on them are too high. These strains typically lead to anxiety and depression, which both endanger attention and focus on the job and put the entire team at high risk for burnout and turnover. Managers are nearly 40% more likely to cite excessive workloads compared to non-managers. Almost as many report insufficient time for tasks, and 34% are more likely to report needing to work at a very fast pace. These risks have both financial and human costs in increased absenteeism and more workers’ compensation claims. Poorly managed psychosocial risk also leads to elevated mental health risks and a range of negative physical health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and diabetes. A comprehensive psychosocial risk assessment, including mitigation strategies and support, is the clearest path to improving managers’ performance and experience—and changing how the rest of the workforce views the role. Enact clear policies that support manager health and well-being Explicit policy decisions can help managers protect and promote their own mental and physical well-being. This might look like mandatory “disconnect” periods, sabbaticals, or easing access to acute mental healthcare resources. Making sure managers have consistent, supportive check-ins with their own supervisors can help reduce isolation. Leaders can also model and reinforce workplace norms that prioritize health. For example, a leader for an R&D unit might maintain consistent boundaries on work hours to sustain the high cognitive demand of the job. He or she might also begin meetings with simple well-being check-ins, modeling the normalcy of mental health discussions in day-to-day work. With these actions, companies set a positive example for the entire organization and invest in the sustainability of their management pipeline. Deploy evidence-based techniques to build resilience Comprehensive, evidence-based resilience programs equip managers with practical tools to improve team interactions, communication, and collaboration. Digital cognitive behavioral therapy tools can also help managers recognize and replace unproductive thought patterns with more effective alternatives. As managers develop these skills and model them for their teams, they become better equipped to maintain clear communication channels, inspire collaborative problem-solving, and guide teams through periods of change or uncertainty. Ultimately, investing in leader resilience translates to improved team performance, increased productivity, and a more positive work environment that drives organizational success. Focus on Gen Z The previous steps are meant to improve the experience and perception of the manager role. But organizations also need to train their young employees in the essential skills they lack. In our research, Gen Z employees score significantly lower on core capabilities such as emotion control, stress management, engagement, and positivity. At the same time, we have found the employees most skilled in handling change and challenge—the realities that managers deal with daily—have the highest levels of those very skills: emotion control, stress management, engagement, and positivity. These are the specific, actionable areas to focus Gen Z training efforts on in order to improve their ability to handle management demands. Organizations that take a systematic approach to supporting managers and Gen Z workers can end the vicious cycle. The key lies not in grand transformations, but in consistent, practical steps to embed the fundamental capabilities of resilience and support across the organization. The result will be a more stable, sustainable workforce, capable of handling change and ready to lead through it. View the full article

Cyberattacks are constantly evolving. Almost all of the breaches (95%) are caused by people. That’s why implementing preventative measures is so important. Latest Emerging Network Security Attacks Here are some of the cyber attacks to watch for. Remember even outbound traffic needs to be filtered through a firewall. Artificial intelligence: AI can spot employee behavior patterns that lend themselves to social engineering attacks. And it can spot other vulnerabilities leading to cybercrime events. Man in the Middle attacks: Another emerging threat, this is basically digital eavesdropping. Hackers steal personal data. SQL injection attacks: Attackers can view user lists, get admin rights or even delete tables. These use harmful code to get into the backend database. Crypto-Malware: This is also called crypto-mining malware. Hackers steal cryptocurrencies. Typosquatting: This is another significant issue. Users are often deceived by common misspellings of URLs, leading them to unknowingly visit harmful websites. IP theft or unauthorized access: One can lead to the other. Unauthorized access (a hack) can lead to the theft of inventions and ideas. Phishing attacks: Hackers dupe people into opening a malicious link. And fool them into giving up information. One way to stop these malicious actors and their malicious software is user authentication. READ MORE: What is Cybersecurity? Why Preventing Cyber Attacks is so Important Malicious code that infects or steals business data can disrupt your small business operations. To avoid legal issues, it is essential to protect your network system from attacks. READ MORE: The Average Cost of a Cyber Attack on a Small Business is More than $25,000 How a Cyber Attack Occurs These attacks take different shapes. They can access mobile phones and other connected devices like personal computers. A malware attack can destroy your finances. They start with an infected attachment. Or someone being duped into giving up info. Or even all-out assaults through denial of service attacks. Top Cyber Security Vulnerabilities Most cyber-attacks are financially motivated. Remote work, cloud-centered technologies, and VPNs are especially susceptible. Here are vulnerabilities to pay attention to: Unused Patches. Keep your software up to date. Encryption Matters. If your communications are encrypted, you leave usernames and passwords open for hackers. Old Software. Increased risks of a breach include dated user authentication. That results in cyber criminals finding a way in. Unrestricted Access. It’s not just about a victim’s device being hacked. Unlimited accounts increase cyber threats. READ MORE: Small Business Cybersecurity Concerns Amid Russia-Ukraine Crisis How to Prevent Cyber Attacks and Data Breaches Secure systems make for good business. Avoid a distributed denial of service attack and others with these tips. Create Strong Passwords and Change Them Often Passwords help to prevent data breaches. Set up two-step authentication with the security software. Good password security logins change frequently. Create a Cybersecurity Policy A good cyber security policy can help you keep customers and sensitive data safe. Cyber risks are in the cloud, too. Outline who can migrate data to the cloud from your company. Install Firewalls and Top Antivirus Software Look for products that offer the best VPN and firewall protection together. Choose a product that can handle most viruses. Here’s a list to sort through. Use Endpoint Protection Software This software protects mobile devices as well as laptops and desktops plus tablets. These can cover a total network. Store Data Securely First, it’s important to limit how much information you share online. Being proactive means addressing concerns. Like Baiting and scareware. Give User Training This is another proactive step to help employees spot and report suspicious activity. Look for a company that complies with HIPAA, ISO, and Cyber Essentials, to name a few. They should have categories for email protection and password policies. And how to recognize social engineering. Update and Patch Software and Systems Regularly Hackers seek out vulnerabilities in web browsers and operating systems. Additionally, software weaknesses provide an avenue for malicious actors to install malware and gain unauthorized access. Update and apply patches on your phones, laptops, and tablets. Automatic updates are effective for managing these systems. Encrypt Your Data Customer information must be encoded to ensure its security. In fact, small businesses should encrypt all of their data. You can utilize either private key encryption or a combination of private and public keys that are interconnected. Maintain Back-Ups of Your Data Backing up company data is one way to bounce back from cyber attacks. There’s a 3-2-1 rule to follow. Make three copies. Put two in different local locations. And store one off-site. Backing up critical data is one surefire way to make your company cyber-resilient. Cloud computing has led to cloud storage. Your data is safe even if a fire destroys your office. Restrict Access to Your System You’re less likely to suffer through a data breach when you control access to systems and even the entire network. Consider removable media like USB memory sticks. Regularly Purge the System Former employees can pose significant risks. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate any unnecessary data. Sensitive information could be at risk of theft. It’s important to note that approximately 30% of employees switch jobs. Before purging, make sure to standardize data. Hide Your Wi-Fi Network Any wireless access point on a Wifi network can allow for what’s called backdoor access. There are different attacks like The Evil Twin, where a system duplicates yours. Change the default passwords using two-factor authentication. These types of authentication tools make a difference. Have Separate Logins for Staff Not everyone should have access to store and customer data. Separate logins should all have a minimum password length. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) Sensitive data is safer on an internal network. These create a safe way to give remote workers access to internal data. Perform Penetration Testing These simulate cyberattacks. Gather info on your mail servers and domain name before you start. Think Outside of the Box Don’t forget to consider alternative approaches to prevent breaches. Traditional methods, such as multi-factor authentication, are effective. Additionally, facial recognition software also contributes to security. These methods are all viable options for how to prevent cyber attacks. Build Some Redundancy into Your Infrastructure. Keeping extra switches and routers on hand works. Outsource Cybersecurity. Here’s a great way to prevent one of these attacks. Make sure they handle updates for anti-virus software. And security for social media platforms. Another workaround for cybersecurity problems is buying more bandwidth. So your SMB can ride out DDoS attacks. Create Incident Response Plans Reacting to security problems is part of the process. You’ll need to notify the right people when necessary, like law enforcement. Perform Regular Audits of Procedures Cyber attack prevention is a big part of cyber security. Look for items like weak passwords and unused software patches. Look for signs of items like domain name system attacks. What to Do After a Cyber Incident Any small or medium-sized business (SMB) can fall prey to cybercrime, as criminals can steal data with malicious intent at any moment. For guidance on how to prevent cyber attacks, the Infrastructure Security Agency is a good resource. And you can follow these tips: File a report with the local police if you’ve been the victim of identity theft. Communicate with your customers via phone or video. File a complaint with the FBI. READ MORE: What is Cybersecurity Cybersecurity Terms You Should Know Types of Cybersecurity Attacks The Average Cost of a Cyber Attack on a Small Business is More than $25,000 Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Prevent Cyber Attacks" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Cyberattacks are constantly evolving. Almost all of the breaches (95%) are caused by people. That’s why implementing preventative measures is so important. Latest Emerging Network Security Attacks Here are some of the cyber attacks to watch for. Remember even outbound traffic needs to be filtered through a firewall. Artificial intelligence: AI can spot employee behavior patterns that lend themselves to social engineering attacks. And it can spot other vulnerabilities leading to cybercrime events. Man in the Middle attacks: Another emerging threat, this is basically digital eavesdropping. Hackers steal personal data. SQL injection attacks: Attackers can view user lists, get admin rights or even delete tables. These use harmful code to get into the backend database. Crypto-Malware: This is also called crypto-mining malware. Hackers steal cryptocurrencies. Typosquatting: This is another significant issue. Users are often deceived by common misspellings of URLs, leading them to unknowingly visit harmful websites. IP theft or unauthorized access: One can lead to the other. Unauthorized access (a hack) can lead to the theft of inventions and ideas. Phishing attacks: Hackers dupe people into opening a malicious link. And fool them into giving up information. One way to stop these malicious actors and their malicious software is user authentication. READ MORE: What is Cybersecurity? Why Preventing Cyber Attacks is so Important Malicious code that infects or steals business data can disrupt your small business operations. To avoid legal issues, it is essential to protect your network system from attacks. READ MORE: The Average Cost of a Cyber Attack on a Small Business is More than $25,000 How a Cyber Attack Occurs These attacks take different shapes. They can access mobile phones and other connected devices like personal computers. A malware attack can destroy your finances. They start with an infected attachment. Or someone being duped into giving up info. Or even all-out assaults through denial of service attacks. Top Cyber Security Vulnerabilities Most cyber-attacks are financially motivated. Remote work, cloud-centered technologies, and VPNs are especially susceptible. Here are vulnerabilities to pay attention to: Unused Patches. Keep your software up to date. Encryption Matters. If your communications are encrypted, you leave usernames and passwords open for hackers. Old Software. Increased risks of a breach include dated user authentication. That results in cyber criminals finding a way in. Unrestricted Access. It’s not just about a victim’s device being hacked. Unlimited accounts increase cyber threats. READ MORE: Small Business Cybersecurity Concerns Amid Russia-Ukraine Crisis How to Prevent Cyber Attacks and Data Breaches Secure systems make for good business. Avoid a distributed denial of service attack and others with these tips. Create Strong Passwords and Change Them Often Passwords help to prevent data breaches. Set up two-step authentication with the security software. Good password security logins change frequently. Create a Cybersecurity Policy A good cyber security policy can help you keep customers and sensitive data safe. Cyber risks are in the cloud, too. Outline who can migrate data to the cloud from your company. Install Firewalls and Top Antivirus Software Look for products that offer the best VPN and firewall protection together. Choose a product that can handle most viruses. Here’s a list to sort through. Use Endpoint Protection Software This software protects mobile devices as well as laptops and desktops plus tablets. These can cover a total network. Store Data Securely First, it’s important to limit how much information you share online. Being proactive means addressing concerns. Like Baiting and scareware. Give User Training This is another proactive step to help employees spot and report suspicious activity. Look for a company that complies with HIPAA, ISO, and Cyber Essentials, to name a few. They should have categories for email protection and password policies. And how to recognize social engineering. Update and Patch Software and Systems Regularly Hackers seek out vulnerabilities in web browsers and operating systems. Additionally, software weaknesses provide an avenue for malicious actors to install malware and gain unauthorized access. Update and apply patches on your phones, laptops, and tablets. Automatic updates are effective for managing these systems. Encrypt Your Data Customer information must be encoded to ensure its security. In fact, small businesses should encrypt all of their data. You can utilize either private key encryption or a combination of private and public keys that are interconnected. Maintain Back-Ups of Your Data Backing up company data is one way to bounce back from cyber attacks. There’s a 3-2-1 rule to follow. Make three copies. Put two in different local locations. And store one off-site. Backing up critical data is one surefire way to make your company cyber-resilient. Cloud computing has led to cloud storage. Your data is safe even if a fire destroys your office. Restrict Access to Your System You’re less likely to suffer through a data breach when you control access to systems and even the entire network. Consider removable media like USB memory sticks. Regularly Purge the System Former employees can pose significant risks. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate any unnecessary data. Sensitive information could be at risk of theft. It’s important to note that approximately 30% of employees switch jobs. Before purging, make sure to standardize data. Hide Your Wi-Fi Network Any wireless access point on a Wifi network can allow for what’s called backdoor access. There are different attacks like The Evil Twin, where a system duplicates yours. Change the default passwords using two-factor authentication. These types of authentication tools make a difference. Have Separate Logins for Staff Not everyone should have access to store and customer data. Separate logins should all have a minimum password length. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) Sensitive data is safer on an internal network. These create a safe way to give remote workers access to internal data. Perform Penetration Testing These simulate cyberattacks. Gather info on your mail servers and domain name before you start. Think Outside of the Box Don’t forget to consider alternative approaches to prevent breaches. Traditional methods, such as multi-factor authentication, are effective. Additionally, facial recognition software also contributes to security. These methods are all viable options for how to prevent cyber attacks. Build Some Redundancy into Your Infrastructure. Keeping extra switches and routers on hand works. Outsource Cybersecurity. Here’s a great way to prevent one of these attacks. Make sure they handle updates for anti-virus software. And security for social media platforms. Another workaround for cybersecurity problems is buying more bandwidth. So your SMB can ride out DDoS attacks. Create Incident Response Plans Reacting to security problems is part of the process. You’ll need to notify the right people when necessary, like law enforcement. Perform Regular Audits of Procedures Cyber attack prevention is a big part of cyber security. Look for items like weak passwords and unused software patches. Look for signs of items like domain name system attacks. What to Do After a Cyber Incident Any small or medium-sized business (SMB) can fall prey to cybercrime, as criminals can steal data with malicious intent at any moment. For guidance on how to prevent cyber attacks, the Infrastructure Security Agency is a good resource. And you can follow these tips: File a report with the local police if you’ve been the victim of identity theft. Communicate with your customers via phone or video. File a complaint with the FBI. READ MORE: What is Cybersecurity Cybersecurity Terms You Should Know Types of Cybersecurity Attacks The Average Cost of a Cyber Attack on a Small Business is More than $25,000 Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Prevent Cyber Attacks" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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I took my first foray back into AI video generators when the first version of this article came out in mid-2024. I was pretty impressed with what was on offer at the time, but my initial assessment was that, while there were some helpful AI-driven features in the world of video, nothing could really change the game for me just yet. As I updated this article in 2025, let me tell you — I’ve just had my socks knocked off by some absolutely incredible AI video generators and tools. What's pretty cool, too, is that there is a huge spectrum of functionality when it comes to AI video generators, too. The artificial intelligence tools on this list can do everything from helping you remove a couple of "ums" to complete video creation — think entire fantasy worlds from scratch. Which is incredible because, let's be real: Creating enough video content to satisfy the TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram algorithm is not easy. Scripting, filming, editing — video requires multiple steps. Plus, all these tasks involve very different skill sets. Just because you’re great at talking to a camera doesn’t necessarily mean you’re great at editing video, and vice versa. But thanks to the ever-growing list of AI video tools, you might not have to. I spent hours testing every AI video generator and tool I could get my hands on — my computer's fan is still recovering, but don't worry, I had a great a time — and I've pulled together a pretty diverse list of some of the best. They're not ranked from best to worst — they're all really different, so direct comparison isn't really possible. Instead, I've arranged them in order of ease of use. So, whether you're a content creator, marketer, or just someone who wants to make better videos, there's something here for you. ⚡To help compare the AI video generators and tools a little better — and create videos a marketer or creator would actually be able to use in their day-to-day work — I asked all the tools with AI video generation capabilities to create a video based on the same prompt: "A young woman working on her laptop in a home office."1. CanvaBest AI video tool for generating simple AI videos without a learning curve You already know Canva for its graphic design capabilities — but did you know it also has an AI-powered video editor? Canva's Magic Studio offers AI-generated video editing tools, including text-to-video, auto-visual effects, and even AI avatars. If you’re already using Canva for design, it’s a smooth addition to your workflow. In terms of text-to-video, I was really impressed with Canva's built-in AI video generator. It worked fast, and the video clips were realistic — surprisingly so when it came to human faces and hands (AI generators' usual nemeses). Of course those AI animations on typography and other graphics are a huge timesaver, too! Fun fact: I used this feature to animate a static design for the intro to Buffer Chat: The Podcast. Canva pricing: Free with limited features; Pro plans start at $12.99/month. 🎬Looking for a more straightforward video editor? Here’s our list of the best video editing tools (free and paid) of 2025 →2. VeedBest AI video tool for speeding up your workflow with AI features Veed is probably the best AI video maker for generating a complete video with AI, including voiceovers, music, and the footage itself. It even boasts an AI avatar video generator. The AI features slot into the workflow so seamlessly, too. Veed walks you through the process step-by-step rather than relying on you to add every possible detail to the prompt. This is a really nice touch, particularly for folks who don't use AI often. For example, when I fed Veed my "woman in office prompt," it followed up by asking what style I'd like for my video ("old film," "realistic," "hand-drawn," and "Lego" were some of the options), with some helpful examples. Beyond the text-to-image AI video generator, Veed really shines in helping you create entire videos from scratch. For example, I fed it a video script I had for a planned clip about the best time to post on TikTok. From there, I asked it to create a video with a voiceover that featured video clips of people using their phones. The result was a really great foundation for editing. I could choose my own AI voice and easily swap out some of the stock footage and background music the AI had chosen for me. Veed pricing: Free with limited features (videos will have a watermark, too); Pro plans start at $12.99/month. 3. SoraBest AI video generator for creating more complex scenes OpenAI's latest creation is taking the internet by storm, and for good reason. Forget brief clips — its AI video generator, Sora, can generate entire scenes from simple text prompts. This is thanks to its clever ‘storyboard’ feature, where you’ll create a prompt for each frame, and Sora will keep the scene consistent and coherent (unless you ask it to shift gears.) I used it to generate multi-part AI videos that were uncannily realistic — if you can forgive a wonky finger or two. Sora struggles with a few things, such as the aforementioned fingers. While the AI video generator's landscapes and abstract scenes look breathtaking, human and animal movements can still look a bit weird. The women in the above videos, for example, pulled their coffee cups right out of their laptops. But as an AI video generator for creating dreamy, atmospheric content? Sora is phenomenal. Sora pricing: Sora is available as part of ChatGPT Plus subscription at $20/month. 4. Hailuo AIBest AI video generator for experimenting with emerging AI video tech While not quite at the level of Sora or Runway (below), Hailuo is a fun way to take a no-strings-attached foray into AI video creation. The AI video generator offers decent-quality output and some unique features, like subject reference (using the same character across different videos) and advanced camera movement control. The barrier to getting up and running with Hailuo AI is really low, and you get new generation credits for free, every single day, on their free plan. I'd argue it's the best free AI video generator out right now. If you're keen to play around here, a pro tip: explore Hailuo's mindblowing user gallery of AI-generated videos to see how others have prompted the tool for the best results. Hailuo pricing: Generous free plan, with paid options starting at $14.99 per month 5. DescriptBest AI video tool for transcript-based editing Descript doesn't have AI video creation features like most of the other options on this list. It’s really just a video editor — but it does that exceptionally well. Descript is the answer to the question: "What if we could edit video like we edit text?" Instead of dragging clips around on a timeline, you edit the transcript. Cut a sentence from the text, and the corresponding video disappears. Once you get the hang of the video editor — because it definitely comes with a learning curve — it's surprisingly intuitive and incredibly powerful. On top of that come the nifty AI features. There’s a green screen editor, a surprisingly smooth eye contact corrector (you read that script, my friend!) and even a studio sound feature that uses “regenerative AI” to remove noises and enhance voices. That said, the real magic happens with Descript's filler word removal. Those pesky "ums," "likes," and awkward pauses? Gone with a single click. While other tools offer similar features, Descript does it best. One caveat: if your videos don't involve much talking, you won't get the full benefit of the tool. But for podcasters, interviewers, or anyone working with dialogue-heavy content, it's a game-changer. Descript pricing: A free starter plan is available, with paid plans beginning at $12/month. 6. SynthesiaBest AI video generator for creating your own AI avatar Need a talking head but don't want to be on camera? Synthesia offers over 70 AI avatars and 120 voices in its starter plan (with more than 140 avatars in higher tiers). While the avatars aren't quite ready to replace real humans in close-up shots, they're pretty effective for training videos or product tutorials. You can even create an avatar of yourself, though it's a bit of a process — you'll need to film specific video clips and wait up to 10 days for the AI magic to happen. The voice dubbing can be hit or miss, so it's worth experimenting with different AI avatar and voice combinations to find a good match. Synthesia pricing: Plans start at $22 per month billed annually. 7. RunwayBest AI video generator for advanced generative AI Can you imagine it — and come up with a really thorough, detailed prompt for it? Then Runway can create it. While Runway requires a bit more technical know-how than Sora, this AI video generator packs some seriously powerful features that can turn your wildest imaginings into reality. The platform's Gen-3 Alpha model can generate videos from text prompts, bring still images to life, and even create lip-syncing avatars from voice recordings. There are practical features baked into this AI video creator, too: You can remove backgrounds, create super-slow motion footage, and generate subtitles with just a few clicks. A bit of a drawback for casual users is that Runway's Gen-2 model isn't as great at creating humans (my prompt yielded some pretty creepy Tim Burton-esque figures). The Gen-2 model is the only one you'll have access to on the free plan, but you can still use the still-image-to-video feature for free (which is exceptional). Fair warning: there's definitely a learning curve with this video generator. I spent hours exploring the web version to create videos and barely scratched the surface of what it can do. But, if you're willing to put in the time and pay for a premium plan, Runway could become your entire AI video production studio. Runway pricing: Free plan available with 125 one-time credits. Standard plan starts at $15/month, unlocking Gen-3 Alpha, 625 monthly credits, no watermark, and higher export quality. 🤖Looking for more AI tools to help lighten the load? Here are 7 of the Best AI Image Generators, 28 AI Marketing Tools, and 9 of the Best AI Writing Tools.AI video generators won’t do all the work for you — yetMany of these AI video generators have simplified parts of my video editing workflow (and they’re incredibly fun to play around with). But, as powerful as the latest and greatest tools are, none of the options out there are going to eliminate the need for human creativity (and tenacity?) required for brainstorming, filming, and editing engaging video content. Which, if you think about it, is pretty great. There’s really no replacement for you. Still, they can certainly help lighten the load by simplifying some of the frustrating work that comes with video creation, freeing you up to focus on the creative process. More AI video tools to try?As is the case with all other AI tool niches, it feels as though there is a new AI video generator dropping every day — so if I haven’t featured your tool of choice here, do let me know! Please comment below or tag @buffer or @bufferapp on all major social channels, and I’ll put your favorite tool to the test. View the full article