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A lot of people go out on their own after a layoff, especially in the current economy. And when they do, they tend to focus on what they don’t know: how to find clients, how to set pricing, how to market themselves. But a long corporate career also builds some core competencies that translate directly into running a solo business. I spent 15 years in a corporate environment, including a role on an executive team. I pivoted to a new career, and then found myself laid off 18 months later. I made the snap decision to start my solo business the next day. While a lot of aspects of starting a solo business were intimidating, there were things I knew I could do well based on my corporate experience. If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are a few corporate skills that might translate well to your solo career. Project management In a corporate environment, you learn to scope work, set milestones, and track deliverables across teams and timelines. As a solopreneur, the “team” is just you—but the fundamentals are the same. Solopreneurs who struggle with organization often never had that structure to learn from. You already know how project management systems can keep client work and your own business on track. One of the first things I set up when I started my own business was a project management tool. The specific tool doesn’t matter as much as the principles. I knew the longer I waited, the harder it would be to implement project management as my business grew. Take the time to apply what you know about project management to your business from the beginning. It’s worth the effort. Stakeholder management Managing up, across, and down in a corporate environment means navigating competing priorities and communicating with people who have different agendas. As a solopreneur, that’s called client management. The skills are knowing how to have uncomfortable conversations about scope, timeline, and money without damaging the relationship. In corporate, you might have pushed back on an executive who kept adding more requests to a project. As a solopreneur, you’re doing the same thing when a client asks for “one more change” to something you delivered. Keep in mind that you are a stakeholder in everything you do. Your clients may be competing for your time and attention, but you also have to balance them against your business’s needs. Financial management When I sat on an executive team, I routinely reviewed the company’s profit and loss (P&L) statements. I also made decisions about software purchases and other expenses within my department. Every year, I participated in budget planning. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, roughly half of small businesses close within five years. Financial mismanagement is consistently cited as one of the top reasons. If you’ve ever managed a team budget, you’re ahead of the curve. Many solopreneurs are learning this from scratch (and find it intimidating). You understand how to forecast expenses, weigh costs against expected returns, and make a business case for an investment. You’ve got a solid foundation to learn other concepts like managing cash flow or reading a P&L. Decision-making Corporate life forces you to make decisions, often under time pressure. They may involve product launches, hiring, pivoting strategy based on market signals, and so much more. You learn to gather enough information to make a reasonable call and move forward, rather than waiting for certainty. No one starts a corporate career knowing how to make decisions; it’s a skill you develop over time. And these skills can make you a lot more comfortable with running your solo business. You’ll wrestle with decisions like whether to take on a client, how to price a new service, and whether to invest in growth versus saving your money. But the underlying skill is the same: collecting information, making a decision, and sticking to it. Your corporate tool kit While I would have preferred a less abrupt transition to a solo career, I knew instinctively that I was better equipped than most. Plus, I could make choices based solely on my experience and how I wanted to move forward, rather than operating by group consensus. You may not have chosen to leave corporate life. But the skills you developed aren’t left behind. They become part of the infrastructure of your solo business. View the full article

No matter how talented and ambitious you are, your ability to do well in your job and career, and especially enjoy your professional life, largely depends on where you work—in particular, the workplace culture. Defined broadly as the formal and informal rules that determine “how we do things around here,” workplace culture is a sort of human algorithm that governs the social dynamics in organizations, much like national culture does so for countries. Although there is no such thing as a universally good culture, and there are many different ways of creating positive working environments under which people thrive, there are rather consistent patterns when it comes to the opposite: places where people feel unhappy, disengaged, or unfairly treated, and where politics corrode meritocracy while nepotism eclipses any attempt to reward people on the basis of talent, effort, or actual value. In these toxic cultures, a few individuals may thrive, often in a parasitic way, at the expense of the majority. Corporate history offers no shortage of cautionary tales—from Enron to WeWork’s early days to Uber’s well-documented cultural crises, where dysfunction at the top eventually undermined performance at scale. Theranos exemplified a culture of secrecy, intimidation, and blind loyalty, where dissent was punished, expertise was ignored, and narrative consistently The Presidented scientific reality. Microsoft’s transformation under Satya Nadella illustrates the opposite shift—from a combative, arrogant, know-it-all culture to a more open, learning-oriented mindset grounded in humility, curiosity, and collaboration. Unfortunately, it is often too late to recognize a toxic culture. People tend to ignore early warning signs, fall prey to wishful thinking, or normalize dysfunction over time. With that in mind, here are six red flags that should prompt serious reflection. 1. Performance is disconnected from rewards In healthy cultures, there is at least a loose alignment between contribution and reward. In toxic ones, that link is weak, inconsistent, or entirely absent. Promotions, bonuses, and recognition are driven less by what you do and more by who you know, how visible you are, or how well you manage impressions. This often manifests in subtle ways. High performers are overloaded with work but overlooked for advancement, while politically savvy individuals rise quickly despite modest contributions, such that the incentive to perform is weaker than the incentive to engage in the performative arts of work performance—“pretending to work” beats “doing the actual work.” Over time, this creates learned helplessness among the most capable employees and overconfidence among the least capable. A classic example can be seen in organizations where “face time” or proximity to senior leaders outweighs actual output. The result is predictable: Talent disengages, mediocrity spreads, and the organization becomes less effective, even if it continues to look successful on the surface. In many professional services firms, for example, “client exposure” or internal visibility often outweighs actual contribution to project outcomes. This creates a pervasive tendency of organizational systems to reward employees for their visibility and self-promotion rather than their substantive contributions. 2. Leadership is high on charisma, low on integrity Toxic cultures are often anchored by leaders who are impressive in style but deficient in substance. These individuals may be visionary, confident, and persuasive, but they lack consistency, accountability, and moral grounding. They say one thing and do another, reward loyalty over competence, and tolerate behaviors they claim to oppose. This is not just about “bad apples.” It is about systems that select and amplify such profiles. For instance, organizations that overvalue confidence and decisiveness in hiring and promotion often end up with leaders who are overconfident but underqualified. The early success of figures like Adam Neumann at WeWork illustrates how charisma can mask deeper issues until it is too late. In these environments, people quickly learn that integrity is optional, and that aligning with power matters more than doing the right thing. A similar pattern was observed in the case of Theranos, where Elizabeth Holmes’s ability to craft a compelling narrative delayed critical scrutiny. As research suggests, people systematically confuse confidence with competence. 3. Psychological safety is low, but politics are high In theory, many organizations claim to value open dialogue and constructive disagreement. In practice, toxic cultures punish dissent and reward conformity. People become reluctant to speak up, challenge ideas, or admit mistakes—not because they lack ideas, but because the perceived cost of doing so is too high. At the same time, political behavior flourishes. Information is hoarded, alliances are formed behind closed doors, and decisions are influenced by hidden agendas rather than transparent criteria. Employees spend more time managing impressions than solving problems. A common scenario is the “meeting after the meeting”: formal alignment in public, followed by informal dissent in private. This dual system signals not only fear, but also a breakdown in collective accountability. Over time, this erodes trust and reduces the quality of decisions, as critical information is either suppressed or distorted. Decades of research on psychological safety highlight its impact on team performance—without it, people learn quickly that staying quiet is safer than being right. 4. Busyness is valued more than effectiveness Another hallmark of toxic cultures is the glorification of activity over outcomes. Long hours, constant meetings, and visible exhaustion are interpreted as signs of commitment, even when they do not translate into meaningful results. People are rewarded for being busy rather than being effective. This is particularly common in organizations that lack clear metrics of success or where leaders equate control with oversight. Studies show that excessive meetings and poorly structured interactions significantly reduce productivity. For example, a McKinsey survey found that 61% of executives say much of their decision-making time is ineffective. And employees may be expected to respond instantly to emails, attend unnecessary meetings, or produce elaborate presentations that add little value. Ironically, this often reduces productivity, as attention is fragmented and time is consumed by low-impact tasks. In extreme cases, it creates a performative work culture where the appearance of effort matters more than actual contribution. 5. Talent is retained, but not trusted Some organizations appear to retain top talent, but fail to truly empower it. High performers are hired for their expertise, yet sidelined in decision-making or constrained by excessive control. In these environments, leaders often signal openness, but fail to genuinely listen or incorporate dissenting views. Over time, this creates a subtle but powerful form of disengagement: People stay but mentally check out—a pattern consistent with global engagement data showing that a large proportion of employees are disengaged at work. They contribute less of their judgment, creativity, and initiative—not because they lack capability, but because they have learned it is neither valued nor safe to use it. 6. There is a significant gap between stated values and actual behavior Most organizations have a set of stated values, often prominently displayed on websites, walls, or onboarding materials. In healthy cultures, these values are reflected in everyday decisions and behaviors. In toxic cultures, they are little more than marketing slogans. The gap becomes evident in moments that matter: how underperformance is handled, how conflicts are resolved, how promotions are decided, and how leaders behave under pressure. This disconnect is particularly visible during crises, when organizations revert to their “real” values. As culture scholars often note, culture is not what organizations say, but what they repeatedly do under pressure. For instance, a company may claim to value collaboration but reward individual competition, or emphasize diversity and inclusion while promoting a narrow and homogeneous leadership group. Employees quickly notice these inconsistencies, and over time, cynicism replaces commitment. As culture research suggests, culture is defined less by stated values than by repeated behaviors. When values are not lived, they lose credibility, and the organization loses its moral compass. Asymptomatic challenge The uncomfortable truth is that toxic cultures rarely announce themselves openly. They emerge gradually, often masked by short-term success, charismatic leadership, or strong branding. By the time the consequences become visible—in the form of disengagement, attrition, or even reputational damage—the underlying issues are deeply embedded. For individuals, the key is to develop the ability to spot these signals early and act accordingly. For organizations, the challenge is even greater: to design systems that reward merit, promote integrity, enable open dialogue, and focus on real performance rather than appearances. In a world where talent is the ultimate competitive advantage, culture is not just a backdrop. It is the operating system that determines whether that talent will thrive or be wasted. View the full article

If you’re considering self-employment, it’s vital to start with a clear comprehension of your skills and passions. This path involves several key steps, from defining your business idea to conducting thorough market research. You’ll need to create a solid business plan and choose the right structure for your venture. As you move forward, managing finances and taxes will likewise be critical. Let’s explore each of these steps in detail to guarantee you’re well-prepared for success. Key Takeaways Identify your skills and passions to define a viable business idea that meets market demand. Conduct thorough market research to understand your target audience, competitors, and industry trends. Create a comprehensive business plan outlining your goals, financial projections, and marketing strategies. Choose a suitable business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC) that aligns with your needs and legal requirements. Manage finances effectively by separating personal and business accounts, tracking expenses, and understanding tax obligations. Understanding Self-Employment Comprehending self-employment means recognizing the various ways individuals can earn an income outside traditional employment. The self-employed meaning encompasses a broad range of activities, including owning a business, freelancing, or contracting. The definition of self-employment highlights that you’re responsible for your own work schedule and operations, allowing for greater control over your professional life. If you’re reflecting on how to become self-employed, think about the different forms of self-employment available, such as tutoring or artistic professions. Meanwhile, the benefits include flexibility in work hours and the potential for higher income; there are drawbacks to contemplate. Self-employed individuals must handle their own taxes, which means making quarterly estimated payments. Furthermore, you’ll need to provide your own benefits and may face income uncertainty. Weighing these factors can help you decide if self-employment aligns with your career goals and lifestyle preferences. Steps to Define Your Business Idea To define your business idea, start by identifying your passion and skills, as these will be the foundation of your venture. Next, research market demand to guarantee there’s a viable audience for your concept, which includes analyzing competitors and comprehending customer needs. Finally, define your unique value proposition to differentiate your business and effectively attract your target market. Identify Your Passion Identifying your passion is crucial when defining a business idea, as it lays the foundation for a fulfilling self-employment expedition. Reflect on your interests and strengths; activities you enjoy can lead to a more sustainable self-employed job. Analyze your unique skills and experiences to stand out from competitors. Consider the feasibility of your idea by evaluating startup costs and potential earnings. Testing your concept through freelancing or part-time projects helps refine your business idea before fully committing. Passion Area Business Idea Creativity Graphic Design Technology App Development Health Personal Training Writing Content Creation Education Tutoring Services This approach clarifies what self-employed means for you and how to self-employed effectively. Research Market Demand Comprehending market demand is a crucial step in defining your business idea after you’ve pinpointed your passion. Start by conducting surveys or interviews with potential customers to gather insights into their needs and preferences. Analyze industry trends and reports from sources like IBISWorld or Statista to identify growth areas your business could target. Utilize tools like Google Trends to gauge interest in your product or service, validating your concept. Research competitors in your niche, examining their offerings and pricing strategies, and gather feedback to understand what works in the marketplace. Furthermore, join relevant online forums or local business groups to engage with potential customers and industry experts, collecting firsthand information about demand and expectations. Don’t forget to reflect on how this impacts your tax form for self employed. Define Unique Value Proposition A unique value proposition (UVP) serves as the cornerstone of your business identity, clearly explaining what differentiates you from competitors and why customers should choose your offerings. To define your UVP, start by identifying the specific benefits your products or services provide. Consider how they address the needs or pain points of your target audience. Conduct a competitor analysis to understand how similar businesses position themselves, which will help you pinpoint gaps that your business can fill. Gather feedback from potential customers through surveys or focus groups to validate your UVP and ascertain it resonates with your market. Once established, consistently communicate your UVP across all marketing channels to strengthen brand recognition and attract your ideal clients. Conducting Market Research During immersion into self-employment, conducting thorough market research is vital for your success. This process involves gathering information about target customers, competitors, and industry trends to spot opportunities and challenges. You can use methods like surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gain insights into customer preferences and behaviors. Here’s a quick overview of key research methods: Method Description Primary Research Directly collects data through surveys or interviews. Secondary Research Utilizes existing reports and publications. Competitor Analysis Examines rivals’ products, pricing, and marketing. Trend Analysis Identifies shifts in industry and consumer behavior. Continuously revisiting your research is vital, as consumer preferences and market conditions change swiftly, impacting your business decisions. Stay informed to adapt your strategies effectively. Creating a Business Plan Creating a business plan is a fundamental step in your expedition toward self-employment, as it acts as a roadmap for your business’s future. A solid business plan outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections, guiding your operations and helping attract potential investors. Key components include an executive summary, market analysis, marketing strategy, organizational structure, and detailed financial projections. Conduct thorough market research to identify target customers, analyze competitors, and understand industry trends, guaranteeing you make informed decisions. Your financial projections should encompass startup costs, revenue forecasts, and break-even analysis, which are imperative for evaluating your business’s viability and securing funding. Finally, remember to regularly review and update your business plan. Doing so allows you to adapt to changing market conditions and guarantees that your strategies remain aligned with your evolving goals. A well-crafted business plan is critical for your expedition to successful self-employment. Choosing a Business Structure Selecting the right business structure is vital as it greatly impacts your liability, tax obligations, and fundraising potential. You have several options: sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and S-corporations. A sole proprietorship is the simplest and least expensive to establish, giving you complete control, but it offers no personal liability protection. An LLC provides personal liability protection while maintaining flexible management and tax options, making it a popular choice for many self-employed individuals. If you opt for an S-corporation, you’ll gain limited liability and potential tax advantages, since owners can avoid self-employment taxes on part of their income. Nevertheless, S-corporations come with more regulations and paperwork. Each structure has distinct implications for taxes, liability, and compliance, so evaluate your specific business needs carefully. Consulting with legal or financial advisors is vital before making your decision to guarantee you choose the best structure for your situation. Registering Your Business When you’re ready to register your business, start by choosing a unique name and registering it with your state to protect your brand identity. You’ll likewise need to select a suitable business structure, like an LLC or Sole Proprietorship, which will influence your taxes and legal obligations. Don’t forget to gather any necessary licenses or permits specific to your industry to guarantee you’re compliant with local regulations. Choosing Business Structure Choosing the right business structure is vital, as it impacts your tax obligations, personal liability, and the level of paperwork you’ll need to manage. Common options include sole proprietorships, LLCs, and S-corporations. An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is popular due to its provision of personal liability protection for your assets during flexible taxation options. You should likewise consider the tax implications of each structure, as some allow for pass-through taxation, which can be beneficial. Furthermore, depending on your state, you might need specific licenses or permits related to your business activities. Carefully evaluating each structure will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and protects your interests. Registering Business Name How can you guarantee your business name effectively represents your brand during compliance with legal requirements? First, choose a memorable name that reflects your identity. Next, check its availability to avoid duplication and legal issues. Once you’ve selected a name, register it with your state government, providing legal protection and establishing your brand. Depending on your business structure, such as an LLC or sole proprietorship, additional registration requirements may arise. It’s also essential to understand the tax implications related to your chosen name and structure. Step Action Required Choose a Name Confirm it reflects your brand Check Availability Verify it’s not already taken Register Business File necessary paperwork Setting Up a Business Bank Account Setting up a business bank account is a significant step for anyone looking to become self-employed. This account helps you maintain clear financial boundaries between your personal and business expenses, which is critical for accurate bookkeeping and tax reporting. Many banks offer business checking accounts customized to your needs, often featuring lower fees and online banking. You’ll need fundamental documentation, like your business license and tax ID number. A business account improves your professional image, making clients more comfortable paying a business entity. Regularly reconciling your business bank statements helps identify discrepancies and guarantees accurate financial management. Marketing Your Business Effective marketing is crucial for any self-employed individual aiming to attract clients and grow their business. Start by developing a thorough marketing strategy that includes both online and offline tactics. Utilize social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to improve your visibility; studies show that 73% of marketers find these efforts effective. Create a professional website showcasing your services, testimonials, and contact information, as 75% of consumers base their trust on website design. Blogging about industry-related topics can improve your website’s SEO, driving organic traffic and establishing authority, since businesses that blog receive 97% more links. Furthermore, network with local businesses and join community groups; 85% of small businesses rely on word-of-mouth marketing to attract new customers. Managing Finances and Taxes Managing your finances and taxes as a self-employed individual is essential for maintaining a successful business. To effectively manage your finances, consider the following key practices: Keep organized records of invoices, expenses, and income to assess your financial situation accurately. Pay quarterly estimated taxes to avoid penalties, since income taxes aren’t automatically deducted. Understand tax deductions and credits available, like home office expenses, which can greatly lower your taxable income. Additionally, maintaining separate business and personal bank accounts simplifies tracking expenses and is important for tax reporting. Familiarize yourself with self-employment taxes, including Social Security and Medicare contributions, as you’re responsible for both portions. By staying organized and informed, you’ll navigate your financial obligations more effectively, ensuring your business remains compliant and profitable. Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Go Self-Employed for the First Time? To go self-employed for the first time, start by identifying your skills and passions, which will help you create a viable business idea. Next, research the market and competitors to assess demand and feasibility. Develop a business plan outlining your goals and strategies, then register your business name and choose a structure, like an LLC or sole proprietorship. Finally, open a separate business bank account and obtain any necessary licenses or permits. What Is the 50 30 20 Rule for Self-Employed People? The 50/30/20 rule is a budgeting method that can guide your finances effectively. You allocate 50% of your income to needs like housing and business expenses, 30% to wants such as entertainment, and 20% to savings and debt repayment. For self-employed individuals, this approach guarantees you set aside enough for taxes and maintain financial balance, especially during income fluctuations. Following this framework helps you manage your budget systematically and prepares you for unexpected expenses. What Are the Requirements to Be Considered Self-Employed? To be considered self-employed, you must operate a business or freelance, earning income directly from your efforts. You’ll need to obtain a federal business tax ID number and possibly register your business name with your state. Choosing a business structure, like a sole proprietorship or LLC, is crucial, as it affects your taxes and liability. Furthermore, you’re responsible for managing your own taxes and ensuring you comply with relevant laws and regulations. What Are Common Tax Mistakes for Self-Employed? Common tax mistakes for self-employed individuals include failing to maintain accurate records of income and expenses, which can result in missed deductions. Underestimating quarterly tax payments often leads to penalties, whereas not comprehending the tax implications of different business structures can increase liability. Many overlook eligible deductions, like home office expenses and mileage, which can lower taxable income. Furthermore, neglecting self-employment taxes may create unexpected financial burdens during tax season. Conclusion In summary, becoming self-employed requires careful planning and execution. Start by identifying your skills and passions, then conduct market research to validate your business idea. Create a solid business plan, choose the right structure, and register your business. Don’t forget to open a dedicated business bank account and implement effective marketing strategies. Finally, manage your finances diligently, comprehending tax obligations to guarantee long-term success. By following these steps, you can navigate the shift to self-employment effectively. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "How to Become Self Employed: A Step-by-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re considering self-employment, it’s vital to start with a clear comprehension of your skills and passions. This path involves several key steps, from defining your business idea to conducting thorough market research. You’ll need to create a solid business plan and choose the right structure for your venture. As you move forward, managing finances and taxes will likewise be critical. Let’s explore each of these steps in detail to guarantee you’re well-prepared for success. Key Takeaways Identify your skills and passions to define a viable business idea that meets market demand. Conduct thorough market research to understand your target audience, competitors, and industry trends. Create a comprehensive business plan outlining your goals, financial projections, and marketing strategies. Choose a suitable business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC) that aligns with your needs and legal requirements. Manage finances effectively by separating personal and business accounts, tracking expenses, and understanding tax obligations. Understanding Self-Employment Comprehending self-employment means recognizing the various ways individuals can earn an income outside traditional employment. The self-employed meaning encompasses a broad range of activities, including owning a business, freelancing, or contracting. The definition of self-employment highlights that you’re responsible for your own work schedule and operations, allowing for greater control over your professional life. If you’re reflecting on how to become self-employed, think about the different forms of self-employment available, such as tutoring or artistic professions. Meanwhile, the benefits include flexibility in work hours and the potential for higher income; there are drawbacks to contemplate. Self-employed individuals must handle their own taxes, which means making quarterly estimated payments. Furthermore, you’ll need to provide your own benefits and may face income uncertainty. Weighing these factors can help you decide if self-employment aligns with your career goals and lifestyle preferences. Steps to Define Your Business Idea To define your business idea, start by identifying your passion and skills, as these will be the foundation of your venture. Next, research market demand to guarantee there’s a viable audience for your concept, which includes analyzing competitors and comprehending customer needs. Finally, define your unique value proposition to differentiate your business and effectively attract your target market. Identify Your Passion Identifying your passion is crucial when defining a business idea, as it lays the foundation for a fulfilling self-employment expedition. Reflect on your interests and strengths; activities you enjoy can lead to a more sustainable self-employed job. Analyze your unique skills and experiences to stand out from competitors. Consider the feasibility of your idea by evaluating startup costs and potential earnings. Testing your concept through freelancing or part-time projects helps refine your business idea before fully committing. Passion Area Business Idea Creativity Graphic Design Technology App Development Health Personal Training Writing Content Creation Education Tutoring Services This approach clarifies what self-employed means for you and how to self-employed effectively. Research Market Demand Comprehending market demand is a crucial step in defining your business idea after you’ve pinpointed your passion. Start by conducting surveys or interviews with potential customers to gather insights into their needs and preferences. Analyze industry trends and reports from sources like IBISWorld or Statista to identify growth areas your business could target. Utilize tools like Google Trends to gauge interest in your product or service, validating your concept. Research competitors in your niche, examining their offerings and pricing strategies, and gather feedback to understand what works in the marketplace. Furthermore, join relevant online forums or local business groups to engage with potential customers and industry experts, collecting firsthand information about demand and expectations. Don’t forget to reflect on how this impacts your tax form for self employed. Define Unique Value Proposition A unique value proposition (UVP) serves as the cornerstone of your business identity, clearly explaining what differentiates you from competitors and why customers should choose your offerings. To define your UVP, start by identifying the specific benefits your products or services provide. Consider how they address the needs or pain points of your target audience. Conduct a competitor analysis to understand how similar businesses position themselves, which will help you pinpoint gaps that your business can fill. Gather feedback from potential customers through surveys or focus groups to validate your UVP and ascertain it resonates with your market. Once established, consistently communicate your UVP across all marketing channels to strengthen brand recognition and attract your ideal clients. Conducting Market Research During immersion into self-employment, conducting thorough market research is vital for your success. This process involves gathering information about target customers, competitors, and industry trends to spot opportunities and challenges. You can use methods like surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gain insights into customer preferences and behaviors. Here’s a quick overview of key research methods: Method Description Primary Research Directly collects data through surveys or interviews. Secondary Research Utilizes existing reports and publications. Competitor Analysis Examines rivals’ products, pricing, and marketing. Trend Analysis Identifies shifts in industry and consumer behavior. Continuously revisiting your research is vital, as consumer preferences and market conditions change swiftly, impacting your business decisions. Stay informed to adapt your strategies effectively. Creating a Business Plan Creating a business plan is a fundamental step in your expedition toward self-employment, as it acts as a roadmap for your business’s future. A solid business plan outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections, guiding your operations and helping attract potential investors. Key components include an executive summary, market analysis, marketing strategy, organizational structure, and detailed financial projections. Conduct thorough market research to identify target customers, analyze competitors, and understand industry trends, guaranteeing you make informed decisions. Your financial projections should encompass startup costs, revenue forecasts, and break-even analysis, which are imperative for evaluating your business’s viability and securing funding. Finally, remember to regularly review and update your business plan. Doing so allows you to adapt to changing market conditions and guarantees that your strategies remain aligned with your evolving goals. A well-crafted business plan is critical for your expedition to successful self-employment. Choosing a Business Structure Selecting the right business structure is vital as it greatly impacts your liability, tax obligations, and fundraising potential. You have several options: sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and S-corporations. A sole proprietorship is the simplest and least expensive to establish, giving you complete control, but it offers no personal liability protection. An LLC provides personal liability protection while maintaining flexible management and tax options, making it a popular choice for many self-employed individuals. If you opt for an S-corporation, you’ll gain limited liability and potential tax advantages, since owners can avoid self-employment taxes on part of their income. Nevertheless, S-corporations come with more regulations and paperwork. Each structure has distinct implications for taxes, liability, and compliance, so evaluate your specific business needs carefully. Consulting with legal or financial advisors is vital before making your decision to guarantee you choose the best structure for your situation. Registering Your Business When you’re ready to register your business, start by choosing a unique name and registering it with your state to protect your brand identity. You’ll likewise need to select a suitable business structure, like an LLC or Sole Proprietorship, which will influence your taxes and legal obligations. Don’t forget to gather any necessary licenses or permits specific to your industry to guarantee you’re compliant with local regulations. Choosing Business Structure Choosing the right business structure is vital, as it impacts your tax obligations, personal liability, and the level of paperwork you’ll need to manage. Common options include sole proprietorships, LLCs, and S-corporations. An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is popular due to its provision of personal liability protection for your assets during flexible taxation options. You should likewise consider the tax implications of each structure, as some allow for pass-through taxation, which can be beneficial. Furthermore, depending on your state, you might need specific licenses or permits related to your business activities. Carefully evaluating each structure will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and protects your interests. Registering Business Name How can you guarantee your business name effectively represents your brand during compliance with legal requirements? First, choose a memorable name that reflects your identity. Next, check its availability to avoid duplication and legal issues. Once you’ve selected a name, register it with your state government, providing legal protection and establishing your brand. Depending on your business structure, such as an LLC or sole proprietorship, additional registration requirements may arise. It’s also essential to understand the tax implications related to your chosen name and structure. Step Action Required Choose a Name Confirm it reflects your brand Check Availability Verify it’s not already taken Register Business File necessary paperwork Setting Up a Business Bank Account Setting up a business bank account is a significant step for anyone looking to become self-employed. This account helps you maintain clear financial boundaries between your personal and business expenses, which is critical for accurate bookkeeping and tax reporting. Many banks offer business checking accounts customized to your needs, often featuring lower fees and online banking. You’ll need fundamental documentation, like your business license and tax ID number. A business account improves your professional image, making clients more comfortable paying a business entity. Regularly reconciling your business bank statements helps identify discrepancies and guarantees accurate financial management. Marketing Your Business Effective marketing is crucial for any self-employed individual aiming to attract clients and grow their business. Start by developing a thorough marketing strategy that includes both online and offline tactics. Utilize social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to improve your visibility; studies show that 73% of marketers find these efforts effective. Create a professional website showcasing your services, testimonials, and contact information, as 75% of consumers base their trust on website design. Blogging about industry-related topics can improve your website’s SEO, driving organic traffic and establishing authority, since businesses that blog receive 97% more links. Furthermore, network with local businesses and join community groups; 85% of small businesses rely on word-of-mouth marketing to attract new customers. Managing Finances and Taxes Managing your finances and taxes as a self-employed individual is essential for maintaining a successful business. To effectively manage your finances, consider the following key practices: Keep organized records of invoices, expenses, and income to assess your financial situation accurately. Pay quarterly estimated taxes to avoid penalties, since income taxes aren’t automatically deducted. Understand tax deductions and credits available, like home office expenses, which can greatly lower your taxable income. Additionally, maintaining separate business and personal bank accounts simplifies tracking expenses and is important for tax reporting. Familiarize yourself with self-employment taxes, including Social Security and Medicare contributions, as you’re responsible for both portions. By staying organized and informed, you’ll navigate your financial obligations more effectively, ensuring your business remains compliant and profitable. Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Go Self-Employed for the First Time? To go self-employed for the first time, start by identifying your skills and passions, which will help you create a viable business idea. Next, research the market and competitors to assess demand and feasibility. Develop a business plan outlining your goals and strategies, then register your business name and choose a structure, like an LLC or sole proprietorship. Finally, open a separate business bank account and obtain any necessary licenses or permits. What Is the 50 30 20 Rule for Self-Employed People? The 50/30/20 rule is a budgeting method that can guide your finances effectively. You allocate 50% of your income to needs like housing and business expenses, 30% to wants such as entertainment, and 20% to savings and debt repayment. For self-employed individuals, this approach guarantees you set aside enough for taxes and maintain financial balance, especially during income fluctuations. Following this framework helps you manage your budget systematically and prepares you for unexpected expenses. What Are the Requirements to Be Considered Self-Employed? To be considered self-employed, you must operate a business or freelance, earning income directly from your efforts. You’ll need to obtain a federal business tax ID number and possibly register your business name with your state. Choosing a business structure, like a sole proprietorship or LLC, is crucial, as it affects your taxes and liability. Furthermore, you’re responsible for managing your own taxes and ensuring you comply with relevant laws and regulations. What Are Common Tax Mistakes for Self-Employed? Common tax mistakes for self-employed individuals include failing to maintain accurate records of income and expenses, which can result in missed deductions. Underestimating quarterly tax payments often leads to penalties, whereas not comprehending the tax implications of different business structures can increase liability. Many overlook eligible deductions, like home office expenses and mileage, which can lower taxable income. Furthermore, neglecting self-employment taxes may create unexpected financial burdens during tax season. Conclusion In summary, becoming self-employed requires careful planning and execution. Start by identifying your skills and passions, then conduct market research to validate your business idea. Create a solid business plan, choose the right structure, and register your business. Don’t forget to open a dedicated business bank account and implement effective marketing strategies. Finally, manage your finances diligently, comprehending tax obligations to guarantee long-term success. By following these steps, you can navigate the shift to self-employment effectively. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "How to Become Self Employed: A Step-by-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

From the outside, ambitious professionals look confident and in control. Promotions, leadership roles, packed calendars—they all signal someone who has it figured out. But many high achievers are quietly struggling with something else: they’ve stopped trusting their own instincts. Ambition trains you to listen outward. Performance reviews, promotions, praise, and metrics reward the ability to meet external expectations. Over time, that habit can drown out the internal signals that tell you when something feels aligned and when it does not. Rebuilding self-trust rarely happens in a single breakthrough moment. It happens gradually as you start recognizing the patterns that disconnect you from your own judgment—and begin changing how you respond to them. In my experience, four patterns show up repeatedly for ambitious people. Shifting them can fundamentally change how you make decisions and how your life feels. 1. Stop thinking you have to carry everything Early in my career I believed the way to succeed was simple: outwork everyone around me. I didn’t need to be the smartest person in the room, just the one willing to grind the hardest. That mindset helped me advance quickly. But it also turned me into someone who said yes to everything—answering calls and texts at all hours, taking on extra work without hesitation, managing career and household and young kids without ever asking for help. I was feeling stretched then, and when I paused to examine why, I realized the issue was not just the workload. It was that I had never learned to set boundaries or share the load. I started with a time and energy audit—going through the relationships, commitments, and routines filling my week and noting which left me energized and which consistently depleted me. What I found was uncomfortable: I was giving enormous time and attention to people and obligations out of duty, not because they reflected my actual priorities. This led to me establishing some real boundaries and asking for help in ways I never had before. But, more importantly, it gave me a new approach to handling asks for my time: The question I use now isn’t “Can I handle this?” It’s “What will this cost me?” This helps me override the “should” signals that my ambitious brain sends me, and ensures my decisions are aligned with what I really want. 2. Define your own version of success For a long time, I thought success meant what a lot of ambitious people chase: higher income, impressive titles, a lifestyle that looked like achievement. That definition was everywhere—baked into workplace culture, all over social media, embedded in how the people around me talked about their careers. When some serious health issues hit, and I became a mother, I was forced to actually stop and reassess. I realized that no career milestone would matter much if my health fell apart or my relationships suffered in the meantime. I’d been pursuing a version of success that was widely celebrated but not really aligned with the life I wanted. To reset, I created a simple personal scorecard. Instead of measuring success through one metric like income or career status, I began evaluating my life across several areas: health, hobbies, spirituality, friendships, love, finances, and mission. Every few months I review each and ask: Is this thriving, holding steady, or being neglected? This practice keeps me grounded in the fact that my life is bigger than my career output, and has helped me trust that my values of freedom, relationships, and well-being deserve an equal share of my attention. 3. Break the achievement treadmill Ambitious people are excellent at setting goals and reaching them. The challenge is that many rarely pause long enough to feel satisfied once they arrive. I noticed this pattern during a major milestone in my own life. When I graduated with my master’s degree, I walked across the stage, received my diploma, and almost immediately thought: That’s it? Of course I was proud. I had completed the program while working full-time and raising a baby. But within minutes, my mind had already shifted to the next goal on my mental checklist. The problem with this cycle is that it gradually disconnects you from the meaning behind your work. When every milestone becomes a stepping stone to the next one, you rarely pause to ask whether the direction still feels right. Solving this didn’t mean I needed to abandon my ambitious goals. Instead I started building in small ways to stay present during the process. For example, each morning I take a moment to name one to three things I feel grateful for or excited about that day. In less than a minute, this shifts my attention from what’s next to what’s already here. I also started acknowledging progress along the way rather than saving recognition for the finish line, such as by taking myself out for ice cream after hitting a work milestone or booking a spa appointment after pushing through a demanding weekend before a major project launch. The journey should be part of your success—the lessons learned, the relationships built, and the person you become along the way. Paying attention to those elements reconnects you with why you started in the first place. 4. Let go of the illusion of control One of the harder things ambitious people have to learn is how much simply cannot be controlled. For years, my way of managing uncertainty was to think ten steps ahead. I’d analyze every possible outcome, anticipate every risk, try to account for everything before making a move. That strategy felt responsible. In reality it often created more anxiety than clarity. I learned this lesson most clearly when my business partner and I had to make one of the hardest decisions we have faced so far, letting go half our team so we could rebuild the systems needed for the next phase of growth. We spent months trying every adjustment we could before accepting that we needed to rebuild from the ground up. I made pros and cons lists, wrote scripts for the termination meetings, and mapped out transition plans in an effort to control the process. Some of that preparation helped, but it also showed me how little can actually be managed in advance. During one of the meetings, a team member told us he had already accepted another opportunity and had not known how to bring it up, which made me realize how much time and energy we had spent delaying a decision that, in some ways, was already making itself. Preparation and effort matter, but they are not the same as control. Learning to trust yourself means making thoughtful decisions even when you cannot predict every outcome. It means focusing on the next step instead of trying to solve the next ten. The shift that helped me most was treating decisions like experiments. Rather than waiting for certainty that never quite arrives, I gather what information I can, make a choice, and trust that I can adjust if things change. Over time, that changes your relationship with uncertainty. You stop trying to manage every variable and start trusting your ability to navigate whatever comes next. Relearning how to listen inward Trusting yourself is not a personality trait some people are born with and others lack. It is a skill anyone can develop over time. Ambition often teaches people to listen outward first. External expectations become louder than internal signals. Ambition often teaches you to listen outward first—external expectations get louder than internal signals. But when you start setting real boundaries, defining success on your own terms, noticing progress as it happens, and loosening your grip on outcomes, something subtle shifts. You begin listening inward again. And once that internal voice becomes clearer, trusting where it leads becomes much easier. View the full article

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YOU can have an amazing business plan and strategy, but if there are issues with recruiting and keeping your people, your strategy will fail. Finding the right people and incorporating essential elements so that they will stay, are key to managing your organization’s greatest asset — your people. It starts with hiring for fit. Let’s say, hypothetically, that you could have two companies in the same industry in adjacent buildings. They may have very similar business models and customer bases; however, the two owners have very different values and personal philosophies — which lead to very different cultures and, therefore, very different strategies and plans. The target candidates for each company will be very different given the values and cultural differences. The way candidates are sourced, hired, trained, deployed, engaged, and evaluated might be very different. I know of two competing companies in which one has a strict uniform policy, and the other doesn’t. Can you see how that would affect everything? Looking back at my career, I can remember working for companies where I didn’t fit in. I can also recall places where I felt fully engaged. From a talent management perspective, it’s necessary to clearly define — and relay as early in the recruiting process as possible — what it means to “fit in” with your company. Strategies and plans can then be formulated to increase the company’s chances of attracting and hiring the candidates that fit that definition. Some organizations think that fitting in somehow happens by chance. Nothing could be further from the truth. When you successfully define the criteria and apply it in the selection process, employee retention will go up. As a result, all the associated time, effort, and costs of employee turnover will evaporate. This is how you begin to build your amazing culture based on sincerity and integrity. One way to define the culture fit for your organization is to ask employees their top three reasons why they work here. In one organization where we asked the question of the employees, one word, “community,” came up in every response even though they hadn’t discussed the assignment with each other. We then crafted an employer brand with the word “community” as the centerpiece. From the top to the bottom of the organization, everyone agreed that the employer brand was them. From that point forward, candidates could review the employer brand and know whether they’d fit in. If not, they knew not to bother applying. Aligning the 7 Elements for Success From my years of experience, I’ve identified seven elements associated with exceptional talent management: plan, attract, invest, deploy, engage, reward, and retain. Each of the seven elements must have a strategy that fits with the other six to provide the needed talent results. Too many organizations try to implement strategies for each element as if they were silos and essentially end up canceling each other out. Whenever conflicts exist among the seven elements, you won’t get the overall talent results you want and need. As you examine the seven elements, think about how each connects to the others. 1. Plan: This involves creating tactical plans that define what skills are needed, when, where, and their associated cost. This is a huge area of opportunity in most companies. Many organizations trade planning for fighting fires. Don’t overcomplicate it —keep it simple. 2. Attract: What avenues or sources will you use to attract talent? I’ve found that many companies have no idea about the variety of avenues available. They don’t understand or use their employer brand, or know how to recognize their target candidates when they walk in the door. 3. Deploy: Onboard employees in the organization, establishing employee connections and maximizing the opportunity for success. It’s critical that organizations do this on a consistent basis over time and across departments. 4. Engage: Define the norms, principles, and behaviors that your company embodies and reinforce them within the organization. 5. Invest: Analyze new skills and competencies you must develop in your people and know how they’ll be delivered. Your greatest asset is made even greater when you invest in them. Knowing what needs to be taught and the best way to do so provides personal and professional development — a key component in reducing turnover. 6. Reward: Establish how you will measure and reward success, alongside identifying future leaders. This, when combined with the earlier elements, enables your organization to realize infinite advantages. 7. Retain: Finally, agree on the strategies and processes used to retain employees who perform at the desired level. This element is the final scorecard of the other six elements. The more you can get each element to work well and work together with the other elements, the more your employee turnover rate and associated costs will nosedive. Together, the seven elements provide the formula for effectively managing your greatest asset — your people. And the end result: your people are as invested as you in building your business. * * * Clark A. Ingram is the Founder and President of People Profits, LLC, which focuses on the three greatest human capital problems affecting organizations: employee turnover, chronically open positions, and skills gap. He consults with a spectrum of companies and has consistently reduced turnover by more than 40 percent in the first year and achieved staffing at more than 90 percent. His new book is Churn: Proven Strategies to Overcome Failing Conventional Talent Management and Achieve Zero Turnover. Learn more at peopleprofits.com. * * * Follow us on Instagram and X for additional leadership and personal development ideas. * * * View the full article

It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My manager has been freezing me out since I talked to HR about her Last May, I finished my masters and in September landed a job in my field and specialty. The first few months were great with my boss, Claire. She was super nice, let me know everything that was going on in the department, I got along with my other coworker in my department, and I finally felt like I had found my job and people. I even told Claire I had a disability that I put on my application. She was very understanding and supportive. Then in January, things changed. Claire accused me of trying to do her job anytime I suggested something and said I needed to stick to the things I was hired to do and to stop acting like the smartest person in the room. I was pulled into HR about this time and was told Claire made an off-hand comment about my disability and I needed to fill out official paperwork so I would be legally protected. The final straw when Claire yelled at me for making a judgment call when another department needed something from us and I was the only one in our department there, and then asked what my problem was while giving a textbook description of my disability. I went to our department head, John, and told him everything. He told me he’d talk to her and that I should go to HR. I went to HR and everything led to a hostile work environment investigation. I did not want that. The conclusion was there was no hostile work environment and my boss and I have different communication skills. However, during it, it was discovered I had made my coworker, Maddie, feel uncomfortable. No one was written up and nothing was done. Claire, John, and I were each given a different HR class to take. I had to take one about bullying in the workplace. My boss had to take one about the Americans with Disabilities Act. Since this happened, Claire has given me the silent treatment. 95% of our communication is through email. I am no longer privy to all the happenings of our department. I find out things by accident, when I walk in on her and Maddie talking. Claire goes out of her way to be passive-aggressive and petty to me in the emails. My cubicle is right across from her office and she used to always keep her door open, but now she keeps it closed most of the time. She didn’t wish me happy birthday on my birthday, when several people in other departments brought me gifts and cards. However, Maddie’s birthday was a week later and she came in with a card for her. John gives me good feedback, as do the other departments I work with. Is there anything I can do? I’m not exactly ready to run back to HR since this is how we got here. I didn’t expect Claire’s and my relationship to be the same. I just didn’t expect this. Jobs in my field are rare. HR probably did have a legal responsibility to investigate after you reported Claire’s comments; once they’re aware of something like that, they’re legally obligated to take action, even if that’s not what you wanted. But Claire is retaliating against you for talking to HR and for the subsequent investigation, and that’s illegal. Federal law makes it very clear that it’s illegal to retaliate against an employee for making a good-faith complaint of discrimination, even if the complaint were eventually found to be baseless. I know you don’t want to go back to HR, but if you want the situation to change, that’s really the only option. You’d go back to them and explain that Claire’s behavior toward you has noticeably changed since the investigation, that you’re concerned she’s retaliating against you for making a good-faith report, and that you’re formally requesting the company’s assistance in shutting down the retaliation. If you don’t trust HR to handle this competently and think it will make things worse, this may not make sense to do — but it’s really the only form of recourse available, or possibly a similar conversation with John. (I am curious about what happened between you and Maddie that led them to send you to an anti-bullying training and whether you think there was any merit to that. The answer wouldn’t change the steps that are available now, but if there were legitimate concerns about your behavior toward Maddie, that probably puts you in a less sympathetic position, although HR would have the same obligations regardless. It would make it messier, though.) 2. We’re written up for being one minute late I have worked for manufacturing companies for over 20 years, all in the office and a few of those years as mid-level management. I have a college degree, further education, and am salary. My current employer just implemented writing office staff up for being late. This is not a situation of being 10, 15, or 30 minutes late, nor of chronically being late. This is, “You were one minute late today.” Performance doesn’t matter, staying late or otherwise being early or on time doesn’t matter. Bad weather is not an excuse. Really, no excuse is allowed. And you can be terminated for a few instances in a year. None of these roles see clients in-person or are call center type jobs. Of all the companies I have worked for, this is the second one to implement this. I left the first in part because of it and will be leaving this one. It seems bananapants to me. Is this typical for what others see in this type of company? I get that is exists for then product floor but for salaried office staff? No, this is not typical and yes, it is bananapants. There are jobs where you really do need to be at your desk and ready to work by a specific starting time because you need to answer client calls, etc., and that can be true regardless of whether you have a degree, are salaried, and so forth. But that is not most jobs, and “writing people up” (a fairly ridiculous concept in itself) for being a minute later, regardless of context, is absurd and infantilizing. Related: ridiculously rigid attendance policy 3. My company can’t move past my conduct five years ago I have been with my construction company for 14 years, during which time I have significantly expanded my skill set and reached a senior level with a strong salary. However, my history here is complicated. Five years ago, while struggling with severe alcoholism, I had a significant professional lapse that resulted in my employer giving me an ultimatum: I had to complete rehabilitation and maintain sobriety to remain employed. I have now been sober for five years and have consistently performed as an exemplary employee. While my manager has forgiven me, it is clear that the family who owns the business has not. Despite my contributions, I am consistently passed over for public recognition and achievements, and the environment feels increasingly hostile. I am weighing whether it is better to stay and maintain my current status and salary or if it is time to cut my losses and move to a company where I can have a fresh start. I can sense that they can barely stand the sight of me; I feel like the ultimate pariah and it is very uncomfortable. I would appreciate any guidance you could offer on whether I should stay or begin looking for new opportunities. Yes, start looking! Without question. For whatever reason, they can’t get past what happened, and you’re better off going somewhere else where you can start fresh. Sometimes that happens! When people get used to seeing you a certain way, sometimes it can be really hard for them to see you differently, no matter how much you demonstrate that you’re no longer that same person. Sometimes that’s a failing on their side. Sometimes it’s because the earlier breach of trust can just never really be repaired, even when everyone hopes to. Either way, you’re better making a clean start with a company that doesn’t have that history with you. 4. Employer wants us to report all outside work, not just conflicts of interest My company likes to say they are not trying to be “Big Brother” but seem to enact policies that probe much beyond what other companies in the same industry ever do. I am very used to anti-moonlighting policies and those make sense: don’t do what we pay you to do for other people. Well, my company has a policy we’ve somewhat gotten around but they have recently been changes that makes it a bit harder. They want to know all outside work, including your hat-knitting business, working for a family business, unpaid time you may volunteer for anything that may constitute a business, how many hours per week, etc. Everyone must submit a form with “nothing to report” or report anything else and attest that they’ve covered all scenarios. My work is in technical compliance, and I would never moonlight without explicit transparency for a number of reasons. I have a part-time side hustle in a creative realm completely unrelated to this work. There is zero overlap, and I do the side work under an alias. You could never google my name and find my side project. My boss knows the general nature of the side work, and has been fine with me not reporting it. Many of us feel this policy is reaching too far into our personal lives and demanding information that doesn’t impact our jobs or our time at work. How should we handle this? Our company is shifting more and more toward Big Brother tracking and monitoring and it may be a mass exodus around here… Most likely, they’re requesting it because they’re concerned that if they leave it up to each individual employee to decide what’s relevant, someone may make the wrong call and not report something that’s actually a potential conflict of interest. They’ve decided it’s safer to ask you to report it all so that they can decide if it’s a conflict or not. Depending on the type of work you do for your company, that’s not necessarily outrageous; there are jobs where that would make sense. If you think it doesn’t make sense for your line of work, you and a group of coworkers can certainly try pushing back, explaining why you think it’s unnecessary — but all it takes to cause this kind of policy change is them having one person who decided something wasn’t relevant to report when it actually was. They may be overreaching in other areas, but this one probably isn’t worth the capital to try to fight. Related: interview with a conflict of interest professional 5. Companies promoting their businesses in comments on my LinkedIn posts I post regularly on LinkedIn and have a good following in my industry. This past week, a company liked my post and added a comment, which was a promotion for their business. I’m considering deleting it because I don’t want my posts/profile used to promote other businesses. On the other hand, it reflects on them and maybe it seems quite dramatic to delete it. What are your views? Delete it without hesitation. It’s spam! There’s nothing dramatic about deleting spam. The post manager is freezing me out, written up for being one minute late, and more appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

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Nobody is better than Donald The President at changing the subject. Much like the weather in New England, if you don’t like what people are saying about The President now, just wait five minutes. Sure enough, he moved on from calling Pope Leo XIV “weak on crime” and digitally turning into Jesus over the weekend by reaching back to that time he (rather successfully) cosplayed as a McDonald’s worker. In a fresh PR stunt designed to make him look somewhat normal while celebrating flagship policy, the president had McDonalds “delivered” to the White House by a DoorDasher. Unfortunately for The President, changing the subject from his spat straight out of the Middle Ages might be the only thing this latest stunt accomplished. Instead of getting people talking about his “No Tax on Tips” policy, though, it got people talking about how the stunt was a flop. In other words, it went about as well as anything else The President has done lately. Straining credulity As a tee-up for Tax Week, the White House arranged for a DoorDasher to participate in the fantasy that the Secret Service routinely allows random people to hand-deliver lunch to the president. The driver, Sharon Simmons, was meant to express her gratitude to The President on behalf of all service workers, as cameras snapped pics of the president being folksy. It did not exactly go as planned. The first thing that went wrong was that the staginess itself took center stage. Upon opening the exterior door and seeing a scrum of cameras, The President joked, “This doesn’t look staged, does it?” Further highlighting the aura of unreality, he seemed to have an entire dossier about the woman committed to memory. “So, the reason for this is the fact that I heard you picked up an extra $11,000 because the tax bill was so big,” he prompted, citing a statistically improbable amount of savings that Simmons herself would later refute. The stilted conversation that followed centered around the various personal and financial hardships she has recently endured, which the extra cash helped ameliorate. The President couldn’t resist turning the conversation political, however, awkwardly coaxing from Simmons the fact that she voted for him, and soliciting her opinion about trans women in sports. (“I really don’t have an opinion on that,” Simmons replied.) The stunt only went from mild failure to fiasco, though, as observers began dissecting it online. Backfiring spectacularly Aside from the uncanny staged nature of the event, several eagle-eyed social media users quickly seized on Simmons’s familiar look. It turned out they had seen the Arkansas resident star in a reel shared by Rep. Jason Smith on Facebook recently, and during a Ways and Means Committee field hearing in Las Vegas last July. In both instances, Simmons had gushed about the ways The President’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act would greatly benefit people such as herself. 🇺🇸 During the @WaysandMeansGOP field hearing in Nevada, I had the privilege of hearing from Sharon Simmons about how the One Big Beautiful Bill will make a real difference in her life. As a mother and caregiver, she shared how this tax relief will help her and her family. Her… pic.twitter.com/3nkdGBT3u4 — Rep. David Kustoff (@RepDavidKustoff) July 28, 2025 It’s one thing for a The President PR stunt to come off as stage-managed and forced; it’s another for it to feature an apparent professional MAGA plant. Not only does her inclusion call into question just how many plants might be deployed in other capacities to help advance The President’s agenda, but it also makes The President’s previous accusations of inorganic protest against him look like mere projection. Making matters worse, the head of public affairs at DoorDash quickly began spiraling when he attempted to tamp down the backlash to the event. In a series of now-deleted tweets, Julian Crowley disputed on X that there was anything fishy about a woman from Arkansas appearing in a pro-The President capacity at events in Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas a year apart. (“You need to touch grass,” he wrote at the end of one tweet explaining how this everyday American obviously lived in Nevada last year, before moving to Arkansas more recently.) Crowley’s crash-out soon became a story unto itself, beyond underlining the failure of The President’s stunt. Adding fuel to the fire, so to speak, the stunt drew further glaring attention to fast-rising fuel costs since the war in Iran began. The high cost of gas has been a major issue for delivery drivers over the past six weeks, complicating the White House’s intended economic messaging. Sure, The President may have tipped Simmons $100, but if he really wanted to do something for drivers, he might have increased the IRS mileage deduction rate, as DoorDashers are begging for and as Sen. Ruben Gallego has been agitating for throughout the war. Diminishing returns As a former reality TV star, The President often seems to think in reality TV terms. His publicity stunts tend to have a theatrical quality, but they are also episodic in nature—”This week, on a very special The President, our hero hosts a Tesla infomercial on the White House lawn.” The platonic ideal of a The President stunt is probably his McDonald’s visit in late 2024. It began as glib commentary about then-opponent Kamala Harris’s claim of working at Mickey D’s in her teens, but it bloomed into something way more effective. Like all his most successful publicity stunts, that one dominated media attention, shored up his base, infuriated his detractors, shifted social media conversation, and launched countless memes. He even got new merch out of it. Monday’s doomed DoorDash stunt, though, only shows how far The President has fallen in the 18 months or so since the 2024 election. The disastrous PR stunt came amid multiple personnel shake-ups in his Cabinet, a public souring on his immigration approach after the chaos in Minneapolis, bipartisan calls for the 25th amendment due to his erratic nuclear threats against Iran, not to mention the perpetually lingering Epstein files, which are always a slow news day away from returning to the forefront of discourse. The President’s popularity is now in free fall, and the failed DoorDash extravaganza is just the latest example. It was meant to give him an easy win, like his visit to McDonald’s; instead, the inept execution has eclipsed the stunt itself, and only extended the long streak of recent losses. Or to put it in reality TV terms: The The President show appears to be on the bubble. View the full article

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Busy Season 2026 proves to be a mixed bag as firms face monumental transformations. By CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The JBL Tune Buds 2 True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds are currently on sale for just $39.99 on StackSocial, down from their usual $109.95 price. They're open-box models, meaning the earbuds were excess retail inventory or store returns that have been checked for functionality and repackaged. The packaging may show signs of handling or extra stickers, but the earbuds themselves are verified to be in brand-new condition. For just $40, you get the earbuds, a charging case, a USB-C cable, and three sizes of silicone ear tips. The listing also includes a third-party one-year parts-and-labor warranty. The Tune Buds 2 are built around 10mm dynamic drivers designed to deliver JBL’s familiar Pure Bass Sound. In practice, that tends to translate into stronger low-end presence in music genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop. JBL also includes Spatial Sound, which widens the listening field for standard stereo tracks. The earbuds support Adaptive Noise Canceling, allowing you to block outside noise when commuting or working in a busy space. And when you need awareness instead of isolation, Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes let outside sound in so you can hear announcements or talk with someone nearby without removing the earbuds. The earbuds also support Bluetooth 5.3, multi-point connection for switching between devices, and Google Fast Pair for quick Android pairing. They also have an IP54 rating, which means they can withstand sweat, dust, and light rain, making them suitable for workouts or outdoor walks. As for its battery life, JBL estimates up to 12 hours of playback from the earbuds alone, or about 10 hours with noise canceling turned on. You can adjust EQ settings, personalize the sound profile, and control noise-cancellation levels in the JBL Headphones app. For everyday listening, travel, and casual calls, the current $39.99 sale price makes these earbuds an accessible option for wireless audio. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $35.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $79.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

A Google Search Console glitch resulted in a message to site owners implying that impressions have only just started being reported. The post New Google Search Console Message Glitch Gives SEOs A Scare appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Apple Music has an edge among music streaming services in specific categories, including sound quality, music organization, and lack of ads. While it may not be the best option out there for all users, it offers a solid experience (especially if you're on iOS). Here are the tips, tricks, and hidden hacks to get the most out of Apple Music. Import songs directly from other streaming services to Apple MusicMoving from one music streaming service to another can be a huge hassle, not least because you won't want to lose all the playlists you've curated in the transition. There are third-party services that facilitate transfers, but Apple Music has a direct import feature powered by SongShift that works with Amazon Music, Deezer, Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube Music. To import your library, go to Settings > Apps > Music and toggle Sync Library on. Tap Transfer Music from Other Services, select the music app you want to transfer from, and follow the prompts. Apple Music will look for matches in its catalog—if it can't find one, you may need to review and approve an alternate version. You can also do this through Settings in the Music app on iOS and Android or via the web app. Add songs to multiple playlists Apple Music at onceApple Music has long lacked the ability to add songs to more than one playlist at a time, meaning that if you had a track you wanted to save in multiple places, you had to go through that process separately for each playlist. If you have a device running iOS 26.4, you can now select multiple playlists at once, eliminating the previous hassle. Open the song, tap the three dot menu, and select Add to Playlist. Tap the multi-select button in the bottom-right corner, select the playlists you want included, and tap the check button in the top-right corner to confirm. (This is iOS only, so you still have to select playlists one by one on Mac.) Use "Playlist Playground" to generate Apple Music playlists with AIIf you don't like hand-picking songs for your playlists, you can employ AI to do it for you. Apple Music's "Playlist Playground" feature on iOS generates playlists from natural language prompts, so you can simply give AI a vibe and let it do its thing. It'll create a playlist with 25 songs, which you can further customize with additional prompts or manually add and reorder tracks. Sync Library must be enabled in your device Settings, then open Apple Music, go to Library > New Playlist > Create New Playlist, and enter your prompt in the search field. Note that at the time of writing, Playlist Playground is available in beta only for U.S. users on iOS 26.4. Use Smart Playlists on Mac for automatic updates in Apple MusicAnother feature for curating music without having to add songs one at a time is Smart Playlists, which automatically organizes tracks added to your library into playlists based on criteria you specify. You can set as many rules as you'd like using a long list of parameters—everything from genre and artist to sample rate and beats per minute—and a total number of items, and Apple Music will take care of the rest. If you enable Live updating, playlists will update as library items are added, removed, or changed. A few downsides: You can't manually edit Smart Playlists—instead, you have to change the criteria. This feature is also desktop-only, but if library sync is on, you should be able to listen on other devices. To create a Smart Playlist, open the Music app on your Mac and go to File > New > Smart Playlist. Enable haptics in Apple Music for multi-sensory listeningA small but mighty feature for enhancing your Apple Music experience on iOS is Music Haptics, an accessibility setting that plays haptic vibrations to the beat of what you're listening to. Vibrations work with any discernible beat on supported songs across music genres. Music Haptics was designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing users and introduced with iOS 18. To enable, go to Settings > Accessibility > Music Haptics and toggle the feature on. You can set the vibration intensity (light, medium, or strong) and select whether to play haptics for the entire song or just vocals. Use Apple Music Sing to turn song lyrics into karaokeApple Music has lyrics for singing along with your favorite music (to view, open the song that's playing and tap the Lyrics button at the bottom of the screen), but you can take it a step further with Sing, a karaoke mode that turns down the vocals while highlighting beat-by-beat lyrics. Ensure lyrics are on, then tap the mic icon above the music controls and use the slider to adjust the volume for vocals. Apple Music Sing is supported on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV 4K. Use (or create) Shortcuts in Apple Music to curate your listening experienceShortcuts is one of our top iPhone hacks for automating tasks or workflows you use frequently. You can do everything from opening a music streaming app automatically when you connect to your Bluetooth headphones to automating messages when you leave from or arrive to a specific location. Apple Music users have created and shared ideas for shortcuts for launching specific playlists, shuffling through specific genres, pausing playback at the end of a song, and more. You can also create your own in the Shortcuts app. Back up your Apple Music library in case you cancelIn the event you stop paying for Apple Music, you'll lose your playlists and downloads, which can't be restored even if you resubscribe. (Access to purchased music isn't affected if you cancel.) However, there is a workaround to back up your library and save it for later, whether in Apple Music or another streaming service. Third-party service TuneMyMusic lets you export from Apple Music to a CSV or TXT file, which you can download and store on your device or in the cloud (or transfer to a different streaming platform). You can then use the same service to upload the file back to Apple Music. Reddit users also endorse the Hezel app for Apple Music library backups. Manage your device's storage space for downloaded musicYou will almost certainly want to download music and podcasts to your device so you can listen offline instead of streaming, but if you add thousands of tracks or have automatic downloads enabled, you may quickly hit the limits of your storage space. Apple lets you choose how much storage you want to dedicate to Music content, and if that limit is reached, your device will offload songs you haven't listened to in order to make space. On your iOS device, go to Settings > Apps > Music > Optimize Storage (under Downloads). Toggle the setting on and select the minimum storage amount, which ranges from 8 GB (1,600 songs) to 256 GB (51,200 songs). Note that some Reddit users have reported that Apple Music has gone over their set storage limit. You may be able to force offloading by choosing "None" for storage space. You can also remove downloaded content manually, either by item within the Music app or en masse under Settings > Apps > Music > Downloaded Music. Track your Apple Music listening statsApple Music's native Replay feature tracks basic listening stats broken down by month and by year (similar to Spotify Wrapped), but if you want to keep tabs on your activity in a more frequent and detailed way, you'll need to connect to a third-party service. Last.fm, a popular option for "scrobbling," doesn't play as nice with Apple Music on its own as with other streaming services—for example, it only tracks music added to your library, so anything that's streamed has to be scrobbled manually. However, there are a few other apps with Last.fm integrations for iOS, macOS, and the Apple Music web player that will scrobble more seamlessly. View the full article