ResidentialBusiness

Potential cybersecurity and data privacy violations are among the many dangers of giving the Tesla CEO free rein over systems and data used for Social Security benefits and tax refunds. View the full article

Since the National Association of Realtors changed its commission payment rules on Aug. 17, the impact on agent compensation has varied. View the full article

Mobile SEO is the process of optimizing your site so it ranks higher in search results on mobile devices. View the full article

Donald Trump’s decision to put levies on lower-priced goods reverberates in world’s second-largest economyView the full article

Featured snippets are boxes at the top of search results that give quick, concise answers to search queries. View the full article

Master SERP analysis to boost your website's visibility by understanding search features, user intent, and competitor strategies in Google's evolving results pages. The post Mastering SERP Analysis: A Step-By-Step Guide To Understanding Search Engine Results Pages appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Fifty years ago, McDonald’s purple mascot, Grimace, introduced his uncle in an extremely ’70s ad promoting the Shamrock Shake. “Uncle O’Grimacey” was a bumbling, fuzzy, top-hat wearing creature hailing from Ireland, who would go on to rep the Shamrock Shake for a few years before ultimately disappearing into the ether of early McDonald’s mascot lore. But now, for the first time since 1975, McDonald’s is giving Uncle O’Grimacey another shot at the limelight. The green mascot’s reappearance is promoting the return of the Shamrock Shake, which is set to land at McDonald’s stores on February 10. It’s also celebrating the 50th anniversary of Ronald McDonald House Charities, which will receive a portion of the proceeds from this year’s Shamrock Shake sales and Uncle O’Grimacey-themed merch. Uncle O’Grimacey’s unexpected return comes in the wake of McDonald’s 2023 birthday campaign for the unsettling-yet-beloved mascot Grimace, which gave the world the oft-memed purple Grimace Shake. In comparison, the Uncle O’Grimacey play is a much bigger swing for McDonald’s, relying on less character recognition and fewer nostalgia points from customers. And it shows that goofy mascots might just be having an American renaissance. [Photo: McDonald’s] Who—or what—is Uncle O’Grimacey? Uncle O’Grimacey’s stint repping McDonald’s in the mid-’70s included a few seriously dated ads showing the Irish mascot visiting his nephew. Oddly enough, it also yielded the creation of a hand puppet toy in 1978. When asked what kind of creature Uncle O’Grimacey is meant to represent, a McDonald’s spokesperson didn’t respond directly, instead sharing the following: “While the rest of the Grimace family lives in McDonaldland, Uncle O’Grimacey resides on a small island off the coast of Ireland called Sham Rock. Back home in Sham Rock, Uncle O’Grimacey spends his time going on nature walks, bowling in his local league, and attending the Sham Rock Street Fair and Music Festival (he plays the bagpipe!).” They added that his favorite color is green, his nickname is Uncle O, and, for all those who are wondering, he’s a Pisces. (Yes, mascot lore is a thing: Hi-Chew’s new mascot, Chewbie, supposedly loves skateboarding and Chapell Roan.) It’s unclear whether Uncle O will appear on packaging or in stores, but he has already made his debut on McDonald’s socials. He’s also the star of a questionable line of merch from the company, which includes a crewneck, ringer tee, and sweatshirt with the phrase “Who’s your uncle?” next to a graphic of the uncle in question. [Photo: McDonald’s] Why revive Uncle O’Grimacey in 2025? McDonald’s sudden investment in a little-known character might seem like a strange move, but it actually makes a lot of sense. Mascots—especially goofy ones—are having a moment right now, spurred on by what Fast Company has termed “DGAF branding”: a form of indirect social media marketing that leans into all things weird and nonsensical, rather than explicitly hawking a product’s value. The goal is awareness, engagement, and “building and tapping into a fan community,” as Fast Company’s Jeff Beer noted last October. Duolingo was one of the first companies to embrace this strategy with its lovable but occasionally homicidal owl, Duo. Brands like Pop-Tarts and Nutter Butter (if you can call its peanut a mascot) have followed suit. Out in the real world, sports mascots like the 2024 Summer Olympics’ Phryge, the New York Liberty’s Ellie the Elephant, and the Philadelphia Flyers’ Gritty are embodying wackier personas that appear curated to go viral. McDonald’s new mascot of DGAF branding McDonald’s got in on this trend with the Grimace Birthday Meal in 2023, which inspired a bout of feel-good articles about the mascot and spawned the Grimace Shake trend, wherein dozens of TikTok users put a deadly spin on the purple beverage. (Grimace then acknowledged the trend from McDonald’s X account.) While McDonald’s didn’t respond to Fast Company’s request for specific data on the Grimace activation’s success, it’s been enough for the company to keep the purple creature around. Grimace experienced another bout of fame over the summer, after his opening pitch at a New York Mets game was credited with saving the team’s postseason run. Now it seems that the company is trusting the internet to do what it does best and run with this new character. Of course, the trick that will determine the success of McDonald’s 2025 Shamrock Shake campaign is whether it can get its fan base to engage with a lesser-known—if similarly shaped—mascot. Would any fan be as happy if a celebrity’s similar-looking relative showed up instead? The people want Britney, not Jamie Lynn. O’Grimacey’s ability to win hearts will come down to whether he can sell the lore as a strong personality hire—and if McDonald’s new DGAF mascot can make fans give an F about Shamrock Shakes. 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

“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

President Donald Trump’s return to office has inspired hats north of the border, while Republicans have turned his expansionist foreign policy pronouncements into shirts for fundraising. The campaign might be over, but the merch has just begun. After Ontario Premier Doug Ford wore a “Canada Is Not for Sale” hat earlier this month at a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other premiers (the Canadian equivalent of a U.S. governor), the hat’s maker, Ottawa-based Jackpine Dynamic Branding, was overwhelmed with orders. Trump’s statements about tariffs and annexation have struck a nerve with our neighbors to the north. “Nothing is more important than the country,” Premier Ford said during a press conference while wearing the hat. “President Trump wants to devastate Canada. He wants to devastate Canada through economic sanctions and tariffs. That’s unacceptable.” [Image: Jackpine Dynamic Branding] The $45 hats spell out the slogan in Times New Roman, the same font as used for Trump’s original “Make America Great Again” hats—and because this is Canada, there’s also a version in French: “Le Canada n’est pas à vendre.” Jackpine founder Liam Mooney told Reuters he was inspired to create the hats as a response to Trump’s unseemly rhetoric toward Canada and as a statement about nationalism and unity. “It’s an opportunity to bring people together from all of civil society, regardless of political persuasion,” he said. “Our sovereignty is threatened when our dignity is disrespected.” Meanwhile, Republicans are fundraising off Trump’s second-term priorities for the U.S. sphere of influence in the Americas. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is out with $35 tees showing an illustrated bald eagle with Trump hair relaxing on a beach chair with a beer, featuring the words, “Greetings from the Gulf of America” to celebrate Trump’s executive order unofficially renaming the Gulf of Mexico. To sell the Trump National Committee joint fundraising committee’s own $35 “Gulf of America!” tee, a recent Trump campaign fundraising email asked recipients if they “live near the Gulf of Mexico?” followed by, “Well, now you don’t!” It’s also selling “Make Greenland Great Again” tees. No word yet on official Panama Canal merch, but a third party is selling “Make Panama Canal American Again” shirts on Amazon. A promotional graphic for the NRCC’s “Greetings from the Gulf of America” tee (top) and two Trump National Committee JFC’s tees The “Canada Is Not for Sale” hat is a statement of nationalism and sovereignty, and apparently, the “Gulf of America” and “Make Greenland Great Again” tees are meant to communicate much the same thing. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to Trump earlier this month by joking that North America should be renamed “América Mexicana.” (Nothing of this ilk has been printed yet as merch, but, um, give it time. . . . ) Most contemporary political merch tends toward sloganeering over policy proposals (although a “No Tax on Tips” decal sold by the Trump campaign during the 2024 race was a rare exception). Still, it’s not as if the Republicans’ new foreign-policy-themed merch is focused on, say, bringing peace to the Middle East or remaining competitive with China. What is “Gulf of America,” really, but sloganeering? This story originally appeared in Yello, a newsletter about politics, art, branding, and design. View the full article

Since the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the power of tech moguls has been more conspicuous than ever. Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, campaigned extensively for Donald Trump and earned “first buddy” status. One of the most circulated photos from the inauguration showed the lineup of Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg standing in front of Trump’s Cabinet picks. Musk donated at least $250 million to Trump’s campaign, while Bezos and Zuckerberg each pledged $1 million to the inauguration. Such active support of the president has struck many as glaringly opportunistic, given that all three were significant critics of Trump and his actions during his first term. But looking at how their companies and leadership have evolved, perhaps it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Over the past two decades, these leaders’ early commitments to the public good dissipated as their wealth piled up. When they were scrappy startups, they followed the common path of underdogs bucking against the systems that stood in the way of success. But as they accumulated vast power and became part of the establishment, their focus shifted to protecting the very systems they used to challenge. This is an age-old pattern. The Medici family rose to prominence in Florence and used their wealth to support important arts and civic projects. As their power consolidated, they became entrenched in Florentine politics and eventually led through corruption and violence. Julius Caesar went from populist leader to dictator for life, as did Napolean. The saying “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” reflects this trajectory. Today’s tech moguls may be gratified they have achieved such dominance, but history shows that overreach invites resistance, and as cultural values evolve, the very traits that once defined a leader’s success can later lead to their downfall. Over time, public resentment at the Medicis’ authoritarian control and reliance on patronage led to exile and collapse of their dominance; Caesar and Napoleon were murdered and exiled, respectively. The history of modern business is replete with similar stories. Henry Ford revolutionized work with his $5-per-day wage, then went on to violently suppress labor, and at the end of his life struggled to compete with GM and Chrysler. More recently, Adam Neumann of WeWork and Travis Kalanick of Uber ran through this cycle at record speed. Bezos is, so far, a textbook example of the first half of this doomed path. In the early days of Amazon, he focused on e-commerce with the vow to make goods more affordable and accessible to everyone. Now the company is a poster child for labor abuses. More than a decade ago, when Bezos bought The Washington Post, he promised not to interfere in the paper’s coverage. This commitment was shattered when he killed the paper’s endorsement of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris less than two weeks before the election. Bezos said the decision was due to a principled stance to reestablish trust in the media, but his true feelings for Trump were clearly on display when he was one of the first billionaires to offer fawning postelection congratulations for the twice-impeached president’s “extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory.” While some expressed surprise at this turn toward Trump, Bezos’s waning commitment to the public can be traced to other domains as well, such as Amazon’s treatment of workers and its backtracking on its climate commitments. Amazon’s journey from a small online bookstore to a global tech giant earned Bezos years of admiration from business and mainstream press. He was Time magazine’s Person of the Year in 1999, and topped many best CEO lists, including those of Fortune in 2012 and Harvard Business Review in 2014. Alongside these recognitions, serious questions emerged about Bezos’s management of Amazon. In May 2014, the International Trade Union Confederation labeled him the “World’s Worst Boss,” condemning the inhumanity of Amazon’s business and employment models. Bezos was dropped from Harvard Business Review’s ranking of the top 100 CEOs in 2019 due to the company’s working conditions and employment policies, among other factors, a dramatic omission given that he was one of only a few CEOs who had appeared every year from 2013 to 2018. Such reassessments are due, at least in part, to the fact that expectations about what constitutes responsible leadership shift over time. While the achievements of business leaders are frequently credited to their personal skill and effort, research from Harvard Business School on the 1,000 most well-known leaders in the 20th century—from Henry Ford to Jack Welch—showed that their successes, and the public’s perceptions of them, were due primarily to how they appealed to the dominant cultural values of their time. The conclusion is that leaders who thrive when certain business practices are celebrated run into problems when the business environment shifts. Consider Welch, CEO of General Electric from 1981 to 2001. In 1999, he was hailed as the best CEO of the 20th century for embodying the idea of “shareholder primacy,” which posits that a corporation’s sole objective is maximizing short-term profits for shareholders. But the standard Welch pioneered has undergone a critical reappraisal. Harvard Business Review stated in 2020 that he “probably isn’t the ideal model for 21st-century executives.” In a recent book titled The Man Who Broke Capitalism, New York Times journalist David Gelles situated Welch historically and explored his devastating legacy. Since Welch stepped down, GE has struggled, and as of 2024 when the company split itself up, its stock still traded for less than it did when Welch retired. In 2018, it was removed from the Dow Jones Industrial Average after being a founding company in the index more than 120 years ago. A significant reason was that GE Capital, the growth engine under Welch, saw massive losses following the 2008 financial crisis. The reappraisal of Welch’s legacy, and middling results of the company’s finance-driven focus since 2000, serves as a poignant illustration of the evolving skepticism of the neoliberal shareholder-centric model he exemplified. It’s also emblematic of how leaders’ models become antiquated after changes in the business environment. Welch’s ideas are now seen as disastrous in an era that has increasingly demanded a focus beyond short-term profit. Seen from this perspective, despite the privileged position the “broligarchs” enjoyed at Trump’s inauguration, their days at the top may be numbered. While many have likened Trump’s ideas and policies as a throwback to Welch’s day, a key difference is there are many indications that the public is increasingly fed up with greedy CEOs. In a tragic example, Luigi Mangione—who shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson—was celebrated online as a folk hero striking back against an executive who boasted that the company’s positive earnings were from slashing insurance coverage. A recent YouGov poll found that more 18- to 29-year-olds had a favorable opinion of Mangione than an unfavorable one, which may be a leading indicator of the depth of contempt for business leaders who exploit the public. It’s unclear how long the general public will stand for today’s gross displays of skyrocketing inequality. Bezos, for instance, reportedly believes that people are inherently “lazy,” and so, in addition to harsh working conditions, Amazon’s employment model is designed for minimal upward mobility. Recently, however, the company has experienced significant pushback from workers who have voted to unionize at one of the company’s distribution facilities and an Amazon-owned Whole Foods supermarket. It’s also notable that Amazon, Tesla, and Meta have all recently suffered backlash from consumers’ disgust at their leaders’ behaviors. With growing discontent comes a shift in cultural values, and while the tech bros’ power today may seem unassailable, history shows this can change quickly, and it may not be long before the nation’s richest citizens are seen not as pioneering heroes but as the embodiments of greed, corruption, and the worst excesses of 21st-century capitalism. View 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

Norwegian group moves to increase fossil fuel production and halve spending on green energyView the full article

Palestinian leaders say they will defy attempts to remove them from their landView the full article

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

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Is LinkedIn the new TikTok? Short-form video is now the fastest-growing category on LinkedIn, growing at twice the rate of other post formats on the platform. According to LinkedIn, total video viewership surged 36% in the first quarter of 2025. Now, LinkedIn is doubling down on video with new features to boost discovery and engagement. The full-screen vertical video experience, first launched on mobile, is now coming to desktop. Users can tap a video, swipe through more, and explore a new video tab for TikTok-like scrolling. Videos are also getting front-and-center placement on the platform. Now, when you search a topic, relevant videos will appear in a swipeable carousel. A bigger follow button in the full-screen player makes it easier to keep up with creators, and viewers can check out a quick profile snapshot and other videos without leaving the player. For users looking to capitalise on the video push, LinkedIn has also launched nano-learning courses on topics including video hooks, editing, repurposing content, and LinkedIn Live. “Across LinkedIn, we’re seeing our members have widespread success when it comes to posting short-form video,” Laura Laurenzetti, executive editor of LinkedIn News tells Fast Company. “From small business owners to CEOs to Gen Z creators and more, video on LinkedIn is the new frontier for professional success—which is why we’re excited to be rolling out a suite of new tools that make the video creation and viewing experiences on LinkedIn even stronger.” While LinkedIn might not be the first place people go to doomscroll, it’s quickly becoming a powerful tool for creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Since March 2024, LinkedIn has been pushing hard to attract video creators, launching a TikTok-style vertical feed filled with career advice, industry news, and other content. The move seems to be paying off with video uploads jumping 34% year-over-year in Q4 2024, according to LinkedIn. LinkedIn creators are also seeing the results. Top executives are jumping in, with CEO video posts rising 23% in the past year. Deeptech VC Alex Leigh recently reported two million impressions a week after just three months posting consistently three times a day on LinkedIn. Last month, content creator Piper Phillips saw 13.8 million views on a video made on her phone in 10 minutes. “I missed the opportunity to be an early adopter of TikTok and Reels,” she wrote in a post. “I do ~not~ intend on making the same mistake for LinkedIn video.” View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Should we give everyone the day after the Super Bowl off? I live in Chiefs territory and run a small business. My colleagues have requested that I close the office the day after the Super Bowl. I’m not inclined to grant this request, as our leave policies are very generous. I think everyone has plenty of time to take off if they choose. How common are Super Bowl office closures? Not very common. It’s certainly a nice thing if you want to do it, but it’s perfectly reasonable to expect people to use PTO if they want the day off. Related: is my employee lying about using sick time for the Super Bowl? 2. I was asked out on LinkedIn I had a perfectly pleasant conversation with someone at a cafe I frequent near my workplace. We traded names and a few quips, and then my food was ready and I popped out after saying I’d see him around. I thought I heard him ask the cashier if I was single as I trotted out the door but shrugged it off, thinking it was for the best to not be too vain and I could have misheard (and I’ve never seen him before, despite the two of us apparently both being regulars). I’ve got a good rapport with the staff and figured there was no way I hadn’t mentioned my long-term partner at some point over the last two years I’ve worked in the neighborhood. Someone would tell him, right? I proceeded to not think about it for the rest of the weekend, checked my email bright and early Monday morning, and found a very flirtatious message attached to a LinkedIn invite. That’s when I remembered I was wearing my branded work jacket that day. Heck. Do I ignore it? Delete it? Take a hiatus from my favorite cafe and hope I don’t see him around the neighborhood? I can do all these things, I’ll just be depressed to take a hiatus from the best cappuccino in the neighborhood. I know it’s not a crime for someone to shoot their shot, but … agh! That’s my professional LinkedIn! Yeah, it’s not great for someone to use a business networking site that way — especially if he did hunt you down via your branded work jacket. But it happens, and the social/work line on LinkedIn has been getting awfully blurry for a while. There’s no reason you need to stop going to your favorite cafe. He took a shot, he missed, and one hopes he can handle that with a reasonable amount of maturity. If he’s in any way creepy or harassing to you, you should feel free to inform the cafe where you’re both regulars, but you’ve got decent odds that won’t happen and you don’t need to plan on avoiding him just in case it does; cross that bridge if and when you have to. As for the message itself: if you prefer to ignore it, you can. Plenty of people don’t check their LinkedIn often or ever. That said, unless he’s given you a reason to think you would be better off not engaging at all (which doesn’t sound like the case), I’d figure it’s worth investing in a quick “no thanks,” so that if you do run into him again that will already be out of the way. 3. Company is trying to make low-performing coworkers job harder so they’ll quit I was recently in a meeting with a senior manager. Although I’m not in management, the work I do requires working with them regularly and requires a certain level of confidentiality. Something that was mentioned outside of our work scope really bothered me: I had mentioned that I’d heard an employee a few levels below them was struggling. They told me that yes, that person’s manager was told to make their job difficult so they would quit. Hence why they were struggling. This really bothered me from an ethical standpoint. And it’s actually the second time I’ve heard it, although there were some extenuating circumstances with the first person. Is this a normal thing to do? Is this just bad management practice? I’ve managed people in the past and would not feel comfortable with this. To date this company has been great, but they do have a track record of not firing people despite years of repeated poor performance. You have to almost break the law for then to consider firing you. But this? It just feels wrong on so many levels. Yes, it’s wrong, and it’s terrible practice. It’s terrible practice because it’s unethical and inhumane, and because it’s a fundamental dereliction of duty; managers are responsible for giving clear and actionable feedback, letting people know when they’re falling short, working to help them improve, and then letting them go if after that they’re not performing at the level needed. It’s not at all surprising that an organization that won’t fire people would resort to this; both of those things (never firing, no matter how warranted, and mistreating someone until they leave on their own) are symptoms of management that’s incompetent and unable to appropriately exercise authority. (Also, what if the employee digs in and never leaves? Their manager will just accept bad performance forever, no matter how severe?) You should be very, very wary of a company that operates like this. 4. Coworker is opening mail and packages addressed to me Is it okay for a coworker to open work-related mail and packages that I have ordered and have my name on them? If it were me, I would just put the unopened package on the coworker’s desk but maybe I’m overreacting. It depends on your company’s practices. From a legal standpoint, it’s fine; postal regulations say that mail delivered to an organization, even if addressed to a specific person, is delivered to the organization itself, and the organization can decide how to distribute it from there. But is this person charged with opening and distributing mail for your company or are they just being nosy? If they are charged with it, you can try asking them to simply deliver your mail unopened, although it’s possible they’ve been specifically told they need to open things. On the other hand, if they’re just being nosy, you can ask them to stop. 5. The sleep shifts I depend on for income have been taken away I have recently been covering in a different location due to the area needing a team leader. I work in care and often need to do sleep shifts (shifts where you sleep on-site so you are available in case of emergency). These sleep shifts have been a regular source of income for the past five years, and I depend on them to get by. When my boss first approached me about covering in the new area, they made a verbal promise that I would still get my sleep shifts. But now, three months later, my sleep shifts are non-existent and I am losing wages that I desperately need. My sleeps cover my car expenses and, as I am covering in a different area that requires me to drive there to work, I am afraid that when I get paid next I will be unable to get anywhere due to not being paid my promised sleeps. This would mean resigning, as I would not be able to travel to the area I am covering. The area I am covering in is 100 miles away from my normal place of work. Because this is no fault of my own, would I be able to take my boss to court for lost earnings and essentially being forced out of a job due to my boss going back on their promise and making me quit due to my wages being severely cut through no fault of my own? I have a young family and this unexpected wage cut is going to severely affect me and my children. There is another team leader who is also covering in the same area as me and is still getting there sleep shifts, so why have my sleep shifts been taken away and theirs haven’t? It feels like a personal attack, favoritism, and I am being set up to fail. I have approached my boss several times over this issue and I just get fobbed off each time. There’s no legal cause of action unless (1) your sleep shifts were taken away for a discriminatory reason (like because of your race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristic) or as retaliation for exercising a legally protected right (like reporting harassment), or (2) you have a written employment contract promising those shifts for a specific period of time (although most U.S. workers don’t have contracts and I’m guessing you would have mentioned it if you did). I know you said you’ve approached your boss about the issue, but have you spelled out explicitly that you literally can’t stay in the job without the sleep shifts? If not, it’s worth making that clearer (as long as it’s really true — you don’t want to say that if in reality you’d stay until you find something else). View the full article

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