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Using AI when executing your content strategy can streamline research, brainstorming, and optimization. View the full article

Branded is a weekly column devoted to the intersection of marketing, business, design, and culture. Multiple companies, from Walmart to Meta and McDonald’s to John Deere, have announced they are scaling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in recent months. But Target’s recent news that it, too, is rolling back such efforts is attracting more attention than most, much of it critical of the retailer’s apparent retreat. If there’s a backlash to the DEI backlash, its main target may be Target. While reiterating a “commitment to inclusion,” the company nonetheless announced it is “concluding” certain goals and initiatives tied to racial equity in hiring, and that it will no longer participate in external surveys from the LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, the Human Rights Campaign, and other groups. It also said it would rename its “supplier diversity” program, apparently shifting its focus away from explicitly courting brands with diverse ownership. The moves even raised questions about the Minneapolis company’s philanthropic commitments made in the wake of George Floyd’s killing in 2020. Calls for a boycott were nearly immediate, and the Twin Cities Pride parade announced it would no longer accept Target as a sponsor (and swiftly received donations that topped what Target had previously pledged). This reaction has puzzled some on social media, given how many companies also seem to be distancing themselves from DEI. “Why is there so much outrage and dialogue about Target specifically?” asked content creator Kiandria Demone on Threads. “Are people not aware that they are one of many?” Part of the answer is Target’s prior reputation. “People are angrier at Target because, for the most part, they’ve been on the right side of history on a lot of issues,” as one post put it. The big-box retailer—while definitely not an overtly ideological brand in the vein of Ben & Jerry’s or Patagonia—has over the years established a fairly progressive image. A 2018 Morning Consult study of brand polarization found Target did better than Walmart with Democratic-leaning voters, that Target shoppers were more likely to support gay marriage and trans rights and to oppose a border wall. The 2024 Axios Harris Poll ranking the reputations of 100 of the most visible brands in America counted Target among those “viewed as skewed to the left.” A Target Pride display, ca. 2016 [Photo: Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg/Getty Images] Some of this may be attributed to the chain having more urban locations and focusing on a younger potential clientele. But in particular, Target’s high-profile Pride Month promotions and merchandising sent a message about its read on the culture—and where it wanted its brand to be. While hardly strident, it telegraphed inclusive values as good for business. In 2022, one brand research agency named Target among the top 10 brands for LGBTQ+ consumers. “I know that focus on diversity and inclusion and equity has fueled much of our growth over the last nine years,” Target CEO Brian Cornell said in 2023. “I’m really proud of the work we’ve done in the DE&I space.” That said, at least some of Target’s progressive reputation arguably comes from a counterintuitive source: its conservative critics. In 2023, the company’s Pride merch inspired fervent calls for a boycott from the “anti-woke” mob, looking to make Target into the new Bud Light. Some hostile shoppers knocked over merchandise displays in stores and harassed Target workers, and in some cases the retailer moved or reduced displays and even removed some items. City of Miami police officers keep an eye on protesters outside of a local Target store on June 1, 2023. [Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images] Along the way, coverage from Fox News and other conservative media treated Target as a kind of culture-war punching bag, blurring its long-cultivated image as a contemporary and forward-looking mass retailer into a vaguely elite and out-of-touch brand. That narrative seems even harder to escape with the new Trump administration bent on making DEI the most demonized acronym in public life. And Target, which last year scaled back Pride promotions, has seen actual sales and its share price struggle, even as rival Walmart thrives. The upshot is that Target’s seeming capitulation to the anti-DEI wave may seem like a bellwether—which may be particularly disappointing to some because it feels like such a thorough reversal. But if that feeling of betrayal is fueling a backlash to the DEI backlash, there is one more twist to consider: a growing call from Black-owned brands sold at Target, thanks to past diversity efforts, asking their customers to show support with a Target “buycott.” In other words, those brands don’t want Target shoppers to boycott the retailer over its end of diversity efforts, but instead to shop Target—and specifically products from Black-owned brands sold at the retailer where shelf space is hard won. “Target is not going to remove any of our products if they’re performing well,” April Showers, founder of Afro Unicorn, told USA Today. “So, we’re saying, be strategic with your dollar.” After all, maybe the best way to prove diversity is good for business is by showing what consumers will buy, and by the bundle, not what they won’t. View the full article

Master These 28 SEO Skills to Advance Your Career. View the full article

Over 15 years of working with leaders, I’ve noticed a clear pattern: Burnout often stems from what I call the Superman leadership style. Many cultures hold tightly to this image of a leader as strong, confident, and capable of fixing anything. This ideal isn’t just a societal expectation—it’s one that leaders impose on themselves. But striving to be a “Superman” leader is a recipe for burnout, because it’s both unrealistic and unattainable. Burnout, as highlighted by the World Health Organization, is an occupational phenomenon. It’s marked by exhaustion, reduced professional effectiveness, and a sense of detachment from one’s work. And leaders that fit the Superman mold are more prone to these symptoms because of the unrelenting pressure they face on a daily basis. Through my work with burned-out leaders, I’ve identified three internal taboos that often define this Superman style of leadership. These operate beneath the surface but have a significant impact. Recognizing and challenging them could be the first step toward a more sustainable approach to leadership. 1. The taboo against not knowing Superman rules dictate that leaders must always have the answers. A senior executive I worked with felt overwhelmed when her team, going through challenges, experienced significant anxiety and looked to her for guarantees that everything would turn out fine. Adding to the burden, higher-ups also placed similar expectations on her. Over time, she realized that much of her burnout stemmed from trying to project certainty in situations where there was none, especially in a fast-changing environment. She reflected, “I thought I was being paid to know the answers. I felt I had to act like I knew because that’s how I understood my role.” Another leader shared: “I feel like I have to know what to do in every situation. Admitting I don’t know feels like failing.” This taboo pressures leaders to constantly appear in control, but false certainty in such an unpredictable world is dangerous. As award-winning author Maggie Jackson noted in her book Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure, that you need to embrace uncertainty during times of flux and a remarkable antidote to narrow-mindedness. 2. The taboo against losing control Imagine a doctor claiming they could cure every patient, no matter the circumstances. Absurd, right? Yet many leaders take on a similar mindset, believing they need to control every outcome to prove their worth. One executive I worked with shared: “When two key team members left in one month, I couldn’t stop blaming myself. If something goes wrong, it’s always my fault.” The Superman mindset requires leaders to maintain tight control over their teams, their processes, and their outcomes. It creates an illusion that you’re responsible for everything, even if circumstances are beyond your control. These kinds of leaders see mistakes, failures, and setbacks as personal flaws. Another leader I coached described how he felt after a product launch failed due to market conditions: “I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was my fault, even though our data showed the market just wasn’t ready.” When leaders cling to the illusion of control, their teams become less proactive, waiting for orders rather than taking initiative. A simple exercise of distinguishing what’s within their control and what isn’t can help leaders release unnecessary pressure and empower their teams. 3. The taboo against vulnerability One leader put it bluntly: “If you want to climb the ladder, you keep your problems to yourself.” Superman leaders believe they need to appear fine at all times, they need to be confident, energized, and unshakable. Vulnerability and mental health remain taboo topics for many leaders, despite growing awareness of their importance. But keeping up appearances comes at a cost. Leaders who bottle up their struggles often miss out on the trust and connection that come from being open and authentic. Melissa Doman, in her book Yes, You Can Talk About Mental Health at Work, pushes back against the outdated belief that mental health issues are purely personal and don’t belong at work. She argues that mental health should be treated just like physical health, and it’s crucial to break the stigma surrounding mental health discussions at the office. A VP I worked with struggled to connect with her team until she shared a personal story about navigating a difficult divorce and the emotional toll it took on her. Her openness transformed her team’s perception of her. One team member later told her, “It was the first time I saw you as a real person.” The impact of Superman leadership Here’s the reality: Superman leaders thrive on the outside but struggle on the inside. They operate at maximum energy output, depleting their resources quickly. And it’s not just about their personal well-being. Superman leaders often stifle their teams without realizing it. By taking on all the responsibility and keeping everything tightly controlled, they create an environment where others are afraid to take risks, propose new ideas, or admit mistakes. Another perspective on leadership Burnout doesn’t have to be the cost of leadership. Leaders who let go of these taboos—admitting when they don’t know everything, accepting that not everything is within their control, and embracing vulnerability—often find themselves leading with more energy, clarity, and effectiveness. If you’ve been operating as a Superman leader, consider reflecting on the following questions: Is all this pressure really necessary? Chances are, some of it is self-imposed and entirely avoidable. What would happen if you let go of what’s no longer serving you? After all, leadership isn’t about being Superman. It’s about creating a sustainable approach that empowers both you and your team to thrive. View the full article

We live in a world that is saturated with leadership wisdom—from countless books to endless streams of think pieces—yet the gap between what leaders know and what they do is as wide as ever. The thing is, leadership transformation is hard. It takes courage to step outside the status quo. And it’s deeply human to cling to comfort and choose habit over risk. In our years of working with leaders, we’ve noticed those who succeed at continuously evolving their leadership mettle strike a balance between three impulses. To make the concept easier to grasp, we visualize each impulse as a persona: the Kid, the Scientist, and the Gardener. These personas act as a framework to not just learn but to maintain momentum in one’s personal leadership development journey. Here’s how: 1. The kid persona cultivates curiosity, play, and bold action Picture a child encountering the world: Everything is new and fair game to touch, break, or build. Kids aren’t afraid of failure; they learn by doing, adjusting, and doing again. Leaders often limit their learning by the perceived parameters they operate in. But by embracing the Kid persona, leaders can tap into a playful curiosity and willingness to act without having every answer tied up in a bow. Leaders too often succumb to analysis paralysis, fearful of imperfection, criticism, or worse, failure. But kids move—they try and they try again. An executive director we coached, for example, felt that bureaucracy hampered her team’s creative problem-solving. In response, she gathered the team and they spent a day clarifying their objectives and creatively brainstorming the systems they needed to “break” so they could rebuild them more effectively. She saw immediate results. They created an efficient process for getting things done, with less bureaucratic friction. This resulted in higher accountability and reduced frustration among the team. Sometimes, leaders need to be bold enough to dismantle what isn’t working so they can rebuild something even better. To be the Kid, leaders need to cultivate the courage to play with new ideas, even when the stakes feel high. This doesn’t mean reckless gambles; it means small, bold experiments, knowing that not every attempt will succeed—and that that’s okay. Try a new meeting format. Give frontline staff decision-making autonomy for a day. Stop asking, “What if I fail?” and start saying, “Let’s see what happens.” 2. The scientist encourages rigorous observation and iteration Being curious alone isn’t enough. Enter the Scientist, who follows up playful experiments with data collection, keen observation, and a commitment to learning. The Scientist is the counterweight to rash impulsiveness and unintelligent failure. After a leadership team tried out a new decision-making framework, one executive we worked with assumed it had gone well because it resulted in shorter meetings. But a “scientific” enquiry revealed another story. Surveys and structured feedback highlighted that many team members felt sidelined or pressured to agree quickly. This, in turn, meant that decisions only represented the opinions of a few. With data in hand, this leader iterated: He refined the process and incorporated structured time for dissent and debate. The changes stuck precisely because they evolved through cycles of learning. Adopting the Scientist persona means seeking feedback, reflecting honestly on outcomes, and iterating deliberately. This might include gathering 360-degree reviews, analyzing team performance metrics, or simply pausing to ask, “What worked, and what didn’t?” This feedback doesn’t need to be external. The Kid might challenge a leader to play around with different ways of communicating during meetings (speaking first or speaking last, only asking questions, or only summarizing). In addition to observing the impact this has on the team, the smart Scientist looks inward as well, by asking questions like, “How does it feel when I behave in X ways? ” The Scientist is ultimately concerned with hypothesis-testing and has a willingness to put personal agenda to the side. This also requires a healthy degree of self-reflection. The Scientist embodies humility and recognizes that great leaders are lifelong learners who improve through careful study and thoughtful change. 3. The gardener nurtures growth and prunes what no longer serves After exploration and evidence-based reflection comes cultivation. The Gardener persona turns inward, focusing on nurturing their own growth and weeding out behaviors, habits, and beliefs that hinder one’s leadership potential. This self-cultivation ensures that change isn’t superficial, but deeply rooted in ongoing personal transformation. This involves nurturing strengths such as empathy, communication, or resilience. And just as importantly, the Gardener identifies and removes the “weeds”—patterns of behavior such as micromanagement, defensiveness, or self-doubt—that choke progress. One executive we coached struggled with the need to control every decision. By embracing the Scientist and the Kid, he first noticed that something was off with his team and started experimenting with alternative approaches to delegation. But it’s only by embodying the Gardener could he truly acknowledge that the problem was his tendency to micromanage. In response, he began intentional delegation to team members, which not only reduced the reliance on him, but boosted the volume of quality ideas by tapping into the talent around him. Over time, this fostered team engagement by cultivating shared ownership of the company’s success and growth. The Gardener is patient but deliberate. Growth within oneself requires consistent effort, care, and self-reflection. Leadership doesn’t thrive on autopilot. It demands regular, conscious tending. It requires the commitment to nurture what helps you grow and to release what holds you back. In adopting the Gardener persona, leaders take radical responsibility for their own transformation, recognizing that true leadership growth starts within themselves. By doing so, they become not only better leaders for others, but more authentic versions of themselves. Blending personas for transformational change No single persona transforms leadership alone; the magic lies in their synergy. Leaders who play like Kids, analyze like Scientists, and nurture themselves like Gardeners develop practices that endure. They embody curiosity, rigor, and care—a powerful combination that creates space for nuance and brings abstract leadership wisdom to life. True transformation doesn’t happen in a vacuum or through a single “aha” moment. It unfolds in iterative, intentional cycles of bold action, reflection, and cultivation—it’s a continuous evolution. When leaders embrace these personas, change is not just an aspiration—it becomes a living practice that inspires others to grow alongside them. So, put on your explorer’s cap, pick up the magnifying glass, and tend your internal garden. Tomorrow’s leaders will thrive not just by knowing, but by continually growing. View the full article

The state bill would also mandate third-party appraisal of properties and offer a three-day window for consumers to withdraw from agreements. View the full article

Now this is a Lego set suitable for framing. Soon Lego will release an artful 2,615-piece set based on Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers painting in collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, which has the original work in its permanent collection. There’s no oil paint required for this rendition, though: The Lego set has enough blocks to make 16 sunflowers with adjustable petals, plus a tile with Van Gogh’s signature and a removable frame. The set is currently available for preorder for $199.99 and will ship starting March 1. Lego’s Amsterdam store and the Van Gogh Museum will permanently display sets of their own beginning March 1 as well. [Photo: Lego] Working with the museum helped Lego designers delve into the details of the 1889 painting, according to designer Stijn Oom. One of the greatest challenges they faced was re-creating the “impasto effect,” wherein Van Gogh heavily layered on paint. Indeed, the Lego version pops in 3D. “We are incredibly proud of the result and hope our fans enjoy building it as much as we enjoyed bringing Van Gogh’s masterpiece to life,” Oom said. Lego partnered with the museum for a podcast episode that will be available in March about Van Gogh and the creation of the Lego “Sunflowers” set, so builders can learn about the painting’s history while assembling the piece brick by brick. [Photo: Lego] “We hope this Lego set will inspire and engage new audiences with the art and life story of Vincent van Gogh,” Rob Groot, the museum’s managing director, said in a statement. The set is Lego’s latest foray into the world of art history. Last year, the toy maker turned Van Gogh’s Starry Night into a 2,316-piece set, and it’s also made sets of Art Hokusai’s The Great Wave, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture, as well a detailed re-creation of the Notre Dame Cathedral. In recent years Lego has leaned into more complex—and pricey—toys and sets aimed at adults, including collections based on outside intellectual property, like Marvel and Star Wars, to grow its customer base and bottom line. Legos aren’t just for kids’ toy bins anymore. You can literally hang them on your walls. View the full article

When I recently needed to find a last-minute place to stay for a week in Palo Alto, I picked one of the cheapest options on Airbnb: a 13-by-13 foot tiny house. Inside, the main living area was smaller than a parking space. Still, it had room for everything you might find in a typical studio apartment. Along the back, a tiny loveseat disguised a Murphy bed that could be pulled down from the wall; the coffee table was exactly the right size to move to the opposite side of the room when it was time to use the bed. On the other side of the house, there was a minuscule kitchen with a tiny fridge, a two-burner stove, and a sink, next to a semi-normal-sized bathroom with a shower. [Photo: courtesy Kithaus] The home is the smallest ADU, or backyard house, made by a prefab company called KitHAUS. (The company also makes even smaller units, without kitchens or bathrooms, that can be used as home offices or art studios.) The size makes it more likely to be used as a guest house. But it’s also one example of an ADU that could be built relatively quickly and affordably to help tackle the housing crisis—including in L.A., where the city needed hundreds of thousands of new units even before the fires destroyed thousands of homes. The 169-square-foot version of the house starts at only $80,000, and can be built in around a week. Adding a foundation and doing the other prep work needed to install the prefab building adds another 15% to the cost. In total, the size makes it less expensive than building a typical ADU. The company also makes larger (and pricier) versions with one or two bedrooms. In L.A., they could be used in two ways. “It could be a temporary space—in the Palisades, if someone’s going to rebuild their home, we may be able to have a prefab building like a KitHAUS in the burn areas,” says Tom Sandonato, cofounder of the company. The units are made from aluminum and other fire-rated materials, which makes them safer in a wildfire, though not completely fireproof; some ADUs that the company previously built in Altadena and Pacific Palisades were lost in the recent fires. Like other ADUs, the designs can also be used to quickly add new backyard units in cities like L.A. that don’t have enough apartment buildings. [Photo: courtesy Kithaus] The version that I stayed in was a tight squeeze. But that was partly because of the furniture and layout. The combination bed-sofa that the owner had chosen was difficult to wrangle: Since all of the cushions had to be removed from the sofa to pull down the bed—and the bedding had to be taken off to fold the bed back onto the wall to unveil the sofa—I didn’t end up bothering to switch it back and forth. The bed took up most of the floor space. But as I perched on a tiny chair and surveyed the room, I could envision how different furniture could have made the space more functional; a regular bed would have worked better than a Murphy bed, for example, despite the fact that the Murphy bed was designed to save room. I was working remotely from the tiny cottage. But for someone who spends long hours at a job somewhere else and often goes out at night, it’s possible to imagine that 169 square feet could be enough space. At the property where I stayed, there was a a private patio that was larger than the tiny house itself. Thanks to the fact that Palo Alto’s weather is 70 degrees and sunny for much of the year, it was effectively an extra room. [Photo: courtesy Kithaus] L.A. has been trying to push residents to build more backyard houses for a decade, with help from state laws that loosened zoning restrictions. Last year, more than a third of the new houses built in L.A. County were ADUs. Current ADUs are already helping house some Angelenos who lost their homes in the fires. Now, Sandonato is hoping that the city will help streamline permitting more to make ADUs even easier to build. One of the KitHAUS designs, for example, could potentially be pre-permitted to speed up the process. View the full article

Starting a small business can be exciting and fulfill your entrepreneurial spirit. However, the legal side of things can be daunting for the uninitiated. Don’t fear – there are many ways to get free legal advice for your small business that can help you navigate the complexities of business law. From experienced professionals to online resources, free legal advice is available and tailored to help you get on course with your small business ventures. Let’s dive in! How Can You Legal Advice Free in the US? In the U.S., there are various ways to receive free legal advice or low-cost legal assistance, particularly for issues related to business law, personal law, or other legal matters. Some of these options include: Pro Bono Lawyers: Some attorneys offer free services, known as “pro bono,” for those who cannot afford a lawyer. They may offer these services through private practice, through a law firm’s pro bono program, or via a legal aid society. Pro bono services may range from legal advice to full representation in court. Legal Clinics: Many communities and law schools have legal clinics where law students, under the supervision of a licensed attorney, provide legal services to those who cannot afford representation. This can include advice, document preparation, and even court appearances in some cases. Online Legal Forums: Websites such as Avvo, LawGuru, or the Legal Advice subreddit on Reddit are places where you can post legal questions and receive answers from legal professionals or knowledgeable laypeople. Remember, while these answers can guide you, they do not replace formal legal advice. Small Business Administration (SBA) and SCORE: If your legal questions relate to a small business, the SBA and SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) can provide resources, mentorship, and potentially free or low-cost workshops or consultations. Law School Workshops and Public Lectures: Check with local law schools, as they often host public lectures or workshops on legal topics. These can be a great resource for learning about a particular area of law and can offer the opportunity to ask questions. Local Bar Associations: Most cities or counties have a bar association that can provide referrals to local attorneys. Many of these associations operate a legal hotline or hold occasional free legal clinics where you can talk briefly with an attorney. State and Local Government Websites: Numerous government websites offer resources for legal assistance. For example, they may provide information on landlord-tenant laws, consumer protection laws, or guidance on navigating small claims court. Legal Aid Societies: These are non-profit organizations that provide free legal services to people below a certain income level. They can assist with various issues, including family law, housing, and public benefits. Remember, while all of these avenues can provide legal information and potential advice, they are not a substitute for hiring a lawyer if your situation requires one. For complex legal issues or when going to court, it’s typically best to have a trained legal professional represent your interests. Why Legal Advice is So Important for Small Businesses Starting a small business can be a thrilling and rewarding journey, but navigating the legal side of things can be complex and intimidating for those starting out. That’s why it is so important to get free legal help to ensure success in your small business venture. Here are six reasons why accessing free legal advice is so important for small businesses: Secure Investments – Having qualified legal advice ensures you make the correct decisions when it comes to investments, partnerships, and contracts to secure your finances. Protect Assets – With guidance from experienced professionals, you can protect your assets from potential liabilities or risks that may arise during operations. Understand Federal Laws – Knowing federal and state laws helps you comply with regulations and avoid unnecessary restrictions or penalties by the government. Ensure Compliance – Free legal advice can provide peace of mind that you are complying with labor laws, health codes, tax requirements, and other relevant regulations. Minimize Risks – Understanding potential risks or challenging times ahead ensures you have strategies in place to mitigate any detrimental effects on your business operations. Process Documentation Quickly – Professional lawyers provide assistance with paperwork quickly and efficiently, including permits, leases, or other types of documents required for your business activities. Ways to Get Free Legal Advice When starting or running a small business, it’s important to stay abreast of the law and remain compliant. Finding free legal advice can be a daunting task, so here are helpful ways to get professional assistance without breaking the bank. Small Business Administration (SBA) The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a valuable resource for small business owners who are seeking legal advice but may not be able to afford a lawyer. The SBA’s Legal Compliance section on its website provides comprehensive information on various legal topics, including internal record-keeping, state and federal tax filing, and obtaining and maintaining business licenses and permits. This information is designed to help small business owners understand their legal obligations and ensure that they are in compliance with all relevant laws. In addition to the Legal Compliance section, the SBA provides a range of other resources and support for small business owners, including access to funding, counseling services, and business training programs. Whether you are just starting a business or looking to expand your existing operation, the SBA can help you navigate the many challenges of running a small business and help you succeed in your venture. Furthermore, the SBA provides free and low-cost business counseling through its network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and Women’s Business Centers (WBCs). These centers offer advice on various topics, including business planning, management, and financial planning. Whether you are just starting out or looking to expand your existing operation, the SBA small business resource center programs can help you find the resources and support you need to succeed. Internal Revenue Service The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers a wealth of resources for small business owners and the self-employed through the Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center. This comprehensive resource provides everything from tax filing instructions and tax deductions to legal advice on how to comply with the Affordable Care Act and recent tax reforms. Small business owners can access guidance tailored to their specific business structure regarding taxes. This includes information on filing tax returns, record-keeping, and obtaining and maintaining necessary business licenses and permits. The Tax Center also offers numerous educational resources, including web-based workshops, tutorials, and other educational tools. These resources are designed to help small business owners and the self-employed better understand their tax obligations and complete their taxes with ease. Whether you need assistance with filing your taxes, information about legal requirements for small businesses, or advice on maintaining compliance for your business, the IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center is here to help. Online Legal Service Online legal platforms can offer access to affordable legal support for various needs. These services, sometimes free or at a low-cost legal fee, offer helpful resources like legal forms, advice on business structuring, family law, and local attorney referrals. You can also connect with licensed business lawyers for free advice through their “Ask a Lawyer” option. Some sites to ask your legal questions include LegalZoom, Lawyers.com, FreeAdvice.com, Avvo, and LawGuru.com. Want a precise response? Craft a detailed inquiry by incorporating “Who, What, When, How, Will I or Do I” in the beginning. Supplementing the inquiry with extra information will get you a better answer in a much quicker timeframe. These online legal services and sites provide assistance with various legal matters, including business formation, estate planning, and trademark registration. They offer a range of legal documents and services, from do-it-yourself document preparation to attorney-assisted document review and more. They make legal services accessible, affordable, and user-friendly for individuals and small businesses. Law Blogs Getting free legal advice from law blogs can be an incredibly helpful resource for those looking for information about the law and legal issues. One of the main benefits of using law blogs for free legal advice is their easy accessibility. Many law blogs, such as FindLaw.com and Nolo, are available online and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making them a convenient option for those who may not have the resources to schedule a consultation with a lawyer. Another advantage of law blogs is that they frequently offer a rich source of information covering various legal topics. From criminal law to contract law, law blogs cover a range of subjects, making it easy to find information on the specific legal issue you are facing. They can also be an excellent resource for staying up-to-date on the latest legal developments and changes in the law. Using law blogs, you can learn about how to create a business startup checklist, the pros and cons of different business structures, how to register your business in another state, things to do after forming an LLC, and much more. You can even search for answers to specific questions, like ‘how much does it cost to incorporate in each state?’ While law blogs can be a great resource for free legal advice, it is important to note that the information provided on these blogs is not always accurate or up-to-date. As with any source of information, it is important to take the time to research and verify the information provided on law blogs before using it to make important legal decisions. While it is important to exercise caution when using this information, the benefits of using law blogs for legal advice, including the convenience and breadth of information available, make it a valuable resource for those in need of legal guidance. Pro Bono Legal Clinics Pro bono legal clinics provide legal services to those who have low to moderate incomes and cannot afford to pay for a lawyer. These clinics are staffed by volunteer lawyers who dedicate their time and expertise to helping those in need. There are many benefits to seeking legal advice from a pro bono law firm clinic, making them an excellent option for those who need legal assistance but cannot afford to pay for it. One of the main benefits of pro bono legal clinics is that they provide access to professional legal advice that is otherwise unavailable to many people. These clinics are staffed by experienced lawyers who have the knowledge and expertise to help with a wide range of legal issues. This encompasses a range of services, including the drafting of legal documents, negotiating settlements, and representing clients in court. Another advantage of pro bono clinics is that they are often affiliated with local bar associations, community organizations, and law schools. This means that clients can receive a high level of professional legal assistance without incurring any cost. This is especially advantageous for individuals facing intricate legal matters who require access to expert guidance. However, one of the main cons of seeking free legal advice from pro bono clinics is that they are often very busy and in high demand. This means that clients may have to wait a long time for their cases to be addressed. In some cases, clients may be turned away because the clinic is already overwhelmed with other cases. Online Legal Courses Free online legal courses are a great resource for individuals looking to find legal information and advice. One of the key benefits of these courses is their accessibility. They can be taken from anywhere with an internet connection and at any time, making them an excellent option for people with busy schedules. These courses are often taught by experienced attorneys and legal experts, providing individuals with the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field. Online legal courses are usually self-paced, allowing individuals to learn at their own speed and review the material as needed. However, one potential drawback of using online legal courses is that the information provided may not always be up-to-date or applicable to specific circumstances. Legal issues can be complex, and it may be difficult to find a one-size-fits-all solution through an online course. In these cases, it may be necessary to consult with a licensed attorney for more personalized and accurate advice. Nevertheless, free online legal courses can still be a valuable resource for individuals seeking general legal information and a better understanding of legal concepts and procedures. For example, the Fundamentals of Business Law explains the differences between a sole proprietor, general partnership, limited partnership, C-corporations, and S-Corporations. While Protecting Business Innovations via Patent provides information all about patents. Federal Trade Commission The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) website is a comprehensive resource for small business owners. It includes a “Tips & Advice” section, which has a specific “Business Center” subsection. This subsection offers a wide array of documents, blog posts, disclaimer examples, and reports that address different facets of managing a small business. These range from advertising and marketing to credit and finance to privacy and security. The Business Center also offers a wealth of legal resources. This section catalogs court cases, reports, and opinions on various business-related legal matters. From deceptive advertising to tip withholding to online ticket scalping, it provides valuable insight into how these legal cases were handled and the outcomes of each. By utilizing these resources, small business owners can gain a deeper understanding of the complex legal landscape in which they operate. The FTC’s Business Center is a valuable tool for staying informed and up-to-date on current legal issues, as well as for obtaining advice and guidance on how to protect your business from potential legal challenges. Place for Free Legal AdviceProsCons Small Business Administration (SBA)Provides comprehensive legal information and resources. Access to counseling services and training programs.May not cover every aspect of legal advice a business may need. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)Offers guidance on tax filing, deductions, and legal compliance requirements.Focuses primarily on tax-related issues. Online Legal Services (e.g., LegalZoom, Avvo)Access to a range of legal resources and documents. Some offer free advice and attorney referrals.Accuracy and quality of advice may vary. May charge for certain services. Law Blogs (e.g., FindLaw.com, Nolo)Cover a wide range of legal topics. Free and easily accessible.Information may not always be accurate or up-to-date. Pro Bono Legal ClinicsProvide access to professional legal advice for free. Staffed by volunteer lawyers.Often busy and in high demand. May have long wait times. Online Legal CoursesAccessible and self-paced learning from legal experts.Information may not always be up-to-date or specific to individual circumstances. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)Provides resources on a range of legal matters related to running a business. Keeps businesses informed on current legal issues.Focuses primarily on business-related legal issues. Maximizing the Benefit of Legal Consultations When looking for free legal advice for your small business, it’s important to prepare carefully to maximize the benefits of these valuable consultations. Begin by formulating your questions ahead of time. This means pinpointing the key legal challenges your business is encountering, whether they relate to contracts, intellectual property, or regulatory compliance. Having a clear understanding of your specific needs will facilitate a more targeted and effective conversation. Additionally, it’s important to gather all relevant documents before your consultation. This might include contracts, business agreements, business plans, or any previous legal correspondence that pertains to your current legal queries. Having these documents neatly organized and on hand will help the lawyer quickly understand the context of your situation, allowing them to provide more targeted and accurate advice. Furthermore, having a clear understanding of your business needs and goals is crucial. Knowing how these goals intersect with legal requirements will guide the conversation and help the lawyer provide advice that not only addresses your immediate concerns but also aligns with your long-term business strategy. This approach ensures that the legal advice you receive is not just relevant but also practical and beneficial for your business’s future growth and compliance. The Bottom Line With so many potential resources for free legal advice, it can be difficult to know where to turn. To make sure you get the best advice for your small business, it’s important to do your research and find an experienced lawyer who is able to provide knowledgeable assistance on the specific needs of your venture. Contacting legal aid professionals, networking with other businesses in your community, or looking up legal tips for small businesses on online forums are just a few options available to help you find free legal advice for your small business. Image: Envato Elements, Depositphotos This article, "Where to Get Free Legal Advice for Your Small Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Starting a small business can be exciting and fulfill your entrepreneurial spirit. However, the legal side of things can be daunting for the uninitiated. Don’t fear – there are many ways to get free legal advice for your small business that can help you navigate the complexities of business law. From experienced professionals to online resources, free legal advice is available and tailored to help you get on course with your small business ventures. Let’s dive in! How Can You Legal Advice Free in the US? In the U.S., there are various ways to receive free legal advice or low-cost legal assistance, particularly for issues related to business law, personal law, or other legal matters. Some of these options include: Pro Bono Lawyers: Some attorneys offer free services, known as “pro bono,” for those who cannot afford a lawyer. They may offer these services through private practice, through a law firm’s pro bono program, or via a legal aid society. Pro bono services may range from legal advice to full representation in court. Legal Clinics: Many communities and law schools have legal clinics where law students, under the supervision of a licensed attorney, provide legal services to those who cannot afford representation. This can include advice, document preparation, and even court appearances in some cases. Online Legal Forums: Websites such as Avvo, LawGuru, or the Legal Advice subreddit on Reddit are places where you can post legal questions and receive answers from legal professionals or knowledgeable laypeople. Remember, while these answers can guide you, they do not replace formal legal advice. Small Business Administration (SBA) and SCORE: If your legal questions relate to a small business, the SBA and SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) can provide resources, mentorship, and potentially free or low-cost workshops or consultations. Law School Workshops and Public Lectures: Check with local law schools, as they often host public lectures or workshops on legal topics. These can be a great resource for learning about a particular area of law and can offer the opportunity to ask questions. Local Bar Associations: Most cities or counties have a bar association that can provide referrals to local attorneys. Many of these associations operate a legal hotline or hold occasional free legal clinics where you can talk briefly with an attorney. State and Local Government Websites: Numerous government websites offer resources for legal assistance. For example, they may provide information on landlord-tenant laws, consumer protection laws, or guidance on navigating small claims court. Legal Aid Societies: These are non-profit organizations that provide free legal services to people below a certain income level. They can assist with various issues, including family law, housing, and public benefits. Remember, while all of these avenues can provide legal information and potential advice, they are not a substitute for hiring a lawyer if your situation requires one. For complex legal issues or when going to court, it’s typically best to have a trained legal professional represent your interests. Why Legal Advice is So Important for Small Businesses Starting a small business can be a thrilling and rewarding journey, but navigating the legal side of things can be complex and intimidating for those starting out. That’s why it is so important to get free legal help to ensure success in your small business venture. Here are six reasons why accessing free legal advice is so important for small businesses: Secure Investments – Having qualified legal advice ensures you make the correct decisions when it comes to investments, partnerships, and contracts to secure your finances. Protect Assets – With guidance from experienced professionals, you can protect your assets from potential liabilities or risks that may arise during operations. Understand Federal Laws – Knowing federal and state laws helps you comply with regulations and avoid unnecessary restrictions or penalties by the government. Ensure Compliance – Free legal advice can provide peace of mind that you are complying with labor laws, health codes, tax requirements, and other relevant regulations. Minimize Risks – Understanding potential risks or challenging times ahead ensures you have strategies in place to mitigate any detrimental effects on your business operations. Process Documentation Quickly – Professional lawyers provide assistance with paperwork quickly and efficiently, including permits, leases, or other types of documents required for your business activities. Ways to Get Free Legal Advice When starting or running a small business, it’s important to stay abreast of the law and remain compliant. Finding free legal advice can be a daunting task, so here are helpful ways to get professional assistance without breaking the bank. Small Business Administration (SBA) The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a valuable resource for small business owners who are seeking legal advice but may not be able to afford a lawyer. The SBA’s Legal Compliance section on its website provides comprehensive information on various legal topics, including internal record-keeping, state and federal tax filing, and obtaining and maintaining business licenses and permits. This information is designed to help small business owners understand their legal obligations and ensure that they are in compliance with all relevant laws. In addition to the Legal Compliance section, the SBA provides a range of other resources and support for small business owners, including access to funding, counseling services, and business training programs. Whether you are just starting a business or looking to expand your existing operation, the SBA can help you navigate the many challenges of running a small business and help you succeed in your venture. Furthermore, the SBA provides free and low-cost business counseling through its network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and Women’s Business Centers (WBCs). These centers offer advice on various topics, including business planning, management, and financial planning. Whether you are just starting out or looking to expand your existing operation, the SBA small business resource center programs can help you find the resources and support you need to succeed. Internal Revenue Service The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers a wealth of resources for small business owners and the self-employed through the Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center. This comprehensive resource provides everything from tax filing instructions and tax deductions to legal advice on how to comply with the Affordable Care Act and recent tax reforms. Small business owners can access guidance tailored to their specific business structure regarding taxes. This includes information on filing tax returns, record-keeping, and obtaining and maintaining necessary business licenses and permits. The Tax Center also offers numerous educational resources, including web-based workshops, tutorials, and other educational tools. These resources are designed to help small business owners and the self-employed better understand their tax obligations and complete their taxes with ease. Whether you need assistance with filing your taxes, information about legal requirements for small businesses, or advice on maintaining compliance for your business, the IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center is here to help. Online Legal Service Online legal platforms can offer access to affordable legal support for various needs. These services, sometimes free or at a low-cost legal fee, offer helpful resources like legal forms, advice on business structuring, family law, and local attorney referrals. You can also connect with licensed business lawyers for free advice through their “Ask a Lawyer” option. Some sites to ask your legal questions include LegalZoom, Lawyers.com, FreeAdvice.com, Avvo, and LawGuru.com. Want a precise response? Craft a detailed inquiry by incorporating “Who, What, When, How, Will I or Do I” in the beginning. Supplementing the inquiry with extra information will get you a better answer in a much quicker timeframe. These online legal services and sites provide assistance with various legal matters, including business formation, estate planning, and trademark registration. They offer a range of legal documents and services, from do-it-yourself document preparation to attorney-assisted document review and more. They make legal services accessible, affordable, and user-friendly for individuals and small businesses. Law Blogs Getting free legal advice from law blogs can be an incredibly helpful resource for those looking for information about the law and legal issues. One of the main benefits of using law blogs for free legal advice is their easy accessibility. Many law blogs, such as FindLaw.com and Nolo, are available online and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making them a convenient option for those who may not have the resources to schedule a consultation with a lawyer. Another advantage of law blogs is that they frequently offer a rich source of information covering various legal topics. From criminal law to contract law, law blogs cover a range of subjects, making it easy to find information on the specific legal issue you are facing. They can also be an excellent resource for staying up-to-date on the latest legal developments and changes in the law. Using law blogs, you can learn about how to create a business startup checklist, the pros and cons of different business structures, how to register your business in another state, things to do after forming an LLC, and much more. You can even search for answers to specific questions, like ‘how much does it cost to incorporate in each state?’ While law blogs can be a great resource for free legal advice, it is important to note that the information provided on these blogs is not always accurate or up-to-date. As with any source of information, it is important to take the time to research and verify the information provided on law blogs before using it to make important legal decisions. While it is important to exercise caution when using this information, the benefits of using law blogs for legal advice, including the convenience and breadth of information available, make it a valuable resource for those in need of legal guidance. Pro Bono Legal Clinics Pro bono legal clinics provide legal services to those who have low to moderate incomes and cannot afford to pay for a lawyer. These clinics are staffed by volunteer lawyers who dedicate their time and expertise to helping those in need. There are many benefits to seeking legal advice from a pro bono law firm clinic, making them an excellent option for those who need legal assistance but cannot afford to pay for it. One of the main benefits of pro bono legal clinics is that they provide access to professional legal advice that is otherwise unavailable to many people. These clinics are staffed by experienced lawyers who have the knowledge and expertise to help with a wide range of legal issues. This encompasses a range of services, including the drafting of legal documents, negotiating settlements, and representing clients in court. Another advantage of pro bono clinics is that they are often affiliated with local bar associations, community organizations, and law schools. This means that clients can receive a high level of professional legal assistance without incurring any cost. This is especially advantageous for individuals facing intricate legal matters who require access to expert guidance. However, one of the main cons of seeking free legal advice from pro bono clinics is that they are often very busy and in high demand. This means that clients may have to wait a long time for their cases to be addressed. In some cases, clients may be turned away because the clinic is already overwhelmed with other cases. Online Legal Courses Free online legal courses are a great resource for individuals looking to find legal information and advice. One of the key benefits of these courses is their accessibility. They can be taken from anywhere with an internet connection and at any time, making them an excellent option for people with busy schedules. These courses are often taught by experienced attorneys and legal experts, providing individuals with the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field. Online legal courses are usually self-paced, allowing individuals to learn at their own speed and review the material as needed. However, one potential drawback of using online legal courses is that the information provided may not always be up-to-date or applicable to specific circumstances. Legal issues can be complex, and it may be difficult to find a one-size-fits-all solution through an online course. In these cases, it may be necessary to consult with a licensed attorney for more personalized and accurate advice. Nevertheless, free online legal courses can still be a valuable resource for individuals seeking general legal information and a better understanding of legal concepts and procedures. For example, the Fundamentals of Business Law explains the differences between a sole proprietor, general partnership, limited partnership, C-corporations, and S-Corporations. While Protecting Business Innovations via Patent provides information all about patents. Federal Trade Commission The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) website is a comprehensive resource for small business owners. It includes a “Tips & Advice” section, which has a specific “Business Center” subsection. This subsection offers a wide array of documents, blog posts, disclaimer examples, and reports that address different facets of managing a small business. These range from advertising and marketing to credit and finance to privacy and security. The Business Center also offers a wealth of legal resources. This section catalogs court cases, reports, and opinions on various business-related legal matters. From deceptive advertising to tip withholding to online ticket scalping, it provides valuable insight into how these legal cases were handled and the outcomes of each. By utilizing these resources, small business owners can gain a deeper understanding of the complex legal landscape in which they operate. The FTC’s Business Center is a valuable tool for staying informed and up-to-date on current legal issues, as well as for obtaining advice and guidance on how to protect your business from potential legal challenges. Place for Free Legal AdviceProsCons Small Business Administration (SBA)Provides comprehensive legal information and resources. Access to counseling services and training programs.May not cover every aspect of legal advice a business may need. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)Offers guidance on tax filing, deductions, and legal compliance requirements.Focuses primarily on tax-related issues. Online Legal Services (e.g., LegalZoom, Avvo)Access to a range of legal resources and documents. Some offer free advice and attorney referrals.Accuracy and quality of advice may vary. May charge for certain services. Law Blogs (e.g., FindLaw.com, Nolo)Cover a wide range of legal topics. Free and easily accessible.Information may not always be accurate or up-to-date. Pro Bono Legal ClinicsProvide access to professional legal advice for free. Staffed by volunteer lawyers.Often busy and in high demand. May have long wait times. Online Legal CoursesAccessible and self-paced learning from legal experts.Information may not always be up-to-date or specific to individual circumstances. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)Provides resources on a range of legal matters related to running a business. Keeps businesses informed on current legal issues.Focuses primarily on business-related legal issues. Maximizing the Benefit of Legal Consultations When looking for free legal advice for your small business, it’s important to prepare carefully to maximize the benefits of these valuable consultations. Begin by formulating your questions ahead of time. This means pinpointing the key legal challenges your business is encountering, whether they relate to contracts, intellectual property, or regulatory compliance. Having a clear understanding of your specific needs will facilitate a more targeted and effective conversation. Additionally, it’s important to gather all relevant documents before your consultation. This might include contracts, business agreements, business plans, or any previous legal correspondence that pertains to your current legal queries. Having these documents neatly organized and on hand will help the lawyer quickly understand the context of your situation, allowing them to provide more targeted and accurate advice. Furthermore, having a clear understanding of your business needs and goals is crucial. Knowing how these goals intersect with legal requirements will guide the conversation and help the lawyer provide advice that not only addresses your immediate concerns but also aligns with your long-term business strategy. This approach ensures that the legal advice you receive is not just relevant but also practical and beneficial for your business’s future growth and compliance. The Bottom Line With so many potential resources for free legal advice, it can be difficult to know where to turn. To make sure you get the best advice for your small business, it’s important to do your research and find an experienced lawyer who is able to provide knowledgeable assistance on the specific needs of your venture. Contacting legal aid professionals, networking with other businesses in your community, or looking up legal tips for small businesses on online forums are just a few options available to help you find free legal advice for your small business. Image: Envato Elements, Depositphotos This article, "Where to Get Free Legal Advice for Your Small Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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“I didn’t know what to say, so I avoided him.” That’s what a leader confessed to me during a coaching session, his voice low with shame. One of his team members had just lost a child, and instead of reaching out, he kept his distance. “What could I possibly say to make it better?” he asked me. “I was terrified I’d make things worse.” It’s a moment many leaders face but few talk about. When employees are dealing with loss, crisis, or personal hardship, the instinct to avoid, to stay in the safe zone of tasks and deadlines, can be overwhelming. But leadership during hard times isn’t about having the perfect words—it’s about having the courage to show up. The Emotional Weight of Hardship Hardship can take many forms: a natural disaster, economic uncertainty, a significant organizational change, or even the loss of a beloved team member. These situations disrupt normalcy, destabilize routines, and often leave employees carrying emotional burdens into the workplace. But hardship isn’t just personal—it’s collective. When one person’s world is shaken, the ripple effects can touch entire teams. For example: A team grappling with layoffs may experience anxiety and survivor’s guilt. An employee returning to work after a family emergency might struggle with focus or emotional exhaustion. A department affected by a major project setback could feel disoriented or demotivated. Ronald Heifetz, a pioneer in adaptive leadership—a practice of mobilizing people to tackle tough challenges by addressing underlying behaviors—teaches that hardship disrupts more than just routines. It challenges identities and certainties. A leader’s role is not to mask this discomfort but to create a holding environment—a safe space where people can process emotions, confront challenges, and begin adapting to new realities. Creating a Holding Environment: Practical Steps A holding environment is both a physical and psychological construct. It’s a space—literal or metaphorical—where people feel safe enough to express vulnerability and work through challenges. Here’s how leaders can create one: 1. Be present without trying to solve everything Leaders often feel compelled to jump in with solutions, but during times of hardship, this instinct can feel dismissive. Instead, focus on listening deeply and acknowledging the complexity of what your team is experiencing. For instance, if a team is navigating the loss of a major client, recognize their efforts and express understanding, rather than rushing to push them toward the next target. 2. Establish safety through boundaries Employees need to feel that sharing their emotions won’t jeopardize their professional standing or team dynamics. Create structured opportunities for open dialogue, such as team check-ins or one-on-one conversations, and set clear boundaries to ensure these spaces are respectful and constructive. 3. Model vulnerability and humanity Leaders don’t have to have all the answers. Showing your own humanity—whether it’s sharing how you’ve navigated setbacks or admitting you’re also finding the situation challenging—builds trust and normalizes vulnerability. For example, a leader might say, “I’m also struggling to see the bigger picture right now, but I know we’ll figure it out together.” 4. Encourage reflection and meaning-making Hardship often leaves people searching for meaning. Encourage employees to share their stories or lessons learned. Even simple gestures, like celebrating the resilience a team demonstrated during a tight deadline or acknowledging the effort it took to navigate a tough quarter, can help employees feel seen and valued. When Leadership Misses the Mark Even well-intentioned leaders can stumble in their responses to hardship. Here’s what to avoid: 1. Over-optimism: Efforts to keep the mood upbeat can feel tone-deaf if they don’t acknowledge the gravity of the situation. Avoid platitudes like, “This will all blow over soon” and instead validate what your team is experiencing. 2. Delegating empathy: Empathy can’t be outsourced to HR or managers alone. Leaders need to show up authentically and engage with their teams directly. There’s no exact right way to do this, and sometimes naming your own discomfort or uncertainty is the act of courage that will connect you more deeply. Leaders sometimes hesitate to do this out of fear, and are surprised how relieving and even inspiring it proves to be. 3. Inconsistency: Providing initial support but failing to follow through can erode trust. Ensure any commitments—whether flexible schedules, extra resources, or emotional support—are sustained for as long as needed. 4. Ignoring the bigger picture: Focusing only on individual employees can mean overlooking team dynamics or cultural shifts that also need attention. Loss creates a wake that needs its own acknowledgement. The Cost of Neglecting Hardship When hardship is left unaddressed, morale drops, productivity suffers, and turnover increases. Stress and grief, if ignored, can escalate into disengagement or even conflict. I’ve worked with organizations who talk about these events as if they were yesterday only to find out they were many years in the past. To those carrying them into the present, they still felt relevant because they went unaddressed or unprocessed. This sets up a divide of the people who want to “move on” and those who feel left behind or unheard. The very thing that many leaders avoid, naming and acknowledging the losses, is in fact, what Heifetz offers as the leader’s greatest opportunity. Intentional leadership during challenging times can strengthen bonds, build trust, and foster a culture of resilience. For instance, a leader who supports an employee through a personal crisis by adjusting their workload or connecting them with resources creates goodwill that extends far beyond the immediate situation. Adaptive Leadership for Lasting Impact Navigating hardship requires adaptive leadership—helping individuals and teams bridge the gap between current realities and future possibilities. This often means asking tough questions: What do we need to let go of? What can we salvage? How do we move forward together? The process isn’t easy, but the results are profound. By meeting hardship with empathy, openness, and authenticity, leaders can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. In a world that is constantly changing, great leadership isn’t about avoiding adversity—it’s about creating more space to meet it with courage, compassion, and clarity. 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During his first week in office, President Donald Trump withdrew from the Paris climate agreement, declared an energy emergency, renewed his vow to “drill, baby, drill,” and began dismantling American climate policy. That has left environmental advocates looking to states to lead the nation’s efforts to burn fewer fossil fuels—and a report released Wednesday shows there is much more they can do. One of the most powerful tools at each state’s disposal is the ability to work with utilities to encourage energy efficiency. But the report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, or ACEEE, details how only 26 states, along with the District of Columbia, have established a so-called energy-efficiency resource standard, or EERS. These targets, set by legislators or utility regulators, require utilities to implement programs—such as weatherization or rebates on appliances—that cut energy consumption by a certain amount each year. “There is more work that needs to be done,” said Jasmine Mah, a senior research analyst at the Council and an author of the report. Since 2012, just three states have added such a standard, while New Hampshire, Ohio, and Iowa repealed theirs in favor of less-ambitious or scaled-back programming. Arizona is also pursuing a rollback. Mah says the report is aimed at state policymakers and regulators, who could shift that tide. “We hope that highlighting the positive impacts of having an EERS in place would encourage states to pass a policy,” she said. An earlier ACEEE report found that as of 2017, states with an energy-efficiency resource standard saw four times the electricity savings as states without one. In 2023, states with such a plan accounted for about 59% of the U.S. population but 82% of the savings. “States aren’t doing this just because of climate change,” said Barry Rabe, a political scientist at the University of Michigan who studies energy and climate politics. “There is an economic advantage.” Fossil-fuel-friendly Texas, Rabe noted, was the first to adopt an EERS in 1999. But efficiency can become less of a priority when energy supplies are abundant and costs are stable. “The decline in interest,” Rabe said, “has in some degree coincided with the massive increase in natural gas use in the U.S.” Still, the Council also found that many states have gone beyond baseline policies and implemented what the report dubs “next-generation” initiatives that aim to lower greenhouse gas emissions, spur electrification, serve lower-income populations, and reduce consumers’ financial energy burdens. All but 4 of the 27 states (including D.C.) with an energy-efficiency resource standard have implemented at least one such effort, but only 9 have adopted all of them, leaving plenty of room for growth. “We found that low-income targets are the most common complementary goal related to efficiency standards,” said Mah. “[But] not many states had provisions for energy affordability.” The report spotlights five states that have been particularly effective at employing these programs. Illinois has targeted using only clean energy by 2050. Massachusetts aims to install half a million heat pumps by 2030. Michigan mandates that utilities dedicate at least 25% (electric utilities) and 35% (gas utilities) of their energy-efficiency funding to programs serving low-income customers. Utilities in New York and Minnesota have capped the portion of a customer’s income that can go toward utility costs at 6% and 4%, respectively. President Trump’s push to repeal the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, likely won’t impact state EERSs because they are generally funded through fees added to utility bills. “We see that as probably the best way to bring significant funds,” said Justin Brant, the utility program director at the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project. Critics of Arizona’s EERS, which was adopted in 2010, point to the $3 billion cost to customers. “Utilities should select the most cost-effective energy mix to provide reliable and affordable service, without being constrained by government-imposed mandates that make it more expensive for their customers,” said Arizona Corporation Commissioner Nick Myers in a statement last year. But the state’s largest electric utility found that in 2023, EERS investments reaped about twice as much in returns as was spent. “We’re saving money for all customers, even those who aren’t participating,” said Brant. The IRA does provide nearly $9 billion for energy-efficiency and electrification programs, almost all of which is distributed via states and could be used on next-generation programs, like those serving low-income households. That money has already been awarded. But the Republican-controlled Congress could roll back federal tax credits for energy efficiency and electrification, which indirectly make it easier for states to achieve their energy-efficiency resource standard and next-generation goals. Brant says he would add another policy to the Council’s “next-generation wish list” for states: programs that encourage customers to spread out the timing of their daily energy use. Lower peak demand means power plants don’t need to be as large. And that, he said, will be especially critical as renewable energy becomes an increasing part of the country’s electricity mix. “​​Time shift is not something that this report looked at,” he said. “I think that’s another piece that needs to be prioritized.” This article originally appeared in Grist, a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Sign up for its newsletter here. View the full article

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In an executive order Monday, President Donald Trump demanded a “full-scale review” of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and requested a report proposing “structural changes” within the next 180 days. The move comes after he made repeated calls for “getting rid of” the nation’s backstop against natural disasters during his first few days as president. “FEMA has turned out to be a disaster,” Trump said in North Carolina on Friday while on a multistate tour to areas still recovering from the effects of last year’s Hurricane Helene and the ongoing wildfires near Los Angeles. “I think we recommend that FEMA go away.” Inside the agency, FEMA’s staff is bracing for the worst. “We all got PTSD here in Puerto Rico the first time around. [We’re] just praying we don’t get so much as a bad rain in the next four years,” says Denise, a FEMA employee who requested to be identified only by her middle name. “I was expecting BS, but not this fast.” Residents of Watsonville temporarily living in FEMA trailers a year after the Loma Prieta earthquake in California, circa 1990 [Photo: Eric Luse/The San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images] FEMA was established in 1979 in its current form, but traces its roots back to 1803 with congressional authorization of aid to the city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, following a severe fire that threatened the national economy. Today, FEMA aid is available only after local jurisdictions have depleted their own ability to respond to an emergency and specifically request it. Even then, the request must be approved by Congress. FEMA is currently managing the response and recovery for at least 192 disaster declarations—including fires, floods, landslides, tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter storms. In 2023, FEMA’s budget totaled nearly $30 billion, including activities in every state, tribal entity, and Puerto Rico. Trump’s moves to limit FEMA’s scope appear to be rooted in political retribution. His executive order alleges FEMA staff have selectively administered hurricane aid based on political affiliation—a false rumor that the president himself helped spread during the Helene aftermath, and which the agency has worked hard to debunk. That same allegation resulted in multiple physical threats to FEMA workers last year in North Carolina and Tennessee. The chairman of the Republican National Committee was one of the first people named as a member of the FEMA review panel that Trump tasked with deciding the agency’s future. Routing FEMA funds directly through the White House, as Trump suggested over the weekend, would further politicize federal disaster aid, especially since states that historically have received the most FEMA funds are those along the Gulf Coast that supported him in the last election. Trump has also threatened conditioning federal wildfire aid to California on the state passing more restrictive voter ID laws. Moves like this are unheard of in recent U.S. history, and have prompted bipartisan anger in response. “California has given more to the recovery of other states than any other state in the union,” said Democratic Senator Adam Schiff. “You do not want to go down this road.” A civilian search and rescue team member, left, gives a hand to a member of NY Task Force One, a FEMA urban search and rescue team, as they hike along the Broad River in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. [Photo: Sean Rayford/Getty Images] Shifting to the states While on his trips to North Carolina and California last week, Trump speculated that he could ultimately abolish FEMA entirely and turn disaster management directly over to the states, which would then be able to delegate response and recovery efforts to nonprofits. According to an analysis by Samantha Montano, an emergency management professor at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, this would result in “a less effective, less efficient, and less equitable emergency management system, which means it makes all of us less safe. Without question, we would see higher death tolls, greater physical damage, and immense economic impacts.” Even if Trump and Congress maintain current levels of federal disaster aid, without FEMA states wouldn’t have adequate infrastructure to administer that aid to affected households. Multistate disasters—like most hurricanes—would likely have a haphazard response without FEMA’s coordination and could completely overwhelm small states, territories, and tribal nations. Workers for FEMA put a temporary roof on a home damaged by Hurricane Katrina in Waveland, Mississippi. [Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images] Emergency management experts consulted by Fast Company said a diminished federally coordinated disaster response would compound the growing risks that Americans already face from climate change. Even adjusting for inflation, the annual number of billion-dollar disasters in the United States has doubled in just the past 10 years. That will continue to grow for the foreseeable future as rising temperatures fuel stronger storms. Withholding federal aid “could deal a crushing blow to any area that has suffered a severe disaster,” says Edie Schaffer, a retired emergency planning manager for the city and county of San Francisco. “It would also prolong recovery, which in some instances could have consequences far beyond the area where the disaster occurred.” A case in point: Reporting from the Tampa Bay Times indicates that the twin 2024 hurricane disasters of Helene and Milton generated $247 million of additional expenses for debris collection and disposal in the St. Petersburg area alone—about 30% of the city’s annual operating budget. FEMA has already committed to covering $200 million of those expenses, but reimbursements could now be delayed. “A state or local area left to address the impacts of disasters alone would likely have to shift funding from other projects to help with response and recovery efforts,” says Schaffer, noting that as a last resort, cities and states may need to turn to selling bonds to cover any expense shortfalls. President Trump throws paper towels into a crowd at a food and supply distribution event following Hurricane Maria in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, in 2017. [Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images] Trump and FEMA The interim FEMA administrator, Cameron Hamilton, is a former Navy SEAL with no previous disaster management experience, but he is a Trump loyalist—a further sign that the president is likely to politicize federal disaster response in his second term. Aside from the COVID-19 pandemic, the botched federal response to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017 was one of Trump’s largest first-term failures, according to emergency response experts. Studies show that Maria’s impact was worsened by the slow response. A Biden-era report issued by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights found that the initial aid package to Puerto Rico was 16 times smaller than aid to Texas after Hurricane Harvey—which happened a few weeks before Maria. A 2018 report from George Washington University found that delays in disaster response likely elevated mortality rates in Puerto Rico after Maria. There’s also evidence that a similar effect happened in North Carolina during Trump’s first term, with Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. In both cases, bureaucratic delays in federal aid made subsequent disasters worse. While in office, Trump accused George Washington University researchers of being part of a ploy by Democrats to make him “look as bad as possible,” and he repeatedly falsely inflated the amount of aid he had distributed to Puerto Rico. A deeper issue is that FEMA also coordinates with states and local governments on disaster prevention and works to maintain and update planning documents for dozens of disaster types—from hazmat spills to nuclear war—that use the best available science. Should that work also be curtailed, it would greatly magnify the burden of future disasters. A report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce says that every dollar invested in disaster prevention yields $13 of avoided damages and improved economic activity. A FEMA disaster recovery center in Pasadena, California, on January 17, 2025 [Photo: Jill Connelly/Bloomberg/Getty Images] “If the U.S. fixed its infrastructure, building codes, and [addressed] climate change, [FEMA] might not be as necessary,” says Denise. “A lot of us who [do] work facing the public are survivors from previous large disasters who were hired to work locally and then stayed at the agency.” Fortunately, a potential FEMA backup is already in place should Trump ultimately disband or dramatically downsize the agency. The Emergency Management Assistance Compact is a nationwide mutual aid agreement among all 50 states and territories that was formed in 1996. California Governor Gavin Newsom used the agreement to send response staff to Florida even before Hurricane Helene made landfall there. Cooperation among states won’t free up any federal funding, but could help reduce the chances that any one state gets overwhelmed. View the full article

Let’s start with a different question… What is cybersecurity? It’s one that a lot of small businesses need to ask today. And the answers need to include information on phishing. What it is, what to do about it, and how it can affect your enterprise if you don’t do anything. What is phishing? Phishing attacks are designed to trick you into giving up sensitive information. Cybercriminals use phishing emails to pose as credible institutions. They want personal details and to steal credit card information, or to install malware on a computer. A targeted attack can include malicious web links to fake websites. A phishing attack is one of the cybersecurity terms you should know. What is a Phishing Attack? Phishing is an online scam technique that cybercriminals use to deceive people into giving away their private information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. This cyberattack method tricks internet users by pretending to be someone they trust. A common way this is done is through deceptive emails that seem legit at first glance. These emails often contain links or attachments that, when clicked on, can install harmful software on the user’s computer. This software can then steal information or even take control of the computer. When someone is tricked in this way, they have fallen for a phishing scam. A Brief History of Phishing Attacks To truly grasp what is phishing, we must examine its origins. This malicious tactic started to emerge in the mid-1990s when online deceivers employed fake identities to mislead individuals. One notable event in the history of phishing was the “I Love You” email scam. This email seemed innocent but contained a harmful link that caused significant online chaos. Nowadays, the threat of phishing has grown immensely. Predictions say that as many as 6 billion phishing attempts could happen this year. With numbers like these, it’s crucial to always be cautious when receiving unexpected emails or messages. Types of Phishing While deceptive emails are the most common type of phishing attack, especially for businesses, there are other methods scammers use to try and steal information. For instance, they might set up fake websites that look like ones you trust, hoping you’ll enter your login details. Let’s take a look at the different kinds of phishing attacks that people and businesses need to be wary of: Spear Phishing Spear phishing is a targeted form of attack. Instead of sending out thousands of generic scam emails hoping someone will bite, spear phishers take time to research their victims. They gather data about a specific person, organization, or business and then craft a personalized email that appears to come from a trusted source. For instance, they might impersonate a coworker or a known business partner. The goal is to get the target to trust the email enough to click a link or share sensitive information. Everyone, especially those in prominent roles in an organization, needs to be vigilant against these well-crafted threats. Email Phishing The most common method of phishing occurs via email. Scammers distribute large quantities of emails to potential victims, hoping that even a small percentage will be deceived by the scam. These emails often use urgent language, like wa arning about a security breach, to make the recipient act quickly without thinking. They might ask for personal information directly or include a link to a fake website that looks like a legitimate service you use. To safeguard yourself from email phishing, always scrutinize the sender’s address, remain cautious of unexpected emails that contain urgent requests, and avoid clicking on any suspicious links. Simulated phishing emails are the ones that criminals send to test their efforts. This Microsoft Office document talks about what to look for. Here’s some good info on spam filters too. Vishing Not all phishing attacks occur in the conventional digital format. Vishing, or voice phishing, entails scammers attempting to trick individuals over the phone. They may impersonate representatives from your bank, the IRS, or other credible-sounding organizations. They’ll often create a fake crisis, like claiming there’s a problem with your account, to get you to share personal or financial information over the phone. It’s always a good idea, if you receive such a call, to hang up and then call the organization directly using a phone number you know is legitimate. This way, you can confirm if the call was genuine or an attempt at vishing. The Federal Trade Commission wants you to report vishing to them. Whaling Whaling is a specialized form of spear phishing. Instead of going after just anyone, these attackers aim for the “big fish” in an organization—think CEOs, CFOs, and other top executives. The attackers often invest significant time in creating a convincing message, potentially posing as a trusted business partner or a colleague in a leadership position. They may request the executive to approve a financial transaction or disclose confidential company information. Due to the high-level targets and potentially massive implications of these scams, it’s crucial for company leadership to be trained and cautious about unsolicited and unexpected communication. Angler Phishing The digital realm is vast, and scammers have found ways to exploit almost every corner of it. Angler phishing focuses on social media platforms. Here, attackers create fake customer service accounts for well-known brands. When a user complains or asks a question on the brand’s official page, the fake account responds with a request for personal or login details. To avoid this trap, always double-check the authenticity of accounts before sharing information, especially if they approached you first. Smishing With almost everyone owning a mobile phone, text messages become another avenue for phishing. Smishing, or SMS phishing, involves receiving a text message that seems to be from a trusted organization, like your bank. The message might warn you about a potential issue with your account and prompt you to click a link or call a number. Always be wary of unsolicited texts, especially if they ask for personal information or prompt immediate action. Clone Phishing In clone phishing, attackers take a legitimate email you’ve received, replicate it, and then slightly alter it for malicious intent. They might change a link or attachment in the email, making it harmful. Then, they’ll resend this “cloned” email, making it appear as if it’s coming from the original sender. To guard against this, it’s helpful to pay attention to small details in emails and always double-check with the sender if something feels off. Water Hole Phishing This strategy is a bit more indirect. Attackers identify websites that employees of a particular organization frequently visit. They then try to compromise those sites. When an employee visits the “watering hole,” they might unknowingly download malicious software. It’s like predators waiting at a watering hole for their prey. To defend against such threats, businesses should ensure employees are educated about safe browsing practices and maintain strong cybersecurity defenses. Comparing Phishing Tactics To help differentiate and quickly recognize the various types of phishing attacks, refer to the table below: TypeCharacteristicsDelivery Method Spear PhishingTargeted at specific individuals/groups; from credible sourceEmails Email PhishingGeneric messages, unofficial email addressesEmails VishingVoice-based deception, typically about account problemsPhone calls WhalingTargets senior officials, involves financial transactionsEmails Angler PhishingFocus on social media, uses fake posts and tweetsSocial media platforms SmishingText-based, might have unusual area codesSMS/text messages Clone PhishingAppears to be from common service, requests known informationEmails Water Hole PhishingTargets websites employees frequently visitCompromised websites or fake web addresses How to Recognize Phishing Scams Recognizing phishing scams is crucial in safeguarding your personal and business information. Here are some telltale signs: Bad Grammar and Spelling: Spear phishing campaigns aren’t effective when you spot these errors. Bad spelling might be legit, or it can be a way to get around filters that prevent phishing attacks. Grammatical errors top the red flag list in emails and on phishing websites. Generic Greetings: Don’t supply account numbers online. Especially when your bank doesn’t know your name, generic greetings from organizations you work with should tip you off. A “Dear Sir” email might be an attempt to get malware installed. Email Domains That Don’t Match: Reputable companies use their own email domains. Phishing emails have small errors, like Microsoft, or they get sent from a generic domain like Gmail. Phishing domains are a common method they use to get you to download malware. Suspicious Sender Address: Check if the email comes from a legitimate domain. Phishers often use email addresses that mimic legitimate ones with minor alterations. Urgent or Threatening Language: Phishing attempts often create a sense of urgency, prompting immediate action to resolve a supposed issue. Mismatched URLs: Hover over any links in the email (without clicking) to see if the URL and domain name match what you would expect from the legitimate site. Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate companies rarely ask for sensitive information through email. Unsolicited Attachments: Be wary of unexpected email attachments, which may contain malware. What Are Examples of Phishing? Here are some examples of malicious software that can lead to financial loss and identity theft. Additionally, there are other instances of phishing as well. Link Manipulation: This type has phishing links that lead to malicious websites. The fake web pages ask for account credentials. Evil Twin Wi-Fi: Access points get spoofed. People get internet access to the wrong Hotspot. Watch out for access points in shopping malls, coffee shops, etc. Malvertising: Advertising and pop-ups with links that install malicious code. Malicious links are common, as are malicious attachments. CEO Fraud: Impersonates high-level executives to request unauthorized transfers of funds. Clone Phishing: Uses a legitimate previously sent email with a malicious attachment or link replaced. Advanced Phishing Techniques to Be Aware Of Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics. Here are advanced phishing techniques you should be aware of: Deepfake Phishing: Uses AI-generated audio or video clips that mimic known contacts or public figures to manipulate victims into performing financial transactions or sharing confidential information. HTTPS Phishing: Utilizes websites with HTTPS to appear secure and legitimate, misleading users into thinking they are on a genuine site. AI-Powered Phishing: Employs artificial intelligence to create more convincing phishing emails by analyzing victim’s online behavior and crafting personalized messages that are harder to detect. By staying informed about these phishing techniques and knowing how to recognize them, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams. Always exercise caution when handling unsolicited communications and when in doubt, directly contact the supposed sender through a verified method. How Does a Phishing Scam Work? Phishing uses email and other forms of communication. The criminal usually poses as a legitimate company like a bank or supplier. The sender is trying to get access to sensitive information such as Like bank account numbers or admin passwords. Victims may be deceived into clicking a link that leads to a phishing website, as these scams come in various forms. Some hackers create fake social media profiles to carry out their schemes. Basic attacks attempt to trick people into entering confidential information or personal details. Prizes won in false competitions, and winning vouchers are common techniques. Finally, here’s a list of the best phishing training options for you and your employees. Image: Envato Elements This article, "What is Phishing?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Let’s start with a different question… What is cybersecurity? It’s one that a lot of small businesses need to ask today. And the answers need to include information on phishing. What it is, what to do about it, and how it can affect your enterprise if you don’t do anything. What is phishing? Phishing attacks are designed to trick you into giving up sensitive information. Cybercriminals use phishing emails to pose as credible institutions. They want personal details and to steal credit card information, or to install malware on a computer. A targeted attack can include malicious web links to fake websites. A phishing attack is one of the cybersecurity terms you should know. What is a Phishing Attack? Phishing is an online scam technique that cybercriminals use to deceive people into giving away their private information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. This cyberattack method tricks internet users by pretending to be someone they trust. A common way this is done is through deceptive emails that seem legit at first glance. These emails often contain links or attachments that, when clicked on, can install harmful software on the user’s computer. This software can then steal information or even take control of the computer. When someone is tricked in this way, they have fallen for a phishing scam. A Brief History of Phishing Attacks To truly grasp what is phishing, we must examine its origins. This malicious tactic started to emerge in the mid-1990s when online deceivers employed fake identities to mislead individuals. One notable event in the history of phishing was the “I Love You” email scam. This email seemed innocent but contained a harmful link that caused significant online chaos. Nowadays, the threat of phishing has grown immensely. Predictions say that as many as 6 billion phishing attempts could happen this year. With numbers like these, it’s crucial to always be cautious when receiving unexpected emails or messages. Types of Phishing While deceptive emails are the most common type of phishing attack, especially for businesses, there are other methods scammers use to try and steal information. For instance, they might set up fake websites that look like ones you trust, hoping you’ll enter your login details. Let’s take a look at the different kinds of phishing attacks that people and businesses need to be wary of: Spear Phishing Spear phishing is a targeted form of attack. Instead of sending out thousands of generic scam emails hoping someone will bite, spear phishers take time to research their victims. They gather data about a specific person, organization, or business and then craft a personalized email that appears to come from a trusted source. For instance, they might impersonate a coworker or a known business partner. The goal is to get the target to trust the email enough to click a link or share sensitive information. Everyone, especially those in prominent roles in an organization, needs to be vigilant against these well-crafted threats. Email Phishing The most common method of phishing occurs via email. Scammers distribute large quantities of emails to potential victims, hoping that even a small percentage will be deceived by the scam. These emails often use urgent language, like wa arning about a security breach, to make the recipient act quickly without thinking. They might ask for personal information directly or include a link to a fake website that looks like a legitimate service you use. To safeguard yourself from email phishing, always scrutinize the sender’s address, remain cautious of unexpected emails that contain urgent requests, and avoid clicking on any suspicious links. Simulated phishing emails are the ones that criminals send to test their efforts. This Microsoft Office document talks about what to look for. Here’s some good info on spam filters too. Vishing Not all phishing attacks occur in the conventional digital format. Vishing, or voice phishing, entails scammers attempting to trick individuals over the phone. They may impersonate representatives from your bank, the IRS, or other credible-sounding organizations. They’ll often create a fake crisis, like claiming there’s a problem with your account, to get you to share personal or financial information over the phone. It’s always a good idea, if you receive such a call, to hang up and then call the organization directly using a phone number you know is legitimate. This way, you can confirm if the call was genuine or an attempt at vishing. The Federal Trade Commission wants you to report vishing to them. Whaling Whaling is a specialized form of spear phishing. Instead of going after just anyone, these attackers aim for the “big fish” in an organization—think CEOs, CFOs, and other top executives. The attackers often invest significant time in creating a convincing message, potentially posing as a trusted business partner or a colleague in a leadership position. They may request the executive to approve a financial transaction or disclose confidential company information. Due to the high-level targets and potentially massive implications of these scams, it’s crucial for company leadership to be trained and cautious about unsolicited and unexpected communication. Angler Phishing The digital realm is vast, and scammers have found ways to exploit almost every corner of it. Angler phishing focuses on social media platforms. Here, attackers create fake customer service accounts for well-known brands. When a user complains or asks a question on the brand’s official page, the fake account responds with a request for personal or login details. To avoid this trap, always double-check the authenticity of accounts before sharing information, especially if they approached you first. Smishing With almost everyone owning a mobile phone, text messages become another avenue for phishing. Smishing, or SMS phishing, involves receiving a text message that seems to be from a trusted organization, like your bank. The message might warn you about a potential issue with your account and prompt you to click a link or call a number. Always be wary of unsolicited texts, especially if they ask for personal information or prompt immediate action. Clone Phishing In clone phishing, attackers take a legitimate email you’ve received, replicate it, and then slightly alter it for malicious intent. They might change a link or attachment in the email, making it harmful. Then, they’ll resend this “cloned” email, making it appear as if it’s coming from the original sender. To guard against this, it’s helpful to pay attention to small details in emails and always double-check with the sender if something feels off. Water Hole Phishing This strategy is a bit more indirect. Attackers identify websites that employees of a particular organization frequently visit. They then try to compromise those sites. When an employee visits the “watering hole,” they might unknowingly download malicious software. It’s like predators waiting at a watering hole for their prey. To defend against such threats, businesses should ensure employees are educated about safe browsing practices and maintain strong cybersecurity defenses. Comparing Phishing Tactics To help differentiate and quickly recognize the various types of phishing attacks, refer to the table below: TypeCharacteristicsDelivery Method Spear PhishingTargeted at specific individuals/groups; from credible sourceEmails Email PhishingGeneric messages, unofficial email addressesEmails VishingVoice-based deception, typically about account problemsPhone calls WhalingTargets senior officials, involves financial transactionsEmails Angler PhishingFocus on social media, uses fake posts and tweetsSocial media platforms SmishingText-based, might have unusual area codesSMS/text messages Clone PhishingAppears to be from common service, requests known informationEmails Water Hole PhishingTargets websites employees frequently visitCompromised websites or fake web addresses How to Recognize Phishing Scams Recognizing phishing scams is crucial in safeguarding your personal and business information. Here are some telltale signs: Bad Grammar and Spelling: Spear phishing campaigns aren’t effective when you spot these errors. Bad spelling might be legit, or it can be a way to get around filters that prevent phishing attacks. Grammatical errors top the red flag list in emails and on phishing websites. Generic Greetings: Don’t supply account numbers online. Especially when your bank doesn’t know your name, generic greetings from organizations you work with should tip you off. A “Dear Sir” email might be an attempt to get malware installed. Email Domains That Don’t Match: Reputable companies use their own email domains. Phishing emails have small errors, like Microsoft, or they get sent from a generic domain like Gmail. Phishing domains are a common method they use to get you to download malware. Suspicious Sender Address: Check if the email comes from a legitimate domain. Phishers often use email addresses that mimic legitimate ones with minor alterations. Urgent or Threatening Language: Phishing attempts often create a sense of urgency, prompting immediate action to resolve a supposed issue. Mismatched URLs: Hover over any links in the email (without clicking) to see if the URL and domain name match what you would expect from the legitimate site. Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate companies rarely ask for sensitive information through email. Unsolicited Attachments: Be wary of unexpected email attachments, which may contain malware. What Are Examples of Phishing? Here are some examples of malicious software that can lead to financial loss and identity theft. Additionally, there are other instances of phishing as well. Link Manipulation: This type has phishing links that lead to malicious websites. The fake web pages ask for account credentials. Evil Twin Wi-Fi: Access points get spoofed. People get internet access to the wrong Hotspot. Watch out for access points in shopping malls, coffee shops, etc. Malvertising: Advertising and pop-ups with links that install malicious code. Malicious links are common, as are malicious attachments. CEO Fraud: Impersonates high-level executives to request unauthorized transfers of funds. Clone Phishing: Uses a legitimate previously sent email with a malicious attachment or link replaced. Advanced Phishing Techniques to Be Aware Of Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics. Here are advanced phishing techniques you should be aware of: Deepfake Phishing: Uses AI-generated audio or video clips that mimic known contacts or public figures to manipulate victims into performing financial transactions or sharing confidential information. HTTPS Phishing: Utilizes websites with HTTPS to appear secure and legitimate, misleading users into thinking they are on a genuine site. AI-Powered Phishing: Employs artificial intelligence to create more convincing phishing emails by analyzing victim’s online behavior and crafting personalized messages that are harder to detect. By staying informed about these phishing techniques and knowing how to recognize them, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams. Always exercise caution when handling unsolicited communications and when in doubt, directly contact the supposed sender through a verified method. How Does a Phishing Scam Work? Phishing uses email and other forms of communication. The criminal usually poses as a legitimate company like a bank or supplier. The sender is trying to get access to sensitive information such as Like bank account numbers or admin passwords. Victims may be deceived into clicking a link that leads to a phishing website, as these scams come in various forms. Some hackers create fake social media profiles to carry out their schemes. Basic attacks attempt to trick people into entering confidential information or personal details. Prizes won in false competitions, and winning vouchers are common techniques. Finally, here’s a list of the best phishing training options for you and your employees. Image: Envato Elements This article, "What is Phishing?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go… 1. My new boss coughs all over me I’ve just begun a new position and as a result, have been working closely with my new boss as she trains me. Things are mostly going well — except she is constantly coughing on me! Directly on me! As in, I feel her breath on my bare arm as she coughs into my skin while leaning over me to see my computer screen. When she does bother to cover her mouth, she coughs into her hand … which she then promptly uses to grab my mouse. She also left a used(!) tissue on my desk. I’m coming down with a cold and it’s not hard to put two and two together. She’s an older woman and a senior vice president, I’m a younger and far junior, brand new employee. Do I have any standing to polite ask her to stop doing this? If not, what else can I do other than aggressively sanitize everything after? That’s incredibly rude! In an ideal world you’d be able to simply say, “I don’t want to get sick — would you mind moving away when you need to cough?” And you might indeed be able to say that; it’s a very reasonable request! But if you’re nervous about it, another approach is to make it more about what you’re going to do than what she’s doing: “Let me move away while you input that since you’re coughing.” You can also keep disinfecting wipes nearby and wipe down the mouse after she’s used it — and if she’ll see you do that, you can say, “Since I started doing this, it’s cut down on how often I get anything going around.” There’s also the option of wearing a mask when she’s training you and saying, “I’m close to someone who gets sick easily and since you’ve got a cough, I’m going to be extra careful.” I hope you can use the first option of just directly asking her to stop. But the reality is that people often feel awkward about this kind of thing with a boss, especially when they’re new. So the other options are there if you need them. Related: my disgusting boss touches and chews on everything on my desk 2. Should I tell our boss that my coworker sucks at managing his team? I work in tech, and my team is split by areas of ownership. My manager, Dave, oversees me and three others, and we manage one system. Dave also manages Jeb, who leads five other people responsible for a separate system that works closely with ours. Jeb is my peer but he is a manager, while I am not. Despite this, we’re all part of the same team. I’ve been at the company for seven years, three years longer than Jeb, and had worked with him even before we joined this team. Recently, I’ve heard from Jeb’s direct reports that he’s been difficult to work for. They’ve mentioned personal insults, constant micromanagement, blame shifting, and threats of undocumented performance improvement plans used to intimidate them. This is especially concerning since all of Jeb’s reports are new hires or early in their careers. From what I’ve seen, they are smart, capable, and have the potential to excel if given proper support. Notably, Jeb does not act this way in larger groups or when Dave is present. Jeb and I, however, have a good relationship. While he can be condescending at times, I’ve brushed it off to maintain professionalism. I believe he respects me due to my tenure and values my input when I push back. Really, his behavior doesn’t impact me because I feel secure and confident in my role and position in the company. That said, I find his treatment of his reports unacceptable. His team seems hesitant to escalate their concerns, fearing retaliation. One teammate did raise the issue with a senior leader he felt comfortable with, but it seems nothing has changed in Jeb’s approach. I feel awful for those reporting to him and want to help, but I’m unsure how. Dave is relatively new and likely only knows what Jeb has shared about his team, which may be biased. However, Dave seems people-focused, and I doubt he’d tolerate this behavior if he knew the full extent. I’ve encouraged Jeb’s reports to set up skip-level one-on-ones with Dave to build direct relationships, but I worry that won’t be enough. I’m in a unique position as someone Jeb cannot retaliate against and who has a direct line to leadership. I want to support my teammates without worsening their already challenging dynamic. Should I escalate this to Dave or stay out of it unless asked? What’s the best way to help without causing more harm? Since it sounds like you trust Dave to handle it well, share what you’ve seen with him. You can frame it as, “I want to pass on something I’m hearing to you in confidence, since I’m not positioned to do anything with it myself.” Do it the same way you’d pass along a less charged work-related concern that Dave would want to be aware of — like “I’m hearing rumors Key Vendor A may be shutting down next year” or “Client B mentioned they’d rather we focus on X, not Y, when we present to them.” You have relevant information that you have reason to believe Dave would want to be aware of, so go ahead and share it and then leave it to him to decide where to go (if anywhere) from there. As long as your tone is measured and “here’s a potential work issue” rather than “here’s the hot goss on Jeb, who I take delight in badmouthing him,” most decent managers will appreciate a discreet heads-up. 3. How can I tell a friend who’s in a years-long job search that I got a job after a month? I know that nothing is guaranteed, but about a month after starting a job hunt I appear to be very close to securing a job that will meet the needs of me and my family. I’m excited since it will solve a lot of problems for us, and it would make for a very short and successful job hunt. I’m excited, but I’m also wondering how to be kind around a dear friend of mine in the middle of a years-long, painful, difficult job search that has contained many false starts, dead-ends, and disappointments. Do you have any tips for how to be supportive and helpful around celebrating my job hunt ending quickly while also respecting the difficult and frustrating position they’re in? Don’t celebrate it around your friend at all; she doesn’t sound like the right audience for your excitement right now. Let her know about the job change once it’s finalized since it would be weird not to, but keep it pretty matter-of-fact — you’re sharing information, not expecting her to celebrate with you. Alternately, if you’re very close, in some friendships the right move would be to put it all out on the table — “I feel awkward about this and a little guilty since I know how long you’ve been searching, and I don’t want to be celebrating an offer for me when I know you’re having such a frustrating time.” She might reassure you that she’s happy for you and doesn’t want you to hide your excitement for her sake, or she might appreciate you recognizing that. 4. My boss said I couldn’t leave for lunch on a day we had an office party I recently started a new role and, within two weeks, the deputy director of our department decided we would have a small office party for an employee approaching his last day. The party was about an hour with pizza, drinks, and desserts (provided by staff and company funds). I had an understanding with her that I would always be out-of-office for our company-allotted hour lunches to take care of my dogs’ needs. However, on the day of the party, she informed me that employees couldn’t take a lunch on days we had “parties” and therefore I couldn’t go home. I’ve never held an office job prior to this, so is this normal? Granted, it was over lunchtime, with lunch foods, but it was heavily implied it would be rude to not show up and congratulate this employee on their new role. No, it’s not normal — and if you’re non-exempt and in a state that requires employees to be given a lunch break, it’s likely not legal either (although it will depend on the exact wording of your state’s law). It would be different if the party was optional and you could choose to spend your lunch hour there or not, but if you’re being told you must attend the party and you can’t have your lunch break before/after it, a lot of states would prohibit that. You could say this to your boss: “I do need to take my full lunch break to go home every day like we agreed when I was hired — would you rather I do it during the party or after it?” View the full article

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