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Natural disasters—from tornadoes across the South and Midwest, to the fires in Los Angeles to Hurricane Helene’s devastation in North Carolina—have upended communities, with small businesses among the hardest hit. As extreme weather events become more frequent, these businesses have emerged as vital anchors of community recovery. While urban enterprises navigate complex rebuilding amid dense infrastructure, rural businesses face distinct challenges in disaster response. Yet across geographies, small businesses play a critical role in stabilizing and revitalizing their communities after catastrophe. Rural small businesses, in particular, serve a dual role: They’re not just economic drivers but also informal safety nets, stepping in to rebuild communities long before larger relief efforts arrive and continuing their work well after national attention fades. The resilience of these businesses—and the communities they support—is being tested like never before. Systemic barriers, most notably access to capital, exacerbate their struggles, threatening their survival and the economic stability of their regions. The first responders of local economies When Hurricane Helene swept across the Southeast, it left behind destroyed homes and displaced families, in many cases causing severe damage to already distressed and underfunded communities. Small businesses were among the first to join the front lines, providing critical supplies and services. Across impacted zones, local service providers pivoted quickly, transforming their operations into vital relief centers. Neighborhood establishments became distribution hubs while entrepreneurs converted storefronts into community aid stations. This grassroots network of support reached residents in critical early days, delivering essential resources before larger relief efforts could fully mobilize. While these actions highlight the essential role of small businesses in post-disaster recovery, they also reveal a stark reality: These businesses cannot, and should not, shoulder the burden of recovery alone. As they pour resources into helping their communities, they face significant hurdles in rebuilding their own operations—a challenge compounded by systemic imbalances in capital access. Rural businesses face a persistent capital deficit, leaving them uniquely vulnerable to the compounding effects of natural disasters. In Appalachia, where 99% of businesses are classified as small, the unmet capital needs amount to an estimated $70 billion annually—a gap the Appalachian Regional Commission defines as aggregate capital demand significantly outweighing aggregate capital supply. While rural small businesses rely heavily on local financial institutions—61% obtain financing from small banks compared to 39% of urban enterprises—these lenders often lack sufficient capital to meet emergency needs. Meanwhile, larger financial institutions hesitate to extend loans to rural businesses due to perceived risks, unfamiliarity with their business models, and concerns about profitability in less densely populated markets. This structural financing gap creates a dangerous cycle: Chronic underinvestment limits both disaster recovery capabilities and long-term resilience building. As a result, the very businesses that anchor rural communities—providing essential services, employment, and community gathering spaces—remain the most financially vulnerable when disasters strike. A call for collaboration Philanthropy has made strides in addressing these challenges, but lasting solutions require collaboration across sectors. Natural disasters expose deep gaps in how we support small businesses in America’s heartland. Public, private, and philanthropic partners like those below are working together to create financing models that attract new capital for growth and resilience. Public-sector innovation Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) play a critical role in bridging the capital gap by offering tailored financing solutions focused on quality job creation, housing affordability, and economic mobility. For example, the government’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund created a Rapid Response Program that deployed $1.25 billion to crisis-impacted communities post-Helene. This model of emergency support, combined with streamlined disaster recovery systems, shows how federal resources can effectively reach businesses when they need it most. However, shifting federal priorities and budget considerations could significantly impact these programs in coming years. With potential changes in funding allocations and regulatory frameworks on the horizon, rural communities may need to develop more diversified support systems that blend public resources with private and philanthropic capital. Strengthening these alternative funding mechanisms will be critical to ensure consistent disaster response capabilities regardless of policy fluctuations. Private-sector leadership Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Fund exemplifies how private enterprise can drive recovery. Launched in 2020 initially as a pandemic response, this $420 million initiative didn’t just provide capital—it created a sustainable network of support through CDFIs and nonprofit organizations, helping thousands of business owners recover, rebuild, and grow. This strategic approach has helped small businesses maintain approximately 255,000 jobs nationwide while building longer-term resilience. The fund’s focus on both immediate financial needs and capacity building offers valuable lessons for disaster recovery efforts in vulnerable regions like Appalachia, where similar public-private partnerships could help bridge persistent capital gaps while strengthening business continuity planning. Philanthropic impact Collaborative funding models are proving effective in addressing capital gaps in underserved regions. By bringing together numerous stakeholders, these partnerships help build sustainable support systems that can better withstand economic and environmental challenges. One example is the Emerging Appalachian Investors Fund, a $5 million initiative that empowers students at Marshall University, West Virginia University, and Ohio University to help manage real investments in local businesses and community development projects. This hands-on model not only enhances financial infrastructure but also fosters long-term resilience in communities that are particularly vulnerable during times of crisis. By combining immediate support with strategic investment, such approaches ensure that local enterprises have the resources they need to recover—and grow. While some collaborative models focus on long-term investment and resilience, others are designed for rapid response in times of crisis. In response to the Los Angeles fires, philanthropic groups stepped up with unique approaches that could be replicated in rural communities. The LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, led by the J. Getty Trust and administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, provides emergency support for artists and art workers in all disciplines affected by the fires. A pooled fund of $12 million, launched on January 15, 2025, was made possible through contributions from dozens of foundations and individuals. Complementing these efforts, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation Emergency Wildfire Fund equips local firefighters with tools and safety equipment to safeguard both lives and businesses. The stakes extend beyond individual businesses to the heart of community survival. When small businesses have access to capital, they create jobs, strengthen local economies, and build community resilience. The Appalachian region’s entrepreneurial spirit—reflected in more than 305,000 new business applications in 2021—highlights the potential waiting to be unlocked. By implementing comprehensive financing solutions that bridge these capital gaps today, we can ensure rural businesses not only survive disasters but emerge stronger, ready to serve their communities for generations to come. View the full article

Chinese alternatives have become less competitive due to domestic subsidy rules and higher tariffsView the full article

After weeks of searching and applying, you’ve made it to the interview stage, a victory in and of itself. But what happens if you land multiple interviews with different companies at the same time? While it’s certainly a good problem to have, it’s still one that needs to be handled with care—especially if one of the companies asks whether you’re interviewing elsewhere. But does interviewing with multiple companies make you seem like a more desirable candidate—or someone less committed? What if you get a job offer from one company, but are midway through the hiring process at another? These questions are common, and how you handle them can impact not only your chances with each company, but also your reputation in the hiring process. We asked Christian Lovell, founder of Careers by Chris, to weigh in. The benefits of interviewing at multiple places “In general, it’s fine, and honestly encouraged to let companies know that you are in interviews with other companies,” Lovell says. For one, letting them know you’re interviewing elsewhere can encourage them to make their decision more quickly. Here’s the thing: Whether you’re receiving an offer or not, “you want them to make a decision either way—you don’t want to be in limbo,” Lovell says. “If they want to hire you, it will push them in that direction. And if you’re not their top candidate, it’s honestly a good thing for them to say, ‘Hey, you know, we’re moving [forward] with another candidate.’ ” How to disclose that you’re interviewing elsewhere When sharing that you’re interviewing with more than one company, you don’t have to explain too much, such as which company you’re interviewing with or all the details about the other job, Lovell explains. During your interview, you can say something simple like, “I’m in the final stages of interviews with another company, and I wanted you to know.” This might also come up naturally when the company shares the timeline of their hiring process, or when you ask, “When can I expect to hear back on next steps?” Following up When you’re waiting to hear back about a job, especially from more than one company, it’s natural to feel eager to follow up. But according to Lovell, the key is doing it the right way, and that comes down to timing and professionalism. “I’ve seen it happen, and it’s even happened to me,” Lovell says. “Someone emails every other day, sometimes every few hours, asking, ‘Do you have a decision? I’m super interested.’ ” It’s okay to say that you’re interested and that you’re interviewing with other companies. But you don’t want to follow up with them so much that you seem desperate. After giving it a week or two, Lovell suggests saying something like: “Just to be transparent, I’m currently interviewing with other companies and expect to receive a decision within the next week or two. Are there any updates on your end?” Sending a message like that once is completely fine. It’s professional and respectful, and it doesn’t make the employer feel rushed. You can also take the opportunity to reiterate your interest by saying, “You’re my top choice because of X, Y, and Z.” This helps remind them why you’re a strong fit while reinforcing your enthusiasm. If you receive an offer If you receive an offer from one of the companies that you’re interviewing with, the first thing to do is celebrate, Lovell says. “That is a huge accomplishment.” Then the next step would be to request their offer in writing. That way you have something to review, and it also gives you time to check in with the other company or companies you’re interviewing with. “It is honestly not expected of you to accept an offer on the spot,” Lovell says. This might look like, “Hey, can I have the offer in writing?” Or “Can I have a couple of days to review this to make sure that it aligns with what I’m expecting?” Once you’ve done that, it’s a good idea to check in with any other companies you’re waiting to hear back from, especially if one of those other companies is your top choice. You might follow up with a final message that reads: “I’m still excited about this opportunity. I did receive another offer, and I wanted to check in and see if there are any updates on your end?” This will give them the chance to respond with an offer or let you go as a candidate. Either way, getting an offer, or even getting asked to do two interviews at once, is something to celebrate. View the full article

Consumer intelligence company Morning Consult has publicly launched a new AI platform that can almost instantly provide detailed insights into its survey data in response to questions posed in plain language. Morning Consult conducts roughly 30,000 interviews daily across dozens of countries, enabling clients to access in-depth information about consumer sentiment toward brands, public figures, political trends, spending behaviors, and other factors critical to their businesses. Historically, extracting and analyzing that data required time and expertise in data analytics and visualization—a challenge for business leaders needing quick answers. “The feedback I kept hearing from C-suite executives was: I don’t want to wait to send this email off and find out the answer after I had to make the decision,” says Morning Consult CEO Michael Ramlet. “I need the data right now, and I need to be able to ask it questions.” With the new platform MorningConsult.AI, business leaders and other users can ask questions such as how a brand is performing in a specific country or how its key metrics compare with competitors over the past year. The AI typically generates answers within seconds, complete with data visualizations. Users can drill down further, filtering results by age, race, or other demographics. Those monitoring fast-changing factors, such as U.S. tariff policies, can revisit the platform over time to track shifts using Morning Consult’s continually expanding data set. Because the AI internally queries Morning Consult’s proprietary data, the results shown in graph form are transparent and traceable, avoiding the hallucination issues found in general-purpose AI. “This can’t hallucinate,” Ramlet says. “If there’s not data on that topic, it’s not going to bring you back any data that isn’t relevant to the specific business question.” The platform is fast enough for real-time use during meetings or calls, whether viewed on a large screen or quickly accessed on a smartphone. Michael Stutts, chief brand officer at Dollar Shave Club, says he recently used the AI to generate state-level breakdowns of brand awareness, net positivity, and other metrics, with heat maps produced almost instantly. “Within seconds I had what would have taken untold amounts of time and resources to do,” he says. On a call with a retail partner, Stutts was able to immediately answer a question using the AI, eliminating the need to follow up later after internal consultation. According to Ramlet, the platform continues to improve as AI models grow more powerful. Since its initial release to Morning Consult clients in November 2024, the system has gained the ability to analyze and summarize data in text, thanks to advances in commercial AI. “All of a sudden, in the last four months, we’ve seen just an entirely different level of capability to do that type of comparative analytical analysis,” Ramlet says. Currently in public beta testing, the platform is available to anyone. Ramlet envisions a free version will always exist, making Morning Consult’s insights accessible to students, small businesses, and others without extensive data capabilities. At the same time, the company is developing more advanced AI agents to generate tailored outputs, such as marketing reports or executive briefings. Just as crucial as the AI, Ramlet says, is Morning Consult’s proprietary data, which competitors can’t easily replicate. “You can’t go back in time and collect that data,” he says. “And I think that’s the part of this that’s going to be really compelling—AI is going to make it easier to use proprietary data sets than in the past.” View the full article

It’s been less than a year since the world’s largest dam removal project was completed along 420 miles of the Klamath River, near the border of Oregon and California. But if you look at the river now, you might not know that four dams had ever been in place. Instead of concrete walls and artificial reservoirs, the river is now free-flowing—and parts of the former infrastructure have been replaced by wildflowers that are in bloom. Los Angeles Times “It’s been an incredible transition,” says Ann Willis, California regional director at American Rivers, a nonprofit that supported Native American tribes in a decades-long fight to take out the dams. “It’s really strange and wonderful to stand on the bridge that goes across the Klamath River and look upstream where Iron Gate Dam used to be. I used to imagine a river above it, and now I see the river.” San Francisco Chronicle The dams were built between 1918 and 1962 to provide hydropower, and immediately blocked salmon from migrating. Over time, the ecosystem started to collapse. By 1997, coho salmon in the river were listed as endangered. (The river was once the third-largest salmon fishery in the continental U.S.) In 2002, when the federal government diverted water to farms instead of letting it flow downstream in the river, tens of thousands of salmon died. Local tribes like the Yurok—who have lived by the river for at least 10,000 years, and who consider salmon a central and sacred part of their culture—started the long fight to take out the dams. Beyond the direct impact on fish, the dams impacted the larger environment as the flow of nutrients down the river stopped. Willis compares dams to a blockage in human arteries that eventually lead to a heart attack. “When you put a dam in a river, there’s an entire living network of things that depends on the flow of the river—the patterns and relationship of the river and its flow with the land around it,” she says. “When you block it, you start this long process of decline. That’s the bad news. The good news is one of the fastest ways to resuscitate a river and its surrounding ecosystem is to simply remove the dam.” The advocacy was a challenge. But the tribes and environmental groups behind the campaign were helped by the fact that it was ultimately more expensive for the power company to keep the aging dams in place than to get rid of them. The power that the dams provided was also relatively easy to replace, since it made up only 2% of the utility’s power generation. (The utility’s overall plan to meet power needs includes more investment in renewable energy, more energy efficiency, and a small amount of natural gas.) In 2016, after years of negotiation, the power company transferred the dams to a nonprofit in charge of their removal. In 2022, the federal government greenlit the plan, which had a cost of around $450 million, funded both by California state bond money and by utility customers. The dams were taken out in phases, with the smallest removed in 2023 and the rest last year, all carefully timed to avoid disrupting fish that might try to swim through the area. First, the reservoirs were drained. Then demolition crews blew up larger concrete structures. Dump trucks cleared away rocks, dirt, and sand, returning some of the material to the hillsides it was carved out of decades ago. Plans for restoring plant life started earlier. A crew of primarily Yurok tribe members began collecting seeds from native flowers and trees in 2019. Most of the seeds went to nurseries, where they were grown in fields to produce more flowers and even more seeds. “There were over 2,000 acres that needed revegetation,” says Joshua Chenoweth, an ecologist who worked with the Yurok tribe on the project. “Because it’s so large, you can’t collect enough seed to just throw it back on the landscape.” The crew eventually spread billions of seeds using a variety of methods, from hand-planting to using a helicopter in areas where it was too dangerous to walk. Right now, the hills are covered in California poppies and a mix of other plants. “The hand-seeding exceeded my wildest expectations,” Chenoweth says. The fish also came back faster than scientists expected. “The dam removal was officially complete on September 30,” says Willis. “The first salmon was detected swimming upstream into that ancestral habitat in three days, which was just shocking. Then, within a month, 6,000 salmon were detected swimming upstream. I don’t think anyone expected this quick of a response at this really large scale.” View the full article

Using Ahrefs’ website growth data, we’ve found the 40 fastest-growing cybersecurity companies of 2025 based on estimated year-over-year (YoY) organic traffic growth. We analyzed 4,300+ global cybersecurity companies and filtered for those with at least 1,000 monthly organic visits in…Read more ›View the full article

Amid polarization, AI disruption, and eroding trust in institutions, retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal argues that what leaders need now more than ever is character. Head of the business consulting firm McChrystal Group, he has written a new book on character, drawing from his decades of experience. From AI ethics and modern warfare to hot-button issues like Signalgate and transgender service in the military, McChrystal explains why character is the foundation of lasting leadership. This is an abridged transcript of an interview from Rapid Response, hosted by the former editor-in-chief of Fast Company Bob Safian. From the team behind the Masters of Scale podcast, Rapid Response features candid conversations with today’s top business leaders navigating real-time challenges. Subscribe to Rapid Response wherever you get your podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode. I wanted to ask you about the changes that are afoot in the military and the Department of Defense. Some folks champion the idea of change. Some folks make dire predictions. For you, who have worked with military and military leaders for a long time, what’s your perspective about what’s being attempted? I would say first, if I go to 30,000 feet and look at it from a big distance, change is needed, change is appropriate. And I think it’s going to mean significant change, adoption of new technologies, changing of force structures, all of those kinds of things. All of that is correct. Even firing generals, if it’s necessary, is a good thing—if you are firing generals because they don’t have the skills or they don’t have the right personalities. So all of those things, I completely sign up for, and I wouldn’t recognize a lot of sacred cows that would be exempt from hard scrutiny. Now, having said that, I am not aligned with where the current secretary of defense, how he defines some of the current issues and the direction. He talks about the warrior ethos. But the reality is, what we are trying to do is get the best military we can, and that’s not necessarily the strict warrior ethos, because soldiers are a little different. Soldiers are disciplined. They follow the rule of law. When you think about warrior, it’s got a little bit of a looser definition or interpretation usually. So that I think is probably a mistake if you start to say, “You can’t have transgender soldiers.” My response would be: One, there aren’t many. And two, if a transgender soldier is really good, we need them. We don’t have that many extra people that are really good that we can afford [to lose]. So I have a much different definition of what a really effective service member might be. I think I do. And then I also think that if you are judging military leaders on a political ideology, you’re playing with fire. And here’s why. We’ve had this extraordinary couple of centuries of the U.S. military being pretty apolitical, not always perfectly, but generally very apolitical. And although there’s friction between civilian leadership and uniforms, it’s one of the healthiest relationships that you’ve seen on the globe for 200 years. Once you start to hire and fire senior leaders based upon their political alignment with any particular ideology, you are going to affect younger military leaders. They are going to shape their behavior. They’re smart people. They’ll look up, and they’ll say, “This is what it takes to succeed in this business,” and they will start to represent that behavior. And a decade from now, or two decades from now, we’ll have a very different kind of military, and we won’t like it. It will not be the apolitical, very professional force that I knew and that I think is largely the case today. So I think it’s understanding the danger of that dynamic that is really critical. The issues around security—this Signalgate scandal using publicly available tools to communicate—is that really a big deal or is that sensationalized? One, I do think it’s a big deal. I think using Signal, even though it’s encrypted, it’s not secure. And so you are transmitting future plans on an unsecured device, which is extraordinarily dangerous for the men and women who are going to go execute that operation. So I do think that was a big deal. It was almost a reflection of amateurism. Now, the other side of it bothers me far more. We had the mistake. It comes out. Everybody knows it’s a mistake. They know that the information is extraordinarily sensitive, and they get up in front of cameras, and they say the information was not classified. Now they know that that’s not true. They know that’s a lie. It is classified, and yet they look at the camera, and they say something that maybe most Americans can’t parse the difference. But anybody who’s involved knows that people whose salaries you and I are paying in positions of great responsibility consciously and intentionally don’t tell the truth to you and I. That’s a big problem, and that’s the far greater issue here. We can minimize the event that occurred as a mistake, but we can’t minimize the lack of integrity. I’m curious how you look at AI’s potential impact on the military, and how do we know if we’re ahead or behind, especially in that competition with China? Yeah, we’ve never had anything quite like this. The closest analogy in my mind would be nuclear power, atomic weapons, and we got them first during World War II; we won the race to produce nuclear weapons and then used them first. And when other countries followed us and developed their own nuclear weapons, we got this sort of balance. The problem with artificial intelligence, and I’ve had the opportunity to do some work and a big war game on it, is that if somebody achieves artificial general intelligence before their competitors, theoretically they could then sprint ahead in a way that their competitors almost couldn’t catch up. And you could have a dominant superiority, and we’re not even a hundred percent sure what AI will do on the battlefield. We know it will make a lot of things simpler, faster, easier—logistics, planning, all those things—which will make an army more efficient. But as AI starts to do target discernment, autonomous engagement with weapons systems and robotics, we have an incomplete picture. Ukraine’s like a glimpse of the future. We have an incomplete picture of how dominant that will be. So I don’t think there’s any time except the pursuit of nuclear weapons where this idea of losing the race could mean losing the war. And when you think of AI, you have to blur the lines we had for many years of military power and separate from diplomatic or commercial power. Those things are now so interwoven, because the ability to leverage AI in production and things like that could give a country a decisive advantage that immediately shows itself in the military sphere. So I think first, two things have to happen. We need to be pursuing those kinds of regulations and understanding around the world that give us some opportunity to put rules and norms in place for AI. But we’re not close to it. But parallel to that, we need to be at breakneck pace trying to develop AI. And those seem in tension, in contradiction, that here we are trying to develop new nuclear weapons and at the same time, we’re trying to set up rules to limit their use. But if we lose, if we don’t get parity with AI, then we’re going to be in a position that’s extraordinarily dangerous. And that’s, again, not going to be the military; it’s going to be this broader national effort. And the topic of character that you’re so focused and compelled about. Today that applies to AI, too, and how we talk about it, whether it’s commercial uses or military. Well, I would argue character becomes more important, because the power of the individual is dramatically more than it was even 200 years ago. When we think of the old saying about Samuel Colt, who created the six gun, we say: “God made man; Sam Colt made them equal”—and he leveled the playing field for people who weren’t as big and strong, as they could have an effective weapon. AI is going to do that and give extraordinary power not just to nation states, but to individuals. And so those people who have that extraordinary power, and almost all of us will have some form of it, have the ability to do great good or great evil. And so character, I think, is going to become more essential than ever. View the full article

Dr. Drew Ramsey is a board-certified psychiatrist and psychotherapist. He is a leading voice in nutritional psychiatry and integrative mental health. He is a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the founder of the Brain Food Clinic and Spruce Mental Health. For 20 years, he was an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University. His book Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety was an international bestseller, and his work has been featured by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Today show, NPR, and other outlets. What’s the big idea? The time to start working on positive mental health outcomes should not be when a mental health crisis begins. In a country that has an epidemic of loneliness and rising depression, anxiety, and suicide rates, our society can’t afford to put off healthy brain habits until they are part of a treatment plan. Modern ways of life don’t naturally promote a happy, healthy mind, so it’s important to take initiative and proactively nurture your own brain health every day. Below, Ramsey shares five key insights from his new book, Healing the Modern Brain: Nine Tenets to Build Mental Fitness and Revitalize Your Mind. Listen to the audio version—read by Ramsey himself—in the Next Big Idea app. 1. Seeing mental health as mental fitness Mental fitness is the habits, knowledge, and patterns that support overall mental health and sound well-being. Shifting from a mental health stance to one of mental fitness is key to healing the modern brain. Our mental health epidemic is rife with concerning statistics. The rate of teenage depression has increased from 8% to 20%. There is a rise in suicide and overdose. Sixty-one million Americans are diagnosed with depression and anxiety alone. Getting into a stance of mental fitness asks us to think about mental health differently. Instead of waiting and hoping to never see someone like me—waiting until you have a mental health crisis to address—mental fitness asks us to be proactive. The human brain requires some basics regarding care and feeding, and the modern world is taking a toll on those things. Being active is great for mental health, but 80% of jobs are now sedentary. Quality sleep is absolutely essential for mental health. Shifting into a mental fitness stance asks us to be preventive about the tenets of a healthy brain. Mental fitness is different from many other programs and ideas because these tenets are very simple. If you look at heavily evidence-backed, agreed-upon healthy practices, you’ll find things like spending more time in nature. Grounding is one of the tenets, and, in a stance of mental fitness, you try your best to get more nature in your life, from week to week. Many great studies show that getting into nature, for even a little bit, improves and activates the immune system in wonderful ways. Research confirms that nature shifts our brains and calms us down. Change your stance into one of mental fitness by striving to build brain-healthy habits before problems arise. 2. Upgrades to brain science The latest science in mental and brain health is really hopeful. One major new concept is neuroplasticity, the idea that the brain grows and repairs itself into adult life. I finished medical school in the year 2000. We didn’t know about neuroplasticity, but now it is coming to light that there is a molecule that your genes code for called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), and certain activities and foods help you make more BDNF. It’s like a brain growth agent. When our brain weakens or declines, it’s not necessarily permanent. We can turn on and off genes that promote brain growth and repair. We may not have complete control, but we can do much in our everyday choices to improve brain health. “Inflammation is now understood to be at the heart of some depression and anxiety cases.” Another part of upgrading brain science is thinking about inflammation in relation to the brain. Inflammation is a buzzword in science. It is part of our body’s natural and important protection and alarm systems. It is how we defend ourselves from viruses, bacteria, and all sorts of invaders. Inflammation is now understood to be at the heart of some depression and anxiety cases. It’s important to start thinking about modern mental health in modern ways. The last major upgrade to brain science is about the microbiome. Many people never thought that the organisms living in your colon relate to mental health. As it turns out, the gut is the biggest part of our immune system. Eating more plants and fermented foods shifts your microbiome into a healthier state that regulates inflammation. Never before in my career has there been so much great science to support recommending fermented foods to my patients. 3. The first tenet of mental fitness is self-awareness. I start the nine tenets with self-awareness. In the book, I tell the story of a woman who started drinking a little more during the pandemic. I worked with her and came to appreciate her self-awareness. She started counting drinks, checking in with me about alcohol, and thinking more about the risks of alcohol in her life. That put her on the path to getting control of her drinking. Self-awareness allows you to better understand how your activities shape the self. It doesn’t have to be therapy. I’m a big fan of journaling. By writing down thoughts and feelings, putting labels on what we’re experiencing, research has shown an associated increase in frontal lobe activity. These parts of our brain are involved in executive functioning, decision-making, and getting stuff done. There is brain health value in taking more time and a little more effort to focus on the self. Getting to know and care for yourself in new and different ways is at the heart of healing the modern brain. 4. Feeding mental health Mental fitness as a concept really hit home for me through my work in nutritional psychiatry. When I was a young doctor training as a psychiatrist at Columbia, it was striking to me as a farm boy that we didn’t talk at all about nutrition. We weren’t trained or encouraged to ask patients what they were eating, but it seemed like a big opportunity. If you have depression and eat a vegetarian diet versus a keto diet versus a junk food diet, all of those dietary patterns impact treatment and provide different opportunities. The SMILES Trial of 2017 showed that when individuals who were in mental health treatments for depression were counseled on a Mediterranean diet, they saved a lot of money and their depression got a lot better. A third of them went into complete remission from their clinical depression. This study is an example of an augmentation strategy with foods, meaning a Mediterranean diet is added on top of treatment. “There is brain health value in taking more time and a little more effort to focus on the self.” Feeding mental health well is a daily opportunity for everyone, not only patients. It can feel overwhelming. There is a lot of fearmongering and misinformation about nutrition; my work helps you cut through the noise to simple things like lentils, pesto, wild salmon, anchovies, and white beans. Those are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, meaning they have more nutrients per calorie than other foods, and they also have specific nutrients that we know the brain needs—an easy place to get started. 5. Boosting mental fitness In my time with patients during classic 45-minute sessions, I see how important connections are. The recent surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, noted that we have an epidemic of loneliness and isolation in America. We increasingly see people losing friends, and spending less time socializing and less time going out. Young folks, especially, are growing more isolated. This awareness needs to be turned into action. In my chapter about connection, I share the story of a middle-aged man I worked with who was post-divorce. He was very connected to his kids, so it was hard for him when they left for college. He enjoyed fantasy football, but was struggling to connect with the real-life elements surrounding the sport. Helping him to engage with other fans and attend games in person was a significant part of his healing. A web of connections is not just friends and loved ones. It is important to map out all our different types of connections. It’s not just the ride-or-die folks in your life: connections to institutions, mentors, mentees, or to meaningful places matter too. This process (great journal entry) can help a person feel connected to themselves and see pathways that can expand their life. You could end up going to the farmers market regularly to connect more with the people who grow your food, or attend a town hall meeting to feel part of your community. The best time to start caring for your brain is before something goes wrong. This article originally appeared in Next Big Idea Club magazine and is reprinted with permission. View the full article

Lately, I’ve felt weighed down by the constant churn of chaos and uncertainty—like I’m carrying a low-grade tension in my body that never fully lets up. The news is dizzying. The pace of change is relentless. Some days it feels like we’re lurching from one crisis to the next with no time to process, no moment to exhale. I find myself waking up already bracing for what the day might bring. It’s like the ground is constantly shifting, and we’re all being asked to find our footing in real time. And then there are the quieter, internal questions I carry with me—the ones that tug at me in the middle of the night or when I’m trying to make sense of the day: Am I doing enough? Am I doing the right things? What happens next—in my work, my community, this fragile world we’re raising our kids in? How do I protect what I love in a world that feels so unpredictable? The truth is, uncertainty makes me anxious. I like a plan. A path. A sense of direction. I’ve always found comfort in being the one who “has it together,” who can anticipate needs, offer advice, solve the problem. I used to believe that being prepared—being in control—was the answer. That if I could just think far enough ahead, work hard enough, care enough, I could stay one step ahead of the chaos. But that illusion has cracked open. The world is too complex for neat plans. 1% more curious The one (only?) good thing about being addicted to reading the headlines is that I get more exposure to other articles as well. A few weeks ago, I read a beautiful essay by Suleika Jaouad about her cancer diagnosis (gift link here). In it, she explores the evolution of her relationship with fear—beginning with an overwhelming unease around mice and culminating in a deeper confrontation with mortality and uncertainty following her leukemia diagnosis and relapse. But what really struck me was the final line: “That’s what I found on the other side of fear: the knowledge that I can handle it, whatever ‘it’ is—as long as I’m one percent more curious than afraid.” Asking better questions Yes! Yes. Curiosity. Of course. One of the first things I learned in coach training is that coaching isn’t about having the answers. It’s about asking better questions. It’s about holding space for exploration instead of rushing to resolution. It’s about trusting that people have wisdom inside them—not because you give it to them, but because you help them uncover it. Needless to say, what we can seamlessly apply in other parts of our lives can be hard to internalize ourselves. We might be masters at holding space for others’ questions, but when it comes to our own, we often default to urgency, control, and the desperate hunt for answers. But what I continue to learn and relearn is that certainty is often a false promise. It quiets anxiety in the short term, but it doesn’t foster growth. Curiosity does. When I stop demanding answers from the world, I create a little more space to breathe, to move, to imagine. That shift doesn’t come easily. It’s much more natural to grip tightly than to open up. But embracing curiosity is a practice, not a personality trait or a fixed mindset. And when I can extend to myself the same spacious, open-ended wondering I offer others, something inside softens. I don’t need to have it all figured out. I just need to be willing to stay in the unknown a little longer. Putting it into practice Here are a few tangible strategies that help me when I feel myself bracing against the unknown: Ask better questions When I catch myself spiraling into fear, I try to interrupt the loop with questions that open space instead of closing it. Instead of, “What if this all goes wrong?,” I ask, “What might I learn from this?” or “What’s one small thing I can act on today?” These questions don’t have neat answers, but they remind me that I have agency, even in uncertainty. Name what’s true now Fear tends to time-travel, pulling us into imagined futures. Curiosity helps bring us back to the present. I try to ask myself, “What do I know for sure right now? What’s actually happening, and what am I projecting?” Be curious about your fear itself Sometimes I sit with my fear and ask it questions: What are you trying to protect? What’s underneath this for you? Usually, I find something tender—a deeply held value, a longing, a hope. And suddenly, the fear feels less like a threat and more like a signal. ‘Present in the mess’ None of this removes the chaos or quiets the headlines. It doesn’t give me a five-year plan or a tidy sense of control. But it does give me a way to stay present in the mess. A way to keep moving, even when the path ahead isn’t clear. Curiosity doesn’t promise certainty—but it offers something better: connection. To ourselves. To what matters. To each other. So, these days, when the ground feels unsteady and I start to brace against the unknown, I try—imperfectly, but intentionally—to choose curiosity over control. To soften instead of grip. To ask, instead of answer. It’s not always comfortable, but it helps me stay rooted in what’s real and responsive to what’s next. And for now, that feels like a good place to begin. View the full article

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It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. A group of coworkers are pushing for our in-office breakfasts to be vegan My company is doing a weekly in-office breakfast (a “hotel breakfast”-like assortment: toast, cheese, ham, eggs, yogurt and granola, etc.) with the goal of bringing people together, since we’re largely remote. A small group of vegan coworkers are pushing for a “plant-based default” breakfast, where all animal products are subbed with vegan replacements and meat and dairy are opt-in on request, citing sustainability (which is important in our company culture) and health benefits. I’m all for a diverse breakfast spread, but this seems a little overzealous – and like something that would make a lot of people feel like they need to justify their dietary needs to others, which is the opposite of creating a welcoming environment. Am I wrong in thinking that this is a bit too much? For context, all our catering includes vegan and gluten-free options by default, plus any special diets upon request, so there isn’t a situation where vegetarians/vegans need to put in requests to accommodate their diets. I don’t know that it would make people feel like they have to justify their dietary needs to others (unless that’s part of the dynamic in your office), but it doesn’t sound like the change would meet the range of dietary preferences that are actually present. I mean, yes, vegans and non-vegans alike can eat vegan breakfast foods, but if someone isn’t actively preferring/seeking out vegan yogurt or vegan cream cheese, it’s probably because they want the dairy versions. Unless your company is specifically in the business of advocating veganism, it makes sense to provide the foods people prefer to eat, particularly at a meal designed to bring people together when they’re normally remote. 2. What’s the point of references if they’re just going to say nice things? Last year, I hired someone, “A,” who seemed like a rockstar candidate. They interviewed well and their references were absolutely glowing. However, it turned out that they lacked key skills the role depended on, and they were let go after making a serious error. Soon after they were hired, I became aware that A had badly needed the job because they were about to lose their previous job and would have been in dire financial straits if they weren’t able to find a new role quickly. The gap between what I was told by references and what I saw was so stark that I started to wonder if A told their references they really needed the job, and so the references embellished in order to help A. It’s made me question the value of references! Why bother checking them if people exaggerate and cover up deficiencies to be nice to the candidate? I have to do more hiring and I’m questioning how much weight references should have in decision-making. (For what it’s worth, we asked plenty of “Tell me about a time when” and “Can you give me an example of” questions in the interview. On paper they were a perfect candidate, and they interviewed well. Even now, I don’t know how it went so wrong.) References definitely cover up deficiencies to be nice to the candidate! It happens all the time. You’ll also get references who suck as managers so aren’t even aware of what someone’s deficiencies are. But you check references because sometimes you get extremely useful information from them. You won’t get useful info 100% of the time, but you get it enough of the time that it’s still worth doing (see the link below!). You just can’t take anything you hear as gospel; you have to assume references are being filtered through the lens of the reference’s own subjectivity and biases, as well as their specific context and priorities (which may be different from yours). References are just a small piece of the hiring process; the bulk should be based on rigorously probing questions in interviews and finding ways to see candidates in action doing the work so you can see how they actually operate, not just how they say they operate. Related: don’t check references? here’s a horror story for you 3. How do I make an employee respect me and my co-owner? I am the chef and co-owner of a restaurant with a sibling restaurant next door. The other co-owner (of the sibling restaurant) and I share a front of house manager. This manager has zero respect for us owners even though we are her managers. How can we tell her to respect us or get out in a professional way? She can feel whatever level of respect she feels, but she needs to behave in a way that respects your authority over her work. So first, get really clear on what behaviors need to change, and then sit down with her and say, “We’ve noticed XYZ in your work, and we need to see ABC instead.” From there, you hold her to that like any other performance expectation — meaning that if you spell out clearly what needs to change and it doesn’t change, and it’s serious enough that you’d part ways over it, then you have one more conversation of escalating seriousness where you say, “We talked a few weeks ago about needing to see XYZ change, and that hasn’t happened. We’d like this to work out but we will need to let you go if this continues, and we’re at the point where this is a final warning.” If you want, you can ask, “Is this something you want to change and feel you can change, or does it make sense to start planning for a transition now?” 4. Is there any value in referring my brother for a job? My poor brother has been out of work for over a year and a half now. He was unfortunately a part of a restructuring/outsourcing of his job and was laid off. He has been relentlessly applying to roles, getting interviews, and then not getting the job. It’s just the market out there right now! From what I can tell, he is qualified for each role and interviews well (at least in our practice together). I work at a large company and want to help refer him to a job within the company. We have an internal referral program, but I’m wondering if it would be appropriate to send an email to the hiring manager as well and recommend him. I am in engineering and he would be in sales/marketing so there is not a conflict of interest. I was considering something like, “Hello [hiring manager], I hope you are doing well. If you are considering external candidates for this role, I would like to recommend [my brother]. He has [this relevant experience], and these other facts that match the qualifications you are looking for.” It feels both beneficial and useless, as I know direct referrals can be helpful but is it really worth it? Sure, you can do that. It’s unlikely to carry a huge amount of weight (you’ll be assumed to have some bias since this is your brother, as opposed to someone you’ve worked with previously and can be presumed to be assessing more objectively), but in a lot of companies it would still get his application a closer look than he might otherwise get. 5. How to back out of a job I’ve already accepted What is the best way to tell a company that you’re rescinding your acceptance of their job offer? Although it was a great offer, I’d be rescinding it in favor of an excellent one, one I couldn’t possibly pass up: better in terms of salary, benefits, title, prestige of organization, future career trajectory, and fully remote work situation. Tell them ASAP (meaning today) since they’re going to have to scramble to see if their second-choice candidate is still available (or restart interviews for the job). Say something like this: “I’m so sorry but unfortunately I need to rescind my acceptance of the X position. I was very excited to work with you, but I’ve received a different offer that I can’t in good conscience pass up. I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause on your end; it’s not a decision I made lightly. I really appreciate all the time you spent talking with me, and I admire so much of what I learned about the work you’re doing.” The post coworkers want our office breakfasts to be vegan, how to back out of a job, and more appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

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SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors, issued an urgent plea to lawmakers on Tuesday following the proposed elimination of its federal funding in the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Discretionary Budget Request. The organization warns that without this support, the mentoring services it provides to hundreds of thousands of small business owners could be in jeopardy. According to SCORE, the cut would directly threaten the organization’s ability to serve the more than 300,000 small business owners and entrepreneurs it reaches annually across all 50 states and U.S. territories. “America’s small business success story has included SCORE for 61 years — and now, that story is in danger of ending,” said SCORE CEO Bridget Weston. “Without federal support, this incredibly efficient and effective program is at serious risk of no longer fulfilling its mission. This is not just a funding cut — it’s a direct blow to America’s small business community.” SCORE currently receives $17 million in federal funding. According to the organization, that investment yields a return of $45.42 in new federal tax revenue for every dollar spent. SCORE warns that eliminating this funding could have far-reaching consequences not just for entrepreneurs, but also for local economies and government revenues. In 2024 alone, SCORE volunteers launched 59,447 new small businesses and created 143,623 total new jobs, delivering 4 million hours of mentoring and training. The organization credits this impact to its all-volunteer model, consisting of 10,000 experienced business professionals who donate their time and knowledge. “Running a successful small business is tough, even in good times, and experienced mentoring can be the difference between success and failure,” said Ed Coleman, SCORE mentor and Regional Vice President. “Thousands of entrepreneurs credit SCORE as the reason they’re still in business. Eliminating this funding would pull the rug out from under them.” SCORE emphasizes that the federal funding supports: Free, expert one-on-one business mentoring Live and on-demand workshops and webinars Business templates, tools, and resources Over 200 local chapters providing in-person networking and support “For our business, SCORE made the difference,” said SCORE client Billy Thompson, co-owner of Thompson Tee. “Our mentors have supported us every step of the way, connecting us with resources on everything from banking to manufacturing reps to marketing seminars. We’re in business today because of SCORE.” The organization is now calling on its nationwide network of small business owners, mentors, and supporters to contact members of Congress and demand continued federal support. “Take action now. Protect SCORE. Protect American small businesses,” the organization urges. This article, "SCORE Urges Congress to Preserve Federal Funding Amid Budget Proposal Threat" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors, issued an urgent plea to lawmakers on Tuesday following the proposed elimination of its federal funding in the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Discretionary Budget Request. The organization warns that without this support, the mentoring services it provides to hundreds of thousands of small business owners could be in jeopardy. According to SCORE, the cut would directly threaten the organization’s ability to serve the more than 300,000 small business owners and entrepreneurs it reaches annually across all 50 states and U.S. territories. “America’s small business success story has included SCORE for 61 years — and now, that story is in danger of ending,” said SCORE CEO Bridget Weston. “Without federal support, this incredibly efficient and effective program is at serious risk of no longer fulfilling its mission. This is not just a funding cut — it’s a direct blow to America’s small business community.” SCORE currently receives $17 million in federal funding. According to the organization, that investment yields a return of $45.42 in new federal tax revenue for every dollar spent. SCORE warns that eliminating this funding could have far-reaching consequences not just for entrepreneurs, but also for local economies and government revenues. In 2024 alone, SCORE volunteers launched 59,447 new small businesses and created 143,623 total new jobs, delivering 4 million hours of mentoring and training. The organization credits this impact to its all-volunteer model, consisting of 10,000 experienced business professionals who donate their time and knowledge. “Running a successful small business is tough, even in good times, and experienced mentoring can be the difference between success and failure,” said Ed Coleman, SCORE mentor and Regional Vice President. “Thousands of entrepreneurs credit SCORE as the reason they’re still in business. Eliminating this funding would pull the rug out from under them.” SCORE emphasizes that the federal funding supports: Free, expert one-on-one business mentoring Live and on-demand workshops and webinars Business templates, tools, and resources Over 200 local chapters providing in-person networking and support “For our business, SCORE made the difference,” said SCORE client Billy Thompson, co-owner of Thompson Tee. “Our mentors have supported us every step of the way, connecting us with resources on everything from banking to manufacturing reps to marketing seminars. We’re in business today because of SCORE.” The organization is now calling on its nationwide network of small business owners, mentors, and supporters to contact members of Congress and demand continued federal support. “Take action now. Protect SCORE. Protect American small businesses,” the organization urges. This article, "SCORE Urges Congress to Preserve Federal Funding Amid Budget Proposal Threat" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Fundamental Business Concepts: Understanding key principles like supply and demand, market research, and customer acquisition is essential for effective decision-making and strategy formulation in today’s competitive landscape. Business Models: Familiarize yourself with various business models, such as B2B and B2C, and subscription-based models, which offer unique advantages for revenue generation and customer retention. Legal Structures: Choose the appropriate legal structure for your business, such as LLCs or corporations, to ensure tax efficiency and personal liability protection. Effective Marketing Strategies: Leverage digital marketing tools, including SEO and social media, to enhance brand visibility and engagement, while understanding the importance of a strong value proposition. Innovation and Growth: Continuously improve your product offerings and evaluate scalability options to sustain growth and respond effectively to market demand. Networking and Mentorship: Build valuable relationships through networking and seek mentorship to gain insights and guidance, facilitating better problem-solving and strategic planning. In the fast-paced world of business, certain concepts stand out as foundational pillars that can guide your journey to success. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an experienced executive, understanding these familiar business concepts is essential. They shape your decision-making and influence your strategies in today’s competitive landscape. From the basics of supply and demand to the intricacies of market segmentation, these principles are more than just buzzwords. They’re tools that can empower you to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. By grasping these core ideas, you’ll enhance your ability to innovate and adapt, ensuring your business thrives in any environment. Overview of Familiar Business Concepts Understanding key business concepts is essential for navigating the landscape of small business. Familiarity with principles like market research, customer acquisition, and branding can help you refine your business strategy. Here’s a concise overview of important concepts relevant to your entrepreneurial journey. Business Models Business Plan: A comprehensive document outlining your business idea, objectives, and growth strategies. It serves as a roadmap for operations and funding. Market Research: Gathering information about your target audience and competitors. Effective market research influences product development and marketing strategies. Revenue Streams: Identifying how your business generates income. Common models include retail sales, subscriptions, and service fees. Legal Structures LLC (Limited Liability Company): Offers personal liability protection and tax flexibility. Popular among small business owners. Sole Proprietorship: Simplest form of business structure, where you maintain complete control. It involves minimal legal formalities. Corporation: Provides limited liability but involves more complex regulations and taxation. Funding and Financial Management Funding Options: Explore resources like venture capital, angel investors, and crowdfunding to secure necessary capital for growth. Budgeting: Creating and maintaining a budget ensures you track expenses and manage cash flow effectively. Profit Margin: Understanding the difference between costs and sales is crucial for pricing strategies and maintaining profitability. Marketing and Sales Digital Marketing: Utilizing online platforms, including SEO and social media, can enhance your brand’s visibility and reach potential customers. Sales Funnel: Mapping the customer journey, from awareness to conversion, helps optimize your sales strategies. Customer Service: Providing excellent support fosters customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth. Innovation and Growth Product Development: Continually improving and expanding your product line keeps your business competitive and responsive to market demand. Scalability: Evaluate your business model’s ability to grow without compromising quality or service. Exit Strategy: Having a plan for future selling or transitioning your business prepares you for long-term success. By mastering these familiar business concepts, you can enhance your decision-making, improve your startup’s operations, and navigate challenges more effectively. Common Business Models Understanding common business models helps you determine the best approach for your startup. Each model offers unique advantages for entrepreneurs, aiding in growth and securing funding. B2B and B2C B2B (Business-to-Business) and B2C (Business-to-Consumer) represent two primary approaches in the marketplace. B2B focuses on selling products or services to other businesses, often involving larger transactions and longer sales cycles. Examples include companies offering software solutions or office supplies. B2C, on the other hand, targets individual consumers, which often leads to quicker sales and broader marketing opportunities. E-commerce platforms like Amazon exemplify this model. Utilize market research to identify your target audience, ensuring your business model aligns with their needs. Subscription-Based Models Subscription-based models involve charging customers a recurring fee for ongoing access to products or services. This model promotes customer retention and predictable revenue streams, making financial planning easier. Examples include streaming services like Netflix or subscription boxes for niche products. Startups leveraging this model typically invest in marketing strategies to enhance customer acquisition and retention. You’ll need to consider pricing structures carefully and deliver consistent value to maintain subscriber interest over time. Key Business Terminologies Understanding key business terminologies is essential for navigating the landscape of small business successfully. Familiarity with these concepts enhances your ability to develop innovative strategies and utilize effective marketing techniques. Value Proposition A value proposition clearly articulates what makes your business unique and why customers should choose your products or services over competitors. Focus on solving a specific problem for your target audience. Define your value proposition by emphasizing benefits like quality, price, or customer service. For example, if you’re starting a catering business, highlight your signature family recipes and personalized service as key differentiators. Crafting a compelling value proposition is crucial for effective marketing and customer acquisition. Market Segmentation Market segmentation involves dividing a broad target market into smaller, more defined groups based on shared characteristics. Effective segmentation enhances your marketing efforts and improves customer interaction. Identify segments by demographics, preferences, or behavior patterns. For instance, if you’re considering a child care service, segmenting your market can help you tailor your messaging to new parents or working families. By understanding different market segments, you can refine your marketing strategy and better align your product development with customer needs. Importance of Familiar Business Concepts Familiar business concepts are crucial for small business success. These concepts help clarify your business initiatives, defining why they’re created, the problems they solve, and who your target audience is. Clear definitions guide your decision-making and provide a foundation for your business plan. Understanding the business model forms another critical aspect of familiar business concepts. This model outlines financial feasibility by detailing revenue growth, product or service costs, and necessary resources. For instance, if you aim for profitability through direct sales, you need to consider factors like pricing strategies, customer acquisition methods, and the overall sales funnel. Additionally, familiar business concepts involve essential elements like market research, funding options, and legal structures. Market research allows you to identify customer needs and preferences. Knowing whether to operate as an LLC, sole proprietorship, or corporation impacts your taxes and liability. Each legal structure carries different implications for your accounting and finance management. By mastering these concepts, you set up your small business for sustainable innovation and growth. Familiarity with funding options, such as venture capital or crowdfunding, enables you to secure necessary resources for expansion. Understanding the importance of a well-structured business plan aids in attracting angel investors and obtaining business grants. Familiar business concepts enhance your ability to navigate challenges effectively. A clear grasp of these principles empowers you to adapt strategies, refine product development, and implement effective marketing techniques, ultimately increasing your chances for success. Real-World Applications Exploring familiar business concepts reveals practical applications across various scenarios. Business-to-Business (B2B) Concept B2B refers to creating products or services tailored for other businesses. An example includes a robotics manufacturer supplying machines to an automobile manufacturer, enhancing productivity. Companies like IBM and SAP exemplify B2B; they provide software and consulting services that help businesses streamline operations and improve efficiency. Consumer-Goods Concept The consumer-goods concept centers on developing products for the consumer market. This includes creating innovative products, such as a new line of smart home appliances that distinguish themselves through advanced features. Apple’s approach showcases this concept, as its popular consumer goods like iPhones and MacBooks leverage branding and product differentiation, significantly influencing customer preferences. Market Research Conducting market research is vital for understanding your target audience. This process involves gathering data on customer needs, preferences, and behaviors, which helps refine your marketing strategies. Depending on the findings, you can assess product viability and adjust your business model accordingly. Funding and Financial Structures Exploring funding options impacts your growth strategy. You might consider various avenues, including bootstrapping, angel investors, or crowdfunding. Selecting an appropriate legal structure, such as an LLC, sole proprietorship, or corporation, influences tax obligations and personal liability, shaping how you manage finances. Marketing and Branding Effective marketing strategies are crucial for customer acquisition. Incorporating digital marketing, such as SEO and email campaigns, enhances visibility and engagement with potential customers. Building a strong brand identity further establishes trust and relates to your audience, crucial for driving sales and fostering loyalty. Product Development and Innovation Focusing on product development promotes innovation within your business. This includes gathering feedback from customers to continuously improve offerings and adapt to market trends. You can leverage partnerships and collaborations to access resources or expertise that enhance your innovation efforts. Networking and Mentorship Engaging in networking fosters beneficial relationships in your industry. Attending events or joining business incubators helps connect you with potential partners or investors. Seeking mentorship offers valuable guidance. A business coach can provide insights on navigating challenges, offering advice tailored to your unique business needs. Customer Service and Team Building Prioritizing exceptional customer service enhances your reputation and boosts customer retention. Satisfied customers often lead to positive word-of-mouth and repeat sales. Building an effective team involves strategic hiring practices and providing employee benefits that foster motivation and productivity, crucial for long-term success. By applying these real-world business concepts, you can optimize your entrepreneurial journey and enhance your small business operations. Conclusion Mastering familiar business concepts is vital for your success in today’s competitive landscape. These principles not only guide your decision-making but also empower you to innovate and adapt. As you navigate the complexities of running a business, understanding models, funding options, and marketing strategies will enhance your ability to connect with customers and drive growth. By applying these insights, you can refine your approach to product development and create a strong brand identity. Embrace the knowledge of key terminologies and frameworks to make informed decisions that lead to sustainable success. Your journey as an entrepreneur will be more effective when you leverage these foundational concepts to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. Frequently Asked Questions What are the key business concepts discussed in the article? The article highlights essential business concepts like supply and demand, market segmentation, business models, legal structures, funding options, and marketing strategies. Understanding these fundamentals is crucial for decision-making and strategic development in a competitive landscape. How can market segmentation benefit my business? Market segmentation allows you to divide your target audience into smaller, more specific groups based on shared characteristics. This can help you tailor your marketing strategies, enhance customer engagement, and better meet the needs of different customer segments. Why is a business plan important? A business plan outlines your business strategy, including goals, target market, funding, and operational plans. It serves as a roadmap for success and helps you identify potential challenges while guiding your decision-making processes. What is a value proposition, and why is it important? A value proposition articulates what makes your business unique and why customers should choose your products or services. It’s important because it helps you communicate your advantages clearly, attracting and retaining customers in a competitive market. What are the differences between B2B and B2C business models? The B2B (Business-to-Business) model focuses on selling products or services to other businesses, while the B2C (Business-to-Consumer) model targets individual consumers. Each model has distinct marketing strategies and operational considerations tailored to their respective audiences. How can I effectively conduct market research for my startup? To conduct effective market research, start by identifying your target audience and their needs. Use surveys, focus groups, and industry analysis to gather data, which will help you make informed decisions regarding product development and marketing strategies. What funding options are available for small businesses? Small businesses can explore various funding options, including personal savings, loans, venture capital, angel investors, and crowdfunding. Each option has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to evaluate what aligns best with your business needs and growth plans. How does digital marketing impact small businesses? Digital marketing enhances the visibility of small businesses by leveraging online platforms to reach a wider audience. Effective digital strategies, including social media marketing, SEO, and email campaigns, can increase customer engagement and drive sales. What is the significance of innovation for business growth? Innovation is crucial for staying competitive and meeting evolving customer needs. By developing new products, improving processes, and adopting new technologies, businesses can enhance their offerings and potentially increase market share and profitability. Why is exceptional customer service vital for business success? Exceptional customer service fosters customer loyalty and encourages repeat business. Satisfied customers are more likely to recommend your business to others, contributing to positive brand reputation and sustainable growth in a competitive market. Image Via Envato This article, "Mastering Familiar Business Concepts for Entrepreneurial Success and Growth" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Fundamental Business Concepts: Understanding key principles like supply and demand, market research, and customer acquisition is essential for effective decision-making and strategy formulation in today’s competitive landscape. Business Models: Familiarize yourself with various business models, such as B2B and B2C, and subscription-based models, which offer unique advantages for revenue generation and customer retention. Legal Structures: Choose the appropriate legal structure for your business, such as LLCs or corporations, to ensure tax efficiency and personal liability protection. Effective Marketing Strategies: Leverage digital marketing tools, including SEO and social media, to enhance brand visibility and engagement, while understanding the importance of a strong value proposition. Innovation and Growth: Continuously improve your product offerings and evaluate scalability options to sustain growth and respond effectively to market demand. Networking and Mentorship: Build valuable relationships through networking and seek mentorship to gain insights and guidance, facilitating better problem-solving and strategic planning. In the fast-paced world of business, certain concepts stand out as foundational pillars that can guide your journey to success. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an experienced executive, understanding these familiar business concepts is essential. They shape your decision-making and influence your strategies in today’s competitive landscape. From the basics of supply and demand to the intricacies of market segmentation, these principles are more than just buzzwords. They’re tools that can empower you to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. By grasping these core ideas, you’ll enhance your ability to innovate and adapt, ensuring your business thrives in any environment. Overview of Familiar Business Concepts Understanding key business concepts is essential for navigating the landscape of small business. Familiarity with principles like market research, customer acquisition, and branding can help you refine your business strategy. Here’s a concise overview of important concepts relevant to your entrepreneurial journey. Business Models Business Plan: A comprehensive document outlining your business idea, objectives, and growth strategies. It serves as a roadmap for operations and funding. Market Research: Gathering information about your target audience and competitors. Effective market research influences product development and marketing strategies. Revenue Streams: Identifying how your business generates income. Common models include retail sales, subscriptions, and service fees. Legal Structures LLC (Limited Liability Company): Offers personal liability protection and tax flexibility. Popular among small business owners. Sole Proprietorship: Simplest form of business structure, where you maintain complete control. It involves minimal legal formalities. Corporation: Provides limited liability but involves more complex regulations and taxation. Funding and Financial Management Funding Options: Explore resources like venture capital, angel investors, and crowdfunding to secure necessary capital for growth. Budgeting: Creating and maintaining a budget ensures you track expenses and manage cash flow effectively. Profit Margin: Understanding the difference between costs and sales is crucial for pricing strategies and maintaining profitability. Marketing and Sales Digital Marketing: Utilizing online platforms, including SEO and social media, can enhance your brand’s visibility and reach potential customers. Sales Funnel: Mapping the customer journey, from awareness to conversion, helps optimize your sales strategies. Customer Service: Providing excellent support fosters customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth. Innovation and Growth Product Development: Continually improving and expanding your product line keeps your business competitive and responsive to market demand. Scalability: Evaluate your business model’s ability to grow without compromising quality or service. Exit Strategy: Having a plan for future selling or transitioning your business prepares you for long-term success. By mastering these familiar business concepts, you can enhance your decision-making, improve your startup’s operations, and navigate challenges more effectively. Common Business Models Understanding common business models helps you determine the best approach for your startup. Each model offers unique advantages for entrepreneurs, aiding in growth and securing funding. B2B and B2C B2B (Business-to-Business) and B2C (Business-to-Consumer) represent two primary approaches in the marketplace. B2B focuses on selling products or services to other businesses, often involving larger transactions and longer sales cycles. Examples include companies offering software solutions or office supplies. B2C, on the other hand, targets individual consumers, which often leads to quicker sales and broader marketing opportunities. E-commerce platforms like Amazon exemplify this model. Utilize market research to identify your target audience, ensuring your business model aligns with their needs. Subscription-Based Models Subscription-based models involve charging customers a recurring fee for ongoing access to products or services. This model promotes customer retention and predictable revenue streams, making financial planning easier. Examples include streaming services like Netflix or subscription boxes for niche products. Startups leveraging this model typically invest in marketing strategies to enhance customer acquisition and retention. You’ll need to consider pricing structures carefully and deliver consistent value to maintain subscriber interest over time. Key Business Terminologies Understanding key business terminologies is essential for navigating the landscape of small business successfully. Familiarity with these concepts enhances your ability to develop innovative strategies and utilize effective marketing techniques. Value Proposition A value proposition clearly articulates what makes your business unique and why customers should choose your products or services over competitors. Focus on solving a specific problem for your target audience. Define your value proposition by emphasizing benefits like quality, price, or customer service. For example, if you’re starting a catering business, highlight your signature family recipes and personalized service as key differentiators. Crafting a compelling value proposition is crucial for effective marketing and customer acquisition. Market Segmentation Market segmentation involves dividing a broad target market into smaller, more defined groups based on shared characteristics. Effective segmentation enhances your marketing efforts and improves customer interaction. Identify segments by demographics, preferences, or behavior patterns. For instance, if you’re considering a child care service, segmenting your market can help you tailor your messaging to new parents or working families. By understanding different market segments, you can refine your marketing strategy and better align your product development with customer needs. Importance of Familiar Business Concepts Familiar business concepts are crucial for small business success. These concepts help clarify your business initiatives, defining why they’re created, the problems they solve, and who your target audience is. Clear definitions guide your decision-making and provide a foundation for your business plan. Understanding the business model forms another critical aspect of familiar business concepts. This model outlines financial feasibility by detailing revenue growth, product or service costs, and necessary resources. For instance, if you aim for profitability through direct sales, you need to consider factors like pricing strategies, customer acquisition methods, and the overall sales funnel. Additionally, familiar business concepts involve essential elements like market research, funding options, and legal structures. Market research allows you to identify customer needs and preferences. Knowing whether to operate as an LLC, sole proprietorship, or corporation impacts your taxes and liability. Each legal structure carries different implications for your accounting and finance management. By mastering these concepts, you set up your small business for sustainable innovation and growth. Familiarity with funding options, such as venture capital or crowdfunding, enables you to secure necessary resources for expansion. Understanding the importance of a well-structured business plan aids in attracting angel investors and obtaining business grants. Familiar business concepts enhance your ability to navigate challenges effectively. A clear grasp of these principles empowers you to adapt strategies, refine product development, and implement effective marketing techniques, ultimately increasing your chances for success. Real-World Applications Exploring familiar business concepts reveals practical applications across various scenarios. Business-to-Business (B2B) Concept B2B refers to creating products or services tailored for other businesses. An example includes a robotics manufacturer supplying machines to an automobile manufacturer, enhancing productivity. Companies like IBM and SAP exemplify B2B; they provide software and consulting services that help businesses streamline operations and improve efficiency. Consumer-Goods Concept The consumer-goods concept centers on developing products for the consumer market. This includes creating innovative products, such as a new line of smart home appliances that distinguish themselves through advanced features. Apple’s approach showcases this concept, as its popular consumer goods like iPhones and MacBooks leverage branding and product differentiation, significantly influencing customer preferences. Market Research Conducting market research is vital for understanding your target audience. This process involves gathering data on customer needs, preferences, and behaviors, which helps refine your marketing strategies. Depending on the findings, you can assess product viability and adjust your business model accordingly. Funding and Financial Structures Exploring funding options impacts your growth strategy. You might consider various avenues, including bootstrapping, angel investors, or crowdfunding. Selecting an appropriate legal structure, such as an LLC, sole proprietorship, or corporation, influences tax obligations and personal liability, shaping how you manage finances. Marketing and Branding Effective marketing strategies are crucial for customer acquisition. Incorporating digital marketing, such as SEO and email campaigns, enhances visibility and engagement with potential customers. Building a strong brand identity further establishes trust and relates to your audience, crucial for driving sales and fostering loyalty. Product Development and Innovation Focusing on product development promotes innovation within your business. This includes gathering feedback from customers to continuously improve offerings and adapt to market trends. You can leverage partnerships and collaborations to access resources or expertise that enhance your innovation efforts. Networking and Mentorship Engaging in networking fosters beneficial relationships in your industry. Attending events or joining business incubators helps connect you with potential partners or investors. Seeking mentorship offers valuable guidance. A business coach can provide insights on navigating challenges, offering advice tailored to your unique business needs. Customer Service and Team Building Prioritizing exceptional customer service enhances your reputation and boosts customer retention. Satisfied customers often lead to positive word-of-mouth and repeat sales. Building an effective team involves strategic hiring practices and providing employee benefits that foster motivation and productivity, crucial for long-term success. By applying these real-world business concepts, you can optimize your entrepreneurial journey and enhance your small business operations. Conclusion Mastering familiar business concepts is vital for your success in today’s competitive landscape. These principles not only guide your decision-making but also empower you to innovate and adapt. As you navigate the complexities of running a business, understanding models, funding options, and marketing strategies will enhance your ability to connect with customers and drive growth. By applying these insights, you can refine your approach to product development and create a strong brand identity. Embrace the knowledge of key terminologies and frameworks to make informed decisions that lead to sustainable success. Your journey as an entrepreneur will be more effective when you leverage these foundational concepts to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. Frequently Asked Questions What are the key business concepts discussed in the article? The article highlights essential business concepts like supply and demand, market segmentation, business models, legal structures, funding options, and marketing strategies. Understanding these fundamentals is crucial for decision-making and strategic development in a competitive landscape. How can market segmentation benefit my business? Market segmentation allows you to divide your target audience into smaller, more specific groups based on shared characteristics. This can help you tailor your marketing strategies, enhance customer engagement, and better meet the needs of different customer segments. Why is a business plan important? A business plan outlines your business strategy, including goals, target market, funding, and operational plans. It serves as a roadmap for success and helps you identify potential challenges while guiding your decision-making processes. What is a value proposition, and why is it important? A value proposition articulates what makes your business unique and why customers should choose your products or services. It’s important because it helps you communicate your advantages clearly, attracting and retaining customers in a competitive market. What are the differences between B2B and B2C business models? The B2B (Business-to-Business) model focuses on selling products or services to other businesses, while the B2C (Business-to-Consumer) model targets individual consumers. Each model has distinct marketing strategies and operational considerations tailored to their respective audiences. How can I effectively conduct market research for my startup? To conduct effective market research, start by identifying your target audience and their needs. Use surveys, focus groups, and industry analysis to gather data, which will help you make informed decisions regarding product development and marketing strategies. What funding options are available for small businesses? Small businesses can explore various funding options, including personal savings, loans, venture capital, angel investors, and crowdfunding. Each option has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to evaluate what aligns best with your business needs and growth plans. How does digital marketing impact small businesses? Digital marketing enhances the visibility of small businesses by leveraging online platforms to reach a wider audience. Effective digital strategies, including social media marketing, SEO, and email campaigns, can increase customer engagement and drive sales. What is the significance of innovation for business growth? Innovation is crucial for staying competitive and meeting evolving customer needs. By developing new products, improving processes, and adopting new technologies, businesses can enhance their offerings and potentially increase market share and profitability. Why is exceptional customer service vital for business success? Exceptional customer service fosters customer loyalty and encourages repeat business. Satisfied customers are more likely to recommend your business to others, contributing to positive brand reputation and sustainable growth in a competitive market. Image Via Envato This article, "Mastering Familiar Business Concepts for Entrepreneurial Success and Growth" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Social media was mankind’s first run-in with AI, and we failed that test horribly, according to tech ethicist Tristan Harris, whom The Atlantic called “the closest thing Silicon Valley has to a conscience.” A recent survey found nearly half of Gen Z respondents wished social media had never been invented. Yet, 60% still spend at least four hours daily on these platforms. Bullying, social anxiety, addiction, polarization, and misinformation—social media has become a cocktail of disturbing discourse. With GenAI, we have a second chance to ensure technology is used responsibly. But this is proving difficult. Major AI companies are now adopting collaborative approaches to address governance challenges. Recently, OpenAI announced it would implement Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol, a standard for connecting AI models to data sources that’s rapidly becoming an industry norm with Google following suit. With any new technology, there are unexpected benefits and consequences. As Harris put it, “whatever our power is as a species, AI amplifies it to an exponential degree.” While GenAI helps us accomplish more than ever before, dangers exist. A seemingly safe large language model (LLM) can be manipulated by bad actors to create harmful content or be jailbroken to write malicious code. How do we avoid these harmful use cases while benefiting from this powerful technology? Three approaches are possible, each with its own merits and drawbacks. 3 ways to benefit from AI while avoiding harm Option #1: Government regulation The automobile brought both convenience and tragedy. We responded with speed limits, seatbelts, and regulations—a process spanning over a century. Legislators worldwide are attempting similar safeguards with AI. The European Union leads with its AI Act, which entered into force in August 2024. Implementation is phased, with some provisions active since February 2025, banning systems posing “unacceptable risk” like social scoring and untargeted scraping of facial recognition data. However, these regulations present challenges. European tech leaders worry that punitive EU measures could trigger backlash from the The President administration. Meanwhile, U.S. regulation develops as a patchwork of state and federal initiatives, with states like Colorado enacting their own comprehensive AI laws. The EU AI Act’s implementation timeline illustrates this complexity: Some bans started in February 2025, codes of practice follow nine months after entry into force, rules on general-purpose AI at the 12-month mark, while high-risk systems have 36 months to comply. A real concern exists: Excessive regulation might simply shift development elsewhere. Building a functional LLM model costs only hundreds of millions of dollars—within reach for many countries. While regulation has its place, the process is too flawed for developing good rules currently. AI evolves too quickly, and the industry attracts too much investment. Resulting regulations risk either stifling innovation or lacking meaningful impact. So, if government regulation isn’t the panacea for AI’s dangers, what will help? Option #2: Social discourse Educators are struggling with GenAI and academic honesty. Some want to block AI entirely, while others see opportunities to empower students who struggle with traditional pedagogy. Imagine having a perpetually available tutor answering any question—but one that can also complete your assignments. As Satya Nadella put it recently on the Dwarkesh Podcast, his new workflow is to “think with AI and work with my colleagues.” This collaborative approach to AI usage could be a model for educational settings, where AI serves as a thinking partner rather than a replacement for learning. In homes, schools, online forums, and government, society must reckon with this technology and decide what’s acceptable. Everyone deserves a voice in these conversations. Unfortunately, internet discussions often devolve into trading sound bites without context or nuance. For meaningful conversations, we must educate ourselves. We need effective channels for public input, perhaps through grassroots movements guiding people toward safe and effective AI usage. Option #3: Third-party evaluators Before the 2008 financial crisis, credit rating agencies assigned AAA ratings to subprime mortgages, contributing to economic disaster. The problem? Industry-wide self-interest. When it comes to AI regulators, of course, we run the risk of an incestuous revolving door that does more harm than good. That doesn’t have to be the case. Meaningful and thoughtful research is going into AI certifications and third-party evaluators. In the paper AI Certification: Advancing Ethical Practice by Reducing, Peter Cihon et al. propose several notions. First, because AI technology is advancing so quickly, AI certification should emphasize evergreen principles, such as ethics for AI developers. Second, AI certification today lacks nuance for particular circumstances, geographies, or industries. Not only is certification homogenous, but many programs treat AI as a “monolithic technology” rather than acknowledging the diverse types, such as facial recognition, LLMs, and anomaly detection. Finally, to see good results, customers must demand high-quality certifications. They have to be educated about the technology and the associated ethics and safety concerns. The path forward The way forward requires multistakeholder, multifaceted conversations about societal goals and preventing AI dangers. If government becomes the default regulator, we risk an uninvestable marketplace or meaningless rubber-stamping. Independent third-party evaluators combined with informed social discourse offers the best path forward. But we must educate ourselves about this powerful technology’s dangers and realities, or we’ll repeat social media’s errors on a grander scale. Peter Wang is chief AI and innovation officer at Anaconda. View the full article